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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.
2015 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
2016
2017 @item The @emph{environment.}
2018 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
2019 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
2020 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
2021 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
2022
2023 @item The @emph{working directory.}
2024 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
2025 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
2026 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
2027
2028 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
2029 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
2030 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
2031 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
2032 set a different device for your program.
2033 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
2034
2035 @cindex pipes
2036 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
2037 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
2038 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
2039 wrong program.
2040 @end table
2041
2042 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
2043 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
2044 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
2045 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
2046 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
2047
2048 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
2049 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
2050 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
2051 your current breakpoints.
2052
2053 @table @code
2054 @kindex start
2055 @item start
2056 @cindex run to main procedure
2057 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
2058 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
2059 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
2060 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
2061 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
2062 procedure, depending on the language used.
2063
2064 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
2065 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
2066 the @samp{run} command.
2067
2068 @cindex elaboration phase
2069 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
2070 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
2071 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
2072 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
2073 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
2074 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
2075 will remain to halt execution.
2076
2077 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
2078 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
2079 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
2080 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
2081 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
2082
2083 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
2084 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
2085 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
2086 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
2087 elaboration code before running your program.
2088
2089 @kindex set exec-wrapper
2090 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
2091 @itemx show exec-wrapper
2092 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
2093 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
2094 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
2095 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
2096 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
2097 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
2098 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2099 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2100
2101 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2102 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2103 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2104 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2105
2106 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2107 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2108 environment:
2109
2110 @smallexample
2111 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2112 (@value{GDBP}) run
2113 @end smallexample
2114
2115 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2116 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2117
2118 @kindex set disable-randomization
2119 @item set disable-randomization
2120 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2121 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2122 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2123 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2124 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2125
2126 This feature is implemented only on certain targets, including @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2127 On @sc{gnu}/Linux you can get the same behavior using
2128
2129 @smallexample
2130 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2131 @end smallexample
2132
2133 @item set disable-randomization off
2134 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2135 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2136 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2137 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2138 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2139 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2140
2141 On targets where it is available, virtual address space randomization
2142 protects the programs against certain kinds of security attacks. In these
2143 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2144 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2145 a code at its expected addresses.
2146
2147 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2148 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2149 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2150 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2151 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2152 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2153 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2154 a randomly chosen address.
2155
2156 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2157 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2158 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2159 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2160 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2161
2162 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2163 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2164
2165 @item show disable-randomization
2166 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2167 the virtual address space of the started program.
2168
2169 @end table
2170
2171 @node Arguments
2172 @section Your Program's Arguments
2173
2174 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2175 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2176 @code{run} command.
2177 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2178 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2179 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2180 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2181 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2182
2183 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2184 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2185 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2186 the program, not by the shell.
2187
2188 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2189 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2190
2191 @table @code
2192 @kindex set args
2193 @item set args
2194 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2195 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2196 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2197 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2198 it again without arguments.
2199
2200 @kindex show args
2201 @item show args
2202 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2203 @end table
2204
2205 @node Environment
2206 @section Your Program's Environment
2207
2208 @cindex environment (of your program)
2209 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2210 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2211 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2212 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2213 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2214 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2215 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2216
2217 @table @code
2218 @kindex path
2219 @item path @var{directory}
2220 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2221 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2222 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2223 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2224 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2225 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2226 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2227
2228 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2229 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2230 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2231 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2232 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2233 @var{directory} to the search path.
2234 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2235 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2236
2237 @kindex show paths
2238 @item show paths
2239 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2240 environment variable).
2241
2242 @kindex show environment
2243 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2244 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2245 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2246 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2247 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2248
2249 @kindex set environment
2250 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2251 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2252 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2253 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2254 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2255 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2256 null value.
2257 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2258 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2259
2260 For example, this command:
2261
2262 @smallexample
2263 set env USER = foo
2264 @end smallexample
2265
2266 @noindent
2267 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2268 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2269 are not actually required.)
2270
2271 @kindex unset environment
2272 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2273 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2274 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2275 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2276 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2277 @end table
2278
2279 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2280 the shell indicated
2281 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2282 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2283 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2284 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2285 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2286 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2287 @file{.profile}.
2288
2289 @node Working Directory
2290 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2291
2292 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2293 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2294 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2295 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2296 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2297 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2298
2299 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2300 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2301 Specify Files}.
2302
2303 @table @code
2304 @kindex cd
2305 @cindex change working directory
2306 @item cd @r{[}@var{directory}@r{]}
2307 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}. If not
2308 given, @var{directory} uses @file{'~'}.
2309
2310 @kindex pwd
2311 @item pwd
2312 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2313 @end table
2314
2315 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2316 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2317 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2318 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2319 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2320 current working directory of the debuggee.
2321
2322 @node Input/Output
2323 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2324
2325 @cindex redirection
2326 @cindex i/o
2327 @cindex terminal
2328 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2329 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2330 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2331 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2332 running your program.
2333
2334 @table @code
2335 @kindex info terminal
2336 @item info terminal
2337 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2338 program is using.
2339 @end table
2340
2341 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2342 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2343
2344 @smallexample
2345 run > outfile
2346 @end smallexample
2347
2348 @noindent
2349 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2350
2351 @kindex tty
2352 @cindex controlling terminal
2353 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2354 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2355 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2356 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2357 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2358
2359 @smallexample
2360 tty /dev/ttyb
2361 @end smallexample
2362
2363 @noindent
2364 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2365 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2366 that as their controlling terminal.
2367
2368 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2369 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2370 terminal.
2371
2372 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2373 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2374 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2375 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2376
2377 @cindex inferior tty
2378 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2379 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2380 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2381 program.
2382
2383 @table @code
2384 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2385 @kindex set inferior-tty
2386 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2387
2388 @item show inferior-tty
2389 @kindex show inferior-tty
2390 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2391 @end table
2392
2393 @node Attach
2394 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2395 @kindex attach
2396 @cindex attach
2397
2398 @table @code
2399 @item attach @var{process-id}
2400 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2401 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2402 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2403 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2404 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2405
2406 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2407 executing the command.
2408 @end table
2409
2410 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2411 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2412 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2413 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2414
2415 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2416 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2417 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2418 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2419 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2420 Specify Files}.
2421
2422 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2423 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2424 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2425 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2426 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2427 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2428 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2429
2430 @table @code
2431 @kindex detach
2432 @item detach
2433 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2434 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2435 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2436 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2437 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2438 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2439 executing the command.
2440 @end table
2441
2442 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2443 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2444 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2445 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2446 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2447 Messages}).
2448
2449 @node Kill Process
2450 @section Killing the Child Process
2451
2452 @table @code
2453 @kindex kill
2454 @item kill
2455 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2456 @end table
2457
2458 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2459 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2460 is running.
2461
2462 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2463 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2464 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2465 outside the debugger.
2466
2467 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2468 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2469 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2470 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2471 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2472 breakpoint settings).
2473
2474 @node Inferiors and Programs
2475 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2476
2477 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2478 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2479 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2480 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2481 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2482 from multiple executables.
2483
2484 @cindex inferior
2485 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2486 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2487 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2488 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2489 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2490 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2491 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2492 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2493 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2494 threads running in it.
2495
2496 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2497 inferiors}}:
2498
2499 @table @code
2500 @kindex info inferiors
2501 @item info inferiors
2502 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2503
2504 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2505
2506 @enumerate
2507 @item
2508 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2509
2510 @item
2511 the target system's inferior identifier
2512
2513 @item
2514 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2515
2516 @end enumerate
2517
2518 @noindent
2519 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2520 indicates the current inferior.
2521
2522 For example,
2523 @end table
2524 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2525
2526 @smallexample
2527 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2528 Num Description Executable
2529 2 process 2307 hello
2530 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2531 @end smallexample
2532
2533 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2534
2535 @table @code
2536 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2537 @item inferior @var{infno}
2538 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2539 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2540 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2541 @end table
2542
2543
2544 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2545 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2546 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2547 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2548 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2549 @w{@code{remove-inferiors}} command.
2550
2551 @table @code
2552 @kindex add-inferior
2553 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2554 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2555 executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2556 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2557 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2558 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2559
2560 @kindex clone-inferior
2561 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2562 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2563 @var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2564 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2565 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2566
2567 @smallexample
2568 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2569 Num Description Executable
2570 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2571 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2572 Added inferior 2.
2573 1 inferiors added.
2574 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2575 Num Description Executable
2576 2 <null> helloworld
2577 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2578 @end smallexample
2579
2580 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2581
2582 @kindex remove-inferiors
2583 @item remove-inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2584 Removes the inferior or inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}. It is not
2585 possible to remove an inferior that is running with this command. For
2586 those, use the @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2587
2588 @end table
2589
2590 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2591 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2592 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2593 using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}} command:
2594
2595 @table @code
2596 @kindex detach inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2597 @item detach inferior @var{infno}@dots{}
2598 Detach from the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN}
2599 inferior number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry
2600 still stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors},
2601 but its Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2602
2603 @kindex kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2604 @item kill inferiors @var{infno}@dots{}
2605 Kill the inferior or inferiors identified by @value{GDBN} inferior
2606 number(s) @var{infno}@dots{}. Note that the inferior's entry still
2607 stays on the list of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its
2608 Description will show @samp{<null>}.
2609 @end table
2610
2611 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2612 @code{detach inferiors}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferiors}, or after
2613 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2614 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2615
2616
2617 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2618 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2619
2620 @table @code
2621 @kindex set print inferior-events
2622 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2623 @item set print inferior-events
2624 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2625 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2626 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2627 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2628 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2629 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2630
2631 @kindex show print inferior-events
2632 @item show print inferior-events
2633 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2634 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2635 @end table
2636
2637 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2638 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2639 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2640
2641
2642 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2643 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2644 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2645 info program-spaces}} command.
2646
2647 @table @code
2648 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2649 @item maint info program-spaces
2650 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2651 @value{GDBN}.
2652
2653 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2654
2655 @enumerate
2656 @item
2657 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2658
2659 @item
2660 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2661 the @code{file} command.
2662
2663 @end enumerate
2664
2665 @noindent
2666 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2667 indicates the current program space.
2668
2669 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2670 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2671 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2672
2673 @smallexample
2674 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2675 Id Executable
2676 2 goodbye
2677 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2678 * 1 hello
2679 @end smallexample
2680
2681 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2682 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2683 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2684 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2685 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2686
2687 @smallexample
2688 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2689 Id Executable
2690 * 1 vfork-test
2691 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2692 @end smallexample
2693
2694 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2695 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2696 @end table
2697
2698 @node Threads
2699 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2700
2701 @cindex threads of execution
2702 @cindex multiple threads
2703 @cindex switching threads
2704 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2705 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2706 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2707 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2708 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2709 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2710 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2711
2712 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2713 programs:
2714
2715 @itemize @bullet
2716 @item automatic notification of new threads
2717 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2718 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2719 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2720 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2721 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2722 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2723 messages on thread start and exit.
2724 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2725 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2726 isn't compatible with the program.
2727 @end itemize
2728
2729 @quotation
2730 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2731 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2732 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2733 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2734 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2735 like this:
2736
2737 @smallexample
2738 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2739 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2740 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2741 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2742 @end smallexample
2743 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2744 @c doesn't support threads"?
2745 @end quotation
2746
2747 @cindex focus of debugging
2748 @cindex current thread
2749 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2750 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2751 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2752 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2753 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2754
2755 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2756 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2757 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2758 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2759 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2760 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2761 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2762 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2763 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2764 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2765
2766 @smallexample
2767 [New Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 25582)]
2768 @end smallexample
2769
2770 @noindent
2771 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2772 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2773 further qualifier.
2774
2775 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2776 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2777 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2778 @c program?
2779 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2780 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2781 @c threads ab initio?
2782
2783 @cindex thread number
2784 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2785 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2786 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2787
2788 @table @code
2789 @kindex info threads
2790 @item info threads @r{[}@var{id}@dots{}@r{]}
2791 Display a summary of all threads currently in your program. Optional
2792 argument @var{id}@dots{} is one or more thread ids separated by spaces, and
2793 means to print information only about the specified thread or threads.
2794 @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2795
2796 @enumerate
2797 @item
2798 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2799
2800 @item
2801 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2802
2803 @item
2804 the thread's name, if one is known. A thread can either be named by
2805 the user (see @code{thread name}, below), or, in some cases, by the
2806 program itself.
2807
2808 @item
2809 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2810 @end enumerate
2811
2812 @noindent
2813 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2814 indicates the current thread.
2815
2816 For example,
2817 @end table
2818 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2819
2820 @smallexample
2821 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2822 Id Target Id Frame
2823 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2824 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2825 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2826 at threadtest.c:68
2827 @end smallexample
2828
2829 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2830 Solaris-specific command:
2831
2832 @table @code
2833 @item maint info sol-threads
2834 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2835 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2836 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2837 @end table
2838
2839 @table @code
2840 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2841 @item thread @var{threadno}
2842 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2843 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2844 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2845 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2846 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2847
2848 @smallexample
2849 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2850 [Switching to thread 2 (Thread 0xb7fdab70 (LWP 12747))]
2851 #0 some_function (ignore=0x0) at example.c:8
2852 8 printf ("hello\n");
2853 @end smallexample
2854
2855 @noindent
2856 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2857 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2858 threads.
2859
2860 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2861 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the number
2862 of the current thread. You may find this useful in writing breakpoint
2863 conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth. See
2864 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2865 information on convenience variables.
2866
2867 @kindex thread apply
2868 @cindex apply command to several threads
2869 @item thread apply [@var{threadno} | all] @var{command}
2870 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2871 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2872 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2873 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2874 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2875 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2876 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2877
2878 @kindex thread name
2879 @cindex name a thread
2880 @item thread name [@var{name}]
2881 This command assigns a name to the current thread. If no argument is
2882 given, any existing user-specified name is removed. The thread name
2883 appears in the @samp{info threads} display.
2884
2885 On some systems, such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, @value{GDBN} is able to
2886 determine the name of the thread as given by the OS. On these
2887 systems, a name specified with @samp{thread name} will override the
2888 system-give name, and removing the user-specified name will cause
2889 @value{GDBN} to once again display the system-specified name.
2890
2891 @kindex thread find
2892 @cindex search for a thread
2893 @item thread find [@var{regexp}]
2894 Search for and display thread ids whose name or @var{systag}
2895 matches the supplied regular expression.
2896
2897 As well as being the complement to the @samp{thread name} command,
2898 this command also allows you to identify a thread by its target
2899 @var{systag}. For instance, on @sc{gnu}/Linux, the target @var{systag}
2900 is the LWP id.
2901
2902 @smallexample
2903 (@value{GDBN}) thread find 26688
2904 Thread 4 has target id 'Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688)'
2905 (@value{GDBN}) info thread 4
2906 Id Target Id Frame
2907 4 Thread 0x41e02940 (LWP 26688) 0x00000031ca6cd372 in select ()
2908 @end smallexample
2909
2910 @kindex set print thread-events
2911 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2912 @item set print thread-events
2913 @itemx set print thread-events on
2914 @itemx set print thread-events off
2915 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2916 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2917 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2918 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2919 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2920
2921 @kindex show print thread-events
2922 @item show print thread-events
2923 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2924 have started and exited.
2925 @end table
2926
2927 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2928 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2929 programs with multiple threads.
2930
2931 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2932 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2933
2934 @anchor{set libthread-db-search-path}
2935 @table @code
2936 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2937 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2938 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2939 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2940 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2941 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2942 its default value (@code{$sdir:$pdir} on @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems).
2943 Internally, the default value comes from the @code{LIBTHREAD_DB_SEARCH_PATH}
2944 macro.
2945
2946 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2947 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2948 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2949 to find @code{libthread_db}. @value{GDBN} also consults first if inferior
2950 specific thread debugging library loading is enabled
2951 by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2952
2953 A special entry @samp{$sdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2954 refers to the default system directories that are
2955 normally searched for loading shared libraries. The @samp{$sdir} entry
2956 is the only kind not needing to be enabled by @samp{set auto-load libthread-db}
2957 (@pxref{libthread_db.so.1 file}).
2958
2959 A special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2960 refers to the directory from which @code{libpthread}
2961 was loaded in the inferior process.
2962
2963 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2964 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2965 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2966 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2967 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2968 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2969 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2970
2971 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2972 only on some platforms.
2973
2974 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2975 @item show libthread-db-search-path
2976 Display current libthread_db search path.
2977
2978 @kindex set debug libthread-db
2979 @kindex show debug libthread-db
2980 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
2981 @item set debug libthread-db
2982 @itemx show debug libthread-db
2983 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
2984 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
2985 @end table
2986
2987 @node Forks
2988 @section Debugging Forks
2989
2990 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2991 @cindex multiple processes
2992 @cindex processes, multiple
2993 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2994 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2995 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2996 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2997 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2998 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2999 will cause it to terminate.
3000
3001 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
3002 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
3003 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
3004 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
3005 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
3006 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
3007 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
3008 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
3009 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
3010 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
3011
3012 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
3013 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
3014 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
3015 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
3016
3017 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
3018 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
3019
3020 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
3021 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
3022
3023 @table @code
3024 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
3025 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
3026 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
3027 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
3028 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
3029
3030 @table @code
3031 @item parent
3032 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
3033 unimpeded. This is the default.
3034
3035 @item child
3036 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
3037 unimpeded.
3038
3039 @end table
3040
3041 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
3042 @item show follow-fork-mode
3043 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
3044 @end table
3045
3046 @cindex debugging multiple processes
3047 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
3048 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
3049
3050 @table @code
3051 @kindex set detach-on-fork
3052 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
3053 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
3054 retain debugger control over them both.
3055
3056 @table @code
3057 @item on
3058 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
3059 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
3060 independently. This is the default.
3061
3062 @item off
3063 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
3064 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
3065 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
3066 is held suspended.
3067
3068 @end table
3069
3070 @kindex show detach-on-fork
3071 @item show detach-on-fork
3072 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
3073 @end table
3074
3075 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
3076 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
3077 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
3078 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
3079 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
3080 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
3081
3082 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
3083 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferiors}} command (allowing it
3084 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferiors}}
3085 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
3086 and Programs}.
3087
3088 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
3089 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
3090 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
3091 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
3092 the child process's @code{main}.
3093
3094 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3095 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3096
3097 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3098 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3099 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3100 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3101 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3102 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3103 command.
3104
3105 @table @code
3106 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3107 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3108
3109 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3110 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3111
3112 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3113
3114 @table @code
3115 @item new
3116 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3117 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3118 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3119 original inferior.
3120
3121 For example:
3122
3123 @smallexample
3124 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3125 (gdb) info inferior
3126 Id Description Executable
3127 * 1 <null> prog1
3128 (@value{GDBP}) run
3129 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3130 Program exited normally.
3131 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3132 Id Description Executable
3133 * 2 <null> prog2
3134 1 <null> prog1
3135 @end smallexample
3136
3137 @item same
3138 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3139 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3140 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3141 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3142 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3143
3144 For example:
3145
3146 @smallexample
3147 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3148 Id Description Executable
3149 * 1 <null> prog1
3150 (@value{GDBP}) run
3151 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3152 Program exited normally.
3153 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3154 Id Description Executable
3155 * 1 <null> prog2
3156 @end smallexample
3157
3158 @end table
3159 @end table
3160
3161 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3162 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3163 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3164
3165 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3166 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3167
3168 @cindex checkpoint
3169 @cindex restart
3170 @cindex bookmark
3171 @cindex snapshot of a process
3172 @cindex rewind program state
3173
3174 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3175 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3176 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3177 later.
3178
3179 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3180 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3181 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3182 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3183 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3184
3185 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3186 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3187 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3188 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3189 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3190 start again from there.
3191
3192 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3193 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3194
3195 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3196
3197 @table @code
3198 @kindex checkpoint
3199 @item checkpoint
3200 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3201 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3202 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3203
3204 @kindex info checkpoints
3205 @item info checkpoints
3206 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3207 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3208 listed:
3209
3210 @table @code
3211 @item Checkpoint ID
3212 @item Process ID
3213 @item Code Address
3214 @item Source line, or label
3215 @end table
3216
3217 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3218 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3219 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3220 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3221 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3222 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3223 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3224
3225 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3226 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3227 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3228 the debugger.
3229
3230 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3231 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3232 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3233
3234 @end table
3235
3236 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3237 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3238 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3239 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3240 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3241 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3242 previously read data can be read again.
3243
3244 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3245 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3246 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3247 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3248 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3249 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3250
3251 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3252 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3253 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3254 different execution path this time.
3255
3256 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3257 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3258 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3259 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3260 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3261 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3262 potentially pose a problem.
3263
3264 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3265
3266 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3267 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3268 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3269 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3270 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3271 next.
3272
3273 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3274 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3275 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3276 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3277 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3278
3279 @node Stopping
3280 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3281
3282 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3283 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3284 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3285
3286 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3287 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3288 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3289 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3290 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3291 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3292 explicitly request this information at any time.
3293
3294 @table @code
3295 @kindex info program
3296 @item info program
3297 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3298 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3299 @end table
3300
3301 @menu
3302 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3303 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3304 * Skipping Over Functions and Files::
3305 Skipping over functions and files
3306 * Signals:: Signals
3307 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3308 @end menu
3309
3310 @node Breakpoints
3311 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3312
3313 @cindex breakpoints
3314 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3315 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3316 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3317 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3318 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3319 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3320 program.
3321
3322 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3323 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3324 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3325 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3326 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3327 call).
3328
3329 @cindex watchpoints
3330 @cindex data breakpoints
3331 @cindex memory tracing
3332 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3333 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3334 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3335 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3336 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3337 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3338 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3339 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3340 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3341 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3342 same commands.
3343
3344 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3345 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3346 Automatic Display}.
3347
3348 @cindex catchpoints
3349 @cindex breakpoint on events
3350 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3351 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3352 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3353 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3354 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3355 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3356 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3357
3358 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3359 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3360 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3361 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3362 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3363 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3364 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3365 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3366 enable it again.
3367
3368 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3369 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3370 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3371 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3372 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3373 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3374 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3375
3376 @menu
3377 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3378 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3379 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3380 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3381 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3382 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3383 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3384 * Dynamic Printf:: Dynamic printf
3385 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3386 * Static Probe Points:: Listing static probe points
3387 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3388 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3389 @end menu
3390
3391 @node Set Breaks
3392 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3393
3394 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3395 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3396 @c
3397 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3398
3399 @kindex break
3400 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3401 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3402 @cindex latest breakpoint
3403 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3404 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3405 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3406 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3407 convenience variables.
3408
3409 @table @code
3410 @item break @var{location}
3411 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3412 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3413 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3414 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3415 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3416
3417 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3418 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3419 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3420 that situation.
3421
3422 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3423 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3424 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3425
3426 @item break
3427 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3428 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3429 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3430 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3431 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3432 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3433 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3434 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3435 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3436 inside loops.
3437
3438 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3439 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3440 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3441 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3442 existed when your program stopped.
3443
3444 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3445 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3446 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3447 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3448 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3449 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3450 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3451
3452 @kindex tbreak
3453 @item tbreak @var{args}
3454 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3455 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3456 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3457 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3458
3459 @kindex hbreak
3460 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3461 @item hbreak @var{args}
3462 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3463 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3464 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3465 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3466 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3467 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3468 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3469 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3470 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3471 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3472 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3473 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3474 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3475 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3476 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3477 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3478 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3479 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3480
3481 @kindex thbreak
3482 @item thbreak @var{args}
3483 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3484 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3485 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3486 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3487 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3488 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3489 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3490 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3491
3492 @kindex rbreak
3493 @cindex regular expression
3494 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3495 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3496 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3497 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3498 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3499 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3500 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3501 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3502 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3503
3504 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3505 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3506 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3507 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3508 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3509 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3510
3511 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3512 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3513 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3514 classes.
3515
3516 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3517 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3518 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3519
3520 @smallexample
3521 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3522 @end smallexample
3523
3524 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3525 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3526 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3527 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3528 every function in a given file:
3529
3530 @smallexample
3531 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3532 @end smallexample
3533
3534 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3535 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3536
3537 @kindex info breakpoints
3538 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3539 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3540 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3541 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3542 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3543 about the specified breakpoint(s) (or watchpoint(s) or catchpoint(s)).
3544 For each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3545
3546 @table @emph
3547 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3548 @item Type
3549 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3550 @item Disposition
3551 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3552 @item Enabled or Disabled
3553 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3554 that are not enabled.
3555 @item Address
3556 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3557 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3558 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3559 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3560 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3561 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3562 @item What
3563 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3564 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3565 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3566 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3567 @end table
3568
3569 @noindent
3570 If a breakpoint is conditional, there are two evaluation modes: ``host'' and
3571 ``target''. If mode is ``host'', breakpoint condition evaluation is done by
3572 @value{GDBN} on the host's side. If it is ``target'', then the condition
3573 is evaluated by the target. The @code{info break} command shows
3574 the condition on the line following the affected breakpoint, together with
3575 its condition evaluation mode in between parentheses.
3576
3577 Breakpoint commands, if any, are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is
3578 allowed to have a condition specified for it. The condition is not parsed for
3579 validity until a shared library is loaded that allows the pending
3580 breakpoint to resolve to a valid location.
3581
3582 @noindent
3583 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3584 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3585 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3586 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3587 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3588
3589 @noindent
3590 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3591 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3592 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3593 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3594 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3595 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3596
3597 @noindent
3598 For a breakpoints with an enable count (xref) greater than 1,
3599 @code{info break} also displays that count.
3600
3601 @end table
3602
3603 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3604 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3605 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3606 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3607
3608 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3609 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3610 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3611 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3612
3613 @itemize @bullet
3614 @item
3615 Multiple functions in the program may have the same name.
3616
3617 @item
3618 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3619 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3620
3621 @item
3622 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3623 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3624
3625 @item
3626 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3627 several places where that function is inlined.
3628 @end itemize
3629
3630 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3631 the relevant locations.
3632
3633 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3634 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3635 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3636 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3637 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3638 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3639 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3640
3641 For example:
3642
3643 @smallexample
3644 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3645 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3646 stop only if i==1
3647 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3648 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3649 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3650 @end smallexample
3651
3652 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3653 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3654 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3655 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3656 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3657 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3658 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3659 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3660 that belong to that breakpoint.
3661
3662 @cindex pending breakpoints
3663 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3664 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3665 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3666 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3667 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3668 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3669 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3670 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3671 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3672 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3673 is not yet resolved.
3674
3675 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3676 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3677 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3678 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3679 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3680 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3681
3682 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3683 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3684 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3685 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3686
3687 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3688 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3689 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3690
3691 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3692 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3693 address specification to an address:
3694
3695 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3696 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3697 @table @code
3698 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3699 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3700 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3701
3702 @item set breakpoint pending on
3703 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3704 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3705
3706 @item set breakpoint pending off
3707 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3708 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3709 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3710
3711 @item show breakpoint pending
3712 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3713 @end table
3714
3715 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3716 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3717 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3718
3719 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3720 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3721 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3722 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3723 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3724 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3725 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3726 breakpoints.
3727
3728 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3729
3730 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3731 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3732 @table @code
3733 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3734 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3735 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3736 breakpoint must be used.
3737
3738 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3739 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3740 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3741 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3742 @end table
3743
3744 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3745 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3746 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3747 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3748 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3749 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3750 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3751 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3752 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3753
3754 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3755 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3756 @table @code
3757 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3758 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3759 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3760 removed from the target when it stops.
3761
3762 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3763 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3764 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3765 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3766 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3767
3768 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3769 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3770 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3771 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3772 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3773 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3774 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3775 @end table
3776
3777 @value{GDBN} handles conditional breakpoints by evaluating these conditions
3778 when a breakpoint breaks. If the condition is true, then the process being
3779 debugged stops, otherwise the process is resumed.
3780
3781 If the target supports evaluating conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} may
3782 download the breakpoint, together with its conditions, to it.
3783
3784 This feature can be controlled via the following commands:
3785
3786 @kindex set breakpoint condition-evaluation
3787 @kindex show breakpoint condition-evaluation
3788 @table @code
3789 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation host
3790 This option commands @value{GDBN} to evaluate the breakpoint
3791 conditions on the host's side. Unconditional breakpoints are sent to
3792 the target which in turn receives the triggers and reports them back to GDB
3793 for condition evaluation. This is the standard evaluation mode.
3794
3795 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation target
3796 This option commands @value{GDBN} to download breakpoint conditions
3797 to the target at the moment of their insertion. The target
3798 is responsible for evaluating the conditional expression and reporting
3799 breakpoint stop events back to @value{GDBN} whenever the condition
3800 is true. Due to limitations of target-side evaluation, some conditions
3801 cannot be evaluated there, e.g., conditions that depend on local data
3802 that is only known to the host. Examples include
3803 conditional expressions involving convenience variables, complex types
3804 that cannot be handled by the agent expression parser and expressions
3805 that are too long to be sent over to the target, specially when the
3806 target is a remote system. In these cases, the conditions will be
3807 evaluated by @value{GDBN}.
3808
3809 @item set breakpoint condition-evaluation auto
3810 This is the default mode. If the target supports evaluating breakpoint
3811 conditions on its end, @value{GDBN} will download breakpoint conditions to
3812 the target (limitations mentioned previously apply). If the target does
3813 not support breakpoint condition evaluation, then @value{GDBN} will fallback
3814 to evaluating all these conditions on the host's side.
3815 @end table
3816
3817
3818 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3819 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3820 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3821 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3822 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3823 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3824 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3825 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3826
3827
3828 @node Set Watchpoints
3829 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3830
3831 @cindex setting watchpoints
3832 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3833 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3834 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3835 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3836 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3837
3838 @itemize @bullet
3839 @item
3840 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3841
3842 @item
3843 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3844 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3845 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3846
3847 @item
3848 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3849 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3850 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3851 @end itemize
3852
3853 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3854 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3855 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3856 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3857 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3858 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3859 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3860 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3861 the expression changes.
3862
3863 @cindex software watchpoints
3864 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3865 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3866 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3867 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3868 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3869 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3870 culprit.)
3871
3872 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3873 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3874 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3875
3876 @table @code
3877 @kindex watch
3878 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3879 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3880 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3881 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3882 to watch the value of a single variable:
3883
3884 @smallexample
3885 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3886 @end smallexample
3887
3888 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3889 argument, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3890 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3891 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3892 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3893 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3894
3895 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
3896 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
3897 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
3898 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
3899 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
3900 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
3901 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
3902 error.
3903
3904 The @code{@r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}} argument allows creation
3905 of masked watchpoints, if the current architecture supports this
3906 feature (e.g., PowerPC Embedded architecture, see @ref{PowerPC
3907 Embedded}.) A @dfn{masked watchpoint} specifies a mask in addition
3908 to an address to watch. The mask specifies that some bits of an address
3909 (the bits which are reset in the mask) should be ignored when matching
3910 the address accessed by the inferior against the watchpoint address.
3911 Thus, a masked watchpoint watches many addresses simultaneously---those
3912 addresses whose unmasked bits are identical to the unmasked bits in the
3913 watchpoint address. The @code{mask} argument implies @code{-location}.
3914 Examples:
3915
3916 @smallexample
3917 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo mask 0xffff00ff
3918 (@value{GDBP}) watch *0xdeadbeef mask 0xffffff00
3919 @end smallexample
3920
3921 @kindex rwatch
3922 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3923 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3924 by the program.
3925
3926 @kindex awatch
3927 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]} @r{[}mask @var{maskvalue}@r{]}
3928 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3929 or written into by the program.
3930
3931 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3932 @item info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
3933 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3934 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3935 @end table
3936
3937 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
3938 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
3939 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
3940 a never-changing value:
3941
3942 @smallexample
3943 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
3944 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
3945 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
3946 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
3947 @end smallexample
3948
3949 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3950 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3951 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3952 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3953 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3954 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3955
3956 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3957 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3958 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3959 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3960 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3961 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3962 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3963 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3964
3965 @table @code
3966 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3967 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3968 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3969
3970 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3971 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3972 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3973 @end table
3974
3975 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3976 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3977 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3978
3979 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3980
3981 @smallexample
3982 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3983 @end smallexample
3984
3985 @noindent
3986 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3987
3988 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3989 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3990 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3991 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3992 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3993 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3994 will print a message like this:
3995
3996 @smallexample
3997 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3998 @end smallexample
3999
4000 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
4001 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
4002 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
4003 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
4004 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
4005 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
4006 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
4007 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
4008
4009 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
4010 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
4011 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
4012 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
4013 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
4014 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
4015
4016 @smallexample
4017 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
4018 @end smallexample
4019
4020 @noindent
4021 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
4022
4023 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
4024 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
4025 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
4026 expression with separately allocated resources.
4027
4028 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
4029 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
4030 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
4031
4032 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
4033 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
4034 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
4035 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
4036 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
4037 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
4038 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
4039 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
4040 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
4041
4042 @cindex watchpoints and threads
4043 @cindex threads and watchpoints
4044 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
4045 watched expression from every thread.
4046
4047 @quotation
4048 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
4049 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
4050 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
4051 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
4052 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
4053 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
4054 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
4055 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
4056 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
4057 @end quotation
4058
4059 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
4060
4061 @node Set Catchpoints
4062 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
4063 @cindex catchpoints, setting
4064 @cindex exception handlers
4065 @cindex event handling
4066
4067 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
4068 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
4069 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
4070
4071 @table @code
4072 @kindex catch
4073 @item catch @var{event}
4074 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
4075
4076 @table @code
4077 @item throw @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4078 @itemx rethrow @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4079 @itemx catch @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
4080 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
4081 The throwing, re-throwing, or catching of a C@t{++} exception.
4082
4083 If @var{regexp} is given, then only exceptions whose type matches the
4084 regular expression will be caught.
4085
4086 @vindex $_exception@r{, convenience variable}
4087 The convenience variable @code{$_exception} is available at an
4088 exception-related catchpoint, on some systems. This holds the
4089 exception being thrown.
4090
4091 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling in
4092 @value{GDBN}:
4093
4094 @itemize @bullet
4095 @item
4096 The support for these commands is system-dependent. Currently, only
4097 systems using the @samp{gnu-v3} C@t{++} ABI (@pxref{ABI}) are
4098 supported.
4099
4100 @item
4101 The regular expression feature and the @code{$_exception} convenience
4102 variable rely on the presence of some SDT probes in @code{libstdc++}.
4103 If these probes are not present, then these features cannot be used.
4104 These probes were first available in the GCC 4.8 release, but whether
4105 or not they are available in your GCC also depends on how it was
4106 built.
4107
4108 @item
4109 The @code{$_exception} convenience variable is only valid at the
4110 instruction at which an exception-related catchpoint is set.
4111
4112 @item
4113 When an exception-related catchpoint is hit, @value{GDBN} stops at a
4114 location in the system library which implements runtime exception
4115 support for C@t{++}, usually @code{libstdc++}. You can use @code{up}
4116 (@pxref{Selection}) to get to your code.
4117
4118 @item
4119 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4120 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4121 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4122 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4123 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4124 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4125 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4126 disabled within interactive calls. @xref{Calling}, for information on
4127 controlling this with @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception}.
4128
4129 @item
4130 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4131
4132 @item
4133 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4134 @end itemize
4135
4136 @item exception
4137 @cindex Ada exception catching
4138 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
4139 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
4140 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
4141 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
4142 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
4143
4144 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
4145 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
4146 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
4147 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
4148 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
4149 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
4150 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
4151 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
4152
4153 @item exception unhandled
4154 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
4155
4156 @item assert
4157 A failed Ada assertion.
4158
4159 @item exec
4160 @cindex break on fork/exec
4161 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4162 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4163
4164 @item syscall
4165 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
4166 @cindex break on a system call.
4167 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
4168 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
4169 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
4170 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
4171 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
4172 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
4173 will be caught.
4174
4175 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
4176 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
4177 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
4178 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
4179
4180 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
4181 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
4182 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
4183 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
4184
4185 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
4186 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
4187 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
4188 available choices.
4189
4190 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
4191 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
4192 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
4193 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
4194 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
4195 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
4196 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
4197 behind the OS upgrades).
4198
4199 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
4200 arguments to it:
4201
4202 @smallexample
4203 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4204 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4205 (@value{GDBP}) r
4206 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4207
4208 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
4209 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4210 (@value{GDBP}) c
4211 Continuing.
4212
4213 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
4214 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4215 (@value{GDBP})
4216 @end smallexample
4217
4218 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4219
4220 @smallexample
4221 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4222 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4223 (@value{GDBP}) r
4224 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4225
4226 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4227 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4228 (@value{GDBP}) c
4229 Continuing.
4230
4231 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4232 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4233 (@value{GDBP})
4234 @end smallexample
4235
4236 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4237 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4238 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4239
4240 @smallexample
4241 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4242 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4243 (@value{GDBP}) r
4244 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4245
4246 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4247 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4248 (@value{GDBP}) c
4249 Continuing.
4250
4251 Program exited normally.
4252 (@value{GDBP})
4253 @end smallexample
4254
4255 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4256 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4257 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4258 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4259
4260 @smallexample
4261 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4262 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4263 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4264 (@value{GDBP})
4265 @end smallexample
4266
4267 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4268 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4269 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4270 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4271 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4272 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4273
4274 @smallexample
4275 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4276 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4277 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4278 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4279 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4280 (@value{GDBP})
4281 @end smallexample
4282
4283 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4284
4285 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4286 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4287
4288 @smallexample
4289 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4290 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4291 @end smallexample
4292
4293 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4294
4295 @item fork
4296 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4297 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4298
4299 @item vfork
4300 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4301 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4302
4303 @item load @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4304 @itemx unload @r{[}regexp@r{]}
4305 The loading or unloading of a shared library. If @var{regexp} is
4306 given, then the catchpoint will stop only if the regular expression
4307 matches one of the affected libraries.
4308
4309 @item signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
4310 The delivery of a signal.
4311
4312 With no arguments, this catchpoint will catch any signal that is not
4313 used internally by @value{GDBN}, specifically, all signals except
4314 @samp{SIGTRAP} and @samp{SIGINT}.
4315
4316 With the argument @samp{all}, all signals, including those used by
4317 @value{GDBN}, will be caught. This argument cannot be used with other
4318 signal names.
4319
4320 Otherwise, the arguments are a list of signal names as given to
4321 @code{handle} (@pxref{Signals}). Only signals specified in this list
4322 will be caught.
4323
4324 One reason that @code{catch signal} can be more useful than
4325 @code{handle} is that you can attach commands and conditions to the
4326 catchpoint.
4327
4328 When a signal is caught by a catchpoint, the signal's @code{stop} and
4329 @code{print} settings, as specified by @code{handle}, are ignored.
4330 However, whether the signal is still delivered to the inferior depends
4331 on the @code{pass} setting; this can be changed in the catchpoint's
4332 commands.
4333
4334 @end table
4335
4336 @item tcatch @var{event}
4337 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4338 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4339
4340 @end table
4341
4342 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4343
4344
4345 @node Delete Breaks
4346 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4347
4348 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4349 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4350 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4351 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4352 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4353 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4354
4355 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4356 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4357 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4358 their breakpoint numbers.
4359
4360 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4361 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4362 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4363
4364 @table @code
4365 @kindex clear
4366 @item clear
4367 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4368 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4369 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4370 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4371
4372 @item clear @var{location}
4373 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4374 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4375 most useful ones are listed below:
4376
4377 @table @code
4378 @item clear @var{function}
4379 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4380 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4381
4382 @item clear @var{linenum}
4383 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4384 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4385 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4386 @end table
4387
4388 @cindex delete breakpoints
4389 @kindex delete
4390 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4391 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4392 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4393 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4394 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4395 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4396 @end table
4397
4398 @node Disabling
4399 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4400
4401 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4402 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4403 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4404 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4405 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4406
4407 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4408 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4409 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4410 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4411 do not know which numbers to use.
4412
4413 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4414 affects all of its locations.
4415
4416 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of several
4417 different states of enablement:
4418
4419 @itemize @bullet
4420 @item
4421 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4422 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4423 @item
4424 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4425 @item
4426 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4427 disabled.
4428 @item
4429 Enabled for a count. The breakpoint stops your program for the next
4430 N times, then becomes disabled.
4431 @item
4432 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4433 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4434 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4435 @end itemize
4436
4437 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4438 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4439
4440 @table @code
4441 @kindex disable
4442 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4443 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4444 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4445 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4446 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4447 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4448 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4449
4450 @kindex enable
4451 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4452 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4453 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4454
4455 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4456 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4457 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4458
4459 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} count @var{count} @var{range}@dots{}
4460 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} records
4461 @var{count} with each of the specified breakpoints, and decrements a
4462 breakpoint's count when it is hit. When any count reaches 0,
4463 @value{GDBN} disables that breakpoint. If a breakpoint has an ignore
4464 count (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}), that will be
4465 decremented to 0 before @var{count} is affected.
4466
4467 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4468 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4469 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4470 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4471 @end table
4472
4473 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4474 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4475 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4476 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4477 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4478 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4479 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4480 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4481 Stepping}.)
4482
4483 @node Conditions
4484 @subsection Break Conditions
4485 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4486 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4487
4488 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4489 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4490 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4491 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4492 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4493 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4494 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4495 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4496
4497 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4498 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4499 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4500 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4501 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4502
4503 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4504 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4505 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4506 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4507 one.
4508
4509 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4510 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4511 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4512 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4513 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4514 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4515 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4516 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4517 conditions for the
4518 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4519 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4520
4521 Breakpoint conditions can also be evaluated on the target's side if
4522 the target supports it. Instead of evaluating the conditions locally,
4523 @value{GDBN} encodes the expression into an agent expression
4524 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) suitable for execution on the target,
4525 independently of @value{GDBN}. Global variables become raw memory
4526 locations, locals become stack accesses, and so forth.
4527
4528 In this case, @value{GDBN} will only be notified of a breakpoint trigger
4529 when its condition evaluates to true. This mechanism may provide faster
4530 response times depending on the performance characteristics of the target
4531 since it does not need to keep @value{GDBN} informed about
4532 every breakpoint trigger, even those with false conditions.
4533
4534 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4535 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4536 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4537 with the @code{condition} command.
4538
4539 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4540 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4541 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4542 catchpoint.
4543
4544 @table @code
4545 @kindex condition
4546 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4547 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4548 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4549 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4550 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4551 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4552 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4553 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4554 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4555 prints an error message:
4556
4557 @smallexample
4558 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4559 @end smallexample
4560
4561 @noindent
4562 @value{GDBN} does
4563 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4564 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4565 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4566
4567 @item condition @var{bnum}
4568 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4569 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4570 @end table
4571
4572 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4573 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4574 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4575 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4576 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4577 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4578 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4579 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4580 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4581 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4582 your program reaches it.
4583
4584 @table @code
4585 @kindex ignore
4586 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4587 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4588 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4589 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4590 takes no action.
4591
4592 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4593 a count of zero.
4594
4595 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4596 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4597 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4598 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4599
4600 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4601 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4602 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4603
4604 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4605 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4606 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4607 Variables}.
4608 @end table
4609
4610 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4611
4612
4613 @node Break Commands
4614 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4615
4616 @cindex breakpoint commands
4617 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4618 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4619 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4620 enable other breakpoints.
4621
4622 @table @code
4623 @kindex commands
4624 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4625 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4626 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4627 @itemx end
4628 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4629 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4630 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4631
4632 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4633 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4634
4635 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4636 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4637 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4638 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4639 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4640 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4641 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4642 Expressions}).
4643 @end table
4644
4645 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4646 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4647
4648 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4649 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4650 that resumes execution.
4651
4652 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4653 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4654 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4655 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4656 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4657
4658 @kindex silent
4659 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4660 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4661 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4662 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4663 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4664 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4665
4666 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4667 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4668 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4669
4670 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4671 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4672
4673 @smallexample
4674 break foo if x>0
4675 commands
4676 silent
4677 printf "x is %d\n",x
4678 cont
4679 end
4680 @end smallexample
4681
4682 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4683 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4684 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4685 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4686 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4687 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4688 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4689
4690 @smallexample
4691 break 403
4692 commands
4693 silent
4694 set x = y + 4
4695 cont
4696 end
4697 @end smallexample
4698
4699 @node Dynamic Printf
4700 @subsection Dynamic Printf
4701
4702 @cindex dynamic printf
4703 @cindex dprintf
4704 The dynamic printf command @code{dprintf} combines a breakpoint with
4705 formatted printing of your program's data to give you the effect of
4706 inserting @code{printf} calls into your program on-the-fly, without
4707 having to recompile it.
4708
4709 In its most basic form, the output goes to the GDB console. However,
4710 you can set the variable @code{dprintf-style} for alternate handling.
4711 For instance, you can ask to format the output by calling your
4712 program's @code{printf} function. This has the advantage that the
4713 characters go to the program's output device, so they can recorded in
4714 redirects to files and so forth.
4715
4716 If you are doing remote debugging with a stub or agent, you can also
4717 ask to have the printf handled by the remote agent. In addition to
4718 ensuring that the output goes to the remote program's device along
4719 with any other output the program might produce, you can also ask that
4720 the dprintf remain active even after disconnecting from the remote
4721 target. Using the stub/agent is also more efficient, as it can do
4722 everything without needing to communicate with @value{GDBN}.
4723
4724 @table @code
4725 @kindex dprintf
4726 @item dprintf @var{location},@var{template},@var{expression}[,@var{expression}@dots{}]
4727 Whenever execution reaches @var{location}, print the values of one or
4728 more @var{expressions} under the control of the string @var{template}.
4729 To print several values, separate them with commas.
4730
4731 @item set dprintf-style @var{style}
4732 Set the dprintf output to be handled in one of several different
4733 styles enumerated below. A change of style affects all existing
4734 dynamic printfs immediately. (If you need individual control over the
4735 print commands, simply define normal breakpoints with
4736 explicitly-supplied command lists.)
4737
4738 @item gdb
4739 @kindex dprintf-style gdb
4740 Handle the output using the @value{GDBN} @code{printf} command.
4741
4742 @item call
4743 @kindex dprintf-style call
4744 Handle the output by calling a function in your program (normally
4745 @code{printf}).
4746
4747 @item agent
4748 @kindex dprintf-style agent
4749 Have the remote debugging agent (such as @code{gdbserver}) handle
4750 the output itself. This style is only available for agents that
4751 support running commands on the target.
4752
4753 @item set dprintf-function @var{function}
4754 Set the function to call if the dprintf style is @code{call}. By
4755 default its value is @code{printf}. You may set it to any expression.
4756 that @value{GDBN} can evaluate to a function, as per the @code{call}
4757 command.
4758
4759 @item set dprintf-channel @var{channel}
4760 Set a ``channel'' for dprintf. If set to a non-empty value,
4761 @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as an expression and pass the result as
4762 a first argument to the @code{dprintf-function}, in the manner of
4763 @code{fprintf} and similar functions. Otherwise, the dprintf format
4764 string will be the first argument, in the manner of @code{printf}.
4765
4766 As an example, if you wanted @code{dprintf} output to go to a logfile
4767 that is a standard I/O stream assigned to the variable @code{mylog},
4768 you could do the following:
4769
4770 @example
4771 (gdb) set dprintf-style call
4772 (gdb) set dprintf-function fprintf
4773 (gdb) set dprintf-channel mylog
4774 (gdb) dprintf 25,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob
4775 Dprintf 1 at 0x123456: file main.c, line 25.
4776 (gdb) info break
4777 1 dprintf keep y 0x00123456 in main at main.c:25
4778 call (void) fprintf (mylog,"at line 25, glob=%d\n",glob)
4779 continue
4780 (gdb)
4781 @end example
4782
4783 Note that the @code{info break} displays the dynamic printf commands
4784 as normal breakpoint commands; you can thus easily see the effect of
4785 the variable settings.
4786
4787 @item set disconnected-dprintf on
4788 @itemx set disconnected-dprintf off
4789 @kindex set disconnected-dprintf
4790 Choose whether @code{dprintf} commands should continue to run if
4791 @value{GDBN} has disconnected from the target. This only applies
4792 if the @code{dprintf-style} is @code{agent}.
4793
4794 @item show disconnected-dprintf off
4795 @kindex show disconnected-dprintf
4796 Show the current choice for disconnected @code{dprintf}.
4797
4798 @end table
4799
4800 @value{GDBN} does not check the validity of function and channel,
4801 relying on you to supply values that are meaningful for the contexts
4802 in which they are being used. For instance, the function and channel
4803 may be the values of local variables, but if that is the case, then
4804 all enabled dynamic prints must be at locations within the scope of
4805 those locals. If evaluation fails, @value{GDBN} will report an error.
4806
4807 @node Save Breakpoints
4808 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4809
4810 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4811 breakpoints}} command.
4812
4813 @table @code
4814 @kindex save breakpoints
4815 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4816 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4817 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4818 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4819 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4820 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4821 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4822 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4823 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4824 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4825 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4826 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4827 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4828 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4829 that can no longer be recreated.
4830 @end table
4831
4832 @node Static Probe Points
4833 @subsection Static Probe Points
4834
4835 @cindex static probe point, SystemTap
4836 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{SDT} probes in the code. @acronym{SDT} stands
4837 for Statically Defined Tracing, and the probes are designed to have a tiny
4838 runtime code and data footprint, and no dynamic relocations. They are
4839 usable from assembly, C and C@t{++} languages. See
4840 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/UserSpaceProbeImplementation}
4841 for a good reference on how the @acronym{SDT} probes are implemented.
4842
4843 Currently, @code{SystemTap} (@uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/})
4844 @acronym{SDT} probes are supported on ELF-compatible systems. See
4845 @uref{http://sourceware.org/systemtap/wiki/AddingUserSpaceProbingToApps}
4846 for more information on how to add @code{SystemTap} @acronym{SDT} probes
4847 in your applications.
4848
4849 @cindex semaphores on static probe points
4850 Some probes have an associated semaphore variable; for instance, this
4851 happens automatically if you defined your probe using a DTrace-style
4852 @file{.d} file. If your probe has a semaphore, @value{GDBN} will
4853 automatically enable it when you specify a breakpoint using the
4854 @samp{-probe-stap} notation. But, if you put a breakpoint at a probe's
4855 location by some other method (e.g., @code{break file:line}), then
4856 @value{GDBN} will not automatically set the semaphore.
4857
4858 You can examine the available static static probes using @code{info
4859 probes}, with optional arguments:
4860
4861 @table @code
4862 @kindex info probes
4863 @item info probes stap @r{[}@var{provider} @r{[}@var{name} @r{[}@var{objfile}@r{]}@r{]}@r{]}
4864 If given, @var{provider} is a regular expression used to match against provider
4865 names when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probes by all
4866 probes from all providers are listed.
4867
4868 If given, @var{name} is a regular expression to match against probe names
4869 when selecting which probes to list. If omitted, probe names are not
4870 considered when deciding whether to display them.
4871
4872 If given, @var{objfile} is a regular expression used to select which
4873 object files (executable or shared libraries) to examine. If not
4874 given, all object files are considered.
4875
4876 @item info probes all
4877 List the available static probes, from all types.
4878 @end table
4879
4880 @vindex $_probe_arg@r{, convenience variable}
4881 A probe may specify up to twelve arguments. These are available at the
4882 point at which the probe is defined---that is, when the current PC is
4883 at the probe's location. The arguments are available using the
4884 convenience variables (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
4885 @code{$_probe_arg0}@dots{}@code{$_probe_arg11}. Each probe argument is
4886 an integer of the appropriate size; types are not preserved. The
4887 convenience variable @code{$_probe_argc} holds the number of arguments
4888 at the current probe point.
4889
4890 These variables are always available, but attempts to access them at
4891 any location other than a probe point will cause @value{GDBN} to give
4892 an error message.
4893
4894
4895 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4896 @node Error in Breakpoints
4897 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4898
4899 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4900 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4901
4902 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4903 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4904 @smallexample
4905 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4906 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4907 @end smallexample
4908
4909 @noindent
4910 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4911 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4912 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4913
4914 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4915 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4916
4917 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4918 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4919 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4920
4921 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4922 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4923 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4924 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4925
4926 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4927 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4928 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4929 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4930 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4931 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4932 first in the bundle.
4933
4934 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4935 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4936 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4937 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4938 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4939 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4940 is hit.
4941
4942 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4943 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4944
4945 @smallexample
4946 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4947 @end smallexample
4948
4949 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4950 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4951 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4952 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4953 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4954 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4955 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4956 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4957
4958 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4959 adjusted breakpoints:
4960
4961 @smallexample
4962 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4963 to 0x00010410.
4964 @end smallexample
4965
4966 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4967 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4968 frequently than expected.
4969
4970 @node Continuing and Stepping
4971 @section Continuing and Stepping
4972
4973 @cindex stepping
4974 @cindex continuing
4975 @cindex resuming execution
4976 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4977 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4978 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4979 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4980 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4981 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4982 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4983 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4984
4985 @table @code
4986 @kindex continue
4987 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4988 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4989 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4990 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4991 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4992 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4993 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4994 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4995 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4996 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4997
4998 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4999 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
5000 @code{continue} is ignored.
5001
5002 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
5003 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
5004 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
5005 @code{continue}.
5006 @end table
5007
5008 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
5009 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
5010 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
5011 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
5012
5013 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
5014 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
5015 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
5016 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
5017 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
5018 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
5019
5020 @table @code
5021 @kindex step
5022 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
5023 @item step
5024 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
5025 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
5026 abbreviated @code{s}.
5027
5028 @quotation
5029 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
5030 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
5031 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
5032 @c distinction here.
5033 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
5034 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
5035 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
5036 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
5037 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
5038 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
5039 below.
5040 @end quotation
5041
5042 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
5043 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5044 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
5045 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
5046 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
5047 called within the line.
5048
5049 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
5050 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
5051 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
5052 on @acronym{MIPS} machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
5053 was any debugging information about the routine.
5054
5055 @item step @var{count}
5056 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
5057 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
5058 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
5059
5060 @kindex next
5061 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
5062 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5063 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
5064 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
5065 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
5066 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
5067 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
5068 is abbreviated @code{n}.
5069
5070 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
5071
5072
5073 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
5074 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
5075 @c
5076 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
5077 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
5078 @c function are executed without stopping.
5079
5080 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
5081 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
5082 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
5083
5084 @kindex set step-mode
5085 @item set step-mode
5086 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
5087 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
5088 @itemx set step-mode on
5089 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
5090 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
5091 information rather than stepping over it.
5092
5093 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
5094 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
5095 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
5096
5097 @item set step-mode off
5098 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
5099 debug information. This is the default.
5100
5101 @item show step-mode
5102 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
5103 source line debug information.
5104
5105 @kindex finish
5106 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
5107 @item finish
5108 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
5109 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
5110 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
5111
5112 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
5113 ,Returning from a Function}).
5114
5115 @kindex until
5116 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
5117 @cindex run until specified location
5118 @item until
5119 @itemx u
5120 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
5121 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
5122 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
5123 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
5124 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
5125 than the address of the jump.
5126
5127 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
5128 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
5129 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
5130 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
5131 through the next iteration.
5132
5133 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
5134 stack frame.
5135
5136 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
5137 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
5138 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
5139 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
5140 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
5141
5142 @smallexample
5143 (@value{GDBP}) f
5144 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
5145 206 expand_input();
5146 (@value{GDBP}) until
5147 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
5148 @end smallexample
5149
5150 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
5151 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
5152 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
5153 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
5154 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
5155 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
5156 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
5157
5158 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
5159 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
5160 argument.
5161
5162 @item until @var{location}
5163 @itemx u @var{location}
5164 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
5165 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
5166 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
5167 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
5168 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
5169 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
5170 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
5171 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
5172 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
5173 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
5174 invocations have returned.
5175
5176 @smallexample
5177 94 int factorial (int value)
5178 95 @{
5179 96 if (value > 1) @{
5180 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
5181 98 @}
5182 99 return (value);
5183 100 @}
5184 @end smallexample
5185
5186
5187 @kindex advance @var{location}
5188 @item advance @var{location}
5189 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
5190 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
5191 @ref{Specify Location}.
5192 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
5193 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
5194 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
5195 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
5196
5197
5198 @kindex stepi
5199 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
5200 @item stepi
5201 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
5202 @itemx si
5203 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
5204
5205 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
5206 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
5207 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
5208 Display,, Automatic Display}.
5209
5210 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
5211
5212 @need 750
5213 @kindex nexti
5214 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
5215 @item nexti
5216 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
5217 @itemx ni
5218 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
5219 proceed until the function returns.
5220
5221 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
5222
5223 @end table
5224
5225 @anchor{range stepping}
5226 @cindex range stepping
5227 @cindex target-assisted range stepping
5228 By default, and if available, @value{GDBN} makes use of
5229 target-assisted @dfn{range stepping}. In other words, whenever you
5230 use a stepping command (e.g., @code{step}, @code{next}), @value{GDBN}
5231 tells the target to step the corresponding range of instruction
5232 addresses instead of issuing multiple single-steps. This speeds up
5233 line stepping, particularly for remote targets. Ideally, there should
5234 be no reason you would want to turn range stepping off. However, it's
5235 possible that a bug in the debug info, a bug in the remote stub (for
5236 remote targets), or even a bug in @value{GDBN} could make line
5237 stepping behave incorrectly when target-assisted range stepping is
5238 enabled. You can use the following command to turn off range stepping
5239 if necessary:
5240
5241 @table @code
5242 @kindex set range-stepping
5243 @kindex show range-stepping
5244 @item set range-stepping
5245 @itemx show range-stepping
5246 Control whether range stepping is enabled.
5247
5248 If @code{on}, and the target supports it, @value{GDBN} tells the
5249 target to step a range of addresses itself, instead of issuing
5250 multiple single-steps. If @code{off}, @value{GDBN} always issues
5251 single-steps, even if range stepping is supported by the target. The
5252 default is @code{on}.
5253
5254 @end table
5255
5256 @node Skipping Over Functions and Files
5257 @section Skipping Over Functions and Files
5258 @cindex skipping over functions and files
5259
5260 The program you are debugging may contain some functions which are
5261 uninteresting to debug. The @code{skip} comand lets you tell @value{GDBN} to
5262 skip a function or all functions in a file when stepping.
5263
5264 For example, consider the following C function:
5265
5266 @smallexample
5267 101 int func()
5268 102 @{
5269 103 foo(boring());
5270 104 bar(boring());
5271 105 @}
5272 @end smallexample
5273
5274 @noindent
5275 Suppose you wish to step into the functions @code{foo} and @code{bar}, but you
5276 are not interested in stepping through @code{boring}. If you run @code{step}
5277 at line 103, you'll enter @code{boring()}, but if you run @code{next}, you'll
5278 step over both @code{foo} and @code{boring}!
5279
5280 One solution is to @code{step} into @code{boring} and use the @code{finish}
5281 command to immediately exit it. But this can become tedious if @code{boring}
5282 is called from many places.
5283
5284 A more flexible solution is to execute @kbd{skip boring}. This instructs
5285 @value{GDBN} never to step into @code{boring}. Now when you execute
5286 @code{step} at line 103, you'll step over @code{boring} and directly into
5287 @code{foo}.
5288
5289 You can also instruct @value{GDBN} to skip all functions in a file, with, for
5290 example, @code{skip file boring.c}.
5291
5292 @table @code
5293 @kindex skip function
5294 @item skip @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5295 @itemx skip function @r{[}@var{linespec}@r{]}
5296 After running this command, the function named by @var{linespec} or the
5297 function containing the line named by @var{linespec} will be skipped over when
5298 stepping. @xref{Specify Location}.
5299
5300 If you do not specify @var{linespec}, the function you're currently debugging
5301 will be skipped.
5302
5303 (If you have a function called @code{file} that you want to skip, use
5304 @kbd{skip function file}.)
5305
5306 @kindex skip file
5307 @item skip file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
5308 After running this command, any function whose source lives in @var{filename}
5309 will be skipped over when stepping.
5310
5311 If you do not specify @var{filename}, functions whose source lives in the file
5312 you're currently debugging will be skipped.
5313 @end table
5314
5315 Skips can be listed, deleted, disabled, and enabled, much like breakpoints.
5316 These are the commands for managing your list of skips:
5317
5318 @table @code
5319 @kindex info skip
5320 @item info skip @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5321 Print details about the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified,
5322 print a table with details about all functions and files marked for skipping.
5323 @code{info skip} prints the following information about each skip:
5324
5325 @table @emph
5326 @item Identifier
5327 A number identifying this skip.
5328 @item Type
5329 The type of this skip, either @samp{function} or @samp{file}.
5330 @item Enabled or Disabled
5331 Enabled skips are marked with @samp{y}. Disabled skips are marked with @samp{n}.
5332 @item Address
5333 For function skips, this column indicates the address in memory of the function
5334 being skipped. If you've set a function skip on a function which has not yet
5335 been loaded, this field will contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Once a shared library
5336 which has the function is loaded, @code{info skip} will show the function's
5337 address here.
5338 @item What
5339 For file skips, this field contains the filename being skipped. For functions
5340 skips, this field contains the function name and its line number in the file
5341 where it is defined.
5342 @end table
5343
5344 @kindex skip delete
5345 @item skip delete @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5346 Delete the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, delete all
5347 skips.
5348
5349 @kindex skip enable
5350 @item skip enable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5351 Enable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, enable all
5352 skips.
5353
5354 @kindex skip disable
5355 @item skip disable @r{[}@var{range}@r{]}
5356 Disable the specified skip(s). If @var{range} is not specified, disable all
5357 skips.
5358
5359 @end table
5360
5361 @node Signals
5362 @section Signals
5363 @cindex signals
5364
5365 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
5366 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
5367 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
5368 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
5369 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
5370 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
5371 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
5372 requested an alarm).
5373
5374 @cindex fatal signals
5375 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
5376 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
5377 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
5378 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
5379 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
5380 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
5381
5382 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
5383 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
5384 signal.
5385
5386 @cindex handling signals
5387 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
5388 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
5389 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
5390 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
5391 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
5392
5393 @table @code
5394 @kindex info signals
5395 @kindex info handle
5396 @item info signals
5397 @itemx info handle
5398 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
5399 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
5400 the defined types of signals.
5401
5402 @item info signals @var{sig}
5403 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
5404
5405 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
5406
5407 @item catch signal @r{[}@var{signal}@dots{} @r{|} @samp{all}@r{]}
5408 Set a catchpoint for the indicated signals. @xref{Set Catchpoints},
5409 for details about this command.
5410
5411 @kindex handle
5412 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
5413 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
5414 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
5415 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
5416 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
5417 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
5418 say what change to make.
5419 @end table
5420
5421 @c @group
5422 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
5423 Their full names are:
5424
5425 @table @code
5426 @item nostop
5427 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
5428 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
5429
5430 @item stop
5431 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
5432 the @code{print} keyword as well.
5433
5434 @item print
5435 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
5436
5437 @item noprint
5438 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
5439 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
5440
5441 @item pass
5442 @itemx noignore
5443 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
5444 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
5445 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
5446
5447 @item nopass
5448 @itemx ignore
5449 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
5450 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
5451 @end table
5452 @c @end group
5453
5454 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
5455 program until you
5456 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
5457 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
5458 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
5459 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
5460 program sees that signal when you continue.
5461
5462 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
5463 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
5464 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
5465 erroneous signals.
5466
5467 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
5468 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
5469 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
5470 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
5471 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
5472 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
5473 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
5474 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
5475 Program a Signal}.
5476
5477 @cindex extra signal information
5478 @anchor{extra signal information}
5479
5480 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
5481 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
5482 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
5483 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
5484 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
5485 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
5486 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
5487 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
5488 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
5489 system header.
5490
5491 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
5492 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
5493
5494 @smallexample
5495 @group
5496 (@value{GDBP}) continue
5497 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
5498 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
5499 69 *(int *)p = 0;
5500 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
5501 type = struct @{
5502 int si_signo;
5503 int si_errno;
5504 int si_code;
5505 union @{
5506 int _pad[28];
5507 struct @{...@} _kill;
5508 struct @{...@} _timer;
5509 struct @{...@} _rt;
5510 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
5511 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
5512 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
5513 @} _sifields;
5514 @}
5515 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
5516 type = struct @{
5517 void *si_addr;
5518 @}
5519 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
5520 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
5521 @end group
5522 @end smallexample
5523
5524 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
5525
5526 @node Thread Stops
5527 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
5528
5529 @cindex stopped threads
5530 @cindex threads, stopped
5531
5532 @cindex continuing threads
5533 @cindex threads, continuing
5534
5535 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5536 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5537 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5538 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5539 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5540 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5541 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5542 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5543 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5544
5545 @menu
5546 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5547 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5548 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5549 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5550 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5551 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5552 @end menu
5553
5554 @node All-Stop Mode
5555 @subsection All-Stop Mode
5556
5557 @cindex all-stop mode
5558
5559 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5560 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5561 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5562 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5563 underfoot.
5564
5565 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5566 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5567 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5568
5569 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5570 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5571 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5572 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5573 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5574 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5575 stops.
5576
5577 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5578 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5579 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5580 first thread completes whatever you requested.
5581
5582 @cindex automatic thread selection
5583 @cindex switching threads automatically
5584 @cindex threads, automatic switching
5585 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5586 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5587 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5588 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5589 thread.
5590
5591 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5592 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5593
5594 @table @code
5595 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5596 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5597 @cindex lock scheduler
5598 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5599 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5600 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5601 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5602 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5603 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5604 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5605 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5606 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5607 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5608 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5609 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5610
5611 @item show scheduler-locking
5612 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5613 @end table
5614
5615 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5616 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5617 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5618 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5619 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5620 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5621 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5622 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5623 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5624 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5625 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5626 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5627 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5628 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5629
5630 @table @code
5631 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5632 @item set schedule-multiple
5633 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5634 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5635 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5636 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5637 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5638 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5639
5640 @item show schedule-multiple
5641 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5642 multiple processes.
5643 @end table
5644
5645 @node Non-Stop Mode
5646 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5647
5648 @cindex non-stop mode
5649
5650 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5651 @c with more details.
5652
5653 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5654 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5655 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5656 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5657 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5658 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5659
5660 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5661 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5662 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5663 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5664 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5665 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5666 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5667 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5668 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5669 independently and simultaneously.
5670
5671 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5672 or attach to your program:
5673
5674 @smallexample
5675 # Enable the async interface.
5676 set target-async 1
5677
5678 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5679 set pagination off
5680
5681 # Finally, turn it on!
5682 set non-stop on
5683 @end smallexample
5684
5685 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5686
5687 @table @code
5688 @kindex set non-stop
5689 @item set non-stop on
5690 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5691 @item set non-stop off
5692 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5693 @kindex show non-stop
5694 @item show non-stop
5695 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5696 @end table
5697
5698 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5699 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5700 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5701 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5702 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5703 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5704 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5705 default.
5706
5707 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5708 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5709 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5710
5711 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5712 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5713 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5714 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5715 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5716
5717 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5718 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5719 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5720 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5721 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5722
5723 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5724
5725 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5726 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5727 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5728 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5729 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5730 previously current thread.
5731
5732 @node Background Execution
5733 @subsection Background Execution
5734
5735 @cindex foreground execution
5736 @cindex background execution
5737 @cindex asynchronous execution
5738 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5739
5740 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5741 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5742 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5743 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5744 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5745 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5746
5747 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5748 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5749 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5750
5751 @table @code
5752 @kindex set target-async
5753 @item set target-async on
5754 Enable asynchronous mode.
5755 @item set target-async off
5756 Disable asynchronous mode.
5757 @kindex show target-async
5758 @item show target-async
5759 Show the current target-async setting.
5760 @end table
5761
5762 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5763 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5764
5765 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5766 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5767 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5768 are:
5769
5770 @table @code
5771 @kindex run&
5772 @item run
5773 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5774
5775 @item attach
5776 @kindex attach&
5777 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5778
5779 @item step
5780 @kindex step&
5781 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5782
5783 @item stepi
5784 @kindex stepi&
5785 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5786
5787 @item next
5788 @kindex next&
5789 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5790
5791 @item nexti
5792 @kindex nexti&
5793 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5794
5795 @item continue
5796 @kindex continue&
5797 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5798
5799 @item finish
5800 @kindex finish&
5801 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5802
5803 @item until
5804 @kindex until&
5805 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5806
5807 @end table
5808
5809 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5810 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5811 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5812 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5813 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5814 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5815
5816 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5817 using the @code{interrupt} command.
5818
5819 @table @code
5820 @kindex interrupt
5821 @item interrupt
5822 @itemx interrupt -a
5823
5824 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5825 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5826 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5827 use @code{interrupt -a}.
5828 @end table
5829
5830 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5831 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5832
5833 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5834 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5835 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5836
5837 @table @code
5838 @cindex breakpoints and threads
5839 @cindex thread breakpoints
5840 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5841 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5842 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5843 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5844 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5845 specify some source line.
5846
5847 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5848 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5849 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5850 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5851 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5852
5853 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5854 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5855 program.
5856
5857 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5858 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5859 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5860
5861 @smallexample
5862 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5863 @end smallexample
5864
5865 @end table
5866
5867 @node Interrupted System Calls
5868 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
5869
5870 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5871 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5872 @cindex premature return from system calls
5873 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5874 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5875 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5876 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5877 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5878 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5879 stop execution.
5880
5881 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5882 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5883 style anyways.
5884
5885 For example, do not write code like this:
5886
5887 @smallexample
5888 sleep (10);
5889 @end smallexample
5890
5891 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5892 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5893
5894 Instead, write this:
5895
5896 @smallexample
5897 int unslept = 10;
5898 while (unslept > 0)
5899 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5900 @end smallexample
5901
5902 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5903 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5904 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5905 @value{GDBN}.
5906
5907 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5908 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5909 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5910 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5911
5912 @node Observer Mode
5913 @subsection Observer Mode
5914
5915 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
5916 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
5917 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
5918 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
5919 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
5920
5921 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
5922 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
5923 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
5924 mode.
5925
5926 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
5927 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
5928 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
5929 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
5930 stream will still not be able to be placed.
5931
5932 @table @code
5933
5934 @kindex observer
5935 @item set observer on
5936 @itemx set observer off
5937 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
5938 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
5939 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
5940 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
5941
5942 @item show observer
5943 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
5944
5945 @kindex may-write-registers
5946 @item set may-write-registers on
5947 @itemx set may-write-registers off
5948 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
5949 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
5950 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
5951
5952 @item show may-write-registers
5953 Show the current permission to write registers.
5954
5955 @kindex may-write-memory
5956 @item set may-write-memory on
5957 @itemx set may-write-memory off
5958 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
5959 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
5960 defaults to @code{on}.
5961
5962 @item show may-write-memory
5963 Show the current permission to write memory.
5964
5965 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
5966 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
5967 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
5968 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
5969 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
5970 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5971
5972 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
5973 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
5974
5975 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
5976 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
5977 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
5978 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
5979 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5980 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
5981 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5982
5983 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
5984 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
5985
5986 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5987 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
5988 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
5989 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
5990 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5991 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
5992 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5993
5994 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5995 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
5996
5997 @kindex may-interrupt
5998 @item set may-interrupt on
5999 @itemx set may-interrupt off
6000 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
6001 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
6002 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
6003 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
6004
6005 @item show may-interrupt
6006 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
6007
6008 @end table
6009
6010 @node Reverse Execution
6011 @chapter Running programs backward
6012 @cindex reverse execution
6013 @cindex running programs backward
6014
6015 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
6016 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
6017 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
6018 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
6019
6020 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
6021 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
6022 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
6023 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
6024 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
6025 all target environments can support reverse execution.
6026
6027 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
6028 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
6029 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
6030 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
6031 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
6032 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
6033 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
6034 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
6035 prior values@footnote{
6036 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
6037 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
6038 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
6039
6040 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
6041 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
6042 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
6043 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
6044 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
6045 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
6046 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
6047 }.
6048
6049 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
6050 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
6051
6052 @table @code
6053 @kindex reverse-continue
6054 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
6055 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6056 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
6057 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
6058 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
6059 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
6060 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
6061
6062 @kindex reverse-step
6063 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
6064 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6065 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
6066 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
6067
6068 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
6069 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
6070 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
6071 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
6072 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
6073 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
6074
6075 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
6076 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
6077
6078 @kindex reverse-stepi
6079 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
6080 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6081 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
6082 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
6083 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
6084 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
6085 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
6086
6087 @kindex reverse-next
6088 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
6089 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6090 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
6091 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
6092 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
6093 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
6094 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
6095 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
6096 line of a function back to its return to its caller
6097 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
6098
6099 @kindex reverse-nexti
6100 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
6101 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
6102 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
6103 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
6104 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
6105 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
6106 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
6107 frame) is reached.
6108
6109 @kindex reverse-finish
6110 @item reverse-finish
6111 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
6112 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
6113 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
6114 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
6115
6116 @kindex set exec-direction
6117 @item set exec-direction
6118 Set the direction of target execution.
6119 @item set exec-direction reverse
6120 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
6121 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
6122 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
6123 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
6124 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
6125 @item set exec-direction forward
6126 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
6127 This is the default.
6128 @end table
6129
6130
6131 @node Process Record and Replay
6132 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
6133 @cindex process record and replay
6134 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
6135
6136 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
6137 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
6138 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
6139
6140 @cindex replay mode
6141 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
6142 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
6143 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
6144 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
6145 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
6146 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
6147 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
6148 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
6149 execution log.
6150
6151 @cindex record mode
6152 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
6153 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
6154 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
6155 for future replay.
6156
6157 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
6158 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
6159 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
6160 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
6161 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
6162 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
6163
6164 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
6165 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
6166 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
6167 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
6168
6169 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
6170 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
6171
6172 @table @code
6173 @kindex target record
6174 @kindex target record-full
6175 @kindex target record-btrace
6176 @kindex record
6177 @kindex record full
6178 @kindex record btrace
6179 @kindex rec
6180 @kindex rec full
6181 @kindex rec btrace
6182 @item record @var{method}
6183 This command starts the process record and replay target. The
6184 recording method can be specified as parameter. Without a parameter
6185 the command uses the @code{full} recording method. The following
6186 recording methods are available:
6187
6188 @table @code
6189 @item full
6190 Full record/replay recording using @value{GDBN}'s software record and
6191 replay implementation. This method allows replaying and reverse
6192 execution.
6193
6194 @item btrace
6195 Hardware-supported instruction recording. This method does not allow
6196 replaying and reverse execution.
6197
6198 This recording method may not be available on all processors.
6199 @end table
6200
6201 The process record and replay target can only debug a process that is
6202 already running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with
6203 the @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording
6204 with the @kbd{record @var{method}} command.
6205
6206 Both @code{record @var{method}} and @code{rec @var{method}} are
6207 aliases of @code{target record-@var{method}}.
6208
6209 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
6210 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
6211 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
6212 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
6213 doesn't support displaced stepping.
6214
6215 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
6216 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
6217 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
6218 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), not
6219 all recording methods are available. The @code{full} recording method
6220 does not support these two modes.
6221
6222 @kindex record stop
6223 @kindex rec s
6224 @item record stop
6225 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
6226 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
6227 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
6228
6229 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
6230 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
6231 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
6232 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
6233 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
6234
6235 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
6236 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
6237 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
6238 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
6239 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
6240
6241 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
6242 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
6243
6244 @kindex record goto
6245 @item record goto
6246 Go to a specific location in the execution log. There are several
6247 ways to specify the location to go to:
6248
6249 @table @code
6250 @item record goto begin
6251 @itemx record goto start
6252 Go to the beginning of the execution log.
6253
6254 @item record goto end
6255 Go to the end of the execution log.
6256
6257 @item record goto @var{n}
6258 Go to instruction number @var{n} in the execution log.
6259 @end table
6260
6261 @kindex record save
6262 @item record save @var{filename}
6263 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6264 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
6265 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
6266
6267 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6268
6269 @kindex record restore
6270 @item record restore @var{filename}
6271 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
6272 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
6273
6274 @kindex set record full
6275 @item set record full insn-number-max @var{limit}
6276 @itemx set record full insn-number-max unlimited
6277 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded for the @code{full}
6278 recording method. Default value is 200000.
6279
6280 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
6281 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
6282 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
6283 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
6284 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
6285 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
6286 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
6287 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
6288
6289 If @var{limit} is @code{unlimited} or zero, @value{GDBN} will never
6290 delete recorded instructions from the execution log. The number of
6291 recorded instructions is limited only by the available memory.
6292
6293 @kindex show record full
6294 @item show record full insn-number-max
6295 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded with the @code{full}
6296 recording method.
6297
6298 @item set record full stop-at-limit
6299 Control the behavior of the @code{full} recording method when the
6300 number of recorded instructions reaches the limit. If ON (the
6301 default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit is reached for the
6302 first time and ask you whether you want to stop the inferior or
6303 continue running it and recording the execution log. If you decide
6304 to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will cause the
6305 oldest one to be deleted.
6306
6307 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
6308 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
6309
6310 @item show record full stop-at-limit
6311 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
6312
6313 @item set record full memory-query
6314 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
6315 changes caused by an instruction for the @code{full} recording method.
6316 If ON, @value{GDBN} will query whether to stop the inferior in that
6317 case.
6318
6319 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
6320 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
6321 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
6322 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
6323 results.
6324
6325 @item show record full memory-query
6326 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
6327
6328 @kindex info record
6329 @item info record
6330 Show various statistics about the recording depending on the recording
6331 method:
6332
6333 @table @code
6334 @item full
6335 For the @code{full} recording method, it shows the state of process
6336 record and its in-memory execution log buffer, including:
6337
6338 @itemize @bullet
6339 @item
6340 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
6341 @item
6342 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
6343 @item
6344 Highest recorded instruction number.
6345 @item
6346 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
6347 @item
6348 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
6349 @item
6350 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
6351 @end itemize
6352
6353 @item btrace
6354 For the @code{btrace} recording method, it shows the number of
6355 instructions that have been recorded and the number of blocks of
6356 sequential control-flow that is formed by the recorded instructions.
6357 @end table
6358
6359 @kindex record delete
6360 @kindex rec del
6361 @item record delete
6362 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
6363 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
6364 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
6365 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
6366
6367 @kindex record instruction-history
6368 @kindex rec instruction-history
6369 @item record instruction-history
6370 Disassembles instructions from the recorded execution log. By
6371 default, ten instructions are disassembled. This can be changed using
6372 the @code{set record instruction-history-size} command. Instructions
6373 are printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify
6374 what part of the execution log to disassemble:
6375
6376 @table @code
6377 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}
6378 Disassembles ten instructions starting from instruction number
6379 @var{insn}.
6380
6381 @item record instruction-history @var{insn}, +/-@var{n}
6382 Disassembles @var{n} instructions around instruction number
6383 @var{insn}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, disassembles
6384 @var{n} instructions after instruction number @var{insn}. If
6385 @var{n} is preceded with @code{-}, disassembles @var{n}
6386 instructions before instruction number @var{insn}.
6387
6388 @item record instruction-history
6389 Disassembles ten more instructions after the last disassembly.
6390
6391 @item record instruction-history -
6392 Disassembles ten more instructions before the last disassembly.
6393
6394 @item record instruction-history @var{begin} @var{end}
6395 Disassembles instructions beginning with instruction number
6396 @var{begin} until instruction number @var{end}. The instruction
6397 number @var{end} is not included.
6398 @end table
6399
6400 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6401
6402 @kindex set record
6403 @item set record instruction-history-size @var{size}
6404 @itemx set record instruction-history-size unlimited
6405 Define how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
6406 instruction-history} command. The default value is 10.
6407 A @var{size} of @code{unlimited} means unlimited instructions.
6408
6409 @kindex show record
6410 @item show record instruction-history-size
6411 Show how many instructions to disassemble in the @code{record
6412 instruction-history} command.
6413
6414 @kindex record function-call-history
6415 @kindex rec function-call-history
6416 @item record function-call-history
6417 Prints the execution history at function granularity. It prints one
6418 line for each sequence of instructions that belong to the same
6419 function giving the name of that function, the source lines
6420 for this instruction sequence (if the @code{/l} modifier is
6421 specified), and the instructions numbers that form the sequence (if
6422 the @code{/i} modifier is specified).
6423
6424 @smallexample
6425 (@value{GDBP}) @b{list 1, 10}
6426 1 void foo (void)
6427 2 @{
6428 3 @}
6429 4
6430 5 void bar (void)
6431 6 @{
6432 7 ...
6433 8 foo ();
6434 9 ...
6435 10 @}
6436 (@value{GDBP}) @b{record function-call-history /l}
6437 1 foo.c:6-8 bar
6438 2 foo.c:2-3 foo
6439 3 foo.c:9-10 bar
6440 @end smallexample
6441
6442 By default, ten lines are printed. This can be changed using the
6443 @code{set record function-call-history-size} command. Functions are
6444 printed in execution order. There are several ways to specify what
6445 to print:
6446
6447 @table @code
6448 @item record function-call-history @var{func}
6449 Prints ten functions starting from function number @var{func}.
6450
6451 @item record function-call-history @var{func}, +/-@var{n}
6452 Prints @var{n} functions around function number @var{func}. If
6453 @var{n} is preceded with @code{+}, prints @var{n} functions after
6454 function number @var{func}. If @var{n} is preceded with @code{-},
6455 prints @var{n} functions before function number @var{func}.
6456
6457 @item record function-call-history
6458 Prints ten more functions after the last ten-line print.
6459
6460 @item record function-call-history -
6461 Prints ten more functions before the last ten-line print.
6462
6463 @item record function-call-history @var{begin} @var{end}
6464 Prints functions beginning with function number @var{begin} until
6465 function number @var{end}. The function number @var{end} is not
6466 included.
6467 @end table
6468
6469 This command may not be available for all recording methods.
6470
6471 @item set record function-call-history-size @var{size}
6472 @itemx set record function-call-history-size unlimited
6473 Define how many lines to print in the
6474 @code{record function-call-history} command. The default value is 10.
6475 A size of @code{unlimited} means unlimited lines.
6476
6477 @item show record function-call-history-size
6478 Show how many lines to print in the
6479 @code{record function-call-history} command.
6480 @end table
6481
6482
6483 @node Stack
6484 @chapter Examining the Stack
6485
6486 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
6487 stopped and how it got there.
6488
6489 @cindex call stack
6490 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
6491 is generated.
6492 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
6493 the arguments of the call,
6494 and the local variables of the function being called.
6495 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
6496 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
6497 stack}.
6498
6499 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
6500 stack allow you to see all of this information.
6501
6502 @cindex selected frame
6503 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
6504 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
6505 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
6506 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
6507 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
6508 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6509
6510 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
6511 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
6512 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
6513
6514 @menu
6515 * Frames:: Stack frames
6516 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
6517 * Frame Filter Management:: Managing frame filters
6518 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
6519 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
6520
6521 @end menu
6522
6523 @node Frames
6524 @section Stack Frames
6525
6526 @cindex frame, definition
6527 @cindex stack frame
6528 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
6529 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
6530 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
6531 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
6532 which the function is executing.
6533
6534 @cindex initial frame
6535 @cindex outermost frame
6536 @cindex innermost frame
6537 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
6538 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
6539 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
6540 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
6541 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
6542 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
6543 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
6544 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
6545
6546 @cindex frame pointer
6547 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
6548 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
6549 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
6550 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
6551 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
6552 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
6553
6554 @cindex frame number
6555 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
6556 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
6557 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
6558 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
6559 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
6560
6561 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
6562 @c underflow problems.
6563 @cindex frameless execution
6564 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
6565 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
6566 @smallexample
6567 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
6568 @end smallexample
6569 generates functions without a frame.)
6570 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
6571 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
6572 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
6573 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
6574 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
6575 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
6576 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
6577
6578 @table @code
6579 @kindex frame@r{, command}
6580 @cindex current stack frame
6581 @item frame @var{args}
6582 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
6583 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
6584 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
6585 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
6586
6587 @kindex select-frame
6588 @cindex selecting frame silently
6589 @item select-frame
6590 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
6591 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
6592 @code{frame}.
6593 @end table
6594
6595 @node Backtrace
6596 @section Backtraces
6597
6598 @cindex traceback
6599 @cindex call stack traces
6600 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
6601 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
6602 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
6603 stack.
6604
6605 @anchor{backtrace-command}
6606 @table @code
6607 @kindex backtrace
6608 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
6609 @item backtrace
6610 @itemx bt
6611 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
6612 frames in the stack.
6613
6614 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
6615 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
6616
6617 @item backtrace @var{n}
6618 @itemx bt @var{n}
6619 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
6620
6621 @item backtrace -@var{n}
6622 @itemx bt -@var{n}
6623 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
6624
6625 @item backtrace full
6626 @itemx bt full
6627 @itemx bt full @var{n}
6628 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
6629 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
6630 number of frames to print, as described above.
6631
6632 @item backtrace no-filters
6633 @itemx bt no-filters
6634 @itemx bt no-filters @var{n}
6635 @itemx bt no-filters -@var{n}
6636 @itemx bt no-filters full
6637 @itemx bt no-filters full @var{n}
6638 @itemx bt no-filters full -@var{n}
6639 Do not run Python frame filters on this backtrace. @xref{Frame
6640 Filter API}, for more information. Additionally use @ref{disable
6641 frame-filter all} to turn off all frame filters. This is only
6642 relevant when @value{GDBN} has been configured with @code{Python}
6643 support.
6644 @end table
6645
6646 @kindex where
6647 @kindex info stack
6648 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
6649 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
6650
6651 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
6652 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
6653 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
6654 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
6655 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
6656 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
6657 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
6658 multi-threaded program.
6659
6660 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
6661 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
6662 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
6663 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
6664 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
6665 line number.
6666
6667 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
6668 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
6669
6670 @smallexample
6671 @group
6672 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6673 at builtin.c:993
6674 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
6675 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
6676 at macro.c:71
6677 (More stack frames follow...)
6678 @end group
6679 @end smallexample
6680
6681 @noindent
6682 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
6683 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
6684 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
6685
6686 @noindent
6687 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
6688 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
6689 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
6690 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
6691 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
6692
6693 @cindex optimized out, in backtrace
6694 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
6695 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
6696 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
6697 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
6698 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
6699 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
6700 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
6701 such a backtrace might look like:
6702
6703 @smallexample
6704 @group
6705 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
6706 at builtin.c:993
6707 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<optimized out>) at macro.c:242
6708 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
6709 at macro.c:71
6710 (More stack frames follow...)
6711 @end group
6712 @end smallexample
6713
6714 @noindent
6715 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
6716 shown as @samp{<optimized out>}.
6717
6718 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
6719 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
6720 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
6721
6722 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
6723 @cindex program entry point
6724 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
6725 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
6726 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
6727 @code{main}@footnote{
6728 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
6729 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
6730 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
6731 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
6732 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
6733 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
6734
6735 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
6736 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
6737
6738 @table @code
6739 @item set backtrace past-main
6740 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
6741 @kindex set backtrace
6742 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
6743
6744 @item set backtrace past-main off
6745 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
6746 default.
6747
6748 @item show backtrace past-main
6749 @kindex show backtrace
6750 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
6751
6752 @item set backtrace past-entry
6753 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
6754 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
6755 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
6756 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
6757
6758 @item set backtrace past-entry off
6759 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
6760 application. This is the default.
6761
6762 @item show backtrace past-entry
6763 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
6764
6765 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
6766 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
6767 @itemx set backtrace limit unlimited
6768 @cindex backtrace limit
6769 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of @code{unlimited}
6770 or zero means unlimited levels.
6771
6772 @item show backtrace limit
6773 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
6774 @end table
6775
6776 You can control how file names are displayed.
6777
6778 @table @code
6779 @item set filename-display
6780 @itemx set filename-display relative
6781 @cindex filename-display
6782 Display file names relative to the compilation directory. This is the default.
6783
6784 @item set filename-display basename
6785 Display only basename of a filename.
6786
6787 @item set filename-display absolute
6788 Display an absolute filename.
6789
6790 @item show filename-display
6791 Show the current way to display filenames.
6792 @end table
6793
6794 @node Frame Filter Management
6795 @section Management of Frame Filters.
6796 @cindex managing frame filters
6797
6798 Frame filters are Python based utilities to manage and decorate the
6799 output of frames. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for further information.
6800
6801 Managing frame filters is performed by several commands available
6802 within @value{GDBN}, detailed here.
6803
6804 @table @code
6805 @kindex info frame-filter
6806 @item info frame-filter
6807 Print a list of installed frame filters from all dictionaries, showing
6808 their name, priority and enabled status.
6809
6810 @kindex disable frame-filter
6811 @anchor{disable frame-filter all}
6812 @item disable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
6813 Disable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6814 @var{filter-dictionary}, or @code{all}, and @var{filter-name}.
6815 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
6816 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6817 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters
6818 across all dictionaries are disabled. @var{filter-name} is the name
6819 of the frame filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
6820 @var{filter-dictionary}. A disabled frame-filter is not deleted, it
6821 may be enabled again later.
6822
6823 @kindex enable frame-filter
6824 @item enable frame-filter @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
6825 Enable a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6826 @var{filter-dictionary}, or @code{all}, and @var{filter-name}.
6827 @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{all}, @code{global},
6828 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6829 dictionary resides. When @code{all} is specified, all frame filters across
6830 all dictionaries are enabled. @var{filter-name} is the name of the frame
6831 filter and is used when @code{all} is not the option for
6832 @var{filter-dictionary}.
6833
6834 Example:
6835
6836 @smallexample
6837 (gdb) info frame-filter
6838
6839 global frame-filters:
6840 Priority Enabled Name
6841 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
6842 100 Yes Reverse
6843
6844 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6845 Priority Enabled Name
6846 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6847
6848 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6849 Priority Enabled Name
6850 999 Yes BuildProgra Filter
6851
6852 (gdb) disable frame-filter /build/test BuildProgramFilter
6853 (gdb) info frame-filter
6854
6855 global frame-filters:
6856 Priority Enabled Name
6857 1000 No PrimaryFunctionFilter
6858 100 Yes Reverse
6859
6860 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6861 Priority Enabled Name
6862 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6863
6864 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6865 Priority Enabled Name
6866 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6867
6868 (gdb) enable frame-filter global PrimaryFunctionFilter
6869 (gdb) info frame-filter
6870
6871 global frame-filters:
6872 Priority Enabled Name
6873 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
6874 100 Yes Reverse
6875
6876 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6877 Priority Enabled Name
6878 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6879
6880 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6881 Priority Enabled Name
6882 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6883 @end smallexample
6884
6885 @kindex set frame-filter priority
6886 @item set frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name} @var{priority}
6887 Set the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6888 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
6889 @var{filter-name}. @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
6890 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6891 dictionary resides. @var{priority} is an integer.
6892
6893 @kindex show frame-filter priority
6894 @item show frame-filter priority @var{filter-dictionary} @var{filter-name}
6895 Show the @var{priority} of a frame filter in the dictionary matching
6896 @var{filter-dictionary}, and the frame filter name matching
6897 @var{filter-name}. @var{filter-dictionary} may be @code{global},
6898 @code{progspace} or the name of the object file where the frame filter
6899 dictionary resides.
6900
6901 Example:
6902
6903 @smallexample
6904 (gdb) info frame-filter
6905
6906 global frame-filters:
6907 Priority Enabled Name
6908 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
6909 100 Yes Reverse
6910
6911 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6912 Priority Enabled Name
6913 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6914
6915 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6916 Priority Enabled Name
6917 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6918
6919 (gdb) set frame-filter priority global Reverse 50
6920 (gdb) info frame-filter
6921
6922 global frame-filters:
6923 Priority Enabled Name
6924 1000 Yes PrimaryFunctionFilter
6925 50 Yes Reverse
6926
6927 progspace /build/test frame-filters:
6928 Priority Enabled Name
6929 100 Yes ProgspaceFilter
6930
6931 objfile /build/test frame-filters:
6932 Priority Enabled Name
6933 999 No BuildProgramFilter
6934 @end smallexample
6935 @end table
6936
6937 @node Selection
6938 @section Selecting a Frame
6939
6940 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
6941 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
6942 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
6943 of the stack frame just selected.
6944
6945 @table @code
6946 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
6947 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
6948 @item frame @var{n}
6949 @itemx f @var{n}
6950 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
6951 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
6952 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
6953 @code{main}.
6954
6955 @item frame @var{addr}
6956 @itemx f @var{addr}
6957 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
6958 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
6959 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
6960 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
6961 switches between them.
6962
6963 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
6964 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
6965
6966 On the @acronym{MIPS} and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
6967 pointer and a program counter.
6968
6969 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
6970 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
6971
6972 @kindex up
6973 @item up @var{n}
6974 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6975 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
6976 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
6977
6978 @kindex down
6979 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
6980 @item down @var{n}
6981 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6982 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
6983 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
6984 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
6985 @end table
6986
6987 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
6988 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
6989 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
6990 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
6991
6992 @need 1000
6993 For example:
6994
6995 @smallexample
6996 @group
6997 (@value{GDBP}) up
6998 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
6999 at env.c:10
7000 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
7001 @end group
7002 @end smallexample
7003
7004 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
7005 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
7006 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
7007 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
7008 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
7009 for details.
7010
7011 @table @code
7012 @kindex down-silently
7013 @kindex up-silently
7014 @item up-silently @var{n}
7015 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
7016 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
7017 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
7018 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
7019 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
7020 distracting.
7021 @end table
7022
7023 @node Frame Info
7024 @section Information About a Frame
7025
7026 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
7027 stack frame.
7028
7029 @table @code
7030 @item frame
7031 @itemx f
7032 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
7033 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
7034 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
7035 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
7036 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7037
7038 @kindex info frame
7039 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
7040 @item info frame
7041 @itemx info f
7042 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
7043 including:
7044
7045 @itemize @bullet
7046 @item
7047 the address of the frame
7048 @item
7049 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
7050 @item
7051 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
7052 @item
7053 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
7054 @item
7055 the address of the frame's arguments
7056 @item
7057 the address of the frame's local variables
7058 @item
7059 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
7060 @item
7061 which registers were saved in the frame
7062 @end itemize
7063
7064 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
7065 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
7066 the usual conventions.
7067
7068 @item info frame @var{addr}
7069 @itemx info f @var{addr}
7070 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
7071 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
7072 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
7073 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
7074 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
7075
7076 @kindex info args
7077 @item info args
7078 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
7079
7080 @item info locals
7081 @kindex info locals
7082 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
7083 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
7084 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
7085
7086 @end table
7087
7088
7089 @node Source
7090 @chapter Examining Source Files
7091
7092 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
7093 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
7094 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
7095 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
7096 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
7097 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
7098 source files by explicit command.
7099
7100 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
7101 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
7102 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
7103
7104 @menu
7105 * List:: Printing source lines
7106 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
7107 * Edit:: Editing source files
7108 * Search:: Searching source files
7109 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
7110 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
7111 @end menu
7112
7113 @node List
7114 @section Printing Source Lines
7115
7116 @kindex list
7117 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
7118 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
7119 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
7120 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
7121 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
7122
7123 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
7124
7125 @table @code
7126 @item list @var{linenum}
7127 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
7128 current source file.
7129
7130 @item list @var{function}
7131 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
7132 @var{function}.
7133
7134 @item list
7135 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
7136 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
7137 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
7138 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
7139 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
7140
7141 @item list -
7142 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7143 @end table
7144
7145 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
7146 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
7147 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
7148
7149 @table @code
7150 @kindex set listsize
7151 @item set listsize @var{count}
7152 @itemx set listsize unlimited
7153 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
7154 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
7155 Setting @var{count} to @code{unlimited} or 0 means there's no limit.
7156
7157 @kindex show listsize
7158 @item show listsize
7159 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
7160 @end table
7161
7162 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
7163 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
7164 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
7165 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
7166 each repetition moves up in the source file.
7167
7168 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
7169 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
7170 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
7171 to specify some source line.
7172
7173 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
7174
7175 @table @code
7176 @item list @var{linespec}
7177 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
7178
7179 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
7180 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
7181 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
7182 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
7183 the same source file as the first linespec.
7184
7185 @item list ,@var{last}
7186 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
7187
7188 @item list @var{first},
7189 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
7190
7191 @item list +
7192 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
7193
7194 @item list -
7195 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
7196
7197 @item list
7198 As described in the preceding table.
7199 @end table
7200
7201 @node Specify Location
7202 @section Specifying a Location
7203 @cindex specifying location
7204 @cindex linespec
7205
7206 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
7207 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
7208 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
7209 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
7210
7211 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
7212 @value{GDBN} understands:
7213
7214 @table @code
7215 @item @var{linenum}
7216 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
7217
7218 @item -@var{offset}
7219 @itemx +@var{offset}
7220 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
7221 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
7222 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
7223 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
7224 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
7225 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
7226 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
7227 linespec.
7228
7229 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
7230 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
7231 If @var{filename} is a relative file name, then it will match any
7232 source file name with the same trailing components. For example, if
7233 @var{filename} is @samp{gcc/expr.c}, then it will match source file
7234 name of @file{/build/trunk/gcc/expr.c}, but not
7235 @file{/build/trunk/libcpp/expr.c} or @file{/build/trunk/gcc/x-expr.c}.
7236
7237 @item @var{function}
7238 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
7239 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
7240
7241 @item @var{function}:@var{label}
7242 Specifies the line where @var{label} appears in @var{function}.
7243
7244 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
7245 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
7246 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
7247 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
7248 functions in different source files.
7249
7250 @item @var{label}
7251 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears.
7252 @value{GDBN} searches for the label in the function corresponding to
7253 the currently selected stack frame. If there is no current selected
7254 stack frame (for instance, if the inferior is not running), then
7255 @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
7256
7257 @item *@var{address}
7258 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
7259 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
7260 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
7261 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
7262 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
7263 source files.
7264
7265 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
7266 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
7267 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
7268 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
7269 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
7270 of @var{address}:
7271
7272 @table @code
7273 @item @var{expression}
7274 Any expression valid in the current working language.
7275
7276 @item @var{funcaddr}
7277 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
7278 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
7279 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
7280 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
7281 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
7282 (although the Pascal form also works).
7283
7284 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
7285 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
7286
7287 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
7288 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
7289 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
7290 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
7291 functions with identical names in different source files.
7292 @end table
7293
7294 @cindex breakpoint at static probe point
7295 @item -pstap|-probe-stap @r{[}@var{objfile}:@r{[}@var{provider}:@r{]}@r{]}@var{name}
7296 The @sc{gnu}/Linux tool @code{SystemTap} provides a way for
7297 applications to embed static probes. @xref{Static Probe Points}, for more
7298 information on finding and using static probes. This form of linespec
7299 specifies the location of such a static probe.
7300
7301 If @var{objfile} is given, only probes coming from that shared library
7302 or executable matching @var{objfile} as a regular expression are considered.
7303 If @var{provider} is given, then only probes from that provider are considered.
7304 If several probes match the spec, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at
7305 each one of those probes.
7306
7307 @end table
7308
7309
7310 @node Edit
7311 @section Editing Source Files
7312 @cindex editing source files
7313
7314 @kindex edit
7315 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
7316 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
7317 The editing program of your choice
7318 is invoked with the current line set to
7319 the active line in the program.
7320 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
7321 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
7322
7323 @table @code
7324 @item edit @var{location}
7325 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
7326 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
7327 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
7328 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
7329 command most commonly used:
7330
7331 @table @code
7332 @item edit @var{number}
7333 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
7334
7335 @item edit @var{function}
7336 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
7337 @end table
7338
7339 @end table
7340
7341 @subsection Choosing your Editor
7342 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
7343 @footnote{
7344 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
7345 following command-line syntax:
7346 @smallexample
7347 ex +@var{number} file
7348 @end smallexample
7349 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
7350 the file where to start editing.}.
7351 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
7352 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
7353 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
7354 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
7355 @smallexample
7356 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
7357 export EDITOR
7358 gdb @dots{}
7359 @end smallexample
7360 or in the @code{csh} shell,
7361 @smallexample
7362 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
7363 gdb @dots{}
7364 @end smallexample
7365
7366 @node Search
7367 @section Searching Source Files
7368 @cindex searching source files
7369
7370 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
7371 regular expression.
7372
7373 @table @code
7374 @kindex search
7375 @kindex forward-search
7376 @kindex fo @r{(@code{forward-search})}
7377 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
7378 @itemx search @var{regexp}
7379 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
7380 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
7381 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
7382 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
7383 @code{fo}.
7384
7385 @kindex reverse-search
7386 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
7387 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
7388 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
7389 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
7390 this command as @code{rev}.
7391 @end table
7392
7393 @node Source Path
7394 @section Specifying Source Directories
7395
7396 @cindex source path
7397 @cindex directories for source files
7398 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
7399 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
7400 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
7401 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
7402 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
7403 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
7404 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
7405
7406 For example, suppose an executable references the file
7407 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
7408 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
7409 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
7410 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
7411 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
7412 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
7413 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
7414 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
7415 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
7416 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
7417
7418 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
7419 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
7420 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
7421 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
7422 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
7423 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
7424
7425 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
7426 source files.
7427
7428 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
7429 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
7430 each line is in the file.
7431
7432 @kindex directory
7433 @kindex dir
7434 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
7435 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
7436 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
7437
7438 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
7439 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
7440
7441 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
7442 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
7443 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
7444 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
7445 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
7446 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
7447 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
7448 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
7449 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
7450 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
7451 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
7452 name to look up the sources.
7453
7454 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
7455 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
7456 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
7457 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
7458 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
7459 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
7460 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
7461 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
7462
7463 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
7464 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
7465 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
7466 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
7467 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
7468 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
7469 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
7470
7471 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
7472 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
7473 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
7474 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
7475 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
7476 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
7477 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
7478 command.
7479
7480 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
7481 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
7482 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
7483 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
7484 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
7485 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
7486 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
7487
7488 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
7489 @cindex default source path substitution
7490 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
7491 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
7492 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
7493 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
7494 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
7495 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
7496 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
7497 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
7498 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
7499 together.
7500
7501 @table @code
7502 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
7503 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
7504 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
7505 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
7506 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
7507 part of absolute file names) or
7508 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
7509 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
7510
7511 @kindex cdir
7512 @kindex cwd
7513 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
7514 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
7515 @cindex compilation directory
7516 @cindex current directory
7517 @cindex working directory
7518 @cindex directory, current
7519 @cindex directory, compilation
7520 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
7521 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
7522 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
7523 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
7524 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
7525 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
7526
7527 @item directory
7528 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
7529
7530 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
7531 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
7532
7533 @item set directories @var{path-list}
7534 @kindex set directories
7535 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
7536 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
7537
7538 @item show directories
7539 @kindex show directories
7540 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
7541
7542 @anchor{set substitute-path}
7543 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
7544 @kindex set substitute-path
7545 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
7546 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
7547 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
7548
7549 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
7550 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
7551
7552 @smallexample
7553 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
7554 @end smallexample
7555
7556 @noindent
7557 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
7558 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
7559 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
7560
7561 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
7562 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
7563 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
7564 the substitution.
7565
7566 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
7567
7568 @smallexample
7569 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
7570 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
7571 @end smallexample
7572
7573 @noindent
7574 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
7575 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
7576 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
7577 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
7578
7579
7580 @item unset substitute-path [path]
7581 @kindex unset substitute-path
7582 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
7583 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
7584 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
7585
7586 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
7587
7588 @item show substitute-path [path]
7589 @kindex show substitute-path
7590 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
7591 which would rewrite that path, if any.
7592
7593 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
7594 rules.
7595
7596 @end table
7597
7598 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
7599 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
7600 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
7601
7602 @enumerate
7603 @item
7604 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
7605
7606 @item
7607 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
7608 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
7609 directories in one command.
7610 @end enumerate
7611
7612 @node Machine Code
7613 @section Source and Machine Code
7614 @cindex source line and its code address
7615
7616 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
7617 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
7618 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
7619 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
7620 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
7621 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
7622 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
7623 well as hex.
7624
7625 @table @code
7626 @kindex info line
7627 @item info line @var{linespec}
7628 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
7629 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
7630 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
7631 @end table
7632
7633 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
7634 the object code for the first line of function
7635 @code{m4_changequote}:
7636
7637 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
7638 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
7639 @smallexample
7640 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
7641 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
7642 @end smallexample
7643
7644 @noindent
7645 @cindex code address and its source line
7646 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
7647 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
7648 @smallexample
7649 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
7650 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
7651 @end smallexample
7652
7653 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
7654 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
7655 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
7656 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
7657 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
7658 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
7659 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
7660 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7661 Variables}).
7662
7663 @table @code
7664 @kindex disassemble
7665 @cindex assembly instructions
7666 @cindex instructions, assembly
7667 @cindex machine instructions
7668 @cindex listing machine instructions
7669 @item disassemble
7670 @itemx disassemble /m
7671 @itemx disassemble /r
7672 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
7673 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
7674 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
7675 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
7676 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
7677 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
7678 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
7679 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
7680 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
7681 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
7682
7683 @table @code
7684 @item @var{start},@var{end}
7685 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
7686 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
7687 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
7688 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
7689 @end table
7690
7691 @noindent
7692 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
7693 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
7694
7695 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
7696 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
7697
7698 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
7699 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
7700 @end table
7701
7702 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
7703 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
7704
7705 @smallexample
7706 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
7707 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
7708 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
7709 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
7710 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7711 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
7712 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
7713 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
7714 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
7715 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
7716 End of assembler dump.
7717 @end smallexample
7718
7719 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
7720 program is stopped just after function prologue:
7721
7722 @smallexample
7723 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
7724 Dump of assembler code for function main:
7725 5 @{
7726 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
7727 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
7728 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
7729 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
7730 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
7731
7732 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
7733 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
7734 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
7735
7736 7 return 0;
7737 8 @}
7738 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
7739 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
7740 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
7741
7742 End of assembler dump.
7743 @end smallexample
7744
7745 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
7746
7747 @smallexample
7748 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
7749 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
7750 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
7751 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
7752 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
7753 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
7754 End of assembler dump.
7755 @end smallexample
7756
7757 Addresses cannot be specified as a linespec (@pxref{Specify Location}).
7758 So, for example, if you want to disassemble function @code{bar}
7759 in file @file{foo.c}, you must type @samp{disassemble 'foo.c'::bar}
7760 and not @samp{disassemble foo.c:bar}.
7761
7762 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
7763 mnemonics or other syntax.
7764
7765 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
7766 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
7767 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
7768 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
7769 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
7770
7771 @table @code
7772 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
7773 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
7774 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
7775 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
7776 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
7777 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
7778
7779 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
7780 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
7781 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
7782 assemblers for x86-based targets.
7783
7784 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
7785 @item show disassembly-flavor
7786 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
7787 @end table
7788
7789 @table @code
7790 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
7791 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
7792 @item set disassemble-next-line
7793 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
7794 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
7795 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
7796 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
7797 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
7798 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
7799 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
7800 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
7801 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
7802 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
7803 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
7804 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
7805 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
7806 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
7807 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
7808 instruction.
7809 @end table
7810
7811
7812 @node Data
7813 @chapter Examining Data
7814
7815 @cindex printing data
7816 @cindex examining data
7817 @kindex print
7818 @kindex inspect
7819 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
7820 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
7821 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
7822 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
7823 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
7824 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
7825
7826 @table @code
7827 @item print @var{expr}
7828 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
7829 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
7830 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
7831 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
7832 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
7833 Formats}.
7834
7835 @item print
7836 @itemx print /@var{f}
7837 @cindex reprint the last value
7838 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
7839 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
7840 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
7841 @end table
7842
7843 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
7844 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
7845 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7846
7847 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
7848 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
7849 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
7850 Table}.
7851
7852 @cindex exploring hierarchical data structures
7853 @kindex explore
7854 Another way of examining values of expressions and type information is
7855 through the Python extension command @code{explore} (available only if
7856 the @value{GDBN} build is configured with @code{--with-python}). It
7857 offers an interactive way to start at the highest level (or, the most
7858 abstract level) of the data type of an expression (or, the data type
7859 itself) and explore all the way down to leaf scalar values/fields
7860 embedded in the higher level data types.
7861
7862 @table @code
7863 @item explore @var{arg}
7864 @var{arg} is either an expression (in the source language), or a type
7865 visible in the current context of the program being debugged.
7866 @end table
7867
7868 The working of the @code{explore} command can be illustrated with an
7869 example. If a data type @code{struct ComplexStruct} is defined in your
7870 C program as
7871
7872 @smallexample
7873 struct SimpleStruct
7874 @{
7875 int i;
7876 double d;
7877 @};
7878
7879 struct ComplexStruct
7880 @{
7881 struct SimpleStruct *ss_p;
7882 int arr[10];
7883 @};
7884 @end smallexample
7885
7886 @noindent
7887 followed by variable declarations as
7888
7889 @smallexample
7890 struct SimpleStruct ss = @{ 10, 1.11 @};
7891 struct ComplexStruct cs = @{ &ss, @{ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 @} @};
7892 @end smallexample
7893
7894 @noindent
7895 then, the value of the variable @code{cs} can be explored using the
7896 @code{explore} command as follows.
7897
7898 @smallexample
7899 (gdb) explore cs
7900 The value of `cs' is a struct/class of type `struct ComplexStruct' with
7901 the following fields:
7902
7903 ss_p = <Enter 0 to explore this field of type `struct SimpleStruct *'>
7904 arr = <Enter 1 to explore this field of type `int [10]'>
7905
7906 Enter the field number of choice:
7907 @end smallexample
7908
7909 @noindent
7910 Since the fields of @code{cs} are not scalar values, you are being
7911 prompted to chose the field you want to explore. Let's say you choose
7912 the field @code{ss_p} by entering @code{0}. Then, since this field is a
7913 pointer, you will be asked if it is pointing to a single value. From
7914 the declaration of @code{cs} above, it is indeed pointing to a single
7915 value, hence you enter @code{y}. If you enter @code{n}, then you will
7916 be asked if it were pointing to an array of values, in which case this
7917 field will be explored as if it were an array.
7918
7919 @smallexample
7920 `cs.ss_p' is a pointer to a value of type `struct SimpleStruct'
7921 Continue exploring it as a pointer to a single value [y/n]: y
7922 The value of `*(cs.ss_p)' is a struct/class of type `struct
7923 SimpleStruct' with the following fields:
7924
7925 i = 10 .. (Value of type `int')
7926 d = 1.1100000000000001 .. (Value of type `double')
7927
7928 Press enter to return to parent value:
7929 @end smallexample
7930
7931 @noindent
7932 If the field @code{arr} of @code{cs} was chosen for exploration by
7933 entering @code{1} earlier, then since it is as array, you will be
7934 prompted to enter the index of the element in the array that you want
7935 to explore.
7936
7937 @smallexample
7938 `cs.arr' is an array of `int'.
7939 Enter the index of the element you want to explore in `cs.arr': 5
7940
7941 `(cs.arr)[5]' is a scalar value of type `int'.
7942
7943 (cs.arr)[5] = 4
7944
7945 Press enter to return to parent value:
7946 @end smallexample
7947
7948 In general, at any stage of exploration, you can go deeper towards the
7949 leaf values by responding to the prompts appropriately, or hit the
7950 return key to return to the enclosing data structure (the @i{higher}
7951 level data structure).
7952
7953 Similar to exploring values, you can use the @code{explore} command to
7954 explore types. Instead of specifying a value (which is typically a
7955 variable name or an expression valid in the current context of the
7956 program being debugged), you specify a type name. If you consider the
7957 same example as above, your can explore the type
7958 @code{struct ComplexStruct} by passing the argument
7959 @code{struct ComplexStruct} to the @code{explore} command.
7960
7961 @smallexample
7962 (gdb) explore struct ComplexStruct
7963 @end smallexample
7964
7965 @noindent
7966 By responding to the prompts appropriately in the subsequent interactive
7967 session, you can explore the type @code{struct ComplexStruct} in a
7968 manner similar to how the value @code{cs} was explored in the above
7969 example.
7970
7971 The @code{explore} command also has two sub-commands,
7972 @code{explore value} and @code{explore type}. The former sub-command is
7973 a way to explicitly specify that value exploration of the argument is
7974 being invoked, while the latter is a way to explicitly specify that type
7975 exploration of the argument is being invoked.
7976
7977 @table @code
7978 @item explore value @var{expr}
7979 @cindex explore value
7980 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the value of the
7981 expression @var{expr} (if @var{expr} is an expression valid in the
7982 current context of the program being debugged). The behavior of this
7983 command is identical to that of the behavior of the @code{explore}
7984 command being passed the argument @var{expr}.
7985
7986 @item explore type @var{arg}
7987 @cindex explore type
7988 This sub-command of @code{explore} explores the type of @var{arg} (if
7989 @var{arg} is a type visible in the current context of program being
7990 debugged), or the type of the value/expression @var{arg} (if @var{arg}
7991 is an expression valid in the current context of the program being
7992 debugged). If @var{arg} is a type, then the behavior of this command is
7993 identical to that of the @code{explore} command being passed the
7994 argument @var{arg}. If @var{arg} is an expression, then the behavior of
7995 this command will be identical to that of the @code{explore} command
7996 being passed the type of @var{arg} as the argument.
7997 @end table
7998
7999 @menu
8000 * Expressions:: Expressions
8001 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
8002 * Variables:: Program variables
8003 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
8004 * Output Formats:: Output formats
8005 * Memory:: Examining memory
8006 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
8007 * Print Settings:: Print settings
8008 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
8009 * Value History:: Value history
8010 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
8011 * Convenience Funs:: Convenience functions
8012 * Registers:: Registers
8013 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
8014 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
8015 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
8016 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
8017 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
8018 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
8019 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
8020 character set than GDB does
8021 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
8022 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
8023 @end menu
8024
8025 @node Expressions
8026 @section Expressions
8027
8028 @cindex expressions
8029 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
8030 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
8031 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
8032 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
8033 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
8034 you compiled your program to include this information; see
8035 @ref{Compilation}.
8036
8037 @cindex arrays in expressions
8038 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
8039 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
8040 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
8041 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
8042 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
8043 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
8044
8045 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
8046 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
8047 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
8048 languages.
8049
8050 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
8051 expressions regardless of your programming language.
8052
8053 @cindex casts, in expressions
8054 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
8055 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
8056 at that address in memory.
8057 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
8058
8059 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
8060 to programming languages:
8061
8062 @table @code
8063 @item @@
8064 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
8065 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
8066
8067 @item ::
8068 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
8069 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
8070
8071 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
8072 @cindex type casting memory
8073 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
8074 @cindex casts, to view memory
8075 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
8076 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
8077 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
8078 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
8079 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
8080 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
8081 @end table
8082
8083 @node Ambiguous Expressions
8084 @section Ambiguous Expressions
8085 @cindex ambiguous expressions
8086
8087 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
8088 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
8089 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
8090 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
8091 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
8092 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
8093 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
8094
8095 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
8096 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
8097 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
8098 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
8099 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
8100 as well.
8101
8102 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
8103 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
8104 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
8105 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
8106 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
8107 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
8108 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
8109 choices.
8110
8111 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
8112 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
8113 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
8114
8115 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
8116 @smallexample
8117 @group
8118 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
8119 [0] cancel
8120 [1] all
8121 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
8122 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
8123 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
8124 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
8125 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
8126 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
8127 > 2 4 6
8128 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
8129 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
8130 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
8131 Multiple breakpoints were set.
8132 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
8133 breakpoints.
8134 (@value{GDBP})
8135 @end group
8136 @end smallexample
8137
8138 @table @code
8139 @kindex set multiple-symbols
8140 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
8141 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
8142
8143 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
8144 is ambiguous.
8145
8146 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
8147 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
8148 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
8149 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
8150 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
8151 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
8152 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
8153 in the use of the menu.
8154
8155 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
8156 when an ambiguity is detected.
8157
8158 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
8159 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
8160
8161 @kindex show multiple-symbols
8162 @item show multiple-symbols
8163 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
8164 @end table
8165
8166 @node Variables
8167 @section Program Variables
8168
8169 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
8170 in your program.
8171
8172 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
8173 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
8174
8175 @itemize @bullet
8176 @item
8177 global (or file-static)
8178 @end itemize
8179
8180 @noindent or
8181
8182 @itemize @bullet
8183 @item
8184 visible according to the scope rules of the
8185 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
8186 @end itemize
8187
8188 @noindent This means that in the function
8189
8190 @smallexample
8191 foo (a)
8192 int a;
8193 @{
8194 bar (a);
8195 @{
8196 int b = test ();
8197 bar (b);
8198 @}
8199 @}
8200 @end smallexample
8201
8202 @noindent
8203 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
8204 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
8205 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
8206 the block where @code{b} is declared.
8207
8208 @cindex variable name conflict
8209 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
8210 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
8211 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
8212 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
8213 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
8214 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file by
8215 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
8216
8217 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
8218 @ifnotinfo
8219 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
8220 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
8221 @end ifnotinfo
8222 @smallexample
8223 @var{file}::@var{variable}
8224 @var{function}::@var{variable}
8225 @end smallexample
8226
8227 @noindent
8228 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
8229 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
8230 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
8231 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
8232
8233 @smallexample
8234 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
8235 @end smallexample
8236
8237 The @code{::} notation is normally used for referring to
8238 static variables, since you typically disambiguate uses of local variables
8239 in functions by selecting the appropriate frame and using the
8240 simple name of the variable. However, you may also use this notation
8241 to refer to local variables in frames enclosing the selected frame:
8242
8243 @smallexample
8244 void
8245 foo (int a)
8246 @{
8247 if (a < 10)
8248 bar (a);
8249 else
8250 process (a); /* Stop here */
8251 @}
8252
8253 int
8254 bar (int a)
8255 @{
8256 foo (a + 5);
8257 @}
8258 @end smallexample
8259
8260 @noindent
8261 For example, if there is a breakpoint at the commented line,
8262 here is what you might see
8263 when the program stops after executing the call @code{bar(0)}:
8264
8265 @smallexample
8266 (@value{GDBP}) p a
8267 $1 = 10
8268 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
8269 $2 = 5
8270 (@value{GDBP}) up 2
8271 #2 0x080483d0 in foo (a=5) at foobar.c:12
8272 (@value{GDBP}) p a
8273 $3 = 5
8274 (@value{GDBP}) p bar::a
8275 $4 = 0
8276 @end smallexample
8277
8278 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
8279 These uses of @samp{::} are very rarely in conflict with the very similar
8280 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
8281 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
8282 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
8283 @c conflict?? --mew
8284
8285 @cindex wrong values
8286 @cindex variable values, wrong
8287 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
8288 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
8289 @quotation
8290 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
8291 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
8292 scope, and just before exit.
8293 @end quotation
8294 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
8295 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
8296 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
8297 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
8298 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
8299 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
8300 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
8301 variable definitions may be gone.
8302
8303 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
8304 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
8305 when compiling.
8306
8307 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
8308 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
8309 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
8310 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
8311 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
8312 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
8313 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
8314
8315 @smallexample
8316 No symbol "foo" in current context.
8317 @end smallexample
8318
8319 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
8320 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
8321 formats. @xref{Compilation}, for more information on choosing compiler
8322 options. @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug
8323 info formats that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
8324
8325 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
8326 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
8327 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
8328 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
8329
8330 If you append @kbd{@@entry} string to a function parameter name you get its
8331 value at the time the function got called. If the value is not available an
8332 error message is printed. Entry values are available only with some compilers.
8333 Entry values are normally also printed at the function parameter list according
8334 to @ref{set print entry-values}.
8335
8336 @smallexample
8337 Breakpoint 1, d (i=30) at gdb.base/entry-value.c:29
8338 29 i++;
8339 (gdb) next
8340 30 e (i);
8341 (gdb) print i
8342 $1 = 31
8343 (gdb) print i@@entry
8344 $2 = 30
8345 @end smallexample
8346
8347 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
8348 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
8349 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
8350 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
8351 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
8352 For program code
8353
8354 @smallexample
8355 char var0[] = "A";
8356 signed char var1[] = "A";
8357 @end smallexample
8358
8359 You get during debugging
8360 @smallexample
8361 (gdb) print var0
8362 $1 = "A"
8363 (gdb) print var1
8364 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
8365 @end smallexample
8366
8367 @node Arrays
8368 @section Artificial Arrays
8369
8370 @cindex artificial array
8371 @cindex arrays
8372 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
8373 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
8374 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
8375 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
8376 program.
8377
8378 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
8379 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
8380 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
8381 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
8382 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
8383 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
8384 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
8385 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
8386 example. If a program says
8387
8388 @smallexample
8389 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
8390 @end smallexample
8391
8392 @noindent
8393 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
8394
8395 @smallexample
8396 p *array@@len
8397 @end smallexample
8398
8399 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
8400 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
8401 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
8402 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
8403 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
8404
8405 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
8406 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
8407 The value need not be in memory:
8408 @smallexample
8409 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
8410 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8411 @end smallexample
8412
8413 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
8414 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
8415 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
8416 @smallexample
8417 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
8418 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
8419 @end smallexample
8420
8421 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
8422 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
8423 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
8424 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
8425 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
8426 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
8427 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
8428 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
8429 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
8430 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
8431
8432 @smallexample
8433 set $i = 0
8434 p dtab[$i++]->fv
8435 @key{RET}
8436 @key{RET}
8437 @dots{}
8438 @end smallexample
8439
8440 @node Output Formats
8441 @section Output Formats
8442
8443 @cindex formatted output
8444 @cindex output formats
8445 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
8446 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
8447 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
8448 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
8449 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
8450
8451 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
8452 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
8453 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
8454 letters supported are:
8455
8456 @table @code
8457 @item x
8458 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
8459 hexadecimal.
8460
8461 @item d
8462 Print as integer in signed decimal.
8463
8464 @item u
8465 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
8466
8467 @item o
8468 Print as integer in octal.
8469
8470 @item t
8471 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
8472 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
8473 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
8474 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
8475
8476 @item a
8477 @cindex unknown address, locating
8478 @cindex locate address
8479 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
8480 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
8481 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
8482
8483 @smallexample
8484 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
8485 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
8486 @end smallexample
8487
8488 @noindent
8489 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
8490 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
8491
8492 @item c
8493 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
8494 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
8495 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
8496 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
8497
8498 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
8499 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
8500 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
8501 data.
8502
8503 @item f
8504 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
8505 using typical floating point syntax.
8506
8507 @item s
8508 @cindex printing strings
8509 @cindex printing byte arrays
8510 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
8511 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
8512 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
8513 natural types.
8514
8515 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
8516 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
8517 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
8518 array.
8519
8520 @item z
8521 Like @samp{x} formatting, the value is treated as an integer and
8522 printed as hexadecimal, but leading zeros are printed to pad the value
8523 to the size of the integer type.
8524
8525 @item r
8526 @cindex raw printing
8527 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
8528 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
8529 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
8530 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
8531 pretty-printer which might exist.
8532 @end table
8533
8534 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
8535
8536 @smallexample
8537 p/x $pc
8538 @end smallexample
8539
8540 @noindent
8541 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
8542 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
8543
8544 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
8545 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
8546 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
8547
8548 @node Memory
8549 @section Examining Memory
8550
8551 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
8552 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
8553
8554 @cindex examining memory
8555 @table @code
8556 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
8557 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
8558 @itemx x @var{addr}
8559 @itemx x
8560 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
8561 @end table
8562
8563 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
8564 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
8565 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
8566 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
8567 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
8568
8569 @table @r
8570 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
8571 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
8572 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
8573 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
8574 @c 4.1.2.
8575
8576 @item @var{f}, the display format
8577 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
8578 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
8579 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
8580 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
8581 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
8582
8583 @item @var{u}, the unit size
8584 The unit size is any of
8585
8586 @table @code
8587 @item b
8588 Bytes.
8589 @item h
8590 Halfwords (two bytes).
8591 @item w
8592 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
8593 @item g
8594 Giant words (eight bytes).
8595 @end table
8596
8597 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
8598 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
8599 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
8600 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
8601 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
8602 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
8603 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
8604 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
8605 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
8606 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
8607 be altered.
8608
8609 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
8610 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
8611 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
8612 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
8613 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
8614 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
8615 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
8616 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
8617 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
8618 a value from memory).
8619 @end table
8620
8621 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
8622 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
8623 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
8624 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
8625 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
8626
8627 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
8628 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
8629 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
8630 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
8631 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
8632
8633 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
8634 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
8635 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
8636 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
8637 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
8638 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
8639 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
8640 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
8641 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
8642
8643 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
8644 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
8645 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
8646 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
8647 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
8648 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
8649 for successive uses of @code{x}.
8650
8651 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
8652 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
8653
8654 @smallexample
8655 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
8656 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
8657 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
8658 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
8659 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
8660 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
8661 @end smallexample
8662
8663 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
8664 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
8665 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
8666 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
8667 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
8668 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
8669 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
8670 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
8671 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
8672
8673 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
8674 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
8675 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
8676
8677 @cindex remote memory comparison
8678 @cindex verify remote memory image
8679 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
8680 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
8681 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
8682 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
8683 situations.
8684
8685 @table @code
8686 @kindex compare-sections
8687 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
8688 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
8689 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
8690 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
8691 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
8692 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
8693 remote request.
8694 @end table
8695
8696 @node Auto Display
8697 @section Automatic Display
8698 @cindex automatic display
8699 @cindex display of expressions
8700
8701 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
8702 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
8703 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
8704 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
8705 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
8706 The automatic display looks like this:
8707
8708 @smallexample
8709 2: foo = 38
8710 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
8711 @end smallexample
8712
8713 @noindent
8714 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
8715 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
8716 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
8717 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
8718 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
8719 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
8720
8721 @table @code
8722 @kindex display
8723 @item display @var{expr}
8724 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
8725 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
8726
8727 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
8728
8729 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
8730 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
8731 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
8732 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
8733 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
8734
8735 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
8736 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
8737 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
8738 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
8739 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
8740 @end table
8741
8742 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
8743 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
8744 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8745
8746 @table @code
8747 @kindex delete display
8748 @kindex undisplay
8749 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
8750 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8751 Remove items from the list of expressions to display. Specify the
8752 numbers of the displays that you want affected with the command
8753 argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one of the
8754 numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display} display;
8755 or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8756
8757 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
8758 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
8759
8760 @kindex disable display
8761 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8762 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
8763 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
8764 enabled again later. Specify the numbers of the displays that you
8765 want affected with the command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a
8766 single display number, one of the numbers shown in the first field of
8767 the @samp{info display} display; or it could be a range of display
8768 numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8769
8770 @kindex enable display
8771 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
8772 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
8773 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
8774 Specify the numbers of the displays that you want affected with the
8775 command argument @var{dnums}. It can be a single display number, one
8776 of the numbers shown in the first field of the @samp{info display}
8777 display; or it could be a range of display numbers, as in @code{2-4}.
8778
8779 @item display
8780 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
8781 done when your program stops.
8782
8783 @kindex info display
8784 @item info display
8785 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
8786 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
8787 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
8788 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
8789 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
8790 @end table
8791
8792 @cindex display disabled out of scope
8793 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
8794 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
8795 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
8796 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
8797 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
8798 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
8799 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
8800 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
8801 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
8802 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
8803
8804 @node Print Settings
8805 @section Print Settings
8806
8807 @cindex format options
8808 @cindex print settings
8809 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
8810 and symbols are printed.
8811
8812 @noindent
8813 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
8814
8815 @table @code
8816 @kindex set print
8817 @item set print address
8818 @itemx set print address on
8819 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
8820 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
8821 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
8822 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
8823 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
8824 @code{set print address on}:
8825
8826 @smallexample
8827 @group
8828 (@value{GDBP}) f
8829 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
8830 at input.c:530
8831 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8832 @end group
8833 @end smallexample
8834
8835 @item set print address off
8836 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
8837 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
8838
8839 @smallexample
8840 @group
8841 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
8842 (@value{GDBP}) f
8843 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
8844 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
8845 @end group
8846 @end smallexample
8847
8848 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
8849 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
8850 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
8851 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
8852
8853 @kindex show print
8854 @item show print address
8855 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
8856 @end table
8857
8858 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
8859 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
8860 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
8861 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
8862 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
8863 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
8864 it prints a symbolic address:
8865
8866 @table @code
8867 @item set print symbol-filename on
8868 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
8869 @cindex symbol, source file and line
8870 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
8871 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8872
8873 @item set print symbol-filename off
8874 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
8875 default.
8876
8877 @item show print symbol-filename
8878 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
8879 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
8880 @end table
8881
8882 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
8883 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
8884 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
8885
8886 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
8887 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
8888
8889 @table @code
8890 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
8891 @itemx set print max-symbolic-offset unlimited
8892 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
8893 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
8894 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
8895 @var{max-offset}. The default is @code{unlimited}, which tells @value{GDBN}
8896 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes
8897 it. Zero is equivalent to @code{unlimited}.
8898
8899 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
8900 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
8901 symbolic address.
8902 @end table
8903
8904 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
8905 @cindex pointer, finding referent
8906 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
8907 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
8908 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
8909 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
8910 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
8911 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
8912
8913 @smallexample
8914 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
8915 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
8916 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
8917 @end smallexample
8918
8919 @quotation
8920 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
8921 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
8922 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
8923 @end quotation
8924
8925 You can also enable @samp{/a}-like formatting all the time using
8926 @samp{set print symbol on}:
8927
8928 @table @code
8929 @item set print symbol on
8930 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the symbol corresponding to an address, if
8931 one exists.
8932
8933 @item set print symbol off
8934 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print the symbol corresponding to an
8935 address. In this mode, @value{GDBN} will still print the symbol
8936 corresponding to pointers to functions. This is the default.
8937
8938 @item show print symbol
8939 Show whether @value{GDBN} will display the symbol corresponding to an
8940 address.
8941 @end table
8942
8943 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
8944
8945 @table @code
8946 @item set print array
8947 @itemx set print array on
8948 @cindex pretty print arrays
8949 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
8950 but uses more space. The default is off.
8951
8952 @item set print array off
8953 Return to compressed format for arrays.
8954
8955 @item show print array
8956 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
8957 arrays.
8958
8959 @cindex print array indexes
8960 @item set print array-indexes
8961 @itemx set print array-indexes on
8962 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
8963 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
8964 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
8965
8966 @item set print array-indexes off
8967 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
8968
8969 @item show print array-indexes
8970 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
8971 arrays.
8972
8973 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
8974 @itemx set print elements unlimited
8975 @cindex number of array elements to print
8976 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
8977 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
8978 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
8979 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
8980 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
8981 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
8982 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to @code{unlimited} or zero means
8983 that the number of elements to print is unlimited.
8984
8985 @item show print elements
8986 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
8987 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
8988
8989 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
8990 @kindex set print frame-arguments
8991 @cindex printing frame argument values
8992 @cindex print all frame argument values
8993 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
8994 @cindex do not print frame argument values
8995 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
8996 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
8997 values are:
8998
8999 @table @code
9000 @item all
9001 The values of all arguments are printed.
9002
9003 @item scalars
9004 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
9005 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
9006 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
9007 only scalar arguments are shown:
9008
9009 @smallexample
9010 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
9011 at frame-args.c:23
9012 @end smallexample
9013
9014 @item none
9015 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
9016 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
9017
9018 @smallexample
9019 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
9020 at frame-args.c:23
9021 @end smallexample
9022 @end table
9023
9024 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
9025 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
9026 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
9027 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
9028 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
9029 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
9030 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
9031 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
9032 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
9033 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
9034
9035 @item show print frame-arguments
9036 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
9037
9038 @item set print raw frame-arguments on
9039 Print frame arguments in raw, non pretty-printed, form.
9040
9041 @item set print raw frame-arguments off
9042 Print frame arguments in pretty-printed form, if there is a pretty-printer
9043 for the value (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
9044 otherwise print the value in raw form.
9045 This is the default.
9046
9047 @item show print raw frame-arguments
9048 Show whether to print frame arguments in raw form.
9049
9050 @anchor{set print entry-values}
9051 @item set print entry-values @var{value}
9052 @kindex set print entry-values
9053 Set printing of frame argument values at function entry. In some cases
9054 @value{GDBN} can determine the value of function argument which was passed by
9055 the function caller, even if the value was modified inside the called function
9056 and therefore is different. With optimized code, the current value could be
9057 unavailable, but the entry value may still be known.
9058
9059 The default value is @code{default} (see below for its description). Older
9060 @value{GDBN} behaved as with the setting @code{no}. Compilers not supporting
9061 this feature will behave in the @code{default} setting the same way as with the
9062 @code{no} setting.
9063
9064 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
9065 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
9066 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
9067 this information.
9068
9069 The @var{value} parameter can be one of the following:
9070
9071 @table @code
9072 @item no
9073 Print only actual parameter values, never print values from function entry
9074 point.
9075 @smallexample
9076 #0 equal (val=5)
9077 #0 different (val=6)
9078 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>)
9079 #0 born (val=10)
9080 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9081 @end smallexample
9082
9083 @item only
9084 Print only parameter values from function entry point. The actual parameter
9085 values are never printed.
9086 @smallexample
9087 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9088 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9089 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9090 #0 born (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9091 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9092 @end smallexample
9093
9094 @item preferred
9095 Print only parameter values from function entry point. If value from function
9096 entry point is not known while the actual value is known, print the actual
9097 value for such parameter.
9098 @smallexample
9099 #0 equal (val@@entry=5)
9100 #0 different (val@@entry=5)
9101 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9102 #0 born (val=10)
9103 #0 invalid (val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9104 @end smallexample
9105
9106 @item if-needed
9107 Print actual parameter values. If actual parameter value is not known while
9108 value from function entry point is known, print the entry point value for such
9109 parameter.
9110 @smallexample
9111 #0 equal (val=5)
9112 #0 different (val=6)
9113 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9114 #0 born (val=10)
9115 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9116 @end smallexample
9117
9118 @item both
9119 Always print both the actual parameter value and its value from function entry
9120 point, even if values of one or both are not available due to compiler
9121 optimizations.
9122 @smallexample
9123 #0 equal (val=5, val@@entry=5)
9124 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9125 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
9126 #0 born (val=10, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9127 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=<optimized out>)
9128 @end smallexample
9129
9130 @item compact
9131 Print the actual parameter value if it is known and also its value from
9132 function entry point if it is known. If neither is known, print for the actual
9133 value @code{<optimized out>}. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and if both
9134 values are known and identical, print the shortened
9135 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
9136 @smallexample
9137 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
9138 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9139 #0 lost (val@@entry=5)
9140 #0 born (val=10)
9141 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9142 @end smallexample
9143
9144 @item default
9145 Always print the actual parameter value. Print also its value from function
9146 entry point, but only if it is known. If not in MI mode (@pxref{GDB/MI}) and
9147 if both values are known and identical, print the shortened
9148 @code{param=param@@entry=VALUE} notation.
9149 @smallexample
9150 #0 equal (val=val@@entry=5)
9151 #0 different (val=6, val@@entry=5)
9152 #0 lost (val=<optimized out>, val@@entry=5)
9153 #0 born (val=10)
9154 #0 invalid (val=<optimized out>)
9155 @end smallexample
9156 @end table
9157
9158 For analysis messages on possible failures of frame argument values at function
9159 entry resolution see @ref{set debug entry-values}.
9160
9161 @item show print entry-values
9162 Show the method being used for printing of frame argument values at function
9163 entry.
9164
9165 @item set print repeats @var{number-of-repeats}
9166 @itemx set print repeats unlimited
9167 @cindex repeated array elements
9168 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
9169 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
9170 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
9171 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
9172 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
9173 themselves. Setting the threshold to @code{unlimited} or zero will
9174 cause all elements to be individually printed. The default threshold
9175 is 10.
9176
9177 @item show print repeats
9178 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
9179 elements.
9180
9181 @item set print null-stop
9182 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
9183 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
9184 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
9185 contain only short strings.
9186 The default is off.
9187
9188 @item show print null-stop
9189 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
9190 @sc{null} character.
9191
9192 @item set print pretty on
9193 @cindex print structures in indented form
9194 @cindex indentation in structure display
9195 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
9196 per line, like this:
9197
9198 @smallexample
9199 @group
9200 $1 = @{
9201 next = 0x0,
9202 flags = @{
9203 sweet = 1,
9204 sour = 1
9205 @},
9206 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
9207 @}
9208 @end group
9209 @end smallexample
9210
9211 @item set print pretty off
9212 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
9213
9214 @smallexample
9215 @group
9216 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
9217 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
9218 @end group
9219 @end smallexample
9220
9221 @noindent
9222 This is the default format.
9223
9224 @item show print pretty
9225 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
9226
9227 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
9228 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
9229 @cindex octal escapes in strings
9230 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
9231 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
9232 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
9233 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
9234 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
9235
9236 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
9237 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
9238 international character sets, and is the default.
9239
9240 @item show print sevenbit-strings
9241 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
9242
9243 @item set print union on
9244 @cindex unions in structures, printing
9245 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
9246 and other unions. This is the default setting.
9247
9248 @item set print union off
9249 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
9250 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
9251 instead.
9252
9253 @item show print union
9254 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
9255 structures and other unions.
9256
9257 For example, given the declarations
9258
9259 @smallexample
9260 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
9261 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
9262 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
9263 Bug_forms;
9264
9265 struct thing @{
9266 Species it;
9267 union @{
9268 Tree_forms tree;
9269 Bug_forms bug;
9270 @} form;
9271 @};
9272
9273 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
9274 @end smallexample
9275
9276 @noindent
9277 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
9278
9279 @smallexample
9280 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
9281 @end smallexample
9282
9283 @noindent
9284 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
9285
9286 @smallexample
9287 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
9288 @end smallexample
9289
9290 @noindent
9291 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
9292 and in Pascal.
9293 @end table
9294
9295 @need 1000
9296 @noindent
9297 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
9298
9299 @table @code
9300 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
9301 @item set print demangle
9302 @itemx set print demangle on
9303 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
9304 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
9305 linkage. The default is on.
9306
9307 @item show print demangle
9308 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
9309
9310 @item set print asm-demangle
9311 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
9312 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
9313 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
9314 The default is off.
9315
9316 @item show print asm-demangle
9317 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
9318 or demangled form.
9319
9320 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
9321 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
9322 @kindex set demangle-style
9323 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
9324 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
9325 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
9326
9327 @table @code
9328 @item auto
9329 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
9330 This is the default.
9331
9332 @item gnu
9333 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
9334
9335 @item hp
9336 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
9337
9338 @item lucid
9339 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
9340
9341 @item arm
9342 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
9343 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
9344 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
9345 require further enhancement to permit that.
9346
9347 @end table
9348 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
9349
9350 @item show demangle-style
9351 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
9352
9353 @item set print object
9354 @itemx set print object on
9355 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
9356 @cindex display derived types
9357 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
9358 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
9359 the virtual function table. Note that the virtual function table is
9360 required---this feature can only work for objects that have run-time
9361 type identification; a single virtual method in the object's declared
9362 type is sufficient. Note that this setting is also taken into account when
9363 working with variable objects via MI (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
9364
9365 @item set print object off
9366 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
9367 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
9368
9369 @item show print object
9370 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
9371
9372 @item set print static-members
9373 @itemx set print static-members on
9374 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
9375 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
9376
9377 @item set print static-members off
9378 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
9379
9380 @item show print static-members
9381 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
9382
9383 @item set print pascal_static-members
9384 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
9385 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
9386 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
9387 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
9388
9389 @item set print pascal_static-members off
9390 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
9391
9392 @item show print pascal_static-members
9393 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
9394
9395 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
9396 @item set print vtbl
9397 @itemx set print vtbl on
9398 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
9399 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
9400 @cindex VTBL display
9401 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
9402 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
9403 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
9404
9405 @item set print vtbl off
9406 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
9407
9408 @item show print vtbl
9409 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
9410 @end table
9411
9412 @node Pretty Printing
9413 @section Pretty Printing
9414
9415 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
9416 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
9417 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
9418
9419 @menu
9420 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
9421 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
9422 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
9423 @end menu
9424
9425 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
9426 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
9427
9428 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
9429 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
9430 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
9431
9432 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
9433 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
9434 pretty-printers with their names.
9435 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
9436 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
9437 Each such subprinter has its own name.
9438 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
9439
9440 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
9441 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
9442 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
9443 do anything special.
9444
9445 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
9446
9447 @itemize @bullet
9448 @item
9449 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
9450 all inferiors.
9451
9452 @item
9453 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
9454 when debugging that program.
9455 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
9456
9457 @item
9458 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
9459 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
9460 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
9461 @end itemize
9462
9463 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
9464 pretty-printers are selected,
9465
9466 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
9467 for new types.
9468
9469 @node Pretty-Printer Example
9470 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
9471
9472 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
9473
9474 @smallexample
9475 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9476 $1 = @{
9477 static npos = 4294967295,
9478 _M_dataplus = @{
9479 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
9480 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
9481 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
9482 @},
9483 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
9484 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
9485 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
9486 @}
9487 @}
9488 @end smallexample
9489
9490 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
9491
9492 @smallexample
9493 (@value{GDBP}) print s
9494 $2 = "abcd"
9495 @end smallexample
9496
9497 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
9498 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
9499 @cindex pretty-printer commands
9500
9501 @table @code
9502 @kindex info pretty-printer
9503 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9504 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
9505 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
9506
9507 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
9508 whose pretty-printers to list.
9509 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
9510 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
9511 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
9512 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
9513 looks up a printer from these three objects.
9514
9515 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
9516 to list.
9517
9518 @kindex disable pretty-printer
9519 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9520 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9521 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
9522
9523 @kindex enable pretty-printer
9524 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
9525 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
9526 @end table
9527
9528 Example:
9529
9530 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
9531 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
9532 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
9533 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
9534
9535 @smallexample
9536 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9537 library1.so:
9538 foo
9539 library2.so:
9540 bar
9541 bar1
9542 bar2
9543 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9544 library2.so:
9545 bar
9546 bar1
9547 bar2
9548 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
9549 1 printer disabled
9550 2 of 3 printers enabled
9551 (gdb) info pretty-printer
9552 library1.so:
9553 foo [disabled]
9554 library2.so:
9555 bar
9556 bar1
9557 bar2
9558 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
9559 1 printer disabled
9560 1 of 3 printers enabled
9561 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9562 library1.so:
9563 foo [disabled]
9564 library2.so:
9565 bar
9566 bar1 [disabled]
9567 bar2
9568 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
9569 1 printer disabled
9570 0 of 3 printers enabled
9571 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
9572 library1.so:
9573 foo [disabled]
9574 library2.so:
9575 bar [disabled]
9576 bar1 [disabled]
9577 bar2
9578 @end smallexample
9579
9580 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
9581 as can each individual subprinter.
9582
9583 @node Value History
9584 @section Value History
9585
9586 @cindex value history
9587 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
9588 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
9589 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
9590 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
9591 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
9592 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
9593 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
9594 symbol table.
9595
9596 @cindex @code{$}
9597 @cindex @code{$$}
9598 @cindex history number
9599 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
9600 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
9601 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
9602 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
9603 history number.
9604
9605 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
9606 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
9607 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
9608 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
9609 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
9610 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
9611 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
9612
9613 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
9614 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
9615
9616 @smallexample
9617 p *$
9618 @end smallexample
9619
9620 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
9621 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
9622
9623 @smallexample
9624 p *$.next
9625 @end smallexample
9626
9627 @noindent
9628 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
9629 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
9630
9631 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
9632 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
9633
9634 @smallexample
9635 print x
9636 set x=5
9637 @end smallexample
9638
9639 @noindent
9640 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
9641 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
9642
9643 @table @code
9644 @kindex show values
9645 @item show values
9646 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
9647 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
9648 values} does not change the history.
9649
9650 @item show values @var{n}
9651 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
9652
9653 @item show values +
9654 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
9655 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
9656 @end table
9657
9658 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
9659 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
9660
9661 @node Convenience Vars
9662 @section Convenience Variables
9663
9664 @cindex convenience variables
9665 @cindex user-defined variables
9666 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
9667 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
9668 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
9669 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
9670 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
9671
9672 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
9673 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
9674 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
9675 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
9676 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
9677
9678 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
9679 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
9680 For example:
9681
9682 @smallexample
9683 set $foo = *object_ptr
9684 @end smallexample
9685
9686 @noindent
9687 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
9688 @code{object_ptr}.
9689
9690 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
9691 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
9692 value with another assignment at any time.
9693
9694 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
9695 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
9696 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
9697 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
9698
9699 @table @code
9700 @kindex show convenience
9701 @cindex show all user variables and functions
9702 @item show convenience
9703 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values,
9704 as well as a list of the convenience functions.
9705 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
9706
9707 @kindex init-if-undefined
9708 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
9709 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
9710 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
9711 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
9712 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
9713 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
9714 override default values used in a command script.
9715
9716 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
9717 any side-effects do not occur.
9718 @end table
9719
9720 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
9721 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
9722 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
9723
9724 @smallexample
9725 set $i = 0
9726 print bar[$i++]->contents
9727 @end smallexample
9728
9729 @noindent
9730 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
9731
9732 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
9733 values likely to be useful.
9734
9735 @table @code
9736 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
9737 @item $_
9738 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
9739 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
9740 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
9741 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
9742 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
9743 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
9744 to the type of @code{$__}.
9745
9746 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
9747 @item $__
9748 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
9749 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
9750 to match the format in which the data was printed.
9751
9752 @item $_exitcode
9753 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
9754 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
9755 the program being debugged terminates.
9756
9757 @item $_exception
9758 The variable @code{$_exception} is set to the exception object being
9759 thrown at an exception-related catchpoint. @xref{Set Catchpoints}.
9760
9761 @item $_probe_argc
9762 @itemx $_probe_arg0@dots{}$_probe_arg11
9763 Arguments to a static probe. @xref{Static Probe Points}.
9764
9765 @item $_sdata
9766 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
9767 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
9768 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
9769 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
9770 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
9771
9772 @item $_siginfo
9773 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
9774 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
9775 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
9776 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
9777 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
9778
9779 @item $_tlb
9780 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
9781 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
9782 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
9783 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
9784 @xref{General Query Packets}.
9785 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
9786
9787 @end table
9788
9789 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
9790 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
9791 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
9792
9793 @node Convenience Funs
9794 @section Convenience Functions
9795
9796 @cindex convenience functions
9797 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
9798 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
9799 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
9800 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
9801 @value{GDBN}.
9802
9803 These functions do not require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
9804 @code{Python} support, which means that they are always available.
9805
9806 @table @code
9807
9808 @item $_isvoid (@var{expr})
9809 @findex $_isvoid@r{, convenience function}
9810 Return one if the expression @var{expr} is @code{void}. Otherwise it
9811 returns zero.
9812
9813 A @code{void} expression is an expression where the type of the result
9814 is @code{void}. For example, you can examine a convenience variable
9815 (see @ref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}) to check whether
9816 it is @code{void}:
9817
9818 @smallexample
9819 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
9820 $1 = void
9821 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
9822 $2 = 1
9823 (@value{GDBP}) run
9824 Starting program: ./a.out
9825 [Inferior 1 (process 29572) exited normally]
9826 (@value{GDBP}) print $_exitcode
9827 $3 = 0
9828 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($_exitcode)
9829 $4 = 0
9830 @end smallexample
9831
9832 In the example above, we used @code{$_isvoid} to check whether
9833 @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void} before and after the execution of the
9834 program being debugged. Before the execution there is no exit code to
9835 be examined, therefore @code{$_exitcode} is @code{void}. After the
9836 execution the program being debugged returned zero, therefore
9837 @code{$_exitcode} is zero, which means that it is not @code{void}
9838 anymore.
9839
9840 The @code{void} expression can also be a call of a function from the
9841 program being debugged. For example, given the following function:
9842
9843 @smallexample
9844 void
9845 foo (void)
9846 @{
9847 @}
9848 @end smallexample
9849
9850 The result of calling it inside @value{GDBN} is @code{void}:
9851
9852 @smallexample
9853 (@value{GDBP}) print foo ()
9854 $1 = void
9855 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid (foo ())
9856 $2 = 1
9857 (@value{GDBP}) set $v = foo ()
9858 (@value{GDBP}) print $v
9859 $3 = void
9860 (@value{GDBP}) print $_isvoid ($v)
9861 $4 = 1
9862 @end smallexample
9863
9864 @end table
9865
9866 These functions require @value{GDBN} to be configured with
9867 @code{Python} support.
9868
9869 @table @code
9870
9871 @item $_memeq(@var{buf1}, @var{buf2}, @var{length})
9872 @findex $_memeq@r{, convenience function}
9873 Returns one if the @var{length} bytes at the addresses given by
9874 @var{buf1} and @var{buf2} are equal.
9875 Otherwise it returns zero.
9876
9877 @item $_regex(@var{str}, @var{regex})
9878 @findex $_regex@r{, convenience function}
9879 Returns one if the string @var{str} matches the regular expression
9880 @var{regex}. Otherwise it returns zero.
9881 The syntax of the regular expression is that specified by @code{Python}'s
9882 regular expression support.
9883
9884 @item $_streq(@var{str1}, @var{str2})
9885 @findex $_streq@r{, convenience function}
9886 Returns one if the strings @var{str1} and @var{str2} are equal.
9887 Otherwise it returns zero.
9888
9889 @item $_strlen(@var{str})
9890 @findex $_strlen@r{, convenience function}
9891 Returns the length of string @var{str}.
9892
9893 @end table
9894
9895 @value{GDBN} provides the ability to list and get help on
9896 convenience functions.
9897
9898 @table @code
9899 @item help function
9900 @kindex help function
9901 @cindex show all convenience functions
9902 Print a list of all convenience functions.
9903 @end table
9904
9905 @node Registers
9906 @section Registers
9907
9908 @cindex registers
9909 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
9910 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
9911 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
9912 your machine.
9913
9914 @table @code
9915 @kindex info registers
9916 @item info registers
9917 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
9918 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
9919
9920 @kindex info all-registers
9921 @cindex floating point registers
9922 @item info all-registers
9923 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
9924 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
9925
9926 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
9927 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
9928 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
9929 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
9930 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
9931 @end table
9932
9933 @cindex stack pointer register
9934 @cindex program counter register
9935 @cindex process status register
9936 @cindex frame pointer register
9937 @cindex standard registers
9938 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
9939 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
9940 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
9941 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
9942 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
9943 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
9944 register that contains the processor status. For example,
9945 you could print the program counter in hex with
9946
9947 @smallexample
9948 p/x $pc
9949 @end smallexample
9950
9951 @noindent
9952 or print the instruction to be executed next with
9953
9954 @smallexample
9955 x/i $pc
9956 @end smallexample
9957
9958 @noindent
9959 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
9960 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
9961 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
9962 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
9963 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
9964 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
9965 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
9966
9967 @smallexample
9968 set $sp += 4
9969 @end smallexample
9970
9971 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
9972 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
9973 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
9974 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
9975 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
9976 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
9977 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
9978
9979 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
9980 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
9981 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
9982 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
9983 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
9984 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
9985 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
9986
9987 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
9988 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
9989 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
9990 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
9991 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
9992 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
9993 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
9994 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
9995 prints the data in both formats.
9996
9997 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
9998 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
9999 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
10000 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
10001 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
10002 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
10003 registers in @code{struct} notation:
10004
10005 @smallexample
10006 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
10007 $1 = @{
10008 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
10009 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
10010 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
10011 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
10012 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
10013 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
10014 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
10015 @}
10016 @end smallexample
10017
10018 @noindent
10019 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
10020 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
10021 value to a @code{struct} member:
10022
10023 @smallexample
10024 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
10025 @end smallexample
10026
10027 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
10028 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
10029 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
10030 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
10031 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
10032 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
10033
10034 @cindex caller-saved registers
10035 @cindex call-clobbered registers
10036 @cindex volatile registers
10037 @cindex <not saved> values
10038 Usually ABIs reserve some registers as not needed to be saved by the
10039 callee (a.k.a.: ``caller-saved'', ``call-clobbered'' or ``volatile''
10040 registers). It may therefore not be possible for @value{GDBN} to know
10041 the value a register had before the call (in other words, in the outer
10042 frame), if the register value has since been changed by the callee.
10043 @value{GDBN} tries to deduce where the inner frame saved
10044 (``callee-saved'') registers, from the debug info, unwind info, or the
10045 machine code generated by your compiler. If some register is not
10046 saved, and @value{GDBN} knows the register is ``caller-saved'' (via
10047 its own knowledge of the ABI, or because the debug/unwind info
10048 explicitly says the register's value is undefined), @value{GDBN}
10049 displays @w{@samp{<not saved>}} as the register's value. With targets
10050 that @value{GDBN} has no knowledge of the register saving convention,
10051 if a register was not saved by the callee, then its value and location
10052 in the outer frame are assumed to be the same of the inner frame.
10053 This is usually harmless, because if the register is call-clobbered,
10054 the caller either does not care what is in the register after the
10055 call, or has code to restore the value that it does care about. Note,
10056 however, that if you change such a register in the outer frame, you
10057 may also be affecting the inner frame. Also, the more ``outer'' the
10058 frame is you're looking at, the more likely a call-clobbered
10059 register's value is to be wrong, in the sense that it doesn't actually
10060 represent the value the register had just before the call.
10061
10062 @node Floating Point Hardware
10063 @section Floating Point Hardware
10064 @cindex floating point
10065
10066 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
10067 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
10068
10069 @table @code
10070 @kindex info float
10071 @item info float
10072 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
10073 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
10074 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
10075 the ARM and x86 machines.
10076 @end table
10077
10078 @node Vector Unit
10079 @section Vector Unit
10080 @cindex vector unit
10081
10082 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
10083 more information about the status of the vector unit.
10084
10085 @table @code
10086 @kindex info vector
10087 @item info vector
10088 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
10089 layout vary depending on the hardware.
10090 @end table
10091
10092 @node OS Information
10093 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
10094 @cindex OS information
10095
10096 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
10097 you debug your program.
10098
10099 @cindex auxiliary vector
10100 @cindex vector, auxiliary
10101 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
10102 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
10103 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
10104 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
10105 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
10106 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
10107 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
10108 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
10109 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
10110 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
10111 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
10112
10113 @table @code
10114 @kindex info auxv
10115 @item info auxv
10116 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
10117 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
10118 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
10119 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
10120 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
10121 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
10122 an unrecognized tag.
10123 @end table
10124
10125 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating system-specific
10126 information and show it to you. The types of information available
10127 will differ depending on the type of operating system running on the
10128 target. The mechanism used to fetch the data is described in
10129 @ref{Operating System Information}. For remote targets, this
10130 functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
10131 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
10132
10133 @table @code
10134 @kindex info os
10135 @item info os @var{infotype}
10136
10137 Display OS information of the requested type.
10138
10139 On @sc{gnu}/Linux, the following values of @var{infotype} are valid:
10140
10141 @anchor{linux info os infotypes}
10142 @table @code
10143 @kindex info os processes
10144 @item processes
10145 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
10146 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, the
10147 command corresponding to the process, and the list of processor cores
10148 that the process is currently running on. (To understand what these
10149 properties mean, for this and the following info types, please consult
10150 the general @sc{gnu}/Linux documentation.)
10151
10152 @kindex info os procgroups
10153 @item procgroups
10154 Display the list of process groups on the target. For each process,
10155 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process group that it belongs
10156 to, the command corresponding to the process group leader, the process
10157 identifier, and the command line of the process. The list is sorted
10158 first by the process group identifier, then by the process identifier,
10159 so that processes belonging to the same process group are grouped together
10160 and the process group leader is listed first.
10161
10162 @kindex info os threads
10163 @item threads
10164 Display the list of threads running on the target. For each thread,
10165 @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process that the thread
10166 belongs to, the command of the process, the thread identifier, and the
10167 processor core that it is currently running on. The main thread of a
10168 process is not listed.
10169
10170 @kindex info os files
10171 @item files
10172 Display the list of open file descriptors on the target. For each
10173 file descriptor, @value{GDBN} prints the identifier of the process
10174 owning the descriptor, the command of the owning process, the value
10175 of the descriptor, and the target of the descriptor.
10176
10177 @kindex info os sockets
10178 @item sockets
10179 Display the list of Internet-domain sockets on the target. For each
10180 socket, @value{GDBN} prints the address and port of the local and
10181 remote endpoints, the current state of the connection, the creator of
10182 the socket, the IP address family of the socket, and the type of the
10183 connection.
10184
10185 @kindex info os shm
10186 @item shm
10187 Display the list of all System V shared-memory regions on the target.
10188 For each shared-memory region, @value{GDBN} prints the region key,
10189 the shared-memory identifier, the access permissions, the size of the
10190 region, the process that created the region, the process that last
10191 attached to or detached from the region, the current number of live
10192 attaches to the region, and the times at which the region was last
10193 attached to, detach from, and changed.
10194
10195 @kindex info os semaphores
10196 @item semaphores
10197 Display the list of all System V semaphore sets on the target. For each
10198 semaphore set, @value{GDBN} prints the semaphore set key, the semaphore
10199 set identifier, the access permissions, the number of semaphores in the
10200 set, the user and group of the owner and creator of the semaphore set,
10201 and the times at which the semaphore set was operated upon and changed.
10202
10203 @kindex info os msg
10204 @item msg
10205 Display the list of all System V message queues on the target. For each
10206 message queue, @value{GDBN} prints the message queue key, the message
10207 queue identifier, the access permissions, the current number of bytes
10208 on the queue, the current number of messages on the queue, the processes
10209 that last sent and received a message on the queue, the user and group
10210 of the owner and creator of the message queue, the times at which a
10211 message was last sent and received on the queue, and the time at which
10212 the message queue was last changed.
10213
10214 @kindex info os modules
10215 @item modules
10216 Display the list of all loaded kernel modules on the target. For each
10217 module, @value{GDBN} prints the module name, the size of the module in
10218 bytes, the number of times the module is used, the dependencies of the
10219 module, the status of the module, and the address of the loaded module
10220 in memory.
10221 @end table
10222
10223 @item info os
10224 If @var{infotype} is omitted, then list the possible values for
10225 @var{infotype} and the kind of OS information available for each
10226 @var{infotype}. If the target does not return a list of possible
10227 types, this command will report an error.
10228 @end table
10229
10230 @node Memory Region Attributes
10231 @section Memory Region Attributes
10232 @cindex memory region attributes
10233
10234 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
10235 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
10236 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
10237 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
10238 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
10239 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
10240 user can override the fetched regions.
10241
10242 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
10243 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
10244 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
10245 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
10246 all memory.
10247
10248 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
10249 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
10250
10251 @table @code
10252 @kindex mem
10253 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
10254 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
10255 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
10256 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
10257 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
10258 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
10259
10260 @item mem auto
10261 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
10262 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
10263
10264 @kindex delete mem
10265 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
10266 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
10267 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
10268
10269 @kindex disable mem
10270 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
10271 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
10272 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
10273 It may be enabled again later.
10274
10275 @kindex enable mem
10276 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
10277 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
10278
10279 @kindex info mem
10280 @item info mem
10281 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
10282 for each region:
10283
10284 @table @emph
10285 @item Memory Region Number
10286 @item Enabled or Disabled.
10287 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
10288 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
10289
10290 @item Lo Address
10291 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
10292
10293 @item Hi Address
10294 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
10295
10296 @item Attributes
10297 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
10298 @end table
10299 @end table
10300
10301
10302 @subsection Attributes
10303
10304 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
10305 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
10306 write accesses to a memory region.
10307
10308 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
10309 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
10310 etc.@: from accessing memory.
10311
10312 @table @code
10313 @item ro
10314 Memory is read only.
10315 @item wo
10316 Memory is write only.
10317 @item rw
10318 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
10319 @end table
10320
10321 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
10322 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
10323 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
10324 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
10325 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
10326
10327 @table @code
10328 @item 8
10329 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
10330 @item 16
10331 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
10332 @item 32
10333 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
10334 @item 64
10335 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
10336 @end table
10337
10338 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
10339 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
10340 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
10341 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
10342 @c
10343 @c @table @code
10344 @c @item hwbreak
10345 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
10346 @c @item swbreak (default)
10347 @c @end table
10348
10349 @subsubsection Data Cache
10350 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
10351 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
10352 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
10353 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
10354 registers.
10355
10356 @table @code
10357 @item cache
10358 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
10359 @item nocache
10360 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
10361 @end table
10362
10363 @subsection Memory Access Checking
10364 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
10365 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
10366 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
10367 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
10368
10369 @table @code
10370 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
10371 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
10372 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
10373 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
10374 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
10375 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
10376 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
10377 The default value is @code{on}.
10378 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
10379 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
10380 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
10381 @end table
10382
10383
10384 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
10385 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
10386 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
10387 @c
10388 @c @table @code
10389 @c @item verify
10390 @c @item noverify (default)
10391 @c @end table
10392
10393 @node Dump/Restore Files
10394 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
10395 @cindex dump/restore files
10396 @cindex append data to a file
10397 @cindex dump data to a file
10398 @cindex restore data from a file
10399
10400 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
10401 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
10402 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
10403 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
10404 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
10405 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
10406 files.
10407
10408 @table @code
10409
10410 @kindex dump
10411 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
10412 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
10413 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
10414 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
10415
10416 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
10417 @table @code
10418 @item binary
10419 Raw binary form.
10420 @item ihex
10421 Intel hex format.
10422 @item srec
10423 Motorola S-record format.
10424 @item tekhex
10425 Tektronix Hex format.
10426 @end table
10427
10428 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
10429 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
10430 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
10431 form.
10432
10433 @kindex append
10434 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
10435 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
10436 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
10437 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
10438 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
10439
10440 @kindex restore
10441 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
10442 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
10443 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
10444 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
10445 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
10446
10447 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
10448 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
10449 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
10450 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
10451 from that location.
10452
10453 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
10454 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
10455 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
10456 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
10457
10458 @end table
10459
10460 @node Core File Generation
10461 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
10462 @cindex dump core from inferior
10463
10464 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
10465 image of a running process and its process status (register values
10466 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
10467 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
10468 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
10469 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
10470 the post-mortem debugging mode.
10471
10472 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
10473 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
10474 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
10475
10476 @table @code
10477 @kindex gcore
10478 @kindex generate-core-file
10479 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
10480 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
10481 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
10482 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
10483 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
10484 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
10485
10486 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
10487 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and S390).
10488 @end table
10489
10490 @node Character Sets
10491 @section Character Sets
10492 @cindex character sets
10493 @cindex charset
10494 @cindex translating between character sets
10495 @cindex host character set
10496 @cindex target character set
10497
10498 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
10499 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
10500 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
10501 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
10502 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
10503 @dfn{target character set}.
10504
10505 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
10506 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
10507 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
10508 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
10509 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
10510 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
10511 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
10512 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
10513 character and string literals in expressions.
10514
10515 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
10516 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
10517 target-charset} command, described below.
10518
10519 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
10520 support:
10521
10522 @table @code
10523 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
10524 @kindex set target-charset
10525 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
10526 list of supported target character sets, type
10527 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10528
10529 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
10530 @kindex set host-charset
10531 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
10532
10533 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
10534 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
10535 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
10536 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
10537 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
10538
10539 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
10540 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10541 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
10542
10543 @item set charset @var{charset}
10544 @kindex set charset
10545 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
10546 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
10547 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
10548 for both host and target.
10549
10550 @item show charset
10551 @kindex show charset
10552 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
10553
10554 @item show host-charset
10555 @kindex show host-charset
10556 Show the name of the current host character set.
10557
10558 @item show target-charset
10559 @kindex show target-charset
10560 Show the name of the current target character set.
10561
10562 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
10563 @kindex set target-wide-charset
10564 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
10565 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
10566 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
10567 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
10568
10569 @item show target-wide-charset
10570 @kindex show target-wide-charset
10571 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
10572 @end table
10573
10574 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
10575 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
10576 @file{charset-test.c}:
10577
10578 @smallexample
10579 #include <stdio.h>
10580
10581 char ascii_hello[]
10582 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
10583 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
10584 char ibm1047_hello[]
10585 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
10586 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
10587
10588 main ()
10589 @{
10590 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
10591 @}
10592 @end smallexample
10593
10594 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
10595 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
10596 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
10597
10598 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
10599
10600 @smallexample
10601 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
10602 $ gdb -nw charset-test
10603 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
10604 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
10605 @dots{}
10606 (@value{GDBP})
10607 @end smallexample
10608
10609 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
10610 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
10611 strings:
10612
10613 @smallexample
10614 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10615 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
10616 (@value{GDBP})
10617 @end smallexample
10618
10619 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
10620 initial character set:
10621 @smallexample
10622 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
10623 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10624 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
10625 (@value{GDBP})
10626 @end smallexample
10627
10628 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
10629 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
10630 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
10631 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
10632 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
10633
10634 @smallexample
10635 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10636 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
10637 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10638 $2 = 72 'H'
10639 (@value{GDBP})
10640 @end smallexample
10641
10642 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
10643 literals you use in expressions:
10644
10645 @smallexample
10646 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10647 $3 = 43 '+'
10648 (@value{GDBP})
10649 @end smallexample
10650
10651 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
10652 character.
10653
10654 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
10655 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
10656 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
10657
10658 @smallexample
10659 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10660 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
10661 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10662 $5 = 200 '\310'
10663 (@value{GDBP})
10664 @end smallexample
10665
10666 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
10667 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
10668
10669 @smallexample
10670 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10671 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
10672 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
10673 @end smallexample
10674
10675 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
10676 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
10677 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
10678 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
10679 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
10680
10681 @smallexample
10682 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
10683 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
10684 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
10685 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
10686 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
10687 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
10688 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
10689 $7 = 72 '\110'
10690 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
10691 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
10692 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
10693 $9 = 200 'H'
10694 (@value{GDBP})
10695 @end smallexample
10696
10697 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
10698 string literals you use in expressions:
10699
10700 @smallexample
10701 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
10702 $10 = 78 '+'
10703 (@value{GDBP})
10704 @end smallexample
10705
10706 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
10707 character.
10708
10709 @node Caching Remote Data
10710 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
10711 @cindex caching data of remote targets
10712
10713 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a
10714 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
10715 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
10716 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately, simply
10717 caching everything would lead to incorrect results, since @value{GDBN}
10718 does not necessarily know anything about volatile values, memory-mapped I/O
10719 addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode})
10720 memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command is executing.
10721 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
10722 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
10723 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
10724 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
10725 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.}.
10726 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
10727 cacheable; see @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
10728
10729 @table @code
10730 @kindex set remotecache
10731 @item set remotecache on
10732 @itemx set remotecache off
10733 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
10734 with old scripts.
10735
10736 @kindex show remotecache
10737 @item show remotecache
10738 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
10739
10740 @kindex set stack-cache
10741 @item set stack-cache on
10742 @itemx set stack-cache off
10743 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{ON}, use
10744 caching. By default, this option is @code{ON}.
10745
10746 @kindex show stack-cache
10747 @item show stack-cache
10748 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
10749
10750 @kindex info dcache
10751 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
10752 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
10753 information displayed includes the dcache width and depth, and for
10754 each cache line, its number, address, and how many times it was
10755 referenced. This command is useful for debugging the data cache
10756 operation.
10757
10758 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
10759 printed in hex.
10760
10761 @item set dcache size @var{size}
10762 @cindex dcache size
10763 @kindex set dcache size
10764 Set maximum number of entries in dcache (dcache depth above).
10765
10766 @item set dcache line-size @var{line-size}
10767 @cindex dcache line-size
10768 @kindex set dcache line-size
10769 Set number of bytes each dcache entry caches (dcache width above).
10770 Must be a power of 2.
10771
10772 @item show dcache size
10773 @kindex show dcache size
10774 Show maximum number of dcache entries. See also @ref{Caching Remote Data, info dcache}.
10775
10776 @item show dcache line-size
10777 @kindex show dcache line-size
10778 Show default size of dcache lines. See also @ref{Caching Remote Data, info dcache}.
10779
10780 @end table
10781
10782 @node Searching Memory
10783 @section Search Memory
10784 @cindex searching memory
10785
10786 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
10787 @code{find} command.
10788
10789 @table @code
10790 @kindex find
10791 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10792 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
10793 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
10794 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
10795 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
10796 @end table
10797
10798 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
10799 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
10800
10801 @table @r
10802 @item @var{s}, search query size
10803 The size of each search query value.
10804
10805 @table @code
10806 @item b
10807 bytes
10808 @item h
10809 halfwords (two bytes)
10810 @item w
10811 words (four bytes)
10812 @item g
10813 giant words (eight bytes)
10814 @end table
10815
10816 All values are interpreted in the current language.
10817 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
10818 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
10819
10820 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
10821 value's type in the current language.
10822 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
10823 pattern as a mixture of types.
10824 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
10825 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
10826 which is typically four bytes.
10827
10828 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
10829 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
10830 @end table
10831
10832 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
10833 (@code{"}).
10834 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
10835 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
10836
10837 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
10838 number of matches found.
10839
10840 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
10841 @samp{$_}.
10842 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
10843
10844 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
10845
10846 @smallexample
10847 void
10848 hello ()
10849 @{
10850 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
10851 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
10852 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
10853 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
10854 printf ("%s\n", hello);
10855 @}
10856 @end smallexample
10857
10858 @noindent
10859 you get during debugging:
10860
10861 @smallexample
10862 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
10863 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10864 1 pattern found
10865 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
10866 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
10867 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
10868 2 patterns found
10869 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
10870 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
10871 1 pattern found
10872 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
10873 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
10874 1 pattern found
10875 (gdb) print $numfound
10876 $1 = 1
10877 (gdb) print $_
10878 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
10879 @end smallexample
10880
10881 @node Optimized Code
10882 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
10883 @cindex optimized code, debugging
10884 @cindex debugging optimized code
10885
10886 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
10887 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
10888 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
10889 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
10890 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
10891 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
10892 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
10893
10894 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
10895 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
10896 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
10897 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
10898
10899 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
10900 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
10901 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
10902 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
10903 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
10904 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
10905
10906 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
10907 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
10908 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
10909 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
10910 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
10911
10912 @menu
10913 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
10914 * Tail Call Frames:: @value{GDBN} analysis of jumps to functions
10915 @end menu
10916
10917 @node Inline Functions
10918 @section Inline Functions
10919 @cindex inline functions, debugging
10920
10921 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
10922 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
10923 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
10924 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
10925 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
10926 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
10927 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
10928 @code{info frame} command.
10929
10930 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
10931 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
10932 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
10933 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
10934 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
10935 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
10936 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
10937 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
10938 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
10939 local variables in the caller.
10940
10941 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
10942 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
10943 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
10944 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
10945 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
10946 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
10947 instructions are executed.
10948
10949 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
10950 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
10951 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
10952 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
10953
10954 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
10955 function calls are the same as normal calls:
10956
10957 @itemize @bullet
10958 @item
10959 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
10960 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
10961 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
10962 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
10963 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
10964 or inside the inlined function instead.
10965
10966 @item
10967 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
10968 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
10969 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
10970 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
10971
10972 @end itemize
10973
10974 @node Tail Call Frames
10975 @section Tail Call Frames
10976 @cindex tail call frames, debugging
10977
10978 Function @code{B} can call function @code{C} in its very last statement. In
10979 unoptimized compilation the call of @code{C} is immediately followed by return
10980 instruction at the end of @code{B} code. Optimizing compiler may replace the
10981 call and return in function @code{B} into one jump to function @code{C}
10982 instead. Such use of a jump instruction is called @dfn{tail call}.
10983
10984 During execution of function @code{C}, there will be no indication in the
10985 function call stack frames that it was tail-called from @code{B}. If function
10986 @code{A} regularly calls function @code{B} which tail-calls function @code{C},
10987 then @value{GDBN} will see @code{A} as the caller of @code{C}. However, in
10988 some cases @value{GDBN} can determine that @code{C} was tail-called from
10989 @code{B}, and it will then create fictitious call frame for that, with the
10990 return address set up as if @code{B} called @code{C} normally.
10991
10992 This functionality is currently supported only by DWARF 2 debugging format and
10993 the compiler has to produce @samp{DW_TAG_GNU_call_site} tags. With
10994 @value{NGCC}, you need to specify @option{-O -g} during compilation, to get
10995 this information.
10996
10997 @kbd{info frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info}) will indicate the tail call frame
10998 kind by text @code{tail call frame} such as in this sample @value{GDBN} output:
10999
11000 @smallexample
11001 (gdb) x/i $pc - 2
11002 0x40066b <b(int, double)+11>: jmp 0x400640 <c(int, double)>
11003 (gdb) info frame
11004 Stack level 1, frame at 0x7fffffffda30:
11005 rip = 0x40066d in b (amd64-entry-value.cc:59); saved rip 0x4004c5
11006 tail call frame, caller of frame at 0x7fffffffda30
11007 source language c++.
11008 Arglist at unknown address.
11009 Locals at unknown address, Previous frame's sp is 0x7fffffffda30
11010 @end smallexample
11011
11012 The detection of all the possible code path executions can find them ambiguous.
11013 There is no execution history stored (possible @ref{Reverse Execution} is never
11014 used for this purpose) and the last known caller could have reached the known
11015 callee by multiple different jump sequences. In such case @value{GDBN} still
11016 tries to show at least all the unambiguous top tail callers and all the
11017 unambiguous bottom tail calees, if any.
11018
11019 @table @code
11020 @anchor{set debug entry-values}
11021 @item set debug entry-values
11022 @kindex set debug entry-values
11023 When set to on, enables printing of analysis messages for both frame argument
11024 values at function entry and tail calls. It will show all the possible valid
11025 tail calls code paths it has considered. It will also print the intersection
11026 of them with the final unambiguous (possibly partial or even empty) code path
11027 result.
11028
11029 @item show debug entry-values
11030 @kindex show debug entry-values
11031 Show the current state of analysis messages printing for both frame argument
11032 values at function entry and tail calls.
11033 @end table
11034
11035 The analysis messages for tail calls can for example show why the virtual tail
11036 call frame for function @code{c} has not been recognized (due to the indirect
11037 reference by variable @code{x}):
11038
11039 @smallexample
11040 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void);
11041 void (*x) (void) = c;
11042 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
11043 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ a (); @}
11044 int main (void) @{ x (); return 0; @}
11045
11046 Breakpoint 1, DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving cannot find
11047 DW_TAG_GNU_call_site 0x40039a in main
11048 a () at t.c:3
11049 3 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ x++; @}
11050 (gdb) bt
11051 #0 a () at t.c:3
11052 #1 0x000000000040039a in main () at t.c:5
11053 @end smallexample
11054
11055 Another possibility is an ambiguous virtual tail call frames resolution:
11056
11057 @smallexample
11058 int i;
11059 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) f (void) @{ i++; @}
11060 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) e (void) @{ f (); @}
11061 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) d (void) @{ f (); @}
11062 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (void) @{ d (); @}
11063 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (void)
11064 @{ if (i) c (); else e (); @}
11065 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (void) @{ b (); @}
11066 int main (void) @{ a (); return 0; @}
11067
11068 tailcall: initial: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004ce(b) 0x4004b2(c) 0x4004a2(d)
11069 tailcall: compare: 0x4004d2(a) 0x4004cc(b) 0x400492(e)
11070 tailcall: reduced: 0x4004d2(a) |
11071 (gdb) bt
11072 #0 f () at t.c:2
11073 #1 0x00000000004004d2 in a () at t.c:8
11074 #2 0x0000000000400395 in main () at t.c:9
11075 @end smallexample
11076
11077 @set CALLSEQ1A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}c@value{ARROW}d@value{ARROW}f}
11078 @set CALLSEQ2A @code{main@value{ARROW}a@value{ARROW}b@value{ARROW}e@value{ARROW}f}
11079
11080 @c Convert CALLSEQ#A to CALLSEQ#B depending on HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK.
11081 @ifset HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
11082 @set ARROW @click{}
11083 @set CALLSEQ1B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ1A}}
11084 @set CALLSEQ2B @clicksequence{@value{CALLSEQ2A}}
11085 @end ifset
11086 @ifclear HAVE_MAKEINFO_CLICK
11087 @set ARROW ->
11088 @set CALLSEQ1B @value{CALLSEQ1A}
11089 @set CALLSEQ2B @value{CALLSEQ2A}
11090 @end ifclear
11091
11092 Frames #0 and #2 are real, #1 is a virtual tail call frame.
11093 The code can have possible execution paths @value{CALLSEQ1B} or
11094 @value{CALLSEQ2B}, @value{GDBN} cannot find which one from the inferior state.
11095
11096 @code{initial:} state shows some random possible calling sequence @value{GDBN}
11097 has found. It then finds another possible calling sequcen - that one is
11098 prefixed by @code{compare:}. The non-ambiguous intersection of these two is
11099 printed as the @code{reduced:} calling sequence. That one could have many
11100 futher @code{compare:} and @code{reduced:} statements as long as there remain
11101 any non-ambiguous sequence entries.
11102
11103 For the frame of function @code{b} in both cases there are different possible
11104 @code{$pc} values (@code{0x4004cc} or @code{0x4004ce}), therefore this frame is
11105 also ambigous. The only non-ambiguous frame is the one for function @code{a},
11106 therefore this one is displayed to the user while the ambiguous frames are
11107 omitted.
11108
11109 There can be also reasons why printing of frame argument values at function
11110 entry may fail:
11111
11112 @smallexample
11113 int v;
11114 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) c (int i) @{ v++; @}
11115 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i);
11116 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) b (int i) @{ a (i); @}
11117 static void __attribute__((noinline, noclone)) a (int i)
11118 @{ if (i) b (i - 1); else c (0); @}
11119 int main (void) @{ a (5); return 0; @}
11120
11121 (gdb) bt
11122 #0 c (i=i@@entry=0) at t.c:2
11123 #1 0x0000000000400428 in a (DW_OP_GNU_entry_value resolving has found
11124 function "a" at 0x400420 can call itself via tail calls
11125 i=<optimized out>) at t.c:6
11126 #2 0x000000000040036e in main () at t.c:7
11127 @end smallexample
11128
11129 @value{GDBN} cannot find out from the inferior state if and how many times did
11130 function @code{a} call itself (via function @code{b}) as these calls would be
11131 tail calls. Such tail calls would modify thue @code{i} variable, therefore
11132 @value{GDBN} cannot be sure the value it knows would be right - @value{GDBN}
11133 prints @code{<optimized out>} instead.
11134
11135 @node Macros
11136 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
11137
11138 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
11139 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
11140 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
11141 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
11142 where it was defined.
11143
11144 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
11145 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
11146 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
11147 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
11148
11149 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
11150 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
11151 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
11152 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
11153 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
11154 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
11155 see @ref{List}.
11156
11157 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
11158 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
11159 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
11160
11161 @table @code
11162
11163 @kindex macro expand
11164 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
11165 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
11166 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
11167 @item macro expand @var{expression}
11168 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
11169 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
11170 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
11171 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
11172 it can be any string of tokens.
11173
11174 @kindex macro exp1
11175 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
11176 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
11177 @cindex expand macro once
11178 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
11179 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
11180 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
11181 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
11182 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
11183 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
11184 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
11185 can be any string of tokens.
11186
11187 @kindex info macro
11188 @cindex macro definition, showing
11189 @cindex definition of a macro, showing
11190 @cindex macros, from debug info
11191 @item info macro [-a|-all] [--] @var{macro}
11192 Show the current definition or all definitions of the named @var{macro},
11193 and describe the source location or compiler command-line where that
11194 definition was established. The optional double dash is to signify the end of
11195 argument processing and the beginning of @var{macro} for non C-like macros where
11196 the macro may begin with a hyphen.
11197
11198 @kindex info macros
11199 @item info macros @var{linespec}
11200 Show all macro definitions that are in effect at the location specified
11201 by @var{linespec}, and describe the source location or compiler
11202 command-line where those definitions were established.
11203
11204 @kindex macro define
11205 @cindex user-defined macros
11206 @cindex defining macros interactively
11207 @cindex macros, user-defined
11208 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
11209 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
11210 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
11211 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
11212 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
11213 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
11214 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
11215 @var{arglist}.
11216
11217 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
11218 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
11219 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
11220 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
11221 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
11222
11223 @kindex macro undef
11224 @item macro undef @var{macro}
11225 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
11226 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
11227 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
11228 in the program being debugged.
11229
11230 @kindex macro list
11231 @item macro list
11232 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
11233 @end table
11234
11235 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
11236 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
11237 show our source files:
11238
11239 @smallexample
11240 $ cat sample.c
11241 #include <stdio.h>
11242 #include "sample.h"
11243
11244 #define M 42
11245 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
11246
11247 main ()
11248 @{
11249 #define N 28
11250 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11251 #undef N
11252 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11253 #define N 1729
11254 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
11255 @}
11256 $ cat sample.h
11257 #define Q <
11258 $
11259 @end smallexample
11260
11261 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
11262 @value{NGCC}. We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2}@footnote{This is the
11263 minimum. Recent versions of @value{NGCC} support @option{-gdwarf-3}
11264 and @option{-gdwarf-4}; we recommend always choosing the most recent
11265 version of DWARF.} @emph{and} @option{-g3} flags to ensure the compiler
11266 includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
11267 information.
11268
11269 @smallexample
11270 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
11271 $
11272 @end smallexample
11273
11274 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
11275
11276 @smallexample
11277 $ gdb -nw sample
11278 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
11279 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
11280 GDB is free software, @dots{}
11281 (@value{GDBP})
11282 @end smallexample
11283
11284 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
11285 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
11286 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
11287
11288 @smallexample
11289 (@value{GDBP}) list main
11290 3
11291 4 #define M 42
11292 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
11293 6
11294 7 main ()
11295 8 @{
11296 9 #define N 28
11297 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11298 11 #undef N
11299 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11300 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
11301 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
11302 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
11303 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
11304 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
11305 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
11306 #define Q <
11307 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
11308 expands to: (42 + 1)
11309 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
11310 expands to: once (M + 1)
11311 (@value{GDBP})
11312 @end smallexample
11313
11314 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
11315 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
11316 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
11317 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
11318
11319 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
11320 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
11321
11322 @smallexample
11323 (@value{GDBP}) break main
11324 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
11325 (@value{GDBP}) run
11326 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
11327
11328 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
11329 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
11330 (@value{GDBP})
11331 @end smallexample
11332
11333 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
11334
11335 @smallexample
11336 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11337 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
11338 #define N 28
11339 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
11340 expands to: 28 < 42
11341 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
11342 $1 = 1
11343 (@value{GDBP})
11344 @end smallexample
11345
11346 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
11347 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
11348 thereof) in force at each point:
11349
11350 @smallexample
11351 (@value{GDBP}) next
11352 Hello, world!
11353 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
11354 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11355 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
11356 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
11357 (@value{GDBP}) next
11358 We're so creative.
11359 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
11360 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
11361 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
11362 #define N 1729
11363 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
11364 expands to: 1729 < 42
11365 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
11366 $2 = 0
11367 (@value{GDBP})
11368 @end smallexample
11369
11370 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
11371 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
11372 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
11373 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
11374
11375 @smallexample
11376 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
11377 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
11378 -D__STDC__=1
11379 (@value{GDBP})
11380 @end smallexample
11381
11382
11383 @node Tracepoints
11384 @chapter Tracepoints
11385 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
11386 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
11387
11388 @cindex tracepoints
11389 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
11390 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
11391 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
11392 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
11393 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
11394 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
11395 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
11396
11397 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
11398 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
11399 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
11400 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
11401 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
11402 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
11403 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
11404 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
11405 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
11406 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
11407 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
11408
11409 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
11410 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
11411 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
11412 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
11413 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
11414 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
11415 Packets}.
11416
11417 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
11418 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
11419 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
11420
11421 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
11422
11423 @menu
11424 * Set Tracepoints::
11425 * Analyze Collected Data::
11426 * Tracepoint Variables::
11427 * Trace Files::
11428 @end menu
11429
11430 @node Set Tracepoints
11431 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
11432
11433 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
11434 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
11435 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
11436 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
11437 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
11438 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
11439 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
11440
11441 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
11442 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
11443 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
11444 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
11445 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
11446 tracepoint was hit.
11447
11448 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
11449 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
11450 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
11451 either.
11452
11453 @cindex fast tracepoints
11454 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
11455 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
11456 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
11457
11458 @cindex static tracepoints
11459 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
11460 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
11461 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
11462 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
11463 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
11464 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
11465 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
11466 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
11467 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
11468 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
11469 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
11470 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
11471 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
11472 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namely, support for collecting
11473 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
11474 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
11475 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
11476 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
11477 static tracepoint marker.
11478
11479 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
11480 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
11481
11482 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
11483 conditions and actions.
11484
11485 @menu
11486 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
11487 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
11488 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
11489 * Tracepoint Conditions::
11490 * Trace State Variables::
11491 * Tracepoint Actions::
11492 * Listing Tracepoints::
11493 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
11494 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
11495 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
11496 @end menu
11497
11498 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
11499 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
11500
11501 @table @code
11502 @cindex set tracepoint
11503 @kindex trace
11504 @item trace @var{location}
11505 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
11506 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
11507 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
11508 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
11509 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
11510 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
11511 changing its actions takes effect immediately if the remote stub
11512 supports the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature (@pxref{install tracepoint
11513 in tracing}).
11514 If remote stub doesn't support the @samp{InstallInTrace} feature, all
11515 these changes don't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
11516 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
11517 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts. In addition,
11518 @value{GDBN} supports @dfn{pending tracepoints}---tracepoints whose
11519 address is not yet resolved. (This is similar to pending breakpoints.)
11520 Pending tracepoints are not downloaded to the target and not installed
11521 until they are resolved. The resolution of pending tracepoints requires
11522 @value{GDBN} support---when debugging with the remote target, and
11523 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the remote stub (@pxref{disconnected
11524 tracing}), pending tracepoints can not be resolved (and downloaded to
11525 the remote stub) while @value{GDBN} is disconnected.
11526
11527 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
11528
11529 @smallexample
11530 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
11531
11532 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
11533
11534 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
11535
11536 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
11537
11538 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
11539 @end smallexample
11540
11541 @noindent
11542 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
11543
11544 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
11545 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
11546 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
11547 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
11548 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
11549 information on tracepoint conditions.
11550
11551 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11552 @cindex set fast tracepoint
11553 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
11554 @kindex ftrace
11555 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
11556 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
11557 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
11558 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
11559 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
11560 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
11561 message.
11562
11563 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
11564 @code{trace}.
11565
11566 On 32-bit x86-architecture systems, fast tracepoints normally need to
11567 be placed at an instruction that is 5 bytes or longer, but can be
11568 placed at 4-byte instructions if the low 64K of memory of the target
11569 program is available to install trampolines. Some Unix-type systems,
11570 such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, exclude low addresses from the program's
11571 address space; but for instance with the Linux kernel it is possible
11572 to let @value{GDBN} use this area by doing a @command{sysctl} command
11573 to set the @code{mmap_min_addr} kernel parameter, as in
11574
11575 @example
11576 sudo sysctl -w vm.mmap_min_addr=32768
11577 @end example
11578
11579 @noindent
11580 which sets the low address to 32K, which leaves plenty of room for
11581 trampolines. The minimum address should be set to a page boundary.
11582
11583 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
11584 @cindex set static tracepoint
11585 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
11586 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
11587 @kindex strace
11588 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
11589 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
11590 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
11591 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
11592 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
11593
11594 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
11595 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
11596 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
11597 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
11598 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
11599 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
11600 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
11601 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
11602 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
11603 tracing engine:
11604
11605 @smallexample
11606 main ()
11607 @{
11608 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
11609 @}
11610 @end smallexample
11611
11612 @noindent
11613 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
11614 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
11615
11616 @smallexample
11617 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
11618 Cnt Enb ID Address What
11619 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
11620 Data: "str %s"
11621 [etc...]
11622 @end smallexample
11623
11624 @noindent
11625 so you may probe the marker above with:
11626
11627 @smallexample
11628 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
11629 @end smallexample
11630
11631 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
11632 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
11633 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
11634 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
11635 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
11636 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
11637 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
11638 the @samp{Data:} field.
11639
11640 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
11641 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
11642 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
11643
11644 @vindex $tpnum
11645 @cindex last tracepoint number
11646 @cindex recent tracepoint number
11647 @cindex tracepoint number
11648 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
11649 of the most recently set tracepoint.
11650
11651 @kindex delete tracepoint
11652 @cindex tracepoint deletion
11653 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11654 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
11655 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
11656 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
11657
11658 Examples:
11659
11660 @smallexample
11661 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
11662
11663 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
11664 @end smallexample
11665
11666 @noindent
11667 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
11668 @end table
11669
11670 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11671 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
11672
11673 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
11674
11675 @table @code
11676 @kindex disable tracepoint
11677 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11678 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
11679 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
11680 a trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
11681 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
11682 If the command is issued during a trace experiment and the debug target
11683 has support for disabling tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the
11684 change will be effective immediately. Otherwise, it will be applied to the
11685 next trace experiment.
11686
11687 @kindex enable tracepoint
11688 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11689 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. If this command is
11690 issued during a trace experiment and the debug target supports enabling
11691 tracepoints during a trace experiment, then the enabled tracepoints will
11692 become effective immediately. Otherwise, they will become effective the
11693 next time a trace experiment is run.
11694 @end table
11695
11696 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
11697 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
11698
11699 @table @code
11700 @kindex passcount
11701 @cindex tracepoint pass count
11702 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
11703 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
11704 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
11705 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
11706 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
11707 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
11708 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
11709 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
11710 user.
11711
11712 Examples:
11713
11714 @smallexample
11715 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
11716 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
11717
11718 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
11719 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
11720 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11721 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
11722 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
11723 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
11724 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
11725 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
11726 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
11727 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
11728 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
11729 @end smallexample
11730 @end table
11731
11732 @node Tracepoint Conditions
11733 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
11734 @cindex conditional tracepoints
11735 @cindex tracepoint conditions
11736
11737 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
11738 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
11739 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
11740 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
11741 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
11742 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
11743 is true.
11744
11745 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
11746 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
11747 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
11748 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
11749 just as with breakpoints.
11750
11751 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
11752 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
11753 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions})
11754 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
11755 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
11756 accesses, and so forth.
11757
11758 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
11759 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
11760 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
11761 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
11762 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
11763 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
11764 search through.
11765
11766 @smallexample
11767 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
11768 @end smallexample
11769
11770 @node Trace State Variables
11771 @subsection Trace State Variables
11772 @cindex trace state variables
11773
11774 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
11775 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
11776 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
11777 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
11778 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
11779 integers.
11780
11781 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
11782 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
11783 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
11784 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
11785
11786 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
11787 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
11788 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
11789 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
11790 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
11791 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
11792 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
11793 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
11794 variable with the same name.
11795
11796 @table @code
11797
11798 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
11799 @kindex tvariable
11800 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
11801 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
11802 @var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
11803 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
11804 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
11805 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
11806 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
11807 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
11808 value. The default initial value is 0.
11809
11810 @item info tvariables
11811 @kindex info tvariables
11812 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
11813 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
11814 currently running.
11815
11816 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
11817 @kindex delete tvariable
11818 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
11819 are specified.
11820
11821 @end table
11822
11823 @node Tracepoint Actions
11824 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
11825
11826 @table @code
11827 @kindex actions
11828 @cindex tracepoint actions
11829 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
11830 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
11831 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
11832 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
11833 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
11834 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
11835 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
11836 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
11837 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
11838 @code{while-stepping}.
11839
11840 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
11841 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
11842 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
11843
11844 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
11845 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
11846 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
11847
11848 @smallexample
11849 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
11850
11851 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
11852
11853 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
11854 @end smallexample
11855
11856 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
11857 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
11858 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
11859 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
11860 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
11861 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
11862 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
11863 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
11864
11865 @smallexample
11866 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
11867 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
11868 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
11869 > collect bar,baz
11870 > collect $regs
11871 > while-stepping 12
11872 > collect $pc, arr[i]
11873 > end
11874 end
11875 @end smallexample
11876
11877 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
11878 @item collect@r{[}/@var{mods}@r{]} @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11879 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
11880 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
11881 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
11882 special arguments are supported:
11883
11884 @table @code
11885 @item $regs
11886 Collect all registers.
11887
11888 @item $args
11889 Collect all function arguments.
11890
11891 @item $locals
11892 Collect all local variables.
11893
11894 @item $_ret
11895 Collect the return address. This is helpful if you want to see more
11896 of a backtrace.
11897
11898 @item $_probe_argc
11899 Collects the number of arguments from the static probe at which the
11900 tracepoint is located.
11901 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11902
11903 @item $_probe_arg@var{n}
11904 @var{n} is an integer between 0 and 11. Collects the @var{n}th argument
11905 from the static probe at which the tracepoint is located.
11906 @xref{Static Probe Points}.
11907
11908 @item $_sdata
11909 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
11910 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
11911 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
11912 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
11913 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
11914 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
11915 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
11916 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
11917 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
11918
11919 @smallexample
11920 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
11921 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
11922 @end smallexample
11923
11924 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
11925 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
11926 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
11927 @value{GDBN}.
11928 @end table
11929
11930 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
11931 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
11932 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
11933
11934 The optional @var{mods} changes the usual handling of the arguments.
11935 @code{s} requests that pointers to chars be handled as strings, in
11936 particular collecting the contents of the memory being pointed at, up
11937 to the first zero. The upper bound is by default the value of the
11938 @code{print elements} variable; if @code{s} is followed by a decimal
11939 number, that is the upper bound instead. So for instance
11940 @samp{collect/s25 mystr} collects as many as 25 characters at
11941 @samp{mystr}.
11942
11943 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
11944 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
11945
11946 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
11947 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11948 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
11949 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
11950 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
11951 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
11952 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
11953 action were used.
11954
11955 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
11956 @item while-stepping @var{n}
11957 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
11958 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
11959 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
11960 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
11961
11962 @smallexample
11963 > while-stepping 12
11964 > collect $regs, myglobal
11965 > end
11966 >
11967 @end smallexample
11968
11969 @noindent
11970 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
11971 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
11972 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
11973 @code{stepping}.
11974
11975 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
11976 @kindex set default-collect
11977 @cindex default collection action
11978 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
11979 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
11980 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
11981 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
11982 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
11983 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
11984
11985 @item show default-collect
11986 @kindex show default-collect
11987 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
11988 tracepoint hit.
11989
11990 @end table
11991
11992 @node Listing Tracepoints
11993 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
11994
11995 @table @code
11996 @kindex info tracepoints @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
11997 @kindex info tp @r{[}@var{n}@dots{}@r{]}
11998 @cindex information about tracepoints
11999 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@dots{}@r{]}
12000 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
12001 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
12002 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
12003 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
12004 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
12005
12006 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
12007 tracing:
12008
12009 @itemize @bullet
12010 @item
12011 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
12012
12013 @item
12014 the state about installed on target of each location
12015 @end itemize
12016
12017 @smallexample
12018 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
12019 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
12020 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
12021 while-stepping 20
12022 collect globfoo, $regs
12023 end
12024 collect globfoo2
12025 end
12026 pass count 1200
12027 2 tracepoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
12028 collect $eip
12029 2.1 y 0x0804859c in func4 at change-loc.h:35
12030 installed on target
12031 2.2 y 0xb7ffc480 in func4 at change-loc.h:35
12032 installed on target
12033 2.3 y <PENDING> set_tracepoint
12034 3 tracepoint keep y 0x080485b1 in foo at change-loc.c:29
12035 not installed on target
12036 (@value{GDBP})
12037 @end smallexample
12038
12039 @noindent
12040 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
12041 @end table
12042
12043 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
12044 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
12045
12046 @table @code
12047 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
12048 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
12049 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
12050 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
12051 program.
12052
12053 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
12054
12055 @table @emph
12056 @item Count
12057 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
12058 stable identifier.
12059 @item ID
12060 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
12061 @item Enabled or Disabled
12062 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
12063 that are not enabled.
12064 @item Address
12065 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
12066 @item What
12067 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
12068 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
12069 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
12070 will be left blank.
12071 @end table
12072
12073 @noindent
12074 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
12075
12076 @table @emph
12077 @item Data
12078 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
12079 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
12080 marker call.
12081 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
12082 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
12083 @end table
12084
12085 @smallexample
12086 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
12087 Cnt ID Enb Address What
12088 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
12089 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
12090 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
12091 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
12092 Data: str %s
12093 (@value{GDBP})
12094 @end smallexample
12095 @end table
12096
12097 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
12098 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
12099
12100 @table @code
12101 @kindex tstart [ @var{notes} ]
12102 @cindex start a new trace experiment
12103 @cindex collected data discarded
12104 @item tstart
12105 This command starts the trace experiment, and begins collecting data.
12106 It has the side effect of discarding all the data collected in the
12107 trace buffer during the previous trace experiment. If any arguments
12108 are supplied, they are taken as a note and stored with the trace
12109 experiment's state. The notes may be arbitrary text, and are
12110 especially useful with disconnected tracing in a multi-user context;
12111 the notes can explain what the trace is doing, supply user contact
12112 information, and so forth.
12113
12114 @kindex tstop [ @var{notes} ]
12115 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
12116 @item tstop
12117 This command stops the trace experiment. If any arguments are
12118 supplied, they are recorded with the experiment as a note. This is
12119 useful if you are stopping a trace started by someone else, for
12120 instance if the trace is interfering with the system's behavior and
12121 needs to be stopped quickly.
12122
12123 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
12124 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
12125 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
12126
12127 @kindex tstatus
12128 @cindex status of trace data collection
12129 @cindex trace experiment, status of
12130 @item tstatus
12131 This command displays the status of the current trace data
12132 collection.
12133 @end table
12134
12135 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
12136
12137 @smallexample
12138 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
12139 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12140 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
12141 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
12142 > while-stepping 11
12143 > collect $regs
12144 > end
12145 > end
12146 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
12147 [time passes @dots{}]
12148 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
12149 @end smallexample
12150
12151 @anchor{disconnected tracing}
12152 @cindex disconnected tracing
12153 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
12154 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
12155 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
12156 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
12157 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
12158 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
12159 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
12160 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
12161
12162 @table @code
12163 @item set disconnected-tracing on
12164 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
12165 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
12166 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
12167 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
12168 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
12169 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
12170 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
12171
12172 @item show disconnected-tracing
12173 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
12174 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
12175
12176 @end table
12177
12178 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
12179 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
12180 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
12181 it will continue after reconnection.
12182
12183 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
12184 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
12185 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
12186 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
12187 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
12188 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
12189 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
12190 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
12191 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
12192 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
12193
12194 @cindex circular trace buffer
12195 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
12196 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
12197 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
12198 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
12199 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
12200 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
12201 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
12202 @samp{circular-trace-buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
12203 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
12204 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
12205 the next run.
12206
12207 @table @code
12208 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
12209 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
12210 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
12211 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
12212 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
12213 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
12214 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
12215
12216 @item show circular-trace-buffer
12217 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
12218 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
12219 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
12220 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
12221 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
12222
12223 @end table
12224
12225 @table @code
12226 @item set trace-buffer-size @var{n}
12227 @itemx set trace-buffer-size unlimited
12228 @kindex set trace-buffer-size
12229 Request that the target use a trace buffer of @var{n} bytes. Not all
12230 targets will honor the request; they may have a compiled-in size for
12231 the trace buffer, or some other limitation. Set to a value of
12232 @code{unlimited} or @code{-1} to let the target use whatever size it
12233 likes. This is also the default.
12234
12235 @item show trace-buffer-size
12236 @kindex show trace-buffer-size
12237 Show the current requested size for the trace buffer. Note that this
12238 will only match the actual size if the target supports size-setting,
12239 and was able to handle the requested size. For instance, if the
12240 target can only change buffer size between runs, this variable will
12241 not reflect the change until the next run starts. Use @code{tstatus}
12242 to get a report of the actual buffer size.
12243 @end table
12244
12245 @table @code
12246 @item set trace-user @var{text}
12247 @kindex set trace-user
12248
12249 @item show trace-user
12250 @kindex show trace-user
12251
12252 @item set trace-notes @var{text}
12253 @kindex set trace-notes
12254 Set the trace run's notes.
12255
12256 @item show trace-notes
12257 @kindex show trace-notes
12258 Show the trace run's notes.
12259
12260 @item set trace-stop-notes @var{text}
12261 @kindex set trace-stop-notes
12262 Set the trace run's stop notes. The handling of the note is as for
12263 @code{tstop} arguments; the set command is convenient way to fix a
12264 stop note that is mistaken or incomplete.
12265
12266 @item show trace-stop-notes
12267 @kindex show trace-stop-notes
12268 Show the trace run's stop notes.
12269
12270 @end table
12271
12272 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
12273 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
12274
12275 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
12276 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
12277 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
12278 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
12279 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
12280 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
12281 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
12282 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
12283 mentioned here.
12284
12285 @itemize @bullet
12286
12287 @item
12288 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
12289 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
12290 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
12291 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
12292 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
12293 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
12294 cannot be collected either.
12295
12296 @item
12297 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
12298 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
12299 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
12300 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
12301 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
12302 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
12303 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
12304 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
12305 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
12306 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
12307
12308 @item
12309 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
12310 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
12311 in a misleading way.
12312
12313 @item
12314 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
12315 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
12316 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
12317 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
12318 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
12319 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
12320 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
12321 by @code{ptr}.
12322
12323 @item
12324 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
12325 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
12326 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*(unsigned char *)$esp@@300}
12327 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
12328 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
12329 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
12330 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
12331 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
12332 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
12333 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
12334 invalid address.
12335
12336 @item
12337 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
12338 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
12339 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
12340 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
12341 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
12342 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
12343 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
12344 it to zero.
12345
12346 @end itemize
12347
12348 @node Analyze Collected Data
12349 @section Using the Collected Data
12350
12351 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
12352 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
12353 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
12354 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
12355 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
12356 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
12357 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
12358 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
12359 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
12360 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
12361 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
12362 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
12363 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
12364 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
12365 the buffer will fail.
12366
12367 @menu
12368 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
12369 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
12370 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
12371 @end menu
12372
12373 @node tfind
12374 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
12375
12376 @kindex tfind
12377 @cindex select trace snapshot
12378 @cindex find trace snapshot
12379 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
12380 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
12381 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
12382 snapshot is selected.
12383
12384 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
12385
12386 @table @code
12387 @item tfind start
12388 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
12389 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
12390
12391 @item tfind none
12392 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
12393
12394 @item tfind end
12395 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
12396
12397 @item tfind
12398 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
12399
12400 @item tfind -
12401 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
12402 retracing earlier steps.
12403
12404 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
12405 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
12406 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
12407 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
12408 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
12409
12410 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
12411 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
12412 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
12413 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
12414 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
12415
12416 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
12417 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
12418 addresses (exclusive).
12419
12420 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
12421 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
12422 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
12423
12424 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
12425 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
12426 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
12427 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
12428 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
12429 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
12430 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
12431 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
12432 @end table
12433
12434 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
12435 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
12436 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
12437 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
12438 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
12439 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
12440 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
12441 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
12442 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
12443 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
12444 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
12445 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
12446 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
12447 tracepoint as the current one.
12448
12449 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
12450 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
12451 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
12452 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
12453 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
12454
12455 @smallexample
12456 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12457 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
12458 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
12459 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
12460 > tfind
12461 > end
12462
12463 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
12464 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
12465 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
12466 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
12467 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
12468 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
12469 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
12470 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
12471 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
12472 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
12473 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
12474 @end smallexample
12475
12476 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
12477 the buffer:
12478
12479 @smallexample
12480 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12481 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
12482 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
12483 > tfind line
12484 > end
12485
12486 Frame 0, X = 1
12487 Frame 7, X = 2
12488 Frame 13, X = 255
12489 @end smallexample
12490
12491 @node tdump
12492 @subsection @code{tdump}
12493 @kindex tdump
12494 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
12495 @cindex tracepoint data, display
12496
12497 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
12498 the current trace snapshot.
12499
12500 @smallexample
12501 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
12502 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
12503 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
12504 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
12505 > end
12506
12507 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
12508
12509 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
12510 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
12511 at gdb_test.c:444
12512 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
12513
12514 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
12515 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
12516 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
12517 d1 0x18 24
12518 d2 0x80 128
12519 d3 0x33 51
12520 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
12521 d5 0x22 34
12522 d6 0xe0 224
12523 d7 0x380035 3670069
12524 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
12525 a1 0x3000668 50333288
12526 a2 0x100 256
12527 a3 0x322000 3284992
12528 a4 0x3000698 50333336
12529 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
12530 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
12531 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
12532 ps 0x0 0
12533 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
12534 fpcontrol 0x0 0
12535 fpstatus 0x0 0
12536 fpiaddr 0x0 0
12537 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
12538 p1 = (void *) 0x11
12539 p2 = (void *) 0x22
12540 p3 = (void *) 0x33
12541 p4 = (void *) 0x44
12542 p5 = (void *) 0x55
12543 p6 = (void *) 0x66
12544 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
12545
12546 (@value{GDBP})
12547 @end smallexample
12548
12549 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
12550 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
12551 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
12552 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
12553
12554 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
12555 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
12556 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
12557 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
12558 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
12559 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
12560 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
12561 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
12562 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
12563 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
12564
12565 @node save tracepoints
12566 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
12567 @kindex save tracepoints
12568 @kindex save-tracepoints
12569 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
12570
12571 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
12572 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
12573 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
12574 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
12575 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
12576 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
12577
12578 @node Tracepoint Variables
12579 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
12580 @cindex tracepoint variables
12581 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
12582
12583 @table @code
12584 @vindex $trace_frame
12585 @item (int) $trace_frame
12586 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
12587 snapshot is selected.
12588
12589 @vindex $tracepoint
12590 @item (int) $tracepoint
12591 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
12592
12593 @vindex $trace_line
12594 @item (int) $trace_line
12595 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
12596
12597 @vindex $trace_file
12598 @item (char []) $trace_file
12599 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
12600
12601 @vindex $trace_func
12602 @item (char []) $trace_func
12603 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
12604 @end table
12605
12606 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
12607 use @code{output} instead.
12608
12609 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
12610 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
12611 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
12612 which are managed by the target.
12613
12614 @smallexample
12615 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
12616
12617 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
12618 > output $trace_file
12619 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
12620 > tfind
12621 > end
12622 @end smallexample
12623
12624 @node Trace Files
12625 @section Using Trace Files
12626 @cindex trace files
12627
12628 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
12629 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
12630 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
12631 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
12632 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
12633
12634 @table @code
12635
12636 @kindex tsave
12637 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
12638 @itemx tsave [-ctf] @var{dirname}
12639 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
12640 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
12641 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
12642 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
12643 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
12644 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
12645 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
12646 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
12647 By default, this command will save trace frame in tfile format.
12648 You can supply the optional argument @code{-ctf} to save date in CTF
12649 format. The @dfn{Common Trace Format} (CTF) is proposed as a trace format
12650 that can be shared by multiple debugging and tracing tools. Please go to
12651 @indicateurl{http://www.efficios.com/ctf} to get more information.
12652
12653 @kindex target tfile
12654 @kindex tfile
12655 @kindex target ctf
12656 @kindex ctf
12657 @item target tfile @var{filename}
12658 @itemx target ctf @var{dirname}
12659 Use the file named @var{filename} or directory named @var{dirname} as
12660 a source of trace data. Commands that examine data work as they do with
12661 a live target, but it is not possible to run any new trace experiments.
12662 @code{tstatus} will report the state of the trace run at the moment
12663 the data was saved, as well as the current trace frame you are examining.
12664 @var{filename} or @var{dirname} must be on a filesystem accessible to
12665 the host.
12666
12667 @smallexample
12668 (@value{GDBP}) target ctf ctf.ctf
12669 (@value{GDBP}) tfind
12670 Found trace frame 0, tracepoint 2
12671 39 ++a; /* set tracepoint 1 here */
12672 (@value{GDBP}) tdump
12673 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 0:
12674 i = 0
12675 a = 0
12676 b = 1 '\001'
12677 c = @{"123", "456", "789", "123", "456", "789"@}
12678 d = @{@{@{a = 1, b = 2@}, @{a = 3, b = 4@}@}, @{@{a = 5, b = 6@}, @{a = 7, b = 8@}@}@}
12679 (@value{GDBP}) p b
12680 $1 = 1
12681 @end smallexample
12682
12683 @end table
12684
12685 @node Overlays
12686 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
12687 @cindex overlays
12688
12689 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
12690 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
12691 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
12692 use overlays.
12693
12694 @menu
12695 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
12696 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
12697 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
12698 mapped by asking the inferior.
12699 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
12700 @end menu
12701
12702 @node How Overlays Work
12703 @section How Overlays Work
12704 @cindex mapped overlays
12705 @cindex unmapped overlays
12706 @cindex load address, overlay's
12707 @cindex mapped address
12708 @cindex overlay area
12709
12710 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
12711 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
12712 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
12713 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
12714 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
12715
12716 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
12717 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
12718 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
12719 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
12720 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
12721 largest overlay as well.
12722
12723 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
12724 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
12725 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
12726 there.
12727
12728 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
12729 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
12730 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
12731
12732 @smallexample
12733 @group
12734 Data Instruction Larger
12735 Address Space Address Space Address Space
12736 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
12737 | | | | | |
12738 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
12739 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
12740 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
12741 | and heap | | | | | |
12742 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
12743 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
12744 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
12745 | | | | | |
12746 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
12747 address | | | | | |
12748 | overlay | <-' | | |
12749 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
12750 | | <---. | | load address
12751 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
12752 | | | |
12753 +-----------+ | |
12754 +-----------+
12755 | |
12756 +-----------+
12757
12758 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
12759 @end group
12760 @end smallexample
12761
12762 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
12763 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
12764 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
12765 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
12766 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
12767 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
12768 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
12769 program and the overlay area.
12770
12771 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
12772 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
12773 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
12774 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
12775 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
12776 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
12777 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
12778
12779 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
12780 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
12781 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
12782
12783 @itemize @bullet
12784
12785 @item
12786 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
12787 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
12788 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
12789 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
12790
12791 @item
12792 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
12793 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
12794 your program's performance.
12795
12796 @item
12797 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
12798 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
12799 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
12800 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
12801 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
12802 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
12803 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
12804
12805 @item
12806 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
12807 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
12808 instruction and data spaces.
12809
12810 @end itemize
12811
12812 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
12813 improved in many ways:
12814
12815 @itemize @bullet
12816
12817 @item
12818 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
12819 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
12820 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
12821 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
12822 area in the usual way.
12823
12824 @item
12825 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
12826 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
12827
12828 @item
12829 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
12830 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
12831 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
12832 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
12833 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
12834 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
12835 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
12836
12837 @end itemize
12838
12839
12840 @node Overlay Commands
12841 @section Overlay Commands
12842
12843 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
12844 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
12845 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
12846 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
12847 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
12848 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
12849
12850 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
12851 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
12852
12853 @table @code
12854 @item overlay off
12855 @kindex overlay
12856 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
12857 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
12858 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
12859 overlay support is disabled.
12860
12861 @item overlay manual
12862 @cindex manual overlay debugging
12863 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12864 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
12865 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
12866 commands described below.
12867
12868 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
12869 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
12870 @cindex map an overlay
12871 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
12872 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
12873 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
12874 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
12875 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
12876 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
12877
12878 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
12879 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
12880 @cindex unmap an overlay
12881 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
12882 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
12883 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
12884 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
12885
12886 @item overlay auto
12887 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
12888 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
12889 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
12890 Overlay Debugging}.
12891
12892 @item overlay load-target
12893 @itemx overlay load
12894 @cindex reloading the overlay table
12895 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
12896 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
12897 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
12898 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
12899 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
12900
12901 @item overlay list-overlays
12902 @itemx overlay list
12903 @cindex listing mapped overlays
12904 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
12905 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
12906
12907 @end table
12908
12909 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
12910 of the function the address falls in:
12911
12912 @smallexample
12913 (@value{GDBP}) print main
12914 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
12915 @end smallexample
12916 @noindent
12917 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
12918 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
12919 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
12920 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
12921
12922 @smallexample
12923 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
12924 No sections are mapped.
12925 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
12926 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
12927 @end smallexample
12928 @noindent
12929 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
12930 name normally:
12931
12932 @smallexample
12933 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
12934 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
12935 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
12936 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
12937 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
12938 @end smallexample
12939
12940 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
12941 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
12942 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
12943 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
12944 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
12945
12946 @itemize @bullet
12947 @item
12948 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
12949 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
12950 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
12951 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
12952 @item
12953 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
12954 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
12955 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
12956 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
12957 breakpoints properly.
12958 @end itemize
12959
12960
12961 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
12962 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
12963 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
12964
12965 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
12966 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
12967 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
12968 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
12969 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
12970 current state of the overlays.
12971
12972 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
12973 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
12974
12975 @table @asis
12976
12977 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
12978 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
12979
12980 @smallexample
12981 struct
12982 @{
12983 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
12984 unsigned long vma;
12985
12986 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
12987 unsigned long size;
12988
12989 /* The overlay's load address. */
12990 unsigned long lma;
12991
12992 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
12993 zero otherwise. */
12994 unsigned long mapped;
12995 @}
12996 @end smallexample
12997
12998 @item @code{_novlys}:
12999 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
13000 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
13001
13002 @end table
13003
13004 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
13005 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
13006 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
13007 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
13008 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
13009 currently mapped.
13010
13011 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
13012 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
13013 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
13014 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
13015 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
13016 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
13017 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
13018 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
13019 are not being executed.
13020
13021 @node Overlay Sample Program
13022 @section Overlay Sample Program
13023 @cindex overlay example program
13024
13025 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
13026 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
13027 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
13028 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
13029 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
13030 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
13031 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
13032
13033 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
13034 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
13035 suite. The program consists of the following files from
13036 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
13037
13038 @table @file
13039 @item overlays.c
13040 The main program file.
13041 @item ovlymgr.c
13042 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
13043 @item foo.c
13044 @itemx bar.c
13045 @itemx baz.c
13046 @itemx grbx.c
13047 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
13048 @item d10v.ld
13049 @itemx m32r.ld
13050 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
13051 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
13052 @end table
13053
13054 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
13055 cross-compiler like this:
13056
13057 @smallexample
13058 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
13059 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
13060 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
13061 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
13062 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
13063 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
13064 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
13065 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
13066 @end smallexample
13067
13068 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
13069 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
13070 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
13071
13072
13073 @node Languages
13074 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
13075 @cindex languages
13076
13077 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
13078 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
13079 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
13080 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
13081 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
13082 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
13083
13084 @cindex working language
13085 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
13086 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
13087 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
13088 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
13089 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
13090 language}.
13091
13092 @menu
13093 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
13094 * Show:: Displaying the language
13095 * Checks:: Type and range checks
13096 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
13097 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
13098 @end menu
13099
13100 @node Setting
13101 @section Switching Between Source Languages
13102
13103 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
13104 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
13105 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
13106 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
13107 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
13108 are printed, etc.
13109
13110 In addition to the working language, every source file that
13111 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
13112 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
13113 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
13114 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
13115 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
13116 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
13117 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
13118 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
13119 Displaying the Language}.
13120
13121 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
13122 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
13123 another language. In that case, make the
13124 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
13125 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
13126 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
13127
13128 @menu
13129 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
13130 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
13131 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
13132 @end menu
13133
13134 @node Filenames
13135 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
13136
13137 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
13138 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
13139
13140 @table @file
13141 @item .ada
13142 @itemx .ads
13143 @itemx .adb
13144 @itemx .a
13145 Ada source file.
13146
13147 @item .c
13148 C source file
13149
13150 @item .C
13151 @itemx .cc
13152 @itemx .cp
13153 @itemx .cpp
13154 @itemx .cxx
13155 @itemx .c++
13156 C@t{++} source file
13157
13158 @item .d
13159 D source file
13160
13161 @item .m
13162 Objective-C source file
13163
13164 @item .f
13165 @itemx .F
13166 Fortran source file
13167
13168 @item .mod
13169 Modula-2 source file
13170
13171 @item .s
13172 @itemx .S
13173 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
13174 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
13175 @end table
13176
13177 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
13178 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
13179
13180 @node Manually
13181 @subsection Setting the Working Language
13182
13183 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
13184 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
13185 your program.
13186
13187 @kindex set language
13188 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
13189 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
13190 a language, such as
13191 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
13192 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
13193
13194 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
13195 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
13196 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
13197 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
13198 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
13199 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
13200 command such as:
13201
13202 @smallexample
13203 print a = b + c
13204 @end smallexample
13205
13206 @noindent
13207 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
13208 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
13209 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
13210 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
13211
13212 @node Automatically
13213 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
13214
13215 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
13216 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
13217 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
13218 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
13219 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
13220 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
13221 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
13222 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
13223 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
13224
13225 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
13226 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
13227 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
13228 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
13229 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
13230
13231 @node Show
13232 @section Displaying the Language
13233
13234 The following commands help you find out which language is the
13235 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
13236
13237 @table @code
13238 @item show language
13239 @kindex show language
13240 Display the current working language. This is the
13241 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
13242 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
13243
13244 @item info frame
13245 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
13246 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
13247 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
13248 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
13249 information listed here.
13250
13251 @item info source
13252 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
13253 Display the source language of this source file.
13254 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
13255 information listed here.
13256 @end table
13257
13258 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
13259 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
13260 with a language explicitly:
13261
13262 @table @code
13263 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
13264 @kindex set extension-language
13265 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
13266 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
13267
13268 @item info extensions
13269 @kindex info extensions
13270 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
13271 @end table
13272
13273 @node Checks
13274 @section Type and Range Checking
13275
13276 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
13277 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
13278 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators and making
13279 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
13280 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
13281 by eliminating type mismatches and providing active checks for range
13282 errors when your program is running.
13283
13284 By default @value{GDBN} checks for these errors according to the
13285 rules of the current source language. Although @value{GDBN} does not check
13286 the statements in your program, it can check expressions entered directly
13287 into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example.
13288
13289 @menu
13290 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
13291 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
13292 @end menu
13293
13294 @cindex type checking
13295 @cindex checks, type
13296 @node Type Checking
13297 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
13298
13299 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, are strongly typed, meaning that the
13300 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
13301 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
13302 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
13303
13304 @smallexample
13305 int klass::my_method(char *b) @{ return b ? 1 : 2; @}
13306
13307 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0)
13308 $1 = 2
13309 @exdent but
13310 (@value{GDBP}) print obj.my_method (0x1234)
13311 Cannot resolve method klass::my_method to any overloaded instance
13312 @end smallexample
13313
13314 The second example fails because in C@t{++} the integer constant
13315 @samp{0x1234} is not type-compatible with the pointer parameter type.
13316
13317 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
13318 @value{GDBN} to not enforce strict type checking or
13319 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
13320 When type checking is disabled, @value{GDBN} successfully evaluates
13321 expressions like the second example above.
13322
13323 Even if type checking is off, there may be other reasons
13324 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
13325 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
13326 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
13327 with the language in use and usually arise from expressions which make
13328 little sense to evaluate anyway.
13329
13330 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling type checking:
13331
13332 @kindex set check type
13333 @kindex show check type
13334 @table @code
13335 @item set check type on
13336 @itemx set check type off
13337 Set strict type checking on or off. If any type mismatches occur in
13338 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
13339 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
13340
13341 @item show check type
13342 Show the current setting of type checking and whether @value{GDBN}
13343 is enforcing strict type checking rules.
13344 @end table
13345
13346 @cindex range checking
13347 @cindex checks, range
13348 @node Range Checking
13349 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
13350
13351 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
13352 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
13353 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
13354 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
13355 not exceed the bounds of the array.
13356
13357 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
13358 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
13359 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
13360 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
13361
13362 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
13363 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
13364 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
13365 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
13366 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
13367 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
13368
13369 @smallexample
13370 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
13371 @end smallexample
13372
13373 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
13374 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
13375 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
13376
13377 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
13378
13379 @kindex set check range
13380 @kindex show check range
13381 @table @code
13382 @item set check range auto
13383 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
13384 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
13385 each language.
13386
13387 @item set check range on
13388 @itemx set check range off
13389 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
13390 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
13391 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
13392 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
13393
13394 @item set check range warn
13395 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
13396 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
13397 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
13398 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
13399 systems).
13400
13401 @item show range
13402 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
13403 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
13404 @end table
13405
13406 @node Supported Languages
13407 @section Supported Languages
13408
13409 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Go, Objective-C, Fortran, Java,
13410 OpenCL C, Pascal, assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
13411 @c This is false ...
13412 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
13413 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
13414 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
13415 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
13416 language.
13417
13418 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
13419 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
13420 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
13421 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
13422 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
13423 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
13424 language reference or tutorial.
13425
13426 @menu
13427 * C:: C and C@t{++}
13428 * D:: D
13429 * Go:: Go
13430 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
13431 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
13432 * Fortran:: Fortran
13433 * Pascal:: Pascal
13434 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
13435 * Ada:: Ada
13436 @end menu
13437
13438 @node C
13439 @subsection C and C@t{++}
13440
13441 @cindex C and C@t{++}
13442 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
13443
13444 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
13445 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
13446 together.
13447
13448 @cindex C@t{++}
13449 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
13450 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
13451 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
13452 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
13453 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
13454 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
13455 compiler (@code{aCC}).
13456
13457 @menu
13458 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
13459 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
13460 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
13461 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
13462 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
13463 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
13464 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
13465 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
13466 @end menu
13467
13468 @node C Operators
13469 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
13470
13471 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
13472
13473 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
13474 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
13475 often defined on groups of types.
13476
13477 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
13478
13479 @itemize @bullet
13480
13481 @item
13482 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
13483 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
13484
13485 @item
13486 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
13487 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
13488
13489 @item
13490 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
13491
13492 @item
13493 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
13494
13495 @end itemize
13496
13497 @noindent
13498 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
13499 in order of increasing precedence:
13500
13501 @table @code
13502 @item ,
13503 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
13504 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
13505 expression being the last expression evaluated.
13506
13507 @item =
13508 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
13509 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
13510
13511 @item @var{op}=
13512 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
13513 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
13514 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
13515 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
13516 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
13517
13518 @item ?:
13519 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
13520 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
13521 integral type.
13522
13523 @item ||
13524 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13525
13526 @item &&
13527 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
13528
13529 @item |
13530 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13531
13532 @item ^
13533 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
13534
13535 @item &
13536 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
13537
13538 @item ==@r{, }!=
13539 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
13540 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
13541
13542 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
13543 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
13544 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
13545 and non-zero for true.
13546
13547 @item <<@r{, }>>
13548 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
13549
13550 @item @@
13551 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
13552
13553 @item +@r{, }-
13554 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
13555 pointer types.
13556
13557 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
13558 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
13559 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
13560 integral types.
13561
13562 @item ++@r{, }--
13563 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
13564 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
13565 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
13566 operation takes place.
13567
13568 @item *
13569 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
13570 @code{++}.
13571
13572 @item &
13573 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
13574
13575 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
13576 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
13577 to examine the address
13578 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
13579 stored.
13580
13581 @item -
13582 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
13583 precedence as @code{++}.
13584
13585 @item !
13586 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
13587 @code{++}.
13588
13589 @item ~
13590 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
13591 @code{++}.
13592
13593
13594 @item .@r{, }->
13595 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
13596 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
13597 pointer based on the stored type information.
13598 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
13599
13600 @item .*@r{, }->*
13601 Dereferences of pointers to members.
13602
13603 @item []
13604 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
13605 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13606
13607 @item ()
13608 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
13609
13610 @item ::
13611 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
13612 and @code{class} types.
13613
13614 @item ::
13615 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
13616 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
13617 above.
13618 @end table
13619
13620 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
13621 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
13622 predefined meaning.
13623
13624 @node C Constants
13625 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
13626
13627 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
13628
13629 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
13630 following ways:
13631
13632 @itemize @bullet
13633 @item
13634 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
13635 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
13636 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
13637 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
13638 @code{long} value.
13639
13640 @item
13641 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
13642 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
13643 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
13644 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
13645 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
13646 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
13647 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
13648 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
13649 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
13650 constant.
13651
13652 @item
13653 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
13654 integral equivalents.
13655
13656 @item
13657 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
13658 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
13659 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
13660 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
13661 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
13662 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
13663 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
13664 @samp{\n} for newline.
13665
13666 Wide character constants can be written by prefixing a character
13667 constant with @samp{L}, as in C. For example, @samp{L'x'} is the wide
13668 form of @samp{x}. The target wide character set is used when
13669 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13670
13671 @item
13672 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
13673 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
13674 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
13675 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
13676 characters.
13677
13678 Wide string constants can be written by prefixing a string constant
13679 with @samp{L}, as in C. The target wide character set is used when
13680 computing the value of this constant (@pxref{Character Sets}).
13681
13682 @item
13683 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
13684 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
13685
13686 @item
13687 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
13688 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
13689 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
13690 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
13691 @end itemize
13692
13693 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
13694 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
13695
13696 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
13697 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
13698
13699 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
13700 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
13701 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
13702 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
13703 @quotation
13704 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use
13705 the proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently,
13706 @value{GDBN} works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled
13707 with the most recent version of @value{NGCC} possible. The DWARF
13708 debugging format is preferred; @value{NGCC} defaults to this on most
13709 popular platforms. Other compilers and/or debug formats are likely to
13710 work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug C@t{++}
13711 code. @xref{Compilation}.
13712 @end quotation
13713
13714 @enumerate
13715
13716 @cindex member functions
13717 @item
13718 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
13719
13720 @smallexample
13721 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
13722 @end smallexample
13723
13724 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
13725 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
13726 @item
13727 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
13728 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
13729 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
13730 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}. @code{using}
13731 declarations in the current scope are also respected by @value{GDBN}.
13732
13733 @cindex call overloaded functions
13734 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
13735 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
13736 @item
13737 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
13738 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
13739 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
13740 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
13741 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
13742 default arguments.
13743
13744 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
13745 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
13746 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
13747 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
13748 number of function arguments.
13749
13750 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
13751 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
13752 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
13753
13754 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
13755 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
13756 @smallexample
13757 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
13758 @end smallexample
13759
13760 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
13761 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
13762
13763 @cindex reference declarations
13764 @item
13765 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
13766 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
13767 dereferenced.
13768
13769 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
13770 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
13771 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
13772 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
13773 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
13774
13775 @item
13776 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
13777 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
13778 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
13779 necessary, for example in an expression like
13780 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
13781 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
13782 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
13783
13784 @item
13785 @value{GDBN} performs argument-dependent lookup, following the C@t{++}
13786 specification.
13787 @end enumerate
13788
13789 @node C Defaults
13790 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
13791
13792 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
13793
13794 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set range checking automatically, it
13795 defaults to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
13796 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
13797 selects the working language.
13798
13799 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
13800 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
13801 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
13802 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
13803 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
13804 for further details.
13805
13806 @node C Checks
13807 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
13808
13809 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
13810
13811 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, strict type
13812 checking is used. However, if you turn type checking off, @value{GDBN}
13813 will allow certain non-standard conversions, such as promoting integer
13814 constants to pointers.
13815
13816 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
13817 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
13818 that is not itself an array.
13819
13820 @node Debugging C
13821 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
13822
13823 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
13824 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
13825 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
13826 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
13827
13828 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
13829 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
13830 ,Expressions}.
13831
13832 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
13833 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
13834
13835 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
13836
13837 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
13838 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
13839
13840 @table @code
13841 @cindex break in overloaded functions
13842 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
13843 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
13844 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
13845 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
13846 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
13847
13848 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
13849 @item rbreak @var{regex}
13850 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
13851 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
13852 classes.
13853 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
13854
13855 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
13856 @item catch throw
13857 @itemx catch rethrow
13858 @itemx catch catch
13859 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
13860 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
13861
13862 @cindex inheritance
13863 @item ptype @var{typename}
13864 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
13865 @var{typename}.
13866 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
13867
13868 @item info vtbl @var{expression}.
13869 The @code{info vtbl} command can be used to display the virtual
13870 method tables of the object computed by @var{expression}. This shows
13871 one entry per virtual table; there may be multiple virtual tables when
13872 multiple inheritance is in use.
13873
13874 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
13875 @item set print demangle
13876 @itemx show print demangle
13877 @itemx set print asm-demangle
13878 @itemx show print asm-demangle
13879 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
13880 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
13881 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13882
13883 @item set print object
13884 @itemx show print object
13885 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
13886 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13887
13888 @item set print vtbl
13889 @itemx show print vtbl
13890 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
13891 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
13892 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
13893 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
13894
13895 @kindex set overload-resolution
13896 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
13897 @item set overload-resolution on
13898 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
13899 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
13900 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
13901 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
13902 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
13903 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
13904
13905 @item set overload-resolution off
13906 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
13907 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
13908 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
13909 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
13910 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
13911 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
13912 argument types.
13913
13914 @kindex show overload-resolution
13915 @item show overload-resolution
13916 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
13917
13918 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
13919 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
13920 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
13921 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
13922 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
13923 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
13924 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
13925 @end table
13926
13927 @node Decimal Floating Point
13928 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
13929 @cindex decimal floating point format
13930
13931 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
13932 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
13933 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
13934 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
13935
13936 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
13937 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
13938 PowerPC and S/390. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the
13939 configured target.
13940
13941 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
13942 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
13943 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
13944
13945 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
13946 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
13947 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
13948
13949 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
13950 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
13951 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
13952
13953 @node D
13954 @subsection D
13955
13956 @cindex D
13957 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
13958 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
13959 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
13960
13961 @node Go
13962 @subsection Go
13963
13964 @cindex Go (programming language)
13965 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Go and compiled with
13966 @file{gccgo} or @file{6g} compilers.
13967
13968 Here is a summary of the Go-specific features and restrictions:
13969
13970 @table @code
13971 @cindex current Go package
13972 @item The current Go package
13973 The name of the current package does not need to be specified when
13974 specifying global variables and functions.
13975
13976 For example, given the program:
13977
13978 @example
13979 package main
13980 var myglob = "Shall we?"
13981 func main () @{
13982 // ...
13983 @}
13984 @end example
13985
13986 When stopped inside @code{main} either of these work:
13987
13988 @example
13989 (gdb) p myglob
13990 (gdb) p main.myglob
13991 @end example
13992
13993 @cindex builtin Go types
13994 @item Builtin Go types
13995 The @code{string} type is recognized by @value{GDBN} and is printed
13996 as a string.
13997
13998 @cindex builtin Go functions
13999 @item Builtin Go functions
14000 The @value{GDBN} expression parser recognizes the @code{unsafe.Sizeof}
14001 function and handles it internally.
14002
14003 @cindex restrictions on Go expressions
14004 @item Restrictions on Go expressions
14005 All Go operators are supported except @code{&^}.
14006 The Go @code{_} ``blank identifier'' is not supported.
14007 Automatic dereferencing of pointers is not supported.
14008 @end table
14009
14010 @node Objective-C
14011 @subsection Objective-C
14012
14013 @cindex Objective-C
14014 This section provides information about some commands and command
14015 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
14016 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
14017 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
14018
14019 @menu
14020 * Method Names in Commands::
14021 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
14022 @end menu
14023
14024 @node Method Names in Commands
14025 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
14026
14027 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
14028 names as line specifications:
14029
14030 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
14031 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
14032 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
14033 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
14034 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
14035 @itemize
14036 @item @code{clear}
14037 @item @code{break}
14038 @item @code{info line}
14039 @item @code{jump}
14040 @item @code{list}
14041 @end itemize
14042
14043 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
14044
14045 @smallexample
14046 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
14047 @end smallexample
14048
14049 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
14050 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
14051 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
14052 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
14053 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
14054 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
14055 debugged, enter:
14056
14057 @smallexample
14058 break -[Fruit create]
14059 @end smallexample
14060
14061 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
14062 enter:
14063
14064 @smallexample
14065 list +[NSText initialize]
14066 @end smallexample
14067
14068 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
14069 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
14070 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
14071 is also possible to specify just a method name:
14072
14073 @smallexample
14074 break create
14075 @end smallexample
14076
14077 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
14078 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
14079 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
14080 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
14081 none apply.
14082
14083 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
14084 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
14085
14086 @smallexample
14087 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
14088 @end smallexample
14089
14090 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
14091 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
14092 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
14093 @kindex print-object
14094 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
14095
14096 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
14097
14098 @smallexample
14099 print -[@var{object} hash]
14100 @end smallexample
14101
14102 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
14103 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
14104 @noindent
14105 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
14106 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
14107 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
14108 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
14109 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
14110 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
14111
14112 @node OpenCL C
14113 @subsection OpenCL C
14114
14115 @cindex OpenCL C
14116 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
14117
14118 @menu
14119 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
14120 * OpenCL C Expressions::
14121 * OpenCL C Operators::
14122 @end menu
14123
14124 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
14125 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
14126
14127 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
14128 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
14129 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
14130 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
14131 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
14132
14133 @node OpenCL C Expressions
14134 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
14135
14136 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
14137 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
14138 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
14139 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
14140
14141 @node OpenCL C Operators
14142 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
14143
14144 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
14145 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
14146 vector data types.
14147
14148 @node Fortran
14149 @subsection Fortran
14150 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
14151
14152 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
14153 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
14154
14155 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
14156 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
14157 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
14158 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
14159 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
14160 underscore.
14161
14162 @menu
14163 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
14164 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
14165 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
14166 @end menu
14167
14168 @node Fortran Operators
14169 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
14170
14171 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
14172
14173 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14174 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
14175 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
14176
14177 @table @code
14178 @item **
14179 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
14180 of the second one.
14181
14182 @item :
14183 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
14184 represent a section of array.
14185
14186 @item %
14187 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
14188 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
14189 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
14190 union type.
14191 @end table
14192
14193 @node Fortran Defaults
14194 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
14195
14196 @cindex Fortran Defaults
14197
14198 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
14199 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
14200 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
14201 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
14202
14203 @node Special Fortran Commands
14204 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
14205
14206 @cindex Special Fortran commands
14207
14208 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
14209 such as displaying common blocks.
14210
14211 @table @code
14212 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
14213 @kindex info common
14214 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
14215 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
14216 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
14217 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
14218 printed.
14219 @end table
14220
14221 @node Pascal
14222 @subsection Pascal
14223
14224 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
14225 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
14226 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
14227 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
14228 syntax.
14229
14230 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
14231 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
14232 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
14233
14234 @node Modula-2
14235 @subsection Modula-2
14236
14237 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
14238
14239 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
14240 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
14241 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
14242 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
14243 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
14244 table.
14245
14246 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
14247 @menu
14248 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
14249 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
14250 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
14251 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
14252 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
14253 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
14254 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
14255 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
14256 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
14257 @end menu
14258
14259 @node M2 Operators
14260 @subsubsection Operators
14261 @cindex Modula-2 operators
14262
14263 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
14264 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
14265 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
14266 following definitions hold:
14267
14268 @itemize @bullet
14269
14270 @item
14271 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
14272 their subranges.
14273
14274 @item
14275 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
14276
14277 @item
14278 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
14279
14280 @item
14281 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
14282 @var{type}}.
14283
14284 @item
14285 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
14286
14287 @item
14288 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
14289
14290 @item
14291 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
14292 @end itemize
14293
14294 @noindent
14295 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
14296 increasing precedence:
14297
14298 @table @code
14299 @item ,
14300 Function argument or array index separator.
14301
14302 @item :=
14303 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
14304 @var{value}.
14305
14306 @item <@r{, }>
14307 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
14308 types.
14309
14310 @item <=@r{, }>=
14311 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
14312 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
14313 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
14314
14315 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
14316 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
14317 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
14318 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
14319 comment character.
14320
14321 @item IN
14322 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
14323 Same precedence as @code{<}.
14324
14325 @item OR
14326 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
14327
14328 @item AND@r{, }&
14329 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
14330
14331 @item @@
14332 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
14333
14334 @item +@r{, }-
14335 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
14336 and difference on set types.
14337
14338 @item *
14339 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
14340 on set types.
14341
14342 @item /
14343 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
14344 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
14345
14346 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
14347 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
14348 precedence as @code{*}.
14349
14350 @item -
14351 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
14352
14353 @item ^
14354 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
14355
14356 @item NOT
14357 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
14358 @code{^}.
14359
14360 @item .
14361 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
14362 precedence as @code{^}.
14363
14364 @item []
14365 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
14366
14367 @item ()
14368 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
14369 as @code{^}.
14370
14371 @item ::@r{, }.
14372 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
14373 @end table
14374
14375 @quotation
14376 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
14377 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
14378 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
14379 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
14380 @end quotation
14381
14382
14383 @node Built-In Func/Proc
14384 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
14385 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
14386
14387 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
14388 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
14389
14390 @table @var
14391
14392 @item a
14393 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
14394
14395 @item c
14396 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
14397
14398 @item i
14399 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
14400
14401 @item m
14402 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
14403 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
14404 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
14405
14406 @item n
14407 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
14408
14409 @item r
14410 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
14411
14412 @item t
14413 represents a type.
14414
14415 @item v
14416 represents a variable.
14417
14418 @item x
14419 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
14420 explanation of the function for details.
14421 @end table
14422
14423 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
14424
14425 @table @code
14426 @item ABS(@var{n})
14427 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
14428
14429 @item CAP(@var{c})
14430 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
14431 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
14432
14433 @item CHR(@var{i})
14434 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
14435
14436 @item DEC(@var{v})
14437 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
14438
14439 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
14440 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
14441 new value.
14442
14443 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
14444 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
14445 set.
14446
14447 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
14448 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
14449
14450 @item HIGH(@var{a})
14451 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
14452
14453 @item INC(@var{v})
14454 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
14455
14456 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
14457 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
14458 new value.
14459
14460 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
14461 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
14462 there. Returns the new set.
14463
14464 @item MAX(@var{t})
14465 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
14466
14467 @item MIN(@var{t})
14468 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
14469
14470 @item ODD(@var{i})
14471 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
14472
14473 @item ORD(@var{x})
14474 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
14475 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
14476 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
14477 integral, character and enumerated types.
14478
14479 @item SIZE(@var{x})
14480 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
14481
14482 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
14483 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
14484
14485 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
14486 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
14487
14488 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
14489 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
14490 @end table
14491
14492 @quotation
14493 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
14494 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
14495 an error.
14496 @end quotation
14497
14498 @cindex Modula-2 constants
14499 @node M2 Constants
14500 @subsubsection Constants
14501
14502 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
14503 ways:
14504
14505 @itemize @bullet
14506
14507 @item
14508 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
14509 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
14510 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
14511 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
14512
14513 @item
14514 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
14515 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
14516 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
14517 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
14518 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
14519 digits.
14520
14521 @item
14522 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
14523 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
14524 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
14525 followed by a @samp{C}.
14526
14527 @item
14528 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
14529 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
14530 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
14531 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
14532 sequences.
14533
14534 @item
14535 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
14536
14537 @item
14538 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
14539 @code{FALSE}.
14540
14541 @item
14542 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
14543
14544 @item
14545 Set constants are not yet supported.
14546 @end itemize
14547
14548 @node M2 Types
14549 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
14550 @cindex Modula-2 types
14551
14552 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
14553 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
14554 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
14555 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
14556 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
14557 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
14558
14559 The first example contains the following section of code:
14560
14561 @smallexample
14562 VAR
14563 s: SET OF CHAR ;
14564 r: [20..40] ;
14565 @end smallexample
14566
14567 @noindent
14568 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
14569 @code{r} and @code{s}.
14570
14571 @smallexample
14572 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14573 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
14574 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14575 SET OF CHAR
14576 (@value{GDBP}) print r
14577 21
14578 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
14579 [20..40]
14580 @end smallexample
14581
14582 @noindent
14583 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
14584
14585 @smallexample
14586 VAR
14587 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
14588 @end smallexample
14589
14590 @noindent
14591 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
14592
14593 @smallexample
14594 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14595 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
14596 @end smallexample
14597
14598 @noindent
14599 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
14600 expressions using the debugger.
14601
14602 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
14603 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
14604
14605 @smallexample
14606 VAR
14607 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
14608 @end smallexample
14609
14610 @smallexample
14611 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14612 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
14613 @end smallexample
14614
14615 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
14616 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
14617 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
14618 above.
14619
14620 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
14621
14622 @smallexample
14623 TYPE
14624 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
14625 t = [blue..yellow] ;
14626 VAR
14627 s: t ;
14628 BEGIN
14629 s := blue ;
14630 @end smallexample
14631
14632 @noindent
14633 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
14634 and value of a variable.
14635
14636 @smallexample
14637 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14638 $1 = blue
14639 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
14640 type = [blue..yellow]
14641 @end smallexample
14642
14643 @noindent
14644 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
14645 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
14646 their @code{C} counterparts.
14647
14648 @smallexample
14649 VAR
14650 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14651 BEGIN
14652 s[1] := 1 ;
14653 @end smallexample
14654
14655 @smallexample
14656 (@value{GDBP}) print s
14657 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
14658 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14659 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14660 @end smallexample
14661
14662 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
14663 pointer types as shown in this example:
14664
14665 @smallexample
14666 VAR
14667 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
14668 BEGIN
14669 NEW(s) ;
14670 s^[1] := 1 ;
14671 @end smallexample
14672
14673 @noindent
14674 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
14675
14676 @smallexample
14677 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14678 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
14679 @end smallexample
14680
14681 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
14682 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
14683 types:
14684
14685 @smallexample
14686 TYPE
14687 foo = RECORD
14688 f1: CARDINAL ;
14689 f2: CHAR ;
14690 f3: myarray ;
14691 END ;
14692
14693 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
14694 myrange = [-2..2] ;
14695 VAR
14696 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
14697 @end smallexample
14698
14699 @noindent
14700 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
14701 below.
14702
14703 @smallexample
14704 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
14705 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
14706 f1 : CARDINAL;
14707 f2 : CHAR;
14708 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
14709 END
14710 @end smallexample
14711
14712 @node M2 Defaults
14713 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
14714 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
14715
14716 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
14717 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
14718 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
14719 selected the working language.
14720
14721 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
14722 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
14723 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
14724 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
14725
14726 @node Deviations
14727 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
14728 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
14729
14730 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
14731 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
14732
14733 @itemize @bullet
14734 @item
14735 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
14736 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
14737 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
14738 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
14739 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
14740 returned a pointer.)
14741
14742 @item
14743 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
14744 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
14745 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
14746 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
14747
14748 @item
14749 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
14750 argument.
14751
14752 @item
14753 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
14754 @end itemize
14755
14756 @node M2 Checks
14757 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
14758 @cindex Modula-2 checks
14759
14760 @quotation
14761 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
14762 range checking.
14763 @end quotation
14764 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
14765
14766 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
14767
14768 @itemize @bullet
14769 @item
14770 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
14771 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
14772
14773 @item
14774 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
14775 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
14776 @end itemize
14777
14778 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
14779 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
14780
14781 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
14782 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
14783
14784 @node M2 Scope
14785 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
14786 @cindex scope
14787 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
14788 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
14789 @ifinfo
14790 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
14791 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
14792 @end ifinfo
14793 @ifnotinfo
14794 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
14795 @end ifnotinfo
14796
14797 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
14798 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
14799 similar syntax:
14800
14801 @smallexample
14802
14803 @var{module} . @var{id}
14804 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
14805 @end smallexample
14806
14807 @noindent
14808 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
14809 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
14810 identifier within your program, except another module.
14811
14812 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
14813 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
14814 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
14815 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
14816
14817 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
14818 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
14819 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
14820 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
14821 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
14822 @var{module}.
14823
14824 @node GDB/M2
14825 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
14826
14827 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
14828 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
14829 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
14830 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
14831 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
14832 analogue in Modula-2.
14833
14834 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
14835 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
14836 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
14837 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
14838 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
14839 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
14840
14841 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
14842 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
14843 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
14844
14845 @node Ada
14846 @subsection Ada
14847 @cindex Ada
14848
14849 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
14850 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
14851 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
14852 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
14853 to be difficult.
14854
14855
14856 @cindex expressions in Ada
14857 @menu
14858 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
14859 and semantics supported by Ada mode
14860 in @value{GDBN}.
14861 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
14862 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
14863 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
14864 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
14865 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
14866 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
14867 Profile
14868 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
14869 @end menu
14870
14871 @node Ada Mode Intro
14872 @subsubsection Introduction
14873 @cindex Ada mode, general
14874
14875 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
14876 syntax, with some extensions.
14877 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
14878
14879 @itemize @bullet
14880 @item
14881 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
14882 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
14883 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
14884 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
14885
14886 @item
14887 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
14888 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
14889
14890 @item
14891 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
14892 @end itemize
14893
14894 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
14895 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
14896 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
14897 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
14898 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
14899
14900 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
14901 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
14902 was translated from an Ada source file.
14903
14904 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
14905 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
14906 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
14907 middle (to allow based literals).
14908
14909 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
14910 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
14911 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
14912 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
14913 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
14914 functions to procedures elsewhere.
14915
14916 @node Omissions from Ada
14917 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
14918 @cindex Ada, omissions from
14919
14920 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
14921
14922 @itemize @bullet
14923 @item
14924 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
14925
14926 @itemize @minus
14927 @item
14928 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
14929 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
14930
14931 @item
14932 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
14933
14934 @item
14935 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
14936
14937 @item
14938 @t{'Tag}.
14939
14940 @item
14941 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
14942 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
14943
14944 @item
14945 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
14946 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
14947
14948 @item
14949 @t{'Address}.
14950 @end itemize
14951
14952 @item
14953 The names in
14954 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
14955 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
14956 not currently available.
14957
14958 @item
14959 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
14960 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
14961 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
14962 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
14963 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
14964 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
14965 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
14966 indeterminate values.
14967
14968 @item
14969 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
14970 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
14971 are not implemented.
14972
14973 @item
14974 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
14975 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
14976 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
14977 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
14978 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
14979
14980 @smallexample
14981 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
14982 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
14983 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
14984 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
14985 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
14986 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
14987 @end smallexample
14988
14989 Changing a
14990 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
14991 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
14992 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
14993 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
14994 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
14995 declared to have a type such as:
14996
14997 @smallexample
14998 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
14999 Id : Integer;
15000 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
15001 end record;
15002 @end smallexample
15003
15004 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
15005 assignments:
15006
15007 @smallexample
15008 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
15009 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
15010 @end smallexample
15011
15012 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
15013 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
15014 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
15015 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
15016 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
15017 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
15018 redundant component associations, although which component values are
15019 assigned in such cases is not defined.
15020
15021 @item
15022 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
15023
15024 @item
15025 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
15026 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
15027 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
15028 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
15029 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
15030 the proper resolution.
15031
15032 @item
15033 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
15034
15035 @item
15036 Entry calls are not implemented.
15037
15038 @item
15039 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
15040 formats are not supported.
15041
15042 @item
15043 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
15044
15045 @item
15046 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
15047 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
15048 context.
15049 Should your program
15050 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
15051 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
15052 @end itemize
15053
15054 @node Additions to Ada
15055 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
15056 @cindex Ada, deviations from
15057
15058 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
15059 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
15060
15061 @itemize @bullet
15062 @item
15063 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
15064 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
15065 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
15066 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
15067 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
15068 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
15069 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
15070 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
15071
15072 @item
15073 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
15074 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
15075 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
15076
15077 @item
15078 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
15079 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
15080
15081 @item
15082 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
15083 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
15084 @end itemize
15085
15086 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
15087 additions specific to Ada:
15088
15089 @itemize @bullet
15090 @item
15091 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
15092 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
15093
15094 @smallexample
15095 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
15096 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
15097 @end smallexample
15098
15099 @item
15100 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
15101 the value of its right-hand operand.
15102 This allows, for example,
15103 complex conditional breaks:
15104
15105 @smallexample
15106 (@value{GDBP}) break f
15107 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
15108 @end smallexample
15109
15110 @item
15111 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
15112 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
15113 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
15114 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
15115 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
15116 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
15117 in strings. For example,
15118 @smallexample
15119 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
15120 @end smallexample
15121 @noindent
15122 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
15123 after each period.
15124
15125 @item
15126 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
15127 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
15128 to write
15129
15130 @smallexample
15131 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
15132 @end smallexample
15133
15134 @item
15135 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
15136 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
15137 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
15138 of 3 might print as
15139
15140 @smallexample
15141 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
15142 @end smallexample
15143
15144 @noindent
15145 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
15146 clause.
15147
15148 @item
15149 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
15150 multi-character subsequence of
15151 their names (an exact match gets preference).
15152 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
15153 in place of @t{a'length}.
15154
15155 @item
15156 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
15157 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
15158 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
15159 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
15160 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
15161 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
15162 For example,
15163 @smallexample
15164 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
15165 @end smallexample
15166
15167 @item
15168 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
15169 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
15170 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
15171 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
15172 object.
15173
15174 @end itemize
15175
15176 @node Stopping Before Main Program
15177 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
15178
15179 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
15180 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
15181 before reaching the main procedure.
15182 As defined in the Ada Reference
15183 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
15184 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
15185 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
15186 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
15187
15188 @node Ada Tasks
15189 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
15190 @cindex Ada, tasking
15191
15192 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
15193 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
15194
15195 @table @code
15196 @kindex info tasks
15197 @item info tasks
15198 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
15199
15200
15201 @smallexample
15202 @iftex
15203 @leftskip=0.5cm
15204 @end iftex
15205 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15206 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15207 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15208 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
15209 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
15210 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
15211
15212 @end smallexample
15213
15214 @noindent
15215 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
15216 task currently being inspected.
15217
15218 @table @asis
15219 @item ID
15220 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
15221
15222 @item TID
15223 The Ada task ID.
15224
15225 @item P-ID
15226 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
15227
15228 @item Pri
15229 The base priority of the task.
15230
15231 @item State
15232 Current state of the task.
15233
15234 @table @code
15235 @item Unactivated
15236 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
15237 executing.
15238
15239 @item Runnable
15240 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
15241 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
15242
15243 @item Terminated
15244 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
15245 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
15246 terminated themselves.
15247
15248 @item Child Activation Wait
15249 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
15250
15251 @item Accept Statement
15252 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
15253
15254 @item Waiting on entry call
15255 The task is waiting on an entry call.
15256
15257 @item Async Select Wait
15258 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
15259 select statement.
15260
15261 @item Delay Sleep
15262 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
15263 alternative open.
15264
15265 @item Child Termination Wait
15266 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
15267 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
15268 waiting on a terminate Phase.
15269
15270 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
15271 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
15272 finish terminating.
15273
15274 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
15275 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
15276 @end table
15277
15278 @item Name
15279 Name of the task in the program.
15280
15281 @end table
15282
15283 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
15284 @item info task @var{taskno}
15285 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
15286 the following example:
15287 @smallexample
15288 @iftex
15289 @leftskip=0.5cm
15290 @end iftex
15291 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15292 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15293 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15294 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
15295 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
15296 Ada Task: 0x807c468
15297 Name: task_1
15298 Thread: 0x807f378
15299 Parent: 1 (main_task)
15300 Base Priority: 15
15301 State: Runnable
15302 @end smallexample
15303
15304 @item task
15305 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
15306 @cindex current Ada task ID
15307 This command prints the ID of the current task.
15308
15309 @smallexample
15310 @iftex
15311 @leftskip=0.5cm
15312 @end iftex
15313 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15314 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15315 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15316 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
15317 (@value{GDBP}) task
15318 [Current task is 2]
15319 @end smallexample
15320
15321 @item task @var{taskno}
15322 @cindex Ada task switching
15323 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
15324 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
15325 from the current task to the given task.
15326
15327 @smallexample
15328 @iftex
15329 @leftskip=0.5cm
15330 @end iftex
15331 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15332 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15333 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15334 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
15335 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
15336 [Switching to task 1]
15337 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
15338 (@value{GDBP}) bt
15339 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
15340 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
15341 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
15342 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
15343 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
15344 @end smallexample
15345
15346 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
15347 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
15348 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
15349 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
15350 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
15351 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
15352 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
15353 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
15354 in @ref{Specify Location}.
15355
15356 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
15357 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
15358 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
15359 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
15360 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
15361
15362 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
15363 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
15364 program.
15365
15366 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
15367 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
15368 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
15369
15370 For example,
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 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15379 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
15380 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
15381 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
15382 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
15383 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
15384 (@value{GDBP}) cont
15385 Continuing.
15386 task # 1 running
15387 task # 2 running
15388
15389 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
15390 15 flush;
15391 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
15392 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
15393 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
15394 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
15395 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
15396 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
15397 @end smallexample
15398 @end table
15399
15400 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
15401 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
15402 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
15403
15404 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
15405 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
15406 the platform being used.
15407 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
15408 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
15409 as usual.
15410
15411 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
15412 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
15413 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
15414 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
15415 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
15416 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
15417
15418 @node Ravenscar Profile
15419 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
15420 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
15421
15422 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
15423 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
15424 requirements.
15425
15426 @table @code
15427 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
15428 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
15429 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
15430 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
15431 Profile. This is the default.
15432
15433 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
15434 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
15435 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
15436 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
15437 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
15438 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
15439 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
15440
15441 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
15442 @item show ravenscar task-switching
15443 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
15444 using the Ravenscar Profile.
15445
15446 @end table
15447
15448 @node Ada Glitches
15449 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
15450 @cindex Ada, problems
15451
15452 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
15453 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
15454 @value{GDBN},
15455 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
15456 and the GNU Ada compiler.
15457
15458 @itemize @bullet
15459 @item
15460 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
15461 storage are invisible to the debugger.
15462
15463 @item
15464 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
15465 argument lists are treated as positional).
15466
15467 @item
15468 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
15469
15470 @item
15471 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
15472 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
15473 the host machine.
15474
15475 @item
15476 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
15477 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
15478 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
15479 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
15480 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
15481 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
15482 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
15483 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
15484 you can usually resolve the confusion
15485 by qualifying the problematic names with package
15486 @code{Standard} explicitly.
15487 @end itemize
15488
15489 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
15490 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
15491 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
15492 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
15493 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
15494 enabled.
15495
15496 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
15497 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
15498 @table @code
15499
15500 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
15501 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
15502 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
15503 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
15504 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
15505 This is the default.
15506
15507 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
15508 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
15509 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
15510 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
15511 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
15512 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
15513 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
15514
15515 @end table
15516
15517 @node Unsupported Languages
15518 @section Unsupported Languages
15519
15520 @cindex unsupported languages
15521 @cindex minimal language
15522 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
15523 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
15524 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
15525 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
15526 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
15527 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
15528
15529 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
15530 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
15531 language.
15532
15533 @node Symbols
15534 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
15535
15536 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
15537 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
15538 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
15539 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
15540 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
15541 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
15542 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
15543
15544 @cindex symbol names
15545 @cindex names of symbols
15546 @cindex quoting names
15547 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
15548 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
15549 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
15550 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
15551 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
15552 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
15553 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
15554 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
15555
15556 @smallexample
15557 p 'foo.c'::x
15558 @end smallexample
15559
15560 @noindent
15561 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
15562
15563 @table @code
15564 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
15565 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
15566 @kindex set case-sensitive
15567 @item set case-sensitive on
15568 @itemx set case-sensitive off
15569 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
15570 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
15571 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
15572 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
15573 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
15574 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
15575 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
15576 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
15577 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
15578 case-insensitive matches.
15579
15580 @kindex show case-sensitive
15581 @item show case-sensitive
15582 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
15583 lookups.
15584
15585 @kindex set print type methods
15586 @item set print type methods
15587 @itemx set print type methods on
15588 @itemx set print type methods off
15589 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any methods
15590 declared in that class. You can control this behavior either by
15591 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
15592 print type methods}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
15593 display the methods; this is the default. Specifying @code{off} will
15594 cause @value{GDBN} to omit the methods.
15595
15596 @kindex show print type methods
15597 @item show print type methods
15598 This command shows the current setting of method display when printing
15599 classes.
15600
15601 @kindex set print type typedefs
15602 @item set print type typedefs
15603 @itemx set print type typedefs on
15604 @itemx set print type typedefs off
15605
15606 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a class, it displays any typedefs
15607 defined in that class. You can control this behavior either by
15608 passing the appropriate flag to @code{ptype}, or using @command{set
15609 print type typedefs}. Specifying @code{on} will cause @value{GDBN} to
15610 display the typedef definitions; this is the default. Specifying
15611 @code{off} will cause @value{GDBN} to omit the typedef definitions.
15612 Note that this controls whether the typedef definition itself is
15613 printed, not whether typedef names are substituted when printing other
15614 types.
15615
15616 @kindex show print type typedefs
15617 @item show print type typedefs
15618 This command shows the current setting of typedef display when
15619 printing classes.
15620
15621 @kindex info address
15622 @cindex address of a symbol
15623 @item info address @var{symbol}
15624 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
15625 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
15626 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
15627 is always stored.
15628
15629 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
15630 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
15631 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
15632
15633 @kindex info symbol
15634 @cindex symbol from address
15635 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
15636 @item info symbol @var{addr}
15637 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
15638 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
15639 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
15640
15641 @smallexample
15642 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
15643 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
15644 @end smallexample
15645
15646 @noindent
15647 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
15648 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
15649
15650 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
15651 library containing the symbol is also printed:
15652
15653 @smallexample
15654 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
15655 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
15656 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
15657 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
15658 @end smallexample
15659
15660 @kindex whatis
15661 @item whatis[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
15662 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression
15663 or a name of a data type. With no argument, print the data type of
15664 @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15665
15666 If @var{arg} is an expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), it
15667 is not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
15668 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
15669
15670 If @var{arg} is a variable or an expression, @code{whatis} prints its
15671 literal type as it is used in the source code. If the type was
15672 defined using a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will @emph{not} print
15673 the data type underlying the @code{typedef}. If the type of the
15674 variable or the expression is a compound data type, such as
15675 @code{struct} or @code{class}, @code{whatis} never prints their
15676 fields or methods. It just prints the @code{struct}/@code{class}
15677 name (a.k.a.@: its @dfn{tag}). If you want to see the members of
15678 such a compound data type, use @code{ptype}.
15679
15680 If @var{arg} is a type name that was defined using @code{typedef},
15681 @code{whatis} @dfn{unrolls} only one level of that @code{typedef}.
15682 Unrolling means that @code{whatis} will show the underlying type used
15683 in the @code{typedef} declaration of @var{arg}. However, if that
15684 underlying type is also a @code{typedef}, @code{whatis} will not
15685 unroll it.
15686
15687 For C code, the type names may also have the form @samp{class
15688 @var{class-name}}, @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union
15689 @var{union-tag}} or @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
15690
15691 @var{flags} can be used to modify how the type is displayed.
15692 Available flags are:
15693
15694 @table @code
15695 @item r
15696 Display in ``raw'' form. Normally, @value{GDBN} substitutes template
15697 parameters and typedefs defined in a class when printing the class'
15698 members. The @code{/r} flag disables this.
15699
15700 @item m
15701 Do not print methods defined in the class.
15702
15703 @item M
15704 Print methods defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
15705 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type methods}.
15706
15707 @item t
15708 Do not print typedefs defined in the class. Note that this controls
15709 whether the typedef definition itself is printed, not whether typedef
15710 names are substituted when printing other types.
15711
15712 @item T
15713 Print typedefs defined in the class. This is the default, but the flag
15714 exists in case you change the default with @command{set print type typedefs}.
15715 @end table
15716
15717 @kindex ptype
15718 @item ptype[/@var{flags}] [@var{arg}]
15719 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
15720 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
15721 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
15722
15723 Contrary to @code{whatis}, @code{ptype} always unrolls any
15724 @code{typedef}s in its argument declaration, whether the argument is
15725 a variable, expression, or a data type. This means that @code{ptype}
15726 of a variable or an expression will not print literally its type as
15727 present in the source code---use @code{whatis} for that. @code{typedef}s at
15728 the pointer or reference targets are also unrolled. Only @code{typedef}s of
15729 fields, methods and inner @code{class typedef}s of @code{struct}s,
15730 @code{class}es and @code{union}s are not unrolled even with @code{ptype}.
15731
15732 For example, for this variable declaration:
15733
15734 @smallexample
15735 typedef double real_t;
15736 struct complex @{ real_t real; double imag; @};
15737 typedef struct complex complex_t;
15738 complex_t var;
15739 real_t *real_pointer_var;
15740 @end smallexample
15741
15742 @noindent
15743 the two commands give this output:
15744
15745 @smallexample
15746 @group
15747 (@value{GDBP}) whatis var
15748 type = complex_t
15749 (@value{GDBP}) ptype var
15750 type = struct complex @{
15751 real_t real;
15752 double imag;
15753 @}
15754 (@value{GDBP}) whatis complex_t
15755 type = struct complex
15756 (@value{GDBP}) whatis struct complex
15757 type = struct complex
15758 (@value{GDBP}) ptype struct complex
15759 type = struct complex @{
15760 real_t real;
15761 double imag;
15762 @}
15763 (@value{GDBP}) whatis real_pointer_var
15764 type = real_t *
15765 (@value{GDBP}) ptype real_pointer_var
15766 type = double *
15767 @end group
15768 @end smallexample
15769
15770 @noindent
15771 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
15772 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
15773
15774 @cindex incomplete type
15775 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
15776 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
15777 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
15778 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
15779 given these declarations:
15780
15781 @smallexample
15782 struct foo;
15783 struct foo *fooptr;
15784 @end smallexample
15785
15786 @noindent
15787 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
15788
15789 @smallexample
15790 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
15791 $1 = <incomplete type>
15792 @end smallexample
15793
15794 @noindent
15795 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
15796 completely specified.
15797
15798 @kindex info types
15799 @item info types @var{regexp}
15800 @itemx info types
15801 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
15802 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
15803 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
15804 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
15805 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
15806 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
15807 name is @code{value}.
15808
15809 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
15810 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
15811 lists all source files where a type is defined.
15812
15813 @kindex info type-printers
15814 @item info type-printers
15815 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled may
15816 have ``type printers'' available. When using @command{ptype} or
15817 @command{whatis}, these printers are consulted when the name of a type
15818 is needed. @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information on writing
15819 type printers.
15820
15821 @code{info type-printers} displays all the available type printers.
15822
15823 @kindex enable type-printer
15824 @kindex disable type-printer
15825 @item enable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
15826 @item disable type-printer @var{name}@dots{}
15827 These commands can be used to enable or disable type printers.
15828
15829 @kindex info scope
15830 @cindex local variables
15831 @item info scope @var{location}
15832 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
15833 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
15834 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
15835 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
15836 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
15837
15838 @smallexample
15839 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
15840 Scope for command_line_handler:
15841 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
15842 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
15843 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
15844 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
15845 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
15846 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
15847 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
15848 @end smallexample
15849
15850 @noindent
15851 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
15852 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
15853 collect}.
15854
15855 @kindex info source
15856 @item info source
15857 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
15858 the function containing the current point of execution:
15859 @itemize @bullet
15860 @item
15861 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
15862 @item
15863 the directory it was compiled in,
15864 @item
15865 its length, in lines,
15866 @item
15867 which programming language it is written in,
15868 @item
15869 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
15870 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
15871 @item
15872 whether the debugging information includes information about
15873 preprocessor macros.
15874 @end itemize
15875
15876
15877 @kindex info sources
15878 @item info sources
15879 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
15880 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
15881 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
15882
15883 @kindex info functions
15884 @item info functions
15885 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
15886
15887 @item info functions @var{regexp}
15888 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
15889 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
15890 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
15891 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
15892 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
15893 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
15894 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
15895
15896 @kindex info variables
15897 @item info variables
15898 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
15899 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
15900
15901 @item info variables @var{regexp}
15902 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
15903 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
15904 @var{regexp}.
15905
15906 @kindex info classes
15907 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
15908 @item info classes
15909 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
15910 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
15911 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
15912 expression.
15913
15914 @kindex info selectors
15915 @item info selectors
15916 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
15917 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
15918 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
15919 expression.
15920
15921 @ignore
15922 This was never implemented.
15923 @kindex info methods
15924 @item info methods
15925 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
15926 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
15927 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
15928 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
15929 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
15930 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
15931 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
15932 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
15933 @end ignore
15934
15935 @cindex opaque data types
15936 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
15937 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
15938 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
15939 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
15940 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
15941 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
15942 another source file. The default is on.
15943
15944 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
15945 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
15946
15947 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
15948 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
15949 is printed as follows:
15950 @smallexample
15951 @{<no data fields>@}
15952 @end smallexample
15953
15954 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
15955 @item show opaque-type-resolution
15956 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
15957
15958 @kindex maint print symbols
15959 @cindex symbol dump
15960 @kindex maint print psymbols
15961 @cindex partial symbol dump
15962 @kindex maint print msymbols
15963 @cindex minimal symbol dump
15964 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
15965 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
15966 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
15967 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
15968 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
15969 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
15970 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
15971 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
15972 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
15973 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
15974 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
15975 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
15976 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
15977 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
15978 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
15979 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
15980 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
15981
15982 @kindex maint info symtabs
15983 @kindex maint info psymtabs
15984 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
15985 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15986 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15987 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
15988 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
15989 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
15990
15991 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
15992 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
15993 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
15994 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
15995 structure in more detail. For example:
15996
15997 @smallexample
15998 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
15999 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
16000 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
16001 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
16002 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
16003 readin no
16004 fullname (null)
16005 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
16006 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
16007 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
16008 dependencies (none)
16009 @}
16010 @}
16011 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
16012 (@value{GDBP})
16013 @end smallexample
16014 @noindent
16015 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
16016 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
16017 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
16018 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
16019 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
16020
16021 @smallexample
16022 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
16023 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
16024 line 1574.
16025 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
16026 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
16027 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
16028 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
16029 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
16030 dirname (null)
16031 fullname (null)
16032 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
16033 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
16034 debugformat DWARF 2
16035 @}
16036 @}
16037 (@value{GDBP})
16038 @end smallexample
16039 @end table
16040
16041
16042 @node Altering
16043 @chapter Altering Execution
16044
16045 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
16046 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
16047 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
16048 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
16049 program.
16050
16051 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
16052 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
16053 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
16054
16055 @menu
16056 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
16057 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
16058 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
16059 * Returning:: Returning from a function
16060 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
16061 * Patching:: Patching your program
16062 @end menu
16063
16064 @node Assignment
16065 @section Assignment to Variables
16066
16067 @cindex assignment
16068 @cindex setting variables
16069 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
16070 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
16071
16072 @smallexample
16073 print x=4
16074 @end smallexample
16075
16076 @noindent
16077 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
16078 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
16079 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
16080 information on operators in supported languages.
16081
16082 @kindex set variable
16083 @cindex variables, setting
16084 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
16085 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
16086 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
16087 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
16088 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
16089
16090 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
16091 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
16092 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
16093 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
16094 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
16095 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
16096 command @code{set width}:
16097
16098 @smallexample
16099 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
16100 type = double
16101 (@value{GDBP}) p width
16102 $4 = 13
16103 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
16104 Invalid syntax in expression.
16105 @end smallexample
16106
16107 @noindent
16108 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
16109 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
16110
16111 @smallexample
16112 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
16113 @end smallexample
16114
16115 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
16116 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
16117 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
16118 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
16119 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
16120 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
16121
16122 @smallexample
16123 @group
16124 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
16125 type = double
16126 (@value{GDBP}) p g
16127 $1 = 1
16128 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
16129 (@value{GDBP}) p g
16130 $2 = 1
16131 (@value{GDBP}) r
16132 The program being debugged has been started already.
16133 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
16134 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
16135 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
16136 Invalid bfd target.
16137 (@value{GDBP}) show g
16138 The current BFD target is "=4".
16139 @end group
16140 @end smallexample
16141
16142 @noindent
16143 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
16144 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
16145 @code{g}, use
16146
16147 @smallexample
16148 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
16149 @end smallexample
16150
16151 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
16152 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
16153 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
16154 same length or shorter.
16155 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
16156 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
16157
16158 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
16159 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
16160 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
16161 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
16162 and representation in memory), and
16163
16164 @smallexample
16165 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
16166 @end smallexample
16167
16168 @noindent
16169 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
16170
16171 @node Jumping
16172 @section Continuing at a Different Address
16173
16174 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
16175 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
16176 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
16177
16178 @table @code
16179 @kindex jump
16180 @kindex j @r{(@code{jump})}
16181 @item jump @var{linespec}
16182 @itemx j @var{linespec}
16183 @itemx jump @var{location}
16184 @itemx j @var{location}
16185 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
16186 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
16187 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
16188 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
16189 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
16190 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
16191
16192 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
16193 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
16194 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
16195 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
16196 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
16197 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
16198 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
16199 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
16200 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
16201 @end table
16202
16203 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
16204 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
16205 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
16206 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
16207 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
16208 example,
16209
16210 @smallexample
16211 set $pc = 0x485
16212 @end smallexample
16213
16214 @noindent
16215 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
16216 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
16217 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
16218
16219 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
16220 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
16221 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
16222 detail.
16223
16224 @c @group
16225 @node Signaling
16226 @section Giving your Program a Signal
16227 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
16228
16229 @table @code
16230 @kindex signal
16231 @item signal @var{signal}
16232 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
16233 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
16234 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
16235 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
16236
16237 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
16238 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
16239 a signal and would ordinarily see the signal when resumed with the
16240 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
16241 signal.
16242
16243 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
16244 after executing the command.
16245 @end table
16246 @c @end group
16247
16248 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
16249 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
16250 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
16251 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
16252 passes the signal directly to your program.
16253
16254
16255 @node Returning
16256 @section Returning from a Function
16257
16258 @table @code
16259 @cindex returning from a function
16260 @kindex return
16261 @item return
16262 @itemx return @var{expression}
16263 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
16264 command. If you give an
16265 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
16266 value.
16267 @end table
16268
16269 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
16270 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
16271 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
16272 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
16273
16274 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
16275 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
16276 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
16277 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
16278 of functions.
16279
16280 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
16281 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
16282 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
16283 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
16284 selected stack frame returns naturally.
16285
16286 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
16287 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
16288 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
16289 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
16290 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
16291 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
16292 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
16293 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
16294 assignment into the right register(s).
16295
16296 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
16297 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
16298 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
16299 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
16300 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
16301 into a @code{long long int}:
16302
16303 @smallexample
16304 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
16305 29 return 31;
16306 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
16307 Make func return now? (y or n) y
16308 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
16309 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
16310 (@value{GDBP})
16311 @end smallexample
16312
16313 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
16314 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
16315 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
16316 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
16317 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
16318 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
16319 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
16320 an appropriate cast explicitly:
16321
16322 @smallexample
16323 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
16324 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
16325 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
16326 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
16327 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
16328 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
16329 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
16330 (@value{GDBP})
16331 @end smallexample
16332
16333 @node Calling
16334 @section Calling Program Functions
16335
16336 @table @code
16337 @cindex calling functions
16338 @cindex inferior functions, calling
16339 @item print @var{expr}
16340 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
16341 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
16342 debugged.
16343
16344 @kindex call
16345 @item call @var{expr}
16346 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
16347 returned values.
16348
16349 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
16350 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
16351 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
16352 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
16353 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
16354 value history.
16355 @end table
16356
16357 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
16358 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
16359 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
16360 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
16361
16362 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
16363 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
16364 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
16365 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
16366 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
16367 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
16368 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
16369 in that case is controlled by the
16370 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
16371
16372 @table @code
16373 @item set unwindonsignal
16374 @kindex set unwindonsignal
16375 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
16376 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
16377 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
16378 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
16379 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
16380 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
16381 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
16382 received.
16383
16384 @item show unwindonsignal
16385 @kindex show unwindonsignal
16386 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
16387 @value{GDBN}.
16388
16389 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
16390 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
16391 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
16392 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
16393 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
16394 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
16395 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
16396 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
16397 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
16398 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
16399
16400 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
16401 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
16402 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
16403 @value{GDBN}.
16404
16405 @end table
16406
16407 @cindex weak alias functions
16408 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
16409 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
16410 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
16411 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
16412 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
16413 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
16414 function instead.
16415
16416 @node Patching
16417 @section Patching Programs
16418
16419 @cindex patching binaries
16420 @cindex writing into executables
16421 @cindex writing into corefiles
16422
16423 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
16424 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
16425 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
16426 patching your program's binary.
16427
16428 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
16429 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
16430 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
16431 repairs.
16432
16433 @table @code
16434 @kindex set write
16435 @item set write on
16436 @itemx set write off
16437 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
16438 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
16439 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
16440
16441 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
16442 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
16443 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
16444
16445 @item show write
16446 @kindex show write
16447 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
16448 as well as reading.
16449 @end table
16450
16451 @node GDB Files
16452 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
16453
16454 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
16455 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
16456 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
16457 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
16458
16459 @menu
16460 * Files:: Commands to specify files
16461 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
16462 * MiniDebugInfo:: Debugging information in a special section
16463 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
16464 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
16465 * Data Files:: GDB data files
16466 @end menu
16467
16468 @node Files
16469 @section Commands to Specify Files
16470
16471 @cindex symbol table
16472 @cindex core dump file
16473
16474 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
16475 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
16476 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
16477 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
16478
16479 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
16480 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
16481 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
16482 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
16483 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
16484 new files are useful.
16485
16486 @table @code
16487 @cindex executable file
16488 @kindex file
16489 @item file @var{filename}
16490 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
16491 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
16492 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
16493 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
16494 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
16495 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
16496 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
16497 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
16498
16499 @cindex unlinked object files
16500 @cindex patching object files
16501 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
16502 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
16503 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
16504 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
16505 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
16506 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
16507 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
16508 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
16509
16510 @item file
16511 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
16512 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
16513
16514 @kindex exec-file
16515 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
16516 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
16517 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
16518 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
16519 discard information on the executable file.
16520
16521 @kindex symbol-file
16522 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
16523 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
16524 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
16525 table and program to run from the same file.
16526
16527 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
16528 program's symbol table.
16529
16530 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
16531 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
16532 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
16533 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
16534 @value{GDBN}.
16535
16536 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
16537 executing it once.
16538
16539 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
16540 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
16541 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
16542 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
16543 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
16544 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
16545 optimized code.
16546
16547 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
16548 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
16549 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
16550 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
16551 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
16552
16553 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
16554 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
16555 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
16556 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
16557 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
16558 Warnings and Messages}.)
16559
16560 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
16561 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
16562 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
16563 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
16564 in stabs format.
16565
16566 @kindex readnow
16567 @cindex reading symbols immediately
16568 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
16569 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
16570 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
16571 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
16572 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
16573 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
16574 entire symbol table available.
16575
16576 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
16577 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
16578 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
16579 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
16580 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
16581 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
16582 @c files.
16583
16584 @kindex core-file
16585 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
16586 @itemx core
16587 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
16588 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
16589 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
16590 executable file itself for other parts.
16591
16592 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
16593 to be used.
16594
16595 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
16596 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
16597 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
16598 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
16599 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
16600
16601 @kindex add-symbol-file
16602 @cindex dynamic linking
16603 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
16604 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
16605 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} -s @var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
16606 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
16607 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
16608 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
16609 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
16610 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
16611 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
16612 of @samp{-s @var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
16613 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
16614 @var{address} as an expression.
16615
16616 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
16617 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
16618 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
16619 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
16620 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
16621
16622 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
16623 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
16624 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
16625 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
16626 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
16627 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
16628 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
16629 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
16630 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
16631
16632 @itemize @bullet
16633 @item
16634 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
16635 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
16636 @item
16637 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
16638 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
16639 @item
16640 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
16641 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
16642 @end itemize
16643
16644 @noindent
16645 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
16646 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
16647 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
16648 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
16649 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
16650 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
16651 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
16652 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
16653 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
16654 way.
16655
16656 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
16657
16658 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
16659 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
16660 @cindex load symbols from memory
16661 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
16662 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
16663 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
16664 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
16665 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
16666 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
16667 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
16668 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
16669 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
16670
16671 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
16672 @kindex assf
16673 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
16674 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
16675 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
16676 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
16677 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
16678 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
16679 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
16680 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
16681 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
16682 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
16683
16684 @kindex section
16685 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
16686 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
16687 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
16688 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
16689 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
16690 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
16691 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
16692 their addresses.
16693
16694 @kindex info files
16695 @kindex info target
16696 @item info files
16697 @itemx info target
16698 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
16699 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
16700 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
16701 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
16702 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
16703 current ones.
16704
16705 @kindex maint info sections
16706 @item maint info sections
16707 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
16708 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
16709 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
16710 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
16711 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
16712 may be arbitrarily combined):
16713
16714 @table @code
16715 @item ALLOBJ
16716 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
16717 @item @var{sections}
16718 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
16719 @item @var{section-flags}
16720 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
16721 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
16722 @table @code
16723 @item ALLOC
16724 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
16725 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
16726 @item LOAD
16727 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
16728 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
16729 @item RELOC
16730 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
16731 @item READONLY
16732 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
16733 @item CODE
16734 Section contains executable code only.
16735 @item DATA
16736 Section contains data only (no executable code).
16737 @item ROM
16738 Section will reside in ROM.
16739 @item CONSTRUCTOR
16740 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
16741 @item HAS_CONTENTS
16742 Section is not empty.
16743 @item NEVER_LOAD
16744 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
16745 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
16746 A notification to the linker that the section contains
16747 COFF shared library information.
16748 @item IS_COMMON
16749 Section contains common symbols.
16750 @end table
16751 @end table
16752 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
16753 @cindex read-only sections
16754 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
16755 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
16756 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
16757 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
16758 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
16759 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
16760 enhancement to debugging performance.
16761
16762 The default is off.
16763
16764 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
16765 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
16766 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
16767 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
16768
16769 @item show trust-readonly-sections
16770 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
16771 @end table
16772
16773 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
16774 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
16775 name and remembers it that way.
16776
16777 @cindex shared libraries
16778 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
16779 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
16780 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
16781
16782 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
16783 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
16784
16785 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
16786 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
16787 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
16788 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
16789 debugging a core file).
16790
16791 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
16792 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
16793
16794 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
16795 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
16796 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
16797
16798 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
16799 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
16800 particularly large or there are many of them.
16801
16802 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
16803 commands:
16804
16805 @table @code
16806 @kindex set auto-solib-add
16807 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
16808 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
16809 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
16810 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
16811 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
16812 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
16813 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
16814
16815 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
16816 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
16817 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
16818 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
16819 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
16820 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
16821 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
16822 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
16823 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
16824
16825 @kindex show auto-solib-add
16826 @item show auto-solib-add
16827 Display the current autoloading mode.
16828 @end table
16829
16830 @cindex load shared library
16831 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
16832 command:
16833
16834 @table @code
16835 @kindex info sharedlibrary
16836 @kindex info share
16837 @item info share @var{regex}
16838 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
16839 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
16840 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
16841 all shared libraries that are loaded.
16842
16843 @kindex sharedlibrary
16844 @kindex share
16845 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
16846 @itemx share @var{regex}
16847 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
16848 Unix regular expression.
16849 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
16850 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
16851 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
16852 loaded.
16853
16854 @item nosharedlibrary
16855 @kindex nosharedlibrary
16856 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
16857 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
16858 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
16859 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
16860 discarded.
16861 @end table
16862
16863 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
16864 when any of shared library events happen. The best way to do this is
16865 to use @code{catch load} and @code{catch unload} (@pxref{Set
16866 Catchpoints}).
16867
16868 @value{GDBN} also supports the the @code{set stop-on-solib-events}
16869 command for this. This command exists for historical reasons. It is
16870 less useful than setting a catchpoint, because it does not allow for
16871 conditions or commands as a catchpoint does.
16872
16873 @table @code
16874 @item set stop-on-solib-events
16875 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
16876 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
16877 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
16878 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
16879 shared library.
16880
16881 @item show stop-on-solib-events
16882 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
16883 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
16884 library events happen.
16885 @end table
16886
16887 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
16888 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
16889 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
16890 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
16891 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
16892 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
16893 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
16894 not.
16895
16896 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
16897 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
16898 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
16899 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
16900 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
16901
16902 @table @code
16903 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
16904 @cindex system root, alternate
16905 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
16906 @kindex set sysroot
16907 @item set sysroot @var{path}
16908 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
16909 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
16910 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
16911 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
16912 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
16913 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
16914 under @var{path}.
16915
16916 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
16917 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
16918 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
16919 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
16920 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
16921 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
16922 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
16923 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
16924 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
16925
16926 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
16927 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
16928 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
16929 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
16930 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
16931
16932 @smallexample
16933 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
16934 @end smallexample
16935
16936 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
16937 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
16938 system:
16939
16940 @smallexample
16941 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
16942 @end smallexample
16943
16944 If that does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries removing
16945 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
16946 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
16947 colons:
16948
16949 @smallexample
16950 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
16951 @end smallexample
16952
16953 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
16954 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
16955 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
16956 @samp{z}):
16957
16958 @smallexample
16959 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
16960 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
16961 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
16962 @end smallexample
16963
16964 @noindent
16965 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
16966 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
16967 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
16968
16969 If that still does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries
16970 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
16971
16972 @smallexample
16973 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
16974 @end smallexample
16975
16976 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
16977 if you don't want or need to.
16978
16979 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
16980 sysroot}.
16981
16982 @cindex default system root
16983 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
16984 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
16985 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
16986 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
16987 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
16988 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
16989 location.
16990
16991 @kindex show sysroot
16992 @item show sysroot
16993 Display the current shared library prefix.
16994
16995 @kindex set solib-search-path
16996 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
16997 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
16998 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
16999 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
17000 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
17001 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
17002 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
17003 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
17004 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
17005 of shared library symbols.
17006
17007 @kindex show solib-search-path
17008 @item show solib-search-path
17009 Display the current shared library search path.
17010
17011 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
17012 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
17013 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
17014 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
17015 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
17016
17017 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
17018 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
17019 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
17020 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
17021 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
17022 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
17023 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
17024 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
17025 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
17026 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
17027 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
17028 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
17029 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
17030 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
17031 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
17032 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
17033 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
17034 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
17035 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
17036 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
17037 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
17038 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
17039
17040 @table @code
17041 @item unix
17042 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
17043 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
17044 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
17045 the forward slash.
17046
17047 @item dos-based
17048 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
17049 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
17050 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
17051 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
17052 considered directory separators.
17053
17054 @item auto
17055 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
17056 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
17057 This is the default.
17058 @end table
17059 @end table
17060
17061 @cindex file name canonicalization
17062 @cindex base name differences
17063 When processing file names provided by the user, @value{GDBN}
17064 frequently needs to compare them to the file names recorded in the
17065 program's debug info. Normally, @value{GDBN} compares just the
17066 @dfn{base names} of the files as strings, which is reasonably fast
17067 even for very large programs. (The base name of a file is the last
17068 portion of its name, after stripping all the leading directories.)
17069 This shortcut in comparison is based upon the assumption that files
17070 cannot have more than one base name. This is usually true, but
17071 references to files that use symlinks or similar filesystem
17072 facilities violate that assumption. If your program records files
17073 using such facilities, or if you provide file names to @value{GDBN}
17074 using symlinks etc., you can set @code{basenames-may-differ} to
17075 @code{true} to instruct @value{GDBN} to completely canonicalize each
17076 pair of file names it needs to compare. This will make file-name
17077 comparisons accurate, but at a price of a significant slowdown.
17078
17079 @table @code
17080 @item set basenames-may-differ
17081 @kindex set basenames-may-differ
17082 Set whether a source file may have multiple base names.
17083
17084 @item show basenames-may-differ
17085 @kindex show basenames-may-differ
17086 Show whether a source file may have multiple base names.
17087 @end table
17088
17089 @node Separate Debug Files
17090 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
17091 @cindex separate debugging information files
17092 @cindex debugging information in separate files
17093 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
17094 @cindex debugging information directory, global
17095 @cindex global debugging information directories
17096 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
17097 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
17098
17099 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
17100 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
17101 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
17102 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
17103 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
17104 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
17105 install only when they need to debug a problem.
17106
17107 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
17108 file:
17109
17110 @itemize @bullet
17111 @item
17112 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
17113 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
17114 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
17115 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
17116 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
17117 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
17118 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
17119 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
17120
17121 @item
17122 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
17123 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
17124 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
17125 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
17126 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
17127 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
17128 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
17129 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
17130 below.
17131 @end itemize
17132
17133 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
17134 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
17135
17136 @itemize @bullet
17137 @item
17138 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
17139 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
17140 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under each one of the global debug
17141 directories, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
17142 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
17143
17144 @item
17145 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
17146 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of each one of the global debug directories for
17147 a file named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
17148 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
17149 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
17150 hex characters, not 10.)
17151 @end itemize
17152
17153 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
17154 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
17155 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
17156 @code{abcdef1234}. If the list of the global debug directories includes
17157 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
17158 debug information files, in the indicated order:
17159
17160 @itemize @minus
17161 @item
17162 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
17163 @item
17164 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
17165 @item
17166 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
17167 @item
17168 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
17169 @end itemize
17170
17171 @anchor{debug-file-directory}
17172 Global debugging info directories default to what is set by @value{GDBN}
17173 configure option @option{--with-separate-debug-dir}. During @value{GDBN} run
17174 you can also set the global debugging info directories, and view the list
17175 @value{GDBN} is currently using.
17176
17177 @table @code
17178
17179 @kindex set debug-file-directory
17180 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
17181 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
17182 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple path components can be set
17183 concatenating them by a path separator.
17184
17185 @kindex show debug-file-directory
17186 @item show debug-file-directory
17187 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
17188 information files.
17189
17190 @end table
17191
17192 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
17193 @cindex debug link sections
17194 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
17195 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
17196
17197 @itemize
17198 @item
17199 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
17200 a zero byte,
17201 @item
17202 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
17203 boundary within the section, and
17204 @item
17205 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
17206 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
17207 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
17208 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
17209 @end itemize
17210
17211 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
17212 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
17213 described above.
17214
17215 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
17216 @cindex build ID sections
17217 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
17218 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
17219 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
17220 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
17221 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
17222 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
17223 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
17224 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
17225 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
17226
17227 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
17228 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
17229 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
17230 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
17231 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
17232 in an ordinary executable.
17233
17234 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
17235 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
17236 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
17237 following commands:
17238
17239 @smallexample
17240 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
17241 @kbd{strip -g foo}
17242 @end smallexample
17243
17244 @noindent
17245 These commands remove the debugging
17246 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
17247 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
17248 two files:
17249
17250 @itemize @bullet
17251 @item
17252 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
17253 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
17254
17255 @smallexample
17256 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
17257 @end smallexample
17258
17259 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
17260 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
17261 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
17262 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
17263
17264 @item
17265 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
17266 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
17267 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
17268 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
17269 @end itemize
17270
17271 @noindent
17272
17273 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
17274 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
17275 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
17276
17277 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
17278 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
17279 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
17280 @c different ways!
17281 @ifhtml
17282 @display
17283 @html
17284 <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>
17285 + <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
17286 @end html
17287 @end display
17288 @end ifhtml
17289 @ifnothtml
17290 @display
17291 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
17292 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
17293 @end display
17294 @end ifnothtml
17295
17296 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
17297 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
17298 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
17299 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
17300 CRC.
17301
17302 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
17303 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
17304 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
17305 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
17306 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
17307 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
17308
17309 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
17310 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
17311 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
17312 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
17313 @code{0xffffffff}.
17314
17315 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
17316 @smallexample
17317 unsigned long
17318 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
17319 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
17320 @{
17321 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
17322 @{
17323 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
17324 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
17325 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
17326 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
17327 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
17328 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
17329 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
17330 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
17331 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
17332 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
17333 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
17334 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
17335 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
17336 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
17337 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
17338 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
17339 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
17340 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
17341 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
17342 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
17343 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
17344 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
17345 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
17346 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
17347 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
17348 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
17349 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
17350 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
17351 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
17352 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
17353 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
17354 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
17355 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
17356 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
17357 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
17358 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
17359 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
17360 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
17361 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
17362 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
17363 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
17364 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
17365 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
17366 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
17367 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
17368 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
17369 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
17370 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
17371 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
17372 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
17373 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
17374 0x2d02ef8d
17375 @};
17376 unsigned char *end;
17377
17378 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
17379 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
17380 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
17381 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
17382 @}
17383 @end smallexample
17384
17385 @noindent
17386 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
17387
17388 @node MiniDebugInfo
17389 @section Debugging information in a special section
17390 @cindex separate debug sections
17391 @cindex @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section
17392
17393 Some systems ship pre-built executables and libraries that have a
17394 special @samp{.gnu_debugdata} section. This feature is called
17395 @dfn{MiniDebugInfo}. This section holds an LZMA-compressed object and
17396 is used to supply extra symbols for backtraces.
17397
17398 The intent of this section is to provide extra minimal debugging
17399 information for use in simple backtraces. It is not intended to be a
17400 replacement for full separate debugging information (@pxref{Separate
17401 Debug Files}). The example below shows the intended use; however,
17402 @value{GDBN} does not currently put restrictions on what sort of
17403 debugging information might be included in the section.
17404
17405 @value{GDBN} has support for this extension. If the section exists,
17406 then it is used provided that no other source of debugging information
17407 can be found, and that @value{GDBN} was configured with LZMA support.
17408
17409 This section can be easily created using @command{objcopy} and other
17410 standard utilities:
17411
17412 @smallexample
17413 # Extract the dynamic symbols from the main binary, there is no need
17414 # to also have these in the normal symbol table.
17415 nm -D @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
17416 | awk '@{ print $1 @}' | sort > dynsyms
17417
17418 # Extract all the text (i.e. function) symbols from the debuginfo.
17419 # (Note that we actually also accept "D" symbols, for the benefit
17420 # of platforms like PowerPC64 that use function descriptors.)
17421 nm @var{binary} --format=posix --defined-only \
17422 | awk '@{ if ($2 == "T" || $2 == "t" || $2 == "D") print $1 @}' \
17423 | sort > funcsyms
17424
17425 # Keep all the function symbols not already in the dynamic symbol
17426 # table.
17427 comm -13 dynsyms funcsyms > keep_symbols
17428
17429 # Separate full debug info into debug binary.
17430 objcopy --only-keep-debug @var{binary} debug
17431
17432 # Copy the full debuginfo, keeping only a minimal set of symbols and
17433 # removing some unnecessary sections.
17434 objcopy -S --remove-section .gdb_index --remove-section .comment \
17435 --keep-symbols=keep_symbols debug mini_debuginfo
17436
17437 # Drop the full debug info from the original binary.
17438 strip --strip-all -R .comment @var{binary}
17439
17440 # Inject the compressed data into the .gnu_debugdata section of the
17441 # original binary.
17442 xz mini_debuginfo
17443 objcopy --add-section .gnu_debugdata=mini_debuginfo.xz @var{binary}
17444 @end smallexample
17445
17446 @node Index Files
17447 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
17448 @cindex index files
17449 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
17450
17451 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
17452 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
17453 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
17454 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
17455 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
17456 startup.
17457
17458 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
17459 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
17460 using @command{objcopy}.
17461
17462 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
17463
17464 @table @code
17465 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
17466 @kindex save gdb-index
17467 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
17468 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
17469 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
17470 @var{directory}.
17471 @end table
17472
17473 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
17474 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
17475
17476 @smallexample
17477 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
17478 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
17479 @end smallexample
17480
17481 @value{GDBN} will normally ignore older versions of @file{.gdb_index}
17482 sections that have been deprecated. Usually they are deprecated because
17483 they are missing a new feature or have performance issues.
17484 To tell @value{GDBN} to use a deprecated index section anyway
17485 specify @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
17486 The default is @code{off}.
17487 This can speed up startup, but may result in some functionality being lost.
17488 @xref{Index Section Format}.
17489
17490 @emph{Warning:} Setting @code{use-deprecated-index-sections} to @code{on}
17491 must be done before gdb reads the file. The following will not work:
17492
17493 @smallexample
17494 $ gdb -ex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
17495 @end smallexample
17496
17497 Instead you must do, for example,
17498
17499 @smallexample
17500 $ gdb -iex "set use-deprecated-index-sections on" <program>
17501 @end smallexample
17502
17503 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
17504 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
17505 currently work for programs using Ada.
17506
17507 @node Symbol Errors
17508 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
17509
17510 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
17511 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
17512 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
17513 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
17514 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
17515 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
17516 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
17517 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
17518 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
17519 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
17520 Messages}).
17521
17522 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
17523
17524 @table @code
17525 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
17526
17527 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
17528 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
17529 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
17530 in its outer scope blocks.
17531
17532 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
17533 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
17534 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
17535 function.
17536
17537 @item block at @var{address} out of order
17538
17539 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
17540 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
17541 do so.
17542
17543 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
17544 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
17545 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
17546 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
17547 Messages}.)
17548
17549 @item bad block start address patched
17550
17551 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
17552 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
17553 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
17554
17555 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
17556 starting on the previous source line.
17557
17558 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
17559
17560 @cindex foo
17561 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
17562 larger than the size of the string table.
17563
17564 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
17565 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
17566 with this name.
17567
17568 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
17569
17570 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
17571 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
17572 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
17573
17574 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
17575 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
17576 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
17577 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
17578 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
17579 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
17580
17581 @item stub type has NULL name
17582
17583 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
17584
17585 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
17586 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
17587 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
17588 it.
17589
17590 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
17591
17592 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
17593
17594 @end table
17595
17596 @node Data Files
17597 @section GDB Data Files
17598
17599 @cindex prefix for data files
17600 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
17601 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
17602
17603 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
17604 is currently using.
17605
17606 @table @code
17607 @kindex set data-directory
17608 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
17609 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
17610 to @var{directory}.
17611
17612 @kindex show data-directory
17613 @item show data-directory
17614 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
17615 @end table
17616
17617 @cindex default data directory
17618 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
17619 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
17620 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
17621 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
17622 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
17623 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
17624 location.
17625
17626 The data directory may also be specified with the
17627 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
17628 @xref{Mode Options}.
17629
17630 @node Targets
17631 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
17632
17633 @cindex debugging target
17634 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
17635
17636 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
17637 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
17638 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
17639 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
17640 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
17641 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
17642 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
17643 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
17644
17645 @cindex target architecture
17646 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
17647 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
17648 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
17649 command.
17650
17651 @table @code
17652 @kindex set architecture
17653 @kindex show architecture
17654 @item set architecture @var{arch}
17655 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
17656 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
17657 supported architectures.
17658
17659 @item show architecture
17660 Show the current target architecture.
17661
17662 @item set processor
17663 @itemx processor
17664 @kindex set processor
17665 @kindex show processor
17666 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
17667 and @code{show architecture}.
17668 @end table
17669
17670 @menu
17671 * Active Targets:: Active targets
17672 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
17673 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
17674 @end menu
17675
17676 @node Active Targets
17677 @section Active Targets
17678
17679 @cindex stacking targets
17680 @cindex active targets
17681 @cindex multiple targets
17682
17683 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
17684 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
17685 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
17686 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
17687 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
17688 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
17689 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
17690 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
17691 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
17692
17693 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
17694 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
17695 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
17696 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
17697
17698 @node Target Commands
17699 @section Commands for Managing Targets
17700
17701 @table @code
17702 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
17703 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
17704 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
17705 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
17706 protocol of the target machine.
17707
17708 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
17709 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
17710 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
17711
17712 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
17713 after executing the command.
17714
17715 @kindex help target
17716 @item help target
17717 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
17718 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
17719 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
17720
17721 @item help target @var{name}
17722 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
17723 select it.
17724
17725 @kindex set gnutarget
17726 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
17727 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
17728 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
17729 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
17730 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
17731 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
17732
17733 @quotation
17734 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
17735 you must know the actual BFD name.
17736 @end quotation
17737
17738 @noindent
17739 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
17740
17741 @kindex show gnutarget
17742 @item show gnutarget
17743 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
17744 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
17745 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
17746 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BFD target is "auto"}.
17747 @end table
17748
17749 @cindex common targets
17750 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
17751 configuration):
17752
17753 @table @code
17754 @kindex target
17755 @item target exec @var{program}
17756 @cindex executable file target
17757 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
17758 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
17759
17760 @item target core @var{filename}
17761 @cindex core dump file target
17762 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
17763 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
17764
17765 @item target remote @var{medium}
17766 @cindex remote target
17767 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
17768 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
17769 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
17770
17771 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
17772 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
17773
17774 @smallexample
17775 target remote /dev/ttya
17776 @end smallexample
17777
17778 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
17779 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
17780 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
17781 clobbered by the download.
17782
17783 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
17784 @cindex built-in simulator target
17785 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
17786 In general,
17787 @smallexample
17788 target sim
17789 load
17790 run
17791 @end smallexample
17792 @noindent
17793 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
17794 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
17795 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
17796 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
17797 Processors}.
17798
17799 @end table
17800
17801 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
17802 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
17803
17804 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
17805 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
17806 various aspects of this process.
17807
17808 @table @code
17809
17810 @item set hash
17811 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
17812 @cindex hash mark while downloading
17813 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
17814 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
17815 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
17816 monitor.
17817
17818 @item show hash
17819 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
17820 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
17821
17822 @item set debug monitor
17823 @kindex set debug monitor
17824 @cindex display remote monitor communications
17825 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
17826 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
17827
17828 @item show debug monitor
17829 @kindex show debug monitor
17830 Show the current status of displaying communications between
17831 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
17832 @end table
17833
17834 @table @code
17835
17836 @kindex load @var{filename}
17837 @item load @var{filename}
17838 @anchor{load}
17839 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
17840 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
17841 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
17842 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
17843 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
17844 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
17845
17846 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
17847 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
17848 target is @dots{}}''
17849
17850 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
17851 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
17852 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
17853 specifies a fixed address.
17854 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
17855
17856 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
17857 load programs into flash memory.
17858
17859 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
17860 @end table
17861
17862 @node Byte Order
17863 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
17864
17865 @cindex choosing target byte order
17866 @cindex target byte order
17867
17868 Some types of processors, such as the @acronym{MIPS}, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
17869 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
17870 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
17871 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
17872 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
17873 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
17874
17875 @table @code
17876 @kindex set endian
17877 @item set endian big
17878 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
17879
17880 @item set endian little
17881 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
17882
17883 @item set endian auto
17884 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
17885 executable.
17886
17887 @item show endian
17888 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
17889
17890 @end table
17891
17892 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
17893 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
17894 target system.
17895
17896
17897 @node Remote Debugging
17898 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
17899 @cindex remote debugging
17900
17901 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
17902 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
17903 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
17904 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
17905 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
17906
17907 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
17908 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
17909 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
17910 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
17911 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
17912 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
17913
17914 Other remote targets may be available in your
17915 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
17916
17917 @menu
17918 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
17919 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
17920 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
17921 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
17922 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
17923 @end menu
17924
17925 @node Connecting
17926 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
17927
17928 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
17929 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
17930 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
17931 program as the first argument.
17932
17933 @cindex @code{target remote}
17934 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
17935 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
17936 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
17937 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
17938 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
17939 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
17940
17941 @table @code
17942
17943 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
17944 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
17945 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
17946 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
17947
17948 @smallexample
17949 target remote /dev/ttyb
17950 @end smallexample
17951
17952 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
17953 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
17954 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
17955 @code{target} command.
17956
17957 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
17958 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
17959 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
17960 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
17961 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
17962 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
17963 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
17964 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
17965 target.
17966
17967 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
17968 @code{manyfarms}:
17969
17970 @smallexample
17971 target remote manyfarms:2828
17972 @end smallexample
17973
17974 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
17975 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
17976 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
17977 port 1234 on your local machine:
17978
17979 @smallexample
17980 target remote :1234
17981 @end smallexample
17982 @noindent
17983
17984 Note that the colon is still required here.
17985
17986 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
17987 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
17988 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
17989 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
17990
17991 @smallexample
17992 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
17993 @end smallexample
17994
17995 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
17996 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
17997 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
17998 cause havoc with your debugging session.
17999
18000 @item target remote | @var{command}
18001 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
18002 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
18003 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
18004 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
18005 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
18006 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
18007 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
18008 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
18009
18010 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
18011 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
18012 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
18013
18014 @end table
18015
18016 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
18017 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
18018 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
18019 need to use @kbd{run}.
18020
18021 @cindex interrupting remote programs
18022 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
18023 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
18024 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
18025 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
18026 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
18027 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
18028
18029 @smallexample
18030 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
18031 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
18032 @end smallexample
18033
18034 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
18035 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
18036 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
18037 goes back to waiting.
18038
18039 @table @code
18040 @kindex detach (remote)
18041 @item detach
18042 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
18043 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
18044 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
18045 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
18046 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
18047
18048 @kindex disconnect
18049 @item disconnect
18050 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
18051 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
18052 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
18053 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
18054 another target.
18055
18056 @cindex send command to remote monitor
18057 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
18058 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
18059 @kindex monitor
18060 @item monitor @var{cmd}
18061 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
18062 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
18063 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
18064 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
18065 and implement.
18066 @end table
18067
18068 @node File Transfer
18069 @section Sending files to a remote system
18070 @cindex remote target, file transfer
18071 @cindex file transfer
18072 @cindex sending files to remote systems
18073
18074 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
18075 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
18076 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
18077 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
18078 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
18079 the only way to upload or download files.
18080
18081 Not all remote targets support these commands.
18082
18083 @table @code
18084 @kindex remote put
18085 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
18086 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
18087 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
18088
18089 @kindex remote get
18090 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
18091 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
18092 on the host system.
18093
18094 @kindex remote delete
18095 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
18096 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
18097
18098 @end table
18099
18100 @node Server
18101 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
18102
18103 @kindex gdbserver
18104 @cindex remote connection without stubs
18105 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
18106 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
18107 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
18108
18109 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
18110 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
18111 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
18112 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
18113 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
18114 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
18115 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
18116 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
18117 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
18118 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
18119 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
18120 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
18121 choice for debugging.
18122
18123 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
18124 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
18125 protocol.
18126
18127 @quotation
18128 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
18129 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
18130 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
18131 target system with the same privileges as the user running
18132 @code{gdbserver}.
18133 @end quotation
18134
18135 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
18136 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
18137 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, command-line arguments
18138
18139 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
18140 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
18141 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
18142 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
18143 system does all the symbol handling.
18144
18145 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
18146 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
18147 syntax is:
18148
18149 @smallexample
18150 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
18151 @end smallexample
18152
18153 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line), or a TCP
18154 hostname and portnumber, or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
18155 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}.
18156 For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
18157 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
18158 @file{/dev/com1}:
18159
18160 @smallexample
18161 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
18162 @end smallexample
18163
18164 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
18165 with it.
18166
18167 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
18168
18169 @smallexample
18170 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
18171 @end smallexample
18172
18173 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
18174 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
18175 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
18176 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
18177 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
18178 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
18179 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
18180 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
18181 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
18182 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
18183 @code{target remote} command.
18184
18185 The @code{stdio} connection is useful when starting @code{gdbserver}
18186 with ssh:
18187
18188 @smallexample
18189 (gdb) target remote | ssh -T hostname gdbserver - hello
18190 @end smallexample
18191
18192 The @samp{-T} option to ssh is provided because we don't need a remote pty,
18193 and we don't want escape-character handling. Ssh does this by default when
18194 a command is provided, the flag is provided to make it explicit.
18195 You could elide it if you want to.
18196
18197 Programs started with stdio-connected gdbserver have @file{/dev/null} for
18198 @code{stdin}, and @code{stdout},@code{stderr} are sent back to gdb for
18199 display through a pipe connected to gdbserver.
18200 Both @code{stdout} and @code{stderr} use the same pipe.
18201
18202 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
18203 @cindex attach to a program, @code{gdbserver}
18204 @cindex @option{--attach}, @code{gdbserver} option
18205
18206 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
18207 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
18208
18209 @smallexample
18210 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
18211 @end smallexample
18212
18213 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
18214 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
18215
18216 @pindex pidof
18217 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
18218 @code{pidof} utility:
18219
18220 @smallexample
18221 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
18222 @end smallexample
18223
18224 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
18225 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
18226 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
18227
18228 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
18229 @cindex @code{gdbserver}, multiple processes
18230 @cindex multiple processes with @code{gdbserver}
18231
18232 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
18233 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
18234 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
18235 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
18236
18237 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
18238 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
18239 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
18240 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
18241 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
18242 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
18243 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
18244 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
18245 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
18246
18247 @cindex @option{--multi}, @code{gdbserver} option
18248 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
18249 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
18250 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
18251 the program you want to debug.
18252
18253 In multi-process mode @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit unless you
18254 use the option @option{--once}. You can terminate it by using
18255 @code{monitor exit} (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}). Note that the
18256 conditions under which @code{gdbserver} terminates depend on how @value{GDBN}
18257 connects to it (@kbd{target remote} or @kbd{target extended-remote}). The
18258 @option{--multi} option to @code{gdbserver} has no influence on that.
18259
18260 @subsubsection TCP port allocation lifecycle of @code{gdbserver}
18261
18262 This section applies only when @code{gdbserver} is run to listen on a TCP port.
18263
18264 @code{gdbserver} normally terminates after all of its debugged processes have
18265 terminated in @kbd{target remote} mode. On the other hand, for @kbd{target
18266 extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver} stays running even with no processes left.
18267 @value{GDBN} normally terminates the spawned debugged process on its exit,
18268 which normally also terminates @code{gdbserver} in the @kbd{target remote}
18269 mode. Therefore, when the connection drops unexpectedly, and @value{GDBN}
18270 cannot ask @code{gdbserver} to kill its debugged processes, @code{gdbserver}
18271 stays running even in the @kbd{target remote} mode.
18272
18273 When @code{gdbserver} stays running, @value{GDBN} can connect to it again later.
18274 Such reconnecting is useful for features like @ref{disconnected tracing}. For
18275 completeness, at most one @value{GDBN} can be connected at a time.
18276
18277 @cindex @option{--once}, @code{gdbserver} option
18278 By default, @code{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
18279 subsequent connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
18280 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
18281 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session. This
18282 means no further connections to @code{gdbserver} will be possible after the
18283 first one. It also means @code{gdbserver} will terminate after the first
18284 connection with remote @value{GDBN} has closed, even for unexpectedly closed
18285 connections and even in the @kbd{target extended-remote} mode. The
18286 @option{--once} option allows reusing the same port number for connecting to
18287 multiple instances of @code{gdbserver} running on the same host, since each
18288 instance closes its port after the first connection.
18289
18290 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
18291
18292 @cindex @option{--debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
18293 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
18294 status information about the debugging process.
18295 @cindex @option{--remote-debug}, @code{gdbserver} option
18296 The @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
18297 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
18298 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
18299
18300 @cindex @option{--wrapper}, @code{gdbserver} option
18301 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
18302 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
18303 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
18304 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
18305
18306 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
18307 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
18308 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
18309 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
18310
18311 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
18312 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
18313 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
18314 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
18315
18316 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
18317 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
18318 environment:
18319
18320 @smallexample
18321 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
18322 @end smallexample
18323
18324 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
18325
18326 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
18327
18328 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
18329 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
18330 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
18331 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
18332
18333 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
18334 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
18335 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
18336 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
18337 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
18338 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
18339 programs.
18340
18341 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
18342 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
18343 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
18344 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
18345 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
18346 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
18347 already on the target.
18348
18349 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
18350 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
18351 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
18352
18353 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
18354 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
18355 Here are the available commands.
18356
18357 @table @code
18358 @item monitor help
18359 List the available monitor commands.
18360
18361 @item monitor set debug 0
18362 @itemx monitor set debug 1
18363 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
18364
18365 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
18366 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
18367 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
18368 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
18369
18370 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
18371 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
18372 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
18373 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
18374 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
18375 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to its default value.
18376
18377 The special entry @samp{$pdir} for @samp{libthread-db-search-path} is
18378 not supported in @code{gdbserver}.
18379
18380 @item monitor exit
18381 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
18382 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
18383 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
18384 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
18385 of a multi-process mode debug session.
18386
18387 @end table
18388
18389 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
18390 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
18391
18392 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
18393 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
18394
18395 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
18396 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
18397 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
18398 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
18399 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
18400 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
18401 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
18402 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
18403 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
18404 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
18405 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
18406 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
18407
18408 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
18409
18410 @table @code
18411 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
18412
18413 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
18414 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
18415 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
18416
18417 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
18418
18419 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
18420 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
18421 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
18422 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
18423 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
18424 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
18425
18426 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
18427
18428 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
18429 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
18430 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
18431 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
18432 command for that. For example:
18433
18434 @smallexample
18435 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
18436 @end smallexample
18437
18438 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
18439 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
18440 @end table
18441
18442 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
18443 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
18444 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
18445 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
18446 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
18447 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
18448 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
18449 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
18450 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
18451 @code{gdbserver} like so:
18452
18453 @smallexample
18454 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
18455 @end smallexample
18456
18457 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
18458
18459 @smallexample
18460 $ gdb myprogram
18461 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
18462 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
18463 (@value{GDBP}) b main
18464 (@value{GDBP}) continue
18465 @end smallexample
18466
18467 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
18468 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
18469 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
18470 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
18471 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
18472 tracing.
18473
18474 @node Remote Configuration
18475 @section Remote Configuration
18476
18477 @kindex set remote
18478 @kindex show remote
18479 This section documents the configuration options available when
18480 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
18481 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
18482 system-call-allowed}.
18483
18484 @table @code
18485 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
18486 @cindex address size for remote targets
18487 @cindex bits in remote address
18488 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
18489 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
18490 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
18491 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
18492
18493 @item show remoteaddresssize
18494 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
18495
18496 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
18497 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
18498 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
18499 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
18500 remote targets.
18501
18502 @item show remotebaud
18503 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
18504
18505 @item set remotebreak
18506 @cindex interrupt remote programs
18507 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
18508 @anchor{set remotebreak}
18509 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
18510 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
18511 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
18512 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
18513 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
18514
18515 @item show remotebreak
18516 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
18517 interrupt the remote program.
18518
18519 @item set remoteflow on
18520 @itemx set remoteflow off
18521 @kindex set remoteflow
18522 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
18523 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
18524
18525 @item show remoteflow
18526 @kindex show remoteflow
18527 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
18528
18529 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
18530 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
18531 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
18532 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
18533 @code{ascii}.
18534
18535 @item show remotelogbase
18536 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
18537 protocol.
18538
18539 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
18540 @cindex record serial communications on file
18541 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
18542 default is not to record at all.
18543
18544 @item show remotelogfile.
18545 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
18546 serial communications.
18547
18548 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
18549 @cindex timeout for serial communications
18550 @cindex remote timeout
18551 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
18552 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
18553
18554 @item show remotetimeout
18555 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
18556 responses.
18557
18558 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
18559 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
18560 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
18561 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
18562 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
18563 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
18564 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
18565 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
18566
18567 @cindex limit hardware watchpoints length
18568 @cindex remote target, limit watchpoints length
18569 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit}
18570 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit @var{limit}
18571 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} bytes for the maximum length of
18572 a remote hardware watchpoint. A limit of -1, the default, is treated
18573 as unlimited.
18574
18575 @item show remote hardware-watchpoint-length-limit
18576 Show the current limit (in bytes) of the maximum length of
18577 a remote hardware watchpoint.
18578
18579 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
18580 @itemx show remote exec-file
18581 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
18582 @cindex executable file, for remote target
18583 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
18584 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
18585 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
18586 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
18587
18588 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
18589 @cindex interrupt remote programs
18590 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
18591 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
18592 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
18593 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
18594 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
18595 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
18596 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
18597 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
18598
18599 @item show interrupt-sequence
18600 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
18601 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
18602 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
18603 also known as Magic SysRq g.
18604
18605 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
18606 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
18607 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
18608 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
18609 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
18610 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
18611
18612 @item show interrupt-on-connect
18613 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
18614 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
18615
18616 @kindex set tcp
18617 @kindex show tcp
18618 @item set tcp auto-retry on
18619 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
18620 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
18621 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
18622 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
18623 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
18624 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
18625 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
18626 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
18627
18628 @item set tcp auto-retry off
18629 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
18630
18631 @item show tcp auto-retry
18632 Show the current auto-retry setting.
18633
18634 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
18635 @itemx set tcp connect-timeout unlimited
18636 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
18637 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
18638 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
18639 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
18640 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
18641 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
18642 value. If @var{seconds} is @code{unlimited}, there is no timeout and
18643 @value{GDBN} will keep attempting to establish a connection forever,
18644 unless interrupted with @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The default is 15 seconds.
18645
18646 @item show tcp connect-timeout
18647 Show the current connection timeout setting.
18648 @end table
18649
18650 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
18651 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
18652 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
18653 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
18654 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
18655 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
18656 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
18657 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
18658 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
18659
18660 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
18661 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
18662 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
18663 @value{GDBN} developers.
18664
18665 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
18666 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
18667 are:
18668
18669 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
18670 @item Command Name
18671 @tab Remote Packet
18672 @tab Related Features
18673
18674 @item @code{fetch-register}
18675 @tab @code{p}
18676 @tab @code{info registers}
18677
18678 @item @code{set-register}
18679 @tab @code{P}
18680 @tab @code{set}
18681
18682 @item @code{binary-download}
18683 @tab @code{X}
18684 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
18685
18686 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
18687 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
18688 @tab @code{info auxv}
18689
18690 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
18691 @tab @code{qSymbol}
18692 @tab Detecting multiple threads
18693
18694 @item @code{attach}
18695 @tab @code{vAttach}
18696 @tab @code{attach}
18697
18698 @item @code{verbose-resume}
18699 @tab @code{vCont}
18700 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
18701
18702 @item @code{run}
18703 @tab @code{vRun}
18704 @tab @code{run}
18705
18706 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
18707 @tab @code{Z0}
18708 @tab @code{break}
18709
18710 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
18711 @tab @code{Z1}
18712 @tab @code{hbreak}
18713
18714 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
18715 @tab @code{Z2}
18716 @tab @code{watch}
18717
18718 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
18719 @tab @code{Z3}
18720 @tab @code{rwatch}
18721
18722 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
18723 @tab @code{Z4}
18724 @tab @code{awatch}
18725
18726 @item @code{target-features}
18727 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
18728 @tab @code{set architecture}
18729
18730 @item @code{library-info}
18731 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
18732 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
18733
18734 @item @code{memory-map}
18735 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
18736 @tab @code{info mem}
18737
18738 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
18739 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
18740 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
18741
18742 @item @code{read-spu-object}
18743 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
18744 @tab @code{info spu}
18745
18746 @item @code{write-spu-object}
18747 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
18748 @tab @code{info spu}
18749
18750 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
18751 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
18752 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
18753
18754 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
18755 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
18756 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
18757
18758 @item @code{threads}
18759 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
18760 @tab @code{info threads}
18761
18762 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
18763 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
18764 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
18765
18766 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
18767 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
18768 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
18769
18770 @item @code{search-memory}
18771 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
18772 @tab @code{find}
18773
18774 @item @code{supported-packets}
18775 @tab @code{qSupported}
18776 @tab Remote communications parameters
18777
18778 @item @code{pass-signals}
18779 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
18780 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18781
18782 @item @code{program-signals}
18783 @tab @code{QProgramSignals}
18784 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
18785
18786 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
18787 @tab @code{vFile:close}
18788 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18789
18790 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
18791 @tab @code{vFile:open}
18792 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18793
18794 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
18795 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
18796 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18797
18798 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
18799 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
18800 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
18801
18802 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
18803 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
18804 @tab @code{remote delete}
18805
18806 @item @code{hostio-readlink-packet}
18807 @tab @code{vFile:readlink}
18808 @tab Host I/O
18809
18810 @item @code{noack-packet}
18811 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
18812 @tab Packet acknowledgment
18813
18814 @item @code{osdata}
18815 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
18816 @tab @code{info os}
18817
18818 @item @code{query-attached}
18819 @tab @code{qAttached}
18820 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
18821
18822 @item @code{trace-buffer-size}
18823 @tab @code{QTBuffer:size}
18824 @tab @code{set trace-buffer-size}
18825
18826 @item @code{trace-status}
18827 @tab @code{qTStatus}
18828 @tab @code{tstatus}
18829
18830 @item @code{traceframe-info}
18831 @tab @code{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
18832 @tab Traceframe info
18833
18834 @item @code{install-in-trace}
18835 @tab @code{InstallInTrace}
18836 @tab Install tracepoint in tracing
18837
18838 @item @code{disable-randomization}
18839 @tab @code{QDisableRandomization}
18840 @tab @code{set disable-randomization}
18841
18842 @item @code{conditional-breakpoints-packet}
18843 @tab @code{Z0 and Z1}
18844 @tab @code{Support for target-side breakpoint condition evaluation}
18845 @end multitable
18846
18847 @node Remote Stub
18848 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
18849
18850 @cindex debugging stub, example
18851 @cindex remote stub, example
18852 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
18853 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
18854 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
18855 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
18856 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
18857 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
18858 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
18859 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
18860
18861 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
18862 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
18863 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
18864 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
18865 program, you need:
18866
18867 @enumerate
18868 @item
18869 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
18870 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
18871 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
18872
18873 @item
18874 A C subroutine library to support your program's
18875 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
18876
18877 @item
18878 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
18879 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
18880 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
18881 documentation.
18882 @end enumerate
18883
18884 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
18885 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
18886 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
18887
18888 @table @emph
18889 @item On the host,
18890 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
18891 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
18892 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
18893
18894 @item On the target,
18895 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
18896 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
18897 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
18898
18899 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
18900 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
18901 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
18902 @end table
18903
18904 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
18905 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
18906 @sc{sparc} boards.
18907
18908 @cindex remote serial stub list
18909 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
18910
18911 @table @code
18912
18913 @item i386-stub.c
18914 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
18915 @cindex Intel
18916 @cindex i386
18917 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
18918
18919 @item m68k-stub.c
18920 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
18921 @cindex Motorola 680x0
18922 @cindex m680x0
18923 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
18924
18925 @item sh-stub.c
18926 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
18927 @cindex Renesas
18928 @cindex SH
18929 For Renesas SH architectures.
18930
18931 @item sparc-stub.c
18932 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
18933 @cindex Sparc
18934 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
18935
18936 @item sparcl-stub.c
18937 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
18938 @cindex Fujitsu
18939 @cindex SparcLite
18940 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
18941
18942 @end table
18943
18944 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
18945 recently added stubs.
18946
18947 @menu
18948 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
18949 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
18950 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
18951 @end menu
18952
18953 @node Stub Contents
18954 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
18955
18956 @cindex remote serial stub
18957 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
18958 subroutines:
18959
18960 @table @code
18961 @item set_debug_traps
18962 @findex set_debug_traps
18963 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
18964 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
18965 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly in your
18966 program's startup code.
18967
18968 @item handle_exception
18969 @findex handle_exception
18970 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
18971 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
18972 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
18973 run when a trap is triggered.
18974
18975 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
18976 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
18977 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
18978 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
18979 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
18980 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
18981 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
18982 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
18983 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
18984 machine.
18985
18986 @item breakpoint
18987 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
18988 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
18989 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
18990 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
18991 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
18992 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
18993 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
18994 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
18995 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
18996 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
18997 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
18998
18999 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
19000 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
19001 start of your debugging session.
19002 @end table
19003
19004 @node Bootstrapping
19005 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
19006
19007 @cindex remote stub, support routines
19008 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
19009 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
19010 debugging target machine.
19011
19012 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
19013 serial port.
19014
19015 @table @code
19016 @item int getDebugChar()
19017 @findex getDebugChar
19018 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
19019 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
19020 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
19021
19022 @item void putDebugChar(int)
19023 @findex putDebugChar
19024 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
19025 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
19026 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
19027 @end table
19028
19029 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
19030 @cindex interrupting remote targets
19031 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
19032 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
19033 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
19034 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
19035 remote system to stop.
19036
19037 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
19038 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
19039 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
19040 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
19041
19042 Other routines you need to supply are:
19043
19044 @table @code
19045 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
19046 @findex exceptionHandler
19047 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
19048 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
19049 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
19050 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
19051 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
19052 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
19053 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
19054 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
19055 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
19056 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
19057 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
19058 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
19059 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
19060
19061 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
19062 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
19063 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
19064 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
19065 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
19066
19067 @item void flush_i_cache()
19068 @findex flush_i_cache
19069 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
19070 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
19071 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
19072
19073 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
19074 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
19075 @end table
19076
19077 @noindent
19078 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
19079
19080 @table @code
19081 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
19082 @findex memset
19083 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
19084 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
19085 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
19086 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
19087 @end table
19088
19089 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
19090 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
19091 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
19092 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
19093
19094
19095 @node Debug Session
19096 @subsection Putting it All Together
19097
19098 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
19099 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
19100 steps.
19101
19102 @enumerate
19103 @item
19104 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
19105 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
19106 @display
19107 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
19108 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
19109 @end display
19110
19111 @item
19112 Insert these lines in your program's startup code, before the main
19113 procedure is called:
19114
19115 @smallexample
19116 set_debug_traps();
19117 breakpoint();
19118 @end smallexample
19119
19120 On some machines, when a breakpoint trap is raised, the hardware
19121 automatically makes the PC point to the instruction after the
19122 breakpoint. If your machine doesn't do that, you may need to adjust
19123 @code{handle_exception} to arrange for it to return to the instruction
19124 after the breakpoint on this first invocation, so that your program
19125 doesn't keep hitting the initial breakpoint instead of making
19126 progress.
19127
19128 @item
19129 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
19130 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
19131
19132 @smallexample
19133 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
19134 @end smallexample
19135
19136 @noindent
19137 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
19138 function in your program, that function is called when
19139 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
19140 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
19141 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
19142
19143 @item
19144 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
19145 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
19146
19147 @item
19148 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
19149 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
19150
19151 @item
19152 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
19153 @c document that. FIXME.
19154 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
19155 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
19156
19157 @item
19158 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
19159 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
19160
19161 @end enumerate
19162
19163 @node Configurations
19164 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
19165
19166 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
19167 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
19168 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
19169
19170 There are three major categories of configurations: native
19171 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
19172 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
19173 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
19174 are quite different from each other.
19175
19176 @menu
19177 * Native::
19178 * Embedded OS::
19179 * Embedded Processors::
19180 * Architectures::
19181 @end menu
19182
19183 @node Native
19184 @section Native
19185
19186 This section describes details specific to particular native
19187 configurations.
19188
19189 @menu
19190 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
19191 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
19192 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
19193 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
19194 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
19195 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
19196 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
19197 @end menu
19198
19199 @node HP-UX
19200 @subsection HP-UX
19201
19202 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
19203 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
19204 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
19205
19206
19207 @node BSD libkvm Interface
19208 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
19209
19210 @cindex libkvm
19211 @cindex kernel memory image
19212 @cindex kernel crash dump
19213
19214 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
19215 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
19216 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
19217 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
19218 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
19219 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
19220 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
19221 @code{kvm} target:
19222
19223 @smallexample
19224 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
19225 @end smallexample
19226
19227 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
19228 argument:
19229
19230 @smallexample
19231 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
19232 @end smallexample
19233
19234 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
19235 available:
19236
19237 @table @code
19238 @kindex kvm
19239 @item kvm pcb
19240 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
19241
19242 @item kvm proc
19243 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
19244 modern FreeBSD systems.
19245 @end table
19246
19247 @node SVR4 Process Information
19248 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
19249 @cindex /proc
19250 @cindex examine process image
19251 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
19252
19253 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
19254 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
19255 process using file-system subroutines.
19256
19257 If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with this
19258 facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report
19259 information about the process running your program, or about any
19260 process running on your system. This includes, as of this writing,
19261 @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital Unix), Solaris, and Irix, but
19262 not HP-UX, for example.
19263
19264 This command may also work on core files that were created on a system
19265 that has the @samp{/proc} facility.
19266
19267 @table @code
19268 @kindex info proc
19269 @cindex process ID
19270 @item info proc
19271 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
19272 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
19273 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
19274 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
19275 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
19276 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
19277 executable file's absolute file name.
19278
19279 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
19280 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
19281 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
19282 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
19283 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
19284 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
19285
19286 @item info proc cmdline
19287 @cindex info proc cmdline
19288 Show the original command line of the process. This command is
19289 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
19290
19291 @item info proc cwd
19292 @cindex info proc cwd
19293 Show the current working directory of the process. This command is
19294 specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
19295
19296 @item info proc exe
19297 @cindex info proc exe
19298 Show the name of executable of the process. This command is specific
19299 to @sc{gnu}/Linux.
19300
19301 @item info proc mappings
19302 @cindex memory address space mappings
19303 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
19304 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
19305 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
19306 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
19307 memory access rights to that range.
19308
19309 @item info proc stat
19310 @itemx info proc status
19311 @cindex process detailed status information
19312 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
19313 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
19314 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
19315 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
19316 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
19317 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
19318 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
19319
19320 @item info proc all
19321 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
19322 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
19323
19324 @ignore
19325 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
19326 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
19327 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
19328 @kindex info proc times
19329 @item info proc times
19330 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
19331 its children.
19332
19333 @kindex info proc id
19334 @item info proc id
19335 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
19336 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
19337 @end ignore
19338
19339 @item set procfs-trace
19340 @kindex set procfs-trace
19341 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
19342 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
19343
19344 @item show procfs-trace
19345 @kindex show procfs-trace
19346 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
19347
19348 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
19349 @kindex set procfs-file
19350 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
19351 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
19352 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
19353 standard output.
19354
19355 @item show procfs-file
19356 @kindex show procfs-file
19357 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
19358
19359 @item proc-trace-entry
19360 @itemx proc-trace-exit
19361 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
19362 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
19363 @kindex proc-trace-entry
19364 @kindex proc-trace-exit
19365 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
19366 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
19367 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
19368 from the @code{syscall} interface.
19369
19370 @item info pidlist
19371 @kindex info pidlist
19372 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
19373 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
19374 processes and all the threads within each process.
19375
19376 @item info meminfo
19377 @kindex info meminfo
19378 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
19379 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
19380 @end table
19381
19382 @node DJGPP Native
19383 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
19384 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
19385 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
19386 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
19387
19388 @cindex DPMI
19389 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
19390 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
19391 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
19392 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
19393
19394 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
19395 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
19396 subsection describes those commands.
19397
19398 @table @code
19399 @kindex info dos
19400 @item info dos
19401 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
19402 information about the target system and important OS structures.
19403
19404 @kindex sysinfo
19405 @cindex MS-DOS system info
19406 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
19407 @item info dos sysinfo
19408 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
19409 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
19410 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
19411
19412 @cindex GDT
19413 @cindex LDT
19414 @cindex IDT
19415 @cindex segment descriptor tables
19416 @cindex descriptor tables display
19417 @item info dos gdt
19418 @itemx info dos ldt
19419 @itemx info dos idt
19420 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
19421 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
19422 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
19423 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
19424 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
19425 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
19426 rights.
19427
19428 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
19429 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
19430 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
19431 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
19432 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
19433
19434 @cindex garbled pointers
19435 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
19436 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
19437 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
19438 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
19439 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
19440 debugged program's data segment:
19441
19442 @smallexample
19443 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
19444 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
19445 @end smallexample
19446
19447 @noindent
19448 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
19449 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
19450
19451 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
19452 @item info dos pde
19453 @itemx info dos pte
19454 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
19455 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
19456 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
19457 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
19458 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
19459 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
19460 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
19461 that is currently in use.
19462
19463 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
19464 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
19465 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
19466 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
19467 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
19468 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
19469 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
19470
19471 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
19472 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
19473 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
19474 controller.
19475
19476 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
19477
19478 @cindex physical address from linear address
19479 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
19480 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
19481 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
19482 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
19483 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
19484 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
19485 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
19486
19487 @smallexample
19488 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
19489 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
19490 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
19491 @end smallexample
19492
19493 @noindent
19494 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
19495 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
19496 attributes of that page.
19497
19498 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
19499 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
19500 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
19501 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
19502 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
19503 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
19504
19505 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
19506 transfer buffer:
19507
19508 @smallexample
19509 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
19510 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
19511 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
19512 @end smallexample
19513
19514 @noindent
19515 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
19516 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
19517 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
19518 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
19519 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
19520
19521 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
19522 @end table
19523
19524 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
19525 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
19526 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
19527 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
19528
19529 @table @code
19530 @kindex set com1base
19531 @kindex set com1irq
19532 @kindex set com2base
19533 @kindex set com2irq
19534 @kindex set com3base
19535 @kindex set com3irq
19536 @kindex set com4base
19537 @kindex set com4irq
19538 @item set com1base @var{addr}
19539 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
19540 port.
19541
19542 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
19543 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
19544 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
19545
19546 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
19547 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
19548 other 3 COM ports.
19549
19550 @kindex show com1base
19551 @kindex show com1irq
19552 @kindex show com2base
19553 @kindex show com2irq
19554 @kindex show com3base
19555 @kindex show com3irq
19556 @kindex show com4base
19557 @kindex show com4irq
19558 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
19559 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
19560 lines used by the COM ports.
19561
19562 @item info serial
19563 @kindex info serial
19564 @cindex DOS serial port status
19565 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
19566 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
19567 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
19568 counts of various errors encountered so far.
19569 @end table
19570
19571
19572 @node Cygwin Native
19573 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
19574 @cindex MS Windows debugging
19575 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
19576 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
19577
19578 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
19579 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
19580
19581 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
19582 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
19583 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
19584 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
19585 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
19586 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
19587 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
19588 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
19589
19590 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
19591 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
19592 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
19593
19594 @table @code
19595 @kindex info w32
19596 @item info w32
19597 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
19598 information about the target system and important OS structures.
19599
19600 @item info w32 selector
19601 This command displays information returned by
19602 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
19603 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
19604 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
19605 Without argument, this command displays information
19606 about the six segment registers.
19607
19608 @item info w32 thread-information-block
19609 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
19610 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
19611 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
19612
19613 @kindex info dll
19614 @item info dll
19615 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
19616
19617 @kindex dll-symbols
19618 @item dll-symbols
19619 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
19620 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
19621
19622 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
19623 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
19624 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
19625 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
19626 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
19627 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
19628 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
19629 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
19630 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
19631 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
19632 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
19633
19634 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
19635 @item show cygwin-exceptions
19636 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
19637 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
19638
19639 @kindex set new-console
19640 @item set new-console @var{mode}
19641 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
19642 be started in a new console on next start.
19643 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
19644 be started in the same console as the debugger.
19645
19646 @kindex show new-console
19647 @item show new-console
19648 Displays whether a new console is used
19649 when the debuggee is started.
19650
19651 @kindex set new-group
19652 @item set new-group @var{mode}
19653 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
19654 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
19655 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
19656 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
19657
19658 @kindex show new-group
19659 @item show new-group
19660 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
19661
19662 @kindex set debugevents
19663 @item set debugevents
19664 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
19665 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
19666 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
19667 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
19668 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
19669
19670 @kindex set debugexec
19671 @item set debugexec
19672 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
19673 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
19674
19675 @kindex set debugexceptions
19676 @item set debugexceptions
19677 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
19678 debuggee seen by the debugger.
19679
19680 @kindex set debugmemory
19681 @item set debugmemory
19682 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
19683 and writes by the debugger.
19684
19685 @kindex set shell
19686 @item set shell
19687 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
19688 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
19689
19690 @kindex show shell
19691 @item show shell
19692 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
19693
19694 @end table
19695
19696 @menu
19697 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
19698 @end menu
19699
19700 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
19701 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
19702 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
19703 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
19704
19705 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
19706 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
19707 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
19708 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
19709 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
19710 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
19711 ``minimal symbols''.
19712
19713 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
19714 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
19715 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
19716 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
19717 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
19718 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
19719 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
19720 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
19721 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
19722 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
19723
19724 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
19725
19726 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
19727 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
19728 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
19729 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
19730 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
19731 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
19732 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
19733 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
19734 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
19735
19736 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
19737 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
19738 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
19739 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
19740 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
19741 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
19742
19743 @smallexample
19744 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
19745 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
19746
19747 Non-debugging symbols:
19748 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
19749 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
19750 @end smallexample
19751
19752 @smallexample
19753 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
19754 All functions matching regular expression "!":
19755
19756 Non-debugging symbols:
19757 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
19758 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
19759 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
19760 [etc...]
19761 @end smallexample
19762
19763 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
19764
19765 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
19766 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
19767 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
19768 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
19769 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
19770 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
19771 a function within a DLL without a running program.
19772
19773 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
19774 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
19775 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
19776 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
19777 problem:
19778
19779 @smallexample
19780 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
19781 $1 = 268572168
19782 @end smallexample
19783
19784 @smallexample
19785 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
19786 0x10021610: "\230y\""
19787 @end smallexample
19788
19789 And two possible solutions:
19790
19791 @smallexample
19792 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
19793 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19794 @end smallexample
19795
19796 @smallexample
19797 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
19798 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
19799 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
19800 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
19801 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
19802 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
19803 @end smallexample
19804
19805 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
19806 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
19807 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
19808 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
19809 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
19810
19811 @smallexample
19812 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
19813 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
19814 @end smallexample
19815
19816 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
19817 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
19818 safe.
19819
19820 @node Hurd Native
19821 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
19822 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
19823
19824 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
19825 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
19826
19827 @table @code
19828 @item set signals
19829 @itemx set sigs
19830 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
19831 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
19832 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
19833 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
19834 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
19835 @code{signals}.
19836
19837 @item show signals
19838 @itemx show sigs
19839 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
19840 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
19841 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
19842
19843 @item set signal-thread
19844 @itemx set sigthread
19845 @kindex set signal-thread
19846 @kindex set sigthread
19847 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
19848 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
19849 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
19850 signal-thread}.
19851
19852 @item show signal-thread
19853 @itemx show sigthread
19854 @kindex show signal-thread
19855 @kindex show sigthread
19856 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
19857 delivered a signal.
19858
19859 @item set stopped
19860 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
19861 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
19862 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
19863 continued by delivering a signal to it.
19864
19865 @item show stopped
19866 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
19867 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
19868 stopped.
19869
19870 @item set exceptions
19871 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
19872 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
19873 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
19874 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
19875 trapping on.
19876
19877 @item show exceptions
19878 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
19879 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
19880
19881 @item set task pause
19882 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
19883 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19884 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19885 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
19886 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
19887 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
19888 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
19889 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
19890 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
19891
19892 @item show task pause
19893 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
19894 Show the current state of task suspension.
19895
19896 @item set task detach-suspend-count
19897 @cindex task suspend count
19898 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19899 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
19900 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
19901
19902 @item show task detach-suspend-count
19903 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
19904
19905 @item set task exception-port
19906 @itemx set task excp
19907 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19908 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
19909 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
19910 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
19911
19912 @item set noninvasive
19913 @cindex noninvasive task options
19914 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
19915 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
19916 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
19917 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
19918
19919 @item info send-rights
19920 @itemx info receive-rights
19921 @itemx info port-rights
19922 @itemx info port-sets
19923 @itemx info dead-names
19924 @itemx info ports
19925 @itemx info psets
19926 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19927 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19928 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19929 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19930 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19931 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
19932 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
19933 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
19934 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
19935
19936 @item set thread pause
19937 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
19938 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19939 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
19940 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
19941 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
19942 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
19943 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
19944 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
19945 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
19946 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
19947 only the current thread.
19948
19949 @item show thread pause
19950 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
19951 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
19952
19953 @item set thread run
19954 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
19955
19956 @item show thread run
19957 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
19958
19959 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
19960 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19961 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19962 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
19963 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
19964 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
19965 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
19966
19967 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
19968 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
19969 detaching.
19970
19971 @item set thread exception-port
19972 @itemx set thread excp
19973 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
19974 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
19975 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
19976
19977 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
19978 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
19979 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
19980 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
19981
19982 @item set thread default
19983 @itemx show thread default
19984 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
19985 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
19986 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
19987 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
19988 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
19989 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
19990 the non-default commands.
19991 @end table
19992
19993 @node Darwin
19994 @subsection Darwin
19995 @cindex Darwin
19996
19997 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
19998
19999 @table @code
20000 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
20001 @kindex set debug darwin
20002 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
20003 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
20004
20005 @item show debug darwin
20006 @kindex show debug darwin
20007 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
20008
20009 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
20010 @kindex set debug mach-o
20011 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
20012 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
20013 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
20014 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
20015 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
20016 usage.
20017
20018 @item show debug mach-o
20019 @kindex show debug mach-o
20020 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
20021
20022 @item set mach-exceptions on
20023 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
20024 @kindex set mach-exceptions
20025 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
20026 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
20027 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
20028 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
20029
20030 @item show mach-exceptions
20031 @kindex show mach-exceptions
20032 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
20033 @end table
20034
20035
20036 @node Embedded OS
20037 @section Embedded Operating Systems
20038
20039 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
20040 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
20041 architectures.
20042
20043 @menu
20044 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
20045 @end menu
20046
20047 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
20048 various real-time operating systems.
20049
20050 @node VxWorks
20051 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
20052
20053 @cindex VxWorks
20054
20055 @table @code
20056
20057 @kindex target vxworks
20058 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
20059 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
20060 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
20061
20062 @end table
20063
20064 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
20065 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
20066
20067 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
20068 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
20069 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
20070 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
20071 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
20072 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
20073 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
20074
20075 @table @code
20076 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
20077 @kindex vxworks-timeout
20078 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
20079 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
20080 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
20081 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
20082 of a thin network line.
20083 @end table
20084
20085 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
20086 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
20087 procedures.
20088
20089 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
20090 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
20091 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
20092 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
20093 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
20094 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
20095 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
20096 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
20097 manual.
20098 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
20099
20100 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
20101 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
20102 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
20103 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
20104
20105 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
20106
20107 @smallexample
20108 (vxgdb)
20109 @end smallexample
20110
20111 @menu
20112 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
20113 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
20114 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
20115 @end menu
20116
20117 @node VxWorks Connection
20118 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
20119
20120 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
20121 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
20122
20123 @smallexample
20124 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
20125 @end smallexample
20126
20127 @need 750
20128 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
20129
20130 @smallexample
20131 Attaching remote machine across net...
20132 Connected to tt.
20133 @end smallexample
20134
20135 @need 1000
20136 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
20137 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
20138 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
20139 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
20140 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
20141
20142 @smallexample
20143 prog.o: No such file or directory.
20144 @end smallexample
20145
20146 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
20147 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
20148 command again.
20149
20150 @node VxWorks Download
20151 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
20152
20153 @cindex download to VxWorks
20154 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
20155 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
20156 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
20157 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
20158 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
20159 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
20160 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
20161 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
20162 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
20163 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
20164 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
20165 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
20166 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
20167 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
20168 program, type this on VxWorks:
20169
20170 @smallexample
20171 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
20172 @end smallexample
20173
20174 @noindent
20175 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
20176
20177 @smallexample
20178 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
20179 (vxgdb) load prog.o
20180 @end smallexample
20181
20182 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
20183
20184 @smallexample
20185 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
20186 @end smallexample
20187
20188 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
20189 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
20190 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
20191 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
20192 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
20193 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
20194 table.)
20195
20196 @node VxWorks Attach
20197 @subsubsection Running Tasks
20198
20199 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
20200 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
20201 follows:
20202
20203 @smallexample
20204 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
20205 @end smallexample
20206
20207 @noindent
20208 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
20209 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
20210 the time of attachment.
20211
20212 @node Embedded Processors
20213 @section Embedded Processors
20214
20215 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
20216 configurations.
20217
20218 @cindex send command to simulator
20219 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
20220 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
20221
20222 @table @code
20223 @item sim @var{command}
20224 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
20225 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
20226 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
20227 acceptable commands.
20228 @end table
20229
20230
20231 @menu
20232 * ARM:: ARM RDI
20233 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
20234 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
20235 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
20236 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
20237 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
20238 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
20239 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
20240 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
20241 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
20242 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
20243 * CRIS:: CRIS
20244 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
20245 @end menu
20246
20247 @node ARM
20248 @subsection ARM
20249 @cindex ARM RDI
20250
20251 @table @code
20252 @kindex target rdi
20253 @item target rdi @var{dev}
20254 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
20255 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
20256 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
20257
20258 @kindex target rdp
20259 @item target rdp @var{dev}
20260 ARM Demon monitor.
20261
20262 @end table
20263
20264 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
20265
20266 @table @code
20267 @item set arm disassembler
20268 @kindex set arm
20269 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
20270 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
20271
20272 @item show arm disassembler
20273 @kindex show arm
20274 Show the current disassembly style.
20275
20276 @item set arm apcs32
20277 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
20278 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
20279
20280 @item show arm apcs32
20281 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
20282
20283 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
20284 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
20285 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
20286
20287 @table @code
20288 @item auto
20289 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
20290 @item softfpa
20291 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
20292 processors.
20293 @item fpa
20294 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
20295 @item softvfp
20296 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
20297 @item vfp
20298 VFP co-processor.
20299 @end table
20300
20301 @item show arm fpu
20302 Show the current type of the FPU.
20303
20304 @item set arm abi
20305 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
20306
20307 @item show arm abi
20308 Show the currently used ABI.
20309
20310 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
20311 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
20312 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
20313 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
20314 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
20315 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
20316 register).
20317
20318 @item show arm fallback-mode
20319 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
20320
20321 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
20322 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
20323 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
20324 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
20325 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
20326
20327 @item show arm force-mode
20328 Show the current forced instruction mode.
20329
20330 @item set debug arm
20331 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
20332 target support subsystem.
20333
20334 @item show debug arm
20335 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
20336 @end table
20337
20338 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
20339 using the RDI interface:
20340
20341 @table @code
20342 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20343 @kindex rdilogfile
20344 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
20345 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
20346 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
20347 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
20348 @file{rdi.log}.
20349
20350 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
20351 @kindex rdilogenable
20352 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
20353 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
20354 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
20355 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
20356 are logged to a file.
20357
20358 @item set rdiromatzero
20359 @kindex set rdiromatzero
20360 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
20361 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
20362 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
20363 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
20364 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
20365
20366 @item show rdiromatzero
20367 @kindex show rdiromatzero
20368 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
20369
20370 @item set rdiheartbeat
20371 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
20372 @cindex RDI heartbeat
20373 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
20374 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
20375 well as the Angel monitor.
20376
20377 @item show rdiheartbeat
20378 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
20379 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
20380 @end table
20381
20382 @table @code
20383 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
20384 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
20385
20386 @table @code
20387 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
20388 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
20389 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
20390 The default value is @code{all}.
20391
20392 @table @code
20393 @item none
20394 @item demon
20395 @item angel
20396 @item redboot
20397 @item all
20398 @end table
20399 @end table
20400 @end table
20401
20402 @node M32R/D
20403 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
20404
20405 @table @code
20406 @kindex target m32r
20407 @item target m32r @var{dev}
20408 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
20409
20410 @kindex target m32rsdi
20411 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
20412 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
20413 @end table
20414
20415 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
20416
20417 @table @code
20418 @item set download-path @var{path}
20419 @kindex set download-path
20420 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
20421 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
20422
20423 @item show download-path
20424 @kindex show download-path
20425 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
20426
20427 @item set board-address @var{addr}
20428 @kindex set board-address
20429 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
20430 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
20431
20432 @item show board-address
20433 @kindex show board-address
20434 Show the current IP address of the target board.
20435
20436 @item set server-address @var{addr}
20437 @kindex set server-address
20438 @cindex download server address (M32R)
20439 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
20440 host machine.
20441
20442 @item show server-address
20443 @kindex show server-address
20444 Display the IP address of the download server.
20445
20446 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20447 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
20448 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
20449 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
20450 executable file is uploaded.
20451
20452 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
20453 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
20454 Test the @code{upload} command.
20455 @end table
20456
20457 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
20458
20459 @table @code
20460 @item sdireset
20461 @kindex sdireset
20462 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
20463 This command resets the SDI connection.
20464
20465 @item sdistatus
20466 @kindex sdistatus
20467 This command shows the SDI connection status.
20468
20469 @item debug_chaos
20470 @kindex debug_chaos
20471 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
20472 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
20473
20474 @item use_debug_dma
20475 @kindex use_debug_dma
20476 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
20477
20478 @item use_mon_code
20479 @kindex use_mon_code
20480 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
20481
20482 @item use_ib_break
20483 @kindex use_ib_break
20484 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
20485
20486 @item use_dbt_break
20487 @kindex use_dbt_break
20488 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
20489 @end table
20490
20491 @node M68K
20492 @subsection M68k
20493
20494 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
20495 target command for the following ROM monitor.
20496
20497 @table @code
20498
20499 @kindex target dbug
20500 @item target dbug @var{dev}
20501 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
20502
20503 @end table
20504
20505 @node MicroBlaze
20506 @subsection MicroBlaze
20507 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
20508 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
20509
20510 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
20511 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
20512 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
20513 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
20514 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
20515 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
20516 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
20517 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
20518 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
20519 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
20520 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
20521
20522 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
20523
20524 @table @code
20525 @item target remote :1234
20526 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
20527 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
20528
20529 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
20530 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
20531 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
20532
20533 @item load
20534 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
20535
20536 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
20537 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
20538
20539 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
20540 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
20541 @end table
20542
20543 @node MIPS Embedded
20544 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Embedded
20545
20546 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} boards
20547 @value{GDBN} can use the @acronym{MIPS} remote debugging protocol to talk to a
20548 @acronym{MIPS} board attached to a serial line. This is available when
20549 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-elf}.
20550
20551 @need 1000
20552 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
20553
20554 @table @code
20555 @item target mips @var{port}
20556 @kindex target mips @var{port}
20557 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
20558 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
20559 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
20560 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
20561 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
20562 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
20563
20564 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
20565 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
20566 debugger:
20567
20568 @smallexample
20569 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
20570 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
20571 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
20572 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
20573 (@value{GDBP}) run
20574 @end smallexample
20575
20576 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
20577 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
20578 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
20579 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
20580 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
20581
20582 @item target pmon @var{port}
20583 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
20584 PMON ROM monitor.
20585
20586 @item target ddb @var{port}
20587 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
20588 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
20589
20590 @item target lsi @var{port}
20591 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
20592 LSI variant of PMON.
20593
20594 @kindex target r3900
20595 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
20596 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
20597
20598 @kindex target array
20599 @item target array @var{dev}
20600 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
20601
20602 @end table
20603
20604
20605 @noindent
20606 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for @acronym{MIPS} targets:
20607
20608 @table @code
20609 @item set mipsfpu double
20610 @itemx set mipsfpu single
20611 @itemx set mipsfpu none
20612 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
20613 @itemx show mipsfpu
20614 @kindex set mipsfpu
20615 @kindex show mipsfpu
20616 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} remote floating point
20617 @cindex floating point, @acronym{MIPS} remote
20618 If your target board does not support the @acronym{MIPS} floating point
20619 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
20620 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
20621 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
20622 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
20623 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
20624 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
20625 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
20626 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
20627 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
20628 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
20629
20630 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
20631 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
20632 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
20633
20634 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
20635 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
20636
20637 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
20638 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
20639 @itemx show timeout
20640 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
20641 @cindex @code{timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
20642 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, @acronym{MIPS} protocol
20643 @kindex set timeout
20644 @kindex show timeout
20645 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
20646 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
20647 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the @acronym{MIPS}
20648 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
20649 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
20650 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
20651 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
20652 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
20653 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
20654 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-elf}.)
20655
20656 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
20657 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
20658 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
20659 to run before stopping.
20660
20661 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
20662 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20663 @cindex synchronize with remote @acronym{MIPS} target
20664 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
20665 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
20666 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
20667
20668 @item show syn-garbage-limit
20669 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20670 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
20671 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
20672
20673 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
20674 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20675 @cindex remote monitor prompt
20676 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
20677 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
20678 @table @asis
20679 @item pmon target
20680 @samp{PMON}
20681 @item ddb target
20682 @samp{NEC010}
20683 @item lsi target
20684 @samp{PMON>}
20685 @end table
20686
20687 @item show monitor-prompt
20688 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20689 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
20690 remote monitor.
20691
20692 @item set monitor-warnings
20693 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20694 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
20695 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
20696 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
20697 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
20698
20699 @item show monitor-warnings
20700 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20701 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
20702
20703 @item pmon @var{command}
20704 @kindex pmon@r{, @acronym{MIPS} remote}
20705 @cindex send PMON command
20706 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
20707 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
20708 @end table
20709
20710 @node PowerPC Embedded
20711 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
20712
20713 @cindex DVC register
20714 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
20715 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
20716
20717 @smallexample
20718 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
20719 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
20720 @end smallexample
20721
20722 The DVC register will be automatically used when @value{GDBN} detects
20723 such pattern in a condition expression, and the created watchpoint uses one
20724 debug register (either the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on and the
20725 variable is scalar, or the variable has a length of one byte). This feature
20726 is available in native @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34
20727 or newer.
20728
20729 When running on PowerPC embedded processors, @value{GDBN} automatically uses
20730 ranged hardware watchpoints, unless the @code{exact-watchpoints} option is on,
20731 in which case watchpoints using only one debug register are created when
20732 watching variables of scalar types.
20733
20734 You can create an artificial array to watch an arbitrary memory
20735 region using one of the following commands (@pxref{Expressions}):
20736
20737 @smallexample
20738 (@value{GDBP}) watch *((char *) @var{address})@@@var{length}
20739 (@value{GDBP}) watch @{char[@var{length}]@} @var{address}
20740 @end smallexample
20741
20742 PowerPC embedded processors support masked watchpoints. See the discussion
20743 about the @code{mask} argument in @ref{Set Watchpoints}.
20744
20745 @cindex ranged breakpoint
20746 PowerPC embedded processors support hardware accelerated
20747 @dfn{ranged breakpoints}. A ranged breakpoint stops execution of
20748 the inferior whenever it executes an instruction at any address within
20749 the range it specifies. To set a ranged breakpoint in @value{GDBN},
20750 use the @code{break-range} command.
20751
20752 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
20753
20754 @table @code
20755 @kindex break-range
20756 @item break-range @var{start-location}, @var{end-location}
20757 Set a breakpoint for an address range.
20758 @var{start-location} and @var{end-location} can specify a function name,
20759 a line number, an offset of lines from the current line or from the start
20760 location, or an address of an instruction (see @ref{Specify Location},
20761 for a list of all the possible ways to specify a @var{location}.)
20762 The breakpoint will stop execution of the inferior whenever it
20763 executes an instruction at any address within the specified range,
20764 (including @var{start-location} and @var{end-location}.)
20765
20766 @kindex set powerpc
20767 @item set powerpc soft-float
20768 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
20769 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
20770 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
20771 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20772
20773 @item set powerpc vector-abi
20774 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
20775 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
20776 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
20777 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
20778 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
20779 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
20780 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
20781
20782 @item set powerpc exact-watchpoints
20783 @itemx show powerpc exact-watchpoints
20784 Allow @value{GDBN} to use only one debug register when watching a variable
20785 of scalar type, thus assuming that the variable is accessed through the
20786 address of its first byte.
20787
20788 @kindex target dink32
20789 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
20790 DINK32 ROM monitor.
20791
20792 @kindex target ppcbug
20793 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
20794 @kindex target ppcbug1
20795 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
20796 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
20797
20798 @kindex target sds
20799 @item target sds @var{dev}
20800 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
20801 @end table
20802
20803 @cindex SDS protocol
20804 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
20805 by @value{GDBN}:
20806
20807 @table @code
20808 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
20809 @kindex set sdstimeout
20810 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
20811 default is 2 seconds.
20812
20813 @item show sdstimeout
20814 @kindex show sdstimeout
20815 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
20816
20817 @item sds @var{command}
20818 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
20819 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
20820 @end table
20821
20822
20823 @node PA
20824 @subsection HP PA Embedded
20825
20826 @table @code
20827
20828 @kindex target op50n
20829 @item target op50n @var{dev}
20830 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
20831
20832 @kindex target w89k
20833 @item target w89k @var{dev}
20834 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
20835
20836 @end table
20837
20838 @node Sparclet
20839 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
20840
20841 @cindex Sparclet
20842
20843 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
20844 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
20845 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
20846 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
20847 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
20848
20849 @table @code
20850 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
20851 @kindex remotetimeout
20852 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
20853 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
20854 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
20855 @end table
20856
20857 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
20858 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
20859 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
20860 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
20861 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
20862
20863 @smallexample
20864 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
20865 @end smallexample
20866
20867 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
20868
20869 @smallexample
20870 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
20871 @end smallexample
20872
20873 @cindex running, on Sparclet
20874 Once you have set
20875 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
20876 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
20877 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
20878
20879 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
20880
20881 @smallexample
20882 (gdbslet)
20883 @end smallexample
20884
20885 @menu
20886 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
20887 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
20888 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
20889 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
20890 @end menu
20891
20892 @node Sparclet File
20893 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
20894
20895 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
20896
20897 @smallexample
20898 (gdbslet) file prog
20899 @end smallexample
20900
20901 @need 1000
20902 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
20903 @value{GDBN} locates
20904 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
20905 path.
20906 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
20907 files will be searched as well.
20908 @value{GDBN} locates
20909 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
20910 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
20911 If it fails
20912 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
20913
20914 @smallexample
20915 prog: No such file or directory.
20916 @end smallexample
20917
20918 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
20919 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
20920 @code{target} command again.
20921
20922 @node Sparclet Connection
20923 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
20924
20925 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
20926 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
20927
20928 @smallexample
20929 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
20930 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
20931 main () at ../prog.c:3
20932 @end smallexample
20933
20934 @need 750
20935 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
20936
20937 @smallexample
20938 Connected to ttya.
20939 @end smallexample
20940
20941 @node Sparclet Download
20942 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
20943
20944 @cindex download to Sparclet
20945 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
20946 you can use the @value{GDBN}
20947 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
20948 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
20949 command.
20950 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
20951 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
20952 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
20953 of each of the file's sections.
20954 For instance, if the program
20955 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
20956 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
20957
20958 @smallexample
20959 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
20960 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
20961 @end smallexample
20962
20963 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
20964 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
20965 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
20966
20967 @node Sparclet Execution
20968 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
20969
20970 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
20971 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
20972 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
20973 manual for the list of commands.
20974
20975 @smallexample
20976 (gdbslet) b main
20977 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
20978 (gdbslet) run
20979 Starting program: prog
20980 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
20981 3 char *symarg = 0;
20982 (gdbslet) step
20983 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
20984 (gdbslet)
20985 @end smallexample
20986
20987 @node Sparclite
20988 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
20989
20990 @table @code
20991
20992 @kindex target sparclite
20993 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
20994 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
20995 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
20996 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
20997 remote protocol.
20998
20999 @end table
21000
21001 @node Z8000
21002 @subsection Zilog Z8000
21003
21004 @cindex Z8000
21005 @cindex simulator, Z8000
21006 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
21007
21008 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
21009 a Z8000 simulator.
21010
21011 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
21012 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
21013 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
21014 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
21015
21016 @table @code
21017 @item target sim @var{args}
21018 @kindex sim
21019 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
21020 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
21021 options, specify them via @var{args}.
21022 @end table
21023
21024 @noindent
21025 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
21026 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
21027 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
21028 to run your program, and so on.
21029
21030 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
21031 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
21032 additional items of information as specially named registers:
21033
21034 @table @code
21035
21036 @item cycles
21037 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
21038
21039 @item insts
21040 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
21041
21042 @item time
21043 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
21044
21045 @end table
21046
21047 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
21048 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
21049 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
21050 simulated clock ticks.
21051
21052 @node AVR
21053 @subsection Atmel AVR
21054 @cindex AVR
21055
21056 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
21057 following AVR-specific commands:
21058
21059 @table @code
21060 @item info io_registers
21061 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
21062 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
21063 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
21064 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
21065 @end table
21066
21067 @node CRIS
21068 @subsection CRIS
21069 @cindex CRIS
21070
21071 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
21072 following CRIS-specific commands:
21073
21074 @table @code
21075 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
21076 @cindex CRIS version
21077 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
21078 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
21079 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
21080
21081 @item show cris-version
21082 Show the current CRIS version.
21083
21084 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
21085 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
21086 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
21087 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
21088 @code{R59}.
21089
21090 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
21091 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
21092
21093 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
21094 @cindex CRIS mode
21095 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
21096 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
21097 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
21098
21099 @item show cris-mode
21100 Show the current CRIS mode.
21101 @end table
21102
21103 @node Super-H
21104 @subsection Renesas Super-H
21105 @cindex Super-H
21106
21107 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
21108 commands:
21109
21110 @table @code
21111 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
21112 @kindex set sh calling-convention
21113 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
21114 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
21115 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
21116 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
21117 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
21118 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
21119 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
21120 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
21121 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
21122 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
21123
21124 @item show sh calling-convention
21125 @kindex show sh calling-convention
21126 Show the current calling convention setting.
21127
21128 @end table
21129
21130
21131 @node Architectures
21132 @section Architectures
21133
21134 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
21135 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
21136
21137 @menu
21138 * AArch64::
21139 * i386::
21140 * Alpha::
21141 * MIPS::
21142 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
21143 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
21144 * PowerPC::
21145 * Nios II::
21146 @end menu
21147
21148 @node AArch64
21149 @subsection AArch64
21150 @cindex AArch64 support
21151
21152 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides the
21153 following special commands:
21154
21155 @table @code
21156 @item set debug aarch64
21157 @kindex set debug aarch64
21158 This command determines whether AArch64 architecture-specific debugging
21159 messages are to be displayed.
21160
21161 @item show debug aarch64
21162 Show whether AArch64 debugging messages are displayed.
21163
21164 @end table
21165
21166 @node i386
21167 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
21168
21169 @table @code
21170 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
21171 @kindex set struct-convention
21172 @cindex struct return convention
21173 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
21174 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
21175 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
21176 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
21177 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
21178 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
21179 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
21180 be returned in a register.
21181
21182 @item show struct-convention
21183 @kindex show struct-convention
21184 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
21185 from functions.
21186 @end table
21187
21188 @node Alpha
21189 @subsection Alpha
21190
21191 See the following section.
21192
21193 @node MIPS
21194 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}
21195
21196 @cindex stack on Alpha
21197 @cindex stack on @acronym{MIPS}
21198 @cindex Alpha stack
21199 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} stack
21200 Alpha- and @acronym{MIPS}-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
21201 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
21202 find the beginning of a function.
21203
21204 @cindex response time, @acronym{MIPS} debugging
21205 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
21206 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
21207 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
21208 commands:
21209
21210 @table @code
21211 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, @acronym{MIPS})
21212 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
21213 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
21214 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
21215 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
21216 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
21217 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
21218 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
21219
21220 @item show heuristic-fence-post
21221 Display the current limit.
21222 @end table
21223
21224 @noindent
21225 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
21226 for debugging programs on Alpha or @acronym{MIPS} processors.
21227
21228 Several @acronym{MIPS}-specific commands are available when debugging @acronym{MIPS}
21229 programs:
21230
21231 @table @code
21232 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
21233 @kindex set mips abi
21234 @cindex set ABI for @acronym{MIPS}
21235 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
21236 values of @var{arg} are:
21237
21238 @table @samp
21239 @item auto
21240 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
21241 default).
21242 @item o32
21243 @item o64
21244 @item n32
21245 @item n64
21246 @item eabi32
21247 @item eabi64
21248 @end table
21249
21250 @item show mips abi
21251 @kindex show mips abi
21252 Show the @acronym{MIPS} ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
21253
21254 @item set mips compression @var{arg}
21255 @kindex set mips compression
21256 @cindex code compression, @acronym{MIPS}
21257 Tell @value{GDBN} which @acronym{MIPS} compressed
21258 @acronym{ISA, Instruction Set Architecture} encoding is used by the
21259 inferior. @value{GDBN} uses this for code disassembly and other
21260 internal interpretation purposes. This setting is only referred to
21261 when no executable has been associated with the debugging session or
21262 the executable does not provide information about the encoding it uses.
21263 Otherwise this setting is automatically updated from information
21264 provided by the executable.
21265
21266 Possible values of @var{arg} are @samp{mips16} and @samp{micromips}.
21267 The default compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding is @samp{mips16}, as
21268 executables containing @acronym{MIPS16} code frequently are not
21269 identified as such.
21270
21271 This setting is ``sticky''; that is, it retains its value across
21272 debugging sessions until reset either explicitly with this command or
21273 implicitly from an executable.
21274
21275 The compiler and/or assembler typically add symbol table annotations to
21276 identify functions compiled for the @acronym{MIPS16} or
21277 @acronym{microMIPS} @acronym{ISA}s. If these function-scope annotations
21278 are present, @value{GDBN} uses them in preference to the global
21279 compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding setting.
21280
21281 @item show mips compression
21282 @kindex show mips compression
21283 Show the @acronym{MIPS} compressed @acronym{ISA} encoding used by
21284 @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
21285
21286 @item set mipsfpu
21287 @itemx show mipsfpu
21288 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
21289
21290 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
21291 @kindex set mips mask-address
21292 @cindex @acronym{MIPS} addresses, masking
21293 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
21294 @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
21295 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
21296 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
21297
21298 @item show mips mask-address
21299 @kindex show mips mask-address
21300 Show whether the upper 32 bits of @acronym{MIPS} addresses are masked off or
21301 not.
21302
21303 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21304 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21305 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit @acronym{MIPS} targets that
21306 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old @acronym{MIPS} 64 target
21307 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
21308 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
21309
21310 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21311 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
21312 Show the current setting of compatibility with older @acronym{MIPS} 64 targets.
21313
21314 @item set debug mips
21315 @kindex set debug mips
21316 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the @acronym{MIPS}-specific
21317 target code in @value{GDBN}.
21318
21319 @item show debug mips
21320 @kindex show debug mips
21321 Show the current setting of @acronym{MIPS} debugging messages.
21322 @end table
21323
21324
21325 @node HPPA
21326 @subsection HPPA
21327 @cindex HPPA support
21328
21329 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
21330 following special commands:
21331
21332 @table @code
21333 @item set debug hppa
21334 @kindex set debug hppa
21335 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
21336 messages are to be displayed.
21337
21338 @item show debug hppa
21339 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
21340
21341 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
21342 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
21343 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
21344 given @var{address}.
21345
21346 @end table
21347
21348
21349 @node SPU
21350 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
21351 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
21352 @cindex SPU
21353
21354 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
21355 it provides the following special commands:
21356
21357 @table @code
21358 @item info spu event
21359 @kindex info spu
21360 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
21361 and pending event status.
21362
21363 @item info spu signal
21364 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
21365 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
21366 notification channels.
21367
21368 @item info spu mailbox
21369 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
21370 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
21371 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
21372
21373 @item info spu dma
21374 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
21375 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
21376 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
21377
21378 @item info spu proxydma
21379 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
21380 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
21381 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
21382
21383 @end table
21384
21385 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
21386 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
21387 special commands:
21388
21389 @table @code
21390 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
21391 @kindex set spu
21392 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
21393 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
21394 function. The default is @code{off}.
21395
21396 @item show spu stop-on-load
21397 @kindex show spu
21398 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
21399
21400 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
21401 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
21402 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
21403 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
21404 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
21405 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
21406
21407 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
21408 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
21409
21410 @end table
21411
21412 @node PowerPC
21413 @subsection PowerPC
21414 @cindex PowerPC architecture
21415
21416 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
21417 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
21418 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
21419 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
21420 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
21421
21422 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
21423 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
21424 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
21425
21426 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
21427 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
21428
21429 @node Nios II
21430 @subsection Nios II
21431 @cindex Nios II architecture
21432
21433 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Nios II architecture,
21434 it provides the following special commands:
21435
21436 @table @code
21437
21438 @item set debug nios2
21439 @kindex set debug nios2
21440 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the Nios II
21441 target code in @value{GDBN}.
21442
21443 @item show debug nios2
21444 @kindex show debug nios2
21445 Show the current setting of Nios II debugging messages.
21446 @end table
21447
21448 @node Controlling GDB
21449 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
21450
21451 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
21452 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
21453 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
21454 described here.
21455
21456 @menu
21457 * Prompt:: Prompt
21458 * Editing:: Command editing
21459 * Command History:: Command history
21460 * Screen Size:: Screen size
21461 * Numbers:: Numbers
21462 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
21463 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading associated files
21464 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
21465 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
21466 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
21467 @end menu
21468
21469 @node Prompt
21470 @section Prompt
21471
21472 @cindex prompt
21473
21474 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
21475 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
21476 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
21477 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
21478 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
21479 which one you are talking to.
21480
21481 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
21482 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
21483 or a prompt that does not.
21484
21485 @table @code
21486 @kindex set prompt
21487 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
21488 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
21489
21490 @kindex show prompt
21491 @item show prompt
21492 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
21493 @end table
21494
21495 Versions of @value{GDBN} that ship with Python scripting enabled have
21496 prompt extensions. The commands for interacting with these extensions
21497 are:
21498
21499 @table @code
21500 @kindex set extended-prompt
21501 @item set extended-prompt @var{prompt}
21502 Set an extended prompt that allows for substitutions.
21503 @xref{gdb.prompt}, for a list of escape sequences that can be used for
21504 substitution. Any escape sequences specified as part of the prompt
21505 string are replaced with the corresponding strings each time the prompt
21506 is displayed.
21507
21508 For example:
21509
21510 @smallexample
21511 set extended-prompt Current working directory: \w (gdb)
21512 @end smallexample
21513
21514 Note that when an extended-prompt is set, it takes control of the
21515 @var{prompt_hook} hook. @xref{prompt_hook}, for further information.
21516
21517 @kindex show extended-prompt
21518 @item show extended-prompt
21519 Prints the extended prompt. Any escape sequences specified as part of
21520 the prompt string with @code{set extended-prompt}, are replaced with the
21521 corresponding strings each time the prompt is displayed.
21522 @end table
21523
21524 @node Editing
21525 @section Command Editing
21526 @cindex readline
21527 @cindex command line editing
21528
21529 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
21530 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
21531 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
21532 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
21533 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
21534 debugging sessions.
21535
21536 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
21537 command @code{set}.
21538
21539 @table @code
21540 @kindex set editing
21541 @cindex editing
21542 @item set editing
21543 @itemx set editing on
21544 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
21545
21546 @item set editing off
21547 Disable command line editing.
21548
21549 @kindex show editing
21550 @item show editing
21551 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
21552 @end table
21553
21554 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21555 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
21556 @end ifset
21557 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21558 @xref{Command Line Editing},
21559 @end ifclear
21560 for more details about the Readline
21561 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
21562 encouraged to read that chapter.
21563
21564 @node Command History
21565 @section Command History
21566 @cindex command history
21567
21568 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
21569 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
21570 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
21571 history facility.
21572
21573 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
21574 package, to provide the history facility.
21575 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21576 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
21577 @end ifset
21578 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21579 @xref{Using History Interactively},
21580 @end ifclear
21581 for the detailed description of the History library.
21582
21583 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
21584 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
21585 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
21586 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
21587 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
21588 pressed on a line by itself.
21589
21590 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
21591 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
21592 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
21593 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
21594
21595 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
21596 history.
21597
21598 @table @code
21599 @cindex history substitution
21600 @cindex history file
21601 @kindex set history filename
21602 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
21603 @item set history filename @var{fname}
21604 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
21605 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
21606 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
21607 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
21608 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
21609 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
21610 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
21611 is not set.
21612
21613 @cindex save command history
21614 @kindex set history save
21615 @item set history save
21616 @itemx set history save on
21617 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
21618 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
21619
21620 @item set history save off
21621 Stop recording command history in a file.
21622
21623 @cindex history size
21624 @kindex set history size
21625 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
21626 @item set history size @var{size}
21627 @itemx set history size unlimited
21628 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
21629 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
21630 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set. If @var{size}
21631 is @code{unlimited}, the number of commands @value{GDBN} keeps in the
21632 history list is unlimited.
21633 @end table
21634
21635 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
21636 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
21637 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
21638 @end ifset
21639 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
21640 @xref{Event Designators},
21641 @end ifclear
21642 for more details.
21643
21644 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
21645 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
21646 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
21647 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
21648 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
21649 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
21650 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
21651 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
21652
21653 The commands to control history expansion are:
21654
21655 @table @code
21656 @item set history expansion on
21657 @itemx set history expansion
21658 @kindex set history expansion
21659 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
21660
21661 @item set history expansion off
21662 Disable history expansion.
21663
21664 @c @group
21665 @kindex show history
21666 @item show history
21667 @itemx show history filename
21668 @itemx show history save
21669 @itemx show history size
21670 @itemx show history expansion
21671 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
21672 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
21673 @c @end group
21674 @end table
21675
21676 @table @code
21677 @kindex show commands
21678 @cindex show last commands
21679 @cindex display command history
21680 @item show commands
21681 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
21682
21683 @item show commands @var{n}
21684 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
21685
21686 @item show commands +
21687 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
21688 @end table
21689
21690 @node Screen Size
21691 @section Screen Size
21692 @cindex size of screen
21693 @cindex pauses in output
21694
21695 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
21696 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
21697 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
21698 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
21699 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
21700 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
21701 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
21702 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
21703
21704 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
21705 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
21706 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
21707 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
21708 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
21709 width} commands:
21710
21711 @table @code
21712 @kindex set height
21713 @kindex set width
21714 @kindex show width
21715 @kindex show height
21716 @item set height @var{lpp}
21717 @itemx set height unlimited
21718 @itemx show height
21719 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
21720 @itemx set width unlimited
21721 @itemx show width
21722 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
21723 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
21724 commands display the current settings.
21725
21726 If you specify a height of either @code{unlimited} or zero lines,
21727 @value{GDBN} does not pause during output no matter how long the
21728 output is. This is useful if output is to a file or to an editor
21729 buffer.
21730
21731 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width unlimited} or @samp{set
21732 width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN} from wrapping its output.
21733
21734 @item set pagination on
21735 @itemx set pagination off
21736 @kindex set pagination
21737 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
21738 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height unlimited}. Note that
21739 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
21740 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
21741
21742 @item show pagination
21743 @kindex show pagination
21744 Show the current pagination mode.
21745 @end table
21746
21747 @node Numbers
21748 @section Numbers
21749 @cindex number representation
21750 @cindex entering numbers
21751
21752 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
21753 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
21754 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
21755 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
21756 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
21757 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
21758 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
21759 both input and output with the commands described below.
21760
21761 @table @code
21762 @kindex set input-radix
21763 @item set input-radix @var{base}
21764 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
21765 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21766 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
21767 example, any of
21768
21769 @smallexample
21770 set input-radix 012
21771 set input-radix 10.
21772 set input-radix 0xa
21773 @end smallexample
21774
21775 @noindent
21776 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
21777 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
21778 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
21779 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
21780 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
21781 change the radix.
21782
21783 @kindex set output-radix
21784 @item set output-radix @var{base}
21785 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
21786 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
21787 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
21788
21789 @kindex show input-radix
21790 @item show input-radix
21791 Display the current default base for numeric input.
21792
21793 @kindex show output-radix
21794 @item show output-radix
21795 Display the current default base for numeric display.
21796
21797 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
21798 @itemx show radix
21799 @kindex set radix
21800 @kindex show radix
21801 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
21802 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
21803 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
21804 default value of 10.
21805
21806 @end table
21807
21808 @node ABI
21809 @section Configuring the Current ABI
21810
21811 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
21812 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
21813 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
21814 current ABI.
21815
21816 @cindex OS ABI
21817 @kindex set osabi
21818 @kindex show osabi
21819 @cindex Newlib OS ABI and its influence on the longjmp handling
21820
21821 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
21822 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
21823 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
21824 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
21825 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
21826 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
21827 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
21828 platform provides.
21829
21830 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the AArch64 architecture, it provides a
21831 ``Newlib'' OS ABI. This is useful for handling @code{setjmp} and
21832 @code{longjmp} when debugging binaries that use the @sc{newlib} C library.
21833 The ``Newlib'' OS ABI can be selected by @code{set osabi Newlib}.
21834
21835 @table @code
21836 @item show osabi
21837 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
21838
21839 @item set osabi
21840 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
21841
21842 @item set osabi @var{abi}
21843 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
21844 @end table
21845
21846 @cindex float promotion
21847
21848 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
21849 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
21850 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
21851 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
21852 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
21853 @code{double} and then passed.
21854
21855 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
21856 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
21857 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
21858
21859 @table @code
21860 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
21861 @item set coerce-float-to-double
21862 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
21863 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
21864 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
21865
21866 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
21867 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
21868 functions.
21869
21870 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
21871 @item show coerce-float-to-double
21872 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
21873 @end table
21874
21875 @kindex set cp-abi
21876 @kindex show cp-abi
21877 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
21878 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
21879 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
21880 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
21881 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
21882 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
21883 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
21884 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
21885 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
21886 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
21887 ``auto''.
21888
21889 @table @code
21890 @item show cp-abi
21891 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
21892
21893 @item set cp-abi
21894 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
21895
21896 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
21897 @itemx set cp-abi auto
21898 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
21899 @end table
21900
21901 @node Auto-loading
21902 @section Automatically loading associated files
21903 @cindex auto-loading
21904
21905 @value{GDBN} sometimes reads files with commands and settings automatically,
21906 without being explicitly told so by the user. We call this feature
21907 @dfn{auto-loading}. While auto-loading is useful for automatically adapting
21908 @value{GDBN} to the needs of your project, it can sometimes produce unexpected
21909 results or introduce security risks (e.g., if the file comes from untrusted
21910 sources).
21911
21912 Note that loading of these associated files (including the local @file{.gdbinit}
21913 file) requires accordingly configured @code{auto-load safe-path}
21914 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
21915
21916 For these reasons, @value{GDBN} includes commands and options to let you
21917 control when to auto-load files and which files should be auto-loaded.
21918
21919 @table @code
21920 @anchor{set auto-load off}
21921 @kindex set auto-load off
21922 @item set auto-load off
21923 Globally disable loading of all auto-loaded files.
21924 You may want to use this command with the @samp{-iex} option
21925 (@pxref{Option -init-eval-command}) such as:
21926 @smallexample
21927 $ @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load off" untrusted-executable corefile}
21928 @end smallexample
21929
21930 Be aware that system init file (@pxref{System-wide configuration})
21931 and init files from your home directory (@pxref{Home Directory Init File})
21932 still get read (as they come from generally trusted directories).
21933 To prevent @value{GDBN} from auto-loading even those init files, use the
21934 @option{-nx} option (@pxref{Mode Options}), in addition to
21935 @code{set auto-load no}.
21936
21937 @anchor{show auto-load}
21938 @kindex show auto-load
21939 @item show auto-load
21940 Show whether auto-loading of each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) is enabled
21941 or disabled.
21942
21943 @smallexample
21944 (gdb) show auto-load
21945 gdb-scripts: Auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is on.
21946 libthread-db: Auto-loading of inferior specific libthread_db is on.
21947 local-gdbinit: Auto-loading of .gdbinit script from current directory
21948 is on.
21949 python-scripts: Auto-loading of Python scripts is on.
21950 safe-path: List of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
21951 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
21952 scripts-directory: List of directories from which to load auto-loaded scripts
21953 is $debugdir:$datadir/auto-load.
21954 @end smallexample
21955
21956 @anchor{info auto-load}
21957 @kindex info auto-load
21958 @item info auto-load
21959 Print whether each specific @samp{auto-load} file(s) have been auto-loaded or
21960 not.
21961
21962 @smallexample
21963 (gdb) info auto-load
21964 gdb-scripts:
21965 Loaded Script
21966 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb
21967 libthread-db: No auto-loaded libthread-db.
21968 local-gdbinit: Local .gdbinit file "/home/user/gdb/.gdbinit" has been
21969 loaded.
21970 python-scripts:
21971 Loaded Script
21972 Yes /home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py
21973 @end smallexample
21974 @end table
21975
21976 These are various kinds of files @value{GDBN} can automatically load:
21977
21978 @itemize @bullet
21979 @item
21980 @xref{objfile-gdb.py file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21981 @item
21982 @xref{objfile-gdb.gdb file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
21983 @item
21984 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section},
21985 controlled by @ref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
21986 @item
21987 @xref{Init File in the Current Directory},
21988 controlled by @ref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
21989 @item
21990 @xref{libthread_db.so.1 file}, controlled by @ref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
21991 @end itemize
21992
21993 These are @value{GDBN} control commands for the auto-loading:
21994
21995 @multitable @columnfractions .5 .5
21996 @item @xref{set auto-load off}.
21997 @tab Disable auto-loading globally.
21998 @item @xref{show auto-load}.
21999 @tab Show setting of all kinds of files.
22000 @item @xref{info auto-load}.
22001 @tab Show state of all kinds of files.
22002 @item @xref{set auto-load gdb-scripts}.
22003 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} command scripts.
22004 @item @xref{show auto-load gdb-scripts}.
22005 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
22006 @item @xref{info auto-load gdb-scripts}.
22007 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} command scripts.
22008 @item @xref{set auto-load python-scripts}.
22009 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
22010 @item @xref{show auto-load python-scripts}.
22011 @tab Show setting of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
22012 @item @xref{info auto-load python-scripts}.
22013 @tab Show state of @value{GDBN} Python scripts.
22014 @item @xref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
22015 @tab Control for @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
22016 @item @xref{show auto-load scripts-directory}.
22017 @tab Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
22018 @item @xref{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
22019 @tab Control for init file in the current directory.
22020 @item @xref{show auto-load local-gdbinit}.
22021 @tab Show setting of init file in the current directory.
22022 @item @xref{info auto-load local-gdbinit}.
22023 @tab Show state of init file in the current directory.
22024 @item @xref{set auto-load libthread-db}.
22025 @tab Control for thread debugging library.
22026 @item @xref{show auto-load libthread-db}.
22027 @tab Show setting of thread debugging library.
22028 @item @xref{info auto-load libthread-db}.
22029 @tab Show state of thread debugging library.
22030 @item @xref{set auto-load safe-path}.
22031 @tab Control directories trusted for automatic loading.
22032 @item @xref{show auto-load safe-path}.
22033 @tab Show directories trusted for automatic loading.
22034 @item @xref{add-auto-load-safe-path}.
22035 @tab Add directory trusted for automatic loading.
22036 @end multitable
22037
22038 @menu
22039 * Init File in the Current Directory:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load local-gdbinit}
22040 * libthread_db.so.1 file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load libthread-db}
22041 * objfile-gdb.gdb file:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load gdb-script}
22042 * Auto-loading safe path:: @samp{set/show/info auto-load safe-path}
22043 * Auto-loading verbose mode:: @samp{set/show debug auto-load}
22044 @xref{Python Auto-loading}.
22045 @end menu
22046
22047 @node Init File in the Current Directory
22048 @subsection Automatically loading init file in the current directory
22049 @cindex auto-loading init file in the current directory
22050
22051 By default, @value{GDBN} reads and executes the canned sequences of commands
22052 from init file (if any) in the current working directory,
22053 see @ref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}.
22054
22055 Note that loading of this local @file{.gdbinit} file also requires accordingly
22056 configured @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
22057
22058 @table @code
22059 @anchor{set auto-load local-gdbinit}
22060 @kindex set auto-load local-gdbinit
22061 @item set auto-load local-gdbinit [on|off]
22062 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands
22063 (@pxref{Sequences}) found in init file in the current directory.
22064
22065 @anchor{show auto-load local-gdbinit}
22066 @kindex show auto-load local-gdbinit
22067 @item show auto-load local-gdbinit
22068 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands from init file in the
22069 current directory is enabled or disabled.
22070
22071 @anchor{info auto-load local-gdbinit}
22072 @kindex info auto-load local-gdbinit
22073 @item info auto-load local-gdbinit
22074 Print whether canned sequences of commands from init file in the
22075 current directory have been auto-loaded.
22076 @end table
22077
22078 @node libthread_db.so.1 file
22079 @subsection Automatically loading thread debugging library
22080 @cindex auto-loading libthread_db.so.1
22081
22082 This feature is currently present only on @sc{gnu}/Linux native hosts.
22083
22084 @value{GDBN} reads in some cases thread debugging library from places specific
22085 to the inferior (@pxref{set libthread-db-search-path}).
22086
22087 The special @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entry @samp{$sdir} is processed
22088 without checking this @samp{set auto-load libthread-db} switch as system
22089 libraries have to be trusted in general. In all other cases of
22090 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} entries @value{GDBN} checks first if @samp{set
22091 auto-load libthread-db} is enabled before trying to open such thread debugging
22092 library.
22093
22094 Note that loading of this debugging library also requires accordingly configured
22095 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
22096
22097 @table @code
22098 @anchor{set auto-load libthread-db}
22099 @kindex set auto-load libthread-db
22100 @item set auto-load libthread-db [on|off]
22101 Enable or disable the auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library.
22102
22103 @anchor{show auto-load libthread-db}
22104 @kindex show auto-load libthread-db
22105 @item show auto-load libthread-db
22106 Show whether auto-loading of inferior specific thread debugging library is
22107 enabled or disabled.
22108
22109 @anchor{info auto-load libthread-db}
22110 @kindex info auto-load libthread-db
22111 @item info auto-load libthread-db
22112 Print the list of all loaded inferior specific thread debugging libraries and
22113 for each such library print list of inferior @var{pid}s using it.
22114 @end table
22115
22116 @node objfile-gdb.gdb file
22117 @subsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file
22118 @cindex auto-loading @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb}
22119
22120 @value{GDBN} tries to load an @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.gdb} file containing
22121 canned sequences of commands (@pxref{Sequences}), as long as @samp{set
22122 auto-load gdb-scripts} is set to @samp{on}.
22123
22124 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
22125 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
22126
22127 For more background refer to the similar Python scripts auto-loading
22128 description (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file}).
22129
22130 @table @code
22131 @anchor{set auto-load gdb-scripts}
22132 @kindex set auto-load gdb-scripts
22133 @item set auto-load gdb-scripts [on|off]
22134 Enable or disable the auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts.
22135
22136 @anchor{show auto-load gdb-scripts}
22137 @kindex show auto-load gdb-scripts
22138 @item show auto-load gdb-scripts
22139 Show whether auto-loading of canned sequences of commands scripts is enabled or
22140 disabled.
22141
22142 @anchor{info auto-load gdb-scripts}
22143 @kindex info auto-load gdb-scripts
22144 @cindex print list of auto-loaded canned sequences of commands scripts
22145 @item info auto-load gdb-scripts [@var{regexp}]
22146 Print the list of all canned sequences of commands scripts that @value{GDBN}
22147 auto-loaded.
22148 @end table
22149
22150 If @var{regexp} is supplied only canned sequences of commands scripts with
22151 matching names are printed.
22152
22153 @node Auto-loading safe path
22154 @subsection Security restriction for auto-loading
22155 @cindex auto-loading safe-path
22156
22157 As the files of inferior can come from untrusted source (such as submitted by
22158 an application user) @value{GDBN} does not always load any files automatically.
22159 @value{GDBN} provides the @samp{set auto-load safe-path} setting to list
22160 directories trusted for loading files not explicitly requested by user.
22161 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern.
22162
22163 If the path is not set properly you will see a warning and the file will not
22164 get loaded:
22165
22166 @smallexample
22167 $ ./gdb -q ./gdb
22168 Reading symbols from /home/user/gdb/gdb...done.
22169 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been
22170 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
22171 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
22172 warning: File "/home/user/gdb/gdb-gdb.py" auto-loading has been
22173 declined by your `auto-load safe-path' set
22174 to "$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load".
22175 @end smallexample
22176
22177 @noindent
22178 To instruct @value{GDBN} to go ahead and use the init files anyway,
22179 invoke @value{GDBN} like this:
22180
22181 @smallexample
22182 $ gdb -q -iex "set auto-load safe-path /home/user/gdb" ./gdb
22183 @end smallexample
22184
22185 The list of trusted directories is controlled by the following commands:
22186
22187 @table @code
22188 @anchor{set auto-load safe-path}
22189 @kindex set auto-load safe-path
22190 @item set auto-load safe-path @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
22191 Set the list of directories (and their subdirectories) trusted for automatic
22192 loading and execution of scripts. You can also enter a specific trusted file.
22193 Each directory can also be a shell wildcard pattern; wildcards do not match
22194 directory separator - see @code{FNM_PATHNAME} for system function @code{fnmatch}
22195 (@pxref{Wildcard Matching, fnmatch, , libc, GNU C Library Reference Manual}).
22196 If you omit @var{directories}, @samp{auto-load safe-path} will be reset to
22197 its default value as specified during @value{GDBN} compilation.
22198
22199 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
22200 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
22201 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
22202
22203 @anchor{show auto-load safe-path}
22204 @kindex show auto-load safe-path
22205 @item show auto-load safe-path
22206 Show the list of directories trusted for automatic loading and execution of
22207 scripts.
22208
22209 @anchor{add-auto-load-safe-path}
22210 @kindex add-auto-load-safe-path
22211 @item add-auto-load-safe-path
22212 Add an entry (or list of entries) the list of directories trusted for automatic
22213 loading and execution of scripts. Multiple entries may be delimited by the
22214 host platform path separator in use.
22215 @end table
22216
22217 This variable defaults to what @code{--with-auto-load-dir} has been configured
22218 to (@pxref{with-auto-load-dir}). @file{$debugdir} and @file{$datadir}
22219 substitution applies the same as for @ref{set auto-load scripts-directory}.
22220 The default @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by
22221 @value{GDBN} configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-safe-path}.
22222
22223 Setting this variable to @file{/} disables this security protection,
22224 corresponding @value{GDBN} configuration option is
22225 @option{--without-auto-load-safe-path}.
22226 This variable is supposed to be set to the system directories writable by the
22227 system superuser only. Users can add their source directories in init files in
22228 their home directories (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). See also deprecated
22229 init file in the current directory
22230 (@pxref{Init File in the Current Directory during Startup}).
22231
22232 To force @value{GDBN} to load the files it declined to load in the previous
22233 example, you could use one of the following ways:
22234
22235 @table @asis
22236 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{add-auto-load-safe-path ~/src/gdb}
22237 Specify this trusted directory (or a file) as additional component of the list.
22238 You have to specify also any existing directories displayed by
22239 by @samp{show auto-load safe-path} (such as @samp{/usr:/bin} in this example).
22240
22241 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /usr:/bin:~/src/gdb" @dots{}}
22242 Specify this directory as in the previous case but just for a single
22243 @value{GDBN} session.
22244
22245 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load safe-path /" @dots{}}
22246 Disable auto-loading safety for a single @value{GDBN} session.
22247 This assumes all the files you debug during this @value{GDBN} session will come
22248 from trusted sources.
22249
22250 @item @kbd{./configure --without-auto-load-safe-path}
22251 During compilation of @value{GDBN} you may disable any auto-loading safety.
22252 This assumes all the files you will ever debug with this @value{GDBN} come from
22253 trusted sources.
22254 @end table
22255
22256 On the other hand you can also explicitly forbid automatic files loading which
22257 also suppresses any such warning messages:
22258
22259 @table @asis
22260 @item @kbd{gdb -iex "set auto-load no" @dots{}}
22261 You can use @value{GDBN} command-line option for a single @value{GDBN} session.
22262
22263 @item @file{~/.gdbinit}: @samp{set auto-load no}
22264 Disable auto-loading globally for the user
22265 (@pxref{Home Directory Init File}). While it is improbable, you could also
22266 use system init file instead (@pxref{System-wide configuration}).
22267 @end table
22268
22269 This setting applies to the file names as entered by user. If no entry matches
22270 @value{GDBN} tries as a last resort to also resolve all the file names into
22271 their canonical form (typically resolving symbolic links) and compare the
22272 entries again. @value{GDBN} already canonicalizes most of the filenames on its
22273 own before starting the comparison so a canonical form of directories is
22274 recommended to be entered.
22275
22276 @node Auto-loading verbose mode
22277 @subsection Displaying files tried for auto-load
22278 @cindex auto-loading verbose mode
22279
22280 For better visibility of all the file locations where you can place scripts to
22281 be auto-loaded with inferior --- or to protect yourself against accidental
22282 execution of untrusted scripts --- @value{GDBN} provides a feature for printing
22283 all the files attempted to be loaded. Both existing and non-existing files may
22284 be printed.
22285
22286 For example the list of directories from which it is safe to auto-load files
22287 (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}) applies also to canonicalized filenames which
22288 may not be too obvious while setting it up.
22289
22290 @smallexample
22291 (gdb) set debug auto-load on
22292 (gdb) file ~/src/t/true
22293 auto-load: Loading canned sequences of commands script "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb"
22294 for objfile "/tmp/true".
22295 auto-load: Updating directories of "/usr:/opt".
22296 auto-load: Using directory "/usr".
22297 auto-load: Using directory "/opt".
22298 warning: File "/tmp/true-gdb.gdb" auto-loading has been declined
22299 by your `auto-load safe-path' set to "/usr:/opt".
22300 @end smallexample
22301
22302 @table @code
22303 @anchor{set debug auto-load}
22304 @kindex set debug auto-load
22305 @item set debug auto-load [on|off]
22306 Set whether to print the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded.
22307
22308 @anchor{show debug auto-load}
22309 @kindex show debug auto-load
22310 @item show debug auto-load
22311 Show whether printing of the filenames attempted to be auto-loaded is turned
22312 on or off.
22313 @end table
22314
22315 @node Messages/Warnings
22316 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
22317
22318 @cindex verbose operation
22319 @cindex optional warnings
22320 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
22321 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
22322 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
22323 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
22324
22325 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
22326 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
22327 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
22328
22329 @table @code
22330 @kindex set verbose
22331 @item set verbose on
22332 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
22333
22334 @item set verbose off
22335 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
22336
22337 @kindex show verbose
22338 @item show verbose
22339 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
22340 @end table
22341
22342 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
22343 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
22344 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
22345 Symbol Files}).
22346
22347 @table @code
22348
22349 @kindex set complaints
22350 @item set complaints @var{limit}
22351 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
22352 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
22353 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
22354 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
22355
22356 @kindex show complaints
22357 @item show complaints
22358 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
22359
22360 @end table
22361
22362 @anchor{confirmation requests}
22363 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
22364 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
22365 you try to run a program which is already running:
22366
22367 @smallexample
22368 (@value{GDBP}) run
22369 The program being debugged has been started already.
22370 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
22371 @end smallexample
22372
22373 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
22374 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
22375
22376 @table @code
22377
22378 @kindex set confirm
22379 @cindex flinching
22380 @cindex confirmation
22381 @cindex stupid questions
22382 @item set confirm off
22383 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
22384 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
22385 automatically disables confirmation requests.
22386
22387 @item set confirm on
22388 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
22389
22390 @kindex show confirm
22391 @item show confirm
22392 Displays state of confirmation requests.
22393
22394 @end table
22395
22396 @cindex command tracing
22397 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
22398 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
22399 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
22400 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
22401
22402 @table @code
22403 @kindex set trace-commands
22404 @cindex command scripts, debugging
22405 @item set trace-commands on
22406 Enable command tracing.
22407 @item set trace-commands off
22408 Disable command tracing.
22409 @item show trace-commands
22410 Display the current state of command tracing.
22411 @end table
22412
22413 @node Debugging Output
22414 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
22415 @cindex optional debugging messages
22416
22417 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
22418 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
22419 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
22420 section documents those commands.
22421
22422 @table @code
22423 @kindex set exec-done-display
22424 @item set exec-done-display
22425 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
22426 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
22427 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
22428 @kindex show exec-done-display
22429 @item show exec-done-display
22430 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
22431 notification.
22432 @kindex set debug
22433 @cindex ARM AArch64
22434 @item set debug aarch64
22435 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to ARM AArch64.
22436 The default is off.
22437 @kindex show debug
22438 @item show debug aarch64
22439 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22440 ARM AArch64.
22441 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
22442 @cindex architecture debugging info
22443 @item set debug arch
22444 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
22445 @item show debug arch
22446 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
22447 @item set debug aix-solib
22448 @cindex AIX shared library debugging
22449 Control display of debugging messages from the AIX shared library
22450 support module. The default is off.
22451 @item show debug aix-thread
22452 Show the current state of displaying AIX shared library debugging messages.
22453 @item set debug aix-thread
22454 @cindex AIX threads
22455 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
22456 module.
22457 @item show debug aix-thread
22458 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
22459 @item set debug check-physname
22460 @cindex physname
22461 Check the results of the ``physname'' computation. When reading DWARF
22462 debugging information for C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} attempts to compute
22463 each entity's name. @value{GDBN} can do this computation in two
22464 different ways, depending on exactly what information is present.
22465 When enabled, this setting causes @value{GDBN} to compute the names
22466 both ways and display any discrepancies.
22467 @item show debug check-physname
22468 Show the current state of ``physname'' checking.
22469 @item set debug coff-pe-read
22470 @cindex COFF/PE exported symbols
22471 Control display of debugging messages related to reading of COFF/PE
22472 exported symbols. The default is off.
22473 @item show debug coff-pe-read
22474 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22475 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
22476 @item set debug dwarf2-die
22477 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
22478 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
22479 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
22480 A value of zero turns off the display.
22481 @item show debug dwarf2-die
22482 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
22483 @item set debug dwarf2-read
22484 @cindex DWARF2 Reading
22485 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to reading
22486 DWARF debug info. The default is off.
22487 @item show debug dwarf2-read
22488 Show the current state of DWARF2 reader debugging.
22489 @item set debug displaced
22490 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
22491 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
22492 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
22493 @item show debug displaced
22494 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
22495 related to displaced stepping.
22496 @item set debug event
22497 @cindex event debugging info
22498 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
22499 default is off.
22500 @item show debug event
22501 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
22502 info.
22503 @item set debug expression
22504 @cindex expression debugging info
22505 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
22506 expression parsing. The default is off.
22507 @item show debug expression
22508 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
22509 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
22510 @item set debug frame
22511 @cindex frame debugging info
22512 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
22513 default is off.
22514 @item show debug frame
22515 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
22516 info.
22517 @item set debug gnu-nat
22518 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
22519 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
22520 @item show debug gnu-nat
22521 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
22522 @item set debug infrun
22523 @cindex inferior debugging info
22524 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
22525 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
22526 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
22527 @item show debug infrun
22528 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
22529 @item set debug jit
22530 @cindex just-in-time compilation, debugging messages
22531 Turns on or off debugging messages from JIT debug support.
22532 @item show debug jit
22533 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} JIT debugging.
22534 @item set debug lin-lwp
22535 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
22536 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
22537 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
22538 @item show debug lin-lwp
22539 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
22540 @item set debug mach-o
22541 @cindex Mach-O symbols processing
22542 Control display of debugging messages related to Mach-O symbols
22543 processing. The default is off.
22544 @item show debug mach-o
22545 Displays the current state of displaying debugging messages related to
22546 reading of COFF/PE exported symbols.
22547 @item set debug notification
22548 @cindex remote async notification debugging info
22549 Turns on or off debugging messages about remote async notification.
22550 The default is off.
22551 @item show debug notification
22552 Displays the current state of remote async notification debugging messages.
22553 @item set debug observer
22554 @cindex observer debugging info
22555 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
22556 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
22557 @item show debug observer
22558 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
22559 @item set debug overload
22560 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
22561 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
22562 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
22563 is off.
22564 @item show debug overload
22565 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
22566 debugging info.
22567 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
22568 @cindex debug expression parser
22569 @item set debug parser
22570 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
22571 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
22572 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
22573 details. The default is off.
22574 @item show debug parser
22575 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
22576 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
22577 @cindex serial connections, debugging
22578 @cindex debug remote protocol
22579 @cindex remote protocol debugging
22580 @cindex display remote packets
22581 @item set debug remote
22582 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
22583 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
22584 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
22585 @item show debug remote
22586 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
22587 @item set debug serial
22588 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
22589 default is off.
22590 @item show debug serial
22591 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
22592 info.
22593 @item set debug solib-frv
22594 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
22595 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
22596 @item show debug solib-frv
22597 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
22598 messages.
22599 @item set debug symfile
22600 @cindex symbol file functions
22601 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol file functions.
22602 The default is off. @xref{Files}.
22603 @item show debug symfile
22604 Show the current state of symbol file debugging messages.
22605 @item set debug symtab-create
22606 @cindex symbol table creation
22607 Turns on or off display of debugging messages related to symbol table creation.
22608 The default is off.
22609 @item show debug symtab-create
22610 Show the current state of symbol table creation debugging.
22611 @item set debug target
22612 @cindex target debugging info
22613 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
22614 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
22615 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
22616 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
22617 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
22618 @item show debug target
22619 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
22620 info.
22621 @item set debug timestamp
22622 @cindex timestampping debugging info
22623 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
22624 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
22625 message.
22626 @item show debug timestamp
22627 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
22628 debugging info.
22629 @item set debugvarobj
22630 @cindex variable object debugging info
22631 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
22632 info. The default is off.
22633 @item show debugvarobj
22634 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
22635 debugging info.
22636 @item set debug xml
22637 @cindex XML parser debugging
22638 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
22639 @item show debug xml
22640 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
22641 @end table
22642
22643 @node Other Misc Settings
22644 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
22645 @cindex miscellaneous settings
22646
22647 @table @code
22648 @kindex set interactive-mode
22649 @item set interactive-mode
22650 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to assume that GDB was started
22651 in a terminal. In practice, this means that @value{GDBN} should wait
22652 for the user to answer queries generated by commands entered at
22653 the command prompt. If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate
22654 in the opposite mode, and it uses the default answers to all queries.
22655 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} tries to determine whether
22656 its standard input is a terminal, and works in interactive-mode if it
22657 is, non-interactively otherwise.
22658
22659 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
22660 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
22661 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
22662 inside a cygwin window.
22663
22664 @kindex show interactive-mode
22665 @item show interactive-mode
22666 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
22667 @end table
22668
22669 @node Extending GDB
22670 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
22671 @cindex extending GDB
22672
22673 @value{GDBN} provides three mechanisms for extension. The first is based
22674 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, the second is based on the
22675 Python scripting language, and the third is for defining new aliases of
22676 existing commands.
22677
22678 To facilitate the use of the first two extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
22679 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
22680 can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
22681 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
22682 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
22683 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
22684
22685 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
22686 setting:
22687
22688 @table @code
22689 @kindex set script-extension
22690 @kindex show script-extension
22691 @item set script-extension off
22692 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
22693
22694 @item set script-extension soft
22695 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
22696 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
22697 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
22698 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
22699
22700 @item set script-extension strict
22701 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
22702 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
22703 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
22704
22705 @item show script-extension
22706 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
22707
22708 @end table
22709
22710 @menu
22711 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
22712 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
22713 * Aliases:: Creating new spellings of existing commands
22714 @end menu
22715
22716 @node Sequences
22717 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
22718
22719 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
22720 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
22721 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
22722 files.
22723
22724 @menu
22725 * Define:: How to define your own commands
22726 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
22727 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
22728 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
22729 @end menu
22730
22731 @node Define
22732 @subsection User-defined Commands
22733
22734 @cindex user-defined command
22735 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
22736 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
22737 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
22738 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
22739 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
22740 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
22741
22742 @smallexample
22743 define adder
22744 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22745 end
22746 @end smallexample
22747
22748 @noindent
22749 To execute the command use:
22750
22751 @smallexample
22752 adder 1 2 3
22753 @end smallexample
22754
22755 @noindent
22756 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
22757 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
22758 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
22759 functions calls.
22760
22761 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
22762 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
22763 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
22764 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
22765
22766 @smallexample
22767 define adder
22768 if $argc == 2
22769 print $arg0 + $arg1
22770 end
22771 if $argc == 3
22772 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
22773 end
22774 end
22775 @end smallexample
22776
22777 @table @code
22778
22779 @kindex define
22780 @item define @var{commandname}
22781 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
22782 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
22783 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
22784 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
22785 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
22786 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
22787
22788 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
22789 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
22790 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
22791
22792 @kindex document
22793 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
22794 @item document @var{commandname}
22795 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
22796 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
22797 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
22798 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
22799 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
22800 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
22801
22802 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
22803 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
22804 does not change the documentation.
22805
22806 @kindex dont-repeat
22807 @cindex don't repeat command
22808 @item dont-repeat
22809 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
22810 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
22811 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
22812
22813 @kindex help user-defined
22814 @item help user-defined
22815 List all user-defined commands and all python commands defined in class
22816 COMAND_USER. The first line of the documentation or docstring is
22817 included (if any).
22818
22819 @kindex show user
22820 @item show user
22821 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
22822 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
22823 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
22824 definitions for all user-defined commands.
22825 This does not work for user-defined python commands.
22826
22827 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
22828 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
22829 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
22830 @item show max-user-call-depth
22831 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
22832 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
22833 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
22834 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
22835 This does not apply to user-defined python commands.
22836 @end table
22837
22838 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
22839 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
22840
22841 When user-defined commands are executed, the
22842 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
22843 stops execution of the user-defined command.
22844
22845 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
22846 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
22847 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
22848 messages when used in a user-defined command.
22849
22850 @node Hooks
22851 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
22852 @cindex command hooks
22853 @cindex hooks, for commands
22854 @cindex hooks, pre-command
22855
22856 @kindex hook
22857 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
22858 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
22859 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
22860 before that command.
22861
22862 @cindex hooks, post-command
22863 @kindex hookpost
22864 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
22865 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
22866 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
22867 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
22868 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
22869
22870 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
22871 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
22872
22873 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
22874 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
22875
22876 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
22877 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
22878 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
22879 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
22880 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
22881
22882 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
22883 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
22884 you could define:
22885
22886 @smallexample
22887 define hook-stop
22888 handle SIGALRM nopass
22889 end
22890
22891 define hook-run
22892 handle SIGALRM pass
22893 end
22894
22895 define hook-continue
22896 handle SIGALRM pass
22897 end
22898 @end smallexample
22899
22900 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
22901 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
22902 you could define:
22903
22904 @smallexample
22905 define hook-echo
22906 echo <<<---
22907 end
22908
22909 define hookpost-echo
22910 echo --->>>\n
22911 end
22912
22913 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
22914 <<<---Hello World--->>>
22915 (@value{GDBP})
22916
22917 @end smallexample
22918
22919 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
22920 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
22921 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
22922 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
22923 @c or not?
22924 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
22925 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
22926 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
22927
22928 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
22929 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
22930 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
22931
22932 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
22933 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
22934
22935 @node Command Files
22936 @subsection Command Files
22937
22938 @cindex command files
22939 @cindex scripting commands
22940 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
22941 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
22942 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
22943 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
22944 terminal.
22945
22946 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
22947 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
22948 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
22949 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
22950 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
22951
22952 @table @code
22953 @kindex source
22954 @cindex execute commands from a file
22955 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
22956 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
22957 @end table
22958
22959 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
22960 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
22961 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
22962 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
22963 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
22964
22965 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
22966 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
22967 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
22968 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
22969 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
22970 is not relevant to scripts.
22971
22972 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
22973 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
22974 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
22975 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
22976 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
22977 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
22978 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
22979 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
22980 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
22981 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
22982 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
22983 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
22984 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
22985 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
22986
22987 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
22988 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
22989 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
22990
22991 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
22992 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
22993 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
22994 when called from command files.
22995
22996 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
22997 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
22998 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
22999 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
23000 the next command.
23001
23002 @smallexample
23003 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
23004 @end smallexample
23005
23006 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
23007 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
23008 would be directed to @file{log}.
23009
23010 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
23011 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
23012 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
23013 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
23014 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
23015 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
23016 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
23017 conditionally, etc.
23018
23019 @table @code
23020 @kindex if
23021 @kindex else
23022 @item if
23023 @itemx else
23024 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
23025 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
23026 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
23027 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
23028 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
23029 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
23030 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
23031
23032 @kindex while
23033 @item while
23034 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
23035 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
23036 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
23037 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
23038 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
23039 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
23040
23041 @kindex loop_break
23042 @item loop_break
23043 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
23044 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
23045 line.
23046
23047 @kindex loop_continue
23048 @item loop_continue
23049 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
23050 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
23051 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
23052 the controlling expression.
23053
23054 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
23055 @item end
23056 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
23057 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
23058 @end table
23059
23060
23061 @node Output
23062 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
23063
23064 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
23065 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
23066 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
23067 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
23068 want.
23069
23070 @table @code
23071 @kindex echo
23072 @item echo @var{text}
23073 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
23074 @c because it is not in ANSI.
23075 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
23076 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
23077 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
23078 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
23079 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
23080 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
23081 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
23082 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
23083 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
23084
23085 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
23086 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
23087
23088 @smallexample
23089 echo This is some text\n\
23090 which is continued\n\
23091 onto several lines.\n
23092 @end smallexample
23093
23094 produces the same output as
23095
23096 @smallexample
23097 echo This is some text\n
23098 echo which is continued\n
23099 echo onto several lines.\n
23100 @end smallexample
23101
23102 @kindex output
23103 @item output @var{expression}
23104 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
23105 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
23106 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
23107 on expressions.
23108
23109 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
23110 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
23111 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
23112 Formats}, for more information.
23113
23114 @kindex printf
23115 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
23116 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
23117 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
23118 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
23119 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
23120 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
23121 executing the code below:
23122
23123 @smallexample
23124 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
23125 @end smallexample
23126
23127 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
23128 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
23129 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
23130 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
23131 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
23132 printed.
23133
23134 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
23135
23136 @smallexample
23137 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
23138 @end smallexample
23139
23140 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
23141 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
23142 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
23143
23144 @itemize @bullet
23145 @item
23146 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
23147
23148 @item
23149 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
23150 width.
23151
23152 @item
23153 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
23154 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
23155
23156 @item
23157 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
23158 supported.
23159
23160 @item
23161 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
23162
23163 @item
23164 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
23165 @end itemize
23166
23167 @noindent
23168 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
23169 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
23170 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
23171 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
23172
23173 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
23174 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
23175 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
23176 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
23177 supported.
23178
23179 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
23180 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
23181 together with a floating point specifier.
23182 letters:
23183
23184 @itemize @bullet
23185 @item
23186 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
23187
23188 @item
23189 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
23190
23191 @item
23192 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
23193 @end itemize
23194
23195 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
23196 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
23197 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
23198
23199 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
23200 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
23201
23202 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
23203 @smallexample
23204 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
23205 @end smallexample
23206
23207 @kindex eval
23208 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
23209 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
23210 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
23211
23212 @end table
23213
23214 @node Python
23215 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
23216 @cindex python scripting
23217 @cindex scripting with python
23218
23219 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
23220 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
23221 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
23222
23223 @cindex python directory
23224 Python scripts used by @value{GDBN} should be installed in
23225 @file{@var{data-directory}/python}, where @var{data-directory} is
23226 the data directory as determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}).
23227 This directory, known as the @dfn{python directory},
23228 is automatically added to the Python Search Path in order to allow
23229 the Python interpreter to locate all scripts installed at this location.
23230
23231 Additionally, @value{GDBN} commands and convenience functions which
23232 are written in Python and are located in the
23233 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/command} or
23234 @file{@var{data-directory}/python/gdb/function} directories are
23235 automatically imported when @value{GDBN} starts.
23236
23237 @menu
23238 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
23239 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
23240 * Python Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
23241 * Python modules:: Python modules provided by @value{GDBN}.
23242 @end menu
23243
23244 @node Python Commands
23245 @subsection Python Commands
23246 @cindex python commands
23247 @cindex commands to access python
23248
23249 @value{GDBN} provides two commands for accessing the Python interpreter,
23250 and one related setting:
23251
23252 @table @code
23253 @kindex python-interactive
23254 @kindex pi
23255 @item python-interactive @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23256 @itemx pi @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23257 Without an argument, the @code{python-interactive} command can be used
23258 to start an interactive Python prompt. To return to @value{GDBN},
23259 type the @code{EOF} character (e.g., @kbd{Ctrl-D} on an empty prompt).
23260
23261 Alternatively, a single-line Python command can be given as an
23262 argument and evaluated. If the command is an expression, the result
23263 will be printed; otherwise, nothing will be printed. For example:
23264
23265 @smallexample
23266 (@value{GDBP}) python-interactive 2 + 3
23267 5
23268 @end smallexample
23269
23270 @kindex python
23271 @kindex py
23272 @item python @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23273 @itemx py @r{[}@var{command}@r{]}
23274 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
23275
23276 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
23277 argument as a Python command. For example:
23278
23279 @smallexample
23280 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
23281 23
23282 @end smallexample
23283
23284 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
23285 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
23286 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
23287 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
23288 containing @code{end}. For example:
23289
23290 @smallexample
23291 (@value{GDBP}) python
23292 Type python script
23293 End with a line saying just "end".
23294 >print 23
23295 >end
23296 23
23297 @end smallexample
23298
23299 @kindex set python print-stack
23300 @item set python print-stack
23301 By default, @value{GDBN} will print only the message component of a
23302 Python exception when an error occurs in a Python script. This can be
23303 controlled using @code{set python print-stack}: if @code{full}, then
23304 full Python stack printing is enabled; if @code{none}, then Python stack
23305 and message printing is disabled; if @code{message}, the default, only
23306 the message component of the error is printed.
23307 @end table
23308
23309 It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
23310 interpreter:
23311
23312 @table @code
23313 @item source @file{script-name}
23314 The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
23315 to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
23316 the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
23317
23318 @item python execfile ("script-name")
23319 This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
23320 and thus is always available.
23321 @end table
23322
23323 @node Python API
23324 @subsection Python API
23325 @cindex python api
23326 @cindex programming in python
23327
23328 You can get quick online help for @value{GDBN}'s Python API by issuing
23329 the command @w{@kbd{python help (gdb)}}.
23330
23331 Functions and methods which have two or more optional arguments allow
23332 them to be specified using keyword syntax. This allows passing some
23333 optional arguments while skipping others. Example:
23334 @w{@code{gdb.some_function ('foo', bar = 1, baz = 2)}}.
23335
23336 @menu
23337 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
23338 * Exception Handling:: How Python exceptions are translated.
23339 * Values From Inferior:: Python representation of values.
23340 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
23341 * Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
23342 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
23343 * Writing a Pretty-Printer:: Writing a Pretty-Printer.
23344 * Type Printing API:: Pretty-printing types.
23345 * Frame Filter API:: Filtering Frames.
23346 * Frame Decorator API:: Decorating Frames.
23347 * Writing a Frame Filter:: Writing a Frame Filter.
23348 * Inferiors In Python:: Python representation of inferiors (processes)
23349 * Events In Python:: Listening for events from @value{GDBN}.
23350 * Threads In Python:: Accessing inferior threads from Python.
23351 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
23352 * Parameters In Python:: Adding new @value{GDBN} parameters.
23353 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
23354 * Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
23355 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
23356 * Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
23357 * Blocks In Python:: Accessing blocks from Python.
23358 * Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
23359 * Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
23360 * Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
23361 * Finish Breakpoints in Python:: Setting Breakpoints on function return
23362 using Python.
23363 * Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
23364 * Architectures In Python:: Python representation of architectures.
23365 @end menu
23366
23367 @node Basic Python
23368 @subsubsection Basic Python
23369
23370 @cindex python stdout
23371 @cindex python pagination
23372 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
23373 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
23374 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
23375 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
23376 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
23377
23378 Some care must be taken when writing Python code to run in
23379 @value{GDBN}. Two things worth noting in particular:
23380
23381 @itemize @bullet
23382 @item
23383 @value{GDBN} install handlers for @code{SIGCHLD} and @code{SIGINT}.
23384 Python code must not override these, or even change the options using
23385 @code{sigaction}. If your program changes the handling of these
23386 signals, @value{GDBN} will most likely stop working correctly. Note
23387 that it is unfortunately common for GUI toolkits to install a
23388 @code{SIGCHLD} handler.
23389
23390 @item
23391 @value{GDBN} takes care to mark its internal file descriptors as
23392 close-on-exec. However, this cannot be done in a thread-safe way on
23393 all platforms. Your Python programs should be aware of this and
23394 should both create new file descriptors with the close-on-exec flag
23395 set and arrange to close unneeded file descriptors before starting a
23396 child process.
23397 @end itemize
23398
23399 @cindex python functions
23400 @cindex python module
23401 @cindex gdb module
23402 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
23403 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
23404 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
23405 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
23406
23407 @findex gdb.PYTHONDIR
23408 @defvar gdb.PYTHONDIR
23409 A string containing the python directory (@pxref{Python}).
23410 @end defvar
23411
23412 @findex gdb.execute
23413 @defun gdb.execute (command @r{[}, from_tty @r{[}, to_string@r{]]})
23414 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
23415 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
23416 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
23417
23418 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
23419 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
23420 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
23421
23422 By default, any output produced by @var{command} is sent to
23423 @value{GDBN}'s standard output. If the @var{to_string} parameter is
23424 @code{True}, then output will be collected by @code{gdb.execute} and
23425 returned as a string. The default is @code{False}, in which case the
23426 return value is @code{None}. If @var{to_string} is @code{True}, the
23427 @value{GDBN} virtual terminal will be temporarily set to unlimited width
23428 and height, and its pagination will be disabled; @pxref{Screen Size}.
23429 @end defun
23430
23431 @findex gdb.breakpoints
23432 @defun gdb.breakpoints ()
23433 Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
23434 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
23435 @end defun
23436
23437 @findex gdb.parameter
23438 @defun gdb.parameter (parameter)
23439 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
23440 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
23441 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
23442 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
23443
23444 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
23445 @code{gdb.error} (@pxref{Exception Handling}). Otherwise, the
23446 parameter's value is converted to a Python value of the appropriate
23447 type, and returned.
23448 @end defun
23449
23450 @findex gdb.history
23451 @defun gdb.history (number)
23452 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
23453 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
23454 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
23455 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
23456 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
23457 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
23458 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{gdb.error} exception will be
23459 raised.
23460
23461 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
23462 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
23463 @end defun
23464
23465 @findex gdb.parse_and_eval
23466 @defun gdb.parse_and_eval (expression)
23467 Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
23468 evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
23469 @var{expression} must be a string.
23470
23471 This function can be useful when implementing a new command
23472 (@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
23473 command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
23474 compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
23475 convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
23476 @end defun
23477
23478 @findex gdb.find_pc_line
23479 @defun gdb.find_pc_line (pc)
23480 Return the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object corresponding to the
23481 @var{pc} value. @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}. If an invalid
23482 value of @var{pc} is passed as an argument, then the @code{symtab} and
23483 @code{line} attributes of the returned @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object
23484 will be @code{None} and 0 respectively.
23485 @end defun
23486
23487 @findex gdb.post_event
23488 @defun gdb.post_event (event)
23489 Put @var{event}, a callable object taking no arguments, into
23490 @value{GDBN}'s internal event queue. This callable will be invoked at
23491 some later point, during @value{GDBN}'s event processing. Events
23492 posted using @code{post_event} will be run in the order in which they
23493 were posted; however, there is no way to know when they will be
23494 processed relative to other events inside @value{GDBN}.
23495
23496 @value{GDBN} is not thread-safe. If your Python program uses multiple
23497 threads, you must be careful to only call @value{GDBN}-specific
23498 functions in the main @value{GDBN} thread. @code{post_event} ensures
23499 this. For example:
23500
23501 @smallexample
23502 (@value{GDBP}) python
23503 >import threading
23504 >
23505 >class Writer():
23506 > def __init__(self, message):
23507 > self.message = message;
23508 > def __call__(self):
23509 > gdb.write(self.message)
23510 >
23511 >class MyThread1 (threading.Thread):
23512 > def run (self):
23513 > gdb.post_event(Writer("Hello "))
23514 >
23515 >class MyThread2 (threading.Thread):
23516 > def run (self):
23517 > gdb.post_event(Writer("World\n"))
23518 >
23519 >MyThread1().start()
23520 >MyThread2().start()
23521 >end
23522 (@value{GDBP}) Hello World
23523 @end smallexample
23524 @end defun
23525
23526 @findex gdb.write
23527 @defun gdb.write (string @r{[}, stream{]})
23528 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated output stream. The
23529 optional @var{stream} determines the stream to print to. The default
23530 stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible stream
23531 values are:
23532
23533 @table @code
23534 @findex STDOUT
23535 @findex gdb.STDOUT
23536 @item gdb.STDOUT
23537 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
23538
23539 @findex STDERR
23540 @findex gdb.STDERR
23541 @item gdb.STDERR
23542 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
23543
23544 @findex STDLOG
23545 @findex gdb.STDLOG
23546 @item gdb.STDLOG
23547 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
23548 @end table
23549
23550 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
23551 call this function and will automatically direct the output to the
23552 relevant stream.
23553 @end defun
23554
23555 @findex gdb.flush
23556 @defun gdb.flush ()
23557 Flush the buffer of a @value{GDBN} paginated stream so that the
23558 contents are displayed immediately. @value{GDBN} will flush the
23559 contents of a stream automatically when it encounters a newline in the
23560 buffer. The optional @var{stream} determines the stream to flush. The
23561 default stream is @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream. Possible
23562 stream values are:
23563
23564 @table @code
23565 @findex STDOUT
23566 @findex gdb.STDOUT
23567 @item gdb.STDOUT
23568 @value{GDBN}'s standard output stream.
23569
23570 @findex STDERR
23571 @findex gdb.STDERR
23572 @item gdb.STDERR
23573 @value{GDBN}'s standard error stream.
23574
23575 @findex STDLOG
23576 @findex gdb.STDLOG
23577 @item gdb.STDLOG
23578 @value{GDBN}'s log stream (@pxref{Logging Output}).
23579
23580 @end table
23581
23582 Flushing @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
23583 call this function for the relevant stream.
23584 @end defun
23585
23586 @findex gdb.target_charset
23587 @defun gdb.target_charset ()
23588 Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
23589 Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
23590 that @samp{auto} is never returned.
23591 @end defun
23592
23593 @findex gdb.target_wide_charset
23594 @defun gdb.target_wide_charset ()
23595 Return the name of the current target wide character set
23596 (@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
23597 @code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
23598 never returned.
23599 @end defun
23600
23601 @findex gdb.solib_name
23602 @defun gdb.solib_name (address)
23603 Return the name of the shared library holding the given @var{address}
23604 as a string, or @code{None}.
23605 @end defun
23606
23607 @findex gdb.decode_line
23608 @defun gdb.decode_line @r{[}expression@r{]}
23609 Return locations of the line specified by @var{expression}, or of the
23610 current line if no argument was given. This function returns a Python
23611 tuple containing two elements. The first element contains a string
23612 holding any unparsed section of @var{expression} (or @code{None} if
23613 the expression has been fully parsed). The second element contains
23614 either @code{None} or another tuple that contains all the locations
23615 that match the expression represented as @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line}
23616 objects (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}). If @var{expression} is
23617 provided, it is decoded the way that @value{GDBN}'s inbuilt
23618 @code{break} or @code{edit} commands do (@pxref{Specify Location}).
23619 @end defun
23620
23621 @defun gdb.prompt_hook (current_prompt)
23622 @anchor{prompt_hook}
23623
23624 If @var{prompt_hook} is callable, @value{GDBN} will call the method
23625 assigned to this operation before a prompt is displayed by
23626 @value{GDBN}.
23627
23628 The parameter @code{current_prompt} contains the current @value{GDBN}
23629 prompt. This method must return a Python string, or @code{None}. If
23630 a string is returned, the @value{GDBN} prompt will be set to that
23631 string. If @code{None} is returned, @value{GDBN} will continue to use
23632 the current prompt.
23633
23634 Some prompts cannot be substituted in @value{GDBN}. Secondary prompts
23635 such as those used by readline for command input, and annotation
23636 related prompts are prohibited from being changed.
23637 @end defun
23638
23639 @node Exception Handling
23640 @subsubsection Exception Handling
23641 @cindex python exceptions
23642 @cindex exceptions, python
23643
23644 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
23645 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
23646 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
23647 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
23648 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
23649 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
23650 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
23651
23652 @smallexample
23653 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
23654 Traceback (most recent call last):
23655 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
23656 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
23657 @end smallexample
23658
23659 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by
23660 Python code are converted to Python exceptions. The type of the
23661 Python exception depends on the error.
23662
23663 @ftable @code
23664 @item gdb.error
23665 This is the base class for most exceptions generated by @value{GDBN}.
23666 It is derived from @code{RuntimeError}, for compatibility with earlier
23667 versions of @value{GDBN}.
23668
23669 If an error occurring in @value{GDBN} does not fit into some more
23670 specific category, then the generated exception will have this type.
23671
23672 @item gdb.MemoryError
23673 This is a subclass of @code{gdb.error} which is thrown when an
23674 operation tried to access invalid memory in the inferior.
23675
23676 @item KeyboardInterrupt
23677 User interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
23678 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception.
23679 @end ftable
23680
23681 In all cases, your exception handler will see the @value{GDBN} error
23682 message as its value and the Python call stack backtrace at the Python
23683 statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
23684 traceback.
23685
23686 @findex gdb.GdbError
23687 When implementing @value{GDBN} commands in Python via @code{gdb.Command},
23688 it is useful to be able to throw an exception that doesn't cause a
23689 traceback to be printed. For example, the user may have invoked the
23690 command incorrectly. Use the @code{gdb.GdbError} exception
23691 to handle this case. Example:
23692
23693 @smallexample
23694 (gdb) python
23695 >class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
23696 > """Greet the whole world."""
23697 > def __init__ (self):
23698 > super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
23699 > def invoke (self, args, from_tty):
23700 > argv = gdb.string_to_argv (args)
23701 > if len (argv) != 0:
23702 > raise gdb.GdbError ("hello-world takes no arguments")
23703 > print "Hello, World!"
23704 >HelloWorld ()
23705 >end
23706 (gdb) hello-world 42
23707 hello-world takes no arguments
23708 @end smallexample
23709
23710 @node Values From Inferior
23711 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
23712 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
23713 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
23714
23715 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
23716 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
23717 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
23718 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
23719 fetching values when necessary.
23720
23721 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
23722 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
23723 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
23724
23725 @smallexample
23726 bar = some_val + 2
23727 @end smallexample
23728
23729 @noindent
23730 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
23731 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
23732
23733 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
23734 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
23735 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
23736 can access its @code{foo} element with:
23737
23738 @smallexample
23739 bar = some_val['foo']
23740 @end smallexample
23741
23742 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
23743
23744 A @code{gdb.Value} that represents a function can be executed via
23745 inferior function call. Any arguments provided to the call must match
23746 the function's prototype, and must be provided in the order specified
23747 by that prototype.
23748
23749 For example, @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance
23750 representing a function that takes two integers as arguments. To
23751 execute this function, call it like so:
23752
23753 @smallexample
23754 result = some_val (10,20)
23755 @end smallexample
23756
23757 Any values returned from a function call will be stored as a
23758 @code{gdb.Value}.
23759
23760 The following attributes are provided:
23761
23762 @defvar Value.address
23763 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
23764 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
23765 this attribute holds @code{None}.
23766 @end defvar
23767
23768 @cindex optimized out value in Python
23769 @defvar Value.is_optimized_out
23770 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
23771 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
23772 @end defvar
23773
23774 @defvar Value.type
23775 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
23776 @code{gdb.Type} object (@pxref{Types In Python}).
23777 @end defvar
23778
23779 @defvar Value.dynamic_type
23780 The dynamic type of this @code{gdb.Value}. This uses C@t{++} run-time
23781 type information (@acronym{RTTI}) to determine the dynamic type of the
23782 value. If this value is of class type, it will return the class in
23783 which the value is embedded, if any. If this value is of pointer or
23784 reference to a class type, it will compute the dynamic type of the
23785 referenced object, and return a pointer or reference to that type,
23786 respectively. In all other cases, it will return the value's static
23787 type.
23788
23789 Note that this feature will only work when debugging a C@t{++} program
23790 that includes @acronym{RTTI} for the object in question. Otherwise,
23791 it will just return the static type of the value as in @kbd{ptype foo}
23792 (@pxref{Symbols, ptype}).
23793 @end defvar
23794
23795 @defvar Value.is_lazy
23796 The value of this read-only boolean attribute is @code{True} if this
23797 @code{gdb.Value} has not yet been fetched from the inferior.
23798 @value{GDBN} does not fetch values until necessary, for efficiency.
23799 For example:
23800
23801 @smallexample
23802 myval = gdb.parse_and_eval ('somevar')
23803 @end smallexample
23804
23805 The value of @code{somevar} is not fetched at this time. It will be
23806 fetched when the value is needed, or when the @code{fetch_lazy}
23807 method is invoked.
23808 @end defvar
23809
23810 The following methods are provided:
23811
23812 @defun Value.__init__ (@var{val})
23813 Many Python values can be converted directly to a @code{gdb.Value} via
23814 this object initializer. Specifically:
23815
23816 @table @asis
23817 @item Python boolean
23818 A Python boolean is converted to the boolean type from the current
23819 language.
23820
23821 @item Python integer
23822 A Python integer is converted to the C @code{long} type for the
23823 current architecture.
23824
23825 @item Python long
23826 A Python long is converted to the C @code{long long} type for the
23827 current architecture.
23828
23829 @item Python float
23830 A Python float is converted to the C @code{double} type for the
23831 current architecture.
23832
23833 @item Python string
23834 A Python string is converted to a target string, using the current
23835 target encoding.
23836
23837 @item @code{gdb.Value}
23838 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.Value}, then a copy of the value is made.
23839
23840 @item @code{gdb.LazyString}
23841 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings In
23842 Python}), then the lazy string's @code{value} method is called, and
23843 its result is used.
23844 @end table
23845 @end defun
23846
23847 @defun Value.cast (type)
23848 Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
23849 casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
23850 be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
23851 reason, this method throws an exception.
23852 @end defun
23853
23854 @defun Value.dereference ()
23855 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
23856 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
23857 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
23858
23859 @smallexample
23860 int *foo;
23861 @end smallexample
23862
23863 @noindent
23864 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
23865 @code{foo} points to like this:
23866
23867 @smallexample
23868 bar = foo.dereference ()
23869 @end smallexample
23870
23871 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
23872 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
23873
23874 A similar function @code{Value.referenced_value} exists which also
23875 returns @code{gdb.Value} objects corresonding to the values pointed to
23876 by pointer values (and additionally, values referenced by reference
23877 values). However, the behavior of @code{Value.dereference}
23878 differs from @code{Value.referenced_value} by the fact that the
23879 behavior of @code{Value.dereference} is identical to applying the C
23880 unary operator @code{*} on a given value. For example, consider a
23881 reference to a pointer @code{ptrref}, declared in your C@t{++} program
23882 as
23883
23884 @smallexample
23885 typedef int *intptr;
23886 ...
23887 int val = 10;
23888 intptr ptr = &val;
23889 intptr &ptrref = ptr;
23890 @end smallexample
23891
23892 Though @code{ptrref} is a reference value, one can apply the method
23893 @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding
23894 to it and obtain a @code{gdb.Value} which is identical to that
23895 corresponding to @code{val}. However, if you apply the method
23896 @code{Value.referenced_value}, the result would be a @code{gdb.Value}
23897 object identical to that corresponding to @code{ptr}.
23898
23899 @smallexample
23900 py_ptrref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ptrref")
23901 py_val = py_ptrref.dereference ()
23902 py_ptr = py_ptrref.referenced_value ()
23903 @end smallexample
23904
23905 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
23906 corresponding to @code{val}, and @code{py_ptr} is identical to that
23907 corresponding to @code{ptr}. In general, @code{Value.dereference} can
23908 be applied whenever the C unary operator @code{*} can be applied
23909 to the corresponding C value. For those cases where applying both
23910 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} is allowed,
23911 the results obtained need not be identical (as we have seen in the above
23912 example). The results are however identical when applied on
23913 @code{gdb.Value} objects corresponding to pointers (@code{gdb.Value}
23914 objects with type code @code{TYPE_CODE_PTR}) in a C/C@t{++} program.
23915 @end defun
23916
23917 @defun Value.referenced_value ()
23918 For pointer or reference data types, this method returns a new
23919 @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the value referenced by the
23920 pointer/reference value. For pointer data types,
23921 @code{Value.dereference} and @code{Value.referenced_value} produce
23922 identical results. The difference between these methods is that
23923 @code{Value.dereference} cannot get the values referenced by reference
23924 values. For example, consider a reference to an @code{int}, declared
23925 in your C@t{++} program as
23926
23927 @smallexample
23928 int val = 10;
23929 int &ref = val;
23930 @end smallexample
23931
23932 @noindent
23933 then applying @code{Value.dereference} to the @code{gdb.Value} object
23934 corresponding to @code{ref} will result in an error, while applying
23935 @code{Value.referenced_value} will result in a @code{gdb.Value} object
23936 identical to that corresponding to @code{val}.
23937
23938 @smallexample
23939 py_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval ("ref")
23940 er_ref = py_ref.dereference () # Results in error
23941 py_val = py_ref.referenced_value () # Returns the referenced value
23942 @end smallexample
23943
23944 The @code{gdb.Value} object @code{py_val} is identical to that
23945 corresponding to @code{val}.
23946 @end defun
23947
23948 @defun Value.dynamic_cast (type)
23949 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{dynamic_cast}
23950 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
23951 @end defun
23952
23953 @defun Value.reinterpret_cast (type)
23954 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{reinterpret_cast}
23955 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
23956 @end defun
23957
23958 @defun Value.string (@r{[}encoding@r{[}, errors@r{[}, length@r{]]]})
23959 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
23960 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
23961 throw an exception.
23962
23963 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
23964 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
23965 language.
23966
23967 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
23968 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
23969 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
23970 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
23971 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
23972
23973 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
23974 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
23975 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
23976 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
23977 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
23978 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
23979 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
23980 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
23981 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
23982
23983 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
23984 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
23985
23986 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
23987 fetched and converted to the given length.
23988 @end defun
23989
23990 @defun Value.lazy_string (@r{[}encoding @r{[}, length@r{]]})
23991 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
23992 converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
23993 In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
23994
23995 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
23996 naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
23997 @samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
23998 @var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
23999 recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
24000
24001 When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
24002 used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
24003 @var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
24004 @value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
24005 the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
24006 please see @ref{Character Sets}.
24007
24008 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
24009 fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
24010 the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
24011 and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
24012 @end defun
24013
24014 @defun Value.fetch_lazy ()
24015 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is currently a lazy value
24016 (@code{gdb.Value.is_lazy} is @code{True}), then the value is
24017 fetched from the inferior. Any errors that occur in the process
24018 will produce a Python exception.
24019
24020 If the @code{gdb.Value} object is not a lazy value, this method
24021 has no effect.
24022
24023 This method does not return a value.
24024 @end defun
24025
24026
24027 @node Types In Python
24028 @subsubsection Types In Python
24029 @cindex types in Python
24030 @cindex Python, working with types
24031
24032 @tindex gdb.Type
24033 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
24034 @code{gdb.Type}.
24035
24036 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
24037 module:
24038
24039 @findex gdb.lookup_type
24040 @defun gdb.lookup_type (name @r{[}, block@r{]})
24041 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
24042 type to look up. It must be a string.
24043
24044 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
24045 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
24046
24047 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
24048 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
24049 @end defun
24050
24051 If the type is a structure or class type, or an enum type, the fields
24052 of that type can be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}.
24053 For example, if @code{some_type} is a @code{gdb.Type} instance holding
24054 a structure type, you can access its @code{foo} field with:
24055
24056 @smallexample
24057 bar = some_type['foo']
24058 @end smallexample
24059
24060 @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Field} object; see below under the
24061 description of the @code{Type.fields} method for a description of the
24062 @code{gdb.Field} class.
24063
24064 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
24065
24066 @defvar Type.code
24067 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
24068 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
24069 @end defvar
24070
24071 @defvar Type.sizeof
24072 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
24073 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
24074 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
24075 @end defvar
24076
24077 @defvar Type.tag
24078 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
24079 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
24080 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
24081 @code{None} is returned.
24082 @end defvar
24083
24084 The following methods are provided:
24085
24086 @defun Type.fields ()
24087 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
24088 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
24089 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
24090 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
24091 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
24092 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
24093
24094 Each field is a @code{gdb.Field} object, with some pre-defined attributes:
24095 @table @code
24096 @item bitpos
24097 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
24098 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
24099 position of the field. For @code{enum} fields, the value is the
24100 enumeration member's integer representation.
24101
24102 @item name
24103 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
24104
24105 @item artificial
24106 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
24107 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
24108 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
24109
24110 @item is_base_class
24111 This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
24112 structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
24113 if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
24114 @code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
24115
24116 @item bitsize
24117 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
24118 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
24119 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
24120
24121 @item type
24122 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
24123 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
24124 @end table
24125 @end defun
24126
24127 @defun Type.array (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
24128 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an array of this
24129 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
24130 the array; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
24131 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the array, and the
24132 second argument is the upper bound of the array. An array's length
24133 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
24134 @end defun
24135
24136 @defun Type.vector (@var{n1} @r{[}, @var{n2}@r{]})
24137 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a vector of this
24138 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
24139 the vector; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
24140 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the vector, and the
24141 second argument is the upper bound of the vector. A vector's length
24142 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
24143
24144 The difference between an @code{array} and a @code{vector} is that
24145 arrays behave like in C: when used in expressions they decay to a pointer
24146 to the first element whereas vectors are treated as first class values.
24147 @end defun
24148
24149 @defun Type.const ()
24150 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
24151 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
24152 @end defun
24153
24154 @defun Type.volatile ()
24155 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
24156 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
24157 @end defun
24158
24159 @defun Type.unqualified ()
24160 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
24161 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
24162 @code{volatile}.
24163 @end defun
24164
24165 @defun Type.range ()
24166 Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
24167 low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
24168 the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
24169 @code{gdb.error} exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
24170 @end defun
24171
24172 @defun Type.reference ()
24173 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
24174 type.
24175 @end defun
24176
24177 @defun Type.pointer ()
24178 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
24179 type.
24180 @end defun
24181
24182 @defun Type.strip_typedefs ()
24183 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
24184 after removing all layers of typedefs.
24185 @end defun
24186
24187 @defun Type.target ()
24188 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
24189 of this type.
24190
24191 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
24192 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
24193 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
24194 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
24195 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
24196 target type is the aliased type.
24197
24198 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
24199 exception.
24200 @end defun
24201
24202 @defun Type.template_argument (n @r{[}, block@r{]})
24203 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
24204 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
24205 @var{n}th template argument.
24206
24207 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
24208 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
24209
24210 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
24211 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
24212 @end defun
24213
24214
24215 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
24216 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
24217 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
24218
24219 @table @code
24220 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
24221 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
24222 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
24223 The type is a pointer.
24224
24225 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
24226 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
24227 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
24228 The type is an array.
24229
24230 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
24231 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
24232 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
24233 The type is a structure.
24234
24235 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
24236 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
24237 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
24238 The type is a union.
24239
24240 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
24241 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
24242 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
24243 The type is an enum.
24244
24245 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
24246 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
24247 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
24248 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
24249
24250 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
24251 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
24252 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
24253 The type is a function.
24254
24255 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
24256 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
24257 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
24258 The type is an integer type.
24259
24260 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
24261 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
24262 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
24263 A floating point type.
24264
24265 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
24266 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
24267 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
24268 The special type @code{void}.
24269
24270 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
24271 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
24272 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
24273 A Pascal set type.
24274
24275 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
24276 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
24277 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
24278 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
24279
24280 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
24281 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
24282 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
24283 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
24284 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
24285
24286 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
24287 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
24288 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
24289 A string of bits. It is deprecated.
24290
24291 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
24292 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
24293 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
24294 An unknown or erroneous type.
24295
24296 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
24297 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
24298 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
24299 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
24300
24301 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
24302 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
24303 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
24304 A pointer-to-member-function.
24305
24306 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
24307 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
24308 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
24309 A pointer-to-member.
24310
24311 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
24312 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
24313 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
24314 A reference type.
24315
24316 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
24317 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
24318 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
24319 A character type.
24320
24321 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
24322 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
24323 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
24324 A boolean type.
24325
24326 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
24327 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
24328 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
24329 A complex float type.
24330
24331 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
24332 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
24333 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
24334 A typedef to some other type.
24335
24336 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
24337 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
24338 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
24339 A C@t{++} namespace.
24340
24341 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
24342 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
24343 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
24344 A decimal floating point type.
24345
24346 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
24347 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
24348 @item gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
24349 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
24350 convenience functions.
24351 @end table
24352
24353 Further support for types is provided in the @code{gdb.types}
24354 Python module (@pxref{gdb.types}).
24355
24356 @node Pretty Printing API
24357 @subsubsection Pretty Printing API
24358
24359 An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
24360
24361 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
24362 specific interface, defined here.
24363
24364 @defun pretty_printer.children (self)
24365 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
24366 children of the pretty-printer's value.
24367
24368 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
24369 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
24370 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
24371 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
24372 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
24373
24374 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
24375 as though the value has no children.
24376 @end defun
24377
24378 @defun pretty_printer.display_hint (self)
24379 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
24380 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
24381 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
24382 printed.
24383
24384 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
24385 string.
24386
24387 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
24388
24389 @table @samp
24390 @item array
24391 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
24392 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
24393 @code{set print array}.
24394
24395 @item map
24396 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
24397 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
24398 values.
24399
24400 @item string
24401 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
24402 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
24403 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
24404 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
24405 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
24406 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
24407 @end table
24408 @end defun
24409
24410 @defun pretty_printer.to_string (self)
24411 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
24412 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
24413
24414 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
24415 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
24416 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
24417 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
24418 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
24419 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
24420 the result of @code{children}.
24421
24422 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
24423
24424 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
24425 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
24426 another pretty-printer.
24427
24428 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
24429 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
24430 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
24431 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
24432 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
24433
24434 Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
24435 are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
24436
24437 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
24438 @end defun
24439
24440 @value{GDBN} provides a function which can be used to look up the
24441 default pretty-printer for a @code{gdb.Value}:
24442
24443 @findex gdb.default_visualizer
24444 @defun gdb.default_visualizer (value)
24445 This function takes a @code{gdb.Value} object as an argument. If a
24446 pretty-printer for this value exists, then it is returned. If no such
24447 printer exists, then this returns @code{None}.
24448 @end defun
24449
24450 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
24451 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
24452
24453 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
24454 functions or callable objects that have been registered via addition
24455 as a pretty-printer. Printers in this list are called @code{global}
24456 printers, they're available when debugging all inferiors.
24457 Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
24458 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
24459 attribute.
24460
24461 Each function on these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
24462 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
24463 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
24464 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
24465 @code{None}.
24466
24467 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
24468 @code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
24469 each enabled lookup routine in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile}
24470 until it receives a pretty-printer object.
24471 If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
24472 searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
24473 calling each enabled function until an object is returned.
24474 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
24475 @code{gdb.pretty_printers} list, again calling each enabled function until an
24476 object is returned.
24477
24478 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
24479 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
24480 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
24481 object is returned.
24482
24483 For various reasons a pretty-printer may not work.
24484 For example, the underlying data structure may have changed and
24485 the pretty-printer is out of date.
24486
24487 The consequences of a broken pretty-printer are severe enough that
24488 @value{GDBN} provides support for enabling and disabling individual
24489 printers. For example, if @code{print frame-arguments} is on,
24490 a backtrace can become highly illegible if any argument is printed
24491 with a broken printer.
24492
24493 Pretty-printers are enabled and disabled by attaching an @code{enabled}
24494 attribute to the registered function or callable object. If this attribute
24495 is present and its value is @code{False}, the printer is disabled, otherwise
24496 the printer is enabled.
24497
24498 @node Writing a Pretty-Printer
24499 @subsubsection Writing a Pretty-Printer
24500 @cindex writing a pretty-printer
24501
24502 A pretty-printer consists of two parts: a lookup function to detect
24503 if the type is supported, and the printer itself.
24504
24505 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
24506 written. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for details on the API this class
24507 must provide.
24508
24509 @smallexample
24510 class StdStringPrinter(object):
24511 "Print a std::string"
24512
24513 def __init__(self, val):
24514 self.val = val
24515
24516 def to_string(self):
24517 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
24518
24519 def display_hint(self):
24520 return 'string'
24521 @end smallexample
24522
24523 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
24524 example above might be written.
24525
24526 @smallexample
24527 def str_lookup_function(val):
24528 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
24529 if lookup_tag == None:
24530 return None
24531 regex = re.compile("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
24532 if regex.match(lookup_tag):
24533 return StdStringPrinter(val)
24534 return None
24535 @end smallexample
24536
24537 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
24538 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
24539 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
24540 returns @code{None}.
24541
24542 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
24543 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
24544 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
24545 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
24546 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
24547 different names.
24548
24549 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}) such that it
24550 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
24551 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
24552 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
24553 the current objfile.
24554
24555 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
24556 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
24557 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
24558 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
24559 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
24560 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
24561 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
24562 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
24563 inferior.
24564
24565 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
24566 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
24567
24568 @smallexample
24569 def register_printers(objfile):
24570 objfile.pretty_printers.append(str_lookup_function)
24571 @end smallexample
24572
24573 @noindent
24574 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
24575
24576 @smallexample
24577 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
24578 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers(gdb.current_objfile())
24579 @end smallexample
24580
24581 The previous example illustrates a basic pretty-printer.
24582 There are a few things that can be improved on.
24583 The printer doesn't have a name, making it hard to identify in a
24584 list of installed printers. The lookup function has a name, but
24585 lookup functions can have arbitrary, even identical, names.
24586
24587 Second, the printer only handles one type, whereas a library typically has
24588 several types. One could install a lookup function for each desired type
24589 in the library, but one could also have a single lookup function recognize
24590 several types. The latter is the conventional way this is handled.
24591 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
24592 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
24593
24594 The @code{gdb.printing} module provides a formal way of solving these
24595 problems (@pxref{gdb.printing}).
24596 Here is another example that handles multiple types.
24597
24598 These are the types we are going to pretty-print:
24599
24600 @smallexample
24601 struct foo @{ int a, b; @};
24602 struct bar @{ struct foo x, y; @};
24603 @end smallexample
24604
24605 Here are the printers:
24606
24607 @smallexample
24608 class fooPrinter:
24609 """Print a foo object."""
24610
24611 def __init__(self, val):
24612 self.val = val
24613
24614 def to_string(self):
24615 return ("a=<" + str(self.val["a"]) +
24616 "> b=<" + str(self.val["b"]) + ">")
24617
24618 class barPrinter:
24619 """Print a bar object."""
24620
24621 def __init__(self, val):
24622 self.val = val
24623
24624 def to_string(self):
24625 return ("x=<" + str(self.val["x"]) +
24626 "> y=<" + str(self.val["y"]) + ">")
24627 @end smallexample
24628
24629 This example doesn't need a lookup function, that is handled by the
24630 @code{gdb.printing} module. Instead a function is provided to build up
24631 the object that handles the lookup.
24632
24633 @smallexample
24634 import gdb.printing
24635
24636 def build_pretty_printer():
24637 pp = gdb.printing.RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter(
24638 "my_library")
24639 pp.add_printer('foo', '^foo$', fooPrinter)
24640 pp.add_printer('bar', '^bar$', barPrinter)
24641 return pp
24642 @end smallexample
24643
24644 And here is the autoload support:
24645
24646 @smallexample
24647 import gdb.printing
24648 import my_library
24649 gdb.printing.register_pretty_printer(
24650 gdb.current_objfile(),
24651 my_library.build_pretty_printer())
24652 @end smallexample
24653
24654 Finally, when this printer is loaded into @value{GDBN}, here is the
24655 corresponding output of @samp{info pretty-printer}:
24656
24657 @smallexample
24658 (gdb) info pretty-printer
24659 my_library.so:
24660 my_library
24661 foo
24662 bar
24663 @end smallexample
24664
24665 @node Type Printing API
24666 @subsubsection Type Printing API
24667 @cindex type printing API for Python
24668
24669 @value{GDBN} provides a way for Python code to customize type display.
24670 This is mainly useful for substituting canonical typedef names for
24671 types.
24672
24673 @cindex type printer
24674 A @dfn{type printer} is just a Python object conforming to a certain
24675 protocol. A simple base class implementing the protocol is provided;
24676 see @ref{gdb.types}. A type printer must supply at least:
24677
24678 @defivar type_printer enabled
24679 A boolean which is True if the printer is enabled, and False
24680 otherwise. This is manipulated by the @code{enable type-printer}
24681 and @code{disable type-printer} commands.
24682 @end defivar
24683
24684 @defivar type_printer name
24685 The name of the type printer. This must be a string. This is used by
24686 the @code{enable type-printer} and @code{disable type-printer}
24687 commands.
24688 @end defivar
24689
24690 @defmethod type_printer instantiate (self)
24691 This is called by @value{GDBN} at the start of type-printing. It is
24692 only called if the type printer is enabled. This method must return a
24693 new object that supplies a @code{recognize} method, as described below.
24694 @end defmethod
24695
24696
24697 When displaying a type, say via the @code{ptype} command, @value{GDBN}
24698 will compute a list of type recognizers. This is done by iterating
24699 first over the per-objfile type printers (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}),
24700 followed by the per-progspace type printers (@pxref{Progspaces In
24701 Python}), and finally the global type printers.
24702
24703 @value{GDBN} will call the @code{instantiate} method of each enabled
24704 type printer. If this method returns @code{None}, then the result is
24705 ignored; otherwise, it is appended to the list of recognizers.
24706
24707 Then, when @value{GDBN} is going to display a type name, it iterates
24708 over the list of recognizers. For each one, it calls the recognition
24709 function, stopping if the function returns a non-@code{None} value.
24710 The recognition function is defined as:
24711
24712 @defmethod type_recognizer recognize (self, type)
24713 If @var{type} is not recognized, return @code{None}. Otherwise,
24714 return a string which is to be printed as the name of @var{type}.
24715 @var{type} will be an instance of @code{gdb.Type} (@pxref{Types In
24716 Python}).
24717 @end defmethod
24718
24719 @value{GDBN} uses this two-pass approach so that type printers can
24720 efficiently cache information without holding on to it too long. For
24721 example, it can be convenient to look up type information in a type
24722 printer and hold it for a recognizer's lifetime; if a single pass were
24723 done then type printers would have to make use of the event system in
24724 order to avoid holding information that could become stale as the
24725 inferior changed.
24726
24727 @node Frame Filter API
24728 @subsubsection Filtering Frames.
24729 @cindex frame filters api
24730
24731 Frame filters are Python objects that manipulate the visibility of a
24732 frame or frames when a backtrace (@pxref{Backtrace}) is printed by
24733 @value{GDBN}.
24734
24735 Only commands that print a backtrace, or, in the case of @sc{gdb/mi}
24736 commands (@pxref{GDB/MI}), those that return a collection of frames
24737 are affected. The commands that work with frame filters are:
24738
24739 @code{backtrace} (@pxref{backtrace-command,, The backtrace command}),
24740 @code{-stack-list-frames}
24741 (@pxref{-stack-list-frames,, The -stack-list-frames command}),
24742 @code{-stack-list-variables} (@pxref{-stack-list-variables,, The
24743 -stack-list-variables command}), @code{-stack-list-arguments}
24744 @pxref{-stack-list-arguments,, The -stack-list-arguments command}) and
24745 @code{-stack-list-locals} (@pxref{-stack-list-locals,, The
24746 -stack-list-locals command}).
24747
24748 A frame filter works by taking an iterator as an argument, applying
24749 actions to the contents of that iterator, and returning another
24750 iterator (or, possibly, the same iterator it was provided in the case
24751 where the filter does not perform any operations). Typically, frame
24752 filters utilize tools such as the Python's @code{itertools} module to
24753 work with and create new iterators from the source iterator.
24754 Regardless of how a filter chooses to apply actions, it must not alter
24755 the underlying @value{GDBN} frame or frames, or attempt to alter the
24756 call-stack within @value{GDBN}. This preserves data integrity within
24757 @value{GDBN}. Frame filters are executed on a priority basis and care
24758 should be taken that some frame filters may have been executed before,
24759 and that some frame filters will be executed after.
24760
24761 An important consideration when designing frame filters, and well
24762 worth reflecting upon, is that frame filters should avoid unwinding
24763 the call stack if possible. Some stacks can run very deep, into the
24764 tens of thousands in some cases. To search every frame when a frame
24765 filter executes may be too expensive at that step. The frame filter
24766 cannot know how many frames it has to iterate over, and it may have to
24767 iterate through them all. This ends up duplicating effort as
24768 @value{GDBN} performs this iteration when it prints the frames. If
24769 the filter can defer unwinding frames until frame decorators are
24770 executed, after the last filter has executed, it should. @xref{Frame
24771 Decorator API}, for more information on decorators. Also, there are
24772 examples for both frame decorators and filters in later chapters.
24773 @xref{Writing a Frame Filter}, for more information.
24774
24775 The Python dictionary @code{gdb.frame_filters} contains key/object
24776 pairings that comprise a frame filter. Frame filters in this
24777 dictionary are called @code{global} frame filters, and they are
24778 available when debugging all inferiors. These frame filters must
24779 register with the dictionary directly. In addition to the
24780 @code{global} dictionary, there are other dictionaries that are loaded
24781 with different inferiors via auto-loading (@pxref{Python
24782 Auto-loading}). The two other areas where frame filter dictionaries
24783 can be found are: @code{gdb.Progspace} which contains a
24784 @code{frame_filters} dictionary attribute, and each @code{gdb.Objfile}
24785 object which also contains a @code{frame_filters} dictionary
24786 attribute.
24787
24788 When a command is executed from @value{GDBN} that is compatible with
24789 frame filters, @value{GDBN} combines the @code{global},
24790 @code{gdb.Progspace} and all @code{gdb.Objfile} dictionaries currently
24791 loaded. All of the @code{gdb.Objfile} dictionaries are combined, as
24792 several frames, and thus several object files, might be in use.
24793 @value{GDBN} then prunes any frame filter whose @code{enabled}
24794 attribute is @code{False}. This pruned list is then sorted according
24795 to the @code{priority} attribute in each filter.
24796
24797 Once the dictionaries are combined, pruned and sorted, @value{GDBN}
24798 creates an iterator which wraps each frame in the call stack in a
24799 @code{FrameDecorator} object, and calls each filter in order. The
24800 output from the previous filter will always be the input to the next
24801 filter, and so on.
24802
24803 Frame filters have a mandatory interface which each frame filter must
24804 implement, defined here:
24805
24806 @defun FrameFilter.filter (iterator)
24807 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a frame filter when it has
24808 reached the order in the priority list for that filter.
24809
24810 For example, if there are four frame filters:
24811
24812 @smallexample
24813 Name Priority
24814
24815 Filter1 5
24816 Filter2 10
24817 Filter3 100
24818 Filter4 1
24819 @end smallexample
24820
24821 The order that the frame filters will be called is:
24822
24823 @smallexample
24824 Filter3 -> Filter2 -> Filter1 -> Filter4
24825 @end smallexample
24826
24827 Note that the output from @code{Filter3} is passed to the input of
24828 @code{Filter2}, and so on.
24829
24830 This @code{filter} method is passed a Python iterator. This iterator
24831 contains a sequence of frame decorators that wrap each
24832 @code{gdb.Frame}, or a frame decorator that wraps another frame
24833 decorator. The first filter that is executed in the sequence of frame
24834 filters will receive an iterator entirely comprised of default
24835 @code{FrameDecorator} objects. However, after each frame filter is
24836 executed, the previous frame filter may have wrapped some or all of
24837 the frame decorators with their own frame decorator. As frame
24838 decorators must also conform to a mandatory interface, these
24839 decorators can be assumed to act in a uniform manner (@pxref{Frame
24840 Decorator API}).
24841
24842 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
24843 protocol. Each item in the iterator must be an object conforming to
24844 the frame decorator interface. If a frame filter does not wish to
24845 perform any operations on this iterator, it should return that
24846 iterator untouched.
24847
24848 This method is not optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will
24849 raise and print an error.
24850 @end defun
24851
24852 @defvar FrameFilter.name
24853 The @code{name} attribute must be Python string which contains the
24854 name of the filter displayed by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Frame Filter
24855 Management}). This attribute may contain any combination of letters
24856 or numbers. Care should be taken to ensure that it is unique. This
24857 attribute is mandatory.
24858 @end defvar
24859
24860 @defvar FrameFilter.enabled
24861 The @code{enabled} attribute must be Python boolean. This attribute
24862 indicates to @value{GDBN} whether the frame filter is enabled, and
24863 should be considered when frame filters are executed. If
24864 @code{enabled} is @code{True}, then the frame filter will be executed
24865 when any of the backtrace commands detailed earlier in this chapter
24866 are executed. If @code{enabled} is @code{False}, then the frame
24867 filter will not be executed. This attribute is mandatory.
24868 @end defvar
24869
24870 @defvar FrameFilter.priority
24871 The @code{priority} attribute must be Python integer. This attribute
24872 controls the order of execution in relation to other frame filters.
24873 There are no imposed limits on the range of @code{priority} other than
24874 it must be a valid integer. The higher the @code{priority} attribute,
24875 the sooner the frame filter will be executed in relation to other
24876 frame filters. Although @code{priority} can be negative, it is
24877 recommended practice to assume zero is the lowest priority that a
24878 frame filter can be assigned. Frame filters that have the same
24879 priority are executed in unsorted order in that priority slot. This
24880 attribute is mandatory.
24881 @end defvar
24882
24883 @node Frame Decorator API
24884 @subsubsection Decorating Frames.
24885 @cindex frame decorator api
24886
24887 Frame decorators are sister objects to frame filters (@pxref{Frame
24888 Filter API}). Frame decorators are applied by a frame filter and can
24889 only be used in conjunction with frame filters.
24890
24891 The purpose of a frame decorator is to customize the printed content
24892 of each @code{gdb.Frame} in commands where frame filters are executed.
24893 This concept is called decorating a frame. Frame decorators decorate
24894 a @code{gdb.Frame} with Python code contained within each API call.
24895 This separates the actual data contained in a @code{gdb.Frame} from
24896 the decorated data produced by a frame decorator. This abstraction is
24897 necessary to maintain integrity of the data contained in each
24898 @code{gdb.Frame}.
24899
24900 Frame decorators have a mandatory interface, defined below.
24901
24902 @value{GDBN} already contains a frame decorator called
24903 @code{FrameDecorator}. This contains substantial amounts of
24904 boilerplate code to decorate the content of a @code{gdb.Frame}. It is
24905 recommended that other frame decorators inherit and extend this
24906 object, and only to override the methods needed.
24907
24908 @defun FrameDecorator.elided (self)
24909
24910 The @code{elided} method groups frames together in a hierarchical
24911 system. An example would be an interpreter, where multiple low-level
24912 frames make up a single call in the interpreted language. In this
24913 example, the frame filter would elide the low-level frames and present
24914 a single high-level frame, representing the call in the interpreted
24915 language, to the user.
24916
24917 The @code{elided} function must return an iterable and this iterable
24918 must contain the frames that are being elided wrapped in a suitable
24919 frame decorator. If no frames are being elided this function may
24920 return an empty iterable, or @code{None}. Elided frames are indented
24921 from normal frames in a @code{CLI} backtrace, or in the case of
24922 @code{GDB/MI}, are placed in the @code{children} field of the eliding
24923 frame.
24924
24925 It is the frame filter's task to also filter out the elided frames from
24926 the source iterator. This will avoid printing the frame twice.
24927 @end defun
24928
24929 @defun FrameDecorator.function (self)
24930
24931 This method returns the name of the function in the frame that is to
24932 be printed.
24933
24934 This method must return a Python string describing the function, or
24935 @code{None}.
24936
24937 If this function returns @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print any
24938 data for this field.
24939 @end defun
24940
24941 @defun FrameDecorator.address (self)
24942
24943 This method returns the address of the frame that is to be printed.
24944
24945 This method must return a Python numeric integer type of sufficient
24946 size to describe the address of the frame, or @code{None}.
24947
24948 If this function returns a @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print
24949 any data for this field.
24950 @end defun
24951
24952 @defun FrameDecorator.filename (self)
24953
24954 This method returns the filename and path associated with this frame.
24955
24956 This method must return a Python string containing the filename and
24957 the path to the object file backing the frame, or @code{None}.
24958
24959 If this function returns a @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print
24960 any data for this field.
24961 @end defun
24962
24963 @defun FrameDecorator.line (self):
24964
24965 This method returns the line number associated with the current
24966 position within the function addressed by this frame.
24967
24968 This method must return a Python integer type, or @code{None}.
24969
24970 If this function returns a @code{None}, @value{GDBN} will not print
24971 any data for this field.
24972 @end defun
24973
24974 @defun FrameDecorator.frame_args (self)
24975 @anchor{frame_args}
24976
24977 This method must return an iterable, or @code{None}. Returning an
24978 empty iterable, or @code{None} means frame arguments will not be
24979 printed for this frame. This iterable must contain objects that
24980 implement two methods, described here.
24981
24982 This object must implement a @code{argument} method which takes a
24983 single @code{self} parameter and must return a @code{gdb.Symbol}
24984 (@pxref{Symbols In Python}), or a Python string. The object must also
24985 implement a @code{value} method which takes a single @code{self}
24986 parameter and must return a @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From
24987 Inferior}), a Python value, or @code{None}. If the @code{value}
24988 method returns @code{None}, and the @code{argument} method returns a
24989 @code{gdb.Symbol}, @value{GDBN} will look-up and print the value of
24990 the @code{gdb.Symbol} automatically.
24991
24992 A brief example:
24993
24994 @smallexample
24995 class SymValueWrapper():
24996
24997 def __init__(self, symbol, value):
24998 self.sym = symbol
24999 self.val = value
25000
25001 def value(self):
25002 return self.val
25003
25004 def symbol(self):
25005 return self.sym
25006
25007 class SomeFrameDecorator()
25008 ...
25009 ...
25010 def frame_args(self):
25011 args = []
25012 try:
25013 block = self.inferior_frame.block()
25014 except:
25015 return None
25016
25017 # Iterate over all symbols in a block. Only add
25018 # symbols that are arguments.
25019 for sym in block:
25020 if not sym.is_argument:
25021 continue
25022 args.append(SymValueWrapper(sym,None))
25023
25024 # Add example synthetic argument.
25025 args.append(SymValueWrapper(``foo'', 42))
25026
25027 return args
25028 @end smallexample
25029 @end defun
25030
25031 @defun FrameDecorator.frame_locals (self)
25032
25033 This method must return an iterable or @code{None}. Returning an
25034 empty iterable, or @code{None} means frame local arguments will not be
25035 printed for this frame.
25036
25037 The object interface, the description of the various strategies for
25038 reading frame locals, and the example are largely similar to those
25039 described in the @code{frame_args} function, (@pxref{frame_args,,The
25040 frame filter frame_args function}). Below is a modified example:
25041
25042 @smallexample
25043 class SomeFrameDecorator()
25044 ...
25045 ...
25046 def frame_locals(self):
25047 vars = []
25048 try:
25049 block = self.inferior_frame.block()
25050 except:
25051 return None
25052
25053 # Iterate over all symbols in a block. Add all
25054 # symbols, except arguments.
25055 for sym in block:
25056 if sym.is_argument:
25057 continue
25058 vars.append(SymValueWrapper(sym,None))
25059
25060 # Add an example of a synthetic local variable.
25061 vars.append(SymValueWrapper(``bar'', 99))
25062
25063 return vars
25064 @end smallexample
25065 @end defun
25066
25067 @defun FrameDecorator.inferior_frame (self):
25068
25069 This method must return the underlying @code{gdb.Frame} that this
25070 frame decorator is decorating. @value{GDBN} requires the underlying
25071 frame for internal frame information to determine how to print certain
25072 values when printing a frame.
25073 @end defun
25074
25075 @node Writing a Frame Filter
25076 @subsubsection Writing a Frame Filter
25077 @cindex writing a frame filter
25078
25079 There are three basic elements that a frame filter must implement: it
25080 must correctly implement the documented interface (@pxref{Frame Filter
25081 API}), it must register itself with @value{GDBN}, and finally, it must
25082 decide if it is to work on the data provided by @value{GDBN}. In all
25083 cases, whether it works on the iterator or not, each frame filter must
25084 return an iterator. A bare-bones frame filter follows the pattern in
25085 the following example.
25086
25087 @smallexample
25088 import gdb
25089
25090 class FrameFilter():
25091
25092 def __init__(self):
25093 # Frame filter attribute creation.
25094 #
25095 # 'name' is the name of the filter that GDB will display.
25096 #
25097 # 'priority' is the priority of the filter relative to other
25098 # filters.
25099 #
25100 # 'enabled' is a boolean that indicates whether this filter is
25101 # enabled and should be executed.
25102
25103 self.name = "Foo"
25104 self.priority = 100
25105 self.enabled = True
25106
25107 # Register this frame filter with the global frame_filters
25108 # dictionary.
25109 gdb.frame_filters[self.name] = self
25110
25111 def filter(self, frame_iter):
25112 # Just return the iterator.
25113 return frame_iter
25114 @end smallexample
25115
25116 The frame filter in the example above implements the three
25117 requirements for all frame filters. It implements the API, self
25118 registers, and makes a decision on the iterator (in this case, it just
25119 returns the iterator untouched).
25120
25121 The first step is attribute creation and assignment, and as shown in
25122 the comments the filter assigns the following attributes: @code{name},
25123 @code{priority} and whether the filter should be enabled with the
25124 @code{enabled} attribute.
25125
25126 The second step is registering the frame filter with the dictionary or
25127 dictionaries that the frame filter has interest in. As shown in the
25128 comments, this filter just registers itself with the global dictionary
25129 @code{gdb.frame_filters}. As noted earlier, @code{gdb.frame_filters}
25130 is a dictionary that is initialized in the @code{gdb} module when
25131 @value{GDBN} starts. What dictionary a filter registers with is an
25132 important consideration. Generally, if a filter is specific to a set
25133 of code, it should be registered either in the @code{objfile} or
25134 @code{progspace} dictionaries as they are specific to the program
25135 currently loaded in @value{GDBN}. The global dictionary is always
25136 present in @value{GDBN} and is never unloaded. Any filters registered
25137 with the global dictionary will exist until @value{GDBN} exits. To
25138 avoid filters that may conflict, it is generally better to register
25139 frame filters against the dictionaries that more closely align with
25140 the usage of the filter currently in question. @xref{Python
25141 Auto-loading}, for further information on auto-loading Python scripts.
25142
25143 @value{GDBN} takes a hands-off approach to frame filter registration,
25144 therefore it is the frame filter's responsibility to ensure
25145 registration has occurred, and that any exceptions are handled
25146 appropriately. In particular, you may wish to handle exceptions
25147 relating to Python dictionary key uniqueness. It is mandatory that
25148 the dictionary key is the same as frame filter's @code{name}
25149 attribute. When a user manages frame filters (@pxref{Frame Filter
25150 Management}), the names @value{GDBN} will display are those contained
25151 in the @code{name} attribute.
25152
25153 The final step of this example is the implementation of the
25154 @code{filter} method. As shown in the example comments, we define the
25155 @code{filter} method and note that the method must take an iterator,
25156 and also must return an iterator. In this bare-bones example, the
25157 frame filter is not very useful as it just returns the iterator
25158 untouched. However this is a valid operation for frame filters that
25159 have the @code{enabled} attribute set, but decide not to operate on
25160 any frames.
25161
25162 In the next example, the frame filter operates on all frames and
25163 utilizes a frame decorator to perform some work on the frames.
25164 @xref{Frame Decorator API}, for further information on the frame
25165 decorator interface.
25166
25167 This example works on inlined frames. It highlights frames which are
25168 inlined by tagging them with an ``[inlined]'' tag. By applying a
25169 frame decorator to all frames with the Python @code{itertools imap}
25170 method, the example defers actions to the frame decorator. Frame
25171 decorators are only processed when @value{GDBN} prints the backtrace.
25172
25173 This introduces a new decision making topic: whether to perform
25174 decision making operations at the filtering step, or at the printing
25175 step. In this example's approach, it does not perform any filtering
25176 decisions at the filtering step beyond mapping a frame decorator to
25177 each frame. This allows the actual decision making to be performed
25178 when each frame is printed. This is an important consideration, and
25179 well worth reflecting upon when designing a frame filter. An issue
25180 that frame filters should avoid is unwinding the stack if possible.
25181 Some stacks can run very deep, into the tens of thousands in some
25182 cases. To search every frame to determine if it is inlined ahead of
25183 time may be too expensive at the filtering step. The frame filter
25184 cannot know how many frames it has to iterate over, and it would have
25185 to iterate through them all. This ends up duplicating effort as
25186 @value{GDBN} performs this iteration when it prints the frames.
25187
25188 In this example decision making can be deferred to the printing step.
25189 As each frame is printed, the frame decorator can examine each frame
25190 in turn when @value{GDBN} iterates. From a performance viewpoint,
25191 this is the most appropriate decision to make as it avoids duplicating
25192 the effort that the printing step would undertake anyway. Also, if
25193 there are many frame filters unwinding the stack during filtering, it
25194 can substantially delay the printing of the backtrace which will
25195 result in large memory usage, and a poor user experience.
25196
25197 @smallexample
25198 class InlineFilter():
25199
25200 def __init__(self):
25201 self.name = "InlinedFrameFilter"
25202 self.priority = 100
25203 self.enabled = True
25204 gdb.frame_filters[self.name] = self
25205
25206 def filter(self, frame_iter):
25207 frame_iter = itertools.imap(InlinedFrameDecorator,
25208 frame_iter)
25209 return frame_iter
25210 @end smallexample
25211
25212 This frame filter is somewhat similar to the earlier example, except
25213 that the @code{filter} method applies a frame decorator object called
25214 @code{InlinedFrameDecorator} to each element in the iterator. The
25215 @code{imap} Python method is light-weight. It does not proactively
25216 iterate over the iterator, but rather creates a new iterator which
25217 wraps the existing one.
25218
25219 Below is the frame decorator for this example.
25220
25221 @smallexample
25222 class InlinedFrameDecorator(FrameDecorator):
25223
25224 def __init__(self, fobj):
25225 super(InlinedFrameDecorator, self).__init__(fobj)
25226
25227 def function(self):
25228 frame = fobj.inferior_frame()
25229 name = str(frame.name())
25230
25231 if frame.type() == gdb.INLINE_FRAME:
25232 name = name + " [inlined]"
25233
25234 return name
25235 @end smallexample
25236
25237 This frame decorator only defines and overrides the @code{function}
25238 method. It lets the supplied @code{FrameDecorator}, which is shipped
25239 with @value{GDBN}, perform the other work associated with printing
25240 this frame.
25241
25242 The combination of these two objects create this output from a
25243 backtrace:
25244
25245 @smallexample
25246 #0 0x004004e0 in bar () at inline.c:11
25247 #1 0x00400566 in max [inlined] (b=6, a=12) at inline.c:21
25248 #2 0x00400566 in main () at inline.c:31
25249 @end smallexample
25250
25251 So in the case of this example, a frame decorator is applied to all
25252 frames, regardless of whether they may be inlined or not. As
25253 @value{GDBN} iterates over the iterator produced by the frame filters,
25254 @value{GDBN} executes each frame decorator which then makes a decision
25255 on what to print in the @code{function} callback. Using a strategy
25256 like this is a way to defer decisions on the frame content to printing
25257 time.
25258
25259 @subheading Eliding Frames
25260
25261 It might be that the above example is not desirable for representing
25262 inlined frames, and a hierarchical approach may be preferred. If we
25263 want to hierarchically represent frames, the @code{elided} frame
25264 decorator interface might be preferable.
25265
25266 This example approaches the issue with the @code{elided} method. This
25267 example is quite long, but very simplistic. It is out-of-scope for
25268 this section to write a complete example that comprehensively covers
25269 all approaches of finding and printing inlined frames. However, this
25270 example illustrates the approach an author might use.
25271
25272 This example comprises of three sections.
25273
25274 @smallexample
25275 class InlineFrameFilter():
25276
25277 def __init__(self):
25278 self.name = "InlinedFrameFilter"
25279 self.priority = 100
25280 self.enabled = True
25281 gdb.frame_filters[self.name] = self
25282
25283 def filter(self, frame_iter):
25284 return ElidingInlineIterator(frame_iter)
25285 @end smallexample
25286
25287 This frame filter is very similar to the other examples. The only
25288 difference is this frame filter is wrapping the iterator provided to
25289 it (@code{frame_iter}) with a custom iterator called
25290 @code{ElidingInlineIterator}. This again defers actions to when
25291 @value{GDBN} prints the backtrace, as the iterator is not traversed
25292 until printing.
25293
25294 The iterator for this example is as follows. It is in this section of
25295 the example where decisions are made on the content of the backtrace.
25296
25297 @smallexample
25298 class ElidingInlineIterator:
25299 def __init__(self, ii):
25300 self.input_iterator = ii
25301
25302 def __iter__(self):
25303 return self
25304
25305 def next(self):
25306 frame = next(self.input_iterator)
25307
25308 if frame.inferior_frame().type() != gdb.INLINE_FRAME:
25309 return frame
25310
25311 try:
25312 eliding_frame = next(self.input_iterator)
25313 except StopIteration:
25314 return frame
25315 return ElidingFrameDecorator(eliding_frame, [frame])
25316 @end smallexample
25317
25318 This iterator implements the Python iterator protocol. When the
25319 @code{next} function is called (when @value{GDBN} prints each frame),
25320 the iterator checks if this frame decorator, @code{frame}, is wrapping
25321 an inlined frame. If it is not, it returns the existing frame decorator
25322 untouched. If it is wrapping an inlined frame, it assumes that the
25323 inlined frame was contained within the next oldest frame,
25324 @code{eliding_frame}, which it fetches. It then creates and returns a
25325 frame decorator, @code{ElidingFrameDecorator}, which contains both the
25326 elided frame, and the eliding frame.
25327
25328 @smallexample
25329 class ElidingInlineDecorator(FrameDecorator):
25330
25331 def __init__(self, frame, elided_frames):
25332 super(ElidingInlineDecorator, self).__init__(frame)
25333 self.frame = frame
25334 self.elided_frames = elided_frames
25335
25336 def elided(self):
25337 return iter(self.elided_frames)
25338 @end smallexample
25339
25340 This frame decorator overrides one function and returns the inlined
25341 frame in the @code{elided} method. As before it lets
25342 @code{FrameDecorator} do the rest of the work involved in printing
25343 this frame. This produces the following output.
25344
25345 @smallexample
25346 #0 0x004004e0 in bar () at inline.c:11
25347 #2 0x00400529 in main () at inline.c:25
25348 #1 0x00400529 in max (b=6, a=12) at inline.c:15
25349 @end smallexample
25350
25351 In that output, @code{max} which has been inlined into @code{main} is
25352 printed hierarchically. Another approach would be to combine the
25353 @code{function} method, and the @code{elided} method to both print a
25354 marker in the inlined frame, and also show the hierarchical
25355 relationship.
25356
25357 @node Inferiors In Python
25358 @subsubsection Inferiors In Python
25359 @cindex inferiors in Python
25360
25361 @findex gdb.Inferior
25362 Programs which are being run under @value{GDBN} are called inferiors
25363 (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). Python scripts can access
25364 information about and manipulate inferiors controlled by @value{GDBN}
25365 via objects of the @code{gdb.Inferior} class.
25366
25367 The following inferior-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25368 module:
25369
25370 @defun gdb.inferiors ()
25371 Return a tuple containing all inferior objects.
25372 @end defun
25373
25374 @defun gdb.selected_inferior ()
25375 Return an object representing the current inferior.
25376 @end defun
25377
25378 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following attributes:
25379
25380 @defvar Inferior.num
25381 ID of inferior, as assigned by GDB.
25382 @end defvar
25383
25384 @defvar Inferior.pid
25385 Process ID of the inferior, as assigned by the underlying operating
25386 system.
25387 @end defvar
25388
25389 @defvar Inferior.was_attached
25390 Boolean signaling whether the inferior was created using `attach', or
25391 started by @value{GDBN} itself.
25392 @end defvar
25393
25394 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following methods:
25395
25396 @defun Inferior.is_valid ()
25397 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Inferior} object is valid,
25398 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Inferior} object will become invalid
25399 if the inferior no longer exists within @value{GDBN}. All other
25400 @code{gdb.Inferior} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid
25401 at the time the method is called.
25402 @end defun
25403
25404 @defun Inferior.threads ()
25405 This method returns a tuple holding all the threads which are valid
25406 when it is called. If there are no valid threads, the method will
25407 return an empty tuple.
25408 @end defun
25409
25410 @findex Inferior.read_memory
25411 @defun Inferior.read_memory (address, length)
25412 Read @var{length} bytes of memory from the inferior, starting at
25413 @var{address}. Returns a buffer object, which behaves much like an array
25414 or a string. It can be modified and given to the
25415 @code{Inferior.write_memory} function. In @code{Python} 3, the return
25416 value is a @code{memoryview} object.
25417 @end defun
25418
25419 @findex Inferior.write_memory
25420 @defun Inferior.write_memory (address, buffer @r{[}, length@r{]})
25421 Write the contents of @var{buffer} to the inferior, starting at
25422 @var{address}. The @var{buffer} parameter must be a Python object
25423 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
25424 object returned from @code{Inferior.read_memory}. If given, @var{length}
25425 determines the number of bytes from @var{buffer} to be written.
25426 @end defun
25427
25428 @findex gdb.search_memory
25429 @defun Inferior.search_memory (address, length, pattern)
25430 Search a region of the inferior memory starting at @var{address} with
25431 the given @var{length} using the search pattern supplied in
25432 @var{pattern}. The @var{pattern} parameter must be a Python object
25433 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
25434 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. Returns a Python @code{Long}
25435 containing the address where the pattern was found, or @code{None} if
25436 the pattern could not be found.
25437 @end defun
25438
25439 @node Events In Python
25440 @subsubsection Events In Python
25441 @cindex inferior events in Python
25442
25443 @value{GDBN} provides a general event facility so that Python code can be
25444 notified of various state changes, particularly changes that occur in
25445 the inferior.
25446
25447 An @dfn{event} is just an object that describes some state change. The
25448 type of the object and its attributes will vary depending on the details
25449 of the change. All the existing events are described below.
25450
25451 In order to be notified of an event, you must register an event handler
25452 with an @dfn{event registry}. An event registry is an object in the
25453 @code{gdb.events} module which dispatches particular events. A registry
25454 provides methods to register and unregister event handlers:
25455
25456 @defun EventRegistry.connect (object)
25457 Add the given callable @var{object} to the registry. This object will be
25458 called when an event corresponding to this registry occurs.
25459 @end defun
25460
25461 @defun EventRegistry.disconnect (object)
25462 Remove the given @var{object} from the registry. Once removed, the object
25463 will no longer receive notifications of events.
25464 @end defun
25465
25466 Here is an example:
25467
25468 @smallexample
25469 def exit_handler (event):
25470 print "event type: exit"
25471 print "exit code: %d" % (event.exit_code)
25472
25473 gdb.events.exited.connect (exit_handler)
25474 @end smallexample
25475
25476 In the above example we connect our handler @code{exit_handler} to the
25477 registry @code{events.exited}. Once connected, @code{exit_handler} gets
25478 called when the inferior exits. The argument @dfn{event} in this example is
25479 of type @code{gdb.ExitedEvent}. As you can see in the example the
25480 @code{ExitedEvent} object has an attribute which indicates the exit code of
25481 the inferior.
25482
25483 The following is a listing of the event registries that are available and
25484 details of the events they emit:
25485
25486 @table @code
25487
25488 @item events.cont
25489 Emits @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
25490
25491 Some events can be thread specific when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
25492 mode. When represented in Python, these events all extend
25493 @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}. Note, this event is not emitted directly; instead,
25494 events which are emitted by this or other modules might extend this event.
25495 Examples of these events are @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} and
25496 @code{gdb.ContinueEvent}.
25497
25498 @defvar ThreadEvent.inferior_thread
25499 In non-stop mode this attribute will be set to the specific thread which was
25500 involved in the emitted event. Otherwise, it will be set to @code{None}.
25501 @end defvar
25502
25503 Emits @code{gdb.ContinueEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
25504
25505 This event indicates that the inferior has been continued after a stop. For
25506 inherited attribute refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above.
25507
25508 @item events.exited
25509 Emits @code{events.ExitedEvent} which indicates that the inferior has exited.
25510 @code{events.ExitedEvent} has two attributes:
25511 @defvar ExitedEvent.exit_code
25512 An integer representing the exit code, if available, which the inferior
25513 has returned. (The exit code could be unavailable if, for example,
25514 @value{GDBN} detaches from the inferior.) If the exit code is unavailable,
25515 the attribute does not exist.
25516 @end defvar
25517 @defvar ExitedEvent inferior
25518 A reference to the inferior which triggered the @code{exited} event.
25519 @end defvar
25520
25521 @item events.stop
25522 Emits @code{gdb.StopEvent} which extends @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}.
25523
25524 Indicates that the inferior has stopped. All events emitted by this registry
25525 extend StopEvent. As a child of @code{gdb.ThreadEvent}, @code{gdb.StopEvent}
25526 will indicate the stopped thread when @value{GDBN} is running in non-stop
25527 mode. Refer to @code{gdb.ThreadEvent} above for more details.
25528
25529 Emits @code{gdb.SignalEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
25530
25531 This event indicates that the inferior or one of its threads has received as
25532 signal. @code{gdb.SignalEvent} has the following attributes:
25533
25534 @defvar SignalEvent.stop_signal
25535 A string representing the signal received by the inferior. A list of possible
25536 signal values can be obtained by running the command @code{info signals} in
25537 the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
25538 @end defvar
25539
25540 Also emits @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} which extends @code{gdb.StopEvent}.
25541
25542 @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent} event indicates that one or more breakpoints have
25543 been hit, and has the following attributes:
25544
25545 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoints
25546 A sequence containing references to all the breakpoints (type
25547 @code{gdb.Breakpoint}) that were hit.
25548 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Breakpoint} object.
25549 @end defvar
25550 @defvar BreakpointEvent.breakpoint
25551 A reference to the first breakpoint that was hit.
25552 This function is maintained for backward compatibility and is now deprecated
25553 in favor of the @code{gdb.BreakpointEvent.breakpoints} attribute.
25554 @end defvar
25555
25556 @item events.new_objfile
25557 Emits @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} which indicates that a new object file has
25558 been loaded by @value{GDBN}. @code{gdb.NewObjFileEvent} has one attribute:
25559
25560 @defvar NewObjFileEvent.new_objfile
25561 A reference to the object file (@code{gdb.Objfile}) which has been loaded.
25562 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for details of the @code{gdb.Objfile} object.
25563 @end defvar
25564
25565 @end table
25566
25567 @node Threads In Python
25568 @subsubsection Threads In Python
25569 @cindex threads in python
25570
25571 @findex gdb.InferiorThread
25572 Python scripts can access information about, and manipulate inferior threads
25573 controlled by @value{GDBN}, via objects of the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} class.
25574
25575 The following thread-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
25576 module:
25577
25578 @findex gdb.selected_thread
25579 @defun gdb.selected_thread ()
25580 This function returns the thread object for the selected thread. If there
25581 is no selected thread, this will return @code{None}.
25582 @end defun
25583
25584 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following attributes:
25585
25586 @defvar InferiorThread.name
25587 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using
25588 @code{thread name}, then this returns that name. Otherwise, if an
25589 OS-supplied name is available, then it is returned. Otherwise, this
25590 returns @code{None}.
25591
25592 This attribute can be assigned to. The new value must be a string
25593 object, which sets the new name, or @code{None}, which removes any
25594 user-specified thread name.
25595 @end defvar
25596
25597 @defvar InferiorThread.num
25598 ID of the thread, as assigned by GDB.
25599 @end defvar
25600
25601 @defvar InferiorThread.ptid
25602 ID of the thread, as assigned by the operating system. This attribute is a
25603 tuple containing three integers. The first is the Process ID (PID); the second
25604 is the Lightweight Process ID (LWPID), and the third is the Thread ID (TID).
25605 Either the LWPID or TID may be 0, which indicates that the operating system
25606 does not use that identifier.
25607 @end defvar
25608
25609 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following methods:
25610
25611 @defun InferiorThread.is_valid ()
25612 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object is valid,
25613 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object will become
25614 invalid if the thread exits, or the inferior that the thread belongs
25615 is deleted. All other @code{gdb.InferiorThread} methods will throw an
25616 exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
25617 @end defun
25618
25619 @defun InferiorThread.switch ()
25620 This changes @value{GDBN}'s currently selected thread to the one represented
25621 by this object.
25622 @end defun
25623
25624 @defun InferiorThread.is_stopped ()
25625 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is stopped.
25626 @end defun
25627
25628 @defun InferiorThread.is_running ()
25629 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is running.
25630 @end defun
25631
25632 @defun InferiorThread.is_exited ()
25633 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is exited.
25634 @end defun
25635
25636 @node Commands In Python
25637 @subsubsection Commands In Python
25638
25639 @cindex commands in python
25640 @cindex python commands
25641 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
25642 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
25643 class, most commonly using a subclass.
25644
25645 @defun Command.__init__ (name, @var{command_class} @r{[}, @var{completer_class} @r{[}, @var{prefix}@r{]]})
25646 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
25647 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
25648 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
25649
25650 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
25651 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
25652 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
25653 an exception is raised.
25654
25655 There is no support for multi-line commands.
25656
25657 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
25658 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
25659 new command in the help system.
25660
25661 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
25662 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
25663 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
25664 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
25665 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
25666 error will occur when completion is attempted.
25667
25668 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
25669 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
25670 registered.
25671
25672 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
25673 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
25674 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
25675 not documented.'' is used.
25676 @end defun
25677
25678 @cindex don't repeat Python command
25679 @defun Command.dont_repeat ()
25680 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
25681 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
25682 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
25683 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
25684 @end defun
25685
25686 @defun Command.invoke (argument, from_tty)
25687 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
25688
25689 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
25690 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
25691
25692 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
25693 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
25694 that the command came from elsewhere.
25695
25696 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
25697 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
25698
25699 @findex gdb.string_to_argv
25700 To break @var{argument} up into an argv-like string use
25701 @code{gdb.string_to_argv}. This function behaves identically to
25702 @value{GDBN}'s internal argument lexer @code{buildargv}.
25703 It is recommended to use this for consistency.
25704 Arguments are separated by spaces and may be quoted.
25705 Example:
25706
25707 @smallexample
25708 print gdb.string_to_argv ("1 2\ \\\"3 '4 \"5' \"6 '7\"")
25709 ['1', '2 "3', '4 "5', "6 '7"]
25710 @end smallexample
25711
25712 @end defun
25713
25714 @cindex completion of Python commands
25715 @defun Command.complete (text, word)
25716 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
25717 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
25718 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
25719 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
25720 complete}).
25721
25722 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
25723 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
25724 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
25725 using a word-breaking heuristic.
25726
25727 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
25728 @itemize @bullet
25729 @item
25730 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
25731 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
25732 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
25733 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
25734 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
25735 sequence are ignored.
25736
25737 @item
25738 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
25739 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
25740 function is invoked, and its result is used.
25741
25742 @item
25743 All other results are treated as though there were no available
25744 completions.
25745 @end itemize
25746 @end defun
25747
25748 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
25749 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
25750 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
25751 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
25752 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
25753 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
25754
25755 @table @code
25756 @findex COMMAND_NONE
25757 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
25758 @item gdb.COMMAND_NONE
25759 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
25760 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
25761
25762 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
25763 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
25764 @item gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
25765 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
25766 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
25767 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
25768 commands in this category.
25769
25770 @findex COMMAND_DATA
25771 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
25772 @item gdb.COMMAND_DATA
25773 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
25774 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
25775 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
25776 in this category.
25777
25778 @findex COMMAND_STACK
25779 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
25780 @item gdb.COMMAND_STACK
25781 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
25782 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
25783 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
25784 list of commands in this category.
25785
25786 @findex COMMAND_FILES
25787 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
25788 @item gdb.COMMAND_FILES
25789 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
25790 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
25791 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
25792 commands in this category.
25793
25794 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
25795 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
25796 @item gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
25797 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
25798 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
25799 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
25800 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
25801 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
25802 commands in this category.
25803
25804 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
25805 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
25806 @item gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
25807 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
25808 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
25809 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
25810 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
25811
25812 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
25813 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
25814 @item gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
25815 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
25816 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
25817 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
25818 this category.
25819
25820 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
25821 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
25822 @item gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
25823 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
25824 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
25825 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
25826 commands in this category.
25827
25828 @findex COMMAND_USER
25829 @findex gdb.COMMAND_USER
25830 @item gdb.COMMAND_USER
25831 The command is a general purpose command for the user, and typically
25832 does not fit in one of the other categories.
25833 Type @kbd{help user-defined} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see
25834 a list of commands in this category, as well as the list of gdb macros
25835 (@pxref{Sequences}).
25836
25837 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
25838 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
25839 @item gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
25840 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
25841 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
25842 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
25843 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
25844 category.
25845
25846 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
25847 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
25848 @item gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
25849 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
25850 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
25851 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
25852 commands in this category.
25853 @end table
25854
25855 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
25856 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
25857 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
25858 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
25859
25860 @table @code
25861 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
25862 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
25863 @item gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
25864 This constant means that no completion should be done.
25865
25866 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
25867 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
25868 @item gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
25869 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
25870
25871 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
25872 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
25873 @item gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
25874 This constant means that location completion should be done.
25875 @xref{Specify Location}.
25876
25877 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
25878 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
25879 @item gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
25880 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
25881 command names.
25882
25883 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
25884 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
25885 @item gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
25886 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
25887 as the source.
25888 @end table
25889
25890 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
25891 implemented in Python:
25892
25893 @smallexample
25894 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
25895 """Greet the whole world."""
25896
25897 def __init__ (self):
25898 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_USER)
25899
25900 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
25901 print "Hello, World!"
25902
25903 HelloWorld ()
25904 @end smallexample
25905
25906 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
25907 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
25908 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
25909 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
25910
25911 @node Parameters In Python
25912 @subsubsection Parameters In Python
25913
25914 @cindex parameters in python
25915 @cindex python parameters
25916 @tindex gdb.Parameter
25917 @tindex Parameter
25918 You can implement new @value{GDBN} parameters using Python. A new
25919 parameter is implemented as an instance of the @code{gdb.Parameter}
25920 class.
25921
25922 Parameters are exposed to the user via the @code{set} and
25923 @code{show} commands. @xref{Help}.
25924
25925 There are many parameters that already exist and can be set in
25926 @value{GDBN}. Two examples are: @code{set follow fork} and
25927 @code{set charset}. Setting these parameters influences certain
25928 behavior in @value{GDBN}. Similarly, you can define parameters that
25929 can be used to influence behavior in custom Python scripts and commands.
25930
25931 @defun Parameter.__init__ (name, @var{command-class}, @var{parameter-class} @r{[}, @var{enum-sequence}@r{]})
25932 The object initializer for @code{Parameter} registers the new
25933 parameter with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked
25934 from the subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
25935
25936 @var{name} is the name of the new parameter. If @var{name} consists
25937 of multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
25938 parameters. An example of this can be illustrated with the
25939 @code{set print} set of parameters. If @var{name} is
25940 @code{print foo}, then @code{print} will be searched as the prefix
25941 parameter. In this case the parameter can subsequently be accessed in
25942 @value{GDBN} as @code{set print foo}.
25943
25944 If @var{name} consists of multiple words, and no prefix parameter group
25945 can be found, an exception is raised.
25946
25947 @var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
25948 (@pxref{Commands In Python}). This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to
25949 categorize the new parameter in the help system.
25950
25951 @var{parameter-class} should be one of the @samp{PARAM_} constants
25952 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} the type of the new
25953 parameter; this information is used for input validation and
25954 completion.
25955
25956 If @var{parameter-class} is @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then
25957 @var{enum-sequence} must be a sequence of strings. These strings
25958 represent the possible values for the parameter.
25959
25960 If @var{parameter-class} is not @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then the presence
25961 of a fourth argument will cause an exception to be thrown.
25962
25963 The help text for the new parameter is taken from the Python
25964 documentation string for the parameter's class, if there is one. If
25965 there is no documentation string, a default value is used.
25966 @end defun
25967
25968 @defvar Parameter.set_doc
25969 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
25970 the help text for this parameter's @code{set} command. The value is
25971 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
25972 have no effect.
25973 @end defvar
25974
25975 @defvar Parameter.show_doc
25976 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
25977 the help text for this parameter's @code{show} command. The value is
25978 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
25979 have no effect.
25980 @end defvar
25981
25982 @defvar Parameter.value
25983 The @code{value} attribute holds the underlying value of the
25984 parameter. It can be read and assigned to just as any other
25985 attribute. @value{GDBN} does validation when assignments are made.
25986 @end defvar
25987
25988 There are two methods that should be implemented in any
25989 @code{Parameter} class. These are:
25990
25991 @defun Parameter.get_set_string (self)
25992 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s value has
25993 been changed via the @code{set} API (for example, @kbd{set foo off}).
25994 The @code{value} attribute has already been populated with the new
25995 value and may be used in output. This method must return a string.
25996 @end defun
25997
25998 @defun Parameter.get_show_string (self, svalue)
25999 @value{GDBN} will call this method when a @var{parameter}'s
26000 @code{show} API has been invoked (for example, @kbd{show foo}). The
26001 argument @code{svalue} receives the string representation of the
26002 current value. This method must return a string.
26003 @end defun
26004
26005 When a new parameter is defined, its type must be specified. The
26006 available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
26007 module:
26008
26009 @table @code
26010 @findex PARAM_BOOLEAN
26011 @findex gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
26012 @item gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
26013 The value is a plain boolean. The Python boolean values, @code{True}
26014 and @code{False} are the only valid values.
26015
26016 @findex PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
26017 @findex gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
26018 @item gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
26019 The value has three possible states: true, false, and @samp{auto}. In
26020 Python, true and false are represented using boolean constants, and
26021 @samp{auto} is represented using @code{None}.
26022
26023 @findex PARAM_UINTEGER
26024 @findex gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
26025 @item gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
26026 The value is an unsigned integer. The value of 0 should be
26027 interpreted to mean ``unlimited''.
26028
26029 @findex PARAM_INTEGER
26030 @findex gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
26031 @item gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
26032 The value is a signed integer. The value of 0 should be interpreted
26033 to mean ``unlimited''.
26034
26035 @findex PARAM_STRING
26036 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING
26037 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING
26038 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, any escape
26039 sequences, such as @samp{\t}, @samp{\f}, and octal escapes, are
26040 translated into corresponding characters and encoded into the current
26041 host charset.
26042
26043 @findex PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
26044 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
26045 @item gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
26046 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, escapes are
26047 passed through untranslated.
26048
26049 @findex PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
26050 @findex gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
26051 @item gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
26052 The value is a either a filename (a string), or @code{None}.
26053
26054 @findex PARAM_FILENAME
26055 @findex gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
26056 @item gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
26057 The value is a filename. This is just like
26058 @code{PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE}, but uses file names for completion.
26059
26060 @findex PARAM_ZINTEGER
26061 @findex gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
26062 @item gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
26063 The value is an integer. This is like @code{PARAM_INTEGER}, except 0
26064 is interpreted as itself.
26065
26066 @findex PARAM_ENUM
26067 @findex gdb.PARAM_ENUM
26068 @item gdb.PARAM_ENUM
26069 The value is a string, which must be one of a collection string
26070 constants provided when the parameter is created.
26071 @end table
26072
26073 @node Functions In Python
26074 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
26075
26076 @cindex writing convenience functions
26077 @cindex convenience functions in python
26078 @cindex python convenience functions
26079 @tindex gdb.Function
26080 @tindex Function
26081 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
26082 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
26083 class @code{gdb.Function}.
26084
26085 @defun Function.__init__ (name)
26086 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
26087 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
26088 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
26089 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
26090 the given @var{name}.
26091
26092 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
26093 string for the new class.
26094 @end defun
26095
26096 @defun Function.invoke (@var{*args})
26097 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
26098 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
26099 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
26100 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
26101 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
26102 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
26103 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
26104
26105 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
26106 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
26107 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
26108 @end defun
26109
26110 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
26111 be implemented in Python:
26112
26113 @smallexample
26114 class Greet (gdb.Function):
26115 """Return string to greet someone.
26116 Takes a name as argument."""
26117
26118 def __init__ (self):
26119 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
26120
26121 def invoke (self, name):
26122 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
26123
26124 Greet ()
26125 @end smallexample
26126
26127 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
26128 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
26129 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
26130 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
26131
26132 Now you can use the function in an expression:
26133
26134 @smallexample
26135 (gdb) print $greet("Bob")
26136 $1 = "Hello, Bob!"
26137 @end smallexample
26138
26139 @node Progspaces In Python
26140 @subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
26141
26142 @cindex progspaces in python
26143 @tindex gdb.Progspace
26144 @tindex Progspace
26145 A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
26146 of an address space.
26147 It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
26148 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
26149 @xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
26150 about program spaces.
26151
26152 The following progspace-related functions are available in the
26153 @code{gdb} module:
26154
26155 @findex gdb.current_progspace
26156 @defun gdb.current_progspace ()
26157 This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
26158 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
26159 @end defun
26160
26161 @findex gdb.progspaces
26162 @defun gdb.progspaces ()
26163 Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
26164 @end defun
26165
26166 Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
26167 class.
26168
26169 @defvar Progspace.filename
26170 The file name of the progspace as a string.
26171 @end defvar
26172
26173 @defvar Progspace.pretty_printers
26174 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
26175 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
26176 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
26177 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
26178 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
26179 information.
26180 @end defvar
26181
26182 @defvar Progspace.type_printers
26183 The @code{type_printers} attribute is a list of type printer objects.
26184 @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information.
26185 @end defvar
26186
26187 @defvar Progspace.frame_filters
26188 The @code{frame_filters} attribute is a dictionary of frame filter
26189 objects. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for more information.
26190 @end defvar
26191
26192 @node Objfiles In Python
26193 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
26194
26195 @cindex objfiles in python
26196 @tindex gdb.Objfile
26197 @tindex Objfile
26198 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
26199 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
26200 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
26201 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
26202 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
26203
26204 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
26205 @code{gdb} module:
26206
26207 @findex gdb.current_objfile
26208 @defun gdb.current_objfile ()
26209 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Python Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
26210 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
26211 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
26212 this function returns @code{None}.
26213 @end defun
26214
26215 @findex gdb.objfiles
26216 @defun gdb.objfiles ()
26217 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
26218 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
26219 @end defun
26220
26221 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
26222 class.
26223
26224 @defvar Objfile.filename
26225 The file name of the objfile as a string.
26226 @end defvar
26227
26228 @defvar Objfile.pretty_printers
26229 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
26230 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
26231 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
26232 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
26233 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
26234 information.
26235 @end defvar
26236
26237 @defvar Objfile.type_printers
26238 The @code{type_printers} attribute is a list of type printer objects.
26239 @xref{Type Printing API}, for more information.
26240 @end defvar
26241
26242 @defvar Objfile.frame_filters
26243 The @code{frame_filters} attribute is a dictionary of frame filter
26244 objects. @xref{Frame Filter API}, for more information.
26245 @end defvar
26246
26247 A @code{gdb.Objfile} object has the following methods:
26248
26249 @defun Objfile.is_valid ()
26250 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Objfile} object is valid,
26251 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Objfile} object can become invalid
26252 if the object file it refers to is not loaded in @value{GDBN} any
26253 longer. All other @code{gdb.Objfile} methods will throw an exception
26254 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
26255 @end defun
26256
26257 @node Frames In Python
26258 @subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
26259
26260 @cindex frames in python
26261 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
26262 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
26263 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
26264 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
26265 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{gdb.error}
26266 exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
26267
26268 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
26269 operator, like:
26270
26271 @smallexample
26272 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
26273 True
26274 @end smallexample
26275
26276 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
26277
26278 @findex gdb.selected_frame
26279 @defun gdb.selected_frame ()
26280 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
26281 @end defun
26282
26283 @findex gdb.newest_frame
26284 @defun gdb.newest_frame ()
26285 Return the newest frame object for the selected thread.
26286 @end defun
26287
26288 @defun gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
26289 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
26290 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
26291 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
26292 @end defun
26293
26294 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
26295
26296 @defun Frame.is_valid ()
26297 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
26298 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
26299 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
26300 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
26301 @end defun
26302
26303 @defun Frame.name ()
26304 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
26305 obtained.
26306 @end defun
26307
26308 @defun Frame.architecture ()
26309 Returns the @code{gdb.Architecture} object corresponding to the frame's
26310 architecture. @xref{Architectures In Python}.
26311 @end defun
26312
26313 @defun Frame.type ()
26314 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of:
26315 @table @code
26316 @item gdb.NORMAL_FRAME
26317 An ordinary stack frame.
26318
26319 @item gdb.DUMMY_FRAME
26320 A fake stack frame that was created by @value{GDBN} when performing an
26321 inferior function call.
26322
26323 @item gdb.INLINE_FRAME
26324 A frame representing an inlined function. The function was inlined
26325 into a @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME} that is older than this one.
26326
26327 @item gdb.TAILCALL_FRAME
26328 A frame representing a tail call. @xref{Tail Call Frames}.
26329
26330 @item gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME
26331 A signal trampoline frame. This is the frame created by the OS when
26332 it calls into a signal handler.
26333
26334 @item gdb.ARCH_FRAME
26335 A fake stack frame representing a cross-architecture call.
26336
26337 @item gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME
26338 This is like @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, but it is only used for the
26339 newest frame.
26340 @end table
26341 @end defun
26342
26343 @defun Frame.unwind_stop_reason ()
26344 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
26345 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
26346 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
26347 function to a string. The value can be one of:
26348
26349 @table @code
26350 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_REASON
26351 No particular reason (older frames should be available).
26352
26353 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NULL_ID
26354 The previous frame's analyzer returns an invalid result.
26355
26356 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_OUTERMOST
26357 This frame is the outermost.
26358
26359 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_UNAVAILABLE
26360 Cannot unwind further, because that would require knowing the
26361 values of registers or memory that have not been collected.
26362
26363 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_INNER_ID
26364 This frame ID looks like it ought to belong to a NEXT frame,
26365 but we got it for a PREV frame. Normally, this is a sign of
26366 unwinder failure. It could also indicate stack corruption.
26367
26368 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_SAME_ID
26369 This frame has the same ID as the previous one. That means
26370 that unwinding further would almost certainly give us another
26371 frame with exactly the same ID, so break the chain. Normally,
26372 this is a sign of unwinder failure. It could also indicate
26373 stack corruption.
26374
26375 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_NO_SAVED_PC
26376 The frame unwinder did not find any saved PC, but we needed
26377 one to unwind further.
26378
26379 @item gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR
26380 Any stop reason greater or equal to this value indicates some kind
26381 of error. This special value facilitates writing code that tests
26382 for errors in unwinding in a way that will work correctly even if
26383 the list of the other values is modified in future @value{GDBN}
26384 versions. Using it, you could write:
26385 @smallexample
26386 reason = gdb.selected_frame().unwind_stop_reason ()
26387 reason_str = gdb.frame_stop_reason_string (reason)
26388 if reason >= gdb.FRAME_UNWIND_FIRST_ERROR:
26389 print "An error occured: %s" % reason_str
26390 @end smallexample
26391 @end table
26392
26393 @end defun
26394
26395 @defun Frame.pc ()
26396 Returns the frame's resume address.
26397 @end defun
26398
26399 @defun Frame.block ()
26400 Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
26401 @end defun
26402
26403 @defun Frame.function ()
26404 Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
26405 @xref{Symbols In Python}.
26406 @end defun
26407
26408 @defun Frame.older ()
26409 Return the frame that called this frame.
26410 @end defun
26411
26412 @defun Frame.newer ()
26413 Return the frame called by this frame.
26414 @end defun
26415
26416 @defun Frame.find_sal ()
26417 Return the frame's symtab and line object.
26418 @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
26419 @end defun
26420
26421 @defun Frame.read_var (variable @r{[}, block@r{]})
26422 Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
26423 argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
26424 block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
26425 determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
26426 must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
26427 @code{gdb.Block} object.
26428 @end defun
26429
26430 @defun Frame.select ()
26431 Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
26432 Stack}.
26433 @end defun
26434
26435 @node Blocks In Python
26436 @subsubsection Accessing blocks from Python.
26437
26438 @cindex blocks in python
26439 @tindex gdb.Block
26440
26441 In @value{GDBN}, symbols are stored in blocks. A block corresponds
26442 roughly to a scope in the source code. Blocks are organized
26443 hierarchically, and are represented individually in Python as a
26444 @code{gdb.Block}. Blocks rely on debugging information being
26445 available.
26446
26447 A frame has a block. Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more
26448 in-depth discussion of frames.
26449
26450 The outermost block is known as the @dfn{global block}. The global
26451 block typically holds public global variables and functions.
26452
26453 The block nested just inside the global block is the @dfn{static
26454 block}. The static block typically holds file-scoped variables and
26455 functions.
26456
26457 @value{GDBN} provides a method to get a block's superblock, but there
26458 is currently no way to examine the sub-blocks of a block, or to
26459 iterate over all the blocks in a symbol table (@pxref{Symbol Tables In
26460 Python}).
26461
26462 Here is a short example that should help explain blocks:
26463
26464 @smallexample
26465 /* This is in the global block. */
26466 int global;
26467
26468 /* This is in the static block. */
26469 static int file_scope;
26470
26471 /* 'function' is in the global block, and 'argument' is
26472 in a block nested inside of 'function'. */
26473 int function (int argument)
26474 @{
26475 /* 'local' is in a block inside 'function'. It may or may
26476 not be in the same block as 'argument'. */
26477 int local;
26478
26479 @{
26480 /* 'inner' is in a block whose superblock is the one holding
26481 'local'. */
26482 int inner;
26483
26484 /* If this call is expanded by the compiler, you may see
26485 a nested block here whose function is 'inline_function'
26486 and whose superblock is the one holding 'inner'. */
26487 inline_function ();
26488 @}
26489 @}
26490 @end smallexample
26491
26492 A @code{gdb.Block} is iterable. The iterator returns the symbols
26493 (@pxref{Symbols In Python}) local to the block. Python programs
26494 should not assume that a specific block object will always contain a
26495 given symbol, since changes in @value{GDBN} features and
26496 infrastructure may cause symbols move across blocks in a symbol
26497 table.
26498
26499 The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
26500 module:
26501
26502 @findex gdb.block_for_pc
26503 @defun gdb.block_for_pc (pc)
26504 Return the innermost @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc}
26505 value. If the block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified,
26506 the function will return @code{None}.
26507 @end defun
26508
26509 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following methods:
26510
26511 @defun Block.is_valid ()
26512 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is valid,
26513 @code{False} if not. A block object can become invalid if the block it
26514 refers to doesn't exist anymore in the inferior. All other
26515 @code{gdb.Block} methods will throw an exception if it is invalid at
26516 the time the method is called. The block's validity is also checked
26517 during iteration over symbols of the block.
26518 @end defun
26519
26520 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
26521
26522 @defvar Block.start
26523 The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
26524 @end defvar
26525
26526 @defvar Block.end
26527 The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
26528 @end defvar
26529
26530 @defvar Block.function
26531 The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
26532 block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
26533 attribute is not writable.
26534
26535 For ordinary function blocks, the superblock is the static block.
26536 However, you should note that it is possible for a function block to
26537 have a superblock that is not the static block -- for instance this
26538 happens for an inlined function.
26539 @end defvar
26540
26541 @defvar Block.superblock
26542 The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
26543 this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
26544 @end defvar
26545
26546 @defvar Block.global_block
26547 The global block associated with this block. This attribute is not
26548 writable.
26549 @end defvar
26550
26551 @defvar Block.static_block
26552 The static block associated with this block. This attribute is not
26553 writable.
26554 @end defvar
26555
26556 @defvar Block.is_global
26557 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a global block,
26558 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not
26559 writable.
26560 @end defvar
26561
26562 @defvar Block.is_static
26563 @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Block} object is a static block,
26564 @code{False} if not. This attribute is not writable.
26565 @end defvar
26566
26567 @node Symbols In Python
26568 @subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
26569
26570 @cindex symbols in python
26571 @tindex gdb.Symbol
26572
26573 @value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
26574 entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
26575 Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
26576 @code{gdb.Symbol} object.
26577
26578 The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
26579 module:
26580
26581 @findex gdb.lookup_symbol
26582 @defun gdb.lookup_symbol (name @r{[}, block @r{[}, domain@r{]]})
26583 This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
26584 restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
26585 arguments.
26586
26587 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
26588 optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
26589 in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
26590 @code{gdb.Block} object. If omitted, the block for the current frame
26591 is used. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
26592 the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
26593 domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
26594 in this chapter.
26595
26596 The result is a tuple of two elements.
26597 The first element is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
26598 is not found.
26599 If the symbol is found, the second element is @code{True} if the symbol
26600 is a field of a method's object (e.g., @code{this} in C@t{++}),
26601 otherwise it is @code{False}.
26602 If the symbol is not found, the second element is @code{False}.
26603 @end defun
26604
26605 @findex gdb.lookup_global_symbol
26606 @defun gdb.lookup_global_symbol (name @r{[}, domain@r{]})
26607 This function searches for a global symbol by name.
26608 The search scope can be restricted to by the domain argument.
26609
26610 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string.
26611 The optional @var{domain} argument restricts the search to the domain type.
26612 The @var{domain} argument must be a domain constant defined in the @code{gdb}
26613 module and described later in this chapter.
26614
26615 The result is a @code{gdb.Symbol} object or @code{None} if the symbol
26616 is not found.
26617 @end defun
26618
26619 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
26620
26621 @defvar Symbol.type
26622 The type of the symbol or @code{None} if no type is recorded.
26623 This attribute is represented as a @code{gdb.Type} object.
26624 @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not writable.
26625 @end defvar
26626
26627 @defvar Symbol.symtab
26628 The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
26629 represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
26630 Python}. This attribute is not writable.
26631 @end defvar
26632
26633 @defvar Symbol.line
26634 The line number in the source code at which the symbol was defined.
26635 This is an integer.
26636 @end defvar
26637
26638 @defvar Symbol.name
26639 The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
26640 @end defvar
26641
26642 @defvar Symbol.linkage_name
26643 The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
26644 This attribute is not writable.
26645 @end defvar
26646
26647 @defvar Symbol.print_name
26648 The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
26649 @code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
26650 asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
26651 @end defvar
26652
26653 @defvar Symbol.addr_class
26654 The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
26655 of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
26656 @code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
26657 @end defvar
26658
26659 @defvar Symbol.needs_frame
26660 This is @code{True} if evaluating this symbol's value requires a frame
26661 (@pxref{Frames In Python}) and @code{False} otherwise. Typically,
26662 local variables will require a frame, but other symbols will not.
26663 @end defvar
26664
26665 @defvar Symbol.is_argument
26666 @code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
26667 @end defvar
26668
26669 @defvar Symbol.is_constant
26670 @code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
26671 @end defvar
26672
26673 @defvar Symbol.is_function
26674 @code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
26675 @end defvar
26676
26677 @defvar Symbol.is_variable
26678 @code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
26679 @end defvar
26680
26681 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following methods:
26682
26683 @defun Symbol.is_valid ()
26684 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symbol} object is valid,
26685 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symbol} object can become invalid if
26686 the symbol it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any longer.
26687 All other @code{gdb.Symbol} methods will throw an exception if it is
26688 invalid at the time the method is called.
26689 @end defun
26690
26691 @defun Symbol.value (@r{[}frame@r{]})
26692 Compute the value of the symbol, as a @code{gdb.Value}. For
26693 functions, this computes the address of the function, cast to the
26694 appropriate type. If the symbol requires a frame in order to compute
26695 its value, then @var{frame} must be given. If @var{frame} is not
26696 given, or if @var{frame} is invalid, then this method will throw an
26697 exception.
26698 @end defun
26699
26700 The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
26701 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
26702
26703 @table @code
26704 @findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
26705 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
26706 @item gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
26707 This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
26708 following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
26709 in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
26710 @findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
26711 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
26712 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
26713 This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
26714 type values.
26715 @findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
26716 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
26717 @item gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
26718 This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
26719 @findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
26720 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
26721 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
26722 This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
26723 @findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
26724 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
26725 @item gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
26726 This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
26727 contains everything minus functions and types.
26728 @findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
26729 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
26730 @item gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
26731 This domain contains all functions.
26732 @findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
26733 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
26734 @item gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
26735 This domain contains all types.
26736 @end table
26737
26738 The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
26739 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
26740
26741 @table @code
26742 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
26743 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
26744 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
26745 If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
26746 the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
26747 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
26748 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
26749 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
26750 Value is constant int.
26751 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
26752 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
26753 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
26754 Value is at a fixed address.
26755 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
26756 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
26757 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
26758 Value is in a register.
26759 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
26760 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
26761 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
26762 Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
26763 symbol inside the frame's argument list.
26764 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
26765 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
26766 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
26767 Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
26768 @code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
26769 offset, not the value itself.
26770 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
26771 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
26772 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
26773 Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
26774 the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
26775 itself.
26776 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
26777 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
26778 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
26779 Value is a local variable.
26780 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
26781 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
26782 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
26783 Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
26784 have this class.
26785 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
26786 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
26787 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
26788 Value is a block.
26789 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
26790 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
26791 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
26792 Value is a byte-sequence.
26793 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
26794 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
26795 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
26796 Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
26797 determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
26798 referenced.
26799 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
26800 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
26801 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
26802 The value does not actually exist in the program.
26803 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
26804 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
26805 @item gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
26806 The value's address is a computed location.
26807 @end table
26808
26809 @node Symbol Tables In Python
26810 @subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
26811
26812 @cindex symbol tables in python
26813 @tindex gdb.Symtab
26814 @tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
26815
26816 Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
26817 is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
26818 @code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
26819 from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
26820 @xref{Frames In Python}.
26821
26822 For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
26823 @ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
26824
26825 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
26826
26827 @defvar Symtab_and_line.symtab
26828 The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
26829 This attribute is not writable.
26830 @end defvar
26831
26832 @defvar Symtab_and_line.pc
26833 Indicates the start of the address range occupied by code for the
26834 current source line. This attribute is not writable.
26835 @end defvar
26836
26837 @defvar Symtab_and_line.last
26838 Indicates the end of the address range occupied by code for the current
26839 source line. This attribute is not writable.
26840 @end defvar
26841
26842 @defvar Symtab_and_line.line
26843 Indicates the current line number for this object. This
26844 attribute is not writable.
26845 @end defvar
26846
26847 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following methods:
26848
26849 @defun Symtab_and_line.is_valid ()
26850 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object is valid,
26851 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object can become
26852 invalid if the Symbol table and line object it refers to does not
26853 exist in @value{GDBN} any longer. All other
26854 @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} methods will throw an exception if it is
26855 invalid at the time the method is called.
26856 @end defun
26857
26858 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
26859
26860 @defvar Symtab.filename
26861 The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
26862 @end defvar
26863
26864 @defvar Symtab.objfile
26865 The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
26866 This attribute is not writable.
26867 @end defvar
26868
26869 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following methods:
26870
26871 @defun Symtab.is_valid ()
26872 Returns @code{True} if the @code{gdb.Symtab} object is valid,
26873 @code{False} if not. A @code{gdb.Symtab} object can become invalid if
26874 the symbol table it refers to does not exist in @value{GDBN} any
26875 longer. All other @code{gdb.Symtab} methods will throw an exception
26876 if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
26877 @end defun
26878
26879 @defun Symtab.fullname ()
26880 Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
26881 @end defun
26882
26883 @defun Symtab.global_block ()
26884 Return the global block of the underlying symbol table.
26885 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
26886 @end defun
26887
26888 @defun Symtab.static_block ()
26889 Return the static block of the underlying symbol table.
26890 @xref{Blocks In Python}.
26891 @end defun
26892
26893 @node Breakpoints In Python
26894 @subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
26895
26896 @cindex breakpoints in python
26897 @tindex gdb.Breakpoint
26898
26899 Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
26900 class.
26901
26902 @defun Breakpoint.__init__ (spec @r{[}, type @r{[}, wp_class @r{[},internal@r{]]]})
26903 Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the
26904 location of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a
26905 watchpoint. The contents can be any location recognized by the
26906 @code{break} command, or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch}
26907 command. The optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create
26908 from the types defined later in this chapter. This argument can be
26909 either: @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
26910 defaults to @code{gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{internal} argument
26911 allows the breakpoint to become invisible to the user. The breakpoint
26912 will neither be reported when created, nor will it be listed in the
26913 output from @code{info breakpoints} (but will be listed with the
26914 @code{maint info breakpoints} command). The optional @var{wp_class}
26915 argument defines the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
26916 @code{gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not provided, it is
26917 assumed to be a @code{gdb.WP_WRITE} class.
26918 @end defun
26919
26920 @defun Breakpoint.stop (self)
26921 The @code{gdb.Breakpoint} class can be sub-classed and, in
26922 particular, you may choose to implement the @code{stop} method.
26923 If this method is defined as a sub-class of @code{gdb.Breakpoint},
26924 it will be called when the inferior reaches any location of a
26925 breakpoint which instantiates that sub-class. If the method returns
26926 @code{True}, the inferior will be stopped at the location of the
26927 breakpoint, otherwise the inferior will continue.
26928
26929 If there are multiple breakpoints at the same location with a
26930 @code{stop} method, each one will be called regardless of the
26931 return status of the previous. This ensures that all @code{stop}
26932 methods have a chance to execute at that location. In this scenario
26933 if one of the methods returns @code{True} but the others return
26934 @code{False}, the inferior will still be stopped.
26935
26936 You should not alter the execution state of the inferior (i.e.@:, step,
26937 next, etc.), alter the current frame context (i.e.@:, change the current
26938 active frame), or alter, add or delete any breakpoint. As a general
26939 rule, you should not alter any data within @value{GDBN} or the inferior
26940 at this time.
26941
26942 Example @code{stop} implementation:
26943
26944 @smallexample
26945 class MyBreakpoint (gdb.Breakpoint):
26946 def stop (self):
26947 inf_val = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo")
26948 if inf_val == 3:
26949 return True
26950 return False
26951 @end smallexample
26952 @end defun
26953
26954 The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
26955 @code{gdb} module:
26956
26957 @table @code
26958 @findex WP_READ
26959 @findex gdb.WP_READ
26960 @item gdb.WP_READ
26961 Read only watchpoint.
26962
26963 @findex WP_WRITE
26964 @findex gdb.WP_WRITE
26965 @item gdb.WP_WRITE
26966 Write only watchpoint.
26967
26968 @findex WP_ACCESS
26969 @findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
26970 @item gdb.WP_ACCESS
26971 Read/Write watchpoint.
26972 @end table
26973
26974 @defun Breakpoint.is_valid ()
26975 Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
26976 @code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
26977 if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
26978 exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
26979 watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
26980 inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
26981 @end defun
26982
26983 @defun Breakpoint.delete
26984 Permanently deletes the @value{GDBN} breakpoint. This also
26985 invalidates the Python @code{Breakpoint} object. Any further access
26986 to this object's attributes or methods will raise an error.
26987 @end defun
26988
26989 @defvar Breakpoint.enabled
26990 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
26991 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
26992 @end defvar
26993
26994 @defvar Breakpoint.silent
26995 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
26996 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
26997
26998 Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
26999 first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
27000 @code{silent} attribute.
27001 @end defvar
27002
27003 @defvar Breakpoint.thread
27004 If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
27005 id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
27006 @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
27007 @end defvar
27008
27009 @defvar Breakpoint.task
27010 If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
27011 id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
27012 language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
27013 is writable.
27014 @end defvar
27015
27016 @defvar Breakpoint.ignore_count
27017 This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
27018 This attribute is writable.
27019 @end defvar
27020
27021 @defvar Breakpoint.number
27022 This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
27023 the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
27024 @end defvar
27025
27026 @defvar Breakpoint.type
27027 This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
27028 determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
27029 writable.
27030 @end defvar
27031
27032 @defvar Breakpoint.visible
27033 This attribute tells whether the breakpoint is visible to the user
27034 when set, or when the @samp{info breakpoints} command is run. This
27035 attribute is not writable.
27036 @end defvar
27037
27038 The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
27039 module:
27040
27041 @table @code
27042 @findex BP_BREAKPOINT
27043 @findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
27044 @item gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
27045 Normal code breakpoint.
27046
27047 @findex BP_WATCHPOINT
27048 @findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
27049 @item gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
27050 Watchpoint breakpoint.
27051
27052 @findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
27053 @findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
27054 @item gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
27055 Hardware assisted watchpoint.
27056
27057 @findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
27058 @findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
27059 @item gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
27060 Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
27061
27062 @findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
27063 @findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
27064 @item gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
27065 Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
27066 @end table
27067
27068 @defvar Breakpoint.hit_count
27069 This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
27070 This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
27071 @end defvar
27072
27073 @defvar Breakpoint.location
27074 This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
27075 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
27076 (that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
27077 attribute is not writable.
27078 @end defvar
27079
27080 @defvar Breakpoint.expression
27081 This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
27082 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
27083 expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
27084 is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
27085 @end defvar
27086
27087 @defvar Breakpoint.condition
27088 This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
27089 the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
27090 value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
27091 @end defvar
27092
27093 @defvar Breakpoint.commands
27094 This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
27095 there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
27096 commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
27097 attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
27098 @end defvar
27099
27100 @node Finish Breakpoints in Python
27101 @subsubsection Finish Breakpoints
27102
27103 @cindex python finish breakpoints
27104 @tindex gdb.FinishBreakpoint
27105
27106 A finish breakpoint is a temporary breakpoint set at the return address of
27107 a frame, based on the @code{finish} command. @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint}
27108 extends @code{gdb.Breakpoint}. The underlying breakpoint will be disabled
27109 and deleted when the execution will run out of the breakpoint scope (i.e.@:
27110 @code{Breakpoint.stop} or @code{FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope} triggered).
27111 Finish breakpoints are thread specific and must be create with the right
27112 thread selected.
27113
27114 @defun FinishBreakpoint.__init__ (@r{[}frame@r{]} @r{[}, internal@r{]})
27115 Create a finish breakpoint at the return address of the @code{gdb.Frame}
27116 object @var{frame}. If @var{frame} is not provided, this defaults to the
27117 newest frame. The optional @var{internal} argument allows the breakpoint to
27118 become invisible to the user. @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for further
27119 details about this argument.
27120 @end defun
27121
27122 @defun FinishBreakpoint.out_of_scope (self)
27123 In some circumstances (e.g.@: @code{longjmp}, C@t{++} exceptions, @value{GDBN}
27124 @code{return} command, @dots{}), a function may not properly terminate, and
27125 thus never hit the finish breakpoint. When @value{GDBN} notices such a
27126 situation, the @code{out_of_scope} callback will be triggered.
27127
27128 You may want to sub-class @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} and override this
27129 method:
27130
27131 @smallexample
27132 class MyFinishBreakpoint (gdb.FinishBreakpoint)
27133 def stop (self):
27134 print "normal finish"
27135 return True
27136
27137 def out_of_scope ():
27138 print "abnormal finish"
27139 @end smallexample
27140 @end defun
27141
27142 @defvar FinishBreakpoint.return_value
27143 When @value{GDBN} is stopped at a finish breakpoint and the frame
27144 used to build the @code{gdb.FinishBreakpoint} object had debug symbols, this
27145 attribute will contain a @code{gdb.Value} object corresponding to the return
27146 value of the function. The value will be @code{None} if the function return
27147 type is @code{void} or if the return value was not computable. This attribute
27148 is not writable.
27149 @end defvar
27150
27151 @node Lazy Strings In Python
27152 @subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
27153
27154 @cindex lazy strings in python
27155 @tindex gdb.LazyString
27156
27157 A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
27158 encoded until it is needed.
27159
27160 A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
27161 @code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
27162 that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
27163 to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
27164 difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
27165 a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
27166 differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
27167 retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
27168 wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
27169
27170 A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
27171
27172 @defun LazyString.value ()
27173 Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
27174 will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
27175 retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
27176 @code{gdb.LazyString}.
27177 @end defun
27178
27179 @defvar LazyString.address
27180 This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
27181 writable.
27182 @end defvar
27183
27184 @defvar LazyString.length
27185 This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
27186 length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
27187 first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
27188 @end defvar
27189
27190 @defvar LazyString.encoding
27191 This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
27192 when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
27193 set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
27194 most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
27195 is not writable.
27196 @end defvar
27197
27198 @defvar LazyString.type
27199 This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
27200 type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
27201 resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
27202 @code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
27203 writable.
27204 @end defvar
27205
27206 @node Architectures In Python
27207 @subsubsection Python representation of architectures
27208 @cindex Python architectures
27209
27210 @value{GDBN} uses architecture specific parameters and artifacts in a
27211 number of its various computations. An architecture is represented
27212 by an instance of the @code{gdb.Architecture} class.
27213
27214 A @code{gdb.Architecture} class has the following methods:
27215
27216 @defun Architecture.name ()
27217 Return the name (string value) of the architecture.
27218 @end defun
27219
27220 @defun Architecture.disassemble (@var{start_pc} @r{[}, @var{end_pc} @r{[}, @var{count}@r{]]})
27221 Return a list of disassembled instructions starting from the memory
27222 address @var{start_pc}. The optional arguments @var{end_pc} and
27223 @var{count} determine the number of instructions in the returned list.
27224 If both the optional arguments @var{end_pc} and @var{count} are
27225 specified, then a list of at most @var{count} disassembled instructions
27226 whose start address falls in the closed memory address interval from
27227 @var{start_pc} to @var{end_pc} are returned. If @var{end_pc} is not
27228 specified, but @var{count} is specified, then @var{count} number of
27229 instructions starting from the address @var{start_pc} are returned. If
27230 @var{count} is not specified but @var{end_pc} is specified, then all
27231 instructions whose start address falls in the closed memory address
27232 interval from @var{start_pc} to @var{end_pc} are returned. If neither
27233 @var{end_pc} nor @var{count} are specified, then a single instruction at
27234 @var{start_pc} is returned. For all of these cases, each element of the
27235 returned list is a Python @code{dict} with the following string keys:
27236
27237 @table @code
27238
27239 @item addr
27240 The value corresponding to this key is a Python long integer capturing
27241 the memory address of the instruction.
27242
27243 @item asm
27244 The value corresponding to this key is a string value which represents
27245 the instruction with assembly language mnemonics. The assembly
27246 language flavor used is the same as that specified by the current CLI
27247 variable @code{disassembly-flavor}. @xref{Machine Code}.
27248
27249 @item length
27250 The value corresponding to this key is the length (integer value) of the
27251 instruction in bytes.
27252
27253 @end table
27254 @end defun
27255
27256 @node Python Auto-loading
27257 @subsection Python Auto-loading
27258 @cindex Python auto-loading
27259
27260 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
27261 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
27262 @value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
27263 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (@pxref{objfile-gdb.py file})
27264 and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27265 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
27266
27267 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
27268 debugging commands and scripts.
27269
27270 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled,
27271 and the list of auto-loaded scripts can be printed.
27272
27273 @table @code
27274 @anchor{set auto-load python-scripts}
27275 @kindex set auto-load python-scripts
27276 @item set auto-load python-scripts [on|off]
27277 Enable or disable the auto-loading of Python scripts.
27278
27279 @anchor{show auto-load python-scripts}
27280 @kindex show auto-load python-scripts
27281 @item show auto-load python-scripts
27282 Show whether auto-loading of Python scripts is enabled or disabled.
27283
27284 @anchor{info auto-load python-scripts}
27285 @kindex info auto-load python-scripts
27286 @cindex print list of auto-loaded Python scripts
27287 @item info auto-load python-scripts [@var{regexp}]
27288 Print the list of all Python scripts that @value{GDBN} auto-loaded.
27289
27290 Also printed is the list of Python scripts that were mentioned in
27291 the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section and were not found
27292 (@pxref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}).
27293 This is useful because their names are not printed when @value{GDBN}
27294 tries to load them and fails. There may be many of them, and printing
27295 an error message for each one is problematic.
27296
27297 If @var{regexp} is supplied only Python scripts with matching names are printed.
27298
27299 Example:
27300
27301 @smallexample
27302 (gdb) info auto-load python-scripts
27303 Loaded Script
27304 Yes py-section-script.py
27305 full name: /tmp/py-section-script.py
27306 No my-foo-pretty-printers.py
27307 @end smallexample
27308 @end table
27309
27310 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
27311 @dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
27312 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
27313 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers and frame-filters.
27314
27315 @menu
27316 * objfile-gdb.py file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
27317 * dotdebug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27318 * Which flavor to choose?::
27319 @end menu
27320
27321 @node objfile-gdb.py file
27322 @subsubsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
27323 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
27324
27325 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for
27326 a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} (we call it @var{script-name} below),
27327 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
27328 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
27329 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
27330 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
27331
27332 If this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
27333 @var{script-name} file in all of the directories as specified below.
27334
27335 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
27336 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
27337
27338 For object files using @file{.exe} suffix @value{GDBN} tries to load first the
27339 scripts normally according to its @file{.exe} filename. But if no scripts are
27340 found @value{GDBN} also tries script filenames matching the object file without
27341 its @file{.exe} suffix. This @file{.exe} stripping is case insensitive and it
27342 is attempted on any platform. This makes the script filenames compatible
27343 between Unix and MS-Windows hosts.
27344
27345 @table @code
27346 @anchor{set auto-load scripts-directory}
27347 @kindex set auto-load scripts-directory
27348 @item set auto-load scripts-directory @r{[}@var{directories}@r{]}
27349 Control @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location. Multiple directory entries
27350 may be delimited by the host platform path separator in use
27351 (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS).
27352
27353 Each entry here needs to be covered also by the security setting
27354 @code{set auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{set auto-load safe-path}).
27355
27356 @anchor{with-auto-load-dir}
27357 This variable defaults to @file{$debugdir:$datadir/auto-load}. The default
27358 @code{set auto-load safe-path} value can be also overriden by @value{GDBN}
27359 configuration option @option{--with-auto-load-dir}.
27360
27361 Any reference to @file{$debugdir} will get replaced by
27362 @var{debug-file-directory} value (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}) and any
27363 reference to @file{$datadir} will get replaced by @var{data-directory} which is
27364 determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}). @file{$debugdir} and
27365 @file{$datadir} must be placed as a directory component --- either alone or
27366 delimited by @file{/} or @file{\} directory separators, depending on the host
27367 platform.
27368
27369 The list of directories uses path separator (@samp{:} on GNU and Unix
27370 systems, @samp{;} on MS-Windows and MS-DOS) to separate directories, similarly
27371 to the @env{PATH} environment variable.
27372
27373 @anchor{show auto-load scripts-directory}
27374 @kindex show auto-load scripts-directory
27375 @item show auto-load scripts-directory
27376 Show @value{GDBN} auto-loaded scripts location.
27377 @end table
27378
27379 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
27380 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
27381 @var{objfile} is opened.
27382 So your @file{-gdb.py} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
27383 is evaluated more than once.
27384
27385 @node dotdebug_gdb_scripts section
27386 @subsubsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27387 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
27388
27389 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
27390 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
27391 it will look for a special section named @samp{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
27392 If this section exists, its contents is a list of names of scripts to load.
27393
27394 @value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
27395 current directory and then along the source search path
27396 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
27397 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
27398 directory is not relevant to scripts.
27399
27400 Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
27401 for example, this GCC macro:
27402
27403 @example
27404 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
27405 #define DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT(script_name) \
27406 asm("\
27407 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
27408 .byte 1\n\
27409 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
27410 .popsection \n\
27411 ");
27412 @end example
27413
27414 @noindent
27415 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
27416
27417 @example
27418 DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
27419 @end example
27420
27421 The script name may include directories if desired.
27422
27423 Note that loading of this script file also requires accordingly configured
27424 @code{auto-load safe-path} (@pxref{Auto-loading safe path}).
27425
27426 If the macro is put in a header, any application or library
27427 using this header will get a reference to the specified script.
27428
27429 @node Which flavor to choose?
27430 @subsubsection Which flavor to choose?
27431
27432 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading Python scripts, it might not always
27433 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
27434
27435 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.py} way:
27436
27437 @itemize @bullet
27438 @item
27439 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
27440
27441 @item
27442 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
27443
27444 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
27445 in the source search path.
27446 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
27447 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
27448
27449 @item
27450 Doesn't require source code additions.
27451 @end itemize
27452
27453 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
27454
27455 @itemize @bullet
27456 @item
27457 Works with static linking.
27458
27459 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.py} way require an objfile to
27460 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
27461 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
27462 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's @file{-gdb.py} script.
27463
27464 @item
27465 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
27466
27467 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
27468 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.py} script to.
27469
27470 @item
27471 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
27472
27473 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
27474 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
27475 @file{-gdb.py} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
27476 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
27477 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
27478 top of the source tree to the source search path.
27479 @end itemize
27480
27481 @node Python modules
27482 @subsection Python modules
27483 @cindex python modules
27484
27485 @value{GDBN} comes with several modules to assist writing Python code.
27486
27487 @menu
27488 * gdb.printing:: Building and registering pretty-printers.
27489 * gdb.types:: Utilities for working with types.
27490 * gdb.prompt:: Utilities for prompt value substitution.
27491 @end menu
27492
27493 @node gdb.printing
27494 @subsubsection gdb.printing
27495 @cindex gdb.printing
27496
27497 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
27498 pretty-printers.
27499
27500 @table @code
27501 @item PrettyPrinter (@var{name}, @var{subprinters}=None)
27502 This class specifies the API that makes @samp{info pretty-printer},
27503 @samp{enable pretty-printer} and @samp{disable pretty-printer} work.
27504 Pretty-printers should generally inherit from this class.
27505
27506 @item SubPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
27507 For printers that handle multiple types, this class specifies the
27508 corresponding API for the subprinters.
27509
27510 @item RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
27511 Utility class for handling multiple printers, all recognized via
27512 regular expressions.
27513 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for an example.
27514
27515 @item FlagEnumerationPrinter (@var{name})
27516 A pretty-printer which handles printing of @code{enum} values. Unlike
27517 @value{GDBN}'s built-in @code{enum} printing, this printer attempts to
27518 work properly when there is some overlap between the enumeration
27519 constants. @var{name} is the name of the printer and also the name of
27520 the @code{enum} type to look up.
27521
27522 @item register_pretty_printer (@var{obj}, @var{printer}, @var{replace}=False)
27523 Register @var{printer} with the pretty-printer list of @var{obj}.
27524 If @var{replace} is @code{True} then any existing copy of the printer
27525 is replaced. Otherwise a @code{RuntimeError} exception is raised
27526 if a printer with the same name already exists.
27527 @end table
27528
27529 @node gdb.types
27530 @subsubsection gdb.types
27531 @cindex gdb.types
27532
27533 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
27534 @code{gdb.Type} objects.
27535
27536 @table @code
27537 @item get_basic_type (@var{type})
27538 Return @var{type} with const and volatile qualifiers stripped,
27539 and with typedefs and C@t{++} references converted to the underlying type.
27540
27541 C@t{++} example:
27542
27543 @smallexample
27544 typedef const int const_int;
27545 const_int foo (3);
27546 const_int& foo_ref (foo);
27547 int main () @{ return 0; @}
27548 @end smallexample
27549
27550 Then in gdb:
27551
27552 @smallexample
27553 (gdb) start
27554 (gdb) python import gdb.types
27555 (gdb) python foo_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo_ref")
27556 (gdb) python print gdb.types.get_basic_type(foo_ref.type)
27557 int
27558 @end smallexample
27559
27560 @item has_field (@var{type}, @var{field})
27561 Return @code{True} if @var{type}, assumed to be a type with fields
27562 (e.g., a structure or union), has field @var{field}.
27563
27564 @item make_enum_dict (@var{enum_type})
27565 Return a Python @code{dictionary} type produced from @var{enum_type}.
27566
27567 @item deep_items (@var{type})
27568 Returns a Python iterator similar to the standard
27569 @code{gdb.Type.iteritems} method, except that the iterator returned
27570 by @code{deep_items} will recursively traverse anonymous struct or
27571 union fields. For example:
27572
27573 @smallexample
27574 struct A
27575 @{
27576 int a;
27577 union @{
27578 int b0;
27579 int b1;
27580 @};
27581 @};
27582 @end smallexample
27583
27584 @noindent
27585 Then in @value{GDBN}:
27586 @smallexample
27587 (@value{GDBP}) python import gdb.types
27588 (@value{GDBP}) python struct_a = gdb.lookup_type("struct A")
27589 (@value{GDBP}) python print struct_a.keys ()
27590 @{['a', '']@}
27591 (@value{GDBP}) python print [k for k,v in gdb.types.deep_items(struct_a)]
27592 @{['a', 'b0', 'b1']@}
27593 @end smallexample
27594
27595 @item get_type_recognizers ()
27596 Return a list of the enabled type recognizers for the current context.
27597 This is called by @value{GDBN} during the type-printing process
27598 (@pxref{Type Printing API}).
27599
27600 @item apply_type_recognizers (recognizers, type_obj)
27601 Apply the type recognizers, @var{recognizers}, to the type object
27602 @var{type_obj}. If any recognizer returns a string, return that
27603 string. Otherwise, return @code{None}. This is called by
27604 @value{GDBN} during the type-printing process (@pxref{Type Printing
27605 API}).
27606
27607 @item register_type_printer (locus, printer)
27608 This is a convenience function to register a type printer.
27609 @var{printer} is the type printer to register. It must implement the
27610 type printer protocol. @var{locus} is either a @code{gdb.Objfile}, in
27611 which case the printer is registered with that objfile; a
27612 @code{gdb.Progspace}, in which case the printer is registered with
27613 that progspace; or @code{None}, in which case the printer is
27614 registered globally.
27615
27616 @item TypePrinter
27617 This is a base class that implements the type printer protocol. Type
27618 printers are encouraged, but not required, to derive from this class.
27619 It defines a constructor:
27620
27621 @defmethod TypePrinter __init__ (self, name)
27622 Initialize the type printer with the given name. The new printer
27623 starts in the enabled state.
27624 @end defmethod
27625
27626 @end table
27627
27628 @node gdb.prompt
27629 @subsubsection gdb.prompt
27630 @cindex gdb.prompt
27631
27632 This module provides a method for prompt value-substitution.
27633
27634 @table @code
27635 @item substitute_prompt (@var{string})
27636 Return @var{string} with escape sequences substituted by values. Some
27637 escape sequences take arguments. You can specify arguments inside
27638 ``@{@}'' immediately following the escape sequence.
27639
27640 The escape sequences you can pass to this function are:
27641
27642 @table @code
27643 @item \\
27644 Substitute a backslash.
27645 @item \e
27646 Substitute an ESC character.
27647 @item \f
27648 Substitute the selected frame; an argument names a frame parameter.
27649 @item \n
27650 Substitute a newline.
27651 @item \p
27652 Substitute a parameter's value; the argument names the parameter.
27653 @item \r
27654 Substitute a carriage return.
27655 @item \t
27656 Substitute the selected thread; an argument names a thread parameter.
27657 @item \v
27658 Substitute the version of GDB.
27659 @item \w
27660 Substitute the current working directory.
27661 @item \[
27662 Begin a sequence of non-printing characters. These sequences are
27663 typically used with the ESC character, and are not counted in the string
27664 length. Example: ``\[\e[0;34m\](gdb)\[\e[0m\]'' will return a
27665 blue-colored ``(gdb)'' prompt where the length is five.
27666 @item \]
27667 End a sequence of non-printing characters.
27668 @end table
27669
27670 For example:
27671
27672 @smallexample
27673 substitute_prompt (``frame: \f,
27674 print arguments: \p@{print frame-arguments@}'')
27675 @end smallexample
27676
27677 @exdent will return the string:
27678
27679 @smallexample
27680 "frame: main, print arguments: scalars"
27681 @end smallexample
27682 @end table
27683
27684 @node Aliases
27685 @section Creating new spellings of existing commands
27686 @cindex aliases for commands
27687
27688 It is often useful to define alternate spellings of existing commands.
27689 For example, if a new @value{GDBN} command defined in Python has
27690 a long name to type, it is handy to have an abbreviated version of it
27691 that involves less typing.
27692
27693 @value{GDBN} itself uses aliases. For example @samp{s} is an alias
27694 of the @samp{step} command even though it is otherwise an ambiguous
27695 abbreviation of other commands like @samp{set} and @samp{show}.
27696
27697 Aliases are also used to provide shortened or more common versions
27698 of multi-word commands. For example, @value{GDBN} provides the
27699 @samp{tty} alias of the @samp{set inferior-tty} command.
27700
27701 You can define a new alias with the @samp{alias} command.
27702
27703 @table @code
27704
27705 @kindex alias
27706 @item alias [-a] [--] @var{ALIAS} = @var{COMMAND}
27707
27708 @end table
27709
27710 @var{ALIAS} specifies the name of the new alias.
27711 Each word of @var{ALIAS} must consist of letters, numbers, dashes and
27712 underscores.
27713
27714 @var{COMMAND} specifies the name of an existing command
27715 that is being aliased.
27716
27717 The @samp{-a} option specifies that the new alias is an abbreviation
27718 of the command. Abbreviations are not shown in command
27719 lists displayed by the @samp{help} command.
27720
27721 The @samp{--} option specifies the end of options,
27722 and is useful when @var{ALIAS} begins with a dash.
27723
27724 Here is a simple example showing how to make an abbreviation
27725 of a command so that there is less to type.
27726 Suppose you were tired of typing @samp{disas}, the current
27727 shortest unambiguous abbreviation of the @samp{disassemble} command
27728 and you wanted an even shorter version named @samp{di}.
27729 The following will accomplish this.
27730
27731 @smallexample
27732 (gdb) alias -a di = disas
27733 @end smallexample
27734
27735 Note that aliases are different from user-defined commands.
27736 With a user-defined command, you also need to write documentation
27737 for it with the @samp{document} command.
27738 An alias automatically picks up the documentation of the existing command.
27739
27740 Here is an example where we make @samp{elms} an abbreviation of
27741 @samp{elements} in the @samp{set print elements} command.
27742 This is to show that you can make an abbreviation of any part
27743 of a command.
27744
27745 @smallexample
27746 (gdb) alias -a set print elms = set print elements
27747 (gdb) alias -a show print elms = show print elements
27748 (gdb) set p elms 20
27749 (gdb) show p elms
27750 Limit on string chars or array elements to print is 200.
27751 @end smallexample
27752
27753 Note that if you are defining an alias of a @samp{set} command,
27754 and you want to have an alias for the corresponding @samp{show}
27755 command, then you need to define the latter separately.
27756
27757 Unambiguously abbreviated commands are allowed in @var{COMMAND} and
27758 @var{ALIAS}, just as they are normally.
27759
27760 @smallexample
27761 (gdb) alias -a set pr elms = set p ele
27762 @end smallexample
27763
27764 Finally, here is an example showing the creation of a one word
27765 alias for a more complex command.
27766 This creates alias @samp{spe} of the command @samp{set print elements}.
27767
27768 @smallexample
27769 (gdb) alias spe = set print elements
27770 (gdb) spe 20
27771 @end smallexample
27772
27773 @node Interpreters
27774 @chapter Command Interpreters
27775 @cindex command interpreters
27776
27777 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
27778 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
27779 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
27780
27781 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
27782 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
27783 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
27784 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
27785
27786 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
27787 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
27788 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
27789 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
27790
27791 @table @code
27792 @item console
27793 @cindex console interpreter
27794 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
27795 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
27796 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
27797
27798 @item mi
27799 @cindex mi interpreter
27800 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
27801 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
27802 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
27803 Interface}.
27804
27805 @item mi2
27806 @cindex mi2 interpreter
27807 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
27808
27809 @item mi1
27810 @cindex mi1 interpreter
27811 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
27812
27813 @end table
27814
27815 @cindex invoke another interpreter
27816 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
27817 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
27818 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
27819 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
27820 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
27821 the IDE inoperable!
27822
27823 @kindex interpreter-exec
27824 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
27825 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
27826 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
27827 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
27828
27829 @smallexample
27830 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
27831 @end smallexample
27832
27833 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
27834 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
27835
27836 @node TUI
27837 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
27838 @cindex TUI
27839 @cindex Text User Interface
27840
27841 @menu
27842 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
27843 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
27844 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
27845 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
27846 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
27847 @end menu
27848
27849 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
27850 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
27851 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
27852 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
27853 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
27854 is available.
27855
27856 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
27857 @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
27858 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
27859 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
27860 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
27861
27862 @node TUI Overview
27863 @section TUI Overview
27864
27865 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
27866
27867 @table @emph
27868 @item command
27869 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
27870 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
27871 managed using readline.
27872
27873 @item source
27874 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
27875 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
27876
27877 @item assembly
27878 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
27879
27880 @item register
27881 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
27882 when their values change.
27883 @end table
27884
27885 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
27886 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
27887 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
27888 indicates the breakpoint type:
27889
27890 @table @code
27891 @item B
27892 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
27893
27894 @item b
27895 Breakpoint which was never hit.
27896
27897 @item H
27898 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
27899
27900 @item h
27901 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
27902 @end table
27903
27904 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
27905
27906 @table @code
27907 @item +
27908 Breakpoint is enabled.
27909
27910 @item -
27911 Breakpoint is disabled.
27912 @end table
27913
27914 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
27915 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
27916 changes.
27917
27918 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
27919 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
27920 layouts:
27921
27922 @itemize @bullet
27923 @item
27924 source only,
27925
27926 @item
27927 assembly only,
27928
27929 @item
27930 source and assembly,
27931
27932 @item
27933 source and registers, or
27934
27935 @item
27936 assembly and registers.
27937 @end itemize
27938
27939 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
27940
27941 @table @emph
27942 @item target
27943 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
27944 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
27945
27946 @item process
27947 Gives the current process or thread number.
27948 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
27949
27950 @item function
27951 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
27952 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
27953 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
27954 the string @code{??} is displayed.
27955
27956 @item line
27957 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
27958 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
27959
27960 @item pc
27961 Indicates the current program counter address.
27962 @end table
27963
27964 @node TUI Keys
27965 @section TUI Key Bindings
27966 @cindex TUI key bindings
27967
27968 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
27969 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
27970 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
27971 @end ifset
27972 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
27973 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
27974 @end ifclear
27975 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
27976 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
27977
27978 @table @kbd
27979 @kindex C-x C-a
27980 @item C-x C-a
27981 @kindex C-x a
27982 @itemx C-x a
27983 @kindex C-x A
27984 @itemx C-x A
27985 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
27986 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
27987 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
27988 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
27989 The screen is then refreshed.
27990
27991 @kindex C-x 1
27992 @item C-x 1
27993 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
27994 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
27995 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
27996
27997 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
27998
27999 @kindex C-x 2
28000 @item C-x 2
28001 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
28002 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
28003 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
28004 previous layout and the new one.
28005
28006 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
28007
28008 @kindex C-x o
28009 @item C-x o
28010 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
28011 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
28012 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
28013
28014 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
28015
28016 @kindex C-x s
28017 @item C-x s
28018 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
28019 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
28020 @end table
28021
28022 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
28023
28024 @table @asis
28025 @kindex PgUp
28026 @item @key{PgUp}
28027 Scroll the active window one page up.
28028
28029 @kindex PgDn
28030 @item @key{PgDn}
28031 Scroll the active window one page down.
28032
28033 @kindex Up
28034 @item @key{Up}
28035 Scroll the active window one line up.
28036
28037 @kindex Down
28038 @item @key{Down}
28039 Scroll the active window one line down.
28040
28041 @kindex Left
28042 @item @key{Left}
28043 Scroll the active window one column left.
28044
28045 @kindex Right
28046 @item @key{Right}
28047 Scroll the active window one column right.
28048
28049 @kindex C-L
28050 @item @kbd{C-L}
28051 Refresh the screen.
28052 @end table
28053
28054 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
28055 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
28056 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
28057 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
28058 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
28059
28060 @node TUI Single Key Mode
28061 @section TUI Single Key Mode
28062 @cindex TUI single key mode
28063
28064 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
28065 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
28066 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
28067
28068 @table @kbd
28069 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28070 @item c
28071 continue
28072
28073 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28074 @item d
28075 down
28076
28077 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28078 @item f
28079 finish
28080
28081 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28082 @item n
28083 next
28084
28085 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28086 @item q
28087 exit the SingleKey mode.
28088
28089 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28090 @item r
28091 run
28092
28093 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28094 @item s
28095 step
28096
28097 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28098 @item u
28099 up
28100
28101 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28102 @item v
28103 info locals
28104
28105 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
28106 @item w
28107 where
28108 @end table
28109
28110 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
28111 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
28112 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
28113 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
28114 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
28115 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
28116
28117
28118 @node TUI Commands
28119 @section TUI-specific Commands
28120 @cindex TUI commands
28121
28122 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
28123 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
28124 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
28125 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
28126
28127 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
28128 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
28129 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
28130 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
28131 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
28132
28133 @table @code
28134 @item info win
28135 @kindex info win
28136 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
28137
28138 @item layout next
28139 @kindex layout
28140 Display the next layout.
28141
28142 @item layout prev
28143 Display the previous layout.
28144
28145 @item layout src
28146 Display the source window only.
28147
28148 @item layout asm
28149 Display the assembly window only.
28150
28151 @item layout split
28152 Display the source and assembly window.
28153
28154 @item layout regs
28155 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
28156
28157 @item focus next
28158 @kindex focus
28159 Make the next window active for scrolling.
28160
28161 @item focus prev
28162 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
28163
28164 @item focus src
28165 Make the source window active for scrolling.
28166
28167 @item focus asm
28168 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
28169
28170 @item focus regs
28171 Make the register window active for scrolling.
28172
28173 @item focus cmd
28174 Make the command window active for scrolling.
28175
28176 @item refresh
28177 @kindex refresh
28178 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
28179
28180 @item tui reg float
28181 @kindex tui reg
28182 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
28183
28184 @item tui reg general
28185 Show the general registers in the register window.
28186
28187 @item tui reg next
28188 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
28189 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
28190 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
28191 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
28192
28193 @item tui reg system
28194 Show the system registers in the register window.
28195
28196 @item update
28197 @kindex update
28198 Update the source window and the current execution point.
28199
28200 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
28201 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
28202 @kindex winheight
28203 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
28204 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
28205 decrease it.
28206
28207 @item tabset @var{nchars}
28208 @kindex tabset
28209 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
28210 @end table
28211
28212 @node TUI Configuration
28213 @section TUI Configuration Variables
28214 @cindex TUI configuration variables
28215
28216 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
28217
28218 @table @code
28219 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
28220 @kindex set tui border-kind
28221 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
28222 The possible values are the following:
28223 @table @code
28224 @item space
28225 Use a space character to draw the border.
28226
28227 @item ascii
28228 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
28229
28230 @item acs
28231 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
28232 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
28233 @end table
28234
28235 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
28236 @kindex set tui border-mode
28237 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
28238 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
28239 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
28240 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
28241 @table @code
28242 @item normal
28243 Use normal attributes to display the border.
28244
28245 @item standout
28246 Use standout mode.
28247
28248 @item reverse
28249 Use reverse video mode.
28250
28251 @item half
28252 Use half bright mode.
28253
28254 @item half-standout
28255 Use half bright and standout mode.
28256
28257 @item bold
28258 Use extra bright or bold mode.
28259
28260 @item bold-standout
28261 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
28262 @end table
28263 @end table
28264
28265 @node Emacs
28266 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
28267
28268 @cindex Emacs
28269 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
28270 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
28271 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
28272 @value{GDBN}.
28273
28274 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
28275 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
28276 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
28277 created Emacs buffer.
28278 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
28279
28280 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
28281 things:
28282
28283 @itemize @bullet
28284 @item
28285 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
28286 the GUD buffer.
28287
28288 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
28289 and output done by the program you are debugging.
28290
28291 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
28292 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
28293 in this way.
28294
28295 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
28296 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
28297 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
28298 stop.
28299
28300 @item
28301 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
28302
28303 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
28304 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
28305 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
28306 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
28307 and the source.
28308
28309 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
28310 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
28311 @end itemize
28312
28313 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
28314 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
28315 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
28316 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
28317
28318 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
28319 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
28320 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
28321 sets your current working directory to the directory associated
28322 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
28323 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
28324 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
28325 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
28326 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
28327
28328 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
28329 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
28330 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
28331 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
28332
28333 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
28334 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
28335 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
28336 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
28337 one you want.
28338
28339 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
28340 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
28341
28342 @table @kbd
28343 @item C-h m
28344 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
28345
28346 @item C-c C-s
28347 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
28348 update the display window to show the current file and location.
28349
28350 @item C-c C-n
28351 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
28352 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
28353 to show the current file and location.
28354
28355 @item C-c C-i
28356 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
28357 display window accordingly.
28358
28359 @item C-c C-f
28360 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
28361 @code{finish} command.
28362
28363 @item C-c C-r
28364 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
28365 command.
28366
28367 @item C-c <
28368 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
28369 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
28370 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
28371
28372 @item C-c >
28373 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
28374 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
28375 @end table
28376
28377 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
28378 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
28379
28380 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
28381 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
28382 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
28383 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
28384 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
28385 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
28386 speedbar displays watch expressions.
28387
28388 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
28389 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
28390 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
28391 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
28392 frame.
28393
28394 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
28395 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
28396 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
28397 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
28398 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
28399 to correspond properly with the code.
28400
28401 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
28402 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
28403 Emacs Manual}).
28404
28405 @node GDB/MI
28406 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
28407
28408 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
28409
28410 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
28411 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
28412 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
28413 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
28414 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
28415 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
28416
28417 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
28418 in the form of a reference manual.
28419
28420 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
28421 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
28422 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
28423
28424 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
28425
28426 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
28427 This chapter uses the following notation:
28428
28429 @itemize @bullet
28430 @item
28431 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
28432
28433 @item
28434 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
28435 it may or may not be given.
28436
28437 @item
28438 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
28439 may repeat zero or more times.
28440
28441 @item
28442 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
28443 may repeat one or more times.
28444
28445 @item
28446 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
28447 @end itemize
28448
28449 @ignore
28450 @heading Dependencies
28451 @end ignore
28452
28453 @menu
28454 * GDB/MI General Design::
28455 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
28456 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
28457 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
28458 * GDB/MI Output Records::
28459 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
28460 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
28461 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
28462 * GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands::
28463 * GDB/MI Program Context::
28464 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
28465 * GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands::
28466 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
28467 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
28468 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
28469 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
28470 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
28471 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
28472 * GDB/MI File Commands::
28473 @ignore
28474 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
28475 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
28476 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
28477 @end ignore
28478 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
28479 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
28480 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
28481 @end menu
28482
28483 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28484 @node GDB/MI General Design
28485 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
28486 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
28487
28488 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
28489 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
28490 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
28491 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
28492 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
28493 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
28494 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
28495 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
28496 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
28497 a command and reported as part of that command response.
28498
28499 The important examples of notifications are:
28500 @itemize @bullet
28501
28502 @item
28503 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
28504 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
28505 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
28506 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
28507 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
28508 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
28509 command itself was successfully executed.
28510
28511 @item
28512 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
28513 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
28514 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
28515 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
28516 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
28517 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
28518
28519 @item
28520 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
28521 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
28522 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
28523 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
28524 orthogonal frontend design.
28525
28526 @end itemize
28527
28528 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
28529 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
28530 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
28531 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
28532 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
28533 the user interface.
28534
28535
28536 @menu
28537 * Context management::
28538 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
28539 * Thread groups::
28540 @end menu
28541
28542 @node Context management
28543 @subsection Context management
28544
28545 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
28546 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
28547 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
28548 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
28549 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
28550 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
28551 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
28552 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
28553 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
28554
28555 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
28556 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
28557 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
28558 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
28559 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
28560 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
28561 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
28562 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
28563 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
28564 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
28565 for thread and frame to operate on.
28566
28567 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
28568 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
28569 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
28570 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
28571 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
28572 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
28573 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
28574 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
28575 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
28576 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
28577
28578 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
28579 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
28580 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
28581 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
28582 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
28583 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
28584 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
28585 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
28586 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
28587 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
28588 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
28589 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
28590 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
28591 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
28592 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
28593 @samp{--frame} options.
28594
28595 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
28596 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
28597
28598 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
28599 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
28600 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
28601 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
28602 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
28603 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
28604 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
28605 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
28606 @code{-list-target-features} command.
28607
28608 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
28609 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
28610 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
28611 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
28612 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
28613 are running.
28614
28615 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
28616 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
28617 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
28618 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
28619 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
28620 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
28621 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
28622 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
28623 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
28624 @samp{--thread} option).
28625
28626 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
28627 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
28628 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
28629 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
28630
28631 @node Thread groups
28632 @subsection Thread groups
28633 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
28634 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
28635 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
28636 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
28637 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
28638
28639 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
28640 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
28641 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
28642 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
28643 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
28644 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
28645 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
28646 into processes.
28647
28648 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
28649 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
28650 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
28651 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
28652 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
28653 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
28654 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
28655 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
28656 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
28657 the members of specific thread group.
28658
28659 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
28660 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
28661 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
28662 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
28663 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
28664 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
28665 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
28666 after attaching to that thread group.
28667
28668 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
28669 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
28670 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
28671 such thread groups.
28672
28673 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28674 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
28675 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
28676
28677 @menu
28678 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
28679 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
28680 @end menu
28681
28682 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
28683 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
28684
28685 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
28686 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
28687 @table @code
28688 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
28689 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
28690
28691 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
28692 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
28693 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
28694
28695 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
28696 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
28697 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
28698
28699 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
28700 "any sequence of digits"
28701
28702 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
28703 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
28704
28705 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
28706 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
28707
28708 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
28709 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
28710
28711 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
28712 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
28713 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
28714
28715 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
28716 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
28717
28718 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
28719 @code{CR | CR-LF}
28720 @end table
28721
28722 @noindent
28723 Notes:
28724
28725 @itemize @bullet
28726 @item
28727 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
28728 output is described below.
28729
28730 @item
28731 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
28732 finishes.
28733
28734 @item
28735 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
28736 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
28737 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
28738 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
28739 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
28740 @end itemize
28741
28742 Pragmatics:
28743
28744 @itemize @bullet
28745 @item
28746 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
28747
28748 @item
28749 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
28750 @end itemize
28751
28752 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
28753 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
28754
28755 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
28756 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
28757 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
28758 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
28759 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
28760 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
28761
28762 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
28763 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
28764 @var{token}.
28765
28766 @table @code
28767 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
28768 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
28769
28770 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
28771 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
28772
28773 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
28774 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
28775
28776 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
28777 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
28778
28779 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
28780 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
28781
28782 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
28783 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
28784
28785 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
28786 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
28787
28788 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
28789 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
28790
28791 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
28792 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
28793
28794 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
28795 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
28796 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
28797
28798 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
28799 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
28800
28801 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
28802 @code{ @var{string} }
28803
28804 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
28805 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
28806
28807 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
28808 @code{@var{c-string}}
28809
28810 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
28811 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
28812
28813 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
28814 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
28815 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
28816
28817 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
28818 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
28819
28820 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
28821 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
28822
28823 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
28824 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
28825
28826 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
28827 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
28828
28829 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
28830 @code{CR | CR-LF}
28831
28832 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
28833 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
28834 @end table
28835
28836 @noindent
28837 Notes:
28838
28839 @itemize @bullet
28840 @item
28841 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
28842
28843 @item
28844 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
28845 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
28846 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
28847 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
28848 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
28849 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
28850 prior command.
28851
28852 @item
28853 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28854 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
28855 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
28856 prefixed by @samp{+}.
28857
28858 @item
28859 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28860 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
28861 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
28862 @samp{*}.
28863
28864 @item
28865 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28866 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
28867 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
28868 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
28869
28870 @item
28871 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28872 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
28873 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
28874 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
28875
28876 @item
28877 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28878 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
28879 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
28880
28881 @item
28882 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28883 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
28884 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
28885 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
28886
28887 @item
28888 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
28889 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
28890 @var{values}.
28891
28892
28893 @end itemize
28894
28895 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
28896 details about the various output records.
28897
28898 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28899 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
28900 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
28901
28902 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
28903 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
28904
28905 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
28906 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
28907 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
28908 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
28909 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
28910 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
28911
28912 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
28913 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
28914 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
28915
28916 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28917 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
28918 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
28919 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
28920
28921 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
28922 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
28923
28924 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
28925 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
28926 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
28927 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
28928 might change.
28929
28930 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
28931 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
28932 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
28933 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
28934
28935 @itemize @bullet
28936 @item
28937 New MI commands may be added.
28938
28939 @item
28940 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
28941
28942 @item
28943 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
28944 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
28945
28946 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
28947 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
28948
28949 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
28950 @c resolve inconsistencies.
28951 @end itemize
28952
28953 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
28954 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
28955 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
28956 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
28957 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
28958
28959 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
28960 @c version?
28961
28962 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
28963 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
28964 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
28965 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
28966 @cindex mailing lists
28967
28968 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28969 @node GDB/MI Output Records
28970 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
28971
28972 @menu
28973 * GDB/MI Result Records::
28974 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
28975 * GDB/MI Async Records::
28976 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Information::
28977 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
28978 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
28979 * GDB/MI Ada Exception Information::
28980 @end menu
28981
28982 @node GDB/MI Result Records
28983 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
28984
28985 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
28986 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
28987 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
28988 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
28989
28990 @table @code
28991 @findex ^done
28992 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
28993 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
28994 values.
28995
28996 @item "^running"
28997 @findex ^running
28998 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
28999 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
29000 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
29001 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
29002 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
29003 which threads are resumed.
29004
29005 @item "^connected"
29006 @findex ^connected
29007 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
29008
29009 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
29010 @findex ^error
29011 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
29012 error message.
29013
29014 @item "^exit"
29015 @findex ^exit
29016 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
29017
29018 @end table
29019
29020 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
29021 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
29022
29023 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
29024 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
29025 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
29026 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
29027 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
29028
29029 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
29030 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
29031 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
29032 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
29033 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
29034
29035 @table @code
29036 @item "~" @var{string-output}
29037 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
29038 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
29039
29040 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
29041 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
29042 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
29043 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
29044
29045 @item "&" @var{string-output}
29046 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
29047 internals.
29048 @end table
29049
29050 @node GDB/MI Async Records
29051 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
29052
29053 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
29054 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
29055 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
29056 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
29057 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
29058 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
29059
29060 The following is the list of possible async records:
29061
29062 @table @code
29063
29064 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
29065 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
29066 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
29067 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
29068 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
29069 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
29070 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
29071 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
29072 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
29073 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
29074
29075 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
29076 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
29077 following values:
29078
29079 @table @code
29080 @item breakpoint-hit
29081 A breakpoint was reached.
29082 @item watchpoint-trigger
29083 A watchpoint was triggered.
29084 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
29085 A read watchpoint was triggered.
29086 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
29087 An access watchpoint was triggered.
29088 @item function-finished
29089 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
29090 @item location-reached
29091 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
29092 @item watchpoint-scope
29093 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
29094 @item end-stepping-range
29095 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
29096 similar CLI command was accomplished.
29097 @item exited-signalled
29098 The inferior exited because of a signal.
29099 @item exited
29100 The inferior exited.
29101 @item exited-normally
29102 The inferior exited normally.
29103 @item signal-received
29104 A signal was received by the inferior.
29105 @item solib-event
29106 The inferior has stopped due to a library being loaded or unloaded.
29107 This can happen when @code{stop-on-solib-events} (@pxref{Files}) is
29108 set or when a @code{catch load} or @code{catch unload} catchpoint is
29109 in use (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}).
29110 @item fork
29111 The inferior has forked. This is reported when @code{catch fork}
29112 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29113 @item vfork
29114 The inferior has vforked. This is reported in when @code{catch vfork}
29115 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29116 @item syscall-entry
29117 The inferior entered a system call. This is reported when @code{catch
29118 syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29119 @item syscall-entry
29120 The inferior returned from a system call. This is reported when
29121 @code{catch syscall} (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29122 @item exec
29123 The inferior called @code{exec}. This is reported when @code{catch exec}
29124 (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}) has been used.
29125 @end table
29126
29127 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
29128 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
29129 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
29130 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
29131 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
29132 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
29133 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
29134 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
29135 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
29136 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
29137 if such information is not available.
29138
29139 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
29140 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
29141 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
29142 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
29143 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
29144 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
29145 cannot be used in any way.
29146
29147 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
29148 A thread group became associated with a running program,
29149 either because the program was just started or the thread group
29150 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
29151 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
29152 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
29153
29154 @item =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"[,exit-code="@var{code}"]
29155 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
29156 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
29157 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
29158 thread group. @var{code} is the exit code of the inferior; it exists
29159 only when the inferior exited with some code.
29160
29161 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
29162 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
29163 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
29164 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
29165 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
29166
29167 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
29168 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
29169 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
29170 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
29171 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
29172 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
29173 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
29174
29175 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
29176 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
29177 that thread.
29178
29179 @item =library-loaded,...
29180 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
29181 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
29182 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
29183 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
29184 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
29185 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
29186 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
29187 @var{symbols-loaded} field is emitted only for backward compatibility
29188 and should not be relied on to convey any useful information. The
29189 @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the thread
29190 group in whose context the library was loaded. If the field is
29191 absent, it means the library was loaded in the context of all present
29192 thread groups.
29193
29194 @item =library-unloaded,...
29195 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
29196 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
29197 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
29198 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
29199 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
29200 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
29201 thread groups.
29202
29203 @item =traceframe-changed,num=@var{tfnum},tracepoint=@var{tpnum}
29204 @itemx =traceframe-changed,end
29205 Reports that the trace frame was changed and its new number is
29206 @var{tfnum}. The number of the tracepoint associated with this trace
29207 frame is @var{tpnum}.
29208
29209 @item =tsv-created,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}
29210 Reports that the new trace state variable @var{name} is created with
29211 initial value @var{initial}.
29212
29213 @item =tsv-deleted,name=@var{name}
29214 @itemx =tsv-deleted
29215 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is deleted or all
29216 trace state variables are deleted.
29217
29218 @item =tsv-modified,name=@var{name},initial=@var{initial}[,current=@var{current}]
29219 Reports that the trace state variable @var{name} is modified with
29220 the initial value @var{initial}. The current value @var{current} of
29221 trace state variable is optional and is reported if the current
29222 value of trace state variable is known.
29223
29224 @item =breakpoint-created,bkpt=@{...@}
29225 @itemx =breakpoint-modified,bkpt=@{...@}
29226 @itemx =breakpoint-deleted,id=@var{number}
29227 Reports that a breakpoint was created, modified, or deleted,
29228 respectively. Only user-visible breakpoints are reported to the MI
29229 user.
29230
29231 The @var{bkpt} argument is of the same form as returned by the various
29232 breakpoint commands; @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}. The
29233 @var{number} is the ordinal number of the breakpoint.
29234
29235 Note that if a breakpoint is emitted in the result record of a
29236 command, then it will not also be emitted in an async record.
29237
29238 @item =record-started,thread-group="@var{id}"
29239 @itemx =record-stopped,thread-group="@var{id}"
29240 Execution log recording was either started or stopped on an
29241 inferior. The @var{id} is the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread
29242 group corresponding to the affected inferior.
29243
29244 @item =cmd-param-changed,param=@var{param},value=@var{value}
29245 Reports that a parameter of the command @code{set @var{param}} is
29246 changed to @var{value}. In the multi-word @code{set} command,
29247 the @var{param} is the whole parameter list to @code{set} command.
29248 For example, In command @code{set check type on}, @var{param}
29249 is @code{check type} and @var{value} is @code{on}.
29250
29251 @item =memory-changed,thread-group=@var{id},addr=@var{addr},len=@var{len}[,type="code"]
29252 Reports that bytes from @var{addr} to @var{data} + @var{len} were
29253 written in an inferior. The @var{id} is the identifier of the
29254 thread group corresponding to the affected inferior. The optional
29255 @code{type="code"} part is reported if the memory written to holds
29256 executable code.
29257 @end table
29258
29259 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Information
29260 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Information
29261
29262 When @value{GDBN} reports information about a breakpoint, a
29263 tracepoint, a watchpoint, or a catchpoint, it uses a tuple with the
29264 following fields:
29265
29266 @table @code
29267 @item number
29268 The breakpoint number. For a breakpoint that represents one location
29269 of a multi-location breakpoint, this will be a dotted pair, like
29270 @samp{1.2}.
29271
29272 @item type
29273 The type of the breakpoint. For ordinary breakpoints this will be
29274 @samp{breakpoint}, but many values are possible.
29275
29276 @item catch-type
29277 If the type of the breakpoint is @samp{catchpoint}, then this
29278 indicates the exact type of catchpoint.
29279
29280 @item disp
29281 This is the breakpoint disposition---either @samp{del}, meaning that
29282 the breakpoint will be deleted at the next stop, or @samp{keep},
29283 meaning that the breakpoint will not be deleted.
29284
29285 @item enabled
29286 This indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled, in which case the
29287 value is @samp{y}, or disabled, in which case the value is @samp{n}.
29288 Note that this is not the same as the field @code{enable}.
29289
29290 @item addr
29291 The address of the breakpoint. This may be a hexidecimal number,
29292 giving the address; or the string @samp{<PENDING>}, for a pending
29293 breakpoint; or the string @samp{<MULTIPLE>}, for a breakpoint with
29294 multiple locations. This field will not be present if no address can
29295 be determined. For example, a watchpoint does not have an address.
29296
29297 @item func
29298 If known, the function in which the breakpoint appears.
29299 If not known, this field is not present.
29300
29301 @item filename
29302 The name of the source file which contains this function, if known.
29303 If not known, this field is not present.
29304
29305 @item fullname
29306 The full file name of the source file which contains this function, if
29307 known. If not known, this field is not present.
29308
29309 @item line
29310 The line number at which this breakpoint appears, if known.
29311 If not known, this field is not present.
29312
29313 @item at
29314 If the source file is not known, this field may be provided. If
29315 provided, this holds the address of the breakpoint, possibly followed
29316 by a symbol name.
29317
29318 @item pending
29319 If this breakpoint is pending, this field is present and holds the
29320 text used to set the breakpoint, as entered by the user.
29321
29322 @item evaluated-by
29323 Where this breakpoint's condition is evaluated, either @samp{host} or
29324 @samp{target}.
29325
29326 @item thread
29327 If this is a thread-specific breakpoint, then this identifies the
29328 thread in which the breakpoint can trigger.
29329
29330 @item task
29331 If this breakpoint is restricted to a particular Ada task, then this
29332 field will hold the task identifier.
29333
29334 @item cond
29335 If the breakpoint is conditional, this is the condition expression.
29336
29337 @item ignore
29338 The ignore count of the breakpoint.
29339
29340 @item enable
29341 The enable count of the breakpoint.
29342
29343 @item traceframe-usage
29344 FIXME.
29345
29346 @item static-tracepoint-marker-string-id
29347 For a static tracepoint, the name of the static tracepoint marker.
29348
29349 @item mask
29350 For a masked watchpoint, this is the mask.
29351
29352 @item pass
29353 A tracepoint's pass count.
29354
29355 @item original-location
29356 The location of the breakpoint as originally specified by the user.
29357 This field is optional.
29358
29359 @item times
29360 The number of times the breakpoint has been hit.
29361
29362 @item installed
29363 This field is only given for tracepoints. This is either @samp{y},
29364 meaning that the tracepoint is installed, or @samp{n}, meaning that it
29365 is not.
29366
29367 @item what
29368 Some extra data, the exact contents of which are type-dependent.
29369
29370 @end table
29371
29372 For example, here is what the output of @code{-break-insert}
29373 (@pxref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands}) might be:
29374
29375 @smallexample
29376 -> -break-insert main
29377 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29378 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
29379 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
29380 times="0"@}
29381 <- (gdb)
29382 @end smallexample
29383
29384 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
29385 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
29386
29387 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
29388 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
29389 fields:
29390
29391 @table @code
29392 @item level
29393 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
29394 zero. This field is always present.
29395
29396 @item func
29397 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
29398 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
29399
29400 @item addr
29401 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
29402
29403 @item file
29404 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
29405 address. This field may be absent.
29406
29407 @item line
29408 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
29409 may be absent.
29410
29411 @item from
29412 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
29413 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
29414
29415 @end table
29416
29417 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
29418 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
29419
29420 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
29421 uses a tuple with the following fields:
29422
29423 @table @code
29424 @item id
29425 The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
29426 always present.
29427
29428 @item target-id
29429 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
29430
29431 @item details
29432 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
29433 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
29434 frontend. This field is optional.
29435
29436 @item state
29437 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
29438 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
29439
29440 @item core
29441 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
29442 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
29443 @end table
29444
29445 @node GDB/MI Ada Exception Information
29446 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Exception Information
29447
29448 Whenever a @code{*stopped} record is emitted because the program
29449 stopped after hitting an exception catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints}),
29450 @value{GDBN} provides the name of the exception that was raised via
29451 the @code{exception-name} field.
29452
29453 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29454 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
29455 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
29456 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
29457
29458 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
29459 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
29460 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
29461 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
29462
29463 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
29464 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
29465
29466 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
29467
29468 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
29469 information of the breakpoint.
29470
29471 @smallexample
29472 -> -break-insert main
29473 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29474 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
29475 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",thread-groups=["i1"],
29476 times="0"@}
29477 <- (gdb)
29478 @end smallexample
29479
29480 @subheading Program Execution
29481
29482 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
29483 reason that execution stopped.
29484
29485 @smallexample
29486 -> -exec-run
29487 <- ^running
29488 <- (gdb)
29489 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
29490 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
29491 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
29492 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
29493 <- (gdb)
29494 -> -exec-continue
29495 <- ^running
29496 <- (gdb)
29497 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
29498 <- (gdb)
29499 @end smallexample
29500
29501 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
29502
29503 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
29504
29505 @smallexample
29506 -> (gdb)
29507 <- -gdb-exit
29508 <- ^exit
29509 @end smallexample
29510
29511 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
29512 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
29513 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
29514 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
29515 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
29516 fails to exit in reasonable time.
29517
29518 @subheading A Bad Command
29519
29520 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
29521
29522 @smallexample
29523 -> -rubbish
29524 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
29525 <- (gdb)
29526 @end smallexample
29527
29528
29529 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29530 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
29531 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
29532
29533 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
29534 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
29535
29536 @subheading Motivation
29537
29538 The motivation for this collection of commands.
29539
29540 @subheading Introduction
29541
29542 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
29543
29544 @subheading Commands
29545
29546 For each command in the block, the following is described:
29547
29548 @subsubheading Synopsis
29549
29550 @smallexample
29551 -command @var{args}@dots{}
29552 @end smallexample
29553
29554 @subsubheading Result
29555
29556 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29557
29558 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
29559
29560 @subsubheading Example
29561
29562 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
29563 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
29564
29565
29566 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29567 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
29568 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
29569
29570 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
29571 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
29572 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
29573 breakpoints.
29574
29575 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
29576 @findex -break-after
29577
29578 @subsubheading Synopsis
29579
29580 @smallexample
29581 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
29582 @end smallexample
29583
29584 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
29585 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
29586 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
29587 @samp{-break-list} command below.
29588
29589 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29590
29591 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
29592
29593 @subsubheading Example
29594
29595 @smallexample
29596 (gdb)
29597 -break-insert main
29598 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29599 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
29600 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
29601 times="0"@}
29602 (gdb)
29603 -break-after 1 3
29604 ~
29605 ^done
29606 (gdb)
29607 -break-list
29608 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
29609 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29610 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29611 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29612 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29613 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29614 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29615 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29616 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
29617 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
29618 (gdb)
29619 @end smallexample
29620
29621 @ignore
29622 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
29623 @findex -break-catch
29624 @end ignore
29625
29626 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
29627 @findex -break-commands
29628
29629 @subsubheading Synopsis
29630
29631 @smallexample
29632 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
29633 @end smallexample
29634
29635 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
29636 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
29637 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
29638 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
29639 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
29640 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
29641
29642 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29643
29644 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
29645
29646 @subsubheading Example
29647
29648 @smallexample
29649 (gdb)
29650 -break-insert main
29651 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
29652 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
29653 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
29654 times="0"@}
29655 (gdb)
29656 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
29657 ^done
29658 (gdb)
29659 @end smallexample
29660
29661 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
29662 @findex -break-condition
29663
29664 @subsubheading Synopsis
29665
29666 @smallexample
29667 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
29668 @end smallexample
29669
29670 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
29671 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
29672 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
29673 command below).
29674
29675 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29676
29677 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
29678
29679 @subsubheading Example
29680
29681 @smallexample
29682 (gdb)
29683 -break-condition 1 1
29684 ^done
29685 (gdb)
29686 -break-list
29687 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
29688 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29689 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29690 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29691 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29692 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29693 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29694 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29695 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
29696 line="5",cond="1",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
29697 (gdb)
29698 @end smallexample
29699
29700 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
29701 @findex -break-delete
29702
29703 @subsubheading Synopsis
29704
29705 @smallexample
29706 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
29707 @end smallexample
29708
29709 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
29710 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
29711
29712 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29713
29714 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
29715
29716 @subsubheading Example
29717
29718 @smallexample
29719 (gdb)
29720 -break-delete 1
29721 ^done
29722 (gdb)
29723 -break-list
29724 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
29725 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29726 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29727 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29728 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29729 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29730 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29731 body=[]@}
29732 (gdb)
29733 @end smallexample
29734
29735 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
29736 @findex -break-disable
29737
29738 @subsubheading Synopsis
29739
29740 @smallexample
29741 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
29742 @end smallexample
29743
29744 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
29745 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
29746
29747 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29748
29749 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
29750
29751 @subsubheading Example
29752
29753 @smallexample
29754 (gdb)
29755 -break-disable 2
29756 ^done
29757 (gdb)
29758 -break-list
29759 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
29760 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29761 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29762 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29763 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29764 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29765 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29766 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
29767 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
29768 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
29769 (gdb)
29770 @end smallexample
29771
29772 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
29773 @findex -break-enable
29774
29775 @subsubheading Synopsis
29776
29777 @smallexample
29778 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
29779 @end smallexample
29780
29781 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
29782
29783 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29784
29785 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
29786
29787 @subsubheading Example
29788
29789 @smallexample
29790 (gdb)
29791 -break-enable 2
29792 ^done
29793 (gdb)
29794 -break-list
29795 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
29796 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29797 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29798 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29799 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29800 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29801 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29802 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29803 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
29804 line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
29805 (gdb)
29806 @end smallexample
29807
29808 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
29809 @findex -break-info
29810
29811 @subsubheading Synopsis
29812
29813 @smallexample
29814 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
29815 @end smallexample
29816
29817 @c REDUNDANT???
29818 Get information about a single breakpoint.
29819
29820 The result is a table of breakpoints. @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint
29821 Information}, for details on the format of each breakpoint in the
29822 table.
29823
29824 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29825
29826 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
29827
29828 @subsubheading Example
29829 N.A.
29830
29831 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
29832 @findex -break-insert
29833
29834 @subsubheading Synopsis
29835
29836 @smallexample
29837 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
29838 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
29839 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ]
29840 @end smallexample
29841
29842 @noindent
29843 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
29844
29845 @itemize @bullet
29846 @item function
29847 @c @item +offset
29848 @c @item -offset
29849 @c @item linenum
29850 @item filename:linenum
29851 @item filename:function
29852 @item *address
29853 @end itemize
29854
29855 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
29856
29857 @table @samp
29858 @item -t
29859 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
29860 @item -h
29861 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
29862 @item -f
29863 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
29864 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
29865 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
29866 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
29867 cannot be parsed.
29868 @item -d
29869 Create a disabled breakpoint.
29870 @item -a
29871 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
29872 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
29873 @item -c @var{condition}
29874 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
29875 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
29876 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
29877 @item -p @var{thread-id}
29878 Restrict the breakpoint to the specified @var{thread-id}.
29879 @end table
29880
29881 @subsubheading Result
29882
29883 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
29884 resulting breakpoint.
29885
29886 Note: this format is open to change.
29887 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
29888
29889 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29890
29891 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
29892 @samp{hbreak}, and @samp{thbreak}. @c and @samp{rbreak}.
29893
29894 @subsubheading Example
29895
29896 @smallexample
29897 (gdb)
29898 -break-insert main
29899 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
29900 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
29901 times="0"@}
29902 (gdb)
29903 -break-insert -t foo
29904 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
29905 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
29906 times="0"@}
29907 (gdb)
29908 -break-list
29909 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
29910 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
29911 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
29912 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
29913 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
29914 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
29915 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
29916 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29917 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
29918 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",thread-groups=["i1"],
29919 times="0"@},
29920 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
29921 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
29922 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
29923 times="0"@}]@}
29924 (gdb)
29925 @c -break-insert -r foo.*
29926 @c ~int foo(int, int);
29927 @c ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
29928 @c "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",thread-groups=["i1"],
29929 @c times="0"@}
29930 @c (gdb)
29931 @end smallexample
29932
29933 @subheading The @code{-dprintf-insert} Command
29934 @findex -dprintf-insert
29935
29936 @subsubheading Synopsis
29937
29938 @smallexample
29939 -dprintf-insert [ -t ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
29940 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
29941 [ -p @var{thread-id} ] [ @var{location} ] [ @var{format} ]
29942 [ @var{argument} ]
29943 @end smallexample
29944
29945 @noindent
29946 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
29947
29948 @itemize @bullet
29949 @item @var{function}
29950 @c @item +offset
29951 @c @item -offset
29952 @c @item @var{linenum}
29953 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
29954 @item @var{filename}:function
29955 @item *@var{address}
29956 @end itemize
29957
29958 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
29959
29960 @table @samp
29961 @item -t
29962 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
29963 @item -f
29964 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example, if it
29965 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
29966 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
29967 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
29968 cannot be parsed.
29969 @item -d
29970 Create a disabled breakpoint.
29971 @item -c @var{condition}
29972 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
29973 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
29974 Set the ignore count of the breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ignore count})
29975 to @var{ignore-count}.
29976 @item -p @var{thread-id}
29977 Restrict the breakpoint to the specified @var{thread-id}.
29978 @end table
29979
29980 @subsubheading Result
29981
29982 @xref{GDB/MI Breakpoint Information}, for details on the format of the
29983 resulting breakpoint.
29984
29985 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
29986
29987 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29988
29989 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dprintf}.
29990
29991 @subsubheading Example
29992
29993 @smallexample
29994 (gdb)
29995 4-dprintf-insert foo "At foo entry\n"
29996 4^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29997 addr="0x000000000040061b",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
29998 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="25",thread-groups=["i1"],
29999 times="0",script=@{"printf \"At foo entry\\n\"","continue"@},
30000 original-location="foo"@}
30001 (gdb)
30002 5-dprintf-insert 26 "arg=%d, g=%d\n" arg g
30003 5^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="dprintf",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30004 addr="0x000000000040062a",func="foo",file="mi-dprintf.c",
30005 fullname="mi-dprintf.c",line="26",thread-groups=["i1"],
30006 times="0",script=@{"printf \"arg=%d, g=%d\\n\", arg, g","continue"@},
30007 original-location="mi-dprintf.c:26"@}
30008 (gdb)
30009 @end smallexample
30010
30011 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
30012 @findex -break-list
30013
30014 @subsubheading Synopsis
30015
30016 @smallexample
30017 -break-list
30018 @end smallexample
30019
30020 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
30021
30022 @table @samp
30023 @item Number
30024 number of the breakpoint
30025 @item Type
30026 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
30027 @item Disposition
30028 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
30029 or @samp{nokeep}
30030 @item Enabled
30031 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
30032 @item Address
30033 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
30034 @item What
30035 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
30036 name, line number
30037 @item Thread-groups
30038 list of thread groups to which this breakpoint applies
30039 @item Times
30040 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
30041 @end table
30042
30043 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
30044 @code{body} field is an empty list.
30045
30046 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30047
30048 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
30049
30050 @subsubheading Example
30051
30052 @smallexample
30053 (gdb)
30054 -break-list
30055 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30056 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30057 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30058 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30059 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30060 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30061 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30062 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30063 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",thread-groups=["i1"],
30064 times="0"@},
30065 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30066 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
30067 line="13",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
30068 (gdb)
30069 @end smallexample
30070
30071 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
30072
30073 @smallexample
30074 (gdb)
30075 -break-list
30076 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
30077 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30078 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30079 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30080 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30081 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30082 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30083 body=[]@}
30084 (gdb)
30085 @end smallexample
30086
30087 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
30088 @findex -break-passcount
30089
30090 @subsubheading Synopsis
30091
30092 @smallexample
30093 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
30094 @end smallexample
30095
30096 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
30097 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
30098 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
30099 command @samp{passcount}.
30100
30101 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
30102 @findex -break-watch
30103
30104 @subsubheading Synopsis
30105
30106 @smallexample
30107 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
30108 @end smallexample
30109
30110 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
30111 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
30112 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
30113 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
30114 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
30115 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
30116 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
30117 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
30118
30119 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
30120 breakpoints inserted.
30121
30122 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30123
30124 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
30125 @samp{rwatch}.
30126
30127 @subsubheading Example
30128
30129 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
30130
30131 @smallexample
30132 (gdb)
30133 -break-watch x
30134 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
30135 (gdb)
30136 -exec-continue
30137 ^running
30138 (gdb)
30139 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
30140 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
30141 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
30142 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
30143 (gdb)
30144 @end smallexample
30145
30146 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
30147 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
30148 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
30149
30150 @smallexample
30151 (gdb)
30152 -break-watch C
30153 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
30154 (gdb)
30155 -exec-continue
30156 ^running
30157 (gdb)
30158 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
30159 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
30160 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
30161 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30162 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
30163 (gdb)
30164 -exec-continue
30165 ^running
30166 (gdb)
30167 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
30168 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
30169 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
30170 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30171 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
30172 (gdb)
30173 @end smallexample
30174
30175 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
30176 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
30177 deleted.
30178
30179 @smallexample
30180 (gdb)
30181 -break-watch C
30182 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
30183 (gdb)
30184 -break-list
30185 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30186 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30187 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30188 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30189 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30190 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30191 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30192 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30193 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30194 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30195 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
30196 times="1"@},
30197 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
30198 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="0"@}]@}
30199 (gdb)
30200 -exec-continue
30201 ^running
30202 (gdb)
30203 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
30204 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
30205 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
30206 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30207 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
30208 (gdb)
30209 -break-list
30210 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
30211 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30212 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30213 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30214 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30215 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30216 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30217 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30218 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30219 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30220 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",thread-groups=["i1"],
30221 times="1"@},
30222 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
30223 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",thread-groups=["i1"],times="-5"@}]@}
30224 (gdb)
30225 -exec-continue
30226 ^running
30227 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
30228 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
30229 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
30230 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30231 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
30232 (gdb)
30233 -break-list
30234 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
30235 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
30236 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
30237 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
30238 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
30239 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
30240 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
30241 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
30242 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
30243 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
30244 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
30245 thread-groups=["i1"],times="1"@}]@}
30246 (gdb)
30247 @end smallexample
30248
30249
30250 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30251 @node GDB/MI Catchpoint Commands
30252 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Catchpoint Commands
30253
30254 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
30255 catchpoints.
30256
30257 @subheading The @code{-catch-load} Command
30258 @findex -catch-load
30259
30260 @subsubheading Synopsis
30261
30262 @smallexample
30263 -catch-load [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
30264 @end smallexample
30265
30266 Add a catchpoint for library load events. If the @samp{-t} option is used,
30267 the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
30268 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is created
30269 in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
30270 expression used to match the name of the loaded library.
30271
30272
30273 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30274
30275 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch load}.
30276
30277 @subsubheading Example
30278
30279 @smallexample
30280 -catch-load -t foo.so
30281 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="catchpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
30282 what="load of library matching foo.so",catch-type="load",times="0"@}
30283 (gdb)
30284 @end smallexample
30285
30286
30287 @subheading The @code{-catch-unload} Command
30288 @findex -catch-unload
30289
30290 @subsubheading Synopsis
30291
30292 @smallexample
30293 -catch-unload [ -t ] [ -d ] @var{regexp}
30294 @end smallexample
30295
30296 Add a catchpoint for library unload events. If the @samp{-t} option is
30297 used, the catchpoint is a temporary one (@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting
30298 Breakpoints}). If the @samp{-d} option is used, the catchpoint is
30299 created in a disabled state. The @samp{regexp} argument is a regular
30300 expression used to match the name of the unloaded library.
30301
30302 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30303
30304 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{catch unload}.
30305
30306 @subsubheading Example
30307
30308 @smallexample
30309 -catch-unload -d bar.so
30310 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",type="catchpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
30311 what="load of library matching bar.so",catch-type="unload",times="0"@}
30312 (gdb)
30313 @end smallexample
30314
30315
30316 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30317 @node GDB/MI Program Context
30318 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
30319
30320 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
30321 @findex -exec-arguments
30322
30323
30324 @subsubheading Synopsis
30325
30326 @smallexample
30327 -exec-arguments @var{args}
30328 @end smallexample
30329
30330 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
30331 @samp{-exec-run}.
30332
30333 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30334
30335 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
30336
30337 @subsubheading Example
30338
30339 @smallexample
30340 (gdb)
30341 -exec-arguments -v word
30342 ^done
30343 (gdb)
30344 @end smallexample
30345
30346
30347 @ignore
30348 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
30349 @findex -exec-show-arguments
30350
30351 @subsubheading Synopsis
30352
30353 @smallexample
30354 -exec-show-arguments
30355 @end smallexample
30356
30357 Print the arguments of the program.
30358
30359 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30360
30361 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
30362
30363 @subsubheading Example
30364 N.A.
30365 @end ignore
30366
30367
30368 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
30369 @findex -environment-cd
30370
30371 @subsubheading Synopsis
30372
30373 @smallexample
30374 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
30375 @end smallexample
30376
30377 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
30378
30379 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30380
30381 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
30382
30383 @subsubheading Example
30384
30385 @smallexample
30386 (gdb)
30387 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
30388 ^done
30389 (gdb)
30390 @end smallexample
30391
30392
30393 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
30394 @findex -environment-directory
30395
30396 @subsubheading Synopsis
30397
30398 @smallexample
30399 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
30400 @end smallexample
30401
30402 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
30403 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
30404 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
30405 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
30406 occurs as normal.
30407 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
30408 multiple directories in a single command
30409 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
30410 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
30411 If blanks are needed as
30412 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
30413 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
30414 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
30415 character must not be used
30416 in any directory name.
30417 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
30418
30419 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30420
30421 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
30422
30423 @subsubheading Example
30424
30425 @smallexample
30426 (gdb)
30427 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
30428 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
30429 (gdb)
30430 -environment-directory ""
30431 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
30432 (gdb)
30433 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
30434 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
30435 (gdb)
30436 -environment-directory -r
30437 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
30438 (gdb)
30439 @end smallexample
30440
30441
30442 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
30443 @findex -environment-path
30444
30445 @subsubheading Synopsis
30446
30447 @smallexample
30448 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
30449 @end smallexample
30450
30451 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
30452 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
30453 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
30454 supplied in addition to the
30455 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
30456 occurs as normal.
30457 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
30458 multiple directories in a single command
30459 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
30460 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
30461 If blanks are needed as
30462 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
30463 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
30464 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
30465 character must not be used
30466 in any directory name.
30467 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
30468
30469
30470 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30471
30472 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
30473
30474 @subsubheading Example
30475
30476 @smallexample
30477 (gdb)
30478 -environment-path
30479 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
30480 (gdb)
30481 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
30482 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
30483 (gdb)
30484 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
30485 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
30486 (gdb)
30487 @end smallexample
30488
30489
30490 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
30491 @findex -environment-pwd
30492
30493 @subsubheading Synopsis
30494
30495 @smallexample
30496 -environment-pwd
30497 @end smallexample
30498
30499 Show the current working directory.
30500
30501 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30502
30503 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
30504
30505 @subsubheading Example
30506
30507 @smallexample
30508 (gdb)
30509 -environment-pwd
30510 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
30511 (gdb)
30512 @end smallexample
30513
30514 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30515 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
30516 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
30517
30518
30519 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
30520 @findex -thread-info
30521
30522 @subsubheading Synopsis
30523
30524 @smallexample
30525 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
30526 @end smallexample
30527
30528 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
30529 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
30530 threads. When printing information about all threads,
30531 also reports the current thread.
30532
30533 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30534
30535 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
30536 about all threads.
30537
30538 @subsubheading Result
30539
30540 The result is a list of threads. The following attributes are
30541 defined for a given thread:
30542
30543 @table @samp
30544 @item current
30545 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
30546
30547 @item id
30548 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the thread.
30549
30550 @item target-id
30551 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the thread.
30552
30553 @item details
30554 Extra information about the thread, in a target-specific format. This
30555 field is optional.
30556
30557 @item name
30558 The name of the thread. If the user specified a name using the
30559 @code{thread name} command, then this name is given. Otherwise, if
30560 @value{GDBN} can extract the thread name from the target, then that
30561 name is given. If @value{GDBN} cannot find the thread name, then this
30562 field is omitted.
30563
30564 @item frame
30565 The stack frame currently executing in the thread.
30566
30567 @item state
30568 The thread's state. The @samp{state} field may have the following
30569 values:
30570
30571 @table @code
30572 @item stopped
30573 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
30574 threads.
30575
30576 @item running
30577 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
30578 threads.
30579
30580 @end table
30581
30582 @item core
30583 If @value{GDBN} can find the CPU core on which this thread is running,
30584 then this field is the core identifier. This field is optional.
30585
30586 @end table
30587
30588 @subsubheading Example
30589
30590 @smallexample
30591 -thread-info
30592 ^done,threads=[
30593 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
30594 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",
30595 args=[]@},state="running"@},
30596 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
30597 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",
30598 args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
30599 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},
30600 state="running"@}],
30601 current-thread-id="1"
30602 (gdb)
30603 @end smallexample
30604
30605 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
30606 @findex -thread-list-ids
30607
30608 @subsubheading Synopsis
30609
30610 @smallexample
30611 -thread-list-ids
30612 @end smallexample
30613
30614 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
30615 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
30616
30617 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
30618 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
30619
30620 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30621
30622 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
30623
30624 @subsubheading Example
30625
30626 @smallexample
30627 (gdb)
30628 -thread-list-ids
30629 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
30630 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
30631 (gdb)
30632 @end smallexample
30633
30634
30635 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
30636 @findex -thread-select
30637
30638 @subsubheading Synopsis
30639
30640 @smallexample
30641 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
30642 @end smallexample
30643
30644 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
30645 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
30646
30647 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
30648 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
30649
30650 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30651
30652 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
30653
30654 @subsubheading Example
30655
30656 @smallexample
30657 (gdb)
30658 -exec-next
30659 ^running
30660 (gdb)
30661 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
30662 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
30663 (gdb)
30664 -thread-list-ids
30665 ^done,
30666 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
30667 number-of-threads="3"
30668 (gdb)
30669 -thread-select 3
30670 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
30671 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
30672 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
30673 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
30674 (gdb)
30675 @end smallexample
30676
30677 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30678 @node GDB/MI Ada Tasking Commands
30679 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Ada Tasking Commands
30680
30681 @subheading The @code{-ada-task-info} Command
30682 @findex -ada-task-info
30683
30684 @subsubheading Synopsis
30685
30686 @smallexample
30687 -ada-task-info [ @var{task-id} ]
30688 @end smallexample
30689
30690 Reports information about either a specific Ada task, if the
30691 @var{task-id} parameter is present, or about all Ada tasks.
30692
30693 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30694
30695 The @samp{info tasks} command prints the same information
30696 about all Ada tasks (@pxref{Ada Tasks}).
30697
30698 @subsubheading Result
30699
30700 The result is a table of Ada tasks. The following columns are
30701 defined for each Ada task:
30702
30703 @table @samp
30704 @item current
30705 This field exists only for the current thread. It has the value @samp{*}.
30706
30707 @item id
30708 The identifier that @value{GDBN} uses to refer to the Ada task.
30709
30710 @item task-id
30711 The identifier that the target uses to refer to the Ada task.
30712
30713 @item thread-id
30714 The identifier of the thread corresponding to the Ada task.
30715
30716 This field should always exist, as Ada tasks are always implemented
30717 on top of a thread. But if @value{GDBN} cannot find this corresponding
30718 thread for any reason, the field is omitted.
30719
30720 @item parent-id
30721 This field exists only when the task was created by another task.
30722 In this case, it provides the ID of the parent task.
30723
30724 @item priority
30725 The base priority of the task.
30726
30727 @item state
30728 The current state of the task. For a detailed description of the
30729 possible states, see @ref{Ada Tasks}.
30730
30731 @item name
30732 The name of the task.
30733
30734 @end table
30735
30736 @subsubheading Example
30737
30738 @smallexample
30739 -ada-task-info
30740 ^done,tasks=@{nr_rows="3",nr_cols="8",
30741 hdr=[@{width="1",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr=""@},
30742 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="id",colhdr="ID"@},
30743 @{width="9",alignment="1",col_name="task-id",colhdr="TID"@},
30744 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="thread-id",colhdr=""@},
30745 @{width="4",alignment="1",col_name="parent-id",colhdr="P-ID"@},
30746 @{width="3",alignment="1",col_name="priority",colhdr="Pri"@},
30747 @{width="22",alignment="-1",col_name="state",colhdr="State"@},
30748 @{width="1",alignment="2",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@}],
30749 body=[@{current="*",id="1",task-id=" 644010",thread-id="1",priority="48",
30750 state="Child Termination Wait",name="main_task"@}]@}
30751 (gdb)
30752 @end smallexample
30753
30754 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
30755 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
30756 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
30757
30758 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
30759 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
30760 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
30761 other cases.
30762
30763 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
30764 @findex -exec-continue
30765
30766 @subsubheading Synopsis
30767
30768 @smallexample
30769 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
30770 @end smallexample
30771
30772 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
30773 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
30774 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
30775 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
30776 @itemize @bullet
30777 @item
30778 breakpoints or watchpoints
30779 @item
30780 signals or exceptions
30781 @item
30782 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
30783 @item
30784 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
30785 @end itemize
30786 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
30787 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
30788 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
30789 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
30790 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
30791 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
30792
30793 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30794
30795 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
30796
30797 @subsubheading Example
30798
30799 @smallexample
30800 -exec-continue
30801 ^running
30802 (gdb)
30803 @@Hello world
30804 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
30805 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
30806 line="13"@}
30807 (gdb)
30808 @end smallexample
30809
30810
30811 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
30812 @findex -exec-finish
30813
30814 @subsubheading Synopsis
30815
30816 @smallexample
30817 -exec-finish [--reverse]
30818 @end smallexample
30819
30820 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
30821 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
30822 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
30823 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
30824 function was called.
30825
30826 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30827
30828 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
30829
30830 @subsubheading Example
30831
30832 Function returning @code{void}.
30833
30834 @smallexample
30835 -exec-finish
30836 ^running
30837 (gdb)
30838 @@hello from foo
30839 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
30840 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
30841 (gdb)
30842 @end smallexample
30843
30844 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
30845 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
30846 value itself.
30847
30848 @smallexample
30849 -exec-finish
30850 ^running
30851 (gdb)
30852 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
30853 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
30854 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
30855 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
30856 (gdb)
30857 @end smallexample
30858
30859
30860 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
30861 @findex -exec-interrupt
30862
30863 @subsubheading Synopsis
30864
30865 @smallexample
30866 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
30867 @end smallexample
30868
30869 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
30870 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
30871 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
30872 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
30873 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
30874
30875 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
30876 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
30877 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
30878 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
30879
30880 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
30881 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
30882 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
30883 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
30884
30885 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30886
30887 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
30888
30889 @subsubheading Example
30890
30891 @smallexample
30892 (gdb)
30893 111-exec-continue
30894 111^running
30895
30896 (gdb)
30897 222-exec-interrupt
30898 222^done
30899 (gdb)
30900 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
30901 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
30902 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
30903 (gdb)
30904
30905 (gdb)
30906 -exec-interrupt
30907 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
30908 (gdb)
30909 @end smallexample
30910
30911 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
30912 @findex -exec-jump
30913
30914 @subsubheading Synopsis
30915
30916 @smallexample
30917 -exec-jump @var{location}
30918 @end smallexample
30919
30920 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
30921 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
30922 different forms of @var{location}.
30923
30924 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30925
30926 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
30927
30928 @subsubheading Example
30929
30930 @smallexample
30931 -exec-jump foo.c:10
30932 *running,thread-id="all"
30933 ^running
30934 @end smallexample
30935
30936
30937 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
30938 @findex -exec-next
30939
30940 @subsubheading Synopsis
30941
30942 @smallexample
30943 -exec-next [--reverse]
30944 @end smallexample
30945
30946 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
30947 of the next source line is reached.
30948
30949 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
30950 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
30951 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
30952 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
30953 source line where the function was called.
30954
30955
30956 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30957
30958 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
30959
30960 @subsubheading Example
30961
30962 @smallexample
30963 -exec-next
30964 ^running
30965 (gdb)
30966 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
30967 (gdb)
30968 @end smallexample
30969
30970
30971 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
30972 @findex -exec-next-instruction
30973
30974 @subsubheading Synopsis
30975
30976 @smallexample
30977 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
30978 @end smallexample
30979
30980 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
30981 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
30982 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
30983 printed as well.
30984
30985 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
30986 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
30987 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
30988 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
30989 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
30990
30991 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
30992
30993 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
30994
30995 @subsubheading Example
30996
30997 @smallexample
30998 (gdb)
30999 -exec-next-instruction
31000 ^running
31001
31002 (gdb)
31003 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31004 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
31005 (gdb)
31006 @end smallexample
31007
31008
31009 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
31010 @findex -exec-return
31011
31012 @subsubheading Synopsis
31013
31014 @smallexample
31015 -exec-return
31016 @end smallexample
31017
31018 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
31019 Displays the new current frame.
31020
31021 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31022
31023 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
31024
31025 @subsubheading Example
31026
31027 @smallexample
31028 (gdb)
31029 200-break-insert callee4
31030 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
31031 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
31032 (gdb)
31033 000-exec-run
31034 000^running
31035 (gdb)
31036 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
31037 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
31038 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31039 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
31040 (gdb)
31041 205-break-delete
31042 205^done
31043 (gdb)
31044 111-exec-return
31045 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
31046 args=[@{name="strarg",
31047 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
31048 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31049 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
31050 (gdb)
31051 @end smallexample
31052
31053
31054 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
31055 @findex -exec-run
31056
31057 @subsubheading Synopsis
31058
31059 @smallexample
31060 -exec-run [--all | --thread-group N]
31061 @end smallexample
31062
31063 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
31064 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
31065 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
31066 the program has exited exceptionally.
31067
31068 When no option is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
31069 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
31070 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
31071 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
31072
31073 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31074
31075 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
31076
31077 @subsubheading Examples
31078
31079 @smallexample
31080 (gdb)
31081 -break-insert main
31082 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
31083 (gdb)
31084 -exec-run
31085 ^running
31086 (gdb)
31087 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
31088 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
31089 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
31090 (gdb)
31091 @end smallexample
31092
31093 @noindent
31094 Program exited normally:
31095
31096 @smallexample
31097 (gdb)
31098 -exec-run
31099 ^running
31100 (gdb)
31101 x = 55
31102 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
31103 (gdb)
31104 @end smallexample
31105
31106 @noindent
31107 Program exited exceptionally:
31108
31109 @smallexample
31110 (gdb)
31111 -exec-run
31112 ^running
31113 (gdb)
31114 x = 55
31115 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
31116 (gdb)
31117 @end smallexample
31118
31119 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
31120 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
31121
31122 @smallexample
31123 (gdb)
31124 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
31125 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
31126 @end smallexample
31127
31128
31129 @c @subheading -exec-signal
31130
31131
31132 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
31133 @findex -exec-step
31134
31135 @subsubheading Synopsis
31136
31137 @smallexample
31138 -exec-step [--reverse]
31139 @end smallexample
31140
31141 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
31142 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
31143 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
31144 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
31145 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
31146 previously executed source line.
31147
31148 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31149
31150 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
31151
31152 @subsubheading Example
31153
31154 Stepping into a function:
31155
31156 @smallexample
31157 -exec-step
31158 ^running
31159 (gdb)
31160 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31161 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
31162 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
31163 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
31164 (gdb)
31165 @end smallexample
31166
31167 Regular stepping:
31168
31169 @smallexample
31170 -exec-step
31171 ^running
31172 (gdb)
31173 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
31174 (gdb)
31175 @end smallexample
31176
31177
31178 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
31179 @findex -exec-step-instruction
31180
31181 @subsubheading Synopsis
31182
31183 @smallexample
31184 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
31185 @end smallexample
31186
31187 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
31188 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
31189 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
31190 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
31191 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
31192 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
31193 as well.
31194
31195 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31196
31197 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
31198
31199 @subsubheading Example
31200
31201 @smallexample
31202 (gdb)
31203 -exec-step-instruction
31204 ^running
31205
31206 (gdb)
31207 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31208 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
31209 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
31210 (gdb)
31211 -exec-step-instruction
31212 ^running
31213
31214 (gdb)
31215 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
31216 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
31217 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
31218 (gdb)
31219 @end smallexample
31220
31221
31222 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
31223 @findex -exec-until
31224
31225 @subsubheading Synopsis
31226
31227 @smallexample
31228 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
31229 @end smallexample
31230
31231 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
31232 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
31233 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
31234 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
31235
31236 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31237
31238 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
31239
31240 @subsubheading Example
31241
31242 @smallexample
31243 (gdb)
31244 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
31245 ^running
31246 (gdb)
31247 x = 55
31248 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
31249 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
31250 (gdb)
31251 @end smallexample
31252
31253 @ignore
31254 @subheading -file-clear
31255 Is this going away????
31256 @end ignore
31257
31258 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31259 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
31260 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
31261
31262 @subheading The @code{-enable-frame-filters} Command
31263 @findex -enable-frame-filters
31264
31265 @smallexample
31266 -enable-frame-filters
31267 @end smallexample
31268
31269 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based frame filters to affect the output of
31270 the MI commands relating to stack traces. As there is no way to
31271 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
31272 request that this functionality be enabled.
31273
31274 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
31275
31276 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
31277 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
31278
31279 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
31280 @findex -stack-info-frame
31281
31282 @subsubheading Synopsis
31283
31284 @smallexample
31285 -stack-info-frame
31286 @end smallexample
31287
31288 Get info on the selected frame.
31289
31290 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31291
31292 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
31293 (without arguments).
31294
31295 @subsubheading Example
31296
31297 @smallexample
31298 (gdb)
31299 -stack-info-frame
31300 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
31301 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31302 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
31303 (gdb)
31304 @end smallexample
31305
31306 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
31307 @findex -stack-info-depth
31308
31309 @subsubheading Synopsis
31310
31311 @smallexample
31312 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
31313 @end smallexample
31314
31315 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
31316 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
31317
31318 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31319
31320 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
31321
31322 @subsubheading Example
31323
31324 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
31325
31326 @smallexample
31327 (gdb)
31328 -stack-info-depth
31329 ^done,depth="12"
31330 (gdb)
31331 -stack-info-depth 4
31332 ^done,depth="4"
31333 (gdb)
31334 -stack-info-depth 12
31335 ^done,depth="12"
31336 (gdb)
31337 -stack-info-depth 11
31338 ^done,depth="11"
31339 (gdb)
31340 -stack-info-depth 13
31341 ^done,depth="12"
31342 (gdb)
31343 @end smallexample
31344
31345 @anchor{-stack-list-arguments}
31346 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
31347 @findex -stack-list-arguments
31348
31349 @subsubheading Synopsis
31350
31351 @smallexample
31352 -stack-list-arguments [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
31353 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
31354 @end smallexample
31355
31356 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
31357 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
31358 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
31359 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
31360 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
31361 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
31362 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
31363 which case only existing frames will be returned.
31364
31365 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
31366 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
31367 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
31368 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
31369 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
31370 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
31371
31372 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, arguments that
31373 are not available are not listed. Partially available arguments
31374 are still displayed, however.
31375
31376 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
31377 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
31378
31379 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31380
31381 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
31382 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
31383 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
31384
31385 @subsubheading Example
31386
31387 @smallexample
31388 (gdb)
31389 -stack-list-frames
31390 ^done,
31391 stack=[
31392 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
31393 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31394 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
31395 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
31396 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31397 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
31398 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
31399 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31400 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
31401 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
31402 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31403 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
31404 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
31405 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
31406 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
31407 (gdb)
31408 -stack-list-arguments 0
31409 ^done,
31410 stack-args=[
31411 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
31412 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
31413 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
31414 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
31415 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
31416 (gdb)
31417 -stack-list-arguments 1
31418 ^done,
31419 stack-args=[
31420 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
31421 frame=@{level="1",
31422 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
31423 frame=@{level="2",args=[
31424 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
31425 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
31426 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
31427 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
31428 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
31429 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
31430 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
31431 (gdb)
31432 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
31433 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
31434 (gdb)
31435 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
31436 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
31437 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
31438 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
31439 (gdb)
31440 @end smallexample
31441
31442 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
31443
31444
31445 @anchor{-stack-list-frames}
31446 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
31447 @findex -stack-list-frames
31448
31449 @subsubheading Synopsis
31450
31451 @smallexample
31452 -stack-list-frames [ --no-frame-filters @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
31453 @end smallexample
31454
31455 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
31456 following info:
31457
31458 @table @samp
31459 @item @var{level}
31460 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
31461 @item @var{addr}
31462 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
31463 @item @var{func}
31464 Function name.
31465 @item @var{file}
31466 File name of the source file where the function lives.
31467 @item @var{fullname}
31468 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
31469 @item @var{line}
31470 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
31471 @item @var{from}
31472 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
31473 if the frame's function is not known.
31474 @end table
31475
31476 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
31477 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
31478 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
31479 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
31480 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
31481 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
31482 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be
31483 returned. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
31484 Python frame filters will not be executed.
31485
31486 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31487
31488 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
31489
31490 @subsubheading Example
31491
31492 Full stack backtrace:
31493
31494 @smallexample
31495 (gdb)
31496 -stack-list-frames
31497 ^done,stack=
31498 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
31499 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
31500 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31501 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31502 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31503 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31504 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31505 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31506 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31507 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31508 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31509 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31510 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31511 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31512 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31513 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31514 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31515 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31516 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31517 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31518 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31519 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31520 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
31521 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
31522 (gdb)
31523 @end smallexample
31524
31525 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
31526
31527 @smallexample
31528 (gdb)
31529 -stack-list-frames 3 5
31530 ^done,stack=
31531 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31532 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31533 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31534 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
31535 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31536 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
31537 (gdb)
31538 @end smallexample
31539
31540 Show a single frame:
31541
31542 @smallexample
31543 (gdb)
31544 -stack-list-frames 3 3
31545 ^done,stack=
31546 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
31547 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
31548 (gdb)
31549 @end smallexample
31550
31551
31552 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
31553 @findex -stack-list-locals
31554 @anchor{-stack-list-locals}
31555
31556 @subsubheading Synopsis
31557
31558 @smallexample
31559 -stack-list-locals [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
31560 @end smallexample
31561
31562 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
31563 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
31564 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
31565 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
31566 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
31567 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
31568 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
31569 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
31570 more detail. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is supplied, then
31571 Python frame filters will not be executed.
31572
31573 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
31574 that are not available are not listed. Partially available local
31575 variables are still displayed, however.
31576
31577 This command is deprecated in favor of the
31578 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
31579
31580 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31581
31582 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
31583
31584 @subsubheading Example
31585
31586 @smallexample
31587 (gdb)
31588 -stack-list-locals 0
31589 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
31590 (gdb)
31591 -stack-list-locals --all-values
31592 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
31593 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
31594 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
31595 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
31596 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
31597 (gdb)
31598 @end smallexample
31599
31600 @anchor{-stack-list-variables}
31601 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
31602 @findex -stack-list-variables
31603
31604 @subsubheading Synopsis
31605
31606 @smallexample
31607 -stack-list-variables [ --no-frame-filters ] [ --skip-unavailable ] @var{print-values}
31608 @end smallexample
31609
31610 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
31611 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
31612 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
31613 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
31614 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
31615 structures and unions. If the option @code{--no-frame-filters} is
31616 supplied, then Python frame filters will not be executed.
31617
31618 If the @code{--skip-unavailable} option is specified, local variables
31619 and arguments that are not available are not listed. Partially
31620 available arguments and local variables are still displayed, however.
31621
31622 @subsubheading Example
31623
31624 @smallexample
31625 (gdb)
31626 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
31627 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
31628 (gdb)
31629 @end smallexample
31630
31631
31632 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
31633 @findex -stack-select-frame
31634
31635 @subsubheading Synopsis
31636
31637 @smallexample
31638 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
31639 @end smallexample
31640
31641 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
31642 the stack.
31643
31644 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
31645 option to every command.
31646
31647 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
31648
31649 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
31650 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
31651
31652 @subsubheading Example
31653
31654 @smallexample
31655 (gdb)
31656 -stack-select-frame 2
31657 ^done
31658 (gdb)
31659 @end smallexample
31660
31661 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
31662 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
31663 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
31664
31665 @ignore
31666
31667 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
31668
31669 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
31670 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
31671 used by @code{Insight}.
31672
31673 The two main reasons for that are:
31674
31675 @enumerate 1
31676 @item
31677 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
31678
31679 @item
31680 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
31681 now).
31682 @end enumerate
31683
31684 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
31685 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
31686 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
31687 hints about their use.
31688
31689 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
31690 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
31691 least, the following operations:
31692
31693 @itemize @bullet
31694 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
31695 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
31696 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
31697 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
31698 @end itemize
31699
31700 @end ignore
31701
31702 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
31703
31704 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
31705
31706 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
31707 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
31708 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
31709 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
31710 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
31711 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
31712 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
31713 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
31714 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
31715 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
31716 object, or to change display format.
31717
31718 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
31719 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
31720 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
31721 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
31722 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
31723 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
31724 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
31725 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
31726 child will be created.
31727
31728 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
31729 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
31730 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
31731 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
31732 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
31733
31734 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
31735 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
31736 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
31737 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
31738 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
31739 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
31740 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
31741 variables that frontend has created.
31742
31743 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
31744 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
31745 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
31746 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
31747 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
31748 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
31749 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
31750 implicitly updated.
31751
31752 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
31753 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
31754 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
31755 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
31756 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
31757 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
31758 frame. Consider this example:
31759
31760 @smallexample
31761 void do_work(...)
31762 @{
31763 struct work_state state;
31764
31765 if (...)
31766 do_work(...);
31767 @}
31768 @end smallexample
31769
31770 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
31771 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the variable
31772 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
31773 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
31774 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
31775
31776 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
31777 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
31778 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
31779 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
31780 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
31781 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
31782
31783 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
31784 access this functionality:
31785
31786 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
31787 @item @strong{Operation}
31788 @tab @strong{Description}
31789
31790 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
31791 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
31792 @item @code{-var-create}
31793 @tab create a variable object
31794 @item @code{-var-delete}
31795 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
31796 @item @code{-var-set-format}
31797 @tab set the display format of this variable
31798 @item @code{-var-show-format}
31799 @tab show the display format of this variable
31800 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
31801 @tab tells how many children this object has
31802 @item @code{-var-list-children}
31803 @tab return a list of the object's children
31804 @item @code{-var-info-type}
31805 @tab show the type of this variable object
31806 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
31807 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
31808 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
31809 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
31810 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
31811 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
31812 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
31813 @tab get the value of this variable
31814 @item @code{-var-assign}
31815 @tab set the value of this variable
31816 @item @code{-var-update}
31817 @tab update the variable and its children
31818 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
31819 @tab set frozeness attribute
31820 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
31821 @tab set range of children to display on update
31822 @end multitable
31823
31824 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
31825 how it can be used.
31826
31827 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
31828
31829 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
31830 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
31831
31832 @smallexample
31833 -enable-pretty-printing
31834 @end smallexample
31835
31836 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
31837 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
31838 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
31839 request that this functionality be enabled.
31840
31841 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
31842
31843 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
31844 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
31845
31846 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
31847 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
31848
31849 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
31850 @findex -var-create
31851
31852 @subsubheading Synopsis
31853
31854 @smallexample
31855 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
31856 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
31857 @end smallexample
31858
31859 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
31860 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
31861 register.
31862
31863 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
31864 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
31865 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
31866 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
31867 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
31868
31869 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
31870 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
31871 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
31872 object must be created.
31873
31874 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
31875 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
31876
31877 @itemize @bullet
31878 @item
31879 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
31880
31881 @item
31882 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
31883
31884 @item
31885 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
31886 @end itemize
31887
31888 @cindex dynamic varobj
31889 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
31890 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
31891 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
31892 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
31893 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
31894 compatibility for existing clients.
31895
31896 @subsubheading Result
31897
31898 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
31899 are:
31900
31901 @table @samp
31902 @item name
31903 The name of the varobj.
31904
31905 @item numchild
31906 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
31907 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
31908 @samp{has_more} attribute.
31909
31910 @item value
31911 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
31912 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
31913 will not be interesting.
31914
31915 @item type
31916 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
31917 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI. If @samp{print object}
31918 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
31919 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
31920 @emph{declared} one.
31921
31922 @item thread-id
31923 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
31924 thread's identifier.
31925
31926 @item has_more
31927 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
31928 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
31929
31930 @item dynamic
31931 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
31932 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
31933 then this attribute will not be present.
31934
31935 @item displayhint
31936 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
31937 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
31938 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
31939 @end table
31940
31941 Typical output will look like this:
31942
31943 @smallexample
31944 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
31945 has_more="@var{has_more}"
31946 @end smallexample
31947
31948
31949 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
31950 @findex -var-delete
31951
31952 @subsubheading Synopsis
31953
31954 @smallexample
31955 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
31956 @end smallexample
31957
31958 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
31959 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
31960
31961 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
31962
31963
31964 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
31965 @findex -var-set-format
31966
31967 @subsubheading Synopsis
31968
31969 @smallexample
31970 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
31971 @end smallexample
31972
31973 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
31974 @var{format-spec}.
31975
31976 @anchor{-var-set-format}
31977 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
31978
31979 @smallexample
31980 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
31981 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
31982 @end smallexample
31983
31984 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
31985 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
31986 for pointers, etc.).
31987
31988 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
31989 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
31990
31991 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
31992 @findex -var-show-format
31993
31994 @subsubheading Synopsis
31995
31996 @smallexample
31997 -var-show-format @var{name}
31998 @end smallexample
31999
32000 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
32001
32002 @smallexample
32003 @var{format} @expansion{}
32004 @var{format-spec}
32005 @end smallexample
32006
32007
32008 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
32009 @findex -var-info-num-children
32010
32011 @subsubheading Synopsis
32012
32013 @smallexample
32014 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
32015 @end smallexample
32016
32017 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
32018
32019 @smallexample
32020 numchild=@var{n}
32021 @end smallexample
32022
32023 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
32024 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
32025 be available.
32026
32027
32028 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
32029 @findex -var-list-children
32030
32031 @subsubheading Synopsis
32032
32033 @smallexample
32034 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
32035 @end smallexample
32036 @anchor{-var-list-children}
32037
32038 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
32039 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
32040 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
32041 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
32042 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
32043 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
32044 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
32045 and unions.
32046
32047 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
32048 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
32049 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
32050 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
32051 reported.
32052
32053 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
32054 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
32055 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
32056 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
32057 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
32058 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
32059 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
32060 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
32061 the visible items.
32062
32063 For each child the following results are returned:
32064
32065 @table @var
32066
32067 @item name
32068 Name of the variable object created for this child.
32069
32070 @item exp
32071 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
32072 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
32073
32074 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
32075 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
32076
32077 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
32078 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
32079 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
32080 type and value are not present.
32081
32082 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
32083 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
32084 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
32085
32086 @item numchild
32087 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
32088 0.
32089
32090 @item type
32091 The type of the child. If @samp{print object}
32092 (@pxref{Print Settings, set print object}) is set to @code{on}, the
32093 @emph{actual} (derived) type of the object is shown rather than the
32094 @emph{declared} one.
32095
32096 @item value
32097 If values were requested, this is the value.
32098
32099 @item thread-id
32100 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
32101 Otherwise this result is not present.
32102
32103 @item frozen
32104 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
32105 @end table
32106
32107 The result may have its own attributes:
32108
32109 @table @samp
32110 @item displayhint
32111 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
32112 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
32113 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
32114
32115 @item has_more
32116 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
32117 remaining after the end of the selected range.
32118 @end table
32119
32120 @subsubheading Example
32121
32122 @smallexample
32123 (gdb)
32124 -var-list-children n
32125 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
32126 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
32127 (gdb)
32128 -var-list-children --all-values n
32129 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
32130 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
32131 @end smallexample
32132
32133
32134 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
32135 @findex -var-info-type
32136
32137 @subsubheading Synopsis
32138
32139 @smallexample
32140 -var-info-type @var{name}
32141 @end smallexample
32142
32143 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
32144 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
32145 @value{GDBN} CLI:
32146
32147 @smallexample
32148 type=@var{typename}
32149 @end smallexample
32150
32151
32152 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
32153 @findex -var-info-expression
32154
32155 @subsubheading Synopsis
32156
32157 @smallexample
32158 -var-info-expression @var{name}
32159 @end smallexample
32160
32161 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
32162 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
32163 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
32164
32165 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
32166 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
32167
32168 @smallexample
32169 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
32170 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
32171 @end smallexample
32172
32173 @noindent
32174 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
32175
32176 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
32177 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
32178 is of limited use.
32179
32180 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
32181 @findex -var-info-path-expression
32182
32183 @subsubheading Synopsis
32184
32185 @smallexample
32186 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
32187 @end smallexample
32188
32189 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
32190 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
32191 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
32192 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
32193 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
32194 watchpoint from a variable object.
32195
32196 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
32197 and will give an error when invoked on one.
32198
32199 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
32200 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
32201 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
32202 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
32203 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
32204 @smallexample
32205 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
32206 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
32207 @end smallexample
32208
32209 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
32210 @findex -var-show-attributes
32211
32212 @subsubheading Synopsis
32213
32214 @smallexample
32215 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
32216 @end smallexample
32217
32218 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
32219
32220 @smallexample
32221 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
32222 @end smallexample
32223
32224 @noindent
32225 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
32226
32227 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
32228 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
32229
32230 @subsubheading Synopsis
32231
32232 @smallexample
32233 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
32234 @end smallexample
32235
32236 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
32237 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
32238 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
32239 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
32240 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
32241 the current display format will be used. The current display format
32242 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
32243
32244 @smallexample
32245 value=@var{value}
32246 @end smallexample
32247
32248 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
32249 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
32250
32251 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
32252 @findex -var-assign
32253
32254 @subsubheading Synopsis
32255
32256 @smallexample
32257 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
32258 @end smallexample
32259
32260 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
32261 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
32262 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
32263 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
32264
32265 @subsubheading Example
32266
32267 @smallexample
32268 (gdb)
32269 -var-assign var1 3
32270 ^done,value="3"
32271 (gdb)
32272 -var-update *
32273 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
32274 (gdb)
32275 @end smallexample
32276
32277 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
32278 @findex -var-update
32279
32280 @subsubheading Synopsis
32281
32282 @smallexample
32283 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
32284 @end smallexample
32285
32286 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
32287 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
32288 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
32289 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
32290 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
32291 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
32292 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
32293 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
32294 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
32295 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
32296 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
32297 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
32298 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
32299
32300 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
32301 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
32302 diagnostic.
32303
32304 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
32305 only the selected range of children will be reported.
32306
32307 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
32308 @samp{changelist}.
32309
32310 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
32311
32312 @table @samp
32313 @item name
32314 The name of the varobj.
32315
32316 @item value
32317 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
32318 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
32319
32320 @item in_scope
32321 @anchor{-var-update}
32322 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
32323
32324 @table @code
32325 @item "true"
32326 The variable object's current value is valid.
32327
32328 @item "false"
32329 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
32330 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
32331 scope.
32332
32333 @item "invalid"
32334 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
32335 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
32336 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
32337 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
32338 objects.
32339 @end table
32340
32341 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
32342 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
32343
32344 @item type_changed
32345 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
32346 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
32347 be @samp{false}.
32348
32349 When a varobj's type changes, its children are also likely to have
32350 become incorrect. Therefore, the varobj's children are automatically
32351 deleted when this attribute is @samp{true}. Also, the varobj's update
32352 range, when set using the @code{-var-set-update-range} command, is
32353 unset.
32354
32355 @item new_type
32356 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
32357 hold the new type.
32358
32359 @item new_num_children
32360 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
32361 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
32362
32363 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
32364 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
32365 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
32366 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
32367 children which may be available.
32368
32369 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
32370 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
32371 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
32372 only happen at the end of the update range).
32373
32374 @item displayhint
32375 The display hint, if any.
32376
32377 @item has_more
32378 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
32379 available outside the varobj's update range.
32380
32381 @item dynamic
32382 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
32383 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
32384 then this attribute will not be present.
32385
32386 @item new_children
32387 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
32388 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
32389 be listed in this attribute.
32390 @end table
32391
32392 @subsubheading Example
32393
32394 @smallexample
32395 (gdb)
32396 -var-assign var1 3
32397 ^done,value="3"
32398 (gdb)
32399 -var-update --all-values var1
32400 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
32401 type_changed="false"@}]
32402 (gdb)
32403 @end smallexample
32404
32405 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
32406 @findex -var-set-frozen
32407 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
32408
32409 @subsubheading Synopsis
32410
32411 @smallexample
32412 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
32413 @end smallexample
32414
32415 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
32416 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
32417 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
32418 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
32419 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
32420 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
32421 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
32422 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
32423 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
32424 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
32425 @code{-var-update} does.
32426
32427 @subsubheading Example
32428
32429 @smallexample
32430 (gdb)
32431 -var-set-frozen V 1
32432 ^done
32433 (gdb)
32434 @end smallexample
32435
32436 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
32437 @findex -var-set-update-range
32438 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
32439
32440 @subsubheading Synopsis
32441
32442 @smallexample
32443 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
32444 @end smallexample
32445
32446 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
32447 @code{-var-update}.
32448
32449 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
32450 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
32451 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
32452 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
32453
32454 @subsubheading Example
32455
32456 @smallexample
32457 (gdb)
32458 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
32459 ^done
32460 @end smallexample
32461
32462 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
32463 @findex -var-set-visualizer
32464 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
32465
32466 @subsubheading Synopsis
32467
32468 @smallexample
32469 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
32470 @end smallexample
32471
32472 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
32473
32474 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
32475 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
32476
32477 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
32478 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
32479 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
32480 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
32481 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
32482 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
32483 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
32484
32485 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
32486 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
32487 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
32488 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
32489
32490 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
32491 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
32492 can be used to check this.
32493
32494 @subsubheading Example
32495
32496 Resetting the visualizer:
32497
32498 @smallexample
32499 (gdb)
32500 -var-set-visualizer V None
32501 ^done
32502 @end smallexample
32503
32504 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
32505
32506 @smallexample
32507 (gdb)
32508 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
32509 ^done
32510 @end smallexample
32511
32512 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
32513 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
32514
32515 @smallexample
32516 (gdb)
32517 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
32518 ^done
32519 @end smallexample
32520
32521 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
32522 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
32523 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
32524
32525 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
32526 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
32527 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
32528 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
32529
32530 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
32531 @c @subheading -data-assign
32532 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
32533 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
32534 @c set variable
32535 @c @subsubheading Example
32536 @c N.A.
32537
32538 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
32539 @findex -data-disassemble
32540
32541 @subsubheading Synopsis
32542
32543 @smallexample
32544 -data-disassemble
32545 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
32546 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
32547 -- @var{mode}
32548 @end smallexample
32549
32550 @noindent
32551 Where:
32552
32553 @table @samp
32554 @item @var{start-addr}
32555 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
32556 @item @var{end-addr}
32557 is the end address
32558 @item @var{filename}
32559 is the name of the file to disassemble
32560 @item @var{linenum}
32561 is the line number to disassemble around
32562 @item @var{lines}
32563 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
32564 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
32565 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
32566 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
32567 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
32568 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
32569 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
32570 are displayed.
32571 @item @var{mode}
32572 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly), 1 (meaning mixed source and
32573 disassembly), 2 (meaning disassembly with raw opcodes), or 3 (meaning
32574 mixed source and disassembly with raw opcodes).
32575 @end table
32576
32577 @subsubheading Result
32578
32579 The result of the @code{-data-disassemble} command will be a list named
32580 @samp{asm_insns}, the contents of this list depend on the @var{mode}
32581 used with the @code{-data-disassemble} command.
32582
32583 For modes 0 and 2 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples with the
32584 following fields:
32585
32586 @table @code
32587 @item address
32588 The address at which this instruction was disassembled.
32589
32590 @item func-name
32591 The name of the function this instruction is within.
32592
32593 @item offset
32594 The decimal offset in bytes from the start of @samp{func-name}.
32595
32596 @item inst
32597 The text disassembly for this @samp{address}.
32598
32599 @item opcodes
32600 This field is only present for mode 2. This contains the raw opcode
32601 bytes for the @samp{inst} field.
32602
32603 @end table
32604
32605 For modes 1 and 3 the @samp{asm_insns} list contains tuples named
32606 @samp{src_and_asm_line}, each of which has the following fields:
32607
32608 @table @code
32609 @item line
32610 The line number within @samp{file}.
32611
32612 @item file
32613 The file name from the compilation unit. This might be an absolute
32614 file name or a relative file name depending on the compile command
32615 used.
32616
32617 @item fullname
32618 Absolute file name of @samp{file}. It is converted to a canonical form
32619 using the source file search path
32620 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories})
32621 and after resolving all the symbolic links.
32622
32623 If the source file is not found this field will contain the path as
32624 present in the debug information.
32625
32626 @item line_asm_insn
32627 This is a list of tuples containing the disassembly for @samp{line} in
32628 @samp{file}. The fields of each tuple are the same as for
32629 @code{-data-disassemble} in @var{mode} 0 and 2, so @samp{address},
32630 @samp{func-name}, @samp{offset}, @samp{inst}, and optionally
32631 @samp{opcodes}.
32632
32633 @end table
32634
32635 Note that whatever included in the @samp{inst} field, is not
32636 manipulated directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to
32637 adjust its format.
32638
32639 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32640
32641 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disassemble}.
32642
32643 @subsubheading Example
32644
32645 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
32646
32647 @smallexample
32648 (gdb)
32649 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
32650 ^done,
32651 asm_insns=[
32652 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
32653 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
32654 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
32655 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
32656 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
32657 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
32658 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
32659 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
32660 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
32661 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
32662 (gdb)
32663 @end smallexample
32664
32665 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
32666 @code{main}.
32667
32668 @smallexample
32669 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
32670 ^done,asm_insns=[
32671 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
32672 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
32673 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
32674 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
32675 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
32676 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
32677 [@dots{}]
32678 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
32679 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
32680 (gdb)
32681 @end smallexample
32682
32683 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
32684
32685 @smallexample
32686 (gdb)
32687 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
32688 ^done,asm_insns=[
32689 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
32690 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
32691 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
32692 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
32693 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
32694 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
32695 (gdb)
32696 @end smallexample
32697
32698 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
32699
32700 @smallexample
32701 (gdb)
32702 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
32703 ^done,asm_insns=[
32704 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
32705 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32706 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32707 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107bc",
32708 func-name="main",offset="0",inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
32709 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
32710 file="../../../src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32711 fullname="/absolute/path/to/src/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
32712 line_asm_insn=[@{address="0x000107c0",
32713 func-name="main",offset="4",inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
32714 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
32715 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
32716 (gdb)
32717 @end smallexample
32718
32719
32720 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
32721 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
32722
32723 @subsubheading Synopsis
32724
32725 @smallexample
32726 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
32727 @end smallexample
32728
32729 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
32730 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
32731 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
32732
32733 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32734
32735 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
32736 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
32737 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
32738
32739 @subsubheading Example
32740
32741 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
32742 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
32743 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
32744 output.
32745
32746 @smallexample
32747 211-data-evaluate-expression A
32748 211^done,value="1"
32749 (gdb)
32750 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
32751 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
32752 (gdb)
32753 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
32754 411^done,value="4"
32755 (gdb)
32756 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
32757 511^done,value="4"
32758 (gdb)
32759 @end smallexample
32760
32761
32762 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
32763 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
32764
32765 @subsubheading Synopsis
32766
32767 @smallexample
32768 -data-list-changed-registers
32769 @end smallexample
32770
32771 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
32772
32773 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32774
32775 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
32776 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
32777
32778 @subsubheading Example
32779
32780 On a PPC MBX board:
32781
32782 @smallexample
32783 (gdb)
32784 -exec-continue
32785 ^running
32786
32787 (gdb)
32788 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
32789 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
32790 line="5"@}
32791 (gdb)
32792 -data-list-changed-registers
32793 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
32794 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
32795 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
32796 (gdb)
32797 @end smallexample
32798
32799
32800 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
32801 @findex -data-list-register-names
32802
32803 @subsubheading Synopsis
32804
32805 @smallexample
32806 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
32807 @end smallexample
32808
32809 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
32810 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
32811 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
32812 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
32813 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
32814 include empty register names.
32815
32816 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32817
32818 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
32819 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
32820 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
32821
32822 @subsubheading Example
32823
32824 For the PPC MBX board:
32825 @smallexample
32826 (gdb)
32827 -data-list-register-names
32828 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
32829 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
32830 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
32831 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
32832 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
32833 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
32834 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
32835 (gdb)
32836 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
32837 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
32838 (gdb)
32839 @end smallexample
32840
32841 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
32842 @findex -data-list-register-values
32843
32844 @subsubheading Synopsis
32845
32846 @smallexample
32847 -data-list-register-values
32848 [ @code{--skip-unavailable} ] @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
32849 @end smallexample
32850
32851 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
32852 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
32853 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
32854 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be
32855 returned. The @code{--skip-unavailable} option indicates that only
32856 the available registers are to be returned.
32857
32858 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
32859
32860 @table @code
32861 @item x
32862 Hexadecimal
32863 @item o
32864 Octal
32865 @item t
32866 Binary
32867 @item d
32868 Decimal
32869 @item r
32870 Raw
32871 @item N
32872 Natural
32873 @end table
32874
32875 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32876
32877 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
32878 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
32879
32880 @subsubheading Example
32881
32882 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
32883 don't appear in the actual output):
32884
32885 @smallexample
32886 (gdb)
32887 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
32888 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
32889 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
32890 (gdb)
32891 -data-list-register-values x
32892 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
32893 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
32894 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
32895 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
32896 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
32897 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
32898 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
32899 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
32900 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
32901 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
32902 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
32903 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
32904 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
32905 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
32906 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
32907 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
32908 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
32909 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
32910 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
32911 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
32912 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
32913 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
32914 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
32915 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
32916 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
32917 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
32918 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
32919 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
32920 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
32921 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
32922 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
32923 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
32924 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
32925 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
32926 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
32927 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
32928 (gdb)
32929 @end smallexample
32930
32931
32932 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
32933 @findex -data-read-memory
32934
32935 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
32936
32937 @subsubheading Synopsis
32938
32939 @smallexample
32940 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
32941 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
32942 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
32943 @end smallexample
32944
32945 @noindent
32946 where:
32947
32948 @table @samp
32949 @item @var{address}
32950 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
32951 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
32952 quoted using the C convention.
32953
32954 @item @var{word-format}
32955 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
32956 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
32957 ,Output Formats}).
32958
32959 @item @var{word-size}
32960 The size of each memory word in bytes.
32961
32962 @item @var{nr-rows}
32963 The number of rows in the output table.
32964
32965 @item @var{nr-cols}
32966 The number of columns in the output table.
32967
32968 @item @var{aschar}
32969 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
32970 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
32971 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
32972 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
32973
32974 @item @var{byte-offset}
32975 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
32976 @end table
32977
32978 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
32979 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
32980 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
32981 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
32982 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
32983 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
32984 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
32985 @samp{addr}.
32986
32987 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
32988 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
32989 @samp{prev-page}.
32990
32991 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
32992
32993 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
32994 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
32995
32996 @subsubheading Example
32997
32998 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
32999 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
33000 word. Display each word in hex.
33001
33002 @smallexample
33003 (gdb)
33004 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
33005 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
33006 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
33007 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
33008 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
33009 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
33010 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
33011 (gdb)
33012 @end smallexample
33013
33014 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
33015 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
33016
33017 @smallexample
33018 (gdb)
33019 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
33020 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
33021 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
33022 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
33023 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
33024 (gdb)
33025 @end smallexample
33026
33027 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
33028 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
33029 used as the non-printable character.
33030
33031 @smallexample
33032 (gdb)
33033 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
33034 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
33035 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
33036 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
33037 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
33038 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
33039 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
33040 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
33041 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
33042 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
33043 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
33044 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
33045 (gdb)
33046 @end smallexample
33047
33048 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
33049 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
33050
33051 @subsubheading Synopsis
33052
33053 @smallexample
33054 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
33055 @var{address} @var{count}
33056 @end smallexample
33057
33058 @noindent
33059 where:
33060
33061 @table @samp
33062 @item @var{address}
33063 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
33064 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
33065 quoted using the C convention.
33066
33067 @item @var{count}
33068 The number of bytes to read. This should be an integer literal.
33069
33070 @item @var{byte-offset}
33071 The offsets in bytes relative to @var{address} at which to start
33072 reading. This should be an integer literal. This option is provided
33073 so that a frontend is not required to first evaluate address and then
33074 perform address arithmetics itself.
33075
33076 @end table
33077
33078 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
33079 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
33080 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
33081 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
33082 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
33083 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
33084
33085 In general, every single byte in the region may be readable or not,
33086 and the only way to read every readable byte is to try a read at
33087 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
33088 attempt to read all accessible bytes at either beginning or the end
33089 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
33090 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
33091 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
33092 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
33093
33094 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
33095 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
33096 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
33097 and has the following fields:
33098
33099 @table @code
33100 @item begin
33101 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
33102
33103 @item end
33104 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
33105
33106 @item offset
33107 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
33108 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
33109
33110 @item contents
33111 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
33112
33113 @end table
33114
33115
33116
33117 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33118
33119 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
33120
33121 @subsubheading Example
33122
33123 @smallexample
33124 (gdb)
33125 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
33126 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
33127 end="0xbffff15e",
33128 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
33129 (gdb)
33130 @end smallexample
33131
33132
33133 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
33134 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
33135
33136 @subsubheading Synopsis
33137
33138 @smallexample
33139 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
33140 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents} @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
33141 @end smallexample
33142
33143 @noindent
33144 where:
33145
33146 @table @samp
33147 @item @var{address}
33148 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
33149 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
33150 quoted using the C convention.
33151
33152 @item @var{contents}
33153 The hex-encoded bytes to write.
33154
33155 @item @var{count}
33156 Optional argument indicating the number of bytes to be written. If @var{count}
33157 is greater than @var{contents}' length, @value{GDBN} will repeatedly
33158 write @var{contents} until it fills @var{count} bytes.
33159
33160 @end table
33161
33162 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33163
33164 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
33165
33166 @subsubheading Example
33167
33168 @smallexample
33169 (gdb)
33170 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
33171 ^done
33172 (gdb)
33173 @end smallexample
33174
33175 @smallexample
33176 (gdb)
33177 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd" 16e
33178 ^done
33179 (gdb)
33180 @end smallexample
33181
33182 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33183 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
33184 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
33185
33186 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
33187 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
33188
33189 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
33190 @findex -trace-find
33191
33192 @subsubheading Synopsis
33193
33194 @smallexample
33195 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
33196 @end smallexample
33197
33198 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
33199 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
33200 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
33201
33202 @table @samp
33203
33204 @item none
33205 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
33206
33207 @item frame-number
33208 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
33209 that index.
33210
33211 @item tracepoint-number
33212 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
33213 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
33214
33215 @item pc
33216 An address is required as parameter. Finds
33217 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
33218 address.
33219
33220 @item pc-inside-range
33221 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
33222 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
33223 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
33224
33225 @item pc-outside-range
33226 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
33227 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
33228 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
33229
33230 @item line
33231 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
33232 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
33233 the specified location.
33234
33235 @end table
33236
33237 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
33238 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
33239
33240 @table @samp
33241 @item found
33242 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
33243 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
33244
33245 @item traceframe
33246 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
33247 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
33248
33249 @item tracepoint
33250 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
33251 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
33252
33253 @item frame
33254 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
33255 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
33256 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
33257
33258 @end table
33259
33260 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33261
33262 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
33263
33264 @subheading -trace-define-variable
33265 @findex -trace-define-variable
33266
33267 @subsubheading Synopsis
33268
33269 @smallexample
33270 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
33271 @end smallexample
33272
33273 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
33274 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
33275 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
33276 with the @samp{$} character.
33277
33278 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33279
33280 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
33281
33282 @subheading The @code{-trace-frame-collected} Command
33283 @findex -trace-frame-collected
33284
33285 @subsubheading Synopsis
33286
33287 @smallexample
33288 -trace-frame-collected
33289 [--var-print-values @var{var_pval}]
33290 [--comp-print-values @var{comp_pval}]
33291 [--registers-format @var{regformat}]
33292 [--memory-contents]
33293 @end smallexample
33294
33295 This command returns the set of collected objects, register names,
33296 trace state variable names, memory ranges and computed expressions
33297 that have been collected at a particular trace frame. The optional
33298 parameters to the command affect the output format in different ways.
33299 See the output description table below for more details.
33300
33301 The reported names can be used in the normal manner to create
33302 varobjs and inspect the objects themselves. The items returned by
33303 this command are categorized so that it is clear which is a variable,
33304 which is a register, which is a trace state variable, which is a
33305 memory range and which is a computed expression.
33306
33307 For instance, if the actions were
33308 @smallexample
33309 collect myVar, myArray[myIndex], myObj.field, myPtr->field, myCount + 2
33310 collect *(int*)0xaf02bef0@@40
33311 @end smallexample
33312
33313 @noindent
33314 the object collected in its entirety would be @code{myVar}. The
33315 object @code{myArray} would be partially collected, because only the
33316 element at index @code{myIndex} would be collected. The remaining
33317 objects would be computed expressions.
33318
33319 An example output would be:
33320
33321 @smallexample
33322 (gdb)
33323 -trace-frame-collected
33324 ^done,
33325 explicit-variables=[@{name="myVar",value="1"@}],
33326 computed-expressions=[@{name="myArray[myIndex]",value="0"@},
33327 @{name="myObj.field",value="0"@},
33328 @{name="myPtr->field",value="1"@},
33329 @{name="myCount + 2",value="3"@},
33330 @{name="$tvar1 + 1",value="43970027"@}],
33331 registers=[@{number="0",value="0x7fe2c6e79ec8"@},
33332 @{number="1",value="0x0"@},
33333 @{number="2",value="0x4"@},
33334 ...
33335 @{number="125",value="0x0"@}],
33336 tvars=[@{name="$tvar1",current="43970026"@}],
33337 memory=[@{address="0x0000000000602264",length="4"@},
33338 @{address="0x0000000000615bc0",length="4"@}]
33339 (gdb)
33340 @end smallexample
33341
33342 Where:
33343
33344 @table @code
33345 @item explicit-variables
33346 The set of objects that have been collected in their entirety (as
33347 opposed to collecting just a few elements of an array or a few struct
33348 members). For each object, its name and value are printed.
33349 The @code{--var-print-values} option affects how or whether the value
33350 field is output. If @var{var_pval} is 0, then print only the names;
33351 if it is 1, print also their values; and if it is 2, print the name,
33352 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for
33353 arrays, structures and unions.
33354
33355 @item computed-expressions
33356 The set of computed expressions that have been collected at the
33357 current trace frame. The @code{--comp-print-values} option affects
33358 this set like the @code{--var-print-values} option affects the
33359 @code{explicit-variables} set. See above.
33360
33361 @item registers
33362 The registers that have been collected at the current trace frame.
33363 For each register collected, the name and current value are returned.
33364 The value is formatted according to the @code{--registers-format}
33365 option. See the @command{-data-list-register-values} command for a
33366 list of the allowed formats. The default is @samp{x}.
33367
33368 @item tvars
33369 The trace state variables that have been collected at the current
33370 trace frame. For each trace state variable collected, the name and
33371 current value are returned.
33372
33373 @item memory
33374 The set of memory ranges that have been collected at the current trace
33375 frame. Its content is a list of tuples. Each tuple represents a
33376 collected memory range and has the following fields:
33377
33378 @table @code
33379 @item address
33380 The start address of the memory range, as hexadecimal literal.
33381
33382 @item length
33383 The length of the memory range, as decimal literal.
33384
33385 @item contents
33386 The contents of the memory block, in hex. This field is only present
33387 if the @code{--memory-contents} option is specified.
33388
33389 @end table
33390
33391 @end table
33392
33393 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33394
33395 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
33396
33397 @subsubheading Example
33398
33399 @subheading -trace-list-variables
33400 @findex -trace-list-variables
33401
33402 @subsubheading Synopsis
33403
33404 @smallexample
33405 -trace-list-variables
33406 @end smallexample
33407
33408 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
33409 table has the following fields:
33410
33411 @table @samp
33412 @item name
33413 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
33414
33415 @item initial
33416 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
33417 field is always present.
33418
33419 @item current
33420 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
33421 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
33422 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
33423 presently running.
33424
33425 @end table
33426
33427 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33428
33429 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
33430
33431 @subsubheading Example
33432
33433 @smallexample
33434 (gdb)
33435 -trace-list-variables
33436 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
33437 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
33438 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
33439 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
33440 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
33441 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
33442 (gdb)
33443 @end smallexample
33444
33445 @subheading -trace-save
33446 @findex -trace-save
33447
33448 @subsubheading Synopsis
33449
33450 @smallexample
33451 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
33452 @end smallexample
33453
33454 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
33455 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
33456 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
33457 to perform the save.
33458
33459 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33460
33461 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
33462
33463
33464 @subheading -trace-start
33465 @findex -trace-start
33466
33467 @subsubheading Synopsis
33468
33469 @smallexample
33470 -trace-start
33471 @end smallexample
33472
33473 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
33474 have any fields.
33475
33476 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33477
33478 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
33479
33480 @subheading -trace-status
33481 @findex -trace-status
33482
33483 @subsubheading Synopsis
33484
33485 @smallexample
33486 -trace-status
33487 @end smallexample
33488
33489 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
33490 the following fields:
33491
33492 @table @samp
33493
33494 @item supported
33495 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
33496 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
33497 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
33498 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
33499 started. This field is always present.
33500
33501 @item running
33502 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
33503 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
33504 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
33505
33506 @item stop-reason
33507 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
33508 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
33509 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
33510 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
33511 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
33512 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
33513 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
33514 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
33515 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
33516
33517 @item stopping-tracepoint
33518 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
33519 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
33520 @samp{passcount}.
33521
33522 @item frames
33523 @itemx frames-created
33524 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
33525 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
33526 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
33527 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
33528
33529 @item buffer-size
33530 @itemx buffer-free
33531 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
33532 remaining space. These fields are optional.
33533
33534 @item circular
33535 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
33536 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
33537 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
33538 and may fill up.
33539
33540 @item disconnected
33541 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
33542 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
33543 that the trace run will stop.
33544
33545 @item trace-file
33546 The filename of the trace file being examined. This field is
33547 optional, and only present when examining a trace file.
33548
33549 @end table
33550
33551 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33552
33553 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
33554
33555 @subheading -trace-stop
33556 @findex -trace-stop
33557
33558 @subsubheading Synopsis
33559
33560 @smallexample
33561 -trace-stop
33562 @end smallexample
33563
33564 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
33565 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
33566 @samp{running} fields are not output.
33567
33568 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33569
33570 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
33571
33572
33573 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33574 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
33575 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
33576
33577
33578 @ignore
33579 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
33580 @findex -symbol-info-address
33581
33582 @subsubheading Synopsis
33583
33584 @smallexample
33585 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
33586 @end smallexample
33587
33588 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
33589
33590 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33591
33592 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
33593
33594 @subsubheading Example
33595 N.A.
33596
33597
33598 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
33599 @findex -symbol-info-file
33600
33601 @subsubheading Synopsis
33602
33603 @smallexample
33604 -symbol-info-file
33605 @end smallexample
33606
33607 Show the file for the symbol.
33608
33609 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33610
33611 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
33612 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
33613
33614 @subsubheading Example
33615 N.A.
33616
33617
33618 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
33619 @findex -symbol-info-function
33620
33621 @subsubheading Synopsis
33622
33623 @smallexample
33624 -symbol-info-function
33625 @end smallexample
33626
33627 Show which function the symbol lives in.
33628
33629 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33630
33631 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
33632
33633 @subsubheading Example
33634 N.A.
33635
33636
33637 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
33638 @findex -symbol-info-line
33639
33640 @subsubheading Synopsis
33641
33642 @smallexample
33643 -symbol-info-line
33644 @end smallexample
33645
33646 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
33647
33648 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33649
33650 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
33651 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
33652
33653 @subsubheading Example
33654 N.A.
33655
33656
33657 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
33658 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
33659
33660 @subsubheading Synopsis
33661
33662 @smallexample
33663 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
33664 @end smallexample
33665
33666 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
33667
33668 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33669
33670 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
33671
33672 @subsubheading Example
33673 N.A.
33674
33675
33676 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
33677 @findex -symbol-list-functions
33678
33679 @subsubheading Synopsis
33680
33681 @smallexample
33682 -symbol-list-functions
33683 @end smallexample
33684
33685 List the functions in the executable.
33686
33687 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33688
33689 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
33690 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
33691
33692 @subsubheading Example
33693 N.A.
33694 @end ignore
33695
33696
33697 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
33698 @findex -symbol-list-lines
33699
33700 @subsubheading Synopsis
33701
33702 @smallexample
33703 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
33704 @end smallexample
33705
33706 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
33707 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
33708 ascending PC order.
33709
33710 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33711
33712 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
33713
33714 @subsubheading Example
33715 @smallexample
33716 (gdb)
33717 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
33718 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
33719 (gdb)
33720 @end smallexample
33721
33722
33723 @ignore
33724 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
33725 @findex -symbol-list-types
33726
33727 @subsubheading Synopsis
33728
33729 @smallexample
33730 -symbol-list-types
33731 @end smallexample
33732
33733 List all the type names.
33734
33735 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33736
33737 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
33738 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
33739
33740 @subsubheading Example
33741 N.A.
33742
33743
33744 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
33745 @findex -symbol-list-variables
33746
33747 @subsubheading Synopsis
33748
33749 @smallexample
33750 -symbol-list-variables
33751 @end smallexample
33752
33753 List all the global and static variable names.
33754
33755 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33756
33757 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
33758
33759 @subsubheading Example
33760 N.A.
33761
33762
33763 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
33764 @findex -symbol-locate
33765
33766 @subsubheading Synopsis
33767
33768 @smallexample
33769 -symbol-locate
33770 @end smallexample
33771
33772 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33773
33774 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
33775
33776 @subsubheading Example
33777 N.A.
33778
33779
33780 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
33781 @findex -symbol-type
33782
33783 @subsubheading Synopsis
33784
33785 @smallexample
33786 -symbol-type @var{variable}
33787 @end smallexample
33788
33789 Show type of @var{variable}.
33790
33791 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33792
33793 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
33794 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
33795
33796 @subsubheading Example
33797 N.A.
33798 @end ignore
33799
33800
33801 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
33802 @node GDB/MI File Commands
33803 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
33804
33805 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
33806 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
33807
33808 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
33809 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
33810
33811 @subsubheading Synopsis
33812
33813 @smallexample
33814 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
33815 @end smallexample
33816
33817 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
33818 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
33819 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
33820 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
33821 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
33822 notification.
33823
33824 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33825
33826 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
33827
33828 @subsubheading Example
33829
33830 @smallexample
33831 (gdb)
33832 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
33833 ^done
33834 (gdb)
33835 @end smallexample
33836
33837
33838 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
33839 @findex -file-exec-file
33840
33841 @subsubheading Synopsis
33842
33843 @smallexample
33844 -file-exec-file @var{file}
33845 @end smallexample
33846
33847 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
33848 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
33849 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
33850 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
33851 notification.
33852
33853 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33854
33855 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
33856
33857 @subsubheading Example
33858
33859 @smallexample
33860 (gdb)
33861 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
33862 ^done
33863 (gdb)
33864 @end smallexample
33865
33866
33867 @ignore
33868 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
33869 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
33870
33871 @subsubheading Synopsis
33872
33873 @smallexample
33874 -file-list-exec-sections
33875 @end smallexample
33876
33877 List the sections of the current executable file.
33878
33879 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33880
33881 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
33882 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
33883 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
33884
33885 @subsubheading Example
33886 N.A.
33887 @end ignore
33888
33889
33890 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
33891 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
33892
33893 @subsubheading Synopsis
33894
33895 @smallexample
33896 -file-list-exec-source-file
33897 @end smallexample
33898
33899 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
33900 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
33901 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
33902 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
33903
33904 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33905
33906 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
33907
33908 @subsubheading Example
33909
33910 @smallexample
33911 (gdb)
33912 123-file-list-exec-source-file
33913 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
33914 (gdb)
33915 @end smallexample
33916
33917
33918 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
33919 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
33920
33921 @subsubheading Synopsis
33922
33923 @smallexample
33924 -file-list-exec-source-files
33925 @end smallexample
33926
33927 List the source files for the current executable.
33928
33929 It will always output both the filename and fullname (absolute file
33930 name) of a source file.
33931
33932 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33933
33934 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
33935 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
33936
33937 @subsubheading Example
33938 @smallexample
33939 (gdb)
33940 -file-list-exec-source-files
33941 ^done,files=[
33942 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
33943 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
33944 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
33945 (gdb)
33946 @end smallexample
33947
33948 @ignore
33949 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
33950 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
33951
33952 @subsubheading Synopsis
33953
33954 @smallexample
33955 -file-list-shared-libraries
33956 @end smallexample
33957
33958 List the shared libraries in the program.
33959
33960 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33961
33962 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
33963
33964 @subsubheading Example
33965 N.A.
33966
33967
33968 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
33969 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
33970
33971 @subsubheading Synopsis
33972
33973 @smallexample
33974 -file-list-symbol-files
33975 @end smallexample
33976
33977 List symbol files.
33978
33979 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
33980
33981 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
33982
33983 @subsubheading Example
33984 N.A.
33985 @end ignore
33986
33987
33988 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
33989 @findex -file-symbol-file
33990
33991 @subsubheading Synopsis
33992
33993 @smallexample
33994 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
33995 @end smallexample
33996
33997 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
33998 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
33999 produced, except for a completion notification.
34000
34001 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34002
34003 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
34004
34005 @subsubheading Example
34006
34007 @smallexample
34008 (gdb)
34009 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
34010 ^done
34011 (gdb)
34012 @end smallexample
34013
34014 @ignore
34015 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34016 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
34017 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
34018
34019 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
34020
34021 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
34022
34023 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
34024
34025 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
34026
34027 @c @subheading -overlay-map
34028
34029 @c @subheading -overlay-off
34030
34031 @c @subheading -overlay-on
34032
34033 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
34034
34035 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34036 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
34037 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
34038
34039 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
34040
34041 @c @subheading -signal-handle
34042
34043 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
34044
34045 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
34046 @end ignore
34047
34048
34049 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34050 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
34051 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
34052
34053
34054 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
34055 @findex -target-attach
34056
34057 @subsubheading Synopsis
34058
34059 @smallexample
34060 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
34061 @end smallexample
34062
34063 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
34064 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
34065 group, the id previously returned by
34066 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
34067
34068 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34069
34070 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
34071
34072 @subsubheading Example
34073 @smallexample
34074 (gdb)
34075 -target-attach 34
34076 =thread-created,id="1"
34077 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
34078 ^done
34079 (gdb)
34080 @end smallexample
34081
34082 @ignore
34083 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
34084 @findex -target-compare-sections
34085
34086 @subsubheading Synopsis
34087
34088 @smallexample
34089 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
34090 @end smallexample
34091
34092 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
34093 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
34094
34095 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34096
34097 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
34098
34099 @subsubheading Example
34100 N.A.
34101 @end ignore
34102
34103
34104 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
34105 @findex -target-detach
34106
34107 @subsubheading Synopsis
34108
34109 @smallexample
34110 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
34111 @end smallexample
34112
34113 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
34114 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
34115 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
34116
34117 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34118
34119 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
34120
34121 @subsubheading Example
34122
34123 @smallexample
34124 (gdb)
34125 -target-detach
34126 ^done
34127 (gdb)
34128 @end smallexample
34129
34130
34131 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
34132 @findex -target-disconnect
34133
34134 @subsubheading Synopsis
34135
34136 @smallexample
34137 -target-disconnect
34138 @end smallexample
34139
34140 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
34141 generally not resumed.
34142
34143 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34144
34145 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
34146
34147 @subsubheading Example
34148
34149 @smallexample
34150 (gdb)
34151 -target-disconnect
34152 ^done
34153 (gdb)
34154 @end smallexample
34155
34156
34157 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
34158 @findex -target-download
34159
34160 @subsubheading Synopsis
34161
34162 @smallexample
34163 -target-download
34164 @end smallexample
34165
34166 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
34167 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
34168
34169 @table @samp
34170 @item section
34171 The name of the section.
34172 @item section-sent
34173 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
34174 @item section-size
34175 The size of the section.
34176 @item total-sent
34177 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
34178 @item total-size
34179 The size of the overall executable to download.
34180 @end table
34181
34182 @noindent
34183 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
34184 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
34185
34186 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
34187 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
34188
34189 @table @samp
34190 @item section
34191 The name of the section.
34192 @item section-size
34193 The size of the section.
34194 @item total-size
34195 The size of the overall executable to download.
34196 @end table
34197
34198 @noindent
34199 At the end, a summary is printed.
34200
34201 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34202
34203 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
34204
34205 @subsubheading Example
34206
34207 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
34208 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
34209
34210 @smallexample
34211 (gdb)
34212 -target-download
34213 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
34214 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
34215 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
34216 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
34217 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
34218 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
34219 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
34220 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
34221 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
34222 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
34223 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
34224 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
34225 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
34226 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
34227 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
34228 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
34229 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
34230 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
34231 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
34232 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
34233 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
34234 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
34235 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
34236 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
34237 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
34238 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
34239 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
34240 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
34241 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
34242 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
34243 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
34244 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
34245 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
34246 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
34247 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
34248 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
34249 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
34250 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
34251 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
34252 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
34253 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
34254 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
34255 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
34256 write-rate="429"
34257 (gdb)
34258 @end smallexample
34259
34260
34261 @ignore
34262 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
34263 @findex -target-exec-status
34264
34265 @subsubheading Synopsis
34266
34267 @smallexample
34268 -target-exec-status
34269 @end smallexample
34270
34271 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
34272 not, for instance).
34273
34274 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34275
34276 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
34277
34278 @subsubheading Example
34279 N.A.
34280
34281
34282 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
34283 @findex -target-list-available-targets
34284
34285 @subsubheading Synopsis
34286
34287 @smallexample
34288 -target-list-available-targets
34289 @end smallexample
34290
34291 List the possible targets to connect to.
34292
34293 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34294
34295 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
34296
34297 @subsubheading Example
34298 N.A.
34299
34300
34301 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
34302 @findex -target-list-current-targets
34303
34304 @subsubheading Synopsis
34305
34306 @smallexample
34307 -target-list-current-targets
34308 @end smallexample
34309
34310 Describe the current target.
34311
34312 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34313
34314 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
34315 other things).
34316
34317 @subsubheading Example
34318 N.A.
34319
34320
34321 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
34322 @findex -target-list-parameters
34323
34324 @subsubheading Synopsis
34325
34326 @smallexample
34327 -target-list-parameters
34328 @end smallexample
34329
34330 @c ????
34331 @end ignore
34332
34333 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34334
34335 No equivalent.
34336
34337 @subsubheading Example
34338 N.A.
34339
34340
34341 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
34342 @findex -target-select
34343
34344 @subsubheading Synopsis
34345
34346 @smallexample
34347 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
34348 @end smallexample
34349
34350 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
34351
34352 @table @samp
34353 @item @var{type}
34354 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
34355 @item @var{parameters}
34356 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
34357 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
34358 @end table
34359
34360 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
34361 which the target program is, in the following form:
34362
34363 @smallexample
34364 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
34365 args=[@var{arg list}]
34366 @end smallexample
34367
34368 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34369
34370 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
34371
34372 @subsubheading Example
34373
34374 @smallexample
34375 (gdb)
34376 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
34377 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
34378 (gdb)
34379 @end smallexample
34380
34381 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34382 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
34383 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
34384
34385
34386 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
34387 @findex -target-file-put
34388
34389 @subsubheading Synopsis
34390
34391 @smallexample
34392 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
34393 @end smallexample
34394
34395 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
34396 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
34397
34398 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34399
34400 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
34401
34402 @subsubheading Example
34403
34404 @smallexample
34405 (gdb)
34406 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
34407 ^done
34408 (gdb)
34409 @end smallexample
34410
34411
34412 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
34413 @findex -target-file-get
34414
34415 @subsubheading Synopsis
34416
34417 @smallexample
34418 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
34419 @end smallexample
34420
34421 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
34422 on the host system.
34423
34424 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34425
34426 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
34427
34428 @subsubheading Example
34429
34430 @smallexample
34431 (gdb)
34432 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
34433 ^done
34434 (gdb)
34435 @end smallexample
34436
34437
34438 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
34439 @findex -target-file-delete
34440
34441 @subsubheading Synopsis
34442
34443 @smallexample
34444 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
34445 @end smallexample
34446
34447 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
34448
34449 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34450
34451 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
34452
34453 @subsubheading Example
34454
34455 @smallexample
34456 (gdb)
34457 -target-file-delete remotefile
34458 ^done
34459 (gdb)
34460 @end smallexample
34461
34462
34463 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
34464 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
34465 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
34466
34467 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
34468
34469 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
34470 @findex -gdb-exit
34471
34472 @subsubheading Synopsis
34473
34474 @smallexample
34475 -gdb-exit
34476 @end smallexample
34477
34478 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
34479
34480 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34481
34482 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
34483
34484 @subsubheading Example
34485
34486 @smallexample
34487 (gdb)
34488 -gdb-exit
34489 ^exit
34490 @end smallexample
34491
34492
34493 @ignore
34494 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
34495 @findex -exec-abort
34496
34497 @subsubheading Synopsis
34498
34499 @smallexample
34500 -exec-abort
34501 @end smallexample
34502
34503 Kill the inferior running program.
34504
34505 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34506
34507 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
34508
34509 @subsubheading Example
34510 N.A.
34511 @end ignore
34512
34513
34514 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
34515 @findex -gdb-set
34516
34517 @subsubheading Synopsis
34518
34519 @smallexample
34520 -gdb-set
34521 @end smallexample
34522
34523 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
34524 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
34525
34526 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34527
34528 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
34529
34530 @subsubheading Example
34531
34532 @smallexample
34533 (gdb)
34534 -gdb-set $foo=3
34535 ^done
34536 (gdb)
34537 @end smallexample
34538
34539
34540 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
34541 @findex -gdb-show
34542
34543 @subsubheading Synopsis
34544
34545 @smallexample
34546 -gdb-show
34547 @end smallexample
34548
34549 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
34550
34551 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34552
34553 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
34554
34555 @subsubheading Example
34556
34557 @smallexample
34558 (gdb)
34559 -gdb-show annotate
34560 ^done,value="0"
34561 (gdb)
34562 @end smallexample
34563
34564 @c @subheading -gdb-source
34565
34566
34567 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
34568 @findex -gdb-version
34569
34570 @subsubheading Synopsis
34571
34572 @smallexample
34573 -gdb-version
34574 @end smallexample
34575
34576 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
34577
34578 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34579
34580 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
34581 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
34582
34583 @subsubheading Example
34584
34585 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
34586 @c box in TeX.
34587 @smallexample
34588 (gdb)
34589 -gdb-version
34590 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
34591 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
34592 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
34593 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
34594 ~ certain conditions.
34595 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
34596 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
34597 ~ details.
34598 ~This GDB was configured as
34599 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
34600 ^done
34601 (gdb)
34602 @end smallexample
34603
34604 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
34605 @findex -list-features
34606
34607 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
34608 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
34609 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
34610 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
34611 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
34612 startup.
34613
34614 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
34615 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
34616 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
34617 is given below.
34618
34619 Example output:
34620
34621 @smallexample
34622 (gdb) -list-features
34623 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
34624 @end smallexample
34625
34626 The current list of features is:
34627
34628 @table @samp
34629 @item frozen-varobjs
34630 Indicates support for the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
34631 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
34632 of @code{-varobj-create}.
34633 @item pending-breakpoints
34634 Indicates support for the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert}
34635 command.
34636 @item python
34637 Indicates Python scripting support, Python-based
34638 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
34639 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
34640 @item thread-info
34641 Indicates support for the @code{-thread-info} command.
34642 @item data-read-memory-bytes
34643 Indicates support for the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
34644 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
34645 @item breakpoint-notifications
34646 Indicates that changes to breakpoints and breakpoints created via the
34647 CLI will be announced via async records.
34648 @item ada-task-info
34649 Indicates support for the @code{-ada-task-info} command.
34650 @end table
34651
34652 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
34653 @findex -list-target-features
34654
34655 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
34656 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
34657 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
34658 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
34659 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
34660 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
34661 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
34662 Example output:
34663
34664 @smallexample
34665 (gdb) -list-target-features
34666 ^done,result=["async"]
34667 @end smallexample
34668
34669 The current list of features is:
34670
34671 @table @samp
34672 @item async
34673 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
34674 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
34675 while the target is running.
34676
34677 @item reverse
34678 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
34679 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
34680
34681 @end table
34682
34683 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
34684 @findex -list-thread-groups
34685
34686 @subheading Synopsis
34687
34688 @smallexample
34689 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
34690 @end smallexample
34691
34692 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
34693 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
34694 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
34695 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
34696 top-level thread groups.
34697
34698 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
34699 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
34700 available on the target.
34701
34702 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
34703 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
34704 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
34705 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
34706 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
34707 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
34708 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
34709 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
34710
34711 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
34712 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
34713 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
34714 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
34715 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
34716 @samp{threads} field.
34717
34718 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
34719 the following caveats:
34720
34721 @itemize @bullet
34722 @item
34723 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
34724 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
34725 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
34726
34727 @item
34728 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
34729 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
34730 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
34731 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
34732 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
34733 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
34734
34735 @end itemize
34736
34737 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
34738 have the following fields:
34739
34740 @table @code
34741 @item id
34742 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
34743 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
34744 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
34745
34746 @item type
34747 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
34748 valid type.
34749
34750 @item pid
34751 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
34752 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
34753
34754 @item num_children
34755 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
34756 absent for an available thread group.
34757
34758 @item threads
34759 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
34760 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
34761 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
34762
34763 @item cores
34764 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
34765 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
34766 such information is not available.
34767
34768 @item executable
34769 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
34770 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
34771 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
34772
34773 @end table
34774
34775 @subheading Example
34776
34777 @smallexample
34778 @value{GDBP}
34779 -list-thread-groups
34780 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
34781 -list-thread-groups 17
34782 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
34783 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
34784 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
34785 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
34786 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
34787 -list-thread-groups --available
34788 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
34789 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
34790 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
34791 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
34792 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
34793 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
34794 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
34795 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
34796 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
34797 @end smallexample
34798
34799 @subheading The @code{-info-os} Command
34800 @findex -info-os
34801
34802 @subsubheading Synopsis
34803
34804 @smallexample
34805 -info-os [ @var{type} ]
34806 @end smallexample
34807
34808 If no argument is supplied, the command returns a table of available
34809 operating-system-specific information types. If one of these types is
34810 supplied as an argument @var{type}, then the command returns a table
34811 of data of that type.
34812
34813 The types of information available depend on the target operating
34814 system.
34815
34816 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
34817
34818 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info os}.
34819
34820 @subsubheading Example
34821
34822 When run on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, the output will look something
34823 like this:
34824
34825 @smallexample
34826 @value{GDBP}
34827 -info-os
34828 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="9",nr_cols="3",
34829 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="Type"@},
34830 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="Description"@},
34831 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="Title"@}],
34832 body=[item=@{col0="processes",col1="Listing of all processes",
34833 col2="Processes"@},
34834 item=@{col0="procgroups",col1="Listing of all process groups",
34835 col2="Process groups"@},
34836 item=@{col0="threads",col1="Listing of all threads",
34837 col2="Threads"@},
34838 item=@{col0="files",col1="Listing of all file descriptors",
34839 col2="File descriptors"@},
34840 item=@{col0="sockets",col1="Listing of all internet-domain sockets",
34841 col2="Sockets"@},
34842 item=@{col0="shm",col1="Listing of all shared-memory regions",
34843 col2="Shared-memory regions"@},
34844 item=@{col0="semaphores",col1="Listing of all semaphores",
34845 col2="Semaphores"@},
34846 item=@{col0="msg",col1="Listing of all message queues",
34847 col2="Message queues"@},
34848 item=@{col0="modules",col1="Listing of all loaded kernel modules",
34849 col2="Kernel modules"@}]@}
34850 @value{GDBP}
34851 -info-os processes
34852 ^done,OSDataTable=@{nr_rows="190",nr_cols="4",
34853 hdr=[@{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col0",colhdr="pid"@},
34854 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col1",colhdr="user"@},
34855 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col2",colhdr="command"@},
34856 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="col3",colhdr="cores"@}],
34857 body=[item=@{col0="1",col1="root",col2="/sbin/init",col3="0"@},
34858 item=@{col0="2",col1="root",col2="[kthreadd]",col3="1"@},
34859 item=@{col0="3",col1="root",col2="[ksoftirqd/0]",col3="0"@},
34860 ...
34861 item=@{col0="26446",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="0"@},
34862 item=@{col0="28152",col1="stan",col2="bash",col3="1"@}]@}
34863 (gdb)
34864 @end smallexample
34865
34866 (Note that the MI output here includes a @code{"Title"} column that
34867 does not appear in command-line @code{info os}; this column is useful
34868 for MI clients that want to enumerate the types of data, such as in a
34869 popup menu, but is needless clutter on the command line, and
34870 @code{info os} omits it.)
34871
34872 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
34873 @findex -add-inferior
34874
34875 @subheading Synopsis
34876
34877 @smallexample
34878 -add-inferior
34879 @end smallexample
34880
34881 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
34882 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
34883 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
34884 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
34885 field, @samp{inferior}, whose value is the identifier of the
34886 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
34887
34888 @subheading Example
34889
34890 @smallexample
34891 @value{GDBP}
34892 -add-inferior
34893 ^done,inferior="i3"
34894 @end smallexample
34895
34896 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
34897 @findex -interpreter-exec
34898
34899 @subheading Synopsis
34900
34901 @smallexample
34902 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
34903 @end smallexample
34904 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
34905
34906 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
34907
34908 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
34909
34910 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
34911
34912 @subheading Example
34913
34914 @smallexample
34915 (gdb)
34916 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
34917 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
34918 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
34919 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
34920 ^done
34921 (gdb)
34922 @end smallexample
34923
34924 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
34925 @findex -inferior-tty-set
34926
34927 @subheading Synopsis
34928
34929 @smallexample
34930 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
34931 @end smallexample
34932
34933 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
34934
34935 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
34936
34937 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
34938
34939 @subheading Example
34940
34941 @smallexample
34942 (gdb)
34943 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
34944 ^done
34945 (gdb)
34946 @end smallexample
34947
34948 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
34949 @findex -inferior-tty-show
34950
34951 @subheading Synopsis
34952
34953 @smallexample
34954 -inferior-tty-show
34955 @end smallexample
34956
34957 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
34958
34959 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
34960
34961 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
34962
34963 @subheading Example
34964
34965 @smallexample
34966 (gdb)
34967 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
34968 ^done
34969 (gdb)
34970 -inferior-tty-show
34971 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
34972 (gdb)
34973 @end smallexample
34974
34975 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
34976 @findex -enable-timings
34977
34978 @subheading Synopsis
34979
34980 @smallexample
34981 -enable-timings [yes | no]
34982 @end smallexample
34983
34984 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
34985 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
34986 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
34987 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
34988
34989 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
34990
34991 No equivalent.
34992
34993 @subheading Example
34994
34995 @smallexample
34996 (gdb)
34997 -enable-timings
34998 ^done
34999 (gdb)
35000 -break-insert main
35001 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
35002 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
35003 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",thread-groups=["i1"],
35004 times="0"@},
35005 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
35006 (gdb)
35007 -enable-timings no
35008 ^done
35009 (gdb)
35010 -exec-run
35011 ^running
35012 (gdb)
35013 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
35014 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
35015 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
35016 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
35017 (gdb)
35018 @end smallexample
35019
35020 @node Annotations
35021 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
35022
35023 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
35024 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
35025 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
35026 relatively high level.
35027
35028 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
35029 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
35030
35031 @ignore
35032 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
35033 @end ignore
35034
35035 @menu
35036 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
35037 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
35038 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
35039 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
35040 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
35041 * Annotations for Running::
35042 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
35043 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
35044 @end menu
35045
35046 @node Annotations Overview
35047 @section What is an Annotation?
35048 @cindex annotations
35049
35050 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
35051 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
35052 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
35053 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
35054 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
35055 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
35056 cannot contain newline characters.
35057
35058 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
35059 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
35060 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
35061 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
35062 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
35063 means those three characters as output.
35064
35065 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
35066 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
35067 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
35068 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
35069 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
35070 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
35071 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
35072 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
35073 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
35074
35075 @table @code
35076 @kindex set annotate
35077 @item set annotate @var{level}
35078 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
35079 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
35080
35081 @item show annotate
35082 @kindex show annotate
35083 Show the current annotation level.
35084 @end table
35085
35086 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
35087
35088 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
35089
35090 @smallexample
35091 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
35092 GNU gdb 6.0
35093 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
35094 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
35095 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
35096 under certain conditions.
35097 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
35098 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
35099 for details.
35100 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
35101
35102 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
35103 (@value{GDBP})
35104 ^Z^Zprompt
35105 @kbd{quit}
35106
35107 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
35108 $
35109 @end smallexample
35110
35111 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
35112 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
35113 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
35114 output from @value{GDBN}.
35115
35116 @node Server Prefix
35117 @section The Server Prefix
35118 @cindex server prefix
35119
35120 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
35121 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
35122 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
35123 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
35124 a transparent manner.
35125
35126 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
35127 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
35128 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
35129 @code{print} command.
35130
35131 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
35132 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
35133
35134 @node Prompting
35135 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
35136
35137 @cindex annotations for prompts
35138 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
35139 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
35140 over, etc.
35141
35142 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
35143 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
35144 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
35145 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
35146 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
35147 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
35148 features the following annotations:
35149
35150 @smallexample
35151 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
35152 ^Z^Zprompt
35153 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
35154 @end smallexample
35155
35156 The input types are
35157
35158 @table @code
35159 @findex pre-prompt annotation
35160 @findex prompt annotation
35161 @findex post-prompt annotation
35162 @item prompt
35163 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
35164
35165 @findex pre-commands annotation
35166 @findex commands annotation
35167 @findex post-commands annotation
35168 @item commands
35169 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
35170 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
35171
35172 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
35173 @findex overload-choice annotation
35174 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
35175 @item overload-choice
35176 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
35177
35178 @findex pre-query annotation
35179 @findex query annotation
35180 @findex post-query annotation
35181 @item query
35182 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
35183
35184 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
35185 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
35186 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
35187 @item prompt-for-continue
35188 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
35189 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
35190 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
35191 presence of annotations.
35192 @end table
35193
35194 @node Errors
35195 @section Errors
35196 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
35197
35198 @findex quit annotation
35199 @smallexample
35200 ^Z^Zquit
35201 @end smallexample
35202
35203 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
35204
35205 @findex error annotation
35206 @smallexample
35207 ^Z^Zerror
35208 @end smallexample
35209
35210 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
35211
35212 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
35213 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
35214 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
35215 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
35216 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
35217 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
35218 to the top level.
35219
35220 @findex error-begin annotation
35221 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
35222
35223 @smallexample
35224 ^Z^Zerror-begin
35225 @end smallexample
35226
35227 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
35228 message.
35229
35230 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
35231 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
35232 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
35233
35234 @node Invalidation
35235 @section Invalidation Notices
35236
35237 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
35238 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
35239 changed.
35240
35241 @table @code
35242 @findex frames-invalid annotation
35243 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
35244
35245 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
35246 have changed.
35247
35248 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
35249 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
35250
35251 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
35252 deleted a breakpoint.
35253 @end table
35254
35255 @node Annotations for Running
35256 @section Running the Program
35257 @cindex annotations for running programs
35258
35259 @findex starting annotation
35260 @findex stopping annotation
35261 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
35262 @code{step} or @code{continue},
35263
35264 @smallexample
35265 ^Z^Zstarting
35266 @end smallexample
35267
35268 is output. When the program stops,
35269
35270 @smallexample
35271 ^Z^Zstopped
35272 @end smallexample
35273
35274 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
35275 annotations describe how the program stopped.
35276
35277 @table @code
35278 @findex exited annotation
35279 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
35280 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
35281 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
35282
35283 @findex signalled annotation
35284 @findex signal-name annotation
35285 @findex signal-name-end annotation
35286 @findex signal-string annotation
35287 @findex signal-string-end annotation
35288 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
35289 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
35290 annotation continues:
35291
35292 @smallexample
35293 @var{intro-text}
35294 ^Z^Zsignal-name
35295 @var{name}
35296 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
35297 @var{middle-text}
35298 ^Z^Zsignal-string
35299 @var{string}
35300 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
35301 @var{end-text}
35302 @end smallexample
35303
35304 @noindent
35305 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
35306 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
35307 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
35308 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
35309 user's benefit and have no particular format.
35310
35311 @findex signal annotation
35312 @item ^Z^Zsignal
35313 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
35314 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
35315 terminated with it.
35316
35317 @findex breakpoint annotation
35318 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
35319 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
35320
35321 @findex watchpoint annotation
35322 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
35323 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
35324 @end table
35325
35326 @node Source Annotations
35327 @section Displaying Source
35328 @cindex annotations for source display
35329
35330 @findex source annotation
35331 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
35332
35333 @smallexample
35334 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
35335 @end smallexample
35336
35337 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
35338 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
35339 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
35340 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
35341 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
35342 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
35343 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
35344 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
35345 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
35346 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
35347 depend on the language).
35348
35349 @node JIT Interface
35350 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
35351 @cindex just-in-time compilation
35352 @cindex JIT compilation interface
35353
35354 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
35355 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
35356 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
35357 performance while maintaining platform independence.
35358
35359 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
35360 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
35361 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
35362 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
35363 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
35364 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
35365
35366 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
35367 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
35368 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
35369 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
35370 LLVM JIT.
35371
35372 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
35373 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
35374 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
35375 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
35376 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
35377 out about additional code.
35378
35379 @menu
35380 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
35381 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
35382 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
35383 * Custom Debug Info:: Emit debug information in a custom format
35384 @end menu
35385
35386 @node Declarations
35387 @section JIT Declarations
35388
35389 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
35390 implement the interface:
35391
35392 @smallexample
35393 typedef enum
35394 @{
35395 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
35396 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
35397 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
35398 @} jit_actions_t;
35399
35400 struct jit_code_entry
35401 @{
35402 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
35403 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
35404 const char *symfile_addr;
35405 uint64_t symfile_size;
35406 @};
35407
35408 struct jit_descriptor
35409 @{
35410 uint32_t version;
35411 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
35412 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
35413 uint32_t action_flag;
35414 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
35415 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
35416 @};
35417
35418 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
35419 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
35420
35421 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
35422 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
35423 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
35424 @end smallexample
35425
35426 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
35427 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
35428 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
35429
35430 @node Registering Code
35431 @section Registering Code
35432
35433 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
35434
35435 @itemize @bullet
35436 @item
35437 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
35438 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
35439
35440 @item
35441 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
35442 file.
35443
35444 @item
35445 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
35446
35447 @item
35448 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
35449
35450 @item
35451 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
35452 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
35453 @end itemize
35454
35455 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
35456 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
35457 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
35458 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
35459
35460 @node Unregistering Code
35461 @section Unregistering Code
35462
35463 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
35464
35465 @itemize @bullet
35466 @item
35467 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
35468
35469 @item
35470 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
35471
35472 @item
35473 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
35474 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
35475 @end itemize
35476
35477 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
35478 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
35479
35480 @node Custom Debug Info
35481 @section Custom Debug Info
35482 @cindex custom JIT debug info
35483 @cindex JIT debug info reader
35484
35485 Generating debug information in platform-native file formats (like ELF
35486 or COFF) may be an overkill for JIT compilers; especially if all the
35487 debug info is used for is displaying a meaningful backtrace. The
35488 issue can be resolved by having the JIT writers decide on a debug info
35489 format and also provide a reader that parses the debug info generated
35490 by the JIT compiler. This section gives a brief overview on writing
35491 such a parser. More specific details can be found in the source file
35492 @file{gdb/jit-reader.in}, which is also installed as a header at
35493 @file{@var{includedir}/gdb/jit-reader.h} for easy inclusion.
35494
35495 The reader is implemented as a shared object (so this functionality is
35496 not available on platforms which don't allow loading shared objects at
35497 runtime). Two @value{GDBN} commands, @code{jit-reader-load} and
35498 @code{jit-reader-unload} are provided, to be used to load and unload
35499 the readers from a preconfigured directory. Once loaded, the shared
35500 object is used the parse the debug information emitted by the JIT
35501 compiler.
35502
35503 @menu
35504 * Using JIT Debug Info Readers:: How to use supplied readers correctly
35505 * Writing JIT Debug Info Readers:: Creating a debug-info reader
35506 @end menu
35507
35508 @node Using JIT Debug Info Readers
35509 @subsection Using JIT Debug Info Readers
35510 @kindex jit-reader-load
35511 @kindex jit-reader-unload
35512
35513 Readers can be loaded and unloaded using the @code{jit-reader-load}
35514 and @code{jit-reader-unload} commands.
35515
35516 @table @code
35517 @item jit-reader-load @var{reader}
35518 Load the JIT reader named @var{reader}. @var{reader} is a shared
35519 object specified as either an absolute or a relative file name. In
35520 the latter case, @value{GDBN} will try to load the reader from a
35521 pre-configured directory, usually @file{@var{libdir}/gdb/} on a UNIX
35522 system (here @var{libdir} is the system library directory, often
35523 @file{/usr/local/lib}).
35524
35525 Only one reader can be active at a time; trying to load a second
35526 reader when one is already loaded will result in @value{GDBN}
35527 reporting an error. A new JIT reader can be loaded by first unloading
35528 the current one using @code{jit-reader-unload} and then invoking
35529 @code{jit-reader-load}.
35530
35531 @item jit-reader-unload
35532 Unload the currently loaded JIT reader.
35533
35534 @end table
35535
35536 @node Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
35537 @subsection Writing JIT Debug Info Readers
35538 @cindex writing JIT debug info readers
35539
35540 As mentioned, a reader is essentially a shared object conforming to a
35541 certain ABI. This ABI is described in @file{jit-reader.h}.
35542
35543 @file{jit-reader.h} defines the structures, macros and functions
35544 required to write a reader. It is installed (along with
35545 @value{GDBN}), in @file{@var{includedir}/gdb} where @var{includedir} is
35546 the system include directory.
35547
35548 Readers need to be released under a GPL compatible license. A reader
35549 can be declared as released under such a license by placing the macro
35550 @code{GDB_DECLARE_GPL_COMPATIBLE_READER} in a source file.
35551
35552 The entry point for readers is the symbol @code{gdb_init_reader},
35553 which is expected to be a function with the prototype
35554
35555 @findex gdb_init_reader
35556 @smallexample
35557 extern struct gdb_reader_funcs *gdb_init_reader (void);
35558 @end smallexample
35559
35560 @cindex @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs}
35561
35562 @code{struct gdb_reader_funcs} contains a set of pointers to callback
35563 functions. These functions are executed to read the debug info
35564 generated by the JIT compiler (@code{read}), to unwind stack frames
35565 (@code{unwind}) and to create canonical frame IDs
35566 (@code{get_Frame_id}). It also has a callback that is called when the
35567 reader is being unloaded (@code{destroy}). The struct looks like this
35568
35569 @smallexample
35570 struct gdb_reader_funcs
35571 @{
35572 /* Must be set to GDB_READER_INTERFACE_VERSION. */
35573 int reader_version;
35574
35575 /* For use by the reader. */
35576 void *priv_data;
35577
35578 gdb_read_debug_info *read;
35579 gdb_unwind_frame *unwind;
35580 gdb_get_frame_id *get_frame_id;
35581 gdb_destroy_reader *destroy;
35582 @};
35583 @end smallexample
35584
35585 @cindex @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks}
35586 @cindex @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}
35587
35588 The callbacks are provided with another set of callbacks by
35589 @value{GDBN} to do their job. For @code{read}, these callbacks are
35590 passed in a @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} and for @code{unwind}
35591 and @code{get_frame_id}, in a @code{struct gdb_unwind_callbacks}.
35592 @code{struct gdb_symbol_callbacks} has callbacks to create new object
35593 files and new symbol tables inside those object files. @code{struct
35594 gdb_unwind_callbacks} has callbacks to read registers off the current
35595 frame and to write out the values of the registers in the previous
35596 frame. Both have a callback (@code{target_read}) to read bytes off the
35597 target's address space.
35598
35599 @node In-Process Agent
35600 @chapter In-Process Agent
35601 @cindex debugging agent
35602 The traditional debugging model is conceptually low-speed, but works fine,
35603 because most bugs can be reproduced in debugging-mode execution. However,
35604 as multi-core or many-core processors are becoming mainstream, and
35605 multi-threaded programs become more and more popular, there should be more
35606 and more bugs that only manifest themselves at normal-mode execution, for
35607 example, thread races, because debugger's interference with the program's
35608 timing may conceal the bugs. On the other hand, in some applications,
35609 it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt the program's execution
35610 long enough for the developer to learn anything helpful about its behavior.
35611 If the program's correctness depends on its real-time behavior, delays
35612 introduced by a debugger might cause the program to fail, even when the
35613 code itself is correct. It is useful to be able to observe the program's
35614 behavior without interrupting it.
35615
35616 Therefore, traditional debugging model is too intrusive to reproduce
35617 some bugs. In order to reduce the interference with the program, we can
35618 reduce the number of operations performed by debugger. The
35619 @dfn{In-Process Agent}, a shared library, is running within the same
35620 process with inferior, and is able to perform some debugging operations
35621 itself. As a result, debugger is only involved when necessary, and
35622 performance of debugging can be improved accordingly. Note that
35623 interference with program can be reduced but can't be removed completely,
35624 because the in-process agent will still stop or slow down the program.
35625
35626 The in-process agent can interpret and execute Agent Expressions
35627 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}) during performing debugging operations. The
35628 agent expressions can be used for different purposes, such as collecting
35629 data in tracepoints, and condition evaluation in breakpoints.
35630
35631 @anchor{Control Agent}
35632 You can control whether the in-process agent is used as an aid for
35633 debugging with the following commands:
35634
35635 @table @code
35636 @kindex set agent on
35637 @item set agent on
35638 Causes the in-process agent to perform some operations on behalf of the
35639 debugger. Just which operations requested by the user will be done
35640 by the in-process agent depends on the its capabilities. For example,
35641 if you request to evaluate breakpoint conditions in the in-process agent,
35642 and the in-process agent has such capability as well, then breakpoint
35643 conditions will be evaluated in the in-process agent.
35644
35645 @kindex set agent off
35646 @item set agent off
35647 Disables execution of debugging operations by the in-process agent. All
35648 of the operations will be performed by @value{GDBN}.
35649
35650 @kindex show agent
35651 @item show agent
35652 Display the current setting of execution of debugging operations by
35653 the in-process agent.
35654 @end table
35655
35656 @menu
35657 * In-Process Agent Protocol::
35658 @end menu
35659
35660 @node In-Process Agent Protocol
35661 @section In-Process Agent Protocol
35662 @cindex in-process agent protocol
35663
35664 The in-process agent is able to communicate with both @value{GDBN} and
35665 GDBserver (@pxref{In-Process Agent}). This section documents the protocol
35666 used for communications between @value{GDBN} or GDBserver and the IPA.
35667 In general, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver sends commands
35668 (@pxref{IPA Protocol Commands}) and data to in-process agent, and then
35669 in-process agent replies back with the return result of the command, or
35670 some other information. The data sent to in-process agent is composed
35671 of primitive data types, such as 4-byte or 8-byte type, and composite
35672 types, which are called objects (@pxref{IPA Protocol Objects}).
35673
35674 @menu
35675 * IPA Protocol Objects::
35676 * IPA Protocol Commands::
35677 @end menu
35678
35679 @node IPA Protocol Objects
35680 @subsection IPA Protocol Objects
35681 @cindex ipa protocol objects
35682
35683 The commands sent to and results received from agent may contain some
35684 complex data types called @dfn{objects}.
35685
35686 The in-process agent is running on the same machine with @value{GDBN}
35687 or GDBserver, so it doesn't have to handle as much differences between
35688 two ends as remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}) tries to handle.
35689 However, there are still some differences of two ends in two processes:
35690
35691 @enumerate
35692 @item
35693 word size. On some 64-bit machines, @value{GDBN} or GDBserver can be
35694 compiled as a 64-bit executable, while in-process agent is a 32-bit one.
35695 @item
35696 ABI. Some machines may have multiple types of ABI, @value{GDBN} or
35697 GDBserver is compiled with one, and in-process agent is compiled with
35698 the other one.
35699 @end enumerate
35700
35701 Here are the IPA Protocol Objects:
35702
35703 @enumerate
35704 @item
35705 agent expression object. It represents an agent expression
35706 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
35707 @anchor{agent expression object}
35708 @item
35709 tracepoint action object. It represents a tracepoint action
35710 (@pxref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}) to collect registers,
35711 memory, static trace data and to evaluate expression.
35712 @anchor{tracepoint action object}
35713 @item
35714 tracepoint object. It represents a tracepoint (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
35715 @anchor{tracepoint object}
35716
35717 @end enumerate
35718
35719 The following table describes important attributes of each IPA protocol
35720 object:
35721
35722 @multitable @columnfractions .30 .20 .50
35723 @headitem Name @tab Size @tab Description
35724 @item @emph{agent expression object} @tab @tab
35725 @item length @tab 4 @tab length of bytes code
35726 @item byte code @tab @var{length} @tab contents of byte code
35727 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting memory} @tab @tab
35728 @item 'M' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
35729 @item addr @tab 8 @tab if @var{basereg} is @samp{-1}, @var{addr} is the
35730 address of the lowest byte to collect, otherwise @var{addr} is the offset
35731 of @var{basereg} for memory collecting.
35732 @item len @tab 8 @tab length of memory for collecting
35733 @item basereg @tab 4 @tab the register number containing the starting
35734 memory address for collecting.
35735 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting registers} @tab @tab
35736 @item 'R' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
35737 @item @emph{tracepoint action for collecting static trace data} @tab @tab
35738 @item 'L' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
35739 @item @emph{tracepoint action for expression evaluation} @tab @tab
35740 @item 'X' @tab 1 @tab type of tracepoint action
35741 @item agent expression @tab length of @tab @ref{agent expression object}
35742 @item @emph{tracepoint object} @tab @tab
35743 @item number @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint
35744 @item address @tab 8 @tab address of tracepoint inserted on
35745 @item type @tab 4 @tab type of tracepoint
35746 @item enabled @tab 1 @tab enable or disable of tracepoint
35747 @item step_count @tab 8 @tab step
35748 @item pass_count @tab 8 @tab pass
35749 @item numactions @tab 4 @tab number of tracepoint actions
35750 @item hit count @tab 8 @tab hit count
35751 @item trace frame usage @tab 8 @tab trace frame usage
35752 @item compiled_cond @tab 8 @tab compiled condition
35753 @item orig_size @tab 8 @tab orig size
35754 @item condition @tab 4 if condition is NULL otherwise length of
35755 @ref{agent expression object}
35756 @tab zero if condition is NULL, otherwise is
35757 @ref{agent expression object}
35758 @item actions @tab variable
35759 @tab numactions number of @ref{tracepoint action object}
35760 @end multitable
35761
35762 @node IPA Protocol Commands
35763 @subsection IPA Protocol Commands
35764 @cindex ipa protocol commands
35765
35766 The spaces in each command are delimiters to ease reading this commands
35767 specification. They don't exist in real commands.
35768
35769 @table @samp
35770
35771 @item FastTrace:@var{tracepoint_object} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}
35772 Installs a new fast tracepoint described by @var{tracepoint_object}
35773 (@pxref{tracepoint object}). @var{gdb_jump_pad_head}, 8-byte long, is the
35774 head of @dfn{jumppad}, which is used to jump to data collection routine
35775 in IPA finally.
35776
35777 Replies:
35778 @table @samp
35779 @item OK @var{target_address} @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} @var{fjump_size} @var{fjump}
35780 @var{target_address} is address of tracepoint in the inferior.
35781 @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} is updated head of jumppad. Both of
35782 @var{target_address} and @var{gdb_jump_pad_head} are 8-byte long.
35783 @var{fjump} contains a sequence of instructions jump to jumppad entry.
35784 @var{fjump_size}, 4-byte long, is the size of @var{fjump}.
35785 @item E @var{NN}
35786 for an error
35787
35788 @end table
35789
35790 @item close
35791 Closes the in-process agent. This command is sent when @value{GDBN} or GDBserver
35792 is about to kill inferiors.
35793
35794 @item qTfSTM
35795 @xref{qTfSTM}.
35796 @item qTsSTM
35797 @xref{qTsSTM}.
35798 @item qTSTMat
35799 @xref{qTSTMat}.
35800 @item probe_marker_at:@var{address}
35801 Asks in-process agent to probe the marker at @var{address}.
35802
35803 Replies:
35804 @table @samp
35805 @item E @var{NN}
35806 for an error
35807 @end table
35808 @item unprobe_marker_at:@var{address}
35809 Asks in-process agent to unprobe the marker at @var{address}.
35810 @end table
35811
35812 @node GDB Bugs
35813 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
35814 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
35815 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
35816
35817 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
35818
35819 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
35820 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
35821 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
35822 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
35823
35824 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
35825 information that enables us to fix the bug.
35826
35827 @menu
35828 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
35829 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
35830 @end menu
35831
35832 @node Bug Criteria
35833 @section Have You Found a Bug?
35834 @cindex bug criteria
35835
35836 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
35837
35838 @itemize @bullet
35839 @cindex fatal signal
35840 @cindex debugger crash
35841 @cindex crash of debugger
35842 @item
35843 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
35844 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
35845
35846 @cindex error on valid input
35847 @item
35848 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
35849 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
35850 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
35851
35852 @cindex invalid input
35853 @item
35854 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
35855 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
35856 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
35857 for traditional practice''.
35858
35859 @item
35860 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
35861 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
35862 @end itemize
35863
35864 @node Bug Reporting
35865 @section How to Report Bugs
35866 @cindex bug reports
35867 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
35868
35869 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
35870 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
35871 contact that organization first.
35872
35873 You can find contact information for many support companies and
35874 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
35875 distribution.
35876 @c should add a web page ref...
35877
35878 @ifset BUGURL
35879 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
35880 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
35881 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
35882 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
35883 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
35884 be used.
35885
35886 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
35887 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
35888 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
35889 @samp{bug-gdb}.
35890
35891 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
35892 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
35893 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
35894 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
35895 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
35896 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
35897 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
35898 bug reports to the mailing list.
35899 @end ifset
35900 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
35901 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
35902 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
35903 @end ifclear
35904 @end ifset
35905
35906 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
35907 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
35908 fact or leave it out, state it!
35909
35910 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
35911 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
35912 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
35913 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
35914 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
35915 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
35916 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
35917 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
35918 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
35919
35920 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
35921 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
35922 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
35923 self-contained.
35924
35925 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
35926 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
35927 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
35928 bugs properly.
35929
35930 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
35931
35932 @itemize @bullet
35933 @item
35934 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
35935 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
35936 version}.
35937
35938 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
35939 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
35940
35941 @item
35942 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
35943 version number.
35944
35945 @item
35946 The details of the @value{GDBN} build-time configuration.
35947 @value{GDBN} shows these details if you invoke it with the
35948 @option{--configuration} command-line option, or if you type
35949 @code{show configuration} at @value{GDBN}'s prompt.
35950
35951 @item
35952 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
35953 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
35954
35955 @item
35956 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
35957 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
35958 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
35959 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
35960 those compilers.
35961
35962 @item
35963 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
35964 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
35965 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
35966 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
35967
35968 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
35969 and then we might not encounter the bug.
35970
35971 @item
35972 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
35973 reproduce the bug.
35974
35975 @item
35976 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
35977 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
35978
35979 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
35980 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
35981 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
35982 a chance to make a mistake.
35983
35984 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
35985 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
35986 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
35987 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
35988 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
35989 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
35990 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
35991 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
35992
35993 @pindex script
35994 @cindex recording a session script
35995 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
35996 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
35997 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
35998 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
35999
36000 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
36001 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
36002
36003 @item
36004 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
36005 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
36006 it by context, not by line number.
36007
36008 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
36009 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
36010
36011 @end itemize
36012
36013 Here are some things that are not necessary:
36014
36015 @itemize @bullet
36016 @item
36017 A description of the envelope of the bug.
36018
36019 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
36020 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
36021 changes will not affect it.
36022
36023 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
36024 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
36025 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
36026 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
36027
36028 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
36029 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
36030 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
36031 less time, and so on.
36032
36033 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
36034 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
36035
36036 @item
36037 A patch for the bug.
36038
36039 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
36040 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
36041 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
36042 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
36043
36044 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
36045 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
36046 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
36047 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
36048
36049 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
36050 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
36051 help us to understand.
36052
36053 @item
36054 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
36055
36056 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
36057 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
36058 @end itemize
36059
36060 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
36061 @c and consists of the two following files:
36062 @c rluser.texi
36063 @c hsuser.texi
36064 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
36065 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
36066 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
36067 @include rluser.texi
36068 @include hsuser.texi
36069 @end ifclear
36070
36071 @node In Memoriam
36072 @appendix In Memoriam
36073
36074 The @value{GDBN} project mourns the loss of the following long-time
36075 contributors:
36076
36077 @table @code
36078 @item Fred Fish
36079 Fred was a long-standing contributor to @value{GDBN} (1991-2006), and
36080 to Free Software in general. Outside of @value{GDBN}, he was known in
36081 the Amiga world for his series of Fish Disks, and the GeekGadget project.
36082
36083 @item Michael Snyder
36084 Michael was one of the Global Maintainers of the @value{GDBN} project,
36085 with contributions recorded as early as 1996, until 2011. In addition
36086 to his day to day participation, he was a large driving force behind
36087 adding Reverse Debugging to @value{GDBN}.
36088 @end table
36089
36090 Beyond their technical contributions to the project, they were also
36091 enjoyable members of the Free Software Community. We will miss them.
36092
36093 @node Formatting Documentation
36094 @appendix Formatting Documentation
36095
36096 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
36097 @cindex reference card
36098 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
36099 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
36100 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
36101 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
36102 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
36103 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
36104
36105 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
36106 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
36107
36108 @smallexample
36109 make refcard.dvi
36110 @end smallexample
36111
36112 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
36113 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
36114 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
36115 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
36116 your @sc{dvi} output program.
36117
36118 @cindex documentation
36119
36120 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
36121 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
36122 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
36123 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
36124 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
36125 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
36126
36127 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
36128 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
36129 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
36130 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
36131 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
36132 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
36133 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
36134 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
36135
36136 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
36137 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
36138 @code{makeinfo}.
36139
36140 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
36141 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
36142 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
36143
36144 @smallexample
36145 cd gdb
36146 make gdb.info
36147 @end smallexample
36148
36149 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
36150 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
36151 Texinfo definitions file.
36152
36153 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
36154 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
36155 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
36156 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
36157 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
36158 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
36159 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
36160
36161 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
36162 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
36163 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
36164 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
36165 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
36166 directory.
36167
36168 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
36169 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
36170 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
36171 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
36172
36173 @smallexample
36174 make gdb.dvi
36175 @end smallexample
36176
36177 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
36178
36179 @node Installing GDB
36180 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
36181 @cindex installation
36182
36183 @menu
36184 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
36185 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
36186 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
36187 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
36188 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
36189 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
36190 @end menu
36191
36192 @node Requirements
36193 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
36194 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
36195
36196 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
36197 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
36198
36199 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
36200 @table @asis
36201 @item ISO C90 compiler
36202 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
36203 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
36204
36205 @end table
36206
36207 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
36208 @table @asis
36209 @item Expat
36210 @anchor{Expat}
36211 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
36212 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
36213 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
36214 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
36215 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
36216 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
36217
36218 Expat is used for:
36219
36220 @itemize @bullet
36221 @item
36222 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
36223 @item
36224 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
36225 @item
36226 Remote shared library lists (@xref{Library List Format},
36227 or alternatively @pxref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets})
36228 @item
36229 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
36230 @item
36231 Traceframe info (@pxref{Traceframe Info Format})
36232 @item
36233 Branch trace (@pxref{Branch Trace Format})
36234 @end itemize
36235
36236 @item zlib
36237 @cindex compressed debug sections
36238 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
36239 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
36240 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
36241 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
36242 information in such binaries.
36243
36244 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
36245 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
36246 @url{http://zlib.net}.
36247
36248 @item iconv
36249 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
36250 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
36251 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
36252 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
36253
36254 If @value{GDBN} is using the @code{iconv} program which is installed
36255 in a non-standard place, you will need to tell @value{GDBN} where to find it.
36256 This is done with @option{--with-iconv-bin} which specifies the
36257 directory that contains the @code{iconv} program.
36258
36259 On systems without @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
36260 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
36261 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
36262
36263 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
36264 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
36265 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
36266 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
36267 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
36268 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
36269 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
36270 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
36271 @end table
36272
36273 @node Running Configure
36274 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
36275 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
36276 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
36277 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
36278 build the @code{gdb} program.
36279 @iftex
36280 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
36281 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
36282 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
36283 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
36284 @end iftex
36285
36286 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
36287 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
36288 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
36289
36290 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
36291 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
36292
36293 @table @code
36294 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
36295 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
36296
36297 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
36298 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
36299
36300 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
36301 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
36302
36303 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
36304 @sc{gnu} include files
36305
36306 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
36307 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
36308
36309 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
36310 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
36311
36312 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
36313 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
36314
36315 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
36316 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
36317
36318 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
36319 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
36320 @end table
36321
36322 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
36323 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
36324 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
36325
36326 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
36327 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
36328 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
36329 argument.
36330
36331 For example:
36332
36333 @smallexample
36334 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
36335 ./configure @var{host}
36336 make
36337 @end smallexample
36338
36339 @noindent
36340 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
36341 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
36342 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
36343 correct value by examining your system.)
36344
36345 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
36346 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
36347 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
36348 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
36349
36350 @need 750
36351 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
36352 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
36353 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
36354
36355 @smallexample
36356 sh configure @var{host}
36357 @end smallexample
36358
36359 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
36360 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
36361 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
36362 @file{configure}
36363 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
36364 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
36365
36366 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
36367 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
36368 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
36369 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
36370 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
36371 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
36372 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
36373 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
36374 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
36375
36376 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
36377 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
36378 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
36379 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
36380 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
36381
36382 @node Separate Objdir
36383 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
36384
36385 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
36386 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
36387 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
36388 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
36389 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
36390 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
36391 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
36392 program specified there.
36393
36394 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
36395 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
36396 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
36397 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
36398 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
36399 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
36400
36401 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
36402 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
36403
36404 @smallexample
36405 @group
36406 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
36407 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
36408 cd ../gdb-sun4
36409 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
36410 make
36411 @end group
36412 @end smallexample
36413
36414 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
36415 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
36416 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
36417 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
36418 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
36419 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
36420
36421 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
36422 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
36423 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
36424 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
36425 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
36426
36427 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
36428 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
36429 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
36430 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
36431 You specify a cross-debugging target by
36432 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
36433
36434 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
36435 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
36436 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
36437
36438 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
36439 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
36440 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
36441 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
36442 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
36443
36444 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
36445 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
36446 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
36447 with each other.
36448
36449 @node Config Names
36450 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
36451
36452 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
36453 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
36454 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
36455 of information in the following pattern:
36456
36457 @smallexample
36458 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
36459 @end smallexample
36460
36461 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
36462 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
36463 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
36464
36465 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
36466 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
36467 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
36468 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
36469 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
36470 abbreviations---for example:
36471
36472 @smallexample
36473 % sh config.sub i386-linux
36474 i386-pc-linux-gnu
36475 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
36476 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
36477 % sh config.sub hp9k700
36478 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
36479 % sh config.sub sun4
36480 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
36481 % sh config.sub sun3
36482 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
36483 % sh config.sub i986v
36484 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
36485 @end smallexample
36486
36487 @noindent
36488 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
36489 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
36490
36491 @node Configure Options
36492 @section @file{configure} Options
36493
36494 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
36495 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
36496 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
36497 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
36498
36499 @smallexample
36500 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
36501 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
36502 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
36503 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
36504 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
36505 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
36506 @var{host}
36507 @end smallexample
36508
36509 @noindent
36510 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
36511 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
36512 @samp{--}.
36513
36514 @table @code
36515 @item --help
36516 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
36517
36518 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
36519 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
36520 @file{@var{dir}}.
36521
36522 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
36523 Configure the source to install programs under directory
36524 @file{@var{dir}}.
36525
36526 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
36527 @need 2000
36528 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
36529 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
36530 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
36531 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
36532 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
36533 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
36534 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
36535 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
36536 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
36537 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
36538 @var{dirname}.
36539
36540 @item --norecursion
36541 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
36542 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
36543
36544 @item --target=@var{target}
36545 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
36546 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
36547 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
36548
36549 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
36550
36551 @item @var{host} @dots{}
36552 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
36553
36554 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
36555 @end table
36556
36557 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
36558 needed for special purposes only.
36559
36560 @node System-wide configuration
36561 @section System-wide configuration and settings
36562 @cindex system-wide init file
36563
36564 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
36565 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
36566 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
36567
36568 Here is the corresponding configure option:
36569
36570 @table @code
36571 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
36572 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
36573 @var{file}.
36574 @end table
36575
36576 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
36577 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
36578
36579 @itemize @bullet
36580 @item
36581 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
36582 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
36583 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
36584 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
36585 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
36586 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
36587
36588 @item
36589 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
36590 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
36591 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
36592 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
36593 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
36594 @end itemize
36595
36596 If the configured location of the system-wide init file (as given by the
36597 @option{--with-system-gdbinit} option at configure time) is in the
36598 data-directory (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure
36599 time) or in one of its subdirectories, then @value{GDBN} will look for the
36600 system-wide init file in the directory specified by the
36601 @option{--data-directory} command-line option.
36602 Note that the system-wide init file is only read once, during @value{GDBN}
36603 initialization. If the data-directory is changed after @value{GDBN} has
36604 started with the @code{set data-directory} command, the file will not be
36605 reread.
36606
36607 @menu
36608 * System-wide Configuration Scripts:: Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
36609 @end menu
36610
36611 @node System-wide Configuration Scripts
36612 @subsection Installed System-wide Configuration Scripts
36613 @cindex system-wide configuration scripts
36614
36615 The @file{system-gdbinit} directory, located inside the data-directory
36616 (as specified by @option{--with-gdb-datadir} at configure time) contains
36617 a number of scripts which can be used as system-wide init files. To
36618 automatically source those scripts at startup, @value{GDBN} should be
36619 configured with @option{--with-system-gdbinit}. Otherwise, any user
36620 should be able to source them by hand as needed.
36621
36622 The following scripts are currently available:
36623 @itemize @bullet
36624
36625 @item @file{elinos.py}
36626 @pindex elinos.py
36627 @cindex ELinOS system-wide configuration script
36628 This script is useful when debugging a program on an ELinOS target.
36629 It takes advantage of the environment variables defined in a standard
36630 ELinOS environment in order to determine the location of the system
36631 shared libraries, and then sets the @samp{solib-absolute-prefix}
36632 and @samp{solib-search-path} variables appropriately.
36633
36634 @item @file{wrs-linux.py}
36635 @pindex wrs-linux.py
36636 @cindex Wind River Linux system-wide configuration script
36637 This script is useful when debugging a program on a target running
36638 Wind River Linux. It expects the @env{ENV_PREFIX} to be set to
36639 the host-side sysroot used by the target system.
36640
36641 @end itemize
36642
36643 @node Maintenance Commands
36644 @appendix Maintenance Commands
36645 @cindex maintenance commands
36646 @cindex internal commands
36647
36648 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
36649 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
36650 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
36651 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
36652 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
36653
36654 @table @code
36655 @kindex maint agent
36656 @kindex maint agent-eval
36657 @item maint agent @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
36658 @itemx maint agent-eval @r{[}-at @var{location}@r{,}@r{]} @var{expression}
36659 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
36660 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
36661 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
36662 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
36663 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
36664 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
36665 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
36666 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
36667 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
36668 addition and return the sum.
36669 If @code{-at} is given, generate remote agent bytecode for @var{location}.
36670 If not, generate remote agent bytecode for current frame PC address.
36671
36672 @kindex maint agent-printf
36673 @item maint agent-printf @var{format},@var{expr},...
36674 Translate the given format string and list of argument expressions
36675 into remote agent bytecodes and display them as a disassembled list.
36676 This command is useful for debugging the agent version of dynamic
36677 printf (@pxref{Dynamic Printf}).
36678
36679 @kindex maint info breakpoints
36680 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
36681 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
36682 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
36683 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
36684 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
36685 is shown:
36686
36687 @table @code
36688 @item breakpoint
36689 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
36690
36691 @item watchpoint
36692 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
36693
36694 @item longjmp
36695 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
36696 @code{longjmp} calls.
36697
36698 @item longjmp resume
36699 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
36700
36701 @item until
36702 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
36703
36704 @item finish
36705 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
36706
36707 @item shlib events
36708 Shared library events.
36709
36710 @end table
36711
36712 @kindex maint info bfds
36713 @item maint info bfds
36714 This prints information about each @code{bfd} object that is known to
36715 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Top, , BFD, bfd, The Binary File Descriptor Library}.
36716
36717 @kindex set displaced-stepping
36718 @kindex show displaced-stepping
36719 @cindex displaced stepping support
36720 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
36721 @item set displaced-stepping
36722 @itemx show displaced-stepping
36723 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
36724 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
36725 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
36726 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
36727 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
36728
36729 @table @code
36730 @item set displaced-stepping on
36731 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
36732 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
36733
36734 @item set displaced-stepping off
36735 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
36736 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
36737
36738 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
36739 @item set displaced-stepping auto
36740 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
36741 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
36742 architecture supports displaced stepping.
36743 @end table
36744
36745 @kindex maint check-psymtabs
36746 @item maint check-psymtabs
36747 Check the consistency of currently expanded psymtabs versus symtabs.
36748 Use this to check, for example, whether a symbol is in one but not the other.
36749
36750 @kindex maint check-symtabs
36751 @item maint check-symtabs
36752 Check the consistency of currently expanded symtabs.
36753
36754 @kindex maint expand-symtabs
36755 @item maint expand-symtabs [@var{regexp}]
36756 Expand symbol tables.
36757 If @var{regexp} is specified, only expand symbol tables for file
36758 names matching @var{regexp}.
36759
36760 @kindex maint cplus first_component
36761 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
36762 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
36763
36764 @kindex maint cplus namespace
36765 @item maint cplus namespace
36766 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
36767
36768 @kindex maint demangle
36769 @item maint demangle @var{name}
36770 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
36771
36772 @kindex maint deprecate
36773 @kindex maint undeprecate
36774 @cindex deprecated commands
36775 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
36776 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
36777 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
36778 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
36779 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
36780 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
36781 the replacement as part of the warning.
36782
36783 @kindex maint dump-me
36784 @item maint dump-me
36785 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
36786 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
36787 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
36788 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
36789
36790 @kindex maint internal-error
36791 @kindex maint internal-warning
36792 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
36793 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
36794 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
36795 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
36796 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
36797 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
36798 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
36799 @value{GDBN} session.
36800
36801 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
36802 used as the text of the error or warning message.
36803
36804 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
36805
36806 @smallexample
36807 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
36808 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
36809 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
36810 debugging may prove unreliable.
36811 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
36812 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
36813 (@value{GDBP})
36814 @end smallexample
36815
36816 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
36817 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
36818
36819 @kindex maint set internal-error
36820 @kindex maint show internal-error
36821 @kindex maint set internal-warning
36822 @kindex maint show internal-warning
36823 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
36824 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
36825 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
36826 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
36827 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
36828 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
36829 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
36830 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
36831 described in the table below.
36832
36833 @table @samp
36834 @item quit
36835 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
36836 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
36837
36838 @item corefile
36839 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
36840 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
36841 @end table
36842
36843 @kindex maint packet
36844 @item maint packet @var{text}
36845 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
36846 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
36847 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
36848 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
36849 checksum.
36850
36851 @kindex maint print architecture
36852 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36853 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
36854 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
36855
36856 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
36857 @item maint print c-tdesc
36858 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
36859 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
36860 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
36861
36862 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
36863 @item maint print dummy-frames
36864 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
36865
36866 @smallexample
36867 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
36868 @dots{}
36869 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
36870 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
36871 58 return (a + b);
36872 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
36873 @dots{}
36874 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
36875 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
36876 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
36877 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
36878 (@value{GDBP})
36879 @end smallexample
36880
36881 Takes an optional file parameter.
36882
36883 @kindex maint print registers
36884 @kindex maint print raw-registers
36885 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
36886 @kindex maint print register-groups
36887 @kindex maint print remote-registers
36888 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36889 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36890 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36891 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36892 @itemx maint print remote-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36893 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
36894
36895 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
36896 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print
36897 cooked-registers} includes the (cooked) value of all registers,
36898 including registers which aren't available on the target nor visible
36899 to user; the command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the
36900 groups that each register is a member of; and the command @code{maint
36901 print remote-registers} includes the remote target's register numbers
36902 and offsets in the `G' packets.
36903
36904 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
36905 write the information.
36906
36907 @kindex maint print reggroups
36908 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
36909 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
36910 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
36911 information.
36912
36913 The register groups info looks like this:
36914
36915 @smallexample
36916 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
36917 Group Type
36918 general user
36919 float user
36920 all user
36921 vector user
36922 system user
36923 save internal
36924 restore internal
36925 @end smallexample
36926
36927 @kindex flushregs
36928 @item flushregs
36929 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
36930
36931 @kindex maint print objfiles
36932 @cindex info for known object files
36933 @item maint print objfiles @r{[}@var{regexp}@r{]}
36934 Print a dump of all known object files.
36935 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print object files whose names
36936 match @var{regexp}. For each object file, this command prints its name,
36937 address in memory, and all of its psymtabs and symtabs.
36938
36939 @kindex maint print section-scripts
36940 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
36941 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
36942 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
36943 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
36944 matching @var{regexp}.
36945 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
36946 and the full path if known.
36947 @xref{dotdebug_gdb_scripts section}.
36948
36949 @kindex maint print statistics
36950 @cindex bcache statistics
36951 @item maint print statistics
36952 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
36953 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
36954 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
36955 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
36956 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
36957 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
36958 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
36959 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
36960 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
36961 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
36962 lengths.
36963
36964 @kindex maint print target-stack
36965 @cindex target stack description
36966 @item maint print target-stack
36967 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
36968 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
36969 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
36970 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
36971 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
36972 address.
36973
36974 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
36975 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
36976
36977 @kindex maint print type
36978 @cindex type chain of a data type
36979 @item maint print type @var{expr}
36980 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
36981 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
36982 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
36983 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
36984 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
36985
36986 @kindex maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
36987 @kindex maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
36988 @item maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
36989 @item maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
36990 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
36991 information.
36992
36993 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
36994 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
36995 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
36996 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
36997 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
36998 always see the disassembly form.
36999
37000 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
37001
37002 @smallexample
37003 (gdb) info addr argc
37004 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
37005 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
37006 @end smallexample
37007
37008 For more information on these expressions, see
37009 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
37010
37011 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
37012 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
37013 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
37014 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
37015 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
37016
37017 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
37018 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
37019 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
37020 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
37021 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
37022 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
37023 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
37024 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
37025 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
37026
37027 @kindex maint set profile
37028 @kindex maint show profile
37029 @cindex profiling GDB
37030 @item maint set profile
37031 @itemx maint show profile
37032 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
37033
37034 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
37035 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
37036 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
37037 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
37038 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
37039 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
37040 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
37041
37042 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
37043 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
37044
37045 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
37046 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
37047 @cindex hardware debug registers
37048 @item maint set show-debug-regs
37049 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
37050 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
37051 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
37052 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
37053 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
37054 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
37055
37056 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
37057 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
37058 @item maint set show-all-tib
37059 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
37060 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
37061 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
37062 command.
37063
37064 @kindex maint set per-command
37065 @kindex maint show per-command
37066 @item maint set per-command
37067 @itemx maint show per-command
37068 @cindex resources used by commands
37069
37070 @value{GDBN} can display the resources used by each command.
37071 This is useful in debugging performance problems.
37072
37073 @table @code
37074 @item maint set per-command space [on|off]
37075 @itemx maint show per-command space
37076 Enable or disable the printing of the memory used by GDB for each command.
37077 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
37078 took, following the command's own output.
37079 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
37080 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
37081
37082 @item maint set per-command time [on|off]
37083 @itemx maint show per-command time
37084 Enable or disable the printing of the execution time of @value{GDBN}
37085 for each command.
37086 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
37087 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
37088 Both CPU time and wallclock time are printed.
37089 Printing both is useful when trying to determine whether the cost is
37090 CPU or, e.g., disk/network latency.
37091 Note that the CPU time printed is for @value{GDBN} only, it does not include
37092 the execution time of the inferior because there's no mechanism currently
37093 to compute how much time was spent by @value{GDBN} and how much time was
37094 spent by the program been debugged.
37095 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
37096 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
37097
37098 @item maint set per-command symtab [on|off]
37099 @itemx maint show per-command symtab
37100 Enable or disable the printing of basic symbol table statistics
37101 for each command.
37102 If enabled, @value{GDBN} will display the following information:
37103
37104 @enumerate a
37105 @item
37106 number of symbol tables
37107 @item
37108 number of primary symbol tables
37109 @item
37110 number of blocks in the blockvector
37111 @end enumerate
37112 @end table
37113
37114 @kindex maint space
37115 @cindex memory used by commands
37116 @item maint space @var{value}
37117 An alias for @code{maint set per-command space}.
37118 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
37119
37120 @kindex maint time
37121 @cindex time of command execution
37122 @item maint time @var{value}
37123 An alias for @code{maint set per-command time}.
37124 A non-zero value enables it, zero disables it.
37125
37126 @kindex maint translate-address
37127 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
37128 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
37129 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
37130 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
37131 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
37132 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
37133 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
37134
37135 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
37136 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
37137 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
37138
37139 @end table
37140
37141 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
37142 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
37143
37144 @table @code
37145 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
37146 @kindex set watchdog
37147 @cindex watchdog timer
37148 @cindex timeout for commands
37149 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
37150 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
37151 reports and error and the command is aborted.
37152
37153 @item show watchdog
37154 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
37155 @end table
37156
37157 @node Remote Protocol
37158 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
37159
37160 @menu
37161 * Overview::
37162 * Packets::
37163 * Stop Reply Packets::
37164 * General Query Packets::
37165 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
37166 * Tracepoint Packets::
37167 * Host I/O Packets::
37168 * Interrupts::
37169 * Notification Packets::
37170 * Remote Non-Stop::
37171 * Packet Acknowledgment::
37172 * Examples::
37173 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
37174 * Library List Format::
37175 * Library List Format for SVR4 Targets::
37176 * Memory Map Format::
37177 * Thread List Format::
37178 * Traceframe Info Format::
37179 * Branch Trace Format::
37180 @end menu
37181
37182 @node Overview
37183 @section Overview
37184
37185 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
37186 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
37187 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
37188 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
37189
37190 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
37191 transmitted and received data, respectively.
37192
37193 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
37194 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
37195 @cindex remote serial protocol
37196 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
37197 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
37198 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
37199 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
37200 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
37201
37202 @smallexample
37203 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
37204 @end smallexample
37205 @noindent
37206
37207 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
37208 @noindent
37209 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
37210 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
37211 eight bit unsigned checksum).
37212
37213 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
37214 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
37215
37216 @smallexample
37217 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
37218 @end smallexample
37219
37220 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
37221 @noindent
37222 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
37223 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
37224 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
37225
37226 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
37227 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
37228 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
37229 retransmission):
37230
37231 @smallexample
37232 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
37233 <- @code{+}
37234 @end smallexample
37235 @noindent
37236
37237 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
37238 once a connection is established.
37239 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
37240
37241 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
37242 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
37243 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
37244 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
37245 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
37246 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
37247 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
37248
37249 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
37250 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
37251 exceptions).
37252
37253 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
37254 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
37255 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
37256 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
37257
37258 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
37259 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
37260 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
37261
37262 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
37263 @anchor{Binary Data}
37264 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
37265 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
37266 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
37267 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
37268 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
37269 binary data.
37270
37271 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
37272 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
37273 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
37274 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
37275 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
37276 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
37277 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
37278 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
37279 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
37280 (described next).
37281
37282 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
37283 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
37284 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
37285 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
37286 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
37287 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
37288 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
37289 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
37290 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
37291 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
37292 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
37293 3}} more times.
37294
37295 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
37296 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
37297 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
37298 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
37299 @samp{0*"00}.
37300
37301 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
37302 error number. That number is not well defined.
37303
37304 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
37305 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
37306 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
37307 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
37308 on that response.
37309
37310 At a minimum, a stub is required to support the @samp{g} and @samp{G}
37311 commands for register access, and the @samp{m} and @samp{M} commands
37312 for memory access. Stubs that only control single-threaded targets
37313 can implement run control with the @samp{c} (continue), and @samp{s}
37314 (step) commands. Stubs that support multi-threading targets should
37315 support the @samp{vCont} command. All other commands are optional.
37316
37317 @node Packets
37318 @section Packets
37319
37320 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
37321 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
37322 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
37323 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
37324
37325 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
37326 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
37327 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
37328 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
37329 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
37330 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
37331 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
37332 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
37333 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
37334 @var{baz}.
37335
37336 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
37337 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
37338 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
37339 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
37340 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
37341 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
37342 pick any thread.
37343
37344 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
37345 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
37346 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
37347 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
37348 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
37349 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
37350 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
37351 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
37352 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
37353 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
37354 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
37355 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
37356 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
37357
37358 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
37359 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
37360 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
37361 more information.
37362
37363 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
37364 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
37365
37366 Here are the packet descriptions.
37367
37368 @table @samp
37369
37370 @item !
37371 @cindex @samp{!} packet
37372 @anchor{extended mode}
37373 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
37374 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
37375 debugged.
37376
37377 Reply:
37378 @table @samp
37379 @item OK
37380 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
37381 @end table
37382
37383 @item ?
37384 @cindex @samp{?} packet
37385 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
37386 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
37387 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
37388
37389 Reply:
37390 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37391
37392 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
37393 @cindex @samp{A} packet
37394 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
37395 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
37396 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
37397
37398 Reply:
37399 @table @samp
37400 @item OK
37401 The arguments were set.
37402 @item E @var{NN}
37403 An error occurred.
37404 @end table
37405
37406 @item b @var{baud}
37407 @cindex @samp{b} packet
37408 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
37409 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
37410
37411 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
37412 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
37413 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
37414
37415 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
37416 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
37417 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
37418 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
37419 of view, nothing actually happened.}
37420
37421 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
37422 @cindex @samp{B} packet
37423 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
37424 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
37425
37426 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
37427 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
37428
37429 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
37430 @anchor{bc}
37431 @item bc
37432 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
37433 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
37434
37435 Reply:
37436 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37437
37438 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
37439 @anchor{bs}
37440 @item bs
37441 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
37442 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
37443
37444 Reply:
37445 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37446
37447 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
37448 @cindex @samp{c} packet
37449 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
37450 resume at current address.
37451
37452 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
37453 packet}.
37454
37455 Reply:
37456 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37457
37458 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
37459 @cindex @samp{C} packet
37460 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
37461 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
37462
37463 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
37464 packet}.
37465
37466 Reply:
37467 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37468
37469 @item d
37470 @cindex @samp{d} packet
37471 Toggle debug flag.
37472
37473 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
37474 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
37475
37476 @item D
37477 @itemx D;@var{pid}
37478 @cindex @samp{D} packet
37479 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
37480 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
37481 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
37482
37483 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
37484 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
37485 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
37486 big-endian hex string.
37487
37488 Reply:
37489 @table @samp
37490 @item OK
37491 for success
37492 @item E @var{NN}
37493 for an error
37494 @end table
37495
37496 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
37497 @cindex @samp{F} packet
37498 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
37499 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
37500 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
37501
37502 @item g
37503 @anchor{read registers packet}
37504 @cindex @samp{g} packet
37505 Read general registers.
37506
37507 Reply:
37508 @table @samp
37509 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
37510 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
37511 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
37512 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
37513 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
37514 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
37515 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
37516
37517 When reading registers from a trace frame (@pxref{Analyze Collected
37518 Data,,Using the Collected Data}), the stub may also return a string of
37519 literal @samp{x}'s in place of the register data digits, to indicate
37520 that the corresponding register has not been collected, thus its value
37521 is unavailable. For example, for an architecture with 4 registers of
37522 4 bytes each, the following reply indicates to @value{GDBN} that
37523 registers 0 and 2 have not been collected, while registers 1 and 3
37524 have been collected, and both have zero value:
37525
37526 @smallexample
37527 -> @code{g}
37528 <- @code{xxxxxxxx00000000xxxxxxxx00000000}
37529 @end smallexample
37530
37531 @item E @var{NN}
37532 for an error.
37533 @end table
37534
37535 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
37536 @cindex @samp{G} packet
37537 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
37538 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
37539
37540 Reply:
37541 @table @samp
37542 @item OK
37543 for success
37544 @item E @var{NN}
37545 for an error
37546 @end table
37547
37548 @item H @var{op} @var{thread-id}
37549 @cindex @samp{H} packet
37550 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
37551 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{op} depends on the operation to be performed:
37552 it should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations (note that this
37553 is deprecated, supporting the @samp{vCont} command is a better
37554 option), @samp{g} for other operations. The thread designator
37555 @var{thread-id} has the format and interpretation described in
37556 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
37557
37558 Reply:
37559 @table @samp
37560 @item OK
37561 for success
37562 @item E @var{NN}
37563 for an error
37564 @end table
37565
37566 @c FIXME: JTC:
37567 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
37568 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
37569 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
37570 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
37571 @c described. For example:
37572 @c
37573 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
37574 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
37575 @c otherwise returns current registers.
37576 @c
37577 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
37578 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
37579 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
37580
37581 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
37582 @anchor{cycle step packet}
37583 @cindex @samp{i} packet
37584 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
37585 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
37586 step starting at that address.
37587
37588 @item I
37589 @cindex @samp{I} packet
37590 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
37591 step packet}.
37592
37593 @item k
37594 @cindex @samp{k} packet
37595 Kill request.
37596
37597 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
37598 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
37599 thread?)}.
37600
37601 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
37602 @cindex @samp{m} packet
37603 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
37604 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
37605
37606 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
37607 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
37608 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
37609 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
37610 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
37611 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
37612 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
37613 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
37614
37615 Reply:
37616 @table @samp
37617 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
37618 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
37619 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
37620 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
37621 @item E @var{NN}
37622 @var{NN} is errno
37623 @end table
37624
37625 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
37626 @cindex @samp{M} packet
37627 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
37628 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
37629 hexadecimal number.
37630
37631 Reply:
37632 @table @samp
37633 @item OK
37634 for success
37635 @item E @var{NN}
37636 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
37637 written).
37638 @end table
37639
37640 @item p @var{n}
37641 @cindex @samp{p} packet
37642 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
37643 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
37644 register value is encoded.
37645
37646 Reply:
37647 @table @samp
37648 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
37649 the register's value
37650 @item E @var{NN}
37651 for an error
37652 @item @w{}
37653 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
37654 @end table
37655
37656 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
37657 @anchor{write register packet}
37658 @cindex @samp{P} packet
37659 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
37660 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
37661 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
37662
37663 Reply:
37664 @table @samp
37665 @item OK
37666 for success
37667 @item E @var{NN}
37668 for an error
37669 @end table
37670
37671 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
37672 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
37673 @cindex @samp{q} packet
37674 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
37675 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
37676 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
37677
37678 @item r
37679 @cindex @samp{r} packet
37680 Reset the entire system.
37681
37682 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
37683
37684 @item R @var{XX}
37685 @cindex @samp{R} packet
37686 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
37687 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37688
37689 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
37690
37691 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
37692 @cindex @samp{s} packet
37693 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
37694 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
37695
37696 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
37697 packet}.
37698
37699 Reply:
37700 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37701
37702 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
37703 @anchor{step with signal packet}
37704 @cindex @samp{S} packet
37705 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
37706 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
37707
37708 This packet is deprecated for multi-threading support. @xref{vCont
37709 packet}.
37710
37711 Reply:
37712 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37713
37714 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
37715 @cindex @samp{t} packet
37716 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
37717 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
37718 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
37719
37720 @item T @var{thread-id}
37721 @cindex @samp{T} packet
37722 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
37723
37724 Reply:
37725 @table @samp
37726 @item OK
37727 thread is still alive
37728 @item E @var{NN}
37729 thread is dead
37730 @end table
37731
37732 @item v
37733 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
37734 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
37735
37736 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
37737 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
37738 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
37739 The process ID is a
37740 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
37741 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
37742 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
37743
37744 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
37745 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
37746 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
37747 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
37748 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
37749 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
37750 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
37751 @c stopping or restarting threads.
37752
37753 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37754
37755 Reply:
37756 @table @samp
37757 @item E @var{nn}
37758 for an error
37759 @item @r{Any stop packet}
37760 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
37761 @item OK
37762 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
37763 @end table
37764
37765 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
37766 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
37767 @anchor{vCont packet}
37768 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
37769 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
37770 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
37771 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
37772 in their current state in non-stop mode.
37773 Specifying multiple
37774 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
37775 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
37776
37777 Currently supported actions are:
37778
37779 @table @samp
37780 @item c
37781 Continue.
37782 @item C @var{sig}
37783 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
37784 @item s
37785 Step.
37786 @item S @var{sig}
37787 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
37788 @item t
37789 Stop.
37790 @item r @var{start},@var{end}
37791 Step once, and then keep stepping as long as the thread stops at
37792 addresses between @var{start} (inclusive) and @var{end} (exclusive).
37793 The remote stub reports a stop reply when either the thread goes out
37794 of the range or is stopped due to an unrelated reason, such as hitting
37795 a breakpoint. @xref{range stepping}.
37796
37797 If the range is empty (@var{start} == @var{end}), then the action
37798 becomes equivalent to the @samp{s} action. In other words,
37799 single-step once, and report the stop (even if the stepped instruction
37800 jumps to @var{start}).
37801
37802 (A stop reply may be sent at any point even if the PC is still within
37803 the stepping range; for example, it is valid to implement this packet
37804 in a degenerate way as a single instruction step operation.)
37805
37806 @end table
37807
37808 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
37809 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
37810 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
37811
37812 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
37813 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
37814 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
37815 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
37816 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
37817 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
37818 as an implementation detail.
37819
37820 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
37821 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
37822 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
37823 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
37824 @var{thread-id}.
37825
37826 Reply:
37827 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
37828
37829 @item vCont?
37830 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
37831 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
37832
37833 Reply:
37834 @table @samp
37835 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
37836 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
37837 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
37838 @item @w{}
37839 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
37840 @end table
37841
37842 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
37843 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
37844 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
37845 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
37846
37847 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
37848 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
37849 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
37850 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
37851 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
37852 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
37853 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
37854 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
37855 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
37856 packet is received.
37857
37858 Reply:
37859 @table @samp
37860 @item OK
37861 for success
37862 @item E @var{NN}
37863 for an error
37864 @end table
37865
37866 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
37867 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
37868 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
37869 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
37870 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
37871 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
37872 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
37873 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
37874 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
37875 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
37876 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
37877 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
37878
37879
37880 Reply:
37881 @table @samp
37882 @item OK
37883 for success
37884 @item E.memtype
37885 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
37886 @item E @var{NN}
37887 for an error
37888 @end table
37889
37890 @item vFlashDone
37891 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
37892 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
37893 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
37894 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
37895 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
37896 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
37897 request is completed.
37898
37899 @item vKill;@var{pid}
37900 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
37901 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
37902 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
37903 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
37904 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
37905
37906 Reply:
37907 @table @samp
37908 @item E @var{nn}
37909 for an error
37910 @item OK
37911 for success
37912 @end table
37913
37914 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
37915 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
37916 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
37917 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
37918 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
37919 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
37920 state.
37921
37922 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
37923
37924 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
37925
37926 Reply:
37927 @table @samp
37928 @item E @var{nn}
37929 for an error
37930 @item @r{Any stop packet}
37931 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
37932 @end table
37933
37934 @item vStopped
37935 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
37936 @xref{Notification Packets}.
37937
37938 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
37939 @anchor{X packet}
37940 @cindex @samp{X} packet
37941 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
37942 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
37943 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
37944
37945 Reply:
37946 @table @samp
37947 @item OK
37948 for success
37949 @item E @var{NN}
37950 for an error
37951 @end table
37952
37953 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
37954 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
37955 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
37956 @cindex @samp{z} packet
37957 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
37958 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
37959 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
37960
37961 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
37962 separately.
37963
37964 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
37965 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
37966 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
37967 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
37968 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
37969 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
37970
37971 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
37972 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}@r{[};cmds:@var{persist},@var{cmd_list}@dots{}@r{]}
37973 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
37974 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
37975 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
37976 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
37977
37978 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
37979 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
37980 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
37981 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
37982 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
37983 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
37984 @var{cond_list} is an optional list of conditional expressions in bytecode
37985 form that should be evaluated on the target's side. These are the
37986 conditions that should be taken into consideration when deciding if
37987 the breakpoint trigger should be reported back to @var{GDBN}.
37988
37989 The @var{cond_list} parameter is comprised of a series of expressions,
37990 concatenated without separators. Each expression has the following form:
37991
37992 @table @samp
37993
37994 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
37995 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
37996 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
37997
37998 @end table
37999
38000 The optional @var{cmd_list} parameter introduces commands that may be
38001 run on the target, rather than being reported back to @value{GDBN}.
38002 The parameter starts with a numeric flag @var{persist}; if the flag is
38003 nonzero, then the breakpoint may remain active and the commands
38004 continue to be run even when @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target.
38005 Following this flag is a series of expressions concatenated with no
38006 separators. Each expression has the following form:
38007
38008 @table @samp
38009
38010 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
38011 @var{len} is the length of the bytecode expression and @var{expr} is the
38012 actual conditional expression in bytecode form.
38013
38014 @end table
38015
38016 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
38017
38018 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
38019 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
38020 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
38021 target, is not defined.}
38022
38023 Reply:
38024 @table @samp
38025 @item OK
38026 success
38027 @item @w{}
38028 not supported
38029 @item E @var{NN}
38030 for an error
38031 @end table
38032
38033 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38034 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}@r{[};@var{cond_list}@dots{}@r{]}
38035 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
38036 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
38037 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
38038 address @var{addr}.
38039
38040 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
38041 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
38042 and @var{cond_list} have the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
38043
38044 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
38045 movement.}
38046
38047 Reply:
38048 @table @samp
38049 @item OK
38050 success
38051 @item @w{}
38052 not supported
38053 @item E @var{NN}
38054 for an error
38055 @end table
38056
38057 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38058 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38059 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
38060 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
38061 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
38062 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
38063
38064 Reply:
38065 @table @samp
38066 @item OK
38067 success
38068 @item @w{}
38069 not supported
38070 @item E @var{NN}
38071 for an error
38072 @end table
38073
38074 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38075 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38076 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
38077 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
38078 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
38079 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
38080
38081 Reply:
38082 @table @samp
38083 @item OK
38084 success
38085 @item @w{}
38086 not supported
38087 @item E @var{NN}
38088 for an error
38089 @end table
38090
38091 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38092 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
38093 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
38094 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
38095 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
38096 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
38097
38098 Reply:
38099 @table @samp
38100 @item OK
38101 success
38102 @item @w{}
38103 not supported
38104 @item E @var{NN}
38105 for an error
38106 @end table
38107
38108 @end table
38109
38110 @node Stop Reply Packets
38111 @section Stop Reply Packets
38112 @cindex stop reply packets
38113
38114 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
38115 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
38116 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
38117 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
38118 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
38119 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
38120 @value{GDBN} source code.
38121
38122 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
38123 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
38124 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
38125 components.
38126
38127 @table @samp
38128
38129 @item S @var{AA}
38130 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
38131 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
38132 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
38133
38134 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
38135 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
38136 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
38137 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
38138 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
38139 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
38140 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
38141 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
38142
38143 @itemize @bullet
38144 @item
38145 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
38146 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
38147 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
38148 two-digit hex number.
38149
38150 @item
38151 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
38152 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
38153
38154 @item
38155 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
38156 the core on which the stop event was detected.
38157
38158 @item
38159 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
38160 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
38161 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
38162 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
38163
38164 @item
38165 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
38166 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
38167 future.
38168 @end itemize
38169
38170 The currently defined stop reasons are:
38171
38172 @table @samp
38173 @item watch
38174 @itemx rwatch
38175 @itemx awatch
38176 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
38177 hex.
38178
38179 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
38180 @item library
38181 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
38182 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
38183 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
38184
38185 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
38186 @item replaylog
38187 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
38188 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
38189 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
38190 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
38191 for more information.
38192 @end table
38193
38194 @item W @var{AA}
38195 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
38196 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
38197 applicable to certain targets.
38198
38199 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
38200 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
38201 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
38202 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
38203
38204 @item X @var{AA}
38205 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
38206 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
38207
38208 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
38209 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
38210 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
38211 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
38212
38213 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
38214 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
38215 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
38216 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
38217 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
38218
38219 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
38220 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
38221 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
38222 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
38223 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
38224 system calls.
38225
38226 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
38227 this very system call.
38228
38229 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
38230 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
38231 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
38232 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
38233 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
38234 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
38235
38236 @end table
38237
38238 @node General Query Packets
38239 @section General Query Packets
38240 @cindex remote query requests
38241
38242 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
38243 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
38244 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
38245 sending information to and from the stub.
38246
38247 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
38248 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
38249 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
38250 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
38251 conventions:
38252
38253 @itemize @bullet
38254 @item
38255 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
38256 @item
38257 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
38258 letter.
38259 @item
38260 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
38261 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
38262 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
38263 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
38264 @end itemize
38265
38266 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
38267 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
38268 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
38269 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
38270 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
38271 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
38272 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
38273 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
38274 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
38275 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
38276 packet.}.
38277
38278 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
38279 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
38280 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
38281 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
38282 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
38283
38284 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
38285
38286 @table @samp
38287
38288 @item QAgent:1
38289 @itemx QAgent:0
38290 Turn on or off the agent as a helper to perform some debugging operations
38291 delegated from @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Control Agent}).
38292
38293 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
38294 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
38295 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
38296 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
38297 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
38298 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
38299 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
38300 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
38301 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
38302 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
38303 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
38304
38305 @item qC
38306 @cindex current thread, remote request
38307 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
38308 Return the current thread ID.
38309
38310 Reply:
38311 @table @samp
38312 @item QC @var{thread-id}
38313 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
38314 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
38315 @item @r{(anything else)}
38316 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
38317 @end table
38318
38319 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
38320 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
38321 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
38322 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
38323 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
38324 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
38325 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
38326
38327 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
38328 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
38329 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
38330 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
38331 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
38332 detect trailing zeros.
38333
38334 Reply:
38335 @table @samp
38336 @item E @var{NN}
38337 An error (such as memory fault)
38338 @item C @var{crc32}
38339 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
38340 @end table
38341
38342 @item QDisableRandomization:@var{value}
38343 @cindex disable address space randomization, remote request
38344 @cindex @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet
38345 Some target operating systems will randomize the virtual address space
38346 of the inferior process as a security feature, but provide a feature
38347 to disable such randomization, e.g.@: to allow for a more deterministic
38348 debugging experience. On such systems, this packet with a @var{value}
38349 of 1 directs the target to disable address space randomization for
38350 processes subsequently started via @samp{vRun} packets, while a packet
38351 with a @var{value} of 0 tells the target to enable address space
38352 randomization.
38353
38354 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
38355
38356 Reply:
38357 @table @samp
38358 @item OK
38359 The request succeeded.
38360
38361 @item E @var{nn}
38362 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38363
38364 @item @w{}
38365 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QDisableRandomization} is not supported
38366 by the stub.
38367 @end table
38368
38369 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38370 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38371 This should only be done on targets that actually support disabling
38372 address space randomization.
38373
38374 @item qfThreadInfo
38375 @itemx qsThreadInfo
38376 @cindex list active threads, remote request
38377 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
38378 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
38379 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
38380 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
38381 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
38382 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
38383 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
38384 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
38385
38386 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
38387
38388 Reply:
38389 @table @samp
38390 @item m @var{thread-id}
38391 A single thread ID
38392 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
38393 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
38394 @item l
38395 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
38396 @end table
38397
38398 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
38399 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
38400 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
38401 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
38402 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
38403 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
38404 fields.
38405
38406 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
38407 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
38408 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
38409 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
38410 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
38411
38412 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
38413 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
38414
38415 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
38416 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
38417 information associated with the variable.)
38418
38419 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
38420 load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
38421 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
38422 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
38423 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
38424 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
38425
38426 Reply:
38427 @table @samp
38428 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
38429 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
38430 local storage requested.
38431
38432 @item E @var{nn}
38433 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38434
38435 @item @w{}
38436 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
38437 @end table
38438
38439 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
38440 @cindex get thread information block address
38441 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
38442 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
38443
38444 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
38445
38446 Reply:
38447 @table @samp
38448 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
38449 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
38450 thread information block.
38451
38452 @item E @var{nn}
38453 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
38454 address could not be retrieved.
38455
38456 @item @w{}
38457 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
38458 @end table
38459
38460 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
38461 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
38462 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
38463 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
38464 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
38465 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
38466 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
38467
38468 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
38469
38470 Reply:
38471 @table @samp
38472 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
38473 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
38474 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
38475 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
38476 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
38477 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
38478 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
38479 @end table
38480
38481 @item qOffsets
38482 @cindex section offsets, remote request
38483 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
38484 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
38485 image.
38486
38487 Reply:
38488 @table @samp
38489 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
38490 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
38491 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
38492 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
38493 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
38494 segments by the supplied offsets.
38495
38496 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
38497 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
38498 to the @code{Bss} section.}
38499
38500 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
38501 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
38502 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
38503 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
38504 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
38505 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
38506 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
38507 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
38508 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
38509 @end table
38510
38511 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
38512 @cindex thread information, remote request
38513 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
38514 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
38515 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
38516 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
38517
38518 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
38519 (see below).
38520
38521 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
38522
38523 @item QNonStop:1
38524 @itemx QNonStop:0
38525 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
38526 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
38527 @anchor{QNonStop}
38528 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
38529 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
38530
38531 Reply:
38532 @table @samp
38533 @item OK
38534 The request succeeded.
38535
38536 @item E @var{nn}
38537 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38538
38539 @item @w{}
38540 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
38541 the stub.
38542 @end table
38543
38544 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38545 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38546 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
38547 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
38548
38549 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
38550 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
38551 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
38552 @anchor{QPassSignals}
38553 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
38554 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
38555 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
38556 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
38557 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
38558 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
38559 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
38560 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
38561 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
38562
38563 Reply:
38564 @table @samp
38565 @item OK
38566 The request succeeded.
38567
38568 @item E @var{nn}
38569 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38570
38571 @item @w{}
38572 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
38573 the stub.
38574 @end table
38575
38576 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
38577 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
38578 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38579 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38580
38581 @item QProgramSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
38582 @cindex signals the inferior may see, remote request
38583 @cindex @samp{QProgramSignals} packet
38584 @anchor{QProgramSignals}
38585 Each listed @var{signal} may be delivered to the inferior process.
38586 Others should be silently discarded.
38587
38588 In some cases, the remote stub may need to decide whether to deliver a
38589 signal to the program or not without @value{GDBN} involvement. One
38590 example of that is while detaching --- the program's threads may have
38591 stopped for signals that haven't yet had a chance of being reported to
38592 @value{GDBN}, and so the remote stub can use the signal list specified
38593 by this packet to know whether to deliver or ignore those pending
38594 signals.
38595
38596 This does not influence whether to deliver a signal as requested by a
38597 resumption packet (@pxref{vCont packet}).
38598
38599 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
38600 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
38601 strictly greater than the previous item. Multiple
38602 @samp{QProgramSignals} packets do not combine; any earlier
38603 @samp{QProgramSignals} list is completely replaced by the new list.
38604
38605 Reply:
38606 @table @samp
38607 @item OK
38608 The request succeeded.
38609
38610 @item E @var{nn}
38611 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
38612
38613 @item @w{}
38614 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QProgramSignals} is not supported
38615 by the stub.
38616 @end table
38617
38618 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote program-signals}
38619 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote program-signals}).
38620 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
38621 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
38622
38623 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
38624 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
38625 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
38626 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
38627 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
38628 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
38629 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
38630 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
38631 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
38632
38633 Reply:
38634 @table @samp
38635 @item OK
38636 A command response with no output.
38637 @item @var{OUTPUT}
38638 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
38639 @item E @var{NN}
38640 Indicate a badly formed request.
38641 @item @w{}
38642 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
38643 @end table
38644
38645 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
38646 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
38647 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
38648 packets.)
38649
38650 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
38651 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
38652 @ifnotinfo
38653 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
38654 @end ifnotinfo
38655 @cindex @samp{qSearch memory} packet
38656 @anchor{qSearch memory}
38657 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
38658 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
38659 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
38660
38661 Reply:
38662 @table @samp
38663 @item 0
38664 The pattern was not found.
38665 @item 1,address
38666 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
38667 @item E @var{NN}
38668 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
38669 @item @w{}
38670 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
38671 @end table
38672
38673 @item QStartNoAckMode
38674 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
38675 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
38676 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
38677 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
38678
38679 Reply:
38680 @table @samp
38681 @item OK
38682 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
38683 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
38684 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
38685 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
38686 @item @w{}
38687 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
38688 @end table
38689
38690 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
38691 @cindex supported packets, remote query
38692 @cindex features of the remote protocol
38693 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
38694 @anchor{qSupported}
38695 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
38696 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
38697 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
38698 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
38699 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
38700 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
38701 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
38702 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
38703 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
38704 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
38705 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
38706 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
38707 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
38708 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
38709
38710 Reply:
38711 @table @samp
38712 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
38713 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
38714 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
38715 possible forms).
38716 @item @w{}
38717 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
38718 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
38719 @end table
38720
38721 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
38722 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
38723 are:
38724
38725 @table @samp
38726 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
38727 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
38728 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
38729 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
38730 @item @var{name}+
38731 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
38732 need an associated value.
38733 @item @var{name}-
38734 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
38735 @item @var{name}?
38736 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
38737 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
38738 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
38739 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
38740 @end table
38741
38742 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
38743 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
38744 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
38745 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
38746 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
38747
38748 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
38749 are defined:
38750
38751 @table @samp
38752 @item multiprocess
38753 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
38754 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
38755 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
38756 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
38757 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
38758
38759 @item xmlRegisters
38760 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
38761 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
38762 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
38763 description.
38764
38765 @item qRelocInsn
38766 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
38767 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
38768 instruction reply packet}).
38769 @end table
38770
38771 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
38772 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
38773 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
38774 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
38775 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
38776 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
38777 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
38778 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
38779 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
38780 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
38781 all the features it supports.
38782
38783 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
38784 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
38785
38786 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
38787 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
38788 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
38789 form response.
38790
38791 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
38792 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
38793 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
38794 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
38795
38796 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
38797 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
38798 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
38799 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
38800 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
38801
38802 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
38803
38804 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
38805 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
38806 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
38807 @item Feature Name
38808 @tab Value Required
38809 @tab Default
38810 @tab Probe Allowed
38811
38812 @item @samp{PacketSize}
38813 @tab Yes
38814 @tab @samp{-}
38815 @tab No
38816
38817 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
38818 @tab No
38819 @tab @samp{-}
38820 @tab Yes
38821
38822 @item @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
38823 @tab No
38824 @tab @samp{-}
38825 @tab Yes
38826
38827 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
38828 @tab No
38829 @tab @samp{-}
38830 @tab Yes
38831
38832 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
38833 @tab No
38834 @tab @samp{-}
38835 @tab Yes
38836
38837 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read}
38838 @tab No
38839 @tab @samp{-}
38840 @tab Yes
38841
38842 @item @samp{augmented-libraries-svr4-read}
38843 @tab No
38844 @tab @samp{-}
38845 @tab No
38846
38847 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
38848 @tab No
38849 @tab @samp{-}
38850 @tab Yes
38851
38852 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
38853 @tab No
38854 @tab @samp{-}
38855 @tab Yes
38856
38857 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
38858 @tab No
38859 @tab @samp{-}
38860 @tab Yes
38861
38862 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
38863 @tab No
38864 @tab @samp{-}
38865 @tab Yes
38866
38867 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
38868 @tab No
38869 @tab @samp{-}
38870 @tab Yes
38871
38872 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
38873 @tab No
38874 @tab @samp{-}
38875 @tab Yes
38876
38877 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
38878 @tab No
38879 @tab @samp{-}
38880 @tab Yes
38881
38882 @item @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
38883 @tab No
38884 @tab @samp{-}
38885 @tab Yes
38886
38887 @item @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
38888 @tab No
38889 @tab @samp{-}
38890 @tab Yes
38891
38892 @item @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
38893 @tab No
38894 @tab @samp{-}
38895 @tab Yes
38896
38897 @item @samp{Qbtrace:off}
38898 @tab Yes
38899 @tab @samp{-}
38900 @tab Yes
38901
38902 @item @samp{Qbtrace:bts}
38903 @tab Yes
38904 @tab @samp{-}
38905 @tab Yes
38906
38907 @item @samp{QNonStop}
38908 @tab No
38909 @tab @samp{-}
38910 @tab Yes
38911
38912 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
38913 @tab No
38914 @tab @samp{-}
38915 @tab Yes
38916
38917 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
38918 @tab No
38919 @tab @samp{-}
38920 @tab Yes
38921
38922 @item @samp{multiprocess}
38923 @tab No
38924 @tab @samp{-}
38925 @tab No
38926
38927 @item @samp{ConditionalBreakpoints}
38928 @tab No
38929 @tab @samp{-}
38930 @tab No
38931
38932 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
38933 @tab No
38934 @tab @samp{-}
38935 @tab No
38936
38937 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
38938 @tab No
38939 @tab @samp{-}
38940 @tab No
38941
38942 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
38943 @tab No
38944 @tab @samp{-}
38945 @tab No
38946
38947 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
38948 @tab No
38949 @tab @samp{-}
38950 @tab No
38951
38952 @item @samp{QAgent}
38953 @tab No
38954 @tab @samp{-}
38955 @tab No
38956
38957 @item @samp{QAllow}
38958 @tab No
38959 @tab @samp{-}
38960 @tab No
38961
38962 @item @samp{QDisableRandomization}
38963 @tab No
38964 @tab @samp{-}
38965 @tab No
38966
38967 @item @samp{EnableDisableTracepoints}
38968 @tab No
38969 @tab @samp{-}
38970 @tab No
38971
38972 @item @samp{QTBuffer:size}
38973 @tab No
38974 @tab @samp{-}
38975 @tab No
38976
38977 @item @samp{tracenz}
38978 @tab No
38979 @tab @samp{-}
38980 @tab No
38981
38982 @item @samp{BreakpointCommands}
38983 @tab No
38984 @tab @samp{-}
38985 @tab No
38986
38987 @end multitable
38988
38989 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
38990
38991 @table @samp
38992 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
38993 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
38994 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
38995 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
38996 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
38997 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
38998 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
38999 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
39000 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
39001 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
39002
39003 @item qXfer:auxv:read
39004 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
39005 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
39006
39007 @item qXfer:btrace:read
39008 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
39009 packet (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}).
39010
39011 @item qXfer:features:read
39012 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
39013 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
39014
39015 @item qXfer:libraries:read
39016 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
39017 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
39018
39019 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read
39020 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
39021 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
39022
39023 @item augmented-libraries-svr4-read
39024 The remote stub understands the augmented form of the
39025 @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet
39026 (@pxref{qXfer svr4 library list read}).
39027
39028 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
39029 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
39030 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
39031
39032 @item qXfer:sdata:read
39033 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
39034 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
39035
39036 @item qXfer:spu:read
39037 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
39038 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
39039
39040 @item qXfer:spu:write
39041 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
39042 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
39043
39044 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
39045 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
39046 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
39047
39048 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
39049 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
39050 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
39051
39052 @item qXfer:threads:read
39053 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
39054 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
39055
39056 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read
39057 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
39058 packet (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}).
39059
39060 @item qXfer:uib:read
39061 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:uib:read}
39062 packet (@pxref{qXfer unwind info block}).
39063
39064 @item qXfer:fdpic:read
39065 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:fdpic:read}
39066 packet (@pxref{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}).
39067
39068 @item QNonStop
39069 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
39070 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
39071
39072 @item QPassSignals
39073 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
39074 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
39075
39076 @item QStartNoAckMode
39077 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
39078 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
39079
39080 @item multiprocess
39081 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
39082 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
39083 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
39084 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
39085 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
39086 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
39087 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
39088 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
39089 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
39090 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
39091 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
39092
39093 @item qXfer:osdata:read
39094 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
39095 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
39096
39097 @item ConditionalBreakpoints
39098 The target accepts and implements evaluation of conditional expressions
39099 defined for breakpoints. The target will only report breakpoint triggers
39100 when such conditions are true (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
39101
39102 @item ConditionalTracepoints
39103 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
39104 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
39105
39106 @item ReverseContinue
39107 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
39108 (@pxref{bc}).
39109
39110 @item ReverseStep
39111 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
39112 (@pxref{bs}).
39113
39114 @item TracepointSource
39115 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
39116 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
39117
39118 @item QAgent
39119 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAgent} packet.
39120
39121 @item QAllow
39122 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
39123
39124 @item QDisableRandomization
39125 The remote stub understands the @samp{QDisableRandomization} packet.
39126
39127 @item StaticTracepoint
39128 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
39129 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
39130
39131 @item InstallInTrace
39132 @anchor{install tracepoint in tracing}
39133 The remote stub supports installing tracepoint in tracing.
39134
39135 @item EnableDisableTracepoints
39136 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTEnable} (@pxref{QTEnable}) and
39137 @samp{QTDisable} (@pxref{QTDisable}) packets that allow tracepoints
39138 to be enabled and disabled while a trace experiment is running.
39139
39140 @item QTBuffer:size
39141 The remote stub supports the @samp{QTBuffer:size} (@pxref{QTBuffer-size})
39142 packet that allows to change the size of the trace buffer.
39143
39144 @item tracenz
39145 @cindex string tracing, in remote protocol
39146 The remote stub supports the @samp{tracenz} bytecode for collecting strings.
39147 See @ref{Bytecode Descriptions} for details about the bytecode.
39148
39149 @item BreakpointCommands
39150 @cindex breakpoint commands, in remote protocol
39151 The remote stub supports running a breakpoint's command list itself,
39152 rather than reporting the hit to @value{GDBN}.
39153
39154 @item Qbtrace:off
39155 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:off} packet.
39156
39157 @item Qbtrace:bts
39158 The remote stub understands the @samp{Qbtrace:bts} packet.
39159
39160 @end table
39161
39162 @item qSymbol::
39163 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
39164 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
39165 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
39166 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
39167
39168 Reply:
39169 @table @samp
39170 @item OK
39171 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
39172 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
39173 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
39174 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
39175 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
39176 below.
39177 @end table
39178
39179 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
39180 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
39181
39182 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
39183 target has previously requested.
39184
39185 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
39186 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
39187 will be empty.
39188
39189 Reply:
39190 @table @samp
39191 @item OK
39192 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
39193 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
39194 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
39195 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
39196 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
39197 @end table
39198
39199 @item qTBuffer
39200 @itemx QTBuffer
39201 @itemx QTDisconnected
39202 @itemx QTDP
39203 @itemx QTDPsrc
39204 @itemx QTDV
39205 @itemx qTfP
39206 @itemx qTfV
39207 @itemx QTFrame
39208 @itemx qTMinFTPILen
39209
39210 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
39211
39212 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
39213 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
39214 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
39215 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
39216 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
39217 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
39218 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
39219 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
39220 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
39221 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
39222 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
39223
39224 Reply:
39225 @table @samp
39226 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
39227 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
39228 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
39229 the thread's attributes.
39230 @end table
39231
39232 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
39233 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
39234 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
39235 packets.)
39236
39237 @item QTNotes
39238 @itemx qTP
39239 @itemx QTSave
39240 @itemx qTsP
39241 @itemx qTsV
39242 @itemx QTStart
39243 @itemx QTStop
39244 @itemx QTEnable
39245 @itemx QTDisable
39246 @itemx QTinit
39247 @itemx QTro
39248 @itemx qTStatus
39249 @itemx qTV
39250 @itemx qTfSTM
39251 @itemx qTsSTM
39252 @itemx qTSTMat
39253 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
39254
39255 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39256 @cindex read special object, remote request
39257 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
39258 @anchor{qXfer read}
39259 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
39260 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
39261 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
39262 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
39263 additional details about what data to access.
39264
39265 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
39266 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
39267 formats, listed below.
39268
39269 @table @samp
39270 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39271 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
39272 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
39273 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
39274
39275 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39276 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39277
39278 @item qXfer:btrace:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39279 @anchor{qXfer btrace read}
39280
39281 Return a description of the current branch trace.
39282 @xref{Branch Trace Format}. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer}
39283 packet may have one of the following values:
39284
39285 @table @code
39286 @item all
39287 Returns all available branch trace.
39288
39289 @item new
39290 Returns all available branch trace if the branch trace changed since
39291 the last read request.
39292 @end table
39293
39294 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it
39295 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39296
39297 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39298 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
39299 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
39300 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
39301 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
39302
39303 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39304 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39305
39306 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39307 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
39308 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
39309 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39310 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39311
39312 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
39313 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
39314 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
39315
39316 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39317 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39318
39319 @item qXfer:libraries-svr4:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39320 @anchor{qXfer svr4 library list read}
39321 Access the target's list of loaded libraries when the target is an SVR4
39322 platform. @xref{Library List Format for SVR4 Targets}. The annex part
39323 of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty unless the remote
39324 stub indicated it supports the augmented form of this packet
39325 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39326 (@pxref{qXfer read}, @ref{qSupported}).
39327
39328 This packet is optional for better performance on SVR4 targets.
39329 @value{GDBN} uses memory read packets to read the SVR4 library list otherwise.
39330
39331 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39332 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39333
39334 If the remote stub indicates it supports the augmented form of this
39335 packet then the annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet may
39336 contain a semicolon-separated list of @samp{@var{name}=@var{value}}
39337 arguments. The currently supported arguments are:
39338
39339 @table @code
39340 @item start=@var{address}
39341 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
39342 link_map} to start reading the library list from. If unset or zero
39343 then the first @samp{struct link_map} in the library list will be
39344 chosen as the starting point.
39345
39346 @item prev=@var{address}
39347 A hexadecimal number specifying the address of the @samp{struct
39348 link_map} immediately preceding the @samp{struct link_map}
39349 specified by the @samp{start} argument. If unset or zero then
39350 the remote stub will expect that no @samp{struct link_map}
39351 exists prior to the starting point.
39352
39353 @end table
39354
39355 Arguments that are not understood by the remote stub will be silently
39356 ignored.
39357
39358 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39359 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
39360 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
39361 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39362 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39363
39364 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39365 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39366
39367 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39368 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
39369
39370 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
39371 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
39372 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
39373 Action Lists}.
39374
39375 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39376 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39377 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39378
39379 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39380 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
39381 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
39382 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
39383 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39384
39385 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39386 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39387 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39388
39389 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39390 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
39391 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
39392 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
39393 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
39394 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
39395 in that context to be accessed.
39396
39397 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39398 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39399 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39400
39401 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39402 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
39403 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
39404 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
39405 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39406
39407 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39408 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39409
39410 @item qXfer:traceframe-info:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39411 @anchor{qXfer traceframe info read}
39412
39413 Return a description of the current traceframe's contents.
39414 @xref{Traceframe Info Format}. The annex part of the generic
39415 @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
39416
39417 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39418 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39419
39420 @item qXfer:uib:read:@var{pc}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39421 @anchor{qXfer unwind info block}
39422
39423 Return the unwind information block for @var{pc}. This packet is used
39424 on OpenVMS/ia64 to ask the kernel unwind information.
39425
39426 This packet is not probed by default.
39427
39428 @item qXfer:fdpic:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
39429 @anchor{qXfer fdpic loadmap read}
39430 Read contents of @code{loadmap}s on the target system. The
39431 annex, either @samp{exec} or @samp{interp}, specifies which @code{loadmap},
39432 executable @code{loadmap} or interpreter @code{loadmap} to read.
39433
39434 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39435 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39436
39437 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
39438 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
39439 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
39440 @xref{Operating System Information}.
39441
39442 @end table
39443
39444 Reply:
39445 @table @samp
39446 @item m @var{data}
39447 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
39448 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
39449 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
39450 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
39451 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
39452 request.
39453
39454 @item l @var{data}
39455 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
39456 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
39457 than the @var{length} in the request.
39458
39459 @item l
39460 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
39461 There is no more data to be read.
39462
39463 @item E00
39464 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
39465
39466 @item E @var{nn}
39467 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
39468 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
39469
39470 @item @w{}
39471 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
39472 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
39473 @end table
39474
39475 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
39476 @cindex write data into object, remote request
39477 @anchor{qXfer write}
39478 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
39479 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
39480 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
39481 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
39482 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
39483 to access.
39484
39485 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
39486 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
39487 formats, listed below.
39488
39489 @table @samp
39490 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
39491 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
39492 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
39493 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
39494 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
39495
39496 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39497 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
39498 (@pxref{qSupported}).
39499
39500 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
39501 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
39502 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
39503 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
39504 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
39505 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
39506 in that context to be accessed.
39507
39508 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
39509 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
39510 @end table
39511
39512 Reply:
39513 @table @samp
39514 @item @var{nn}
39515 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
39516 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
39517
39518 @item E00
39519 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
39520
39521 @item E @var{nn}
39522 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
39523 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
39524
39525 @item @w{}
39526 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
39527 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
39528 @end table
39529
39530 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
39531 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
39532 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
39533 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
39534 must respond with an empty packet.
39535
39536 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
39537 @cindex query attached, remote request
39538 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
39539 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
39540 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
39541 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
39542 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
39543 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
39544 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
39545
39546 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
39547 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
39548 the @code{quit} command.
39549
39550 Reply:
39551 @table @samp
39552 @item 1
39553 The remote server attached to an existing process.
39554 @item 0
39555 The remote server created a new process.
39556 @item E @var{NN}
39557 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39558 @end table
39559
39560 @item Qbtrace:bts
39561 Enable branch tracing for the current thread using bts tracing.
39562
39563 Reply:
39564 @table @samp
39565 @item OK
39566 Branch tracing has been enabled.
39567 @item E.errtext
39568 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39569 @end table
39570
39571 @item Qbtrace:off
39572 Disable branch tracing for the current thread.
39573
39574 Reply:
39575 @table @samp
39576 @item OK
39577 Branch tracing has been disabled.
39578 @item E.errtext
39579 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
39580 @end table
39581
39582 @end table
39583
39584 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
39585 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
39586
39587 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
39588 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
39589 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
39590
39591 @menu
39592 * ARM-Specific Protocol Details::
39593 * MIPS-Specific Protocol Details::
39594 @end menu
39595
39596 @node ARM-Specific Protocol Details
39597 @subsection @acronym{ARM}-specific Protocol Details
39598
39599 @menu
39600 * ARM Breakpoint Kinds::
39601 @end menu
39602
39603 @node ARM Breakpoint Kinds
39604 @subsubsection @acronym{ARM} Breakpoint Kinds
39605 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{ARM}
39606
39607 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
39608
39609 @table @r
39610
39611 @item 2
39612 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
39613
39614 @item 3
39615 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
39616
39617 @item 4
39618 32-bit @acronym{ARM} mode breakpoint.
39619
39620 @end table
39621
39622 @node MIPS-Specific Protocol Details
39623 @subsection @acronym{MIPS}-specific Protocol Details
39624
39625 @menu
39626 * MIPS Register packet Format::
39627 * MIPS Breakpoint Kinds::
39628 @end menu
39629
39630 @node MIPS Register packet Format
39631 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Register Packet Format
39632 @cindex register packet format, @acronym{MIPS}
39633
39634 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
39635 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
39636 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
39637 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
39638 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
39639 most-significant -- least-significant.
39640
39641 @table @r
39642
39643 @item MIPS32
39644 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
39645 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
39646 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
39647
39648 @item MIPS64
39649 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
39650 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
39651 as @code{MIPS32}.
39652
39653 @end table
39654
39655 @node MIPS Breakpoint Kinds
39656 @subsubsection @acronym{MIPS} Breakpoint Kinds
39657 @cindex breakpoint kinds, @acronym{MIPS}
39658
39659 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
39660
39661 @table @r
39662
39663 @item 2
39664 16-bit @acronym{MIPS16} mode breakpoint.
39665
39666 @item 3
39667 16-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
39668
39669 @item 4
39670 32-bit standard @acronym{MIPS} mode breakpoint.
39671
39672 @item 5
39673 32-bit @acronym{microMIPS} mode breakpoint.
39674
39675 @end table
39676
39677 @node Tracepoint Packets
39678 @section Tracepoint Packets
39679 @cindex tracepoint packets
39680 @cindex packets, tracepoint
39681
39682 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
39683 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
39684
39685 @table @samp
39686
39687 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
39688 @cindex @samp{QTDP} packet
39689 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
39690 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
39691 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
39692 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
39693 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
39694 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
39695 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
39696 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
39697 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
39698 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
39699 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
39700 actions.
39701
39702 Replies:
39703 @table @samp
39704 @item OK
39705 The packet was understood and carried out.
39706 @item qRelocInsn
39707 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
39708 @item @w{}
39709 The packet was not recognized.
39710 @end table
39711
39712 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
39713 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
39714 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
39715 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
39716 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
39717 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
39718 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
39719
39720 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
39721 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
39722 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
39723 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
39724 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
39725 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
39726 tracepoint actions.
39727
39728 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
39729 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
39730 following forms:
39731
39732 @table @samp
39733
39734 @item R @var{mask}
39735 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
39736 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
39737 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
39738 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
39739 not fit in a 32-bit word.
39740
39741 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
39742 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
39743 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
39744 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
39745 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
39746 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
39747 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
39748
39749 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
39750 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
39751 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
39752 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
39753 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
39754 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
39755 packet).
39756
39757 @end table
39758
39759 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
39760 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
39761 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
39762 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
39763 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
39764 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
39765 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
39766 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
39767
39768 Replies:
39769 @table @samp
39770 @item OK
39771 The packet was understood and carried out.
39772 @item qRelocInsn
39773 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
39774 @item @w{}
39775 The packet was not recognized.
39776 @end table
39777
39778 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
39779 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
39780 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
39781 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
39782 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
39783 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
39784 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
39785 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
39786
39787 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
39788 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
39789 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
39790 fit in a single packet.
39791 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
39792 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
39793
39794 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
39795 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
39796 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
39797 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
39798
39799 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
39800 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
39801 query packets.
39802
39803 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
39804 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
39805 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
39806 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
39807 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
39808 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
39809 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
39810 be found.
39811
39812 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
39813 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
39814 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
39815 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
39816 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
39817 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
39818 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
39819 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
39820 mentioned in expressions.
39821
39822 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
39823 @cindex @samp{QTFrame} packet
39824 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
39825 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
39826 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
39827
39828 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
39829 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
39830 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
39831 one of the following forms:
39832
39833 @table @samp
39834 @item F @var{f}
39835 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
39836 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
39837 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
39838
39839 @item T @var{t}
39840 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
39841 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
39842
39843 @end table
39844
39845 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
39846 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
39847 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
39848 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
39849
39850 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
39851 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
39852 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
39853 is a hexadecimal number.
39854
39855 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
39856 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
39857 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
39858 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
39859 numbers.
39860
39861 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
39862 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
39863 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
39864
39865 @item qTMinFTPILen
39866 @cindex @samp{qTMinFTPILen} packet
39867 This packet requests the minimum length of instruction at which a fast
39868 tracepoint (@pxref{Set Tracepoints}) may be placed. For instance, on
39869 the 32-bit x86 architecture, it is possible to use a 4-byte jump, but
39870 it depends on the target system being able to create trampolines in
39871 the first 64K of memory, which might or might not be possible for that
39872 system. So the reply to this packet will be 4 if it is able to
39873 arrange for that.
39874
39875 Replies:
39876
39877 @table @samp
39878 @item 0
39879 The minimum instruction length is currently unknown.
39880 @item @var{length}
39881 The minimum instruction length is @var{length}, where @var{length} is greater
39882 or equal to 1. @var{length} is a hexadecimal number. A reply of 1 means
39883 that a fast tracepoint may be placed on any instruction regardless of size.
39884 @item E
39885 An error has occurred.
39886 @item @w{}
39887 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the stub.
39888 @end table
39889
39890 @item QTStart
39891 @cindex @samp{QTStart} packet
39892 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
39893 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
39894 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
39895 instruction reply packet}).
39896
39897 @item QTStop
39898 @cindex @samp{QTStop} packet
39899 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
39900
39901 @item QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
39902 @anchor{QTEnable}
39903 @cindex @samp{QTEnable} packet
39904 Enable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
39905 experiment. If the tracepoint was previously disabled, then collection
39906 of data from it will resume.
39907
39908 @item QTDisable:@var{n}:@var{addr}
39909 @anchor{QTDisable}
39910 @cindex @samp{QTDisable} packet
39911 Disable tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr} in a started tracepoint
39912 experiment. No more data will be collected from the tracepoint unless
39913 @samp{QTEnable:@var{n}:@var{addr}} is subsequently issued.
39914
39915 @item QTinit
39916 @cindex @samp{QTinit} packet
39917 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
39918
39919 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
39920 @cindex @samp{QTro} packet
39921 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
39922 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
39923 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
39924
39925 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
39926 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
39927 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
39928 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
39929
39930 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
39931 @cindex @samp{QTDisconnected} packet
39932 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
39933 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
39934 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
39935 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
39936
39937 @item qTStatus
39938 @cindex @samp{qTStatus} packet
39939 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
39940
39941 The reply has the form:
39942
39943 @table @samp
39944
39945 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
39946 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
39947 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
39948 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
39949
39950 @end table
39951
39952 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
39953 explanations as one of the optional fields:
39954
39955 @table @samp
39956
39957 @item tnotrun:0
39958 No trace has been run yet.
39959
39960 @item tstop[:@var{text}]:0
39961 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command. The optional
39962 @var{text} field is a user-supplied string supplied as part of the
39963 stop command (for instance, an explanation of why the trace was
39964 stopped manually). It is hex-encoded.
39965
39966 @item tfull:0
39967 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
39968
39969 @item tdisconnected:0
39970 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
39971
39972 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
39973 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
39974
39975 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
39976 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
39977 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
39978 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
39979 @var{text} is hex encoded.
39980
39981 @item tunknown:0
39982 The trace stopped for some other reason.
39983
39984 @end table
39985
39986 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
39987 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
39988 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
39989 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
39990 trace.
39991
39992 @table @samp
39993
39994 @item tframes:@var{n}
39995 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
39996
39997 @item tcreated:@var{n}
39998 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
39999 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
40000
40001 @item tsize:@var{n}
40002 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
40003
40004 @item tfree:@var{n}
40005 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
40006
40007 @item circular:@var{n}
40008 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
40009 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
40010 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
40011 and may fill up.
40012
40013 @item disconn:@var{n}
40014 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
40015 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
40016 that the trace run will stop.
40017
40018 @end table
40019
40020 @item qTP:@var{tp}:@var{addr}
40021 @cindex tracepoint status, remote request
40022 @cindex @samp{qTP} packet
40023 Ask the stub for the current state of tracepoint number @var{tp} at
40024 address @var{addr}.
40025
40026 Replies:
40027 @table @samp
40028 @item V@var{hits}:@var{usage}
40029 The tracepoint has been hit @var{hits} times so far during the trace
40030 run, and accounts for @var{usage} in the trace buffer. Note that
40031 @code{while-stepping} steps are not counted as separate hits, but the
40032 steps' space consumption is added into the usage number.
40033
40034 @end table
40035
40036 @item qTV:@var{var}
40037 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
40038 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
40039 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
40040
40041 Replies:
40042 @table @samp
40043 @item V@var{value}
40044 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
40045 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
40046 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
40047 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
40048 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
40049 program is running.
40050
40051 @item U
40052 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
40053 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
40054 was not collected.
40055 @end table
40056
40057 @item qTfP
40058 @cindex @samp{qTfP} packet
40059 @itemx qTsP
40060 @cindex @samp{qTsP} packet
40061 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
40062 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
40063 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
40064 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
40065 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
40066
40067 @item qTfV
40068 @cindex @samp{qTfV} packet
40069 @itemx qTsV
40070 @cindex @samp{qTsV} packet
40071 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
40072 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
40073 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
40074 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
40075 trace state variables.
40076
40077 @item qTfSTM
40078 @itemx qTsSTM
40079 @anchor{qTfSTM}
40080 @anchor{qTsSTM}
40081 @cindex @samp{qTfSTM} packet
40082 @cindex @samp{qTsSTM} packet
40083 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
40084 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
40085 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
40086 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
40087
40088 Reply:
40089 @table @samp
40090 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
40091 A single marker
40092 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
40093 a comma-separated list of markers
40094 @item l
40095 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
40096 @item E @var{nn}
40097 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
40098 @item @w{}
40099 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
40100 stub.
40101 @end table
40102
40103 @var{address} is encoded in hex.
40104 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
40105
40106 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
40107 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
40108 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
40109 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
40110 @dfn{last}).
40111
40112 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
40113 @anchor{qTSTMat}
40114 @cindex @samp{qTSTMat} packet
40115 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
40116 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
40117 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
40118 tracepoint markers.
40119
40120 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
40121 @cindex @samp{QTSave} packet
40122 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
40123 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
40124 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
40125 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
40126
40127 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
40128 @cindex @samp{qTBuffer} packet
40129 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
40130 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
40131 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
40132 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
40133 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
40134 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
40135 available.
40136
40137 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
40138 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
40139 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
40140
40141 @item QTBuffer:size:@var{size}
40142 @anchor{QTBuffer-size}
40143 @cindex @samp{QTBuffer size} packet
40144 This packet directs the target to make the trace buffer be of size
40145 @var{size} if possible. A value of @code{-1} tells the target to
40146 use whatever size it prefers.
40147
40148 @item QTNotes:@r{[}@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@r{[};@var{type}:@var{text}@r{]}@dots{}
40149 @cindex @samp{QTNotes} packet
40150 This packet adds optional textual notes to the trace run. Allowable
40151 types include @code{user}, @code{notes}, and @code{tstop}, the
40152 @var{text} fields are arbitrary strings, hex-encoded.
40153
40154 @end table
40155
40156 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
40157 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
40158 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
40159 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
40160 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
40161 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
40162 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
40163 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
40164 it had executed in the original location.
40165
40166 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
40167 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
40168 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
40169 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
40170 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
40171 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
40172 format of the request is:
40173
40174 @table @samp
40175 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
40176
40177 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
40178 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
40179 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
40180 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
40181 memory starting at @var{to}.
40182 @end table
40183
40184 Replies:
40185 @table @samp
40186 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
40187 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. @var{adjusted_size} is
40188 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
40189 @item E @var{NN}
40190 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
40191 relocating the instruction.
40192 @end table
40193
40194 @node Host I/O Packets
40195 @section Host I/O Packets
40196 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
40197 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
40198
40199 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
40200 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
40201 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
40202 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
40203 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
40204 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
40205 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
40206 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
40207 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
40208 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
40209
40210 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
40211 its arguments. They have this format:
40212
40213 @table @samp
40214
40215 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
40216 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
40217 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
40218 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
40219 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
40220 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
40221 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
40222 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
40223 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
40224
40225 @end table
40226
40227 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
40228
40229 @table @samp
40230
40231 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
40232 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
40233 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
40234 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
40235 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
40236 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
40237 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
40238 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
40239 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
40240 @var{attachment}.
40241
40242 @item @w{}
40243 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
40244
40245 @end table
40246
40247 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
40248
40249 @table @samp
40250 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
40251 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
40252 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
40253 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
40254 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
40255 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
40256 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
40257
40258 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
40259 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
40260 -1 if an error occurs.
40261
40262 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
40263 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
40264 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
40265 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
40266 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
40267 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
40268 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
40269 @var{count} was zero.
40270
40271 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
40272 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
40273 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
40274 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
40275 some characters were escaped.
40276
40277 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
40278 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
40279 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
40280 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
40281 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
40282 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
40283 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
40284 error occurred.
40285
40286 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
40287 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
40288 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
40289
40290 @item vFile:readlink: @var{filename}
40291 Read value of symbolic link @var{filename} on the target. Return
40292 the number of bytes read, or -1 if an error occurs.
40293
40294 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
40295 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
40296 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
40297 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
40298 some characters were escaped.
40299
40300 @end table
40301
40302 @node Interrupts
40303 @section Interrupts
40304 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
40305
40306 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
40307 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
40308 a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
40309 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
40310
40311 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
40312 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
40313 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
40314 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
40315 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
40316
40317 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
40318 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
40319 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
40320 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
40321 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
40322 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
40323 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
40324 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
40325
40326 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
40327 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
40328 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
40329
40330 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
40331 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
40332 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
40333 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
40334 currently-executing threads and processes.
40335 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
40336 running program, it should send one of the stop
40337 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
40338 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
40339 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
40340 Interrupts received while the
40341 program is stopped are discarded.
40342
40343 @node Notification Packets
40344 @section Notification Packets
40345 @cindex notification packets
40346 @cindex packets, notification
40347
40348 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
40349 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
40350 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
40351 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
40352 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
40353 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
40354 is not a problem.
40355
40356 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
40357 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
40358 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
40359 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
40360 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
40361 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
40362 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
40363
40364 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
40365 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
40366
40367 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
40368 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
40369 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
40370 not they understand it.
40371
40372 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
40373 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
40374 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
40375 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
40376 recipients.
40377
40378 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
40379 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
40380 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
40381 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
40382 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
40383
40384 Each notification is comprised of three parts:
40385 @table @samp
40386 @item @var{name}:@var{event}
40387 The notification packet is sent by the side that initiates the
40388 exchange (currently, only the stub does that), with @var{event}
40389 carrying the specific information about the notification.
40390 @var{name} is the name of the notification.
40391 @item @var{ack}
40392 The acknowledge sent by the other side, usually @value{GDBN}, to
40393 acknowledge the exchange and request the event.
40394 @end table
40395
40396 The purpose of an asynchronous notification mechanism is to report to
40397 @value{GDBN} that something interesting happened in the remote stub.
40398
40399 The remote stub may send notification @var{name}:@var{event}
40400 at any time, but @value{GDBN} acknowledges the notification when
40401 appropriate. The notification event is pending before @value{GDBN}
40402 acknowledges. Only one notification at a time may be pending; if
40403 additional events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
40404 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
40405 synchronous transmission in response to @var{ack} packets from
40406 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
40407 the stub is permitted to resend a notification if it believes
40408 @value{GDBN} may not have received it.
40409
40410 Specifically, notifications may appear when @value{GDBN} is not
40411 otherwise reading input from the stub, or when @value{GDBN} is
40412 expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
40413 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
40414 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
40415 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
40416
40417 After receiving a notification, @value{GDBN} shall acknowledge it by
40418 sending a @var{ack} packet as a regular, synchronous request to the
40419 stub. Such acknowledgment is not required to happen immediately, as
40420 @value{GDBN} is permitted to send other, unrelated packets to the
40421 stub first, which the stub should process normally.
40422
40423 Upon receiving a @var{ack} packet, if the stub has other queued
40424 events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
40425 normal @var{event}. @value{GDBN} shall then send another @var{ack}
40426 packet to solicit further responses; again, it is permitted to send
40427 other, unrelated packets as well which the stub should process
40428 normally.
40429
40430 If the stub receives a @var{ack} packet and there are no additional
40431 @var{event} to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK} response.
40432 At this point, @value{GDBN} has finished processing a notification
40433 and the stub has completed sending any queued events. @value{GDBN}
40434 won't accept any new notifications until the final @samp{OK} is
40435 received . If further notification events occur, the stub shall send
40436 a new notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the notification, and
40437 the process shall be repeated.
40438
40439 The process of asynchronous notification can be illustrated by the
40440 following example:
40441 @smallexample
40442 <- @code{%%Stop:T0505:98e7ffbf;04:4ce6ffbf;08:b1b6e54c;thread:p7526.7526;core:0;}
40443 @code{...}
40444 -> @code{vStopped}
40445 <- @code{T0505:68f37db7;04:40f37db7;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7528;core:0;}
40446 -> @code{vStopped}
40447 <- @code{T0505:68e3fdb6;04:40e3fdb6;08:63850408;thread:p7526.7529;core:0;}
40448 -> @code{vStopped}
40449 <- @code{OK}
40450 @end smallexample
40451
40452 The following notifications are defined:
40453 @multitable @columnfractions 0.12 0.12 0.38 0.38
40454
40455 @item Notification
40456 @tab Ack
40457 @tab Event
40458 @tab Description
40459
40460 @item Stop
40461 @tab vStopped
40462 @tab @var{reply}. The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
40463 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
40464 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
40465 @value{GDBN}.
40466 @tab Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
40467
40468 @end multitable
40469
40470 @node Remote Non-Stop
40471 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
40472
40473 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
40474 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
40475 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
40476 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
40477
40478 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
40479 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
40480 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
40481 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
40482 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
40483 probe the target state after a mode change.
40484
40485 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
40486 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
40487 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
40488 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
40489 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
40490 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
40491 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
40492 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
40493 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
40494 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
40495 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
40496
40497 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
40498 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
40499 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
40500 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
40501 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
40502 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
40503 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
40504 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
40505 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
40506 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
40507 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
40508 @samp{OK}.
40509
40510 @node Packet Acknowledgment
40511 @section Packet Acknowledgment
40512
40513 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
40514 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
40515 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
40516 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
40517 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
40518 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
40519 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
40520
40521 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
40522 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
40523 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
40524 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
40525 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
40526
40527 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
40528 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
40529 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
40530 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
40531
40532 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
40533 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
40534 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
40535 @pxref{qSupported}.
40536 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
40537 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
40538 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
40539 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
40540 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
40541 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
40542 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
40543
40544 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
40545 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
40546 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
40547 connection.
40548 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
40549 new connection is established,
40550 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
40551 for the current connection, once disabled.
40552
40553 @node Examples
40554 @section Examples
40555
40556 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
40557 does not get any direct output:
40558
40559 @smallexample
40560 -> @code{R00}
40561 <- @code{+}
40562 @emph{target restarts}
40563 -> @code{?}
40564 <- @code{+}
40565 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
40566 -> @code{+}
40567 @end smallexample
40568
40569 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
40570
40571 @smallexample
40572 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
40573 <- @code{+}
40574 -> @code{s}
40575 <- @code{+}
40576 @emph{time passes}
40577 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
40578 -> @code{+}
40579 -> @code{g}
40580 <- @code{+}
40581 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
40582 -> @code{+}
40583 @end smallexample
40584
40585 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
40586 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
40587 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
40588
40589 @menu
40590 * File-I/O Overview::
40591 * Protocol Basics::
40592 * The F Request Packet::
40593 * The F Reply Packet::
40594 * The Ctrl-C Message::
40595 * Console I/O::
40596 * List of Supported Calls::
40597 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
40598 * Constants::
40599 * File-I/O Examples::
40600 @end menu
40601
40602 @node File-I/O Overview
40603 @subsection File-I/O Overview
40604 @cindex file-i/o overview
40605
40606 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
40607 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
40608 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
40609 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
40610 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
40611 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
40612
40613 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
40614 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
40615 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
40616 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
40617 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
40618
40619 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
40620 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
40621 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
40622 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
40623 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
40624 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
40625 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
40626
40627 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
40628 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
40629 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
40630 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
40631 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
40632
40633 @smallexample
40634 (@value{GDBP}) continue
40635 <- target requests 'system call X'
40636 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
40637 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
40638 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
40639 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
40640 @end smallexample
40641
40642 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
40643 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
40644 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
40645 system are not supported by this protocol.
40646
40647 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
40648
40649 @node Protocol Basics
40650 @subsection Protocol Basics
40651 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
40652
40653 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
40654 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
40655 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
40656 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
40657 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
40658 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
40659 to call the appropriate host system call:
40660
40661 @itemize @bullet
40662 @item
40663 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
40664
40665 @item
40666 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
40667 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
40668 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
40669 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
40670
40671 @end itemize
40672
40673 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
40674
40675 @itemize @bullet
40676 @item
40677 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
40678 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
40679 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
40680 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
40681 packet.
40682
40683 @item
40684 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
40685 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
40686
40687 @item
40688 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
40689
40690 @item
40691 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
40692
40693 @item
40694 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
40695 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
40696 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
40697 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
40698 packet.
40699
40700 @end itemize
40701
40702 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
40703 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
40704
40705 @itemize @bullet
40706 @item
40707 Return value.
40708
40709 @item
40710 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
40711
40712 @item
40713 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
40714
40715 @end itemize
40716
40717 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
40718 the latest continue or step action.
40719
40720 @node The F Request Packet
40721 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
40722 @cindex file-i/o request packet
40723 @cindex @code{F} request packet
40724
40725 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
40726
40727 @table @samp
40728 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
40729
40730 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
40731 This is just the name of the function.
40732
40733 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
40734 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
40735 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
40736 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
40737 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
40738 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
40739 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
40740
40741 @end table
40742
40743
40744
40745 @node The F Reply Packet
40746 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
40747 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
40748 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
40749
40750 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
40751
40752 @table @samp
40753
40754 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
40755
40756 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
40757
40758 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
40759 representation.
40760 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
40761
40762 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
40763 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
40764 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
40765
40766 @smallexample
40767 F0,0,C
40768 @end smallexample
40769
40770 @noindent
40771 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
40772
40773 @smallexample
40774 F-1,4,C
40775 @end smallexample
40776
40777 @noindent
40778 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
40779
40780 @end table
40781
40782
40783 @node The Ctrl-C Message
40784 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
40785 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
40786
40787 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
40788 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
40789 the target should behave as if it had
40790 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
40791 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
40792 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
40793 packet.
40794
40795 It's important for the target to know in which
40796 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
40797
40798 @itemize @bullet
40799 @item
40800 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
40801
40802 @item
40803 The system call on the host has been finished.
40804
40805 @end itemize
40806
40807 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
40808 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
40809 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
40810 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
40811 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
40812 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
40813
40814 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
40815 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
40816 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
40817 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
40818 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
40819 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
40820 or the full action has been completed.
40821
40822 @node Console I/O
40823 @subsection Console I/O
40824 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
40825
40826 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
40827 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
40828 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
40829 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
40830 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
40831 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
40832 conditions is met:
40833
40834 @itemize @bullet
40835 @item
40836 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
40837 @code{read}
40838 system call is treated as finished.
40839
40840 @item
40841 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
40842 newline.
40843
40844 @item
40845 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
40846 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
40847
40848 @end itemize
40849
40850 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
40851 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
40852 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
40853 is stopped at the user's request.
40854
40855
40856 @node List of Supported Calls
40857 @subsection List of Supported Calls
40858 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
40859
40860 @menu
40861 * open::
40862 * close::
40863 * read::
40864 * write::
40865 * lseek::
40866 * rename::
40867 * unlink::
40868 * stat/fstat::
40869 * gettimeofday::
40870 * isatty::
40871 * system::
40872 @end menu
40873
40874 @node open
40875 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
40876 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
40877
40878 @table @asis
40879 @item Synopsis:
40880 @smallexample
40881 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
40882 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
40883 @end smallexample
40884
40885 @item Request:
40886 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
40887
40888 @noindent
40889 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
40890
40891 @table @code
40892 @item O_CREAT
40893 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
40894 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
40895 are concerned.
40896
40897 @item O_EXCL
40898 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
40899 an error and open() fails.
40900
40901 @item O_TRUNC
40902 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
40903 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
40904 truncated to zero length.
40905
40906 @item O_APPEND
40907 The file is opened in append mode.
40908
40909 @item O_RDONLY
40910 The file is opened for reading only.
40911
40912 @item O_WRONLY
40913 The file is opened for writing only.
40914
40915 @item O_RDWR
40916 The file is opened for reading and writing.
40917 @end table
40918
40919 @noindent
40920 Other bits are silently ignored.
40921
40922
40923 @noindent
40924 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
40925
40926 @table @code
40927 @item S_IRUSR
40928 User has read permission.
40929
40930 @item S_IWUSR
40931 User has write permission.
40932
40933 @item S_IRGRP
40934 Group has read permission.
40935
40936 @item S_IWGRP
40937 Group has write permission.
40938
40939 @item S_IROTH
40940 Others have read permission.
40941
40942 @item S_IWOTH
40943 Others have write permission.
40944 @end table
40945
40946 @noindent
40947 Other bits are silently ignored.
40948
40949
40950 @item Return value:
40951 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
40952 occurred.
40953
40954 @item Errors:
40955
40956 @table @code
40957 @item EEXIST
40958 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
40959
40960 @item EISDIR
40961 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
40962
40963 @item EACCES
40964 The requested access is not allowed.
40965
40966 @item ENAMETOOLONG
40967 @var{pathname} was too long.
40968
40969 @item ENOENT
40970 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
40971
40972 @item ENODEV
40973 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
40974
40975 @item EROFS
40976 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
40977 write access was requested.
40978
40979 @item EFAULT
40980 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
40981
40982 @item ENOSPC
40983 No space on device to create the file.
40984
40985 @item EMFILE
40986 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
40987
40988 @item ENFILE
40989 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
40990 has been reached.
40991
40992 @item EINTR
40993 The call was interrupted by the user.
40994 @end table
40995
40996 @end table
40997
40998 @node close
40999 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
41000 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
41001
41002 @table @asis
41003 @item Synopsis:
41004 @smallexample
41005 int close(int fd);
41006 @end smallexample
41007
41008 @item Request:
41009 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
41010
41011 @item Return value:
41012 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
41013
41014 @item Errors:
41015
41016 @table @code
41017 @item EBADF
41018 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
41019
41020 @item EINTR
41021 The call was interrupted by the user.
41022 @end table
41023
41024 @end table
41025
41026 @node read
41027 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
41028 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
41029
41030 @table @asis
41031 @item Synopsis:
41032 @smallexample
41033 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
41034 @end smallexample
41035
41036 @item Request:
41037 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
41038
41039 @item Return value:
41040 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
41041 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
41042 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
41043
41044 @item Errors:
41045
41046 @table @code
41047 @item EBADF
41048 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
41049 reading.
41050
41051 @item EFAULT
41052 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41053
41054 @item EINTR
41055 The call was interrupted by the user.
41056 @end table
41057
41058 @end table
41059
41060 @node write
41061 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
41062 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
41063
41064 @table @asis
41065 @item Synopsis:
41066 @smallexample
41067 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
41068 @end smallexample
41069
41070 @item Request:
41071 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
41072
41073 @item Return value:
41074 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
41075 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
41076 is returned.
41077
41078 @item Errors:
41079
41080 @table @code
41081 @item EBADF
41082 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
41083 writing.
41084
41085 @item EFAULT
41086 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41087
41088 @item EFBIG
41089 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
41090 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
41091
41092 @item ENOSPC
41093 No space on device to write the data.
41094
41095 @item EINTR
41096 The call was interrupted by the user.
41097 @end table
41098
41099 @end table
41100
41101 @node lseek
41102 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
41103 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
41104
41105 @table @asis
41106 @item Synopsis:
41107 @smallexample
41108 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
41109 @end smallexample
41110
41111 @item Request:
41112 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
41113
41114 @var{flag} is one of:
41115
41116 @table @code
41117 @item SEEK_SET
41118 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
41119
41120 @item SEEK_CUR
41121 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
41122 bytes.
41123
41124 @item SEEK_END
41125 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
41126 bytes.
41127 @end table
41128
41129 @item Return value:
41130 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
41131 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
41132 value of -1 is returned.
41133
41134 @item Errors:
41135
41136 @table @code
41137 @item EBADF
41138 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
41139
41140 @item ESPIPE
41141 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
41142
41143 @item EINVAL
41144 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
41145
41146 @item EINTR
41147 The call was interrupted by the user.
41148 @end table
41149
41150 @end table
41151
41152 @node rename
41153 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
41154 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
41155
41156 @table @asis
41157 @item Synopsis:
41158 @smallexample
41159 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
41160 @end smallexample
41161
41162 @item Request:
41163 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
41164
41165 @item Return value:
41166 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41167
41168 @item Errors:
41169
41170 @table @code
41171 @item EISDIR
41172 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
41173 directory.
41174
41175 @item EEXIST
41176 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
41177
41178 @item EBUSY
41179 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
41180 process.
41181
41182 @item EINVAL
41183 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
41184 of itself.
41185
41186 @item ENOTDIR
41187 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
41188 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
41189 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
41190
41191 @item EFAULT
41192 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
41193
41194 @item EACCES
41195 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41196
41197 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41198
41199 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
41200
41201 @item ENOENT
41202 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
41203
41204 @item EROFS
41205 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
41206
41207 @item ENOSPC
41208 The device containing the file has no room for the new
41209 directory entry.
41210
41211 @item EINTR
41212 The call was interrupted by the user.
41213 @end table
41214
41215 @end table
41216
41217 @node unlink
41218 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
41219 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
41220
41221 @table @asis
41222 @item Synopsis:
41223 @smallexample
41224 int unlink(const char *pathname);
41225 @end smallexample
41226
41227 @item Request:
41228 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
41229
41230 @item Return value:
41231 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41232
41233 @item Errors:
41234
41235 @table @code
41236 @item EACCES
41237 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41238
41239 @item EPERM
41240 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
41241
41242 @item EBUSY
41243 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
41244 being used by another process.
41245
41246 @item EFAULT
41247 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41248
41249 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41250 @var{pathname} was too long.
41251
41252 @item ENOENT
41253 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
41254
41255 @item ENOTDIR
41256 A component of the path is not a directory.
41257
41258 @item EROFS
41259 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
41260
41261 @item EINTR
41262 The call was interrupted by the user.
41263 @end table
41264
41265 @end table
41266
41267 @node stat/fstat
41268 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
41269 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
41270 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
41271
41272 @table @asis
41273 @item Synopsis:
41274 @smallexample
41275 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
41276 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
41277 @end smallexample
41278
41279 @item Request:
41280 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
41281 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
41282
41283 @item Return value:
41284 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
41285
41286 @item Errors:
41287
41288 @table @code
41289 @item EBADF
41290 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
41291
41292 @item ENOENT
41293 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
41294 path is an empty string.
41295
41296 @item ENOTDIR
41297 A component of the path is not a directory.
41298
41299 @item EFAULT
41300 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41301
41302 @item EACCES
41303 No access to the file or the path of the file.
41304
41305 @item ENAMETOOLONG
41306 @var{pathname} was too long.
41307
41308 @item EINTR
41309 The call was interrupted by the user.
41310 @end table
41311
41312 @end table
41313
41314 @node gettimeofday
41315 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
41316 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
41317
41318 @table @asis
41319 @item Synopsis:
41320 @smallexample
41321 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
41322 @end smallexample
41323
41324 @item Request:
41325 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
41326
41327 @item Return value:
41328 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
41329
41330 @item Errors:
41331
41332 @table @code
41333 @item EINVAL
41334 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
41335
41336 @item EFAULT
41337 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
41338 @end table
41339
41340 @end table
41341
41342 @node isatty
41343 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
41344 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
41345
41346 @table @asis
41347 @item Synopsis:
41348 @smallexample
41349 int isatty(int fd);
41350 @end smallexample
41351
41352 @item Request:
41353 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
41354
41355 @item Return value:
41356 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
41357
41358 @item Errors:
41359
41360 @table @code
41361 @item EINTR
41362 The call was interrupted by the user.
41363 @end table
41364
41365 @end table
41366
41367 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
41368 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
41369 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
41370 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
41371 needed.
41372
41373
41374 @node system
41375 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
41376 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
41377
41378 @table @asis
41379 @item Synopsis:
41380 @smallexample
41381 int system(const char *command);
41382 @end smallexample
41383
41384 @item Request:
41385 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
41386
41387 @item Return value:
41388 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
41389 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
41390 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
41391 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
41392 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
41393 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
41394 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
41395
41396 @item Errors:
41397
41398 @table @code
41399 @item EINTR
41400 The call was interrupted by the user.
41401 @end table
41402
41403 @end table
41404
41405 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
41406 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
41407 the host is simplified before it's returned
41408 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
41409 is discarded, and the return value consists
41410 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
41411
41412 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
41413 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
41414 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
41415
41416 @table @code
41417 @item set remote system-call-allowed
41418 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
41419 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
41420 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
41421
41422 @item show remote system-call-allowed
41423 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
41424 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
41425 protocol.
41426 @end table
41427
41428 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
41429 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
41430 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
41431
41432 @menu
41433 * Integral Datatypes::
41434 * Pointer Values::
41435 * Memory Transfer::
41436 * struct stat::
41437 * struct timeval::
41438 @end menu
41439
41440 @node Integral Datatypes
41441 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
41442 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
41443
41444 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
41445 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
41446 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
41447
41448 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
41449 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
41450
41451 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
41452
41453 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
41454 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
41455
41456 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
41457
41458 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
41459 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
41460 byte order.
41461
41462 @node Pointer Values
41463 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
41464 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
41465
41466 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
41467 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
41468 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
41469 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
41470
41471 @smallexample
41472 @code{1aaf/12}
41473 @end smallexample
41474
41475 @noindent
41476 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
41477 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
41478 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
41479 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
41480
41481 @smallexample
41482 @code{123456/d}
41483 @end smallexample
41484
41485 @node Memory Transfer
41486 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
41487 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
41488
41489 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
41490 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
41491 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
41492 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
41493 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
41494 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
41495 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
41496
41497
41498 @node struct stat
41499 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
41500 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
41501
41502 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
41503 is defined as follows:
41504
41505 @smallexample
41506 struct stat @{
41507 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
41508 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
41509 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
41510 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
41511 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
41512 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
41513 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
41514 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
41515 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
41516 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
41517 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
41518 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
41519 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
41520 @};
41521 @end smallexample
41522
41523 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
41524 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
41525 structure is of size 64 bytes.
41526
41527 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
41528 range of values.
41529
41530 @table @code
41531
41532 @item st_dev
41533 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
41534
41535 @item st_ino
41536 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
41537
41538 @item st_mode
41539 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
41540 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
41541
41542 @item st_uid
41543 @itemx st_gid
41544 @itemx st_rdev
41545 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
41546
41547 @item st_atime
41548 @itemx st_mtime
41549 @itemx st_ctime
41550 These values have a host and file system dependent
41551 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
41552 support exact timing values.
41553 @end table
41554
41555 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
41556 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
41557 continuing.
41558
41559 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
41560 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
41561 get truncated on the target.
41562
41563 @node struct timeval
41564 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
41565 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
41566
41567 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
41568 is defined as follows:
41569
41570 @smallexample
41571 struct timeval @{
41572 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
41573 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
41574 @};
41575 @end smallexample
41576
41577 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
41578 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
41579 structure is of size 8 bytes.
41580
41581 @node Constants
41582 @subsection Constants
41583 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
41584
41585 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
41586 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
41587 values before and after the call as needed.
41588
41589 @menu
41590 * Open Flags::
41591 * mode_t Values::
41592 * Errno Values::
41593 * Lseek Flags::
41594 * Limits::
41595 @end menu
41596
41597 @node Open Flags
41598 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
41599 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
41600
41601 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
41602
41603 @smallexample
41604 O_RDONLY 0x0
41605 O_WRONLY 0x1
41606 O_RDWR 0x2
41607 O_APPEND 0x8
41608 O_CREAT 0x200
41609 O_TRUNC 0x400
41610 O_EXCL 0x800
41611 @end smallexample
41612
41613 @node mode_t Values
41614 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
41615 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
41616
41617 All values are given in octal representation.
41618
41619 @smallexample
41620 S_IFREG 0100000
41621 S_IFDIR 040000
41622 S_IRUSR 0400
41623 S_IWUSR 0200
41624 S_IXUSR 0100
41625 S_IRGRP 040
41626 S_IWGRP 020
41627 S_IXGRP 010
41628 S_IROTH 04
41629 S_IWOTH 02
41630 S_IXOTH 01
41631 @end smallexample
41632
41633 @node Errno Values
41634 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
41635 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
41636
41637 All values are given in decimal representation.
41638
41639 @smallexample
41640 EPERM 1
41641 ENOENT 2
41642 EINTR 4
41643 EBADF 9
41644 EACCES 13
41645 EFAULT 14
41646 EBUSY 16
41647 EEXIST 17
41648 ENODEV 19
41649 ENOTDIR 20
41650 EISDIR 21
41651 EINVAL 22
41652 ENFILE 23
41653 EMFILE 24
41654 EFBIG 27
41655 ENOSPC 28
41656 ESPIPE 29
41657 EROFS 30
41658 ENAMETOOLONG 91
41659 EUNKNOWN 9999
41660 @end smallexample
41661
41662 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
41663 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
41664
41665 @node Lseek Flags
41666 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
41667 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
41668
41669 @smallexample
41670 SEEK_SET 0
41671 SEEK_CUR 1
41672 SEEK_END 2
41673 @end smallexample
41674
41675 @node Limits
41676 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
41677 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
41678
41679 All values are given in decimal representation.
41680
41681 @smallexample
41682 INT_MIN -2147483648
41683 INT_MAX 2147483647
41684 UINT_MAX 4294967295
41685 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
41686 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
41687 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
41688 @end smallexample
41689
41690 @node File-I/O Examples
41691 @subsection File-I/O Examples
41692 @cindex file-i/o examples
41693
41694 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
41695 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
41696
41697 @smallexample
41698 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
41699 @emph{request memory read from target}
41700 -> @code{m1234,6}
41701 <- XXXXXX
41702 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
41703 -> @code{F6}
41704 @end smallexample
41705
41706 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
41707 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
41708
41709 @smallexample
41710 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41711 @emph{request memory write to target}
41712 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
41713 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
41714 -> @code{F6}
41715 @end smallexample
41716
41717 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
41718 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
41719
41720 @smallexample
41721 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41722 -> @code{F-1,9}
41723 @end smallexample
41724
41725 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
41726 host is called:
41727
41728 @smallexample
41729 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41730 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
41731 <- @code{T02}
41732 @end smallexample
41733
41734 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
41735 host is called:
41736
41737 @smallexample
41738 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
41739 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
41740 <- @code{T02}
41741 @end smallexample
41742
41743 @node Library List Format
41744 @section Library List Format
41745 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
41746
41747 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
41748 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
41749 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
41750 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
41751 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
41752 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
41753 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
41754 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
41755 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
41756 are loaded.
41757
41758 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
41759 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
41760 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
41761 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
41762
41763 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
41764 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
41765 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
41766 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
41767 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
41768 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
41769
41770 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41771 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
41772
41773 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
41774 offset, looks like this:
41775
41776 @smallexample
41777 <library-list>
41778 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
41779 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
41780 </library>
41781 </library-list>
41782 @end smallexample
41783
41784 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
41785 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
41786
41787 @smallexample
41788 <library-list>
41789 <library name="sharedlib.o">
41790 <section address="0x10000000"/>
41791 <section address="0x20000000"/>
41792 <section address="0x30000000"/>
41793 </library>
41794 </library-list>
41795 @end smallexample
41796
41797 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
41798
41799 @smallexample
41800 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
41801 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
41802 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41803 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
41804 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
41805 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
41806 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
41807 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
41808 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
41809 @end smallexample
41810
41811 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
41812 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
41813 section for each library.
41814
41815 @node Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
41816 @section Library List Format for SVR4 Targets
41817 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
41818
41819 On SVR4 platforms @value{GDBN} can use the symbol table of a dynamic loader
41820 (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) and normal memory operations to maintain a list of
41821 shared libraries. Still a special library list provided by this packet is
41822 more efficient for the @value{GDBN} remote protocol.
41823
41824 The @samp{qXfer:libraries-svr4:read} packet returns an XML document which lists
41825 loaded libraries and their SVR4 linker parameters. For each library on SVR4
41826 target, the following parameters are reported:
41827
41828 @itemize @minus
41829 @item
41830 @code{name}, the absolute file name from the @code{l_name} field of
41831 @code{struct link_map}.
41832 @item
41833 @code{lm} with address of @code{struct link_map} used for TLS
41834 (Thread Local Storage) access.
41835 @item
41836 @code{l_addr}, the displacement as read from the field @code{l_addr} of
41837 @code{struct link_map}. For prelinked libraries this is not an absolute
41838 memory address. It is a displacement of absolute memory address against
41839 address the file was prelinked to during the library load.
41840 @item
41841 @code{l_ld}, which is memory address of the @code{PT_DYNAMIC} segment
41842 @end itemize
41843
41844 Additionally the single @code{main-lm} attribute specifies address of
41845 @code{struct link_map} used for the main executable. This parameter is used
41846 for TLS access and its presence is optional.
41847
41848 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41849 SVR4 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
41850
41851 A simple memory map, with two loaded libraries (which do not use prelink),
41852 looks like this:
41853
41854 @smallexample
41855 <library-list-svr4 version="1.0" main-lm="0xe4f8f8">
41856 <library name="/lib/ld-linux.so.2" lm="0xe4f51c" l_addr="0xe2d000"
41857 l_ld="0xe4eefc"/>
41858 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6" lm="0xe4fbe8" l_addr="0x154000"
41859 l_ld="0x152350"/>
41860 </library-list-svr>
41861 @end smallexample
41862
41863 The format of an SVR4 library list is described by this DTD:
41864
41865 @smallexample
41866 <!-- library-list-svr4: Root element with versioning -->
41867 <!ELEMENT library-list-svr4 (library)*>
41868 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
41869 <!ATTLIST library-list-svr4 main-lm CDATA #IMPLIED>
41870 <!ELEMENT library EMPTY>
41871 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
41872 <!ATTLIST library lm CDATA #REQUIRED>
41873 <!ATTLIST library l_addr CDATA #REQUIRED>
41874 <!ATTLIST library l_ld CDATA #REQUIRED>
41875 @end smallexample
41876
41877 @node Memory Map Format
41878 @section Memory Map Format
41879 @cindex memory map format
41880
41881 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
41882 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
41883 memory map.
41884
41885 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
41886 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
41887 lists memory regions.
41888
41889 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
41890 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
41891
41892 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
41893
41894 @smallexample
41895 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41896 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
41897 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
41898 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
41899 <memory-map>
41900 region...
41901 </memory-map>
41902 @end smallexample
41903
41904 Each region can be either:
41905
41906 @itemize
41907
41908 @item
41909 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
41910 bytes from there:
41911
41912 @smallexample
41913 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
41914 @end smallexample
41915
41916
41917 @item
41918 A region of read-only memory:
41919
41920 @smallexample
41921 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
41922 @end smallexample
41923
41924
41925 @item
41926 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
41927 bytes in length:
41928
41929 @smallexample
41930 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
41931 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
41932 </memory>
41933 @end smallexample
41934
41935 @end itemize
41936
41937 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
41938 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
41939 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
41940
41941 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
41942
41943 @smallexample
41944 <!-- ................................................... -->
41945 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
41946 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
41947 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
41948 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
41949 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
41950 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
41951 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
41952 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
41953 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
41954 and its type, or device. -->
41955 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
41956 start CDATA #REQUIRED
41957 length CDATA #REQUIRED
41958 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
41959 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
41960 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
41961 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
41962 @end smallexample
41963
41964 @node Thread List Format
41965 @section Thread List Format
41966 @cindex thread list format
41967
41968 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
41969 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
41970 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
41971 the following structure:
41972
41973 @smallexample
41974 <?xml version="1.0"?>
41975 <threads>
41976 <thread id="id" core="0">
41977 ... description ...
41978 </thread>
41979 </threads>
41980 @end smallexample
41981
41982 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
41983 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
41984 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
41985 the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
41986 element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
41987
41988 @node Traceframe Info Format
41989 @section Traceframe Info Format
41990 @cindex traceframe info format
41991
41992 To be able to know which objects in the inferior can be examined when
41993 inspecting a tracepoint hit, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of
41994 memory ranges, registers and trace state variables that have been
41995 collected in a traceframe.
41996
41997 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:traceframe-info:read}
41998 (@pxref{qXfer traceframe info read}) packet and is an XML document.
41999
42000 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42001 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
42002
42003 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
42004
42005 @smallexample
42006 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42007 <!DOCTYPE traceframe-info
42008 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
42009 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-traceframe-info.dtd">
42010 <traceframe-info>
42011 block...
42012 </traceframe-info>
42013 @end smallexample
42014
42015 Each traceframe block can be either:
42016
42017 @itemize
42018
42019 @item
42020 A region of collected memory starting at @var{addr} and extending for
42021 @var{length} bytes from there:
42022
42023 @smallexample
42024 <memory start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
42025 @end smallexample
42026
42027 @item
42028 A block indicating trace state variable numbered @var{number} has been
42029 collected:
42030
42031 @smallexample
42032 <tvar id="@var{number}"/>
42033 @end smallexample
42034
42035 @end itemize
42036
42037 The formal DTD for the traceframe info format is given below:
42038
42039 @smallexample
42040 <!ELEMENT traceframe-info (memory | tvar)* >
42041 <!ATTLIST traceframe-info version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42042
42043 <!ELEMENT memory EMPTY>
42044 <!ATTLIST memory start CDATA #REQUIRED
42045 length CDATA #REQUIRED>
42046 <!ELEMENT tvar>
42047 <!ATTLIST tvar id CDATA #REQUIRED>
42048 @end smallexample
42049
42050 @node Branch Trace Format
42051 @section Branch Trace Format
42052 @cindex branch trace format
42053
42054 In order to display the branch trace of an inferior thread,
42055 @value{GDBN} needs to obtain the list of branches. This list is
42056 represented as list of sequential code blocks that are connected via
42057 branches. The code in each block has been executed sequentially.
42058
42059 This list is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:btrace:read}
42060 (@pxref{qXfer btrace read}) packet and is an XML document.
42061
42062 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42063 traceframe info discovery. @xref{Expat}.
42064
42065 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
42066
42067 @smallexample
42068 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42069 <!DOCTYPE btrace
42070 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Branch Trace V1.0//EN"
42071 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-btrace.dtd">
42072 <btrace>
42073 block...
42074 </btrace>
42075 @end smallexample
42076
42077 @itemize
42078
42079 @item
42080 A block of sequentially executed instructions starting at @var{begin}
42081 and ending at @var{end}:
42082
42083 @smallexample
42084 <block begin="@var{begin}" end="@var{end}"/>
42085 @end smallexample
42086
42087 @end itemize
42088
42089 The formal DTD for the branch trace format is given below:
42090
42091 @smallexample
42092 <!ELEMENT btrace (block)* >
42093 <!ATTLIST btrace version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
42094
42095 <!ELEMENT block EMPTY>
42096 <!ATTLIST block begin CDATA #REQUIRED
42097 end CDATA #REQUIRED>
42098 @end smallexample
42099
42100 @include agentexpr.texi
42101
42102 @node Target Descriptions
42103 @appendix Target Descriptions
42104 @cindex target descriptions
42105
42106 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
42107 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
42108 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
42109 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or @acronym{MIPS}, for example ---
42110 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
42111 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
42112 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
42113
42114 @itemize @bullet
42115 @item
42116 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
42117 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
42118 @item
42119 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
42120 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
42121 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
42122 @item
42123 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
42124 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
42125 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
42126 @end itemize
42127
42128 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
42129 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
42130 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
42131 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
42132 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
42133
42134 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
42135 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
42136
42137 @menu
42138 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
42139 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
42140 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
42141 descriptions.
42142 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
42143 @end menu
42144
42145 @node Retrieving Descriptions
42146 @section Retrieving Descriptions
42147
42148 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
42149 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
42150 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
42151 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
42152 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
42153 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
42154 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
42155 Format}.
42156
42157 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
42158 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
42159 specify a file are:
42160
42161 @table @code
42162 @cindex set tdesc filename
42163 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
42164 Read the target description from @var{path}.
42165
42166 @cindex unset tdesc filename
42167 @item unset tdesc filename
42168 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
42169 will use the description supplied by the current target.
42170
42171 @cindex show tdesc filename
42172 @item show tdesc filename
42173 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
42174 @end table
42175
42176
42177 @node Target Description Format
42178 @section Target Description Format
42179 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
42180
42181 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
42182 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
42183 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
42184 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
42185 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
42186 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
42187 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
42188
42189 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
42190 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
42191 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
42192 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
42193 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
42194
42195 Here is a simple target description:
42196
42197 @smallexample
42198 <target version="1.0">
42199 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
42200 </target>
42201 @end smallexample
42202
42203 @noindent
42204 This minimal description only says that the target uses
42205 the x86-64 architecture.
42206
42207 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
42208 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
42209 are explained further below.
42210
42211 @smallexample
42212 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42213 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
42214 <target version="1.0">
42215 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
42216 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
42217 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
42218 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
42219 </target>
42220 @end smallexample
42221
42222 @noindent
42223 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
42224 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
42225 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
42226 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
42227 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
42228 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
42229 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
42230 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
42231 the version mismatch.
42232
42233 @subsection Inclusion
42234 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
42235 @cindex XInclude
42236 @ifnotinfo
42237 @cindex <xi:include>
42238 @end ifnotinfo
42239
42240 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
42241 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
42242 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
42243 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
42244 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
42245
42246 @smallexample
42247 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
42248 @end smallexample
42249
42250 @noindent
42251 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
42252 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
42253 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
42254 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
42255 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
42256 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
42257 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
42258 original description.
42259
42260 @subsection Architecture
42261 @cindex <architecture>
42262
42263 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
42264
42265 @smallexample
42266 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
42267 @end smallexample
42268
42269 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
42270 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
42271
42272 @subsection OS ABI
42273 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
42274
42275 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
42276 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
42277
42278 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
42279
42280 @smallexample
42281 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
42282 @end smallexample
42283
42284 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
42285 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
42286
42287 @subsection Compatible Architecture
42288 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
42289
42290 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
42291 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
42292
42293 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
42294
42295 @smallexample
42296 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
42297 @end smallexample
42298
42299 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
42300 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
42301
42302 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
42303 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
42304 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
42305 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
42306 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
42307 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
42308 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
42309
42310 @smallexample
42311 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
42312 <compatible>spu</compatible>
42313 @end smallexample
42314
42315 @subsection Features
42316 @cindex <feature>
42317
42318 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
42319 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
42320 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
42321 has this form:
42322
42323 @smallexample
42324 <feature name="@var{name}">
42325 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
42326 @var{reg}@dots{}
42327 </feature>
42328 @end smallexample
42329
42330 @noindent
42331 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
42332 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
42333 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
42334 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
42335
42336 @subsection Types
42337
42338 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
42339 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
42340 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
42341 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
42342 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
42343
42344 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
42345 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
42346 Types must be defined before they are used.
42347
42348 @cindex <vector>
42349 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
42350 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
42351 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
42352 @var{count}:
42353
42354 @smallexample
42355 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
42356 @end smallexample
42357
42358 @cindex <union>
42359 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
42360 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
42361 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
42362 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
42363
42364 @smallexample
42365 <union id="@var{id}">
42366 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
42367 @dots{}
42368 </union>
42369 @end smallexample
42370
42371 @cindex <struct>
42372 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
42373 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
42374 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
42375 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
42376 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
42377 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
42378 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
42379 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
42380
42381 @smallexample
42382 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
42383 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
42384 @dots{}
42385 </struct>
42386 @end smallexample
42387
42388 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
42389 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
42390
42391 @smallexample
42392 <struct id="@var{id}">
42393 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
42394 @dots{}
42395 </struct>
42396 @end smallexample
42397
42398 @cindex <flags>
42399 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
42400 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
42401 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
42402 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
42403 are supported.
42404
42405 @smallexample
42406 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
42407 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
42408 @dots{}
42409 </flags>
42410 @end smallexample
42411
42412 @subsection Registers
42413 @cindex <reg>
42414
42415 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
42416
42417 @smallexample
42418 <reg name="@var{name}"
42419 bitsize="@var{size}"
42420 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
42421 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
42422 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
42423 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
42424 @end smallexample
42425
42426 @noindent
42427 The components are as follows:
42428
42429 @table @var
42430
42431 @item name
42432 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
42433
42434 @item bitsize
42435 The register's size, in bits.
42436
42437 @item regnum
42438 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
42439 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
42440 a preceding feature); the first register in the target description
42441 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
42442 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
42443 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
42444 in order of increasing register number.
42445
42446 @item save-restore
42447 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
42448 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
42449 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
42450 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
42451 ABI.
42452
42453 @item type
42454 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
42455 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
42456 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
42457 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
42458 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
42459 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
42460
42461 @item group
42462 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
42463 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
42464 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
42465 in @code{info registers}.
42466
42467 @end table
42468
42469 @node Predefined Target Types
42470 @section Predefined Target Types
42471 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
42472
42473 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
42474 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
42475 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
42476 types. The currently supported types are:
42477
42478 @table @code
42479
42480 @item int8
42481 @itemx int16
42482 @itemx int32
42483 @itemx int64
42484 @itemx int128
42485 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
42486
42487 @item uint8
42488 @itemx uint16
42489 @itemx uint32
42490 @itemx uint64
42491 @itemx uint128
42492 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
42493
42494 @item code_ptr
42495 @itemx data_ptr
42496 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
42497 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
42498 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
42499 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
42500 may be marked as data pointers.
42501
42502 @item ieee_single
42503 Single precision IEEE floating point.
42504
42505 @item ieee_double
42506 Double precision IEEE floating point.
42507
42508 @item arm_fpa_ext
42509 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
42510
42511 @item i387_ext
42512 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
42513
42514 @item i386_eflags
42515 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
42516
42517 @item i386_mxcsr
42518 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
42519
42520 @end table
42521
42522 @node Standard Target Features
42523 @section Standard Target Features
42524 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
42525
42526 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
42527 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
42528 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
42529 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
42530 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
42531 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
42532 can recognize them.
42533
42534 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
42535 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
42536 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
42537 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
42538 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
42539 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
42540 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
42541 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
42542
42543 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
42544 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
42545 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
42546
42547 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
42548 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
42549 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
42550 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
42551
42552 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
42553 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
42554 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
42555
42556 @menu
42557 * AArch64 Features::
42558 * ARM Features::
42559 * i386 Features::
42560 * MIPS Features::
42561 * M68K Features::
42562 * Nios II Features::
42563 * PowerPC Features::
42564 * S/390 and System z Features::
42565 * TIC6x Features::
42566 @end menu
42567
42568
42569 @node AArch64 Features
42570 @subsection AArch64 Features
42571 @cindex target descriptions, AArch64 features
42572
42573 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.core} feature is required for AArch64
42574 targets. It should contain registers @samp{x0} through @samp{x30},
42575 @samp{sp}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
42576
42577 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.aarch64.fpu} feature is optional. If present,
42578 it should contain registers @samp{v0} through @samp{v31}, @samp{fpsr},
42579 and @samp{fpcr}.
42580
42581 @node ARM Features
42582 @subsection ARM Features
42583 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
42584
42585 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
42586 ARM targets.
42587 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
42588 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
42589
42590 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
42591 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
42592 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
42593 and @samp{xpsr}.
42594
42595 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
42596 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
42597
42598 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
42599 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
42600 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
42601 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
42602
42603 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
42604 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
42605 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
42606 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
42607 halves of the double-precision registers.
42608
42609 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
42610 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
42611 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
42612 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
42613 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
42614 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
42615
42616 @node i386 Features
42617 @subsection i386 Features
42618 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
42619
42620 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
42621 targets. It should describe the following registers:
42622
42623 @itemize @minus
42624 @item
42625 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
42626 @item
42627 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
42628 @item
42629 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
42630 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
42631 @item
42632 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
42633 @item
42634 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
42635 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
42636 @end itemize
42637
42638 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
42639
42640 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
42641 describe registers:
42642
42643 @itemize @minus
42644 @item
42645 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
42646 @item
42647 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
42648 @item
42649 @samp{mxcsr}
42650 @end itemize
42651
42652 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
42653 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
42654 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
42655
42656 @itemize @minus
42657 @item
42658 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
42659 @item
42660 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
42661 @end itemize
42662
42663 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
42664 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
42665
42666 @node MIPS Features
42667 @subsection @acronym{MIPS} Features
42668 @cindex target descriptions, @acronym{MIPS} features
42669
42670 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for @acronym{MIPS} targets.
42671 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
42672 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
42673 on the target.
42674
42675 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
42676 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
42677 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
42678
42679 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
42680 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
42681 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
42682 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
42683
42684 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.dsp} feature is optional. It should
42685 contain registers @samp{hi1} through @samp{hi3}, @samp{lo1} through
42686 @samp{lo3}, and @samp{dspctl}. The @samp{dspctl} register should
42687 be 32-bit and the rest may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
42688
42689 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
42690 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
42691 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
42692
42693 @node M68K Features
42694 @subsection M68K Features
42695 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
42696
42697 @table @code
42698 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
42699 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
42700 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
42701 One of those features must be always present.
42702 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
42703 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
42704 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
42705 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
42706
42707 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
42708 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
42709 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
42710 @samp{fpiaddr}.
42711 @end table
42712
42713 @node Nios II Features
42714 @subsection Nios II Features
42715 @cindex target descriptions, Nios II features
42716
42717 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.nios2.cpu} feature is required for Nios II
42718 targets. It should contain the 32 core registers (@samp{zero},
42719 @samp{at}, @samp{r2} through @samp{r23}, @samp{et} through @samp{ra}),
42720 @samp{pc}, and the 16 control registers (@samp{status} through
42721 @samp{mpuacc}).
42722
42723 @node PowerPC Features
42724 @subsection PowerPC Features
42725 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
42726
42727 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
42728 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
42729 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
42730 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
42731
42732 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
42733 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
42734
42735 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
42736 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
42737 and @samp{vrsave}.
42738
42739 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
42740 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
42741 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
42742 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
42743 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
42744 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
42745
42746 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
42747 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
42748 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
42749 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
42750 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
42751 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
42752 user.
42753
42754 @node S/390 and System z Features
42755 @subsection S/390 and System z Features
42756 @cindex target descriptions, S/390 features
42757 @cindex target descriptions, System z features
42758
42759 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.core} feature is required for S/390 and
42760 System z targets. It should contain the PSW and the 16 general
42761 registers. In particular, System z targets should provide the 64-bit
42762 registers @samp{pswm}, @samp{pswa}, and @samp{r0} through @samp{r15}.
42763 S/390 targets should provide the 32-bit versions of these registers.
42764 A System z target that runs in 31-bit addressing mode should provide
42765 32-bit versions of @samp{pswm} and @samp{pswa}, as well as the general
42766 register's upper halves @samp{r0h} through @samp{r15h}, and their
42767 lower halves @samp{r0l} through @samp{r15l}.
42768
42769 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.fpr} feature is required. It should
42770 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f15}, and
42771 @samp{fpc}.
42772
42773 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.acr} feature is required. It should
42774 contain the 32-bit registers @samp{acr0} through @samp{acr15}.
42775
42776 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.linux} feature is optional. It should
42777 contain the register @samp{orig_r2}, which is 64-bit wide on System z
42778 targets and 32-bit otherwise. In addition, the feature may contain
42779 the @samp{last_break} register, whose width depends on the addressing
42780 mode, as well as the @samp{system_call} register, which is always
42781 32-bit wide.
42782
42783 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.s390.tdb} feature is optional. It should
42784 contain the 64-bit registers @samp{tdb0}, @samp{tac}, @samp{tct},
42785 @samp{atia}, and @samp{tr0} through @samp{tr15}.
42786
42787 @node TIC6x Features
42788 @subsection TMS320C6x Features
42789 @cindex target descriptions, TIC6x features
42790 @cindex target descriptions, TMS320C6x features
42791 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.core} feature is required for TMS320C6x
42792 targets. It should contain registers @samp{A0} through @samp{A15},
42793 registers @samp{B0} through @samp{B15}, @samp{CSR} and @samp{PC}.
42794
42795 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.gp} feature is optional. It should
42796 contain registers @samp{A16} through @samp{A31} and @samp{B16}
42797 through @samp{B31}.
42798
42799 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.tic6x.c6xp} feature is optional. It should
42800 contain registers @samp{TSR}, @samp{ILC} and @samp{RILC}.
42801
42802 @node Operating System Information
42803 @appendix Operating System Information
42804 @cindex operating system information
42805
42806 @menu
42807 * Process list::
42808 @end menu
42809
42810 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
42811 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
42812 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
42813 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
42814 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
42815 on a different aspect of target.
42816
42817 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
42818 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
42819 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
42820 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
42821
42822 @node Process list
42823 @appendixsection Process list
42824 @cindex operating system information, process list
42825
42826 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
42827 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
42828 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
42829 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
42830
42831 An example document is:
42832
42833 @smallexample
42834 <?xml version="1.0"?>
42835 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
42836 <osdata type="processes">
42837 <item>
42838 <column name="pid">1</column>
42839 <column name="user">root</column>
42840 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
42841 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
42842 </item>
42843 </osdata>
42844 @end smallexample
42845
42846 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
42847 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
42848 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
42849 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
42850 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
42851 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
42852 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
42853
42854 @node Trace File Format
42855 @appendix Trace File Format
42856 @cindex trace file format
42857
42858 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
42859 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
42860
42861 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
42862 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
42863 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
42864 in the future.
42865
42866 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
42867 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
42868 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
42869 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
42870 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
42871 of this section.
42872
42873 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
42874
42875 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
42876 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
42877 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
42878 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
42879 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
42880 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
42881 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
42882 endianness.
42883
42884 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
42885
42886 @table @code
42887 @item R @var{bytes}
42888 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
42889 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
42890 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
42891 hexadecimal encoding.
42892
42893 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
42894 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
42895 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
42896 @var{length} bytes.
42897
42898 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
42899 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
42900 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
42901
42902 @end table
42903
42904 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
42905 of blocks.
42906
42907 @node Index Section Format
42908 @appendix @code{.gdb_index} section format
42909 @cindex .gdb_index section format
42910 @cindex index section format
42911
42912 This section documents the index section that is created by @code{save
42913 gdb-index} (@pxref{Index Files}). The index section is
42914 DWARF-specific; some knowledge of DWARF is assumed in this
42915 description.
42916
42917 The mapped index file format is designed to be directly
42918 @code{mmap}able on any architecture. In most cases, a datum is
42919 represented using a little-endian 32-bit integer value, called an
42920 @code{offset_type}. Big endian machines must byte-swap the values
42921 before using them. Exceptions to this rule are noted. The data is
42922 laid out such that alignment is always respected.
42923
42924 A mapped index consists of several areas, laid out in order.
42925
42926 @enumerate
42927 @item
42928 The file header. This is a sequence of values, of @code{offset_type}
42929 unless otherwise noted:
42930
42931 @enumerate
42932 @item
42933 The version number, currently 8. Versions 1, 2 and 3 are obsolete.
42934 Version 4 uses a different hashing function from versions 5 and 6.
42935 Version 6 includes symbols for inlined functions, whereas versions 4
42936 and 5 do not. Version 7 adds attributes to the CU indices in the
42937 symbol table. Version 8 specifies that symbols from DWARF type units
42938 (@samp{DW_TAG_type_unit}) refer to the type unit's symbol table and not the
42939 compilation unit (@samp{DW_TAG_comp_unit}) using the type.
42940
42941 @value{GDBN} will only read version 4, 5, or 6 indices
42942 by specifying @code{set use-deprecated-index-sections on}.
42943 GDB has a workaround for potentially broken version 7 indices so it is
42944 currently not flagged as deprecated.
42945
42946 @item
42947 The offset, from the start of the file, of the CU list.
42948
42949 @item
42950 The offset, from the start of the file, of the types CU list. Note
42951 that this area can be empty, in which case this offset will be equal
42952 to the next offset.
42953
42954 @item
42955 The offset, from the start of the file, of the address area.
42956
42957 @item
42958 The offset, from the start of the file, of the symbol table.
42959
42960 @item
42961 The offset, from the start of the file, of the constant pool.
42962 @end enumerate
42963
42964 @item
42965 The CU list. This is a sequence of pairs of 64-bit little-endian
42966 values, sorted by the CU offset. The first element in each pair is
42967 the offset of a CU in the @code{.debug_info} section. The second
42968 element in each pair is the length of that CU. References to a CU
42969 elsewhere in the map are done using a CU index, which is just the
42970 0-based index into this table. Note that if there are type CUs, then
42971 conceptually CUs and type CUs form a single list for the purposes of
42972 CU indices.
42973
42974 @item
42975 The types CU list. This is a sequence of triplets of 64-bit
42976 little-endian values. In a triplet, the first value is the CU offset,
42977 the second value is the type offset in the CU, and the third value is
42978 the type signature. The types CU list is not sorted.
42979
42980 @item
42981 The address area. The address area consists of a sequence of address
42982 entries. Each address entry has three elements:
42983
42984 @enumerate
42985 @item
42986 The low address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value.
42987
42988 @item
42989 The high address. This is a 64-bit little-endian value. Like
42990 @code{DW_AT_high_pc}, the value is one byte beyond the end.
42991
42992 @item
42993 The CU index. This is an @code{offset_type} value.
42994 @end enumerate
42995
42996 @item
42997 The symbol table. This is an open-addressed hash table. The size of
42998 the hash table is always a power of 2.
42999
43000 Each slot in the hash table consists of a pair of @code{offset_type}
43001 values. The first value is the offset of the symbol's name in the
43002 constant pool. The second value is the offset of the CU vector in the
43003 constant pool.
43004
43005 If both values are 0, then this slot in the hash table is empty. This
43006 is ok because while 0 is a valid constant pool index, it cannot be a
43007 valid index for both a string and a CU vector.
43008
43009 The hash value for a table entry is computed by applying an
43010 iterative hash function to the symbol's name. Starting with an
43011 initial value of @code{r = 0}, each (unsigned) character @samp{c} in
43012 the string is incorporated into the hash using the formula depending on the
43013 index version:
43014
43015 @table @asis
43016 @item Version 4
43017 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + c - 113}.
43018
43019 @item Versions 5 to 7
43020 The formula is @code{r = r * 67 + tolower (c) - 113}.
43021 @end table
43022
43023 The terminating @samp{\0} is not incorporated into the hash.
43024
43025 The step size used in the hash table is computed via
43026 @code{((hash * 17) & (size - 1)) | 1}, where @samp{hash} is the hash
43027 value, and @samp{size} is the size of the hash table. The step size
43028 is used to find the next candidate slot when handling a hash
43029 collision.
43030
43031 The names of C@t{++} symbols in the hash table are canonicalized. We
43032 don't currently have a simple description of the canonicalization
43033 algorithm; if you intend to create new index sections, you must read
43034 the code.
43035
43036 @item
43037 The constant pool. This is simply a bunch of bytes. It is organized
43038 so that alignment is correct: CU vectors are stored first, followed by
43039 strings.
43040
43041 A CU vector in the constant pool is a sequence of @code{offset_type}
43042 values. The first value is the number of CU indices in the vector.
43043 Each subsequent value is the index and symbol attributes of a CU in
43044 the CU list. This element in the hash table is used to indicate which
43045 CUs define the symbol and how the symbol is used.
43046 See below for the format of each CU index+attributes entry.
43047
43048 A string in the constant pool is zero-terminated.
43049 @end enumerate
43050
43051 Attributes were added to CU index values in @code{.gdb_index} version 7.
43052 If a symbol has multiple uses within a CU then there is one
43053 CU index+attributes value for each use.
43054
43055 The format of each CU index+attributes entry is as follows
43056 (bit 0 = LSB):
43057
43058 @table @asis
43059
43060 @item Bits 0-23
43061 This is the index of the CU in the CU list.
43062 @item Bits 24-27
43063 These bits are reserved for future purposes and must be zero.
43064 @item Bits 28-30
43065 The kind of the symbol in the CU.
43066
43067 @table @asis
43068 @item 0
43069 This value is reserved and should not be used.
43070 By reserving zero the full @code{offset_type} value is backwards compatible
43071 with previous versions of the index.
43072 @item 1
43073 The symbol is a type.
43074 @item 2
43075 The symbol is a variable or an enum value.
43076 @item 3
43077 The symbol is a function.
43078 @item 4
43079 Any other kind of symbol.
43080 @item 5,6,7
43081 These values are reserved.
43082 @end table
43083
43084 @item Bit 31
43085 This bit is zero if the value is global and one if it is static.
43086
43087 The determination of whether a symbol is global or static is complicated.
43088 The authorative reference is the file @file{dwarf2read.c} in
43089 @value{GDBN} sources.
43090
43091 @end table
43092
43093 This pseudo-code describes the computation of a symbol's kind and
43094 global/static attributes in the index.
43095
43096 @smallexample
43097 is_external = get_attribute (die, DW_AT_external);
43098 language = get_attribute (cu_die, DW_AT_language);
43099 switch (die->tag)
43100 @{
43101 case DW_TAG_typedef:
43102 case DW_TAG_base_type:
43103 case DW_TAG_subrange_type:
43104 kind = TYPE;
43105 is_static = 1;
43106 break;
43107 case DW_TAG_enumerator:
43108 kind = VARIABLE;
43109 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
43110 break;
43111 case DW_TAG_subprogram:
43112 kind = FUNCTION;
43113 is_static = ! (is_external || language == ADA);
43114 break;
43115 case DW_TAG_constant:
43116 kind = VARIABLE;
43117 is_static = ! is_external;
43118 break;
43119 case DW_TAG_variable:
43120 kind = VARIABLE;
43121 is_static = ! is_external;
43122 break;
43123 case DW_TAG_namespace:
43124 kind = TYPE;
43125 is_static = 0;
43126 break;
43127 case DW_TAG_class_type:
43128 case DW_TAG_interface_type:
43129 case DW_TAG_structure_type:
43130 case DW_TAG_union_type:
43131 case DW_TAG_enumeration_type:
43132 kind = TYPE;
43133 is_static = (language != CPLUS && language != JAVA);
43134 break;
43135 default:
43136 assert (0);
43137 @}
43138 @end smallexample
43139
43140 @node Man Pages
43141 @appendix Manual pages
43142 @cindex Man pages
43143
43144 @menu
43145 * gdb man:: The GNU Debugger man page
43146 * gdbserver man:: Remote Server for the GNU Debugger man page
43147 * gcore man:: Generate a core file of a running program
43148 * gdbinit man:: gdbinit scripts
43149 @end menu
43150
43151 @node gdb man
43152 @heading gdb man
43153
43154 @c man title gdb The GNU Debugger
43155
43156 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdb
43157 gdb [@option{-help}] [@option{-nh}] [@option{-nx}] [@option{-q}]
43158 [@option{-batch}] [@option{-cd=}@var{dir}] [@option{-f}]
43159 [@option{-b}@w{ }@var{bps}]
43160 [@option{-tty=}@var{dev}] [@option{-s} @var{symfile}]
43161 [@option{-e}@w{ }@var{prog}] [@option{-se}@w{ }@var{prog}]
43162 [@option{-c}@w{ }@var{core}] [@option{-p}@w{ }@var{procID}]
43163 [@option{-x}@w{ }@var{cmds}] [@option{-d}@w{ }@var{dir}]
43164 [@var{prog}|@var{prog} @var{procID}|@var{prog} @var{core}]
43165 @c man end
43166
43167 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdb
43168 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
43169 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes -- or what another
43170 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
43171
43172 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
43173 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
43174
43175 @itemize @bullet
43176 @item
43177 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
43178
43179 @item
43180 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
43181
43182 @item
43183 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
43184
43185 @item
43186 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
43187 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
43188 @end itemize
43189
43190 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C@t{++}, Fortran and
43191 Modula-2.
43192
43193 @value{GDBN} is invoked with the shell command @code{gdb}. Once started, it reads
43194 commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit with the @value{GDBN}
43195 command @code{quit}. You can get online help from @value{GDBN} itself
43196 by using the command @code{help}.
43197
43198 You can run @code{gdb} with no arguments or options; but the most
43199 usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument or two, specifying an
43200 executable program as the argument:
43201
43202 @smallexample
43203 gdb program
43204 @end smallexample
43205
43206 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file specified:
43207
43208 @smallexample
43209 gdb program core
43210 @end smallexample
43211
43212 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
43213 to debug a running process:
43214
43215 @smallexample
43216 gdb program 1234
43217 gdb -p 1234
43218 @end smallexample
43219
43220 @noindent
43221 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
43222 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
43223 With option @option{-p} you can omit the @var{program} filename.
43224
43225 Here are some of the most frequently needed @value{GDBN} commands:
43226
43227 @c pod2man highlights the right hand side of the @item lines.
43228 @table @env
43229 @item break [@var{file}:]@var{functiop}
43230 Set a breakpoint at @var{function} (in @var{file}).
43231
43232 @item run [@var{arglist}]
43233 Start your program (with @var{arglist}, if specified).
43234
43235 @item bt
43236 Backtrace: display the program stack.
43237
43238 @item print @var{expr}
43239 Display the value of an expression.
43240
43241 @item c
43242 Continue running your program (after stopping, e.g. at a breakpoint).
43243
43244 @item next
43245 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{over} any
43246 function calls in the line.
43247
43248 @item edit [@var{file}:]@var{function}
43249 look at the program line where it is presently stopped.
43250
43251 @item list [@var{file}:]@var{function}
43252 type the text of the program in the vicinity of where it is presently stopped.
43253
43254 @item step
43255 Execute next program line (after stopping); step @emph{into} any
43256 function calls in the line.
43257
43258 @item help [@var{name}]
43259 Show information about @value{GDBN} command @var{name}, or general information
43260 about using @value{GDBN}.
43261
43262 @item quit
43263 Exit from @value{GDBN}.
43264 @end table
43265
43266 @ifset man
43267 For full details on @value{GDBN},
43268 see @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43269 by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch. The same text is available online
43270 as the @code{gdb} entry in the @code{info} program.
43271 @end ifset
43272 @c man end
43273
43274 @c man begin OPTIONS gdb
43275 Any arguments other than options specify an executable
43276 file and core file (or process ID); that is, the first argument
43277 encountered with no
43278 associated option flag is equivalent to a @option{-se} option, and the second,
43279 if any, is equivalent to a @option{-c} option if it's the name of a file.
43280 Many options have
43281 both long and short forms; both are shown here. The long forms are also
43282 recognized if you truncate them, so long as enough of the option is
43283 present to be unambiguous. (If you prefer, you can flag option
43284 arguments with @option{+} rather than @option{-}, though we illustrate the
43285 more usual convention.)
43286
43287 All the options and command line arguments you give are processed
43288 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the @option{-x}
43289 option is used.
43290
43291 @table @env
43292 @item -help
43293 @itemx -h
43294 List all options, with brief explanations.
43295
43296 @item -symbols=@var{file}
43297 @itemx -s @var{file}
43298 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
43299
43300 @item -write
43301 Enable writing into executable and core files.
43302
43303 @item -exec=@var{file}
43304 @itemx -e @var{file}
43305 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
43306 appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
43307 dump.
43308
43309 @item -se=@var{file}
43310 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
43311 file.
43312
43313 @item -core=@var{file}
43314 @itemx -c @var{file}
43315 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
43316
43317 @item -command=@var{file}
43318 @itemx -x @var{file}
43319 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}.
43320
43321 @item -ex @var{command}
43322 Execute given @value{GDBN} @var{command}.
43323
43324 @item -directory=@var{directory}
43325 @itemx -d @var{directory}
43326 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
43327
43328 @item -nh
43329 Do not execute commands from @file{~/.gdbinit}.
43330
43331 @item -nx
43332 @itemx -n
43333 Do not execute commands from any @file{.gdbinit} initialization files.
43334
43335 @item -quiet
43336 @itemx -q
43337 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
43338 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
43339
43340 @item -batch
43341 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the command
43342 files specified with @option{-x} (and @file{.gdbinit}, if not inhibited).
43343 Exit with nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN}
43344 commands in the command files.
43345
43346 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
43347 download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
43348 more useful, the message
43349
43350 @smallexample
43351 Program exited normally.
43352 @end smallexample
43353
43354 @noindent
43355 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
43356 terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
43357
43358 @item -cd=@var{directory}
43359 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
43360 instead of the current directory.
43361
43362 @item -fullname
43363 @itemx -f
43364 Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells
43365 @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
43366 recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
43367 includes each time the program stops). This recognizable format looks
43368 like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
43369 and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
43370 Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032}
43371 characters as a signal to display the source code for the frame.
43372
43373 @item -b @var{bps}
43374 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
43375 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
43376
43377 @item -tty=@var{device}
43378 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
43379 @end table
43380 @c man end
43381
43382 @c man begin SEEALSO gdb
43383 @ifset man
43384 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43385 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43386 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43387
43388 @smallexample
43389 info gdb
43390 @end smallexample
43391
43392 @noindent
43393 should give you access to the complete manual.
43394
43395 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43396 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43397 @end ifset
43398 @c man end
43399
43400 @node gdbserver man
43401 @heading gdbserver man
43402
43403 @c man title gdbserver Remote Server for the GNU Debugger
43404 @format
43405 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbserver
43406 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
43407
43408 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
43409
43410 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
43411 @c man end
43412 @end format
43413
43414 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbserver
43415 @command{gdbserver} is a program that allows you to run @value{GDBN} on a different machine
43416 than the one which is running the program being debugged.
43417
43418 @ifclear man
43419 @subheading Usage (server (target) side)
43420 @end ifclear
43421 @ifset man
43422 Usage (server (target) side):
43423 @end ifset
43424
43425 First, you need to have a copy of the program you want to debug put onto
43426 the target system. The program can be stripped to save space if needed, as
43427 @command{gdbserver} doesn't care about symbols. All symbol handling is taken care of by
43428 the @value{GDBN} running on the host system.
43429
43430 To use the server, you log on to the target system, and run the @command{gdbserver}
43431 program. You must tell it (a) how to communicate with @value{GDBN}, (b) the name of
43432 your program, and (c) its arguments. The general syntax is:
43433
43434 @smallexample
43435 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [@var{args} ...]
43436 @end smallexample
43437
43438 For example, using a serial port, you might say:
43439
43440 @smallexample
43441 @ifset man
43442 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/com1>.
43443 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
43444 @end ifset
43445 @ifclear man
43446 target> gdbserver @file{/dev/com1} emacs foo.txt
43447 @end ifclear
43448 @end smallexample
43449
43450 This tells @command{gdbserver} to debug emacs with an argument of foo.txt, and
43451 to communicate with @value{GDBN} via @file{/dev/com1}. @command{gdbserver} now
43452 waits patiently for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate with it.
43453
43454 To use a TCP connection, you could say:
43455
43456 @smallexample
43457 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
43458 @end smallexample
43459
43460 This says pretty much the same thing as the last example, except that we are
43461 going to communicate with the @code{host} @value{GDBN} via TCP. The @code{host:2345} argument means
43462 that we are expecting to see a TCP connection from @code{host} to local TCP port
43463 2345. (Currently, the @code{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number you
43464 want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any existing TCP
43465 ports on the target system. This same port number must be used in the host
43466 @value{GDBN}s @code{target remote} command, which will be described shortly. Note that if
43467 you chose a port number that conflicts with another service, @command{gdbserver} will
43468 print an error message and exit.
43469
43470 @command{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
43471 This is accomplished via the @option{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
43472
43473 @smallexample
43474 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
43475 @end smallexample
43476
43477 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
43478 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
43479
43480 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
43481 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
43482 In such case you should connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} to start
43483 the program you want to debug.
43484
43485 @smallexample
43486 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
43487 @end smallexample
43488
43489 @ifclear man
43490 @subheading Usage (host side)
43491 @end ifclear
43492 @ifset man
43493 Usage (host side):
43494 @end ifset
43495
43496 You need an unstripped copy of the target program on your host system, since
43497 @value{GDBN} needs to examine it's symbol tables and such. Start up @value{GDBN} as you normally
43498 would, with the target program as the first argument. (You may need to use the
43499 @option{--baud} option if the serial line is running at anything except 9600 baud.)
43500 That is @code{gdb TARGET-PROG}, or @code{gdb --baud BAUD TARGET-PROG}. After that, the only
43501 new command you need to know about is @code{target remote}
43502 (or @code{target extended-remote}). Its argument is either
43503 a device name (usually a serial device, like @file{/dev/ttyb}), or a @code{HOST:PORT}
43504 descriptor. For example:
43505
43506 @smallexample
43507 @ifset man
43508 @c @file would wrap it as F</dev/ttyb>.
43509 (gdb) target remote /dev/ttyb
43510 @end ifset
43511 @ifclear man
43512 (gdb) target remote @file{/dev/ttyb}
43513 @end ifclear
43514 @end smallexample
43515
43516 @noindent
43517 communicates with the server via serial line @file{/dev/ttyb}, and:
43518
43519 @smallexample
43520 (gdb) target remote the-target:2345
43521 @end smallexample
43522
43523 @noindent
43524 communicates via a TCP connection to port 2345 on host `the-target', where
43525 you previously started up @command{gdbserver} with the same port number. Note that for
43526 TCP connections, you must start up @command{gdbserver} prior to using the `target remote'
43527 command, otherwise you may get an error that looks something like
43528 `Connection refused'.
43529
43530 @command{gdbserver} can also debug multiple inferiors at once,
43531 described in
43532 @ifset man
43533 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Inferiors and Programs}
43534 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Inferiors and Programs'}.
43535 @end ifset
43536 @ifclear man
43537 @ref{Inferiors and Programs}.
43538 @end ifclear
43539 In such case use the @code{extended-remote} @value{GDBN} command variant:
43540
43541 @smallexample
43542 (gdb) target extended-remote the-target:2345
43543 @end smallexample
43544
43545 The @command{gdbserver} option @option{--multi} may or may not be used in such
43546 case.
43547 @c man end
43548
43549 @c man begin OPTIONS gdbserver
43550 There are three different modes for invoking @command{gdbserver}:
43551
43552 @itemize @bullet
43553
43554 @item
43555 Debug a specific program specified by its program name:
43556
43557 @smallexample
43558 gdbserver @var{comm} @var{prog} [@var{args}@dots{}]
43559 @end smallexample
43560
43561 The @var{comm} parameter specifies how should the server communicate
43562 with @value{GDBN}; it is either a device name (to use a serial line),
43563 a TCP port number (@code{:1234}), or @code{-} or @code{stdio} to use
43564 stdin/stdout of @code{gdbserver}. Specify the name of the program to
43565 debug in @var{prog}. Any remaining arguments will be passed to the
43566 program verbatim. When the program exits, @value{GDBN} will close the
43567 connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
43568
43569 @item
43570 Debug a specific program by specifying the process ID of a running
43571 program:
43572
43573 @smallexample
43574 gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
43575 @end smallexample
43576
43577 The @var{comm} parameter is as described above. Supply the process ID
43578 of a running program in @var{pid}; @value{GDBN} will do everything
43579 else. Like with the previous mode, when the process @var{pid} exits,
43580 @value{GDBN} will close the connection, and @code{gdbserver} will exit.
43581
43582 @item
43583 Multi-process mode -- debug more than one program/process:
43584
43585 @smallexample
43586 gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
43587 @end smallexample
43588
43589 In this mode, @value{GDBN} can instruct @command{gdbserver} which
43590 command(s) to run. Unlike the other 2 modes, @value{GDBN} will not
43591 close the connection when a process being debugged exits, so you can
43592 debug several processes in the same session.
43593 @end itemize
43594
43595 In each of the modes you may specify these options:
43596
43597 @table @env
43598
43599 @item --help
43600 List all options, with brief explanations.
43601
43602 @item --version
43603 This option causes @command{gdbserver} to print its version number and exit.
43604
43605 @item --attach
43606 @command{gdbserver} will attach to a running program. The syntax is:
43607
43608 @smallexample
43609 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
43610 @end smallexample
43611
43612 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't
43613 necessary to point @command{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
43614
43615 @item --multi
43616 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
43617 or process ID to attach, use this command line option.
43618 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
43619 the program you want to debug. The syntax is:
43620
43621 @smallexample
43622 target> gdbserver --multi @var{comm}
43623 @end smallexample
43624
43625 @item --debug
43626 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display extra status information about the debugging
43627 process.
43628 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
43629 the developers.
43630
43631 @item --remote-debug
43632 Instruct @code{gdbserver} to display remote protocol debug output.
43633 This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to
43634 the developers.
43635
43636 @item --wrapper
43637 Specify a wrapper to launch programs
43638 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
43639 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
43640 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
43641
43642 @item --once
43643 By default, @command{gdbserver} keeps the listening TCP port open, so that
43644 additional connections are possible. However, if you start @code{gdbserver}
43645 with the @option{--once} option, it will stop listening for any further
43646 connection attempts after connecting to the first @value{GDBN} session.
43647
43648 @c --disable-packet is not documented for users.
43649
43650 @c --disable-randomization and --no-disable-randomization are superseded by
43651 @c QDisableRandomization.
43652
43653 @end table
43654 @c man end
43655
43656 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbserver
43657 @ifset man
43658 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43659 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43660 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43661
43662 @smallexample
43663 info gdb
43664 @end smallexample
43665
43666 should give you access to the complete manual.
43667
43668 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43669 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43670 @end ifset
43671 @c man end
43672
43673 @node gcore man
43674 @heading gcore
43675
43676 @c man title gcore Generate a core file of a running program
43677
43678 @format
43679 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gcore
43680 gcore [-o @var{filename}] @var{pid}
43681 @c man end
43682 @end format
43683
43684 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gcore
43685 Generate a core dump of a running program with process ID @var{pid}.
43686 Produced file is equivalent to a kernel produced core file as if the process
43687 crashed (and if @kbd{ulimit -c} were used to set up an appropriate core dump
43688 limit). Unlike after a crash, after @command{gcore} the program remains
43689 running without any change.
43690 @c man end
43691
43692 @c man begin OPTIONS gcore
43693 @table @env
43694 @item -o @var{filename}
43695 The optional argument
43696 @var{filename} specifies the file name where to put the core dump.
43697 If not specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}},
43698 where @var{pid} is the running program process ID.
43699 @end table
43700 @c man end
43701
43702 @c man begin SEEALSO gcore
43703 @ifset man
43704 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43705 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43706 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43707
43708 @smallexample
43709 info gdb
43710 @end smallexample
43711
43712 @noindent
43713 should give you access to the complete manual.
43714
43715 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43716 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43717 @end ifset
43718 @c man end
43719
43720 @node gdbinit man
43721 @heading gdbinit
43722
43723 @c man title gdbinit GDB initialization scripts
43724
43725 @format
43726 @c man begin SYNOPSIS gdbinit
43727 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
43728 @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
43729 @end ifset
43730
43731 ~/.gdbinit
43732
43733 ./.gdbinit
43734 @c man end
43735 @end format
43736
43737 @c man begin DESCRIPTION gdbinit
43738 These files contain @value{GDBN} commands to automatically execute during
43739 @value{GDBN} startup. The lines of contents are canned sequences of commands,
43740 described in
43741 @ifset man
43742 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Sequences}
43743 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Sequences}.
43744 @end ifset
43745 @ifclear man
43746 @ref{Sequences}.
43747 @end ifclear
43748
43749 Please read more in
43750 @ifset man
43751 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Startup}
43752 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}.
43753 @end ifset
43754 @ifclear man
43755 @ref{Startup}.
43756 @end ifclear
43757
43758 @table @env
43759 @ifset SYSTEM_GDBINIT
43760 @item @value{SYSTEM_GDBINIT}
43761 @end ifset
43762 @ifclear SYSTEM_GDBINIT
43763 @item (not enabled with @code{--with-system-gdbinit} during compilation)
43764 @end ifclear
43765 System-wide initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
43766 @value{GDBN} option @code{-nx} or @code{-n}.
43767 See more in
43768 @ifset man
43769 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{System-wide configuration}
43770 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'System-wide configuration'}.
43771 @end ifset
43772 @ifclear man
43773 @ref{System-wide configuration}.
43774 @end ifclear
43775
43776 @item ~/.gdbinit
43777 User initialization file. It is executed unless user specified
43778 @value{GDBN} options @code{-nx}, @code{-n} or @code{-nh}.
43779
43780 @item ./.gdbinit
43781 Initialization file for current directory. It may need to be enabled with
43782 @value{GDBN} security command @code{set auto-load local-gdbinit}.
43783 See more in
43784 @ifset man
43785 the @value{GDBN} manual in node @code{Init File in the Current Directory}
43786 -- shell command @code{info -f gdb -n 'Init File in the Current Directory'}.
43787 @end ifset
43788 @ifclear man
43789 @ref{Init File in the Current Directory}.
43790 @end ifclear
43791 @end table
43792 @c man end
43793
43794 @c man begin SEEALSO gdbinit
43795 @ifset man
43796 gdb(1), @code{info -f gdb -n Startup}
43797
43798 The full documentation for @value{GDBN} is maintained as a Texinfo manual.
43799 If the @code{info} and @code{gdb} programs and @value{GDBN}'s Texinfo
43800 documentation are properly installed at your site, the command
43801
43802 @smallexample
43803 info gdb
43804 @end smallexample
43805
43806 should give you access to the complete manual.
43807
43808 @cite{Using GDB: A Guide to the GNU Source-Level Debugger},
43809 Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch, July 1991.
43810 @end ifset
43811 @c man end
43812
43813 @include gpl.texi
43814
43815 @node GNU Free Documentation License
43816 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
43817 @include fdl.texi
43818
43819 @node Concept Index
43820 @unnumbered Concept Index
43821
43822 @printindex cp
43823
43824 @node Command and Variable Index
43825 @unnumbered Command, Variable, and Function Index
43826
43827 @printindex fn
43828
43829 @tex
43830 % I think something like @@colophon should be in texinfo. In the
43831 % meantime:
43832 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
43833 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
43834 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
43835 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
43836 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
43837 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
43838 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
43839 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
43840 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
43841 \page\colophon
43842 % Blame: doc@@cygnus.com, 1991.
43843 @end tex
43844
43845 @bye