Write (half-assed) ChangeLog entry for sef changes.
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
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29a2b744 1\input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
ed447b95 2@c Copyright (c) 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
18fae2a8 3@c
29a2b744 4@c %**start of header
18fae2a8 5@c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
1d7c3357 6@c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
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7@setfilename gdb.info
8@c
361daf65 9@include gdb-cfg.texi
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10@c
11@ifset GENERIC
12@settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
13@end ifset
14@ifclear GENERIC
1d7c3357 15@settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN} (@value{TARGET})
18fae2a8 16@end ifclear
29a2b744 17@setchapternewpage odd
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18@c %**end of header
19
ed447b95 20@iftex
51b65b74 21@c @smallbook
fe715d06 22@c @cropmarks
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23@end iftex
24
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25@finalout
26@syncodeindex ky cp
27
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28@c readline appendices use @vindex
29@syncodeindex vr cp
30
18fae2a8 31@c ===> NOTE! <==
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32@c Determine the edition number in *three* places by hand:
33@c 1. First ifinfo section 2. title page 3. top node
34@c To find the locations, search for !!set
35
d24e0922 36@c GDB CHANGELOG CONSULTED BETWEEN:
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37@c Fri Oct 11 23:27:06 1991 John Gilmore (gnu at cygnus.com)
38@c Sat Dec 22 02:51:40 1990 John Gilmore (gnu at cygint)
39
9c3ad547 40@c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO-2 macros and info-makers to format properly.
29a2b744 41
b7becc8f 42@ifinfo
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43@c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
44@c manuals to an info tree. zoo@cygnus.com is developing this facility.
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45@format
46START-INFO-DIR-ENTRY
8a6d5d4f 47* Gdb:: The GNU debugger.
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48END-INFO-DIR-ENTRY
49@end format
50@end ifinfo
18fae2a8 51@c
70b88761 52@c
70b88761 53@ifinfo
18fae2a8 54This file documents the GNU debugger @value{GDBN}.
70b88761 55
29a2b744 56@c !!set edition, date, version
a64a6c2b 57This is Edition 4.09, April 1993,
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58of @cite{Debugging with @value{GDBN}: the GNU Source-Level Debugger}
59for GDB Version @value{GDBVN}.
29a2b744 60
ed447b95 61Copyright (C) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
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62
63Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of
64this manual provided the copyright notice and this permission notice
65are preserved on all copies.
66
67@ignore
68Permission is granted to process this file through TeX and print the
69results, provided the printed document carries copying permission
70notice identical to this one except for the removal of this paragraph
71(this paragraph not being relevant to the printed manual).
72
73@end ignore
74Permission is granted to copy and distribute modified versions of this
75manual under the conditions for verbatim copying, provided also that the
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76entire resulting derived work is distributed under the terms of a
77permission notice identical to this one.
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78
79Permission is granted to copy and distribute translations of this manual
d55320a0 80into another language, under the above conditions for modified versions.
70b88761 81@end ifinfo
1041a570 82
70b88761 83@titlepage
18fae2a8 84@title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
95d5ceb9 85@subtitle The GNU Source-Level Debugger
18fae2a8 86@ifclear GENERIC
a64a6c2b 87@subtitle (@value{TARGET})
18fae2a8 88@end ifclear
70b88761 89@sp 1
29a2b744 90@c !!set edition, date, version
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91@subtitle Edition 4.09, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
92@subtitle April 1993
29a2b744 93@author by Richard M. Stallman and Roland H. Pesch
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94@page
95@tex
96{\parskip=0pt
18fae2a8 97\hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to bug-gdb\@prep.ai.mit.edu.)\par
ed447b95 98\hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
70b88761 99\hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
ed447b95 100\hfill pesch\@cygnus.com\par
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101}
102@end tex
103
104@vskip 0pt plus 1filll
ed447b95 105Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
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106
107Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of
108this manual provided the copyright notice and this permission notice
109are preserved on all copies.
110
111Permission is granted to copy and distribute modified versions of this
112manual under the conditions for verbatim copying, provided also that the
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113entire resulting derived work is distributed under the terms of a
114permission notice identical to this one.
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115
116Permission is granted to copy and distribute translations of this manual
d55320a0 117into another language, under the above conditions for modified versions.
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118@end titlepage
119@page
120
70b88761 121@ifinfo
4eb4cf57 122@node Top
18fae2a8 123@top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
29a2b744 124
18fae2a8 125This file describes @value{GDBN}, the GNU symbolic debugger.
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126
127@c !!set edition, date, version
a64a6c2b 128This is Edition 4.09, April 1993, for GDB Version @value{GDBVN}.
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129
130@menu
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131* Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
132@ifset NOVEL
c7cb8acb 133* New Features:: New features since GDB version 3.5
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134@end ifset
135@ifclear BARETARGET
136* Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
137@end ifclear
b0157555 138
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139* Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
140* Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
141* Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
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142* Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
143* Stack:: Examining the stack
144* Source:: Examining source files
145* Data:: Examining data
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146@ifclear CONLY
147* Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148@end ifclear
149@ifset CONLY
1d7c3357 150* C:: C language support
18fae2a8 151@end ifset
1d7c3357 152@c remnant makeinfo bug, blank line needed after two end-ifs?
18fae2a8 153
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154* Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
155* Altering:: Altering execution
93918348 156* GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
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157* Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
158* Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
159* Sequences:: Canned sequences of commands
18fae2a8 160@ifclear DOSHOST
18fae2a8 161* Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under GNU Emacs
18fae2a8 162@end ifclear
b0157555 163
18fae2a8 164* GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
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165* Command Line Editing:: Facilities of the readline library
166* Using History Interactively::
18fae2a8 167@ifset NOVEL
18fae2a8 168* Renamed Commands::
18fae2a8 169@end ifset
1d7c3357 170@ifclear PRECONFIGURED
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171* Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print GDB documentation
172* Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
18fae2a8 173@end ifclear
b0157555 174
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175* Index:: Index
176@end menu
18fae2a8 177@end ifinfo
70b88761 178
4eb4cf57 179@node Summary
18fae2a8 180@unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
70b88761 181
18fae2a8 182The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
70b88761 183going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
1041a570 184program was doing at the moment it crashed.
70b88761 185
18fae2a8 186@value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
1041a570 187these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
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188
189@itemize @bullet
190@item
191Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
192
193@item
194Make your program stop on specified conditions.
195
196@item
197Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
198
199@item
200Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
201effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
202@end itemize
203
18fae2a8 204@ifclear CONLY
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205@ifclear MOD2
206You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C or C++.
207@end ifclear
208@ifset MOD2
209You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C, C++, and
210Modula-2.
211@end ifset
212@ifset FORTRAN
c2bbbb22 213Fortran support will be added when a GNU Fortran compiler is ready.
09934a2b 214@end ifset
18fae2a8 215@end ifclear
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216
217@menu
ed447b95 218* Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
b80282d5 219* Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
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220@end menu
221
4eb4cf57 222@node Free Software
93928b60 223@unnumberedsec Free software
1041a570 224
18fae2a8 225@value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the GNU General Public License
1041a570 226(GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
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227program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
228freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
229the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
230Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
231Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
232
233Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
29a2b744 234you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
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235from anyone else.
236
4eb4cf57 237@node Contributors
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238@unnumberedsec Contributors to GDB
239
240Richard Stallman was the original author of GDB, and of many other GNU
241programs. Many others have contributed to its development. This
242section attempts to credit major contributors. One of the virtues of
243free software is that everyone is free to contribute to it; with
244regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The file
245@file{ChangeLog} in the GDB distribution approximates a blow-by-blow
246account.
247
248Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
249
250@quotation
251@emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
93918348 252or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
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253omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
254@end quotation
255
256So that they may not regard their long labor as thankless, we
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257particularly thank those who shepherded GDB through major releases: Fred
258Fish (release 4.9), Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7,
2594.6, 4.5, 4.4), John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9); Jim
260Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, 3.3); and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1,
2613.0). As major maintainer of GDB for some period, each contributed
262significantly to the structure, stability, and capabilities of the
263entire debugger.
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264
265Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Pete TerMaat, Chris
266Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
267
1d7c3357 268@ifclear CONLY
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269Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the GNU C++ support in GDB,
270with significant additional contributions from Per Bothner. James
271Clark wrote the GNU C++ demangler. Early work on C++ was by Peter
272TerMaat (who also did much general update work leading to release 3.0).
1d7c3357 273@end ifclear
70b88761 274
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275GDB 4 uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
276object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
277Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
70b88761 278
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279David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
280the original support for encapsulated COFF.
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281
282Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
283Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
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284support. Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support. Chris
285Hanson improved the HP9000 support. Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki
286Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support. David Johnson contributed
287Encore Umax support. Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
288Keith Packard contributed NS32K support. Doug Rabson contributed
289Acorn Risc Machine support. Chris Smith contributed Convex support
290(and Fortran debugging). Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
291Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support. Tim Tucker contributed
292support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode. Pace Willison
293contributed Intel 386 support. Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry
294support.
70b88761 295
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296Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
297libraries.
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298
299Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that GDB and GAS agree about
300several machine instruction sets.
301
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302Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped
303develop remote debugging. Intel Corporation and Wind River Systems
304contributed remote debugging modules for their products.
70b88761 305
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306Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
307command-line editing and command history.
70b88761 308
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309Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code,
310@ifset MOD2
311the Modula-2 support,
312@end ifset
313and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
c2bbbb22 314
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315Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
316@ifclear CONLY
317He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C++ overloaded
318symbols.
319@end ifclear
320
a64a6c2b 321Hitachi America, Ltd. sponsored the support for Hitachi microprocessors.
14d01801 322
18fae2a8 323@ifset NOVEL
4eb4cf57 324@node New Features
ed447b95 325@unnumbered New Features since GDB Version 3.5
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326
327@table @emph
328@item Targets
329Using the new command @code{target}, you can select at runtime whether
330you are debugging local files, local processes, standalone systems over
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331a serial port, realtime systems over a TCP/IP connection, etc. The
332command @code{load} can download programs into a remote system. Serial
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333stubs are available for Motorola 680x0, Intel 80386, and Sparc remote
334systems; GDB also supports debugging realtime processes running under
b80282d5 335VxWorks, using SunRPC Remote Procedure Calls over TCP/IP to talk to a
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336debugger stub on the target system. Internally, GDB now uses a function
337vector to mediate access to different targets; if you need to add your
338own support for a remote protocol, this makes it much easier.
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339
340@item Watchpoints
c7cb8acb 341GDB now sports watchpoints as well as breakpoints. You can use a
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342watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an expression
343changes, without having to predict a particular place in your program
344where this may happen.
345
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346@item Wide Output
347Commands that issue wide output now insert newlines at places designed
348to make the output more readable.
349
70b88761 350@item Object Code Formats
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351GDB uses a new library called the Binary File Descriptor (BFD) Library
352to permit it to switch dynamically, without reconfiguration or
3d3ab540 353recompilation, between different object-file formats. Formats currently
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354supported are COFF, ELF, a.out, Intel 960 b.out, MIPS ECOFF, HPPA SOM
355(with stabs debugging), and S-records; files may be read as .o files,
356archive libraries, or core dumps. BFD is available as a subroutine
357library so that other programs may take advantage of it, and the other
358GNU binary utilities are being converted to use it.
70b88761 359
b80282d5 360@item Configuration and Ports
70b88761 361Compile-time configuration (to select a particular architecture and
7463aadd 362operating system) is much easier. The script @code{configure} now
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363allows you to configure GDB as either a native debugger or a
364cross-debugger. @xref{Installing GDB}, for details on how to
6a8cb0e7 365configure.
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366
367@item Interaction
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368The user interface to the GDB control variables is simpler,
369and is consolidated in two commands, @code{set} and @code{show}. Output
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370lines are now broken at readable places, rather than overflowing onto
371the next line. You can suppress output of machine-level addresses,
372displaying only source language information.
373
b80282d5 374@item C++
c7cb8acb 375GDB now supports C++ multiple inheritance (if used with a GCC
b80282d5 376version 2 compiler), and also has limited support for C++ exception
c7cb8acb 377handling, with the commands @code{catch} and @code{info catch}: GDB
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378can break when an exception is raised, before the stack is peeled back
379to the exception handler's context.
70b88761 380
09934a2b 381@ifset MOD2
c2bbbb22 382@item Modula-2
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383GDB now has preliminary support for the GNU Modula-2 compiler, currently
384under development at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
385Coordinated development of both GDB and the GNU Modula-2 compiler will
386continue. Other Modula-2 compilers are currently not supported, and
387attempting to debug programs compiled with them will likely result in an
388error as the symbol table of the executable is read in.
09934a2b 389@end ifset
c2bbbb22 390
70b88761 391@item Command Rationalization
c7cb8acb 392Many GDB commands have been renamed to make them easier to remember
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393and use. In particular, the subcommands of @code{info} and
394@code{show}/@code{set} are grouped to make the former refer to the state
c7cb8acb 395of your program, and the latter refer to the state of GDB itself.
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396@xref{Renamed Commands}, for details on what commands were renamed.
397
70b88761 398@item Shared Libraries
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399GDB 4 can debug programs and core files that use SunOS, SVR4, or IBM RS/6000
400shared libraries.
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401
402@item Reference Card
6f3ec223 403GDB 4 has a reference card. @xref{Formatting Documentation,,Formatting
ed447b95 404the Documentation}, for instructions about how to print it.
70b88761 405@end table
18fae2a8 406@end ifset
70b88761 407
18fae2a8 408@ifclear BARETARGET
4eb4cf57 409@node Sample Session
18fae2a8 410@chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
70b88761 411
18fae2a8 412You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
70b88761 413However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
ed447b95 414debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
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415
416@iftex
6ca72cc6 417In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
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418to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
419@end iftex
420
421@c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
422@c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
18fae2a8 423
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424One of the preliminary versions of GNU @code{m4} (a generic macro
425processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
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426quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
427definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
70b88761 428session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
29a2b744 429then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
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430same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
431@code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
432procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
433
434@smallexample
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435$ @b{cd gnu/m4}
436$ @b{./m4}
437@b{define(foo,0000)}
70b88761 438
6ca72cc6 439@b{foo}
70b88761 4400000
6ca72cc6 441@b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
70b88761 442
6ca72cc6 443@b{bar}
70b88761 4440000
6ca72cc6 445@b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
70b88761 446
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447@b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
448@b{baz}
449@b{C-d}
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450m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
451@end smallexample
452
453@noindent
93918348 454Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
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455
456@smallexample
18fae2a8 457$ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
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458@c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
459@c FIXME... format to come out better.
460GDB is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
461 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
462 the conditions.
463There is absolutely no warranty for GDB; type "show warranty"
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464 for details.
465GDB @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1993 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
18fae2a8 466(@value{GDBP})
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467@end smallexample
468
469@noindent
18fae2a8 470@value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the rest when
1041a570 471needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly. We now
18fae2a8 472tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so that examples
1041a570 473will fit in this manual.
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474
475@smallexample
18fae2a8 476(@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
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477@end smallexample
478
e251e767 479@noindent
93918348 480We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
70b88761 481Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
93918348 482@code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
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483@code{break} command.
484
485@smallexample
18fae2a8 486(@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
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487Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
488@end smallexample
489
490@noindent
18fae2a8 491Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
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492control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
493subroutine, the program runs as usual:
494
495@smallexample
18fae2a8 496(@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
e251e767 497Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
6ca72cc6 498@b{define(foo,0000)}
70b88761 499
6ca72cc6 500@b{foo}
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5010000
502@end smallexample
503
504@noindent
18fae2a8 505To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
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506suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
507context where it stops.
508
509@smallexample
6ca72cc6 510@b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
70b88761 511
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512Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
513 at builtin.c:879
38962738 514879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
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515@end smallexample
516
517@noindent
518Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
519the next line of the current function.
520
521@smallexample
18fae2a8 522(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
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523882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
524 : nil,
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525@end smallexample
526
527@noindent
528@code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
529by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
530@code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
e251e767 531subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
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532
533@smallexample
18fae2a8 534(@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
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535set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
536 at input.c:530
537530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
538@end smallexample
539
540@noindent
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541The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
542suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
543shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
544command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
545in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
546stack frame for each active subroutine.
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547
548@smallexample
18fae2a8 549(@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
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550#0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
551 at input.c:530
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552#1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
553 at builtin.c:882
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554#2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
555#3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
556 at macro.c:71
557#4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
558#5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
559@end smallexample
560
561@noindent
93918348 562We will step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
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563times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
564falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
1041a570 565
70b88761 566@smallexample
18fae2a8 567(@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
70b88761 5680x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
18fae2a8 569(@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
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RP
5700x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
571def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
18fae2a8 572(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
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573536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
574 : xstrdup(rq);
18fae2a8 575(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
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576538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
577@end smallexample
578
579@noindent
93918348 580The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
70b88761 581@code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
93918348 582and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
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583(@code{print}) to see their values.
584
585@smallexample
18fae2a8 586(@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
70b88761 587$1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
18fae2a8 588(@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
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589$2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
590@end smallexample
591
592@noindent
593@code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
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594To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
595surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
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596
597@smallexample
18fae2a8 598(@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
70b88761 599533 xfree(rquote);
e251e767 600534
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601535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
602 : xstrdup (lq);
603536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
604 : xstrdup (rq);
e251e767 605537
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606538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
607539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
608540 @}
e251e767 609541
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610542 void
611@end smallexample
612
613@noindent
93918348 614Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
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615@code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
616
617@smallexample
18fae2a8 618(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
70b88761 619539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
18fae2a8 620(@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
70b88761 621540 @}
18fae2a8 622(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
70b88761 623$3 = 9
18fae2a8 624(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
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625$4 = 7
626@end smallexample
627
628@noindent
629That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
630@code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
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631@code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
632the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
70b88761 633any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
e251e767 634assignments.
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635
636@smallexample
18fae2a8 637(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
70b88761 638$5 = 7
18fae2a8 639(@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
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640$6 = 9
641@end smallexample
642
643@noindent
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644Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
645@code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
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646executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
647example that caused trouble initially:
648
649@smallexample
18fae2a8 650(@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
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651Continuing.
652
6ca72cc6 653@b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
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654
655baz
6560000
657@end smallexample
658
659@noindent
660Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
661problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
93918348 662lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
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663
664@smallexample
6ca72cc6 665@b{C-d}
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666Program exited normally.
667@end smallexample
668
e251e767 669@noindent
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670The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
671indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
672session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
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673
674@smallexample
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RP
675(@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
676@end smallexample
677@end ifclear
70b88761 678
4eb4cf57 679@node Invocation
18fae2a8 680@chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
70b88761 681
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682This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
683(The essentials: type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start GDB, and type @kbd{quit}
c7cb8acb 684or @kbd{C-d} to exit.)
29a2b744 685
70b88761 686@menu
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687* Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
688* Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
ed447b95 689* Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
70b88761 690@end menu
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691
692@node Invoking GDB
ed447b95 693@section Invoking @value{GDBN}
18fae2a8 694
a64a6c2b 695@ifset H8EXCLUSIVE
18fae2a8 696For details on starting up @value{GDBP} as a
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697remote debugger attached to a Hitachi microprocessor, see @ref{Hitachi
698Remote,,@value{GDBN} and Hitachi Microprocessors}.
18fae2a8 699@end ifset
4eb4cf57 700
ed447b95 701Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
18fae2a8 702@value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
70b88761 703
18fae2a8 704You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
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705to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
706
18fae2a8 707@ifset GENERIC
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708The command-line options described here are designed
709to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
710options may effectively be unavailable.
18fae2a8 711@end ifset
c7cb8acb 712
18fae2a8 713The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
4eb4cf57 714specifying an executable program:
1041a570 715
70b88761 716@example
18fae2a8 717@value{GDBP} @var{program}
70b88761 718@end example
1041a570 719
18fae2a8 720@ifclear BARETARGET
70b88761 721@noindent
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722You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
723specified:
1041a570 724
70b88761 725@example
18fae2a8 726@value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
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727@end example
728
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729You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
730to debug a running process:
1041a570 731
b80282d5 732@example
18fae2a8 733@value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
b80282d5 734@end example
1041a570 735
b80282d5 736@noindent
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RP
737would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
738named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
b80282d5 739
c7cb8acb 740Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
18fae2a8 741complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote debugger
c7cb8acb
RP
742attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of ``process'',
743and there is often no way to get a core dump.
18fae2a8 744@end ifclear
c7cb8acb 745
70b88761 746@noindent
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RP
747You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
748options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
29a2b744
RP
749
750@noindent
751Type
752
70b88761 753@example
18fae2a8 754@value{GDBP} -help
70b88761 755@end example
29a2b744 756
70b88761 757@noindent
29a2b744 758to display all available options and briefly describe their use
18fae2a8 759(@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
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760
761All options and command line arguments you give are processed
762in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
e251e767 763@samp{-x} option is used.
70b88761 764
18fae2a8 765
70b88761 766@menu
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767@ifclear GENERIC
768@ifset REMOTESTUB
769* Remote Serial:: @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol
770@end ifset
a64a6c2b 771@ifset I960
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772* i960-Nindy Remote:: @value{GDBN} with a remote i960 (Nindy)
773@end ifset
a64a6c2b 774@ifset AMD29K
fe715d06 775* UDI29K Remote:: @value{GDBN} and the UDI protocol for AMD29K
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RP
776* EB29K Remote:: @value{GDBN} with a remote EB29K
777@end ifset
778@ifset VXWORKS
779* VxWorks Remote:: @value{GDBN} and VxWorks
780@end ifset
a64a6c2b 781@ifset ST2000
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782* ST2000 Remote:: @value{GDBN} with a Tandem ST2000
783@end ifset
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784@ifset H8
785* Hitachi Remote:: @value{GDBN} and Hitachi Microprocessors
18fae2a8 786@end ifset
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RP
787@ifset MIPS
788* MIPS Remote:: @value{GDBN} and MIPS boards
789@end ifset
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RP
790@ifset SIMS
791* Simulator:: Simulated CPU target
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RP
792@end ifset
793@end ifclear
1d7c3357 794@c remnant makeinfo bug requires this blank line after *two* end-ifblahs:
18fae2a8 795
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796* File Options:: Choosing files
797* Mode Options:: Choosing modes
18fae2a8 798@end menu
18fae2a8
RP
799
800@ifclear GENERIC
4af6d502 801@include remote.texi
18fae2a8 802@end ifclear
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RP
803
804@node File Options
93928b60 805@subsection Choosing files
70b88761 806
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807@ifclear BARETARGET
808When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
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809specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
810the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
18fae2a8 811@samp{-c} options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the first argument
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RP
812that does not have an associated option flag as equivalent to the
813@samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the second argument
814that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as equivalent to
815the @samp{-c} option followed by that argument.)
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RP
816@end ifclear
817@ifset BARETARGET
818When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any argument other than options as
4eb4cf57
RP
819specifying an executable file. This is the same as if the argument was
820specified by the @samp{-se} option.
18fae2a8 821@end ifset
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822
823Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
18fae2a8 824following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
29a2b744
RP
825them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
826(If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
827than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
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828
829@table @code
830@item -symbols=@var{file}
831@itemx -s @var{file}
832Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
833
834@item -exec=@var{file}
835@itemx -e @var{file}
836Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when
1d7c3357
RP
837@ifset BARETARGET
838appropriate.
839@end ifset
840@ifclear BARETARGET
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841appropriate, and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core
842dump.
1d7c3357 843@end ifclear
70b88761 844
3d3ab540 845@item -se=@var{file}
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846Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
847file.
848
18fae2a8 849@ifclear BARETARGET
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850@item -core=@var{file}
851@itemx -c @var{file}
852Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
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853
854@item -c @var{number}
855Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command
856(unless there is a file in core-dump format named @var{number}, in which
857case @samp{-c} specifies that file as a core dump to read).
18fae2a8 858@end ifclear
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859
860@item -command=@var{file}
861@itemx -x @var{file}
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862Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}. @xref{Command
863Files,, Command files}.
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864
865@item -directory=@var{directory}
866@itemx -d @var{directory}
867Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source files.
14d01801 868
18fae2a8 869@ifclear BARETARGET
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870@item -m
871@itemx -mapped
872@emph{Warning: this option depends on operating system facilities that are not
873supported on all systems.}@*
77b46d13
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874If memory-mapped files are available on your system through the @code{mmap}
875system call, you can use this option
18fae2a8 876to have @value{GDBN} write the symbols from your
77b46d13
JG
877program into a reusable file in the current directory. If the program you are debugging is
878called @file{/tmp/fred}, the mapped symbol file will be @file{./fred.syms}.
18fae2a8 879Future @value{GDBN} debugging sessions will notice the presence of this file,
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880and will quickly map in symbol information from it, rather than reading
881the symbol table from the executable program.
882
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883@c FIXME! Really host, not target?
884The @file{.syms} file is specific to the host machine where @value{GDBN}
885is run. It holds an exact image of the internal @value{GDBN} symbol
886table. It cannot be shared across multiple host platforms.
18fae2a8 887@end ifclear
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JG
888
889@item -r
890@itemx -readnow
891Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
892the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
893This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
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894@end table
895
18fae2a8 896@ifclear BARETARGET
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897The @code{-mapped} and @code{-readnow} options are typically combined in
898order to build a @file{.syms} file that contains complete symbol
93928b60 899information. (@xref{Files,,Commands to specify files}, for information
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900on @file{.syms} files.) A simple GDB invocation to do nothing but build
901a @file{.syms} file for future use is:
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902
903@example
904 gdb -batch -nx -mapped -readnow programname
905@end example
18fae2a8 906@end ifclear
77b46d13 907
4eb4cf57 908@node Mode Options
93928b60 909@subsection Choosing modes
1041a570 910
18fae2a8 911You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
29a2b744 912batch mode or quiet mode.
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913
914@table @code
915@item -nx
916@itemx -n
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917Do not execute commands from any initialization files (normally called
918@file{@value{GDBINIT}}). Normally, the commands in these files are
919executed after all the command options and arguments have been
920processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command files}.
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921
922@item -quiet
923@itemx -q
924``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
c338a2fd 925messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
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926
927@item -batch
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928Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
929command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
930initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
931nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
932in the command files.
70b88761 933
18fae2a8 934Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for example to
70b88761 935download and run a program on another computer; in order to make this
e251e767 936more useful, the message
1041a570 937
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938@example
939Program exited normally.
940@end example
1041a570 941
70b88761 942@noindent
18fae2a8 943(which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under @value{GDBN} control
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944terminates) is not issued when running in batch mode.
945
3d3ab540 946@item -cd=@var{directory}
18fae2a8 947Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
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948instead of the current directory.
949
18fae2a8 950@ifset LUCID
45c53080 951@item -context @var{authentication}
18fae2a8 952When the Energize programming system starts up @value{GDBN}, it uses this
6ca72cc6 953option to trigger an alternate mode of interaction.
18fae2a8 954@var{authentication} is a pair of numeric codes that identify @value{GDBN}
6ca72cc6 955as a client in the Energize environment. Avoid this option when you run
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RP
956@value{GDBN} directly from the command line. See @ref{Energize,,Using
957@value{GDBN} with Energize} for more discussion of using @value{GDBN} with Energize.
958@end ifset
6ca72cc6 959
1d7c3357 960@ifclear DOSHOST
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961@item -fullname
962@itemx -f
18fae2a8 963Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN}
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964to output the full file name and line number in a standard,
965recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is displayed (which
29a2b744 966includes each time your program stops). This recognizable format looks
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967like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by the file name, line number
968and character position separated by colons, and a newline. The
18fae2a8 969Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two @samp{\032} characters as
70b88761 970a signal to display the source code for the frame.
1d7c3357 971@end ifclear
70b88761 972
18fae2a8 973@ifset SERIAL
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974@item -b @var{bps}
975Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
18fae2a8 976interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
70b88761 977
3d3ab540 978@item -tty=@var{device}
70b88761 979Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
29a2b744 980@c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
18fae2a8 981@end ifset
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982@end table
983
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984@node Quitting GDB
985@section Quitting @value{GDBN}
18fae2a8 986@cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
ed447b95 987@cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1041a570 988
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989@table @code
990@item quit
991@kindex quit
992@kindex q
18fae2a8 993To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated @code{q}), or type
e251e767 994an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{C-d}).
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995@end table
996
997@cindex interrupt
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RP
998An interrupt (often @kbd{C-c}) will not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
999will terminate the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1000return to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1001character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
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1002until a time when it is safe.
1003
18fae2a8 1004@ifclear BARETARGET
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1005If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1006device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
93928b60 1007(@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an already-running process}).
18fae2a8 1008@end ifclear
70b88761 1009
4eb4cf57 1010@node Shell Commands
93928b60 1011@section Shell commands
1041a570 1012
70b88761 1013If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
18fae2a8 1014debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
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1015just use the @code{shell} command.
1016
1017@table @code
1018@item shell @var{command string}
1019@kindex shell
1020@cindex shell escape
75f844cc 1021Invoke a the standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
a1eff6c2 1022@ifclear DOSHOST
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RP
1023If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1024shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses @code{/bin/sh}.
a1eff6c2 1025@end ifclear
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1026@end table
1027
1028The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
a1eff6c2
RP
1029You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1030@value{GDBN}:
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RP
1031
1032@table @code
1033@item make @var{make-args}
1034@kindex make
1035@cindex calling make
a1eff6c2 1036Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
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RP
1037arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1038@end table
1039
4eb4cf57 1040@node Commands
18fae2a8 1041@chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
70b88761 1042
18fae2a8 1043You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
6f3ec223 1044name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
18fae2a8
RP
1045@value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1046key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
93918348 1047show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
29a2b744 1048
70b88761 1049@menu
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RP
1050* Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1051* Completion:: Command completion
1052* Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
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RP
1053@end menu
1054
4eb4cf57 1055@node Command Syntax
93928b60 1056@section Command syntax
1041a570 1057
fe715d06
RP
1058A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1059how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1060arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1061command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1062step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1063with no arguments. Some command names do not allow any arguments.
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RP
1064
1065@cindex abbreviation
18fae2a8 1066@value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
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RP
1067unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1068documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1069abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1070equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1071names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
7463aadd 1072arguments to the @code{help} command.
70b88761 1073
e251e767 1074@cindex repeating commands
70b88761 1075@kindex RET
18fae2a8 1076A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
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RP
1077repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1078will not repeat this way; these are commands for which unintentional
1079repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1080repeat.
1081
1082The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1083@key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1084exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1085
18fae2a8 1086@value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
b80282d5 1087output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
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RP
1088(@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen size}). Since it is easy to press one
1089@key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1090repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
b80282d5 1091
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RP
1092@kindex #
1093@cindex comment
fe715d06
RP
1094Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1095nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1096Files,,Command files}).
70b88761 1097
4eb4cf57 1098@node Completion
93928b60 1099@section Command completion
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RP
1100
1101@cindex completion
1102@cindex word completion
93918348 1103@value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
6f3ec223 1104only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
18fae2a8
RP
1105are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1106commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
6f3ec223 1107
18fae2a8 1108Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
93918348 1109of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} will fill in the
6f3ec223
RP
1110word, and wait for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1111enter it). For example, if you type
1112
93918348 1113@c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
0fdc6e27
RP
1114@c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1115@c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1116@c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
6f3ec223 1117@example
18fae2a8 1118(@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
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RP
1119@end example
1120
1121@noindent
93918348 1122@value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
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RP
1123the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1124
1125@example
18fae2a8 1126(@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
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RP
1127@end example
1128
1129@noindent
1130You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1131breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
93918348 1132@samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
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RP
1133were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1134might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1135to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1136
1137If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
18fae2a8 1138@key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} will sound a bell. You can either supply more
6f3ec223 1139characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time, and
18fae2a8 1140@value{GDBN} will display all the possible completions for that word. For
6f3ec223 1141example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
18fae2a8 1142begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
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RP
1143just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again will display all the
1144function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1145example:
1146
1147@example
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RP
1148(@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1149@exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
6f3ec223
RP
1150make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1151make_abs_section make_function_type
1152make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1153make_cleanup make_reference_type
1154make_command make_symbol_completion_list
18fae2a8 1155(@value{GDBP}) b make_
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RP
1156@end example
1157
1158@noindent
18fae2a8 1159After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
b1385986 1160partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
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RP
1161command.
1162
1163If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
b1385986 1164can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
0f153e74 1165means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this
18fae2a8 1166@ifclear DOSHOST
0f153e74 1167either by holding down a
b1385986 1168key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
0f153e74 1169one) while typing @kbd{?}, or
18fae2a8 1170@end ifclear
0f153e74 1171as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
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RP
1172
1173@cindex quotes in commands
1174@cindex completion of quoted strings
1175Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
18fae2a8 1176parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from its
6f3ec223 1177notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this situation,
18fae2a8 1178you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in @value{GDBN} commands.
6f3ec223 1179
1d7c3357 1180@ifclear CONLY
6f3ec223
RP
1181The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1182name of a C++ function. This is because C++ allows function overloading
1183(multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished by argument
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1184type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you may need to
1185distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name} that takes an
1186@code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version that takes a
1187@code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the word-completion
1188facilities in this situation, type a single quote @code{'} at the
18fae2a8 1189beginning of the function name. This alerts @value{GDBN} that it may need to
b1385986
RP
1190consider more information than usual when you press @key{TAB} or
1191@kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
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RP
1192
1193@example
18fae2a8 1194(@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @key{M-?}
0fdc6e27 1195bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
18fae2a8 1196(@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
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RP
1197@end example
1198
18fae2a8
RP
1199In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name will require
1200quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} will insert the quote for you (while
0fdc6e27
RP
1201completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1202place:
1203
1204@example
18fae2a8
RP
1205(@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1206@exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1207(@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
0fdc6e27
RP
1208@end example
1209
1210@noindent
18fae2a8 1211In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
0fdc6e27
RP
1212you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1213completion on an overloaded symbol.
1d7c3357 1214@end ifclear
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RP
1215
1216
4eb4cf57 1217@node Help
93928b60 1218@section Getting help
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1219@cindex online documentation
1220@kindex help
1041a570 1221
18fae2a8 1222You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands, using the
e251e767 1223command @code{help}.
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1224
1225@table @code
1226@item help
1227@itemx h
1228@kindex h
1229You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1230display a short list of named classes of commands:
1041a570 1231
70b88761 1232@smallexample
18fae2a8 1233(@value{GDBP}) help
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RP
1234List of classes of commands:
1235
1236running -- Running the program
1237stack -- Examining the stack
1238data -- Examining data
1239breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1240files -- Specifying and examining files
1241status -- Status inquiries
1242support -- Support facilities
1243user-defined -- User-defined commands
1244aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1245obscure -- Obscure features
1246
203eea5d
RP
1247Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1248commands in that class.
1249Type "help" followed by command name for full
1250documentation.
70b88761 1251Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
18fae2a8 1252(@value{GDBP})
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RP
1253@end smallexample
1254
1255@item help @var{class}
1256Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1257list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1258help display for the class @code{status}:
1041a570 1259
70b88761 1260@smallexample
18fae2a8 1261(@value{GDBP}) help status
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RP
1262Status inquiries.
1263
1264List of commands:
1265
8c69096b
RP
1266@c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1267@c to fit in smallbook page size.
1268show -- Generic command for showing things set
1269 with "set"
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1270info -- Generic command for printing status
1271
203eea5d
RP
1272Type "help" followed by command name for full
1273documentation.
70b88761 1274Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
18fae2a8 1275(@value{GDBP})
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RP
1276@end smallexample
1277
1278@item help @var{command}
18fae2a8 1279With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} will display a
e251e767 1280short paragraph on how to use that command.
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RP
1281@end table
1282
18fae2a8 1283In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
70b88761 1284and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
18fae2a8 1285of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
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RP
1286manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1287under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
29a2b744 1288all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
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RP
1289
1290@c @group
1291@table @code
1292@item info
1293@kindex info
1294@kindex i
1295This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
ed447b95
RP
1296program. For example, you can list the arguments given to your program
1297with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1298registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
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1299You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1300@w{@code{help info}}.
1301
1302@kindex show
1303@item show
18fae2a8 1304In contrast, @code{show} is for describing the state of @value{GDBN} itself.
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RP
1305You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1306related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1307system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
e251e767 1308which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
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RP
1309
1310@kindex info set
1311To display all the settable parameters and their current
1312values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1313@code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1314@c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1315@c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1316@c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1317@end table
1318@c @end group
1319
1320Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1321exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1322
1323@table @code
1324@kindex show version
3d3ab540 1325@cindex version number
70b88761 1326@item show version
18fae2a8
RP
1327Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1328information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of @value{GDBN} are in
ed447b95 1329use at your site, you may occasionally want to determine which version
18fae2a8 1330of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new commands are introduced,
1041a570 1331and old ones may wither away. The version number is also announced
d55320a0 1332when you start @value{GDBN}.
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1333
1334@kindex show copying
1335@item show copying
18fae2a8 1336Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
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1337
1338@kindex show warranty
1339@item show warranty
1340Display the GNU ``NO WARRANTY'' statement.
1341@end table
1342
4eb4cf57 1343@node Running
18fae2a8 1344@chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
70b88761 1345
ed447b95 1346When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1d7c3357 1347debugging information when you compile it.
18fae2a8 1348@ifclear BARETARGET
1d7c3357
RP
1349You may start it with its arguments, if any, in an environment of your
1350choice. You may redirect your program's input and output, debug an
1351already running process, or kill a child process.
18fae2a8 1352@end ifclear
18fae2a8 1353
18fae2a8 1354@menu
ed447b95
RP
1355* Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1356* Starting:: Starting your program
1d7c3357 1357@ifclear BARETARGET
ed447b95
RP
1358* Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1359* Environment:: Your program's environment
1360* Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1361* Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1362* Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1363* Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1364* Process Information:: Additional process information
18fae2a8 1365@end ifclear
18fae2a8 1366@end menu
70b88761 1367
4eb4cf57 1368@node Compilation
93928b60 1369@section Compiling for debugging
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RP
1370
1371In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1372debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1373is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1374variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1375and addresses in the executable code.
1376
1377To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1378the compiler.
1379
1380Many C compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O}
1381options together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1382executables containing debugging information.
1383
18fae2a8 1384@value{NGCC}, the GNU C compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or without
c7cb8acb
RP
1385@samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We recommend
1386that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a program.
1387You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense in pushing
1388your luck.
70b88761 1389
6ca72cc6
RP
1390@cindex optimized code, debugging
1391@cindex debugging optimized code
1392When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
93918348
RP
1393optimizer is rearranging your code; the debugger will show you what is
1394really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
6ca72cc6 1395exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
18fae2a8 1396variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} will never see that
6ca72cc6
RP
1397variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
1398
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1399Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
1400@samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
1401doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
1402please report it as a bug (including a test case!).
1403
1404Older versions of the GNU C compiler permitted a variant option
18fae2a8 1405@w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
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RP
1406format; if your GNU C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1407
1408@ignore
18fae2a8 1409@comment As far as I know, there are no cases in which @value{GDBN} will
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1410@comment produce strange output in this case. (but no promises).
1411If your program includes archives made with the @code{ar} program, and
1412if the object files used as input to @code{ar} were compiled without the
18fae2a8 1413@samp{-g} option and have names longer than 15 characters, @value{GDBN} will get
29a2b744 1414confused reading your program's symbol table. No error message will be
18fae2a8 1415given, but @value{GDBN} may behave strangely. The reason for this problem is a
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1416deficiency in the Unix archive file format, which cannot represent file
1417names longer than 15 characters.
1418
1419To avoid this problem, compile the archive members with the @samp{-g}
1420option or use shorter file names. Alternatively, use a version of GNU
1421@code{ar} dated more recently than August 1989.
1422@end ignore
1423
d55320a0 1424@need 2000
4eb4cf57 1425@node Starting
93928b60 1426@section Starting your program
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1427@cindex starting
1428@cindex running
1041a570 1429
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1430@table @code
1431@item run
1432@itemx r
1433@kindex run
18fae2a8 1434Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}. You must
1041a570 1435first specify the program name
18fae2a8 1436@ifset VXWORKS
7463aadd 1437(except on VxWorks)
18fae2a8 1438@end ifset
ed447b95
RP
1439with an argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and
1440Out of @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file}
93928b60 1441command (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to specify files}).
1041a570 1442
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1443@end table
1444
18fae2a8 1445@ifclear BARETARGET
29a2b744
RP
1446If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1447supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1448that process run your program. (In environments without processes,
1449@code{run} jumps to the start of your program.)
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1450
1451The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
18fae2a8 1452receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
6ca72cc6 1453information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
29a2b744
RP
1454can change it after starting your program, but such changes will only affect
1455your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
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1456divided into four categories:
1457
1458@table @asis
6ca72cc6 1459@item The @emph{arguments.}
29a2b744 1460Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1041a570
RP
1461@code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1462is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1463(such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1464the arguments. In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used
1465with the @code{SHELL} environment variable. @xref{Arguments, ,Your
93928b60 1466program's arguments}.
70b88761 1467
6ca72cc6 1468@item The @emph{environment.}
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RP
1469Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1470use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
70b88761 1471environment} to change parts of the environment that will be given to
93928b60 1472your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your program's environment}.
70b88761 1473
6ca72cc6 1474@item The @emph{working directory.}
18fae2a8 1475Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
93918348 1476the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
93928b60 1477@xref{Working Directory, ,Your program's working directory}.
70b88761 1478
6ca72cc6 1479@item The @emph{standard input and output.}
70b88761 1480Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
18fae2a8 1481standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
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1482in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1483set a different device for your program.
93928b60 1484@xref{Input/Output, ,Your program's input and output}.
3d3ab540
RP
1485
1486@cindex pipes
29a2b744
RP
1487@emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1488pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
18fae2a8 1489program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
3d3ab540 1490wrong program.
70b88761 1491@end table
18fae2a8 1492@end ifclear
70b88761 1493
1041a570 1494When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
93928b60 1495immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and continuing}, for discussion
4eb4cf57
RP
1496of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1497stopped, you may calls functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1498or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
70b88761 1499
29a2b744 1500If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the
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1501last time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} will discard its symbol table and
1502re-read it. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain your current
1041a570 1503breakpoints.
70b88761 1504
18fae2a8 1505@ifclear BARETARGET
4eb4cf57 1506@node Arguments
93928b60 1507@section Your program's arguments
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1508
1509@cindex arguments (to your program)
1510The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
1511@code{run} command. They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard
29a2b744 1512characters and performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program.
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1513Your @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what
1514shell @value{GDBN} if you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
1515@code{/bin/sh}.
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1516
1517@code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
1518@code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
1519
1520@kindex set args
1521@table @code
1522@item set args
1523Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
1524@code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} will execute your program
e251e767 1525with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
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1526using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
1527it again without arguments.
1528
1529@item show args
1530@kindex show args
1531Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
1532@end table
1533
4eb4cf57 1534@node Environment
93928b60 1535@section Your program's environment
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1536
1537@cindex environment (of your program)
1538The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
1539their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
1540your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
1541path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
1542the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
29a2b744 1543debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
18fae2a8 1544environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
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1545
1546@table @code
1547@item path @var{directory}
1548@kindex path
1549Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
18fae2a8 1550(the search path for executables), for both @value{GDBN} and your program.
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1551You may specify several directory names, separated by @samp{:} or
1552whitespace. If @var{directory} is already in the path, it is moved to
e251e767 1553the front, so it will be searched sooner.
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1554
1555You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
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1556working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
1557use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
1558@code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
1559@var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
1560@var{directory} to the search path.
29a2b744 1561@c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
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1562@c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
1563
1564@item show paths
1565@kindex show paths
1566Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
1567environment variable).
1568
1569@item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
1570@kindex show environment
1571Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
29a2b744 1572your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
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1573print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
1574your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
1575
7463aadd 1576@item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@r{]} @var{value}
70b88761 1577@kindex set environment
ed447b95 1578Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
18fae2a8 1579changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
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1580be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
1581any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
1582parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
1583null value.
29a2b744 1584@c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
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1585@c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
1586
1587For example, this command:
1588
1589@example
1590set env USER = foo
1591@end example
1592
1593@noindent
1594tells a Unix program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
1595@samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
1596are not actually required.)
1597
1598@item unset environment @var{varname}
1599@kindex unset environment
1600Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
1601program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
1602@code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
e251e767 1603rather than assigning it an empty value.
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1604@end table
1605
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1606@emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} runs your program using the shell indicated
1607by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
1608@code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
1609that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
1610@file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file will affect
1611your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
1612files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
1613@file{.profile}.
562a18b2 1614
4eb4cf57 1615@node Working Directory
93928b60 1616@section Your program's working directory
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1617
1618@cindex working directory (of your program)
1619Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
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1620working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
1621The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
1622from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
1623working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
70b88761 1624
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1625The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
1626that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
93928b60 1627specify files}.
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1628
1629@table @code
1630@item cd @var{directory}
1631@kindex cd
93918348 1632Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
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1633
1634@item pwd
1635@kindex pwd
93918348 1636Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
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1637@end table
1638
4eb4cf57 1639@node Input/Output
93928b60 1640@section Your program's input and output
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1641
1642@cindex redirection
1643@cindex i/o
1644@cindex terminal
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1645By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
1646the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal to
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1647its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
1648modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
1649running your program.
1650
1651@table @code
1652@item info terminal
1653@kindex info terminal
93918348 1654Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
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1655program is using.
1656@end table
1657
29a2b744 1658You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
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1659redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
1660
18fae2a8 1661@example
70b88761 1662run > outfile
18fae2a8 1663@end example
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1664
1665@noindent
29a2b744 1666starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
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1667
1668@kindex tty
1669@cindex controlling terminal
29a2b744 1670Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
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1671with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
1672argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
1673commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
1674process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
1675
1676@example
1677tty /dev/ttyb
1678@end example
1679
1680@noindent
1681directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
1682default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
1683that as their controlling terminal.
1684
1685An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
1686effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
1687terminal.
1688
1689When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
1690command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
18fae2a8 1691for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal.
70b88761 1692
4eb4cf57 1693@node Attach
93928b60 1694@section Debugging an already-running process
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1695@kindex attach
1696@cindex attach
1697
1698@table @code
1699@item attach @var{process-id}
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1700This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
1701outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} will show your active
1702targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
1703find out the process-id of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
1704or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
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1705
1706@code{attach} will not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
1707executing the command.
1708@end table
1709
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1710To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
1711which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
1712programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
1713also have permission to send the process a signal.
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1714
1715When using @code{attach}, you should first use the @code{file} command
1716to specify the program running in the process and load its symbol table.
29a2b744 1717@xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
70b88761 1718
18fae2a8 1719The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
70b88761 1720process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
18fae2a8 1721with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when you start
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1722processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you can step and
1723continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the process
1724continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
18fae2a8 1725attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
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1726
1727@table @code
1728@item detach
1729@kindex detach
1730When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
93918348 1731@code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
70b88761 1732the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
18fae2a8 1733that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
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1734are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
1735@code{detach} will not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
1736executing the command.
1737@end table
1738
18fae2a8 1739If you exit @value{GDBN} or use the @code{run} command while you have an attached
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1740process, you kill that process. By default, you will be asked for
1741confirmation if you try to do either of these things; you can control
1742whether or not you need to confirm by using the @code{set confirm} command
93928b60 1743(@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional warnings and messages}).
70b88761 1744
4eb4cf57 1745@node Kill Process
70b88761 1746@c @group
93928b60 1747@section Killing the child process
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1748
1749@table @code
1750@item kill
1751@kindex kill
18fae2a8 1752Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
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1753@end table
1754
1755This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
18fae2a8 1756running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
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1757is running.
1758@c @end group
1759
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1760On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
1761while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
29a2b744 1762@code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
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1763outside the debugger.
1764
1765The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
29a2b744 1766relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
70b88761 1767executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
18fae2a8 1768next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} will notice that the file has changed, and
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1769will re-read the symbol table (while trying to preserve your current
1770breakpoint settings).
1771
4eb4cf57 1772@node Process Information
93928b60 1773@section Additional process information
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1774
1775@kindex /proc
1776@cindex process image
1777Some operating systems provide a facility called @samp{/proc} that can
cc9bc574 1778be used to examine the image of a running process using file-system
18fae2a8 1779subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured for an operating system with this
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1780facility, the command @code{info proc} is available to report on several
1781kinds of information about the process running your program.
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1782
1783@table @code
1784@item info proc
1785@kindex info proc
1786Summarize available information about the process.
1787
1788@item info proc mappings
1789@kindex info proc mappings
1790Report on the address ranges accessible in the program, with information
1791on whether your program may read, write, or execute each range.
1792
1793@item info proc times
1794@kindex info proc times
1795Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
1796its children.
1797
1798@item info proc id
1799@kindex info proc id
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1800Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
1801the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
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1802
1803@item info proc status
1804@kindex info proc status
1805General information on the state of the process. If the process is
1806stopped, this report includes the reason for stopping, and any signal
1807received.
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1808
1809@item info proc all
1810Show all the above information about the process.
d24e0922 1811@end table
18fae2a8 1812@end ifclear
d24e0922 1813
4eb4cf57 1814@node Stopping
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1815@chapter Stopping and Continuing
1816
ed447b95 1817The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
29a2b744 1818program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
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1819trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
1820
18fae2a8 1821Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons, such
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1822as
1823@ifclear BARETARGET
1824a signal,
1825@end ifclear
1826a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a @value{GDBN}
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1827command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and change
1828variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then continue
18fae2a8 1829execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide ample
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1830explanation of the status of your program---but you can also explicitly
1831request this information at any time.
1832
1833@table @code
1834@item info program
1835@kindex info program
1836Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
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1837running or not,
1838@ifclear BARETARGET
1839what process it is,
1840@end ifclear
1841and why it stopped.
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1842@end table
1843
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1844@menu
1845@ifclear CONLY
ed447b95 1846* Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and exceptions
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1847@end ifclear
1848@ifset CONLY
ed447b95 1849* Breakpoints:: Breakpoints and watchpoints
18fae2a8 1850@end ifset
1d7c3357 1851@c Remnant makeinfo bug requires blank line after *successful* end-if in menu:
18fae2a8 1852
ed447b95 1853* Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
18fae2a8 1854@ifset POSIX
b80282d5 1855* Signals:: Signals
18fae2a8 1856@end ifset
18fae2a8 1857@end menu
70b88761 1858
1d7c3357 1859@c makeinfo node-defaulting requires adjacency of @node and sectioning cmds
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1860@c ...hence distribute @node Breakpoints over two possible @if expansions.
1861@c
1862@ifclear CONLY
4eb4cf57 1863@node Breakpoints
93928b60 1864@section Breakpoints, watchpoints, and exceptions
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1865@end ifclear
1866@ifset CONLY
1867@node Breakpoints
93928b60 1868@section Breakpoints and watchpoints
18fae2a8 1869@end ifset
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1870
1871@cindex breakpoints
1872A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
1041a570 1873the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add various
29a2b744 1874conditions to control in finer detail whether your program will stop.
70b88761 1875You can set breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants
93928b60 1876(@pxref{Set Breaks, ,Setting breakpoints}), to specify the place where
29a2b744 1877your program should stop by line number, function name or exact address
0f153e74 1878in the program.
18fae2a8 1879@ifclear CONLY
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1880In languages with exception handling (such as GNU C++), you can also set
1881breakpoints where an exception is raised (@pxref{Exception Handling,
93928b60 1882,Breakpoints and exceptions}).
18fae2a8 1883@end ifclear
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1884
1885@cindex watchpoints
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1886@cindex memory tracing
1887@cindex breakpoint on memory address
1888@cindex breakpoint on variable modification
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1889A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
1890when the value of an expression changes. You must use a different
1891command to set watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting
93928b60 1892watchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a watchpoint like
29a2b744 1893any other breakpoint: you enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints
1041a570 1894and watchpoints using the same commands.
70b88761 1895
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1896You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
1897whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,
1898,Automatic display}.
1899
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1900@cindex breakpoint numbers
1901@cindex numbers for breakpoints
18fae2a8 1902@value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint or watchpoint when you
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1903create it; these numbers are successive integers starting with one. In
1904many of the commands for controlling various features of breakpoints you
1905use the breakpoint number to say which breakpoint you want to change.
1906Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has
29a2b744 1907no effect on your program until you enable it again.
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1908
1909@menu
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1910* Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
1911* Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
1d7c3357 1912@ifclear CONLY
ed447b95 1913* Exception Handling:: Breakpoints and exceptions
1d7c3357 1914@end ifclear
b0157555 1915
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1916* Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
1917* Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
1918* Conditions:: Break conditions
1919* Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
1d7c3357 1920@ifclear CONLY
ed447b95 1921* Breakpoint Menus:: Breakpoint menus
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1922@end ifclear
1923@ifclear BARETARGET
ed447b95 1924* Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
1d7c3357 1925@end ifclear
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1926@end menu
1927
4eb4cf57 1928@node Set Breaks
93928b60 1929@subsection Setting breakpoints
70b88761 1930
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1931@c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
1932@c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
1933@c
1934@c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
1935
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1936@kindex break
1937@kindex b
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1938@kindex $bpnum
1939@cindex latest breakpoint
1940Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
1941@code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
1942number of the beakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
93928b60 1943Vars,, Convenience variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
6ca72cc6 1944convenience variables.
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1945
1946You have several ways to say where the breakpoint should go.
1947
1948@table @code
1949@item break @var{function}
0f153e74 1950Set a breakpoint at entry to function @var{function}.
18fae2a8 1951@ifclear CONLY
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1952When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
1953C++, @var{function} may refer to more than one possible place to break.
93928b60 1954@xref{Breakpoint Menus,,Breakpoint menus}, for a discussion of that situation.
18fae2a8 1955@end ifclear
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1956
1957@item break +@var{offset}
1958@itemx break -@var{offset}
1959Set a breakpoint some number of lines forward or back from the position
1960at which execution stopped in the currently selected frame.
1961
1962@item break @var{linenum}
1963Set a breakpoint at line @var{linenum} in the current source file.
1964That file is the last file whose source text was printed. This
29a2b744 1965breakpoint will stop your program just before it executes any of the
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1966code on that line.
1967
1968@item break @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
1969Set a breakpoint at line @var{linenum} in source file @var{filename}.
1970
1971@item break @var{filename}:@var{function}
1972Set a breakpoint at entry to function @var{function} found in file
1973@var{filename}. Specifying a file name as well as a function name is
1974superfluous except when multiple files contain similarly named
1975functions.
1976
1977@item break *@var{address}
1978Set a breakpoint at address @var{address}. You can use this to set
29a2b744 1979breakpoints in parts of your program which do not have debugging
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1980information or source files.
1981
1982@item break
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1983When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
1984the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
1985(@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
1986innermost, this will cause your program to stop as soon as control
1987returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
1988@code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
1989that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
18fae2a8 1990@code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} will stop
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1991the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
1992inside loops.
70b88761 1993
18fae2a8 1994@value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
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1995least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
1996would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
1997breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
29a2b744 1998existed when your program stopped.
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1999
2000@item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
2001Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
2002@var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3d3ab540 2003value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
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2004@samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
2005above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
93928b60 2006,Break conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
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2007
2008@item tbreak @var{args}
2009@kindex tbreak
2010Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
2011same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
29a2b744 2012way, but the breakpoint is automatically disabled after the first time your
93928b60 2013program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling breakpoints}.
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RP
2014
2015@item rbreak @var{regex}
2016@kindex rbreak
2017@cindex regular expression
4906534f 2018@c FIXME what kind of regexp?
70b88761 2019Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
b80282d5 2020@var{regex}. This command
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RP
2021sets an unconditional breakpoint on all matches, printing a list of all
2022breakpoints it set. Once these breakpoints are set, they are treated
2023just like the breakpoints set with the @code{break} command. They can
2024be deleted, disabled, made conditional, etc., in the standard ways.
2025
18fae2a8 2026@ifclear CONLY
b80282d5
RP
2027When debugging C++ programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
2028breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
2029classes.
18fae2a8 2030@end ifclear
b80282d5 2031
70b88761 2032@kindex info breakpoints
c338a2fd 2033@cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
70b88761 2034@item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
6ca72cc6
RP
2035@itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
2036@itemx info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
2037Print a table of all breakpoints and watchpoints set and not
2038deleted, with the following columns for each breakpoint:
2039
2040@table @emph
2041@item Breakpoint Numbers
2042@item Type
2043Breakpoint or watchpoint.
2044@item Disposition
2045Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
2046@item Enabled or Disabled
d24e0922 2047Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
6ca72cc6
RP
2048that are not enabled.
2049@item Address
2050Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address
2051@item What
2052Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
2053line number.
2054@end table
2055
2056@noindent
d55320a0
RP
2057If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
2058the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
2059are listed after that.
6ca72cc6
RP
2060
2061@noindent
2062@code{info break} with a breakpoint
29a2b744
RP
2063number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
2064convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
2065the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
93928b60 2066listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining memory}).
1041a570 2067@end table
70b88761 2068
18fae2a8 2069@value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
1041a570
RP
2070your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
2071the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
93928b60 2072(@pxref{Conditions, ,Break conditions}).
70b88761 2073
6ca72cc6 2074@cindex negative breakpoint numbers
18fae2a8
RP
2075@cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
2076@value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for special
6ca72cc6
RP
2077purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C programs).
2078These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers, starting with
5a2c1d85 2079@code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
d48da190 2080
18fae2a8 2081You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
5a2c1d85 2082@samp{maint info breakpoints}.
6ca72cc6
RP
2083
2084@table @code
d48da190
RP
2085@kindex maint info breakpoints
2086@item maint info breakpoints
6ca72cc6 2087Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
18fae2a8 2088breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
6ca72cc6
RP
2089internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
2090breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
2091is shown:
2092
2093@table @code
2094@item breakpoint
2095Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
2096
2097@item watchpoint
2098Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
2099
2100@item longjmp
2101Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
2102@code{longjmp} calls.
2103
2104@item longjmp resume
2105Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
2106
2107@item until
18fae2a8 2108Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
6ca72cc6
RP
2109
2110@item finish
18fae2a8 2111Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
6ca72cc6
RP
2112@end table
2113
2114@end table
2115
2116
4eb4cf57 2117@node Set Watchpoints
93928b60 2118@subsection Setting watchpoints
70b88761 2119@cindex setting watchpoints
1041a570 2120
70b88761 2121You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
e251e767 2122expression changes, without having to predict a particular place
70b88761
RP
2123where this may happen.
2124
2125Watchpoints currently execute two orders of magnitude more slowly than
2126other breakpoints, but this can well be worth it to catch errors where
2127you have no clue what part of your program is the culprit. Some
2128processors provide special hardware to support watchpoint evaluation; future
18fae2a8 2129releases of @value{GDBN} will use such hardware if it is available.
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2130
2131@table @code
e251e767 2132@kindex watch
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RP
2133@item watch @var{expr}
2134Set a watchpoint for an expression.
2135
2136@kindex info watchpoints
2137@item info watchpoints
6ca72cc6
RP
2138This command prints a list of watchpoints and breakpoints; it is the
2139same as @code{info break}.
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RP
2140@end table
2141
1d7c3357 2142@ifclear CONLY
4eb4cf57 2143@node Exception Handling
93928b60 2144@subsection Breakpoints and exceptions
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RP
2145@cindex exception handlers
2146
b80282d5 2147Some languages, such as GNU C++, implement exception handling. You can
18fae2a8 2148use @value{GDBN} to examine what caused your program to raise an exception,
29a2b744 2149and to list the exceptions your program is prepared to handle at a
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RP
2150given point in time.
2151
2152@table @code
2153@item catch @var{exceptions}
2154@kindex catch
2155You can set breakpoints at active exception handlers by using the
2156@code{catch} command. @var{exceptions} is a list of names of exceptions
2157to catch.
2158@end table
2159
29a2b744 2160You can use @code{info catch} to list active exception handlers.
93928b60 2161@xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a frame}.
70b88761 2162
18fae2a8 2163There are currently some limitations to exception handling in @value{GDBN}.
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RP
2164These will be corrected in a future release.
2165
2166@itemize @bullet
2167@item
18fae2a8 2168If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
70b88761
RP
2169control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
2170raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
29a2b744 2171returns control to you and cause your program to simply continue
18fae2a8 2172running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal that @value{GDBN} is
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RP
2173listening for, or exits.
2174@item
2175You cannot raise an exception interactively.
2176@item
2177You cannot interactively install an exception handler.
2178@end itemize
2179
2180@cindex raise exceptions
2181Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
29a2b744 2182if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
70b88761
RP
2183stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
2184can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
2185breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
2186out where the exception was raised.
2187
2188To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
b80282d5 2189knowledge of the implementation. In the case of GNU C++, exceptions are
70b88761
RP
2190raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
2191which has the following ANSI C interface:
2192
2193@example
b80282d5 2194 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
70b88761
RP
2195 ID is the exception identifier. */
2196 void __raise_exception (void **@var{addr}, void *@var{id});
2197@end example
2198
2199@noindent
2200To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
2201unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
93928b60 2202(@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; watchpoints; and exceptions}).
70b88761 2203
93928b60 2204With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break conditions})
29a2b744
RP
2205that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
2206a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
2207breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
2208raised.
1d7c3357 2209@end ifclear
70b88761 2210
4eb4cf57 2211@node Delete Breaks
93928b60 2212@subsection Deleting breakpoints
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RP
2213
2214@cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints
2215@cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints
2216It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint or watchpoint once it
29a2b744 2217has done its job and you no longer want your program to stop there. This
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RP
2218is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A breakpoint that has been
2219deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
2220
2221With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
29a2b744 2222where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
70b88761
RP
2223delete individual breakpoints or watchpoints by specifying their
2224breakpoint numbers.
2225
18fae2a8 2226It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
70b88761
RP
2227automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
2228when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
2229
2230@table @code
2231@item clear
2232@kindex clear
2233Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
93928b60 2234selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a frame}). When
29a2b744
RP
2235the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
2236breakpoint where your program just stopped.
70b88761
RP
2237
2238@item clear @var{function}
2239@itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
2240Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the function @var{function}.
2241
2242@item clear @var{linenum}
2243@itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
2244Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified line.
2245
2246@item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{bnums}@dots{}@r{]}
2247@cindex delete breakpoints
2248@kindex delete
2249@kindex d
2250Delete the breakpoints or watchpoints of the numbers specified as
18fae2a8 2251arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all breakpoints (@value{GDBN}
1041a570 2252asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set confirm off}). You
70b88761
RP
2253can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
2254@end table
2255
4eb4cf57 2256@node Disabling
93928b60 2257@subsection Disabling breakpoints
70b88761
RP
2258
2259@cindex disabled breakpoints
2260@cindex enabled breakpoints
2261Rather than deleting a breakpoint or watchpoint, you might prefer to
2262@dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if it had
2263been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so that
2264you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
2265
2266You disable and enable breakpoints and watchpoints with the
2267@code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying one or
2268more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} or
2269@code{info watch} to print a list of breakpoints or watchpoints if you
29a2b744 2270do not know which numbers to use.
70b88761
RP
2271
2272A breakpoint or watchpoint can have any of four different states of
2273enablement:
2274
2275@itemize @bullet
2276@item
29a2b744 2277Enabled. The breakpoint will stop your program. A breakpoint set
70b88761
RP
2278with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
2279@item
29a2b744 2280Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
70b88761 2281@item
29a2b744 2282Enabled once. The breakpoint will stop your program, but
70b88761
RP
2283when it does so it will become disabled. A breakpoint set
2284with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
2285@item
29a2b744 2286Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint will stop your program, but
70b88761
RP
2287immediately after it does so it will be deleted permanently.
2288@end itemize
2289
2290You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints and
2291watchpoints:
2292
2293@table @code
2294@item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{bnums}@dots{}@r{]}
2295@kindex disable breakpoints
2296@kindex disable
2297@kindex dis
2298Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
2299listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
2300options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
2301case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
2302@code{disable} as @code{dis}.
2303
2304@item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{bnums}@dots{}@r{]}
2305@kindex enable breakpoints
2306@kindex enable
2307Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
29a2b744 2308become effective once again in stopping your program.
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RP
2309
2310@item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{bnums}@dots{}
2311Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. Each will be disabled
29a2b744 2312again the next time it stops your program.
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RP
2313
2314@item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{bnums}@dots{}
2315Enable the specified breakpoints to work once and then die. Each of
29a2b744 2316the breakpoints will be deleted the next time it stops your program.
70b88761
RP
2317@end table
2318
29a2b744 2319Save for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
93928b60
RP
2320,Setting breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
2321subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
2322the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
2323breakpoint of its own, but it will not change the state of your other
2324breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
2325stepping}.)
70b88761 2326
4eb4cf57 2327@node Conditions
93928b60 2328@subsection Break conditions
70b88761
RP
2329@cindex conditional breakpoints
2330@cindex breakpoint conditions
2331
4906534f
RP
2332@c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
2333@c in particular for a watchpoint?
29a2b744 2334The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
70b88761
RP
2335specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
2336breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
1041a570
RP
2337programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
2338a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
2339and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
3d3ab540
RP
2340
2341This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
2342situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
2343when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
e251e767 2344by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
3d3ab540 2345@samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
70b88761
RP
2346
2347Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
2348since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
2349it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
2350and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
e251e767 2351one.
70b88761 2352
29a2b744 2353Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
70b88761 2354your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
29a2b744
RP
2355that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
2356format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
2357unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
18fae2a8 2358that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
29a2b744
RP
2359program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
2360breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible for the
2361purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
93928b60 2362(@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint command lists}).
70b88761
RP
2363
2364Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
29a2b744 2365@samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
93928b60 2366Breaks, ,Setting breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
29a2b744
RP
2367with the @code{condition} command. The @code{watch} command does not
2368recognize the @code{if} keyword; @code{condition} is the only way to
2369impose a further condition on a watchpoint.
70b88761 2370
e251e767
RP
2371@table @code
2372@item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
2373@kindex condition
70b88761
RP
2374Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint or
2375watchpoint number @var{bnum}. From now on, this breakpoint will stop
29a2b744 2376your program only if the value of @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in
18fae2a8 2377C). When you use @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression}
70b88761 2378immediately for syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols
1041a570 2379in it have referents in the context of your breakpoint.
29a2b744 2380@c FIXME so what does GDB do if there is no referent? Moreover, what
4906534f 2381@c about watchpoints?
18fae2a8 2382@value{GDBN} does
70b88761 2383not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
1041a570 2384command is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
70b88761
RP
2385
2386@item condition @var{bnum}
2387Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
2388an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
2389@end table
2390
2391@cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
2392A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
2393breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
2394useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
2395count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
2396is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
29a2b744 2397therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
70b88761
RP
2398ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
2399the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
2400value is @var{n}, the breakpoint will not stop the next @var{n} times it
2401is reached.
2402
2403@table @code
2404@item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
2405@kindex ignore
2406Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
2407The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
18fae2a8 2408execution will not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
70b88761
RP
2409takes no action.
2410
2411To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
2412a count of zero.
2413
d55320a0
RP
2414When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
2415breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
2416@code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
2417Stepping,,Continuing and stepping}.
70b88761
RP
2418
2419If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the condition
2420is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero, the condition will
2421be checked.
2422
29a2b744 2423You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
18fae2a8 2424as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
1041a570 2425is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
93928b60 2426variables}.
d55320a0 2427@end table
70b88761 2428
4eb4cf57 2429@node Break Commands
93928b60 2430@subsection Breakpoint command lists
70b88761
RP
2431
2432@cindex breakpoint commands
2433You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint) a series of commands to
29a2b744 2434execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For example, you
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RP
2435might want to print the values of certain expressions, or enable other
2436breakpoints.
2437
2438@table @code
2439@item commands @r{[}@var{bnum}@r{]}
2440@itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
2441@itemx end
2442@kindex commands
2443@kindex end
2444Specify a list of commands for breakpoint number @var{bnum}. The commands
2445themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
2446@code{end} to terminate the commands.
2447
203eea5d
RP
2448To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
2449follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
70b88761
RP
2450
2451With no @var{bnum} argument, @code{commands} refers to the last
2452breakpoint or watchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
2453encountered).
2454@end table
2455
18fae2a8 2456Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
70b88761
RP
2457disabled within a @var{command-list}.
2458
29a2b744 2459You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
70b88761 2460use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
fe715d06
RP
2461that resumes execution.
2462
2463Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
2464execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
2465(even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
2466another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
2467ambiguities about which list to execute.
70b88761
RP
2468
2469@kindex silent
fe715d06
RP
2470If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
2471usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
2472be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
2473then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
2474will see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
2475meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
70b88761 2476
d55320a0
RP
2477The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
2478print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
2479breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for controlled output}.
70b88761
RP
2480
2481For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
2482value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
2483
18fae2a8 2484@example
70b88761
RP
2485break foo if x>0
2486commands
2487silent
d55320a0 2488printf "x is %d\n",x
70b88761
RP
2489cont
2490end
18fae2a8 2491@end example
70b88761
RP
2492
2493One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
2494you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
2495of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
2496erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
2497to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
29a2b744 2498so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
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RP
2499command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
2500
2501@example
2502break 403
2503commands
2504silent
2505set x = y + 4
2506cont
2507end
2508@end example
2509
2510@cindex lost output
958e954a
JK
2511@c Do we need to mention this at all? I am sort of tempted to mention
2512@c it in case people are used to seeing this section of the manual. But
2513@c for new users it is an annoyance--it documents something which isn't
2514@c there. -kingdon, 6 Jul 93
2515Previous versions of @value{GDBN} (4.9 and earlier) would flush pending
2516input when executing breakpoint commands, if your program used raw mode
2517for the terminal. This is no longer true.
2518
2519@ignore
2520@c I don't think this is true any longer, now that only readline
2521@c switches to or from raw mode. In any event, it is a (relatively
2522@c easily fixable) GDB bug if it switches to or from raw mode except
2523@c when it has to in order to read input from the terminal. kingdon -6 Jul 93.
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RP
2524One deficiency in the operation of automatically continuing breakpoints
2525under Unix appears when your program uses raw mode for the terminal.
18fae2a8 2526@value{GDBN} switches back to its own terminal modes (not raw) before executing
70b88761 2527commands, and then must switch back to raw mode when your program is
e251e767 2528continued. This causes any pending terminal input to be lost.
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RP
2529@c FIXME: revisit below when GNU sys avail.
2530@c In the GNU system, this will be fixed by changing the behavior of
2531@c terminal modes.
2532
2533Under Unix, you can get around this problem by writing actions into
ed447b95 2534the breakpoint condition rather than in commands. For example,
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RP
2535
2536@example
2537condition 5 (x = y + 4), 0
2538@end example
2539
2540@noindent
1041a570
RP
2541specifies a condition expression (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}) that will
2542change @code{x} as needed, then always have the value zero so your
18fae2a8 2543program will not stop. No input is lost here, because @value{GDBN} evaluates
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RP
2544break conditions without changing the terminal modes. When you want
2545to have nontrivial conditions for performing the side effects, the
2546operators @samp{&&}, @samp{||} and @samp{?@dots{}:} may be useful.
958e954a 2547@end ignore
70b88761 2548
1d7c3357 2549@ifclear CONLY
4eb4cf57 2550@node Breakpoint Menus
93928b60 2551@subsection Breakpoint menus
b80282d5 2552@cindex overloading
e251e767 2553@cindex symbol overloading
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2554
2555Some programming languages (notably C++) permit a single function name
2556to be defined several times, for application in different contexts.
2557This is called @dfn{overloading}. When a function name is overloaded,
18fae2a8 2558@samp{break @var{function}} is not enough to tell @value{GDBN} where you want
6f3ec223
RP
2559a breakpoint. If you realize this will be a problem, you can use
2560something like @samp{break @var{function}(@var{types})} to specify which
18fae2a8 2561particular version of the function you want. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} offers
6f3ec223
RP
2562you a menu of numbered choices for different possible breakpoints, and
2563waits for your selection with the prompt @samp{>}. The first two
2564options are always @samp{[0] cancel} and @samp{[1] all}. Typing @kbd{1}
2565sets a breakpoint at each definition of @var{function}, and typing
2566@kbd{0} aborts the @code{break} command without setting any new
2567breakpoints.
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2568
2569For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
e251e767 2570breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
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2571We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
2572
6f3ec223 2573@c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
d55320a0 2574@smallexample
18fae2a8 2575(@value{GDBP}) b String::after
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2576[0] cancel
2577[1] all
2578[2] file:String.cc; line number:867
2579[3] file:String.cc; line number:860
2580[4] file:String.cc; line number:875
2581[5] file:String.cc; line number:853
2582[6] file:String.cc; line number:846
2583[7] file:String.cc; line number:735
2584> 2 4 6
2585Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
2586Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
2587Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
2588Multiple breakpoints were set.
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RP
2589Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
2590 breakpoints.
18fae2a8 2591(@value{GDBP})
d55320a0 2592@end smallexample
1d7c3357 2593@end ifclear
70b88761 2594
1d7c3357 2595@ifclear BARETARGET
4eb4cf57 2596@node Error in Breakpoints
93928b60 2597@subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
70b88761 2598
e251e767 2599@c FIXME: "cannot insert breakpoints" error, v unclear.
70b88761 2600@c Q in pending mail to Gilmore. ---pesch@cygnus.com, 26mar91
e251e767 2601@c some light may be shed by looking at instances of
d24e0922 2602@c ONE_PROCESS_WRITETEXT. But error message seems possible otherwise
c338a2fd 2603@c too. pesch, 20sep91
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2604Under some operating systems, breakpoints cannot be used in a program if
2605any other process is running that program. In this situation,
18fae2a8 2606attempting to run or continue a program with a breakpoint causes @value{GDBN}
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2607to stop the other process.
2608
2609When this happens, you have three ways to proceed:
2610
2611@enumerate
2612@item
2613Remove or disable the breakpoints, then continue.
2614
2615@item
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RP
2616Suspend @value{GDBN}, and copy the file containing your program to a new name.
2617Resume @value{GDBN} and use the @code{exec-file} command to specify that @value{GDBN}
29a2b744 2618should run your program under that name. Then start your program again.
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2619
2620@c FIXME: RMS commented here "Show example". Maybe when someone
2621@c explains the first FIXME: in this section...
2622
2623@item
29a2b744 2624Relink your program so that the text segment is nonsharable, using the
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2625linker option @samp{-N}. The operating system limitation may not apply
2626to nonsharable executables.
2627@end enumerate
1d7c3357 2628@end ifclear
70b88761 2629
4eb4cf57 2630@node Continuing and Stepping
93928b60 2631@section Continuing and stepping
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2632
2633@cindex stepping
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RP
2634@cindex continuing
2635@cindex resuming execution
3d3ab540 2636@dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
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RP
2637completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
2638one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
2639line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
2640particular command you use). Either when continuing
4eb4cf57 2641or when stepping, your program may stop even sooner, due to
18fae2a8 2642@ifset BARETARGET
4eb4cf57 2643a breakpoint.
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RP
2644@end ifset
2645@ifclear BARETARGET
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2646a breakpoint or to a signal. (If due to a signal, you may want to use
2647@code{handle}, or use @samp{signal 0} to resume execution.
2648@xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
18fae2a8 2649@end ifclear
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2650
2651@table @code
958e954a 2652@item continue @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
d55320a0
RP
2653@itemx c @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
2654@itemx fg @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
3d3ab540 2655@kindex continue
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RP
2656@kindex c
2657@kindex fg
958e954a
JK
2658Resume program execution, at the address where your program last
2659stopped; any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional
2660argument @var{count} means to set the ignore count of a breakpoint which
2661you are stopped at to @var{count} @minus{} 1, just like the @code{ignore}
2662command (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break conditions}). This means that the
2663program does not stop at that breakpoint until the @var{count}th time
2664it is hit.
2665
2666The argument @var{count} is meaningful only when your program
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RP
2667stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
2668@code{continue} is ignored.
2669
2670The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} are provided purely for convenience,
2671and have exactly the same behavior as @code{continue}.
2672@end table
2673
3d3ab540 2674To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
93928b60 2675(@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a function}) to go back to the
29a2b744 2676calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
93928b60 2677different address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
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RP
2678
2679A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
93928b60
RP
2680@ifclear CONLY
2681(@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; watchpoints; and exceptions})
2682@end ifclear
2683@ifset CONLY
2684(@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints and watchpoints})
2685@end ifset
2686at the
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RP
2687beginning of the function or the section of your program where a
2688problem is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that
2689breakpoint, and then step through the suspect area, examining the
2690variables that are interesting, until you see the problem happen.
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2691
2692@table @code
2693@item step
2694@kindex step
2695@kindex s
29a2b744 2696Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
18fae2a8 2697line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
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2698abbreviated @code{s}.
2699
3d3ab540
RP
2700@quotation
2701@emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
2702within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
d55320a0
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2703execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
2704debugging information.
3d3ab540 2705@end quotation
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2706
2707@item step @var{count}
2708Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
1d7c3357
RP
2709breakpoint is reached,
2710@ifclear BARETARGET
2711or a signal not related to stepping occurs before @var{count} steps,
2712@end ifclear
2713stepping stops right away.
70b88761 2714
7463aadd 2715@item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
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RP
2716@kindex next
2717@kindex n
7463aadd
RP
2718Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
2719Similar to @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the line
2720of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when control
2721reaches a different line of code at the stack level which was executing
2722when the @code{next} command was given. This command is abbreviated
2723@code{n}.
70b88761 2724
7463aadd 2725An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
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RP
2726
2727@code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
2728@code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
2729function are executed without stopping.
2730
2731@item finish
2732@kindex finish
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RP
2733Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
2734returns. Print the returned value (if any).
70b88761 2735
29a2b744 2736Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
93928b60 2737,Returning from a function}).
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RP
2738
2739@item until
2740@kindex until
2741@item u
2742@kindex u
2743Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
2744current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
2745stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
2746command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
2747automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
2748than the address of the jump.
2749
2750This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
29a2b744 2751though it, @code{until} will cause your program to continue execution
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RP
2752until the loop is exited. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end
2753of a loop will simply step back to the beginning of the loop, which
2754would force you to step through the next iteration.
2755
29a2b744 2756@code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
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RP
2757stack frame.
2758
2759@code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
7463aadd 2760of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
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RP
2761example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
2762(@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
2763@code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
2764
2765@example
18fae2a8 2766(@value{GDBP}) f
70b88761 2767#0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
b80282d5 2768206 expand_input();
18fae2a8 2769(@value{GDBP}) until
b80282d5 2770195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
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RP
2771@end example
2772
7463aadd
RP
2773This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
2774generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
2775start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
2776written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
2777to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
2778expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
2779statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
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2780
2781@code{until} with no argument works by means of single
2782instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
2783argument.
2784
2785@item until @var{location}
2786@item u @var{location}
29a2b744
RP
2787Continue running your program until either the specified location is
2788reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
2789the forms of argument acceptable to @code{break} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
93928b60 2790,Setting breakpoints}). This form of the command uses breakpoints,
1041a570 2791and hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument.
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2792
2793@item stepi
2794@itemx si
2795@kindex stepi
2796@kindex si
2797Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
2798
2799It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
2800instructions. This will cause the next instruction to be executed to
29a2b744 2801be displayed automatically at each stop. @xref{Auto Display,
93928b60 2802,Automatic display}.
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2803
2804An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
2805
ed447b95 2806@need 750
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RP
2807@item nexti
2808@itemx ni
2809@kindex nexti
2810@kindex ni
2811Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
2812proceed until the function returns.
2813
2814An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
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2815@end table
2816
18fae2a8 2817@ifset POSIX
4eb4cf57 2818@node Signals
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2819@section Signals
2820@cindex signals
2821
2822A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
2823operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
2824kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
2825signal a program gets when you type an interrupt (often @kbd{C-c});
2826@code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
2827memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
29a2b744 2828the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
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RP
2829requested an alarm).
2830
2831@cindex fatal signals
2832Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
29a2b744
RP
2833functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
2834errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (kill your program immediately) if the
70b88761 2835program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
29a2b744 2836@code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
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RP
2837fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
2838
18fae2a8
RP
2839@value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
2840program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
29a2b744 2841signal.
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2842
2843@cindex handling signals
18fae2a8 2844Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to ignore non-erroneous signals like @code{SIGALRM}
29a2b744
RP
2845(so as not to interfere with their role in the functioning of your program)
2846but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
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2847You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
2848
2849@table @code
2850@item info signals
2851@kindex info signals
18fae2a8 2852Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
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RP
2853handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
2854the defined types of signals.
2855
2856@item handle @var{signal} @var{keywords}@dots{}
2857@kindex handle
18fae2a8 2858Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the
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RP
2859number of a signal or its name (with or without the @samp{SIG} at the
2860beginning). The @var{keywords} say what change to make.
2861@end table
2862
2863@c @group
2864The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
2865Their full names are:
2866
2867@table @code
2868@item nostop
18fae2a8 2869@value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
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RP
2870still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
2871
2872@item stop
18fae2a8 2873@value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
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RP
2874the @code{print} keyword as well.
2875
2876@item print
18fae2a8 2877@value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
70b88761
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2878
2879@item noprint
18fae2a8 2880@value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
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RP
2881implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
2882
2883@item pass
18fae2a8 2884@value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program will be
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RP
2885able to handle the signal, or may be terminated if the signal is fatal
2886and not handled.
2887
2888@item nopass
18fae2a8 2889@value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
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2890@end table
2891@c @end group
2892
ed447b95
RP
2893When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible until you
2894continue. Your program will see the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
2895effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
2896after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
2897command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether that
2898signal will be seen by your program when you later continue it.
70b88761 2899
29a2b744 2900You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
70b88761 2901seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
29a2b744 2902or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
7463aadd
RP
2903due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
2904values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
29a2b744
RP
2905execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
2906a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
2907you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
93928b60 2908program a signal}.
18fae2a8 2909@end ifset
70b88761 2910
4eb4cf57 2911@node Stack
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2912@chapter Examining the Stack
2913
2914When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
2915stopped and how it got there.
2916
2917@cindex call stack
2918Each time your program performs a function call, the information about
29a2b744 2919where in your program the call was made from is saved in a block of data
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2920called a @dfn{stack frame}. The frame also contains the arguments of the
2921call and the local variables of the function that was called. All the
2922stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
2923stack}.
2924
93928b60
RP
2925When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
2926stack allow you to see all of this information.
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2927
2928@cindex selected frame
93928b60
RP
2929One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
2930@value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
2931particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
2932your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
2933special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
2934interested in.
70b88761 2935
93928b60
RP
2936When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
2937currently executing frame and describes it briefly as the @code{frame}
2938command does (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a frame}).
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2939
2940@menu
ed447b95 2941* Frames:: Stack frames
b80282d5 2942* Backtrace:: Backtraces
ed447b95
RP
2943* Selection:: Selecting a frame
2944* Frame Info:: Information on a frame
572867a8
RP
2945@ifset MIPS
2946* MIPS Stack:: MIPS machines and the function stack
2947@end ifset
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2948@end menu
2949
4eb4cf57 2950@node Frames
93928b60 2951@section Stack frames
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2952
2953@cindex frame
2954@cindex stack frame
2955The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
2956frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
2957with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
2958to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
2959which the function is executing.
2960
2961@cindex initial frame
2962@cindex outermost frame
2963@cindex innermost frame
2964When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
2965function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
2966@dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
2967made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
2968is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
2969the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
2970actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
2971recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
2972
2973@cindex frame pointer
2974Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
2975stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
2976kind of computer has a convention for choosing one of those bytes whose
2977address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
2978in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register} while execution is
2979going on in that frame.
2980
2981@cindex frame number
18fae2a8 2982@value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
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2983zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
2984and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
18fae2a8
RP
2985they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
2986frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
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2987
2988@cindex frameless execution
8c69096b 2989Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
18fae2a8 2990without stack frames. (For example, the @code{@value{GCC}} option
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RP
2991@samp{-fomit-frame-pointer} will generate functions without a frame.)
2992This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
8c69096b
RP
2993the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
2994with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
2995has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} will nevertheless regard it as though
2996it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
2997correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
2998no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
70b88761 2999
4eb4cf57 3000@node Backtrace
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3001@section Backtraces
3002
29a2b744 3003A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
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3004line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
3005frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
3006stack.
3007
3008@table @code
3009@item backtrace
3010@itemx bt
3011@kindex backtrace
3012@kindex bt
3013Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
3014frames in the stack.
3015
3016You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
3017character, normally @kbd{C-c}.
3018
3019@item backtrace @var{n}
3020@itemx bt @var{n}
3021Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
3022
3023@item backtrace -@var{n}
3024@itemx bt -@var{n}
3025Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
3026@end table
3027
3028@kindex where
3029@kindex info stack
3030@kindex info s
3031The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
3032are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
3033
3034Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
3035The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
3036print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
3037line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
3038counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
3039line number.
3040
3041Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
3042@samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
3043
3044@smallexample
3045@group
203eea5d
RP
3046#0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
3047 at builtin.c:993
70b88761
RP
3048#1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600) at macro.c:242
3049#2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
3050 at macro.c:71
3051(More stack frames follow...)
3052@end group
3053@end smallexample
3054
3055@noindent
29a2b744
RP
3056The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
3057value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
70b88761
RP
3058code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
3059
4eb4cf57 3060@node Selection
93928b60 3061@section Selecting a frame
70b88761 3062
29a2b744 3063Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
70b88761
RP
3064whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
3065selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
3066of the stack frame just selected.
3067
3068@table @code
3069@item frame @var{n}
3070@itemx f @var{n}
3071@kindex frame
3072@kindex f
3073Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
3074(currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
93918348
RP
3075innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
3076@code{main}.
70b88761
RP
3077
3078@item frame @var{addr}
3079@itemx f @var{addr}
3080Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
3081chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
18fae2a8 3082impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
29a2b744 3083addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
70b88761
RP
3084switches between them.
3085
18fae2a8 3086@ifset SPARC
70b88761 3087On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
e251e767 3088select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
70b88761
RP
3089@c note to future updaters: this is conditioned on a flag
3090@c FRAME_SPECIFICATION_DYADIC in the tm-*.h files, currently only used
3091@c by SPARC, hence the specific attribution. Generalize or list all
3092@c possibilities if more supported machines start doing this.
18fae2a8 3093@end ifset
70b88761
RP
3094
3095@item up @var{n}
3096@kindex up
3097Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
3098advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
3099that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
3100
3101@item down @var{n}
3102@kindex down
3103@kindex do
3104Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
3105advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
3106that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
3107abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
3108@end table
3109
3110All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
3111frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
3112arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
ed447b95 3113frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
70b88761 3114
ed447b95 3115For example:
70b88761 3116@smallexample
29a2b744 3117@group
18fae2a8 3118(@value{GDBP}) up
203eea5d
RP
3119#1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
3120 at env.c:10
70b88761 312110 read_input_file (argv[i]);
29a2b744 3122@end group
70b88761
RP
3123@end smallexample
3124
29a2b744
RP
3125After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments will
3126print ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
93928b60 3127@xref{List, ,Printing source lines}.
70b88761
RP
3128
3129@table @code
3130@item up-silently @var{n}
3131@itemx down-silently @var{n}
3132@kindex down-silently
3133@kindex up-silently
3134These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
3135respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
3136causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
18fae2a8 3137in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
e251e767 3138distracting.
70b88761
RP
3139@end table
3140
4eb4cf57 3141@node Frame Info
93928b60 3142@section Information about a frame
70b88761
RP
3143
3144There are several other commands to print information about the selected
3145stack frame.
3146
3147@table @code
3148@item frame
3149@itemx f
29a2b744
RP
3150When used without any argument, this command does not change which
3151frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
70b88761 3152selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
ed447b95 3153argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
93928b60 3154@xref{Selection, ,Selecting a frame}.
70b88761
RP
3155
3156@item info frame
70b88761 3157@itemx info f
29a2b744 3158@kindex info frame
70b88761
RP
3159@kindex info f
3160This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
3161including the address of the frame, the addresses of the next frame down
c2bbbb22
RP
3162(called by this frame) and the next frame up (caller of this frame), the
3163language that the source code corresponding to this frame was written in,
70b88761
RP
3164the address of the frame's arguments, the program counter saved in it
3165(the address of execution in the caller frame), and which registers
3166were saved in the frame. The verbose description is useful when
3167something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
3168the usual conventions.
3169
3170@item info frame @var{addr}
3171@itemx info f @var{addr}
3172Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr},
3173without selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by
3174this command.
3175
3176@item info args
3177@kindex info args
3178Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
3179
3180@item info locals
3181@kindex info locals
3182Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
ed447b95
RP
3183line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
3184accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
70b88761 3185
1d7c3357 3186@ifclear CONLY
70b88761
RP
3187@item info catch
3188@kindex info catch
3189@cindex catch exceptions
3190@cindex exception handlers
3191Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
3192current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
3193exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
3194@code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
93928b60 3195@xref{Exception Handling, ,Breakpoints and exceptions}.
1d7c3357 3196@end ifclear
70b88761
RP
3197@end table
3198
572867a8
RP
3199@ifset MIPS
3200@node MIPS Stack
3201@section MIPS machines and the function stack
3202
3203@cindex stack on MIPS
3204@cindex MIPS stack
3205MIPS based computers use an unusual stack frame, which sometimes
3206requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to find the
3207beginning of a function.
3208
3209@cindex response time, MIPS debugging
3210To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
3211@value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
3212you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
3213commands:
3214@c FIXME! So what happens when GDB does *not* find the beginning of a
3215@c function?
3216
3217@cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (MIPS)
3218@table @code
3219@item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
3220Restrict @var{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its search
3221for the beginning of a function. A value of @code{0} (the default)
3222means there is no limit.
3223
3224@item show heuristic-fence-post
3225Display the current limit.
3226@end table
3227
3228@noindent
3229These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
3230for debugging programs on MIPS processors.
3231@end ifset
3232
4eb4cf57 3233@node Source
70b88761
RP
3234@chapter Examining Source Files
3235
18fae2a8 3236@value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
ed447b95 3237information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
18fae2a8 3238used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
1041a570 3239the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
93928b60 3240(@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
1041a570
RP
3241execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
3242source files by explicit command.
70b88761 3243
18fae2a8
RP
3244@ifclear DOSHOST
3245If you use @value{GDBN} through its GNU Emacs interface, you may prefer to use
3246Emacs facilities to view source; @pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under GNU
1041a570 3247Emacs}.
18fae2a8 3248@end ifclear
70b88761
RP
3249
3250@menu
ed447b95 3251* List:: Printing source lines
18fae2a8 3252@ifclear DOSHOST
ed447b95 3253* Search:: Searching source files
18fae2a8 3254@end ifclear
b0157555 3255
ed447b95
RP
3256* Source Path:: Specifying source directories
3257* Machine Code:: Source and machine code
70b88761
RP
3258@end menu
3259
4eb4cf57 3260@node List
93928b60 3261@section Printing source lines
70b88761
RP
3262
3263@kindex list
3264@kindex l
3265To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
3266(abbreviated @code{l}). There are several ways to specify what part
3267of the file you want to print.
3268
3269Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
3270
3271@table @code
3272@item list @var{linenum}
c338a2fd 3273Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
70b88761
RP
3274current source file.
3275
3276@item list @var{function}
c338a2fd 3277Print lines centered around the beginning of function
70b88761
RP
3278@var{function}.
3279
3280@item list
c338a2fd
RP
3281Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
3282@code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
70b88761 3283printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
29a2b744 3284as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
1041a570 3285Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
70b88761
RP
3286
3287@item list -
c338a2fd
RP
3288Print lines just before the lines last printed.
3289@end table
3290
18fae2a8 3291By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
c338a2fd
RP
3292the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
3293
3294@table @code
3295@item set listsize @var{count}
3296@kindex set listsize
3297Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
3298the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
3299
3300@item show listsize
3301@kindex show listsize
3302Display the number of lines that @code{list} will currently display by
e251e767 3303default.
70b88761
RP
3304@end table
3305
3306Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
3307so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
3308than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
3309argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
3310each repetition moves up in the source file.
3311
3312@cindex linespec
3313In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
3314@dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
3315of writing them but the effect is always to specify some source line.
3316Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
3317
3318@table @code
3319@item list @var{linespec}
c338a2fd 3320Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
70b88761
RP
3321
3322@item list @var{first},@var{last}
3323Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
3324linespecs.
3325
3326@item list ,@var{last}
c338a2fd 3327Print lines ending with @var{last}.
70b88761
RP
3328
3329@item list @var{first},
c338a2fd 3330Print lines starting with @var{first}.
70b88761
RP
3331
3332@item list +
c338a2fd 3333Print lines just after the lines last printed.
70b88761
RP
3334
3335@item list -
c338a2fd 3336Print lines just before the lines last printed.
70b88761
RP
3337
3338@item list
3339As described in the preceding table.
3340@end table
3341
3342Here are the ways of specifying a single source line---all the
3343kinds of linespec.
3344
3345@table @code
3346@item @var{number}
3347Specifies line @var{number} of the current source file.
3348When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, this refers to
3349the same source file as the first linespec.
3350
3351@item +@var{offset}
3352Specifies the line @var{offset} lines after the last line printed.
3353When used as the second linespec in a @code{list} command that has
3354two, this specifies the line @var{offset} lines down from the
3355first linespec.
3356
3357@item -@var{offset}
3358Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before the last line printed.
3359
3360@item @var{filename}:@var{number}
3361Specifies line @var{number} in the source file @var{filename}.
3362
3363@item @var{function}
3364@c FIXME: "of the open-brace" is C-centric. When we add other langs...
3365Specifies the line of the open-brace that begins the body of the
3366function @var{function}.
3367
3368@item @var{filename}:@var{function}
3369Specifies the line of the open-brace that begins the body of the
3370function @var{function} in the file @var{filename}. You only need the
3371file name with a function name to avoid ambiguity when there are
3372identically named functions in different source files.
3373
3374@item *@var{address}
3375Specifies the line containing the program address @var{address}.
3376@var{address} may be any expression.
3377@end table
3378
18fae2a8 3379@ifclear DOSHOST
4eb4cf57 3380@node Search
93928b60 3381@section Searching source files
70b88761
RP
3382@cindex searching
3383@kindex reverse-search
3384
3385There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
3386regular expression.
3387
3388@table @code
3389@item forward-search @var{regexp}
3390@itemx search @var{regexp}
3391@kindex search
3392@kindex forward-search
1041a570
RP
3393The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
3394starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
3395@var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use
3396synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
3397@code{fo}.
70b88761
RP
3398
3399@item reverse-search @var{regexp}
3400The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
3401with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
3402for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
3403this command as @code{rev}.
3404@end table
18fae2a8 3405@end ifclear
70b88761 3406
4eb4cf57 3407@node Source Path
93928b60 3408@section Specifying source directories
70b88761
RP
3409
3410@cindex source path
3411@cindex directories for source files
3412Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
3413files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
3414the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
18fae2a8
RP
3415session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
3416this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
70b88761
RP
3417it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
3418in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name. Note that
3419the executable search path is @emph{not} used for this purpose. Neither is
3420the current working directory, unless it happens to be in the source
3421path.
3422
18fae2a8
RP
3423If @value{GDBN} cannot find a source file in the source path, and the object
3424program records a directory, @value{GDBN} tries that directory too. If the
70b88761 3425source path is empty, and there is no record of the compilation
18fae2a8 3426directory, @value{GDBN} will, as a last resort, look in the current
70b88761
RP
3427directory.
3428
18fae2a8 3429Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} will clear out
70b88761
RP
3430any information it has cached about where source files are found, where
3431each line is in the file, etc.
3432
3433@kindex directory
18fae2a8 3434When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path is empty.
70b88761
RP
3435To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
3436
3437@table @code
3438@item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
3439Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
3440directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:} or
3441whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
e251e767 3442path; this moves it forward, so it will be searched sooner.
7463aadd
RP
3443
3444You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
3445directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
3446working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
18fae2a8 3447tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
7463aadd
RP
3448session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
3449directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
70b88761
RP
3450
3451@item directory
3452Reset the source path to empty again. This requires confirmation.
3453
3454@c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
29a2b744 3455@c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
70b88761
RP
3456
3457@item show directories
3458@kindex show directories
3459Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
3460@end table
3461
3462If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
18fae2a8 3463interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
70b88761
RP
3464versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
3465
3466@enumerate
3467@item
3468Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to empty.
3469
3470@item
3471Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
3472directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
3473directories in one command.
3474@end enumerate
3475
4eb4cf57 3476@node Machine Code
93928b60 3477@section Source and machine code
1041a570 3478
70b88761 3479You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
ed447b95 3480addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
70b88761
RP
3481a range of addresses as machine instructions.
3482
3483@table @code
3484@item info line @var{linespec}
3485@kindex info line
3486Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
1041a570
RP
3487source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
3488the ways understood by the @code{list} command (@pxref{List, ,Printing
93928b60 3489source lines}).
70b88761
RP
3490@end table
3491
1041a570
RP
3492For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
3493the object code for the first line of function
3494@code{m4_changequote}:
3495
70b88761 3496@smallexample
18fae2a8 3497(@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changecom
70b88761
RP
3498Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
3499@end smallexample
3500
3501@noindent
3502We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
3503@var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
3504@smallexample
18fae2a8 3505(@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
70b88761
RP
3506Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
3507@end smallexample
3508
c338a2fd 3509@cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
29a2b744
RP
3510After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
3511is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
3512sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
93928b60 3513,Examining memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
29a2b744 3514convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
93928b60 3515variables}).
70b88761
RP
3516
3517@table @code
3518@kindex disassemble
3519@item disassemble
c5f69ff8
RP
3520@cindex assembly instructions
3521@cindex instructions, assembly
3522@cindex machine instructions
3523@cindex listing machine instructions
e94b4a2b
RP
3524This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
3525instructions. The default memory range is the function surrounding the
3526program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
3527command is a program counter value; the function surrounding this value
3528will be dumped. Two arguments specify a range of addresses (first
3529inclusive, second exclusive) to dump.
70b88761
RP
3530@end table
3531
a64a6c2b 3532@ifclear H8EXCLUSIVE
70b88761 3533We can use @code{disassemble} to inspect the object code
4eb4cf57
RP
3534range shown in the last @code{info line} example (the example
3535shows SPARC machine instructions):
70b88761 3536
18fae2a8 3537
70b88761 3538@smallexample
18fae2a8 3539(@value{GDBP}) disas 0x63e4 0x6404
70b88761 3540Dump of assembler code from 0x63e4 to 0x6404:
b80282d5
RP
35410x63e4 <builtin_init+5340>: ble 0x63f8 <builtin_init+5360>
35420x63e8 <builtin_init+5344>: sethi %hi(0x4c00), %o0
35430x63ec <builtin_init+5348>: ld [%i1+4], %o0
35440x63f0 <builtin_init+5352>: b 0x63fc <builtin_init+5364>
35450x63f4 <builtin_init+5356>: ld [%o0+4], %o0
35460x63f8 <builtin_init+5360>: or %o0, 0x1a4, %o0
35470x63fc <builtin_init+5364>: call 0x9288 <path_search>
e251e767 35480x6400 <builtin_init+5368>: nop
70b88761 3549End of assembler dump.
70b88761 3550@end smallexample
18fae2a8 3551@end ifclear
4eb4cf57 3552
a64a6c2b 3553@ifset H8EXCLUSIVE
4eb4cf57
RP
3554For example, here is the beginning of the output for the
3555disassembly of a function @code{fact}:
70b88761 3556
18fae2a8 3557
4eb4cf57 3558@smallexample
18fae2a8 3559(@value{GDBP}) disas fact
4eb4cf57
RP
3560Dump of assembler code for function fact:
3561to 0x808c:
35620x802c <fact>: 6d f2 mov.w r2,@@-r7
35630x802e <fact+2>: 6d f3 mov.w r3,@@-r7
35640x8030 <fact+4>: 6d f6 mov.w r6,@@-r7
35650x8032 <fact+6>: 0d 76 mov.w r7,r6
35660x8034 <fact+8>: 6f 70 00 08 mov.w @@(0x8,r7),r0
35670x8038 <fact+12> 19 11 sub.w r1,r1
3568 .
3569 .
3570 .
3571@end smallexample
18fae2a8 3572@end ifset
4eb4cf57
RP
3573
3574@node Data
70b88761
RP
3575@chapter Examining Data
3576
3577@cindex printing data
3578@cindex examining data
3579@kindex print
3580@kindex inspect
1041a570 3581@c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
29a2b744 3582@c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
70b88761
RP
3583@c different window or something like that.
3584The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
4eb4cf57 3585command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}.
18fae2a8 3586@ifclear CONLY
4eb4cf57 3587It evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
18fae2a8 3588program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different
4eb4cf57 3589Languages}).
18fae2a8 3590@end ifclear
70b88761 3591
e0dacfd1
RP
3592@table @code
3593@item print @var{exp}
3594@itemx print /@var{f} @var{exp}
93928b60
RP
3595@var{exp} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
3596value of @var{exp} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
3597you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
3598@var{f} is a letter specifying the format; @pxref{Output Formats,,Output
3599formats}.
e0dacfd1
RP
3600
3601@item print
3602@itemx print /@var{f}
18fae2a8 3603If you omit @var{exp}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
93928b60 3604@dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value history}). This allows you to
e0dacfd1
RP
3605conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
3606@end table
70b88761
RP
3607
3608A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
3609It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
93928b60 3610specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining memory}.
70b88761 3611
29a2b744 3612If you are interested in information about types, or about how the fields
1d7c3357
RP
3613of a struct
3614@ifclear CONLY
3615or class
18fae2a8 3616@end ifclear
1d7c3357
RP
3617are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
3618command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
18fae2a8 3619
70b88761 3620@menu
b80282d5 3621* Expressions:: Expressions
ed447b95
RP
3622* Variables:: Program variables
3623* Arrays:: Artificial arrays
eb7faec1 3624* Output Formats:: Output formats
ed447b95
RP
3625* Memory:: Examining memory
3626* Auto Display:: Automatic display
3627* Print Settings:: Print settings
3628* Value History:: Value history
3629* Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
b80282d5 3630* Registers:: Registers
a64a6c2b 3631@ifclear HAVE-FLOAT
ed447b95 3632* Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
18fae2a8 3633@end ifclear
18fae2a8 3634@end menu
70b88761 3635
4eb4cf57 3636@node Expressions
70b88761
RP
3637@section Expressions
3638
3639@cindex expressions
18fae2a8 3640@code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
70b88761 3641compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
fe715d06 3642by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
18fae2a8 3643@value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls, casts
70b88761 3644and string constants. It unfortunately does not include symbols defined
b80282d5 3645by preprocessor @code{#define} commands.
70b88761 3646
18fae2a8 3647@ifclear CONLY
c2bbbb22 3648Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
18fae2a8 3649this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
c2bbbb22 3650Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
e251e767 3651languages.
c2bbbb22 3652
18fae2a8 3653In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
e251e767 3654expressions regardless of your programming language.
c2bbbb22 3655
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RP
3656Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
3657useful to cast a number into a pointer so as to examine a structure
3658at that address in memory.
c2bbbb22 3659@c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
18fae2a8 3660@end ifclear
70b88761 3661
18fae2a8 3662@value{GDBN} supports these operators in addition to those of programming
70b88761
RP
3663languages:
3664
3665@table @code
3666@item @@
3667@samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
93928b60 3668@xref{Arrays, ,Artificial arrays}, for more information.
70b88761
RP
3669
3670@item ::
3671@samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
93928b60 3672function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program variables}.
70b88761
RP
3673
3674@item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
fe715d06
RP
3675@cindex @{@var{type}@}
3676@cindex type casting memory
3677@cindex memory, viewing as typed object
3678@cindex casts, to view memory
70b88761
RP
3679Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
3680memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
3681pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
3682a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
1041a570 3683normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
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RP
3684@end table
3685
4eb4cf57 3686@node Variables
93928b60 3687@section Program variables
70b88761
RP
3688
3689The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
3690in your program.
3691
3692Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
93928b60 3693(@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a frame}); they must either be global
29a2b744
RP
3694(or static) or be visible according to the scope rules of the
3695programming language from the point of execution in that frame. This
3696means that in the function
70b88761
RP
3697
3698@example
3699foo (a)
3700 int a;
3701@{
3702 bar (a);
3703 @{
3704 int b = test ();
3705 bar (b);
3706 @}
3707@}
3708@end example
3709
3710@noindent
ed447b95
RP
3711you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
3712executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
3713examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
3714the block where @code{b} is declared.
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RP
3715
3716@cindex variable name conflict
3717There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
3718scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
3719in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
6ca72cc6
RP
3720function with the same name (in different source files). If that
3721happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
3722you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
3723using the colon-colon notation:
70b88761
RP
3724
3725@cindex colon-colon
a6d0b6d3 3726@iftex
29a2b744 3727@c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
70b88761 3728@kindex ::
a6d0b6d3 3729@end iftex
70b88761
RP
3730@example
3731@var{file}::@var{variable}
6ca72cc6 3732@var{function}::@var{variable}
70b88761
RP
3733@end example
3734
3735@noindent
6ca72cc6 3736Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
6c380b13 3737static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
18fae2a8 3738make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
6c380b13
RP
3739to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
3740
3741@example
18fae2a8 3742(@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
6c380b13 3743@end example
70b88761 3744
18fae2a8 3745@ifclear CONLY
c2bbbb22 3746@cindex C++ scope resolution
70b88761 3747This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
18fae2a8
RP
3748use of the same notation in C++. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C++
3749scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
ed447b95
RP
3750@c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
3751@c conflict?? --mew
18fae2a8 3752@end ifclear
70b88761 3753
3d3ab540
RP
3754@cindex wrong values
3755@cindex variable values, wrong
3756@quotation
3757@emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
b0157555
RP
3758wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
3759scope, and just before exit.
3d3ab540 3760@end quotation
b0157555
RP
3761You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
3762This is because on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
3763set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
3764stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
3765values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
3766also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
3767after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
3768variable definitions may be gone.
3d3ab540 3769
4eb4cf57 3770@node Arrays
93928b60 3771@section Artificial arrays
70b88761
RP
3772
3773@cindex artificial array
3774@kindex @@
3775It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
3776same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
3777dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
3778program.
3779
fe715d06
RP
3780You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
3781@dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
3782operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array,
3783as an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
3784of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
3785the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
3786argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
3787following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
3788example. If a program says
70b88761
RP
3789
3790@example
3791int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
3792@end example
3793
3794@noindent
3795you can print the contents of @code{array} with
3796
3797@example
3798p *array@@len
3799@end example
3800
3801The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
3802with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
3803subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
3804Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
93928b60 3805(@pxref{Value History, ,Value history}), after printing one out.)
70b88761 3806
1041a570 3807Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
3d3ab540 3808moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
1041a570
RP
3809actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
3810of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
3811to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
93928b60 3812variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
1041a570
RP
3813interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
3814instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
3815structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
3816in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
3817
3d3ab540
RP
3818@example
3819set $i = 0
3820p dtab[$i++]->fv
3821@key{RET}
3822@key{RET}
3823@dots{}
3824@end example
3825
ed447b95 3826@node Output Formats
70b88761
RP
3827@section Output formats
3828
3829@cindex formatted output
3830@cindex output formats
18fae2a8 3831By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
70b88761
RP
3832this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
3833in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
3834at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
3835these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
3836
3837The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
3838already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
3839@code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
3840letters supported are:
3841
3842@table @code
3843@item x
3844Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
3845hexadecimal.
3846
3847@item d
3848Print as integer in signed decimal.
3849
3850@item u
3851Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
3852
3853@item o
3854Print as integer in octal.
3855
3856@item t
3857Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
fe715d06
RP
3858@footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
3859used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
3860@pxref{Memory,,Examining memory}.}
70b88761
RP
3861
3862@item a
3863Print as an address, both absolute in hex and as an offset from the
3864nearest preceding symbol. This format can be used to discover where (in
3865what function) an unknown address is located:
1041a570 3866
70b88761 3867@example
18fae2a8
RP
3868(@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
3869$3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
70b88761
RP
3870@end example
3871
70b88761
RP
3872@item c
3873Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant.
3874
3875@item f
3876Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
3877using typical floating point syntax.
3878@end table
3879
3880For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
3881
3882@example
3883p/x $pc
3884@end example
3885
3886@noindent
3887Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
18fae2a8 3888names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
70b88761
RP
3889
3890To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
3891you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
3892expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
3893
4eb4cf57 3894@node Memory
93928b60 3895@section Examining memory
70b88761 3896
1041a570
RP
3897You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
3898any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
3899
70b88761
RP
3900@cindex examining memory
3901@table @code
3902@kindex x
cedaf8bc
RP
3903@item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
3904@itemx x @var{addr}
3905@itemx x
ed447b95 3906Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
1041a570
RP
3907@end table
3908
3909@var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
3910much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
cedaf8bc
RP
3911expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
3912If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
3913Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
70b88761 3914
1041a570
RP
3915@table @r
3916@item @var{n}, the repeat count
3917The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
3918how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
cedaf8bc
RP
3919@c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
3920@c 4.1.2.
70b88761 3921
1041a570
RP
3922@item @var{f}, the display format
3923The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print},
cedaf8bc
RP
3924or @samp{s} (null-terminated string) or @samp{i} (machine instruction).
3925The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially, or the format from the
3926last time you used either @code{x} or @code{print}.
70b88761 3927
1041a570
RP
3928@item @var{u}, the unit size
3929The unit size is any of
ed447b95 3930
70b88761
RP
3931@table @code
3932@item b
cedaf8bc 3933Bytes.
70b88761 3934@item h
cedaf8bc 3935Halfwords (two bytes).
70b88761 3936@item w
cedaf8bc 3937Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
70b88761 3938@item g
cedaf8bc 3939Giant words (eight bytes).
70b88761
RP
3940@end table
3941
cedaf8bc
RP
3942Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
3943default unit the next time you use @code{x}. (For the @samp{s} and
3944@samp{i} formats, the unit size is ignored and is normally not written.)
3945
1041a570 3946@item @var{addr}, starting display address
18fae2a8 3947@var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
cedaf8bc
RP
3948memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
3949it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
1041a570 3950@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
cedaf8bc
RP
3951@var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
3952other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
3953the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
3954starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
3955a value from memory).
1041a570 3956@end table
70b88761 3957
cedaf8bc
RP
3958For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
3959(@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
3960starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
3961words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
3962@pxref{Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
70b88761 3963
cedaf8bc 3964Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
29a2b744 3965letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
cedaf8bc
RP
3966unit size or format comes first; either order will work. The output
3967specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
3968(However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} will not work.)
3969
3970Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
3971and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
3972@samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
3973including any operands. The command @code{disassemble} gives an
3974alternative way of inspecting machine instructions; @pxref{Machine
93928b60 3975Code,,Source and machine code}.
cedaf8bc
RP
3976
3977All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
3978easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
1041a570 3979you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
cedaf8bc
RP
3980instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
3981with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
3982the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
3983for successive uses of @code{x}.
70b88761 3984
c338a2fd 3985@cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
cedaf8bc 3986The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
70b88761 3987in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
18fae2a8 3988would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
70b88761
RP
3989subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
3990@code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
3991examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
3992@code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
3993the convenience variable @code{$__}.
3994
3995If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
3996are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
3997address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
3998
4eb4cf57 3999@node Auto Display
93928b60 4000@section Automatic display
70b88761
RP
4001@cindex automatic display
4002@cindex display of expressions
4003
4004If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
4005(to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
18fae2a8 4006display list} so that @value{GDBN} will print its value each time your program stops.
70b88761
RP
4007Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
4008to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
4009The automatic display looks like this:
4010
4011@example
40122: foo = 38
40133: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
4014@end example
4015
4016@noindent
ed447b95 4017This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
70b88761
RP
4018displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
4019specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
4020whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending on how elaborate your
4021format specification is---it uses @code{x} if you specify a unit size,
4022or one of the two formats (@samp{i} and @samp{s}) that are only
4023supported by @code{x}; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
4024
4025@table @code
4026@item display @var{exp}
4027@kindex display
4028Add the expression @var{exp} to the list of expressions to display
1041a570 4029each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
70b88761
RP
4030
4031@code{display} will not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
4032
4033@item display/@var{fmt} @var{exp}
4034For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
4035count, add the expression @var{exp} to the auto-display list but
4036arranges to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
ed447b95 4037@xref{Output Formats,,Output formats}.
70b88761
RP
4038
4039@item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
4040For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
4041number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
29a2b744 4042be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
93928b60 4043doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining memory}.
70b88761
RP
4044@end table
4045
4046For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
4047instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
4048is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers}).
4049
4050@table @code
4051@item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
4052@itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
4053@kindex delete display
4054@kindex undisplay
4055Remove item numbers @var{dnums} from the list of expressions to display.
4056
4057@code{undisplay} will not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
4058(Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
4059
4060@item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
4061@kindex disable display
4062Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
4063item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
4064enabled again later.
4065
4066@item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
4067@kindex enable display
4068Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
4069again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
4070
4071@item display
4072Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
29a2b744 4073done when your program stops.
70b88761
RP
4074
4075@item info display
4076@kindex info display
4077Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
4078automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
4079values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
4080It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
4081because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
4082@end table
4083
4084If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
4085sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
4086expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
4087variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
4088@code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
29a2b744 4089@code{last_char}, then this argument will be displayed while your program
70b88761
RP
4090continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
4091there is no variable @code{last_char}---display is disabled. The next time
4092your program stops where @code{last_char} is meaningful, you can enable the
4093display expression once again.
4094
4eb4cf57 4095@node Print Settings
93928b60 4096@section Print settings
70b88761
RP
4097
4098@cindex format options
4099@cindex print settings
18fae2a8 4100@value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
e251e767 4101and symbols are printed.
70b88761
RP
4102
4103@noindent
4104These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
4105
4106@table @code
4107@item set print address
4108@item set print address on
4109@kindex set print address
18fae2a8 4110@value{GDBN} will print memory addresses showing the location of stack
70b88761
RP
4111traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
4112even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
4113is on. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like, with
4114@code{set print address on}:
1041a570 4115
70b88761 4116@smallexample
1041a570 4117@group
18fae2a8 4118(@value{GDBP}) f
e251e767 4119#0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
70b88761 4120 at input.c:530
b80282d5 4121530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
1041a570 4122@end group
70b88761
RP
4123@end smallexample
4124
4125@item set print address off
4126Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
4127this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
1041a570 4128
d55320a0 4129@smallexample
1041a570 4130@group
18fae2a8
RP
4131(@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
4132(@value{GDBP}) f
70b88761 4133#0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
b80282d5 4134530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
1041a570 4135@end group
d55320a0 4136@end smallexample
70b88761 4137
fe715d06
RP
4138You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
4139dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
4140@code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
4141all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
4142
70b88761
RP
4143@item show print address
4144@kindex show print address
4145Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
14621224
JK
4146@end table
4147
4148When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
4149closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
4150identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
4151source file), you may need to disambiguate. One way to do this is with
4152@code{info line}, for example @code{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
4153you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
4154it prints a symbolic address:
4155
4156@table @code
4157@item set print symbol-filename on
4158@kindex set print symbol-filename
4159Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
4160symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
4161
4162@item set print symbol-filename off
4163Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
4164default.
4165
4166@item show print symbol-filename
4167@kindex show print symbol-filename
4168Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
4169line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
4170@end table
4171
4172Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
4173printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
4174
4175@table @code
4176@item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
4177@kindex set print max-symbolic-offset
4178Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
4179offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
4180@var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which means to always print the
4181symbolic form of an address, if any symbol precedes it.
4182
4183@item show print max-symbolic-offset
4184@kindex show print max-symbolic-offset
4185Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} will print in a
4186symbolic address.
4187@end table
70b88761 4188
14621224 4189@table @code
70b88761
RP
4190@item set print array
4191@itemx set print array on
4192@kindex set print array
6344e2c7 4193@value{GDBN} will pretty-print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
70b88761
RP
4194but uses more space. The default is off.
4195
fe715d06 4196@item set print array off
70b88761
RP
4197Return to compressed format for arrays.
4198
4199@item show print array
4200@kindex show print array
4201Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
e251e767 4202arrays.
70b88761
RP
4203
4204@item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
4205@kindex set print elements
18fae2a8 4206If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it will stop printing after it has
70b88761
RP
4207printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
4208This limit also applies to the display of strings.
6edfa487 4209Setting the number of elements to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
70b88761
RP
4210
4211@item show print elements
4212@kindex show print elements
18fae2a8 4213Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print
70b88761
RP
4214before losing patience.
4215
4216@item set print pretty on
4217@kindex set print pretty
18fae2a8 4218Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member per
70b88761
RP
4219line, like this:
4220
d55320a0 4221@smallexample
1041a570 4222@group
70b88761
RP
4223$1 = @{
4224 next = 0x0,
4225 flags = @{
4226 sweet = 1,
4227 sour = 1
4228 @},
4229 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
4230@}
1041a570 4231@end group
d55320a0 4232@end smallexample
70b88761
RP
4233
4234@item set print pretty off
18fae2a8 4235Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
70b88761
RP
4236
4237@smallexample
1041a570 4238@group
38962738
RP
4239$1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
4240meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
1041a570 4241@end group
70b88761
RP
4242@end smallexample
4243
4244@noindent
4245This is the default format.
4246
4247@item show print pretty
4248@kindex show print pretty
18fae2a8 4249Show which format @value{GDBN} will use to print structures.
70b88761
RP
4250
4251@item set print sevenbit-strings on
f2857bd9 4252@kindex set print sevenbit-strings
e251e767 4253Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
18fae2a8 4254@value{GDBN} will display any eight-bit characters (in strings or character
70b88761
RP
4255values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. For example, @kbd{M-a} is
4256displayed as @code{\341}.
4257
4258@item set print sevenbit-strings off
4259Print using either seven-bit or eight-bit characters, as required. This
4260is the default.
4261
4262@item show print sevenbit-strings
f2857bd9 4263@kindex show print sevenbit-strings
18fae2a8 4264Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print only seven-bit characters.
70b88761
RP
4265
4266@item set print union on
4267@kindex set print union
18fae2a8 4268Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures. This is the
70b88761
RP
4269default setting.
4270
4271@item set print union off
18fae2a8 4272Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in structures.
70b88761
RP
4273
4274@item show print union
4275@kindex show print union
18fae2a8 4276Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
e251e767 4277structures.
70b88761
RP
4278
4279For example, given the declarations
4280
4281@smallexample
4282typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
4283typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
203eea5d
RP
4284typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
4285 Bug_forms;
70b88761
RP
4286
4287struct thing @{
4288 Species it;
4289 union @{
4290 Tree_forms tree;
4291 Bug_forms bug;
4292 @} form;
4293@};
4294
4295struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
4296@end smallexample
4297
4298@noindent
4299with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
4300
4301@smallexample
4302$1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
4303@end smallexample
4304
4305@noindent
4306and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
4307
4308@smallexample
4309$1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
4310@end smallexample
4311@end table
4312
1d7c3357 4313@ifclear CONLY
d55320a0 4314@need 1000
70b88761
RP
4315@noindent
4316These settings are of interest when debugging C++ programs:
4317
4318@table @code
e251e767
RP
4319@item set print demangle
4320@itemx set print demangle on
70b88761 4321@kindex set print demangle
fe715d06
RP
4322Print C++ names in their source form rather than in the encoded
4323(``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
4324linkage. The default is @samp{on}.
70b88761
RP
4325
4326@item show print demangle
4327@kindex show print demangle
4328Show whether C++ names will be printed in mangled or demangled form.
4329
e251e767
RP
4330@item set print asm-demangle
4331@itemx set print asm-demangle on
70b88761
RP
4332@kindex set print asm-demangle
4333Print C++ names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
4334in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
4335The default is off.
4336
4337@item show print asm-demangle
4338@kindex show print asm-demangle
4339Show whether C++ names in assembly listings will be printed in mangled
4340or demangled form.
4341
fe715d06
RP
4342@item set demangle-style @var{style}
4343@kindex set demangle-style
4344@cindex C++ symbol decoding style
4345@cindex symbol decoding style, C++
4346Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
4347represent C++ names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
4348
4349@table @code
4350@item auto
4351Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
4352
4353@item gnu
4354Decode based on the GNU C++ compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
4355
4356@item lucid
4357Decode based on the Lucid C++ compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
4358
a1eff6c2 4359@item arm
fe715d06 4360Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C++ Annotated Reference Manual}.
a1eff6c2
RP
4361@strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
4362debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
4363require further enhancement to permit that.
fe715d06
RP
4364@end table
4365
4366@item show demangle-style
4367@kindex show demangle-style
4368Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C++ symbols.
4369
70b88761
RP
4370@item set print object
4371@itemx set print object on
4372@kindex set print object
4373When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
4374(derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
4375the virtual function table.
4376
4377@item set print object off
4378Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
4379virtual function table. This is the default setting.
4380
4381@item show print object
4382@kindex show print object
4383Show whether actual, or declared, object types will be displayed.
4384
e251e767
RP
4385@item set print vtbl
4386@itemx set print vtbl on
70b88761
RP
4387@kindex set print vtbl
4388Pretty print C++ virtual function tables. The default is off.
4389
4390@item set print vtbl off
4391Do not pretty print C++ virtual function tables.
4392
4393@item show print vtbl
4394@kindex show print vtbl
4395Show whether C++ virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
70b88761 4396@end table
1d7c3357 4397@end ifclear
70b88761 4398
4eb4cf57 4399@node Value History
93928b60 4400@section Value history
70b88761
RP
4401
4402@cindex value history
93918348 4403Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN} @dfn{value
70b88761
RP
4404history} so that you can refer to them in other expressions. Values are
4405kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded (for example with
4406the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands). When the symbol table
4407changes, the value history is discarded, since the values may contain
4408pointers back to the types defined in the symbol table.
4409
4410@cindex @code{$}
4411@cindex @code{$$}
4412@cindex history number
4413The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} for you to refer to them
4414by. These are successive integers starting with one. @code{print} shows you
4415the history number assigned to a value by printing @samp{$@var{num} = }
4416before the value; here @var{num} is the history number.
4417
4418To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
4419history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
4420remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
4421the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
4422@code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
4423is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
4424@code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
4425
4426For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
4427want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
4428
4429@example
4430p *$
4431@end example
4432
4433If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
4434to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
4435
4436@example
4437p *$.next
4438@end example
4439
4440@noindent
4441You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
4442command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
4443
4444Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
4445@code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
4446
4447@example
4448print x
4449set x=5
4450@end example
4451
4452@noindent
4453then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
4454remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
4455
4456@table @code
4457@kindex show values
4458@item show values
4459Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
4460This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
4461values} does not change the history.
4462
4463@item show values @var{n}
4464Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
4465
4466@item show values +
4467Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
4468values are available, produces no display.
4469@end table
4470
4471Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
e251e767 4472same effect as @samp{show values +}.
70b88761 4473
4eb4cf57 4474@node Convenience Vars
93928b60 4475@section Convenience variables
70b88761
RP
4476
4477@cindex convenience variables
18fae2a8
RP
4478@value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
4479@value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
4480exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
70b88761 4481setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
1041a570 4482of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
70b88761
RP
4483
4484Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
4485@samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
4486the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers}).
4487(Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
93928b60 4488by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value history}.)
70b88761
RP
4489
4490You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
ed447b95
RP
4491expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
4492For example:
70b88761
RP
4493
4494@example
4495set $foo = *object_ptr
4496@end example
4497
4498@noindent
4499would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
4500@code{object_ptr}.
4501
4502Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it; but its value
4503is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the value with
4504another assignment at any time.
4505
4506Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
4507variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
4508that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
4509variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
4510
4511@table @code
4512@item show convenience
4513@kindex show convenience
4514Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
4515Abbreviated @code{show con}.
4516@end table
4517
4518One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
4519incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
4520a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
4521
18fae2a8 4522@example
70b88761
RP
4523set $i = 0
4524print bar[$i++]->contents
4525@i{@dots{} repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.}
18fae2a8 4526@end example
70b88761 4527
18fae2a8 4528Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
70b88761
RP
4529values likely to be useful.
4530
4531@table @code
4532@item $_
c338a2fd 4533@kindex $_
70b88761 4534The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
93928b60 4535the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining memory}). Other
29a2b744
RP
4536commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
4537set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
4538and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
4539except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
4540to the type of @code{$__}.
70b88761
RP
4541
4542@item $__
c338a2fd 4543@kindex $__
70b88761 4544The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
c2bbbb22
RP
4545to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
4546to match the format in which the data was printed.
70b88761
RP
4547@end table
4548
4eb4cf57 4549@node Registers
70b88761
RP
4550@section Registers
4551
4552@cindex registers
b80282d5 4553You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
70b88761
RP
4554with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
4555for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
e251e767 4556your machine.
70b88761
RP
4557
4558@table @code
4559@item info registers
4560@kindex info registers
b80282d5
RP
4561Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
4562registers (in the selected stack frame).
4563
4564@item info all-registers
4565@kindex info all-registers
4566@cindex floating point registers
4567Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
4568registers.
70b88761 4569
4eb4cf57 4570@item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
0d1cd01e
JG
4571Print the relativized value of each specified register @var{regname}.
4572@var{regname} may be any register name valid on the machine you are using, with
70b88761
RP
4573or without the initial @samp{$}.
4574@end table
4575
18fae2a8 4576@value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
29a2b744 4577expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
09267865
RP
4578architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
4579@code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
4580the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
4581pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
4582register that contains the processor status. For example,
70b88761 4583you could print the program counter in hex with
1041a570 4584
70b88761
RP
4585@example
4586p/x $pc
4587@end example
4588
4589@noindent
4590or print the instruction to be executed next with
1041a570 4591
70b88761
RP
4592@example
4593x/i $pc
4594@end example
4595
4596@noindent
ed447b95 4597or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
29a2b744
RP
4598one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
4599memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
4600stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
4601stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
4602regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
93928b60 4603@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a function}.} with
1041a570 4604
70b88761
RP
4605@example
4606set $sp += 4
4607@end example
4608
09267865
RP
4609Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
4610your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
4611so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
4612shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
70b88761
RP
4613registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
4614can also refer to it as @code{$ps}.
4615
18fae2a8 4616@value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
70b88761
RP
4617integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
4618special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
4619registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
4620to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
4621(although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
4622@samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
4623
4624Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
4625means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
4626the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
4627sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
4628coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
4629programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
18fae2a8 4630cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format that
70b88761
RP
4631makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
4632prints the data in both formats.
4633
4634Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
93928b60 4635(@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a frame}). This means that you get the
29a2b744
RP
4636value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
4637were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
4638true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
4639frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
70b88761 4640
18fae2a8 4641However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
70b88761 4642code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
18fae2a8 4643@value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
70b88761
RP
4644frame will make no difference.
4645
a64a6c2b 4646@ifset AMD29K
03a77779 4647@table @code
d8a68b28
JG
4648@item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
4649@kindex set rstack_high_address
03a77779
RP
4650@cindex AMD 29K register stack
4651@cindex register stack, AMD29K
4652On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
18fae2a8
RP
4653``register stack''. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the extent
4654of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the stack is ``large
4655enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing memory locations that
93918348 4656do not exist. If necessary, you can get around this problem by
03a77779
RP
4657specifying the ending address of the register stack with the @code{set
4658rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an address, which
4659you will probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
4660hexadecimal.
d8a68b28
JG
4661
4662@item show rstack_high_address
4663@kindex show rstack_high_address
03a77779
RP
4664Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
4665processors.
4666@end table
18fae2a8 4667@end ifset
d8a68b28 4668
a64a6c2b 4669@ifclear HAVE-FLOAT
4eb4cf57 4670@node Floating Point Hardware
93928b60 4671@section Floating point hardware
70b88761 4672@cindex floating point
1041a570 4673
1d7c3357 4674@c FIXME! Really host, not target?
18fae2a8 4675Depending on the host machine architecture, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
70b88761
RP
4676you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
4677
4678@table @code
4679@item info float
4680@kindex info float
8c69096b 4681Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
70b88761 4682point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
8c69096b
RP
4683floating point chip; on some platforms, @samp{info float} is not
4684available at all.
70b88761
RP
4685@end table
4686@c FIXME: this is a cop-out. Try to get examples, explanations. Only
e251e767
RP
4687@c FIXME...supported currently on arm's and 386's. Mark properly with
4688@c FIXME... m4 macros to isolate general statements from hardware-dep,
70b88761 4689@c FIXME... at that point.
18fae2a8 4690@end ifclear
70b88761 4691
18fae2a8 4692@ifclear CONLY
4eb4cf57 4693@node Languages
18fae2a8 4694@chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
c2bbbb22
RP
4695@cindex languages
4696
09934a2b 4697@ifset MOD2
c2bbbb22
RP
4698Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
4699rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
4700dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
4701Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
4702represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C are written
4703like @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
09934a2b 4704@end ifset
c2bbbb22
RP
4705
4706@cindex working language
18fae2a8 4707Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
29a2b744 4708allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
18fae2a8 4709native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
29a2b744 4710consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
c2bbbb22 4711language you use to build expressions, called the @dfn{working
18fae2a8 4712language}, can be selected manually, or @value{GDBN} can set it
c2bbbb22
RP
4713automatically.
4714
4715@menu
4716* Setting:: Switching between source languages
4717* Show:: Displaying the language
09934a2b 4718@ifset MOD2
ed447b95 4719* Checks:: Type and range checks
09934a2b 4720@end ifset
da374d80 4721
c2bbbb22
RP
4722* Support:: Supported languages
4723@end menu
4724
4eb4cf57 4725@node Setting
c2bbbb22
RP
4726@section Switching between source languages
4727
18fae2a8 4728There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
c2bbbb22 4729set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
18fae2a8 4730@code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
c2bbbb22
RP
4731defaults to setting the language automatically.
4732
4733@menu
4734* Manually:: Setting the working language manually
18fae2a8 4735* Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
c2bbbb22
RP
4736@end menu
4737
4eb4cf57 4738@node Manually
c2bbbb22
RP
4739@subsection Setting the working language
4740
ed447b95
RP
4741If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
4742expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
4743your program.
4744
c2bbbb22 4745@kindex set language
ed447b95
RP
4746If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
4747command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
09934a2b
RP
4748a language, such as
4749@ifclear MOD2
4750@code{c}.
4751@end ifclear
4752@ifset MOD2
4753@code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
4754@end ifset
4755For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
ed447b95 4756@c FIXME: rms: eventually this command should be "help set language".
c2bbbb22 4757
09934a2b 4758@ifset MOD2
18fae2a8 4759Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
c2bbbb22
RP
4760language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
4761to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
4762source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
4763languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
18fae2a8 4764source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
c2bbbb22
RP
4765command such as:
4766
4767@example
4768print a = b + c
4769@end example
4770
4771@noindent
4772might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
4773@code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
4774printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
4775@code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
09934a2b 4776@end ifset
c2bbbb22 4777
4eb4cf57 4778@node Automatically
18fae2a8 4779@subsection Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
c2bbbb22 4780
18fae2a8
RP
4781To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use @samp{set
4782language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN} then infers the
c2bbbb22
RP
4783language that a program was written in by looking at the name of its
4784source files, and examining their extensions:
4785
4786@table @file
09934a2b 4787@ifset MOD2
c2bbbb22
RP
4788@item *.mod
4789Modula-2 source file
09934a2b 4790@end ifset
c2bbbb22
RP
4791
4792@item *.c
5a2c1d85
RP
4793C source file
4794
4795@item *.C
c2bbbb22 4796@itemx *.cc
5a2c1d85 4797C++ source file
c2bbbb22
RP
4798@end table
4799
4800This information is recorded for each function or procedure in a source
4801file. When your program stops in a frame (usually by encountering a
18fae2a8 4802breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the working language to the language recorded
c2bbbb22
RP
4803for the function in that frame. If the language for a frame is unknown
4804(that is, if the function or block corresponding to the frame was
4805defined in a source file that does not have a recognized extension), the
18fae2a8 4806current working language is not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
c2bbbb22
RP
4807
4808This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
4809entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
4810written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
4811a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
4812case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
4813
4eb4cf57 4814@node Show
c2bbbb22
RP
4815@section Displaying the language
4816
4817The following commands will help you find out which language is the
4818working language, and also what language source files were written in.
4819
4820@kindex show language
4821@kindex info frame
4822@kindex info source
4823@table @code
4824@item show language
4825Display the current working language. This is the
4826language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
29a2b744 4827build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
c2bbbb22
RP
4828
4829@item info frame
1041a570 4830Among the other information listed here (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information
93928b60 4831about a frame}) is the source language for this frame. This is the
c2bbbb22
RP
4832language that will become the working language if you ever use an
4833identifier that is in this frame.
4834
4835@item info source
1041a570 4836Among the other information listed here (@pxref{Symbols, ,Examining the
c2bbbb22 4837Symbol Table}) is the source language of this source file.
c2bbbb22
RP
4838@end table
4839
09934a2b 4840@ifset MOD2
4eb4cf57 4841@node Checks
93928b60 4842@section Type and range checking
c2bbbb22
RP
4843
4844@quotation
18fae2a8 4845@emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
c2bbbb22
RP
4846checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
4847section documents the intended facilities.
4848@end quotation
4849@c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
4850
4851Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
4852errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
4853checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
4854sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
4855these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
4856by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
29a2b744 4857errors when your program is running.
c2bbbb22 4858
18fae2a8
RP
4859@value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
4860Although @value{GDBN} will not check the statements in your program, it
4861can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for evaluation via
1041a570 4862the @code{print} command, for example. As with the working language,
18fae2a8 4863@value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check automatically based on
93928b60 4864your program's source language. @xref{Support, ,Supported languages},
1041a570 4865for the default settings of supported languages.
c2bbbb22
RP
4866
4867@menu
4868* Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
4869* Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
4870@end menu
4871
4872@cindex type checking
4873@cindex checks, type
4eb4cf57 4874@node Type Checking
c2bbbb22
RP
4875@subsection An overview of type checking
4876
4877Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
4878arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
4879otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
4880errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
4881
4882@example
48831 + 2 @result{} 3
1041a570 4884@exdent but
c2bbbb22
RP
4885@error{} 1 + 2.3
4886@end example
4887
4888The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
4889type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
4890
18fae2a8 4891For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the @value{GDBN}
c2bbbb22
RP
4892type checker to skip checking; to treat any mismatches as errors and
4893abandon the expression; or only issue warnings when type mismatches
4894occur, but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
18fae2a8 4895these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
c2bbbb22
RP
4896also issues a warning.
4897
4898Even though you may turn type checking off, other type-based reasons may
18fae2a8 4899prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression. For instance, @value{GDBN} does not
c2bbbb22
RP
4900know how to add an @code{int} and a @code{struct foo}. These particular
4901type errors have nothing to do with the language in use, and usually
4902arise from expressions, such as the one described above, which make
4903little sense to evaluate anyway.
4904
4905Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
4906instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
4907operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
4908represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
93928b60 4909operators. @xref{Support, ,Supported languages}, for further
c2bbbb22
RP
4910details on specific languages.
4911
18fae2a8 4912@value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
c2bbbb22
RP
4913
4914@kindex set check
4915@kindex set check type
4916@kindex show check type
4917@table @code
4918@item set check type auto
e251e767 4919Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
93928b60 4920@xref{Support, ,Supported languages}, for the default settings for
c2bbbb22
RP
4921each language.
4922
4923@item set check type on
4924@itemx set check type off
4925Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
4926current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
93918348 4927match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
18fae2a8 4928evaluating an expression while typechecking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
c2bbbb22
RP
4929message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
4930
4931@item set check type warn
4932Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
4933evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
18fae2a8 4934be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
c2bbbb22
RP
4935numbers and structures.
4936
4937@item show type
18fae2a8 4938Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN} is
c2bbbb22
RP
4939setting it automatically.
4940@end table
4941
4942@cindex range checking
4943@cindex checks, range
4eb4cf57 4944@node Range Checking
ed447b95 4945@subsection An overview of range checking
c2bbbb22
RP
4946
4947In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
4948bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
4949checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
4950computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
4951not exceed the bounds of the array.
4952
ed447b95
RP
4953For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
4954@value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
4955always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
4956warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
c2bbbb22
RP
4957
4958A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
ed447b95 4959array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
c2bbbb22
RP
4960of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
4961error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
4962result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
4963the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
1041a570 4964
c2bbbb22
RP
4965@example
4966@var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
4967@end example
4968
4969This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
1041a570 4970specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Support, ,
93928b60 4971Supported languages}, for further details on specific languages.
c2bbbb22 4972
18fae2a8 4973@value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
c2bbbb22
RP
4974
4975@kindex set check
4976@kindex set check range
4977@kindex show check range
4978@table @code
4979@item set check range auto
e251e767 4980Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
93928b60 4981@xref{Support, ,Supported languages}, for the default settings for
c2bbbb22
RP
4982each language.
4983
4984@item set check range on
4985@itemx set check range off
4986Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
4987current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
93918348 4988match the language default. If a range error occurs, then a message
c2bbbb22
RP
4989is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
4990
4991@item set check range warn
18fae2a8 4992Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
c2bbbb22
RP
4993but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
4994expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
4995memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many UNIX
4996systems).
4997
4998@item show range
e251e767 4999Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
18fae2a8 5000being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
c2bbbb22 5001@end table
09934a2b 5002@end ifset
c2bbbb22 5003
4eb4cf57 5004@node Support
93928b60 5005@section Supported languages
c2bbbb22 5006
09934a2b
RP
5007@ifset MOD2
5008@value{GDBN} 4 supports C, C++, and Modula-2.
5009@end ifset
5010@ifclear MOD2
5011@value{GDBN} 4 supports C, and C++.
5012@end ifclear
5013Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
5014language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
5015and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
5016,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
5017language.
5018
5019The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
5020supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
5021tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
5022@value{GDBN} expression parser will accept, and what input and output
5023formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
5024books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
5025language reference or tutorial.
5026
5027@ifset MOD2
c2bbbb22
RP
5028@menu
5029* C:: C and C++
5030* Modula-2:: Modula-2
5031@end menu
5032
4eb4cf57 5033@node C
c2bbbb22
RP
5034@subsection C and C++
5035@cindex C and C++
c2bbbb22 5036@cindex expressions in C or C++
0f153e74 5037
18fae2a8 5038Since C and C++ are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
5a2c1d85
RP
5039to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss both languages
5040together.
09934a2b
RP
5041@end ifset
5042@ifclear MOD2
5043@c Cancel this below, under same condition, at end of this chapter!
5044@up
5045@end ifclear
b80282d5
RP
5046
5047@cindex C++
5048@kindex g++
5049@cindex GNU C++
c2bbbb22 5050The C++ debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the GNU C++
18fae2a8 5051compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C++ code effectively,
c2bbbb22
RP
5052you must compile your C++ programs with the GNU C++ compiler,
5053@code{g++}.
18fae2a8
RP
5054@end ifclear
5055@ifset CONLY
0f153e74
RP
5056@node C
5057@chapter C Language Support
5058@cindex C language
5059@cindex expressions in C
5060
18fae2a8
RP
5061Information specific to the C language is built into @value{GDBN} so that you
5062can use C expressions while degugging. This also permits @value{GDBN} to
0f153e74 5063output values in a manner consistent with C conventions.
c2bbbb22 5064
0f153e74 5065@menu
ed447b95
RP
5066* C Operators:: C operators
5067* C Constants:: C constants
18fae2a8 5068* Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
0f153e74 5069@end menu
18fae2a8
RP
5070@end ifset
5071@ifclear CONLY
b80282d5 5072@menu
ed447b95
RP
5073* C Operators:: C and C++ operators
5074* C Constants:: C and C++ constants
5075* Cplus expressions:: C++ expressions
c2bbbb22 5076* C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C++
09934a2b 5077@ifset MOD2
ed447b95 5078* C Checks:: C and C++ type and range checks
09934a2b 5079@end ifset
da374d80 5080
18fae2a8 5081* Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
c2bbbb22 5082* Debugging C plus plus:: Special features for C++
b80282d5 5083@end menu
18fae2a8 5084@end ifclear
b80282d5 5085
18fae2a8 5086@ifclear CONLY
c2bbbb22 5087@cindex C and C++ operators
4eb4cf57 5088@node C Operators
93928b60 5089@subsubsection C and C++ operators
18fae2a8
RP
5090@end ifclear
5091@ifset CONLY
0f153e74
RP
5092@cindex C operators
5093@node C Operators
93928b60 5094@section C operators
18fae2a8 5095@end ifset
c2bbbb22
RP
5096
5097Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
5098@code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
0f153e74
RP
5099often defined on groups of types.
5100
18fae2a8 5101@ifclear CONLY
0f153e74 5102For the purposes of C and C++, the following definitions hold:
18fae2a8 5103@end ifclear
c2bbbb22
RP
5104
5105@itemize @bullet
e251e767 5106@item
c2bbbb22 5107@emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
9aa964da 5108specifiers; @code{char}; and @code{enum}.
c2bbbb22
RP
5109
5110@item
5111@emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float} and @code{double}.
5112
5113@item
5114@emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type}
5115*)}.
5116
e251e767 5117@item
c2bbbb22 5118@emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
c2bbbb22
RP
5119@end itemize
5120
5121@noindent
5122The following operators are supported. They are listed here
5123in order of increasing precedence:
5124
5125@table @code
18fae2a8 5126@item ,
c2bbbb22
RP
5127The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
5128are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
5129expression being the last expression evaluated.
5130
5131@item =
5132Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
5133assigned. Defined on scalar types.
5134
5135@item @var{op}=
1041a570
RP
5136Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
5137and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
5138@w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precendence.
5139@var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
5140@code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
c2bbbb22
RP
5141
5142@item ?:
5143The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
5144of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
5145integral type.
5146
5147@item ||
1041a570 5148Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
c2bbbb22
RP
5149
5150@item &&
1041a570 5151Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
c2bbbb22
RP
5152
5153@item |
1041a570 5154Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
c2bbbb22
RP
5155
5156@item ^
1041a570 5157Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
c2bbbb22
RP
5158
5159@item &
1041a570 5160Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
c2bbbb22
RP
5161
5162@item ==@r{, }!=
5163Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
5164expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
5165
5166@item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
5167Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
5168Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
5169and non-zero for true.
5170
5171@item <<@r{, }>>
18fae2a8 5172left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
c2bbbb22 5173
e251e767 5174@item @@
18fae2a8 5175The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
c2bbbb22
RP
5176
5177@item +@r{, }-
5178Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
e251e767 5179pointer types.
c2bbbb22
RP
5180
5181@item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
5182Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
5183defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
5184integral types.
5185
5186@item ++@r{, }--
5187Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
5188operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
5189when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
5190operation takes place.
5191
5192@item *
5193Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
5194@code{++}.
5195
5196@item &
5197Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
5198
18fae2a8 5199@ifclear CONLY
93918348 5200For debugging C++, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
6ca72cc6
RP
5201allowed in the C++ language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
5202(or, if you prefer, simply @samp{&&@var{ref}} to examine the address
5203where a C++ reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
5204stored.
18fae2a8 5205@end ifclear
6ca72cc6 5206
c2bbbb22
RP
5207@item -
5208Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
5209precedence as @code{++}.
5210
5211@item !
5212Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
5213@code{++}.
5214
5215@item ~
5216Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
5217@code{++}.
5218
18fae2a8 5219
c2bbbb22
RP
5220@item .@r{, }->
5221Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
18fae2a8 5222@value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
e251e767 5223pointer based on the stored type information.
9aa964da 5224Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
c2bbbb22
RP
5225
5226@item []
5227Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
5228@code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
5229
5230@item ()
18fae2a8 5231Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
c2bbbb22 5232
18fae2a8 5233@ifclear CONLY
c2bbbb22
RP
5234@item ::
5235C++ scope resolution operator. Defined on
5236@code{struct}, @code{union}, and @code{class} types.
18fae2a8 5237@end ifclear
c2bbbb22
RP
5238
5239@item ::
ed447b95
RP
5240Doubled colons
5241@ifclear CONLY
5242also
5243@end ifclear
5244represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@pxref{Expressions,
5245,Expressions}).
18fae2a8 5246@ifclear CONLY
0f153e74 5247Same precedence as @code{::}, above.
18fae2a8 5248@end ifclear
c2bbbb22
RP
5249@end table
5250
18fae2a8 5251@ifclear CONLY
c2bbbb22 5252@cindex C and C++ constants
4eb4cf57 5253@node C Constants
93928b60 5254@subsubsection C and C++ constants
0f153e74 5255
18fae2a8 5256@value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C++ in the
0f153e74 5257following ways:
18fae2a8
RP
5258@end ifclear
5259@ifset CONLY
0f153e74
RP
5260@cindex C constants
5261@node C Constants
93928b60 5262@section C constants
c2bbbb22 5263
18fae2a8 5264@value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C in the
c2bbbb22 5265following ways:
18fae2a8 5266@end ifset
c2bbbb22
RP
5267
5268@itemize @bullet
c2bbbb22
RP
5269@item
5270Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
5271specified by a leading @samp{0} (ie. zero), and hexadecimal constants by
1041a570 5272a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
c2bbbb22
RP
5273@samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
5274@code{long} value.
5275
5276@item
5277Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
5278point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
5279exponent. An exponent is of the form:
5280@samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
5281sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
5282
5283@item
5284Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
5285integral equivalents.
5286
5287@item
5288Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
5289(@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
5290(usually its @sc{ASCII} value). Within quotes, the single character may
5291be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
5292the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
5293of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
5294@samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
5295@samp{\n} for newline.
5296
5297@item
5298String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded
5299by double quotes (@code{"}).
5300
5301@item
fe715d06
RP
5302Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
5303to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
5304
5305@item
5306Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
5307and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
5308integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
5309and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
c2bbbb22
RP
5310@end itemize
5311
18fae2a8 5312@ifclear CONLY
ed447b95 5313@node Cplus expressions
93928b60 5314@subsubsection C++ expressions
b80282d5
RP
5315
5316@cindex expressions in C++
93918348 5317@value{GDBN} expression handling has a number of extensions to
b1385986
RP
5318interpret a significant subset of C++ expressions.
5319
5320@cindex C++ support, not in @sc{coff}
5321@cindex @sc{coff} versus C++
5322@cindex C++ and object formats
5323@cindex object formats and C++
5324@cindex a.out and C++
5325@cindex @sc{ecoff} and C++
5326@cindex @sc{xcoff} and C++
5327@cindex @sc{elf}/stabs and C++
5328@cindex @sc{elf}/@sc{dwarf} and C++
5329@quotation
5330@emph{Warning:} Most of these extensions depend on the use of additional
5331debugging information in the symbol table, and thus require a rich,
5332extendable object code format. In particular, if your system uses
5333a.out, MIPS @sc{ecoff}, RS/6000 @sc{xcoff}, or Sun @sc{elf} with stabs
5334extensions to the symbol table, these facilities are all available.
5335Where the object code format is standard @sc{coff}, on the other hand,
18fae2a8 5336most of the C++ support in @value{GDBN} will @emph{not} work, nor can it.
b1385986 5337For the standard SVr4 debugging format, @sc{dwarf} in @sc{elf}, the
18fae2a8 5338standard is still evolving, so the C++ support in @value{GDBN} is still
b1385986
RP
5339fragile; when this debugging format stabilizes, however, C++ support
5340will also be available on systems that use it.
5341@end quotation
b80282d5
RP
5342
5343@enumerate
5344
5345@cindex member functions
e251e767 5346@item
b80282d5 5347Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
1041a570 5348
b80282d5
RP
5349@example
5350count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
5351@end example
5352
5353@kindex this
5354@cindex namespace in C++
e251e767 5355@item
b80282d5
RP
5356While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
5357expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
18fae2a8 5358that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
b80282d5
RP
5359pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C++.
5360
5361@cindex call overloaded functions
5362@cindex type conversions in C++
e251e767 5363@item
18fae2a8 5364You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} will resolve the function
b80282d5
RP
5365call to the right definition, with one restriction---you must use
5366arguments of the type required by the function that you want to call.
18fae2a8 5367@value{GDBN} will not perform conversions requiring constructors or
b80282d5
RP
5368user-defined type operators.
5369
5370@cindex reference declarations
5371@item
18fae2a8 5372@value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C++ references; you can use them in
b80282d5 5373expressions just as you do in C++ source---they are automatically
e251e767 5374dereferenced.
b80282d5 5375
18fae2a8 5376In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
b80282d5
RP
5377reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
5378avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
5379The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
1041a570 5380you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
b80282d5
RP
5381
5382@item
18fae2a8 5383@value{GDBN} supports the C++ name resolution operator @code{::}---your
c2bbbb22
RP
5384expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
5385one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
5386necessary, for example in an expression like
18fae2a8 5387@samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
c2bbbb22 5388resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C++
93928b60 5389debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program variables}).
b80282d5
RP
5390@end enumerate
5391
4eb4cf57 5392@node C Defaults
93928b60 5393@subsubsection C and C++ defaults
c2bbbb22
RP
5394@cindex C and C++ defaults
5395
18fae2a8 5396If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
e251e767 5397both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
18fae2a8 5398C or C++. This happens regardless of whether you, or @value{GDBN},
c2bbbb22
RP
5399selected the working language.
5400
18fae2a8 5401If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it sets the
5a2c1d85
RP
5402working language to C or C++ on entering code compiled from a source file
5403whose name ends with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or @file{.cc}.
18fae2a8 5404@xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language}, for
c2bbbb22
RP
5405further details.
5406
09934a2b
RP
5407@ifset MOD2
5408@c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
5409@c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
5410@c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. pesch 16jul93.
4eb4cf57 5411@node C Checks
93928b60 5412@subsubsection C and C++ type and range checks
c2bbbb22
RP
5413@cindex C and C++ checks
5414
18fae2a8
RP
5415By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C++ expressions, type checking
5416is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN} will
c2bbbb22
RP
5417consider two variables type equivalent if:
5418
5419@itemize @bullet
5420@item
5421The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
5422enumerated tag.
5423
e251e767 5424@item
c2bbbb22
RP
5425Two two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
5426declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
5427
5428@ignore
5429@c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
5430@c FIXME--beers?
5431@item
5432The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
5433declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
5434compilers.)
5435@end ignore
c2bbbb22
RP
5436@end itemize
5437
5438Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
5439indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
5440that is not itself an array.
09934a2b 5441@end ifset
18fae2a8 5442@end ifclear
c2bbbb22 5443
18fae2a8 5444@ifclear CONLY
4eb4cf57 5445@node Debugging C
18fae2a8
RP
5446@subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
5447@end ifclear
5448@ifset CONLY
5449@node Debugging C
5450@section @value{GDBN} and C
5451@end ifset
c2bbbb22
RP
5452
5453The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
5454the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
1d7c3357
RP
5455inside a @code{struct}
5456@ifclear CONLY
5457or @code{class}
5458@end ifclear
5459will also be printed.
c2bbbb22
RP
5460Otherwise, it will appear as @samp{@{...@}}.
5461
5462The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
ed447b95
RP
5463with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
5464,Expressions}.
c2bbbb22 5465
18fae2a8 5466@ifclear CONLY
4eb4cf57 5467@node Debugging C plus plus
93928b60 5468@subsubsection @value{GDBN} features for C++
b80282d5
RP
5469
5470@cindex commands for C++
18fae2a8 5471Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C++, and some are
b80282d5
RP
5472designed specifically for use with C++. Here is a summary:
5473
5474@table @code
5475@cindex break in overloaded functions
5476@item @r{breakpoint menus}
5477When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
93918348 5478@value{GDBN} breakpoint menus help you specify which function definition
93928b60 5479you want. @xref{Breakpoint Menus,,Breakpoint menus}.
b80282d5
RP
5480
5481@cindex overloading in C++
5482@item rbreak @var{regex}
5483Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
5484breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
e251e767 5485classes.
93928b60 5486@xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting breakpoints}.
b80282d5
RP
5487
5488@cindex C++ exception handling
5489@item catch @var{exceptions}
5490@itemx info catch
29a2b744 5491Debug C++ exception handling using these commands. @xref{Exception
93928b60 5492Handling, ,Breakpoints and exceptions}.
b80282d5 5493
e251e767 5494@cindex inheritance
b80282d5
RP
5495@item ptype @var{typename}
5496Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
e251e767 5497@var{typename}.
1041a570 5498@xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
b80282d5
RP
5499
5500@cindex C++ symbol display
5501@item set print demangle
5502@itemx show print demangle
5503@itemx set print asm-demangle
5504@itemx show print asm-demangle
5505Control whether C++ symbols display in their source form, both when
5506displaying code as C++ source and when displaying disassemblies.
93928b60 5507@xref{Print Settings, ,Print settings}.
b80282d5
RP
5508
5509@item set print object
5510@itemx show print object
e251e767 5511Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
93928b60 5512@xref{Print Settings, ,Print settings}.
b80282d5
RP
5513
5514@item set print vtbl
5515@itemx show print vtbl
5516Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
93928b60 5517@xref{Print Settings, ,Print settings}.
6f3ec223
RP
5518
5519@item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
5520You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
93918348 5521the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C++: type
6f3ec223 5522@code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
93918348 5523also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
6f3ec223 5524available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
93928b60 5525@xref{Completion,, Command completion}, for details on how to do this.
b80282d5 5526@end table
09934a2b
RP
5527@ifclear MOD2
5528@c cancels "up" under same conditions near bgn of chapter
5529@down
5530@end ifclear
b80282d5 5531
09934a2b 5532@ifset MOD2
4eb4cf57 5533@node Modula-2
c2bbbb22
RP
5534@subsection Modula-2
5535@cindex Modula-2
5536
ed447b95
RP
5537The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
5538output from the GNU Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
5539developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
5540attempting to debug executables produced by them will most likely
5541result in an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
5542table.
c2bbbb22
RP
5543
5544@cindex expressions in Modula-2
5545@menu
5546* M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
ed447b95
RP
5547* Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
5548* M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
c2bbbb22
RP
5549* M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
5550* Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
ed447b95 5551* M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
c2bbbb22 5552* M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
18fae2a8 5553* GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
c2bbbb22
RP
5554@end menu
5555
4eb4cf57 5556@node M2 Operators
c2bbbb22
RP
5557@subsubsection Operators
5558@cindex Modula-2 operators
5559
5560Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
5561@code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
5562often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
5563following definitions hold:
5564
5565@itemize @bullet
5566
5567@item
5568@emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
5569their subranges.
5570
5571@item
5572@emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
5573
5574@item
5575@emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
5576
5577@item
5578@emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
5579@var{type}}.
5580
5581@item
5582@emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
5583
5584@item
9aa964da 5585@emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
c2bbbb22
RP
5586
5587@item
5588@emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
c2bbbb22
RP
5589@end itemize
5590
5591@noindent
5592The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
5593increasing precedence:
5594
5595@table @code
c2bbbb22
RP
5596@item ,
5597Function argument or array index separator.
18fae2a8 5598
c2bbbb22
RP
5599@item :=
5600Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
5601@var{value}.
5602
5603@item <@r{, }>
5604Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
5605types.
5606
5607@item <=@r{, }>=
5608Less than, greater than, less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
5609on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
5610set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
5611
5612@item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
5613Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
18fae2a8 5614Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
c2bbbb22
RP
5615available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
5616comment character.
5617
5618@item IN
5619Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
5620Same precedence as @code{<}.
5621
5622@item OR
5623Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
5624
5625@item AND@r{, }&
5626Boolean conjuction. Defined on boolean types.
5627
5628@item @@
18fae2a8 5629The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
c2bbbb22
RP
5630
5631@item +@r{, }-
5632Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
5633and difference on set types.
5634
5635@item *
5636Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
5637on set types.
5638
5639@item /
5640Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
5641types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
5642
5643@item DIV@r{, }MOD
5644Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
5645precedence as @code{*}.
5646
5647@item -
9aa964da 5648Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
c2bbbb22
RP
5649
5650@item ^
e251e767 5651Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
c2bbbb22
RP
5652
5653@item NOT
5654Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
5655@code{^}.
5656
5657@item .
9aa964da 5658@code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
c2bbbb22
RP
5659precedence as @code{^}.
5660
5661@item []
9aa964da 5662Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
c2bbbb22
RP
5663
5664@item ()
9aa964da 5665Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
c2bbbb22
RP
5666as @code{^}.
5667
5668@item ::@r{, }.
18fae2a8 5669@value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
c2bbbb22
RP
5670@end table
5671
5672@quotation
18fae2a8 5673@emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
c2bbbb22
RP
5674will treat the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
5675@code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
5676@code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
5677@end quotation
18fae2a8 5678
29a2b744 5679@cindex Modula-2 built-ins
4eb4cf57 5680@node Built-In Func/Proc
93928b60 5681@subsubsection Built-in functions and procedures
c2bbbb22
RP
5682
5683Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
5684In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
5685
5686@table @var
5687
5688@item a
5689represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
5690
5691@item c
5692represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
5693
5694@item i
5695represents a variable or constant of integral type.
5696
5697@item m
5698represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
5699same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
5700be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}.
5701
5702@item n
5703represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
5704
5705@item r
5706represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
5707
5708@item t
5709represents a type.
5710
5711@item v
5712represents a variable.
5713
5714@item x
5715represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
5716explanation of the function for details.
c2bbbb22
RP
5717@end table
5718
5719All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
5720
5721@table @code
5722@item ABS(@var{n})
5723Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
5724
5725@item CAP(@var{c})
5726If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
5727equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument
5728
5729@item CHR(@var{i})
5730Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
5731
5732@item DEC(@var{v})
5733Decrements the value in the variable @var{v}. Returns the new value.
5734
5735@item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
5736Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
5737new value.
5738
5739@item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
5740Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
5741set.
5742
5743@item FLOAT(@var{i})
5744Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
5745
5746@item HIGH(@var{a})
5747Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
5748
5749@item INC(@var{v})
5750Increments the value in the variable @var{v}. Returns the new value.
5751
5752@item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
5753Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
5754new value.
5755
5756@item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
5757Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
5758there. Returns the new set.
5759
5760@item MAX(@var{t})
5761Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
5762
5763@item MIN(@var{t})
5764Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
5765
5766@item ODD(@var{i})
5767Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
5768
5769@item ORD(@var{x})
5770Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
5771value of a character is its ASCII value (on machines supporting the
5772ASCII character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
5773integral, character and enumerated types.
5774
5775@item SIZE(@var{x})
5776Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
5777
5778@item TRUNC(@var{r})
5779Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
5780
5781@item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
5782Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
5783@end table
5784
5785@quotation
5786@emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
18fae2a8 5787@value{GDBN} will treat the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
c2bbbb22
RP
5788an error.
5789@end quotation
5790
5791@cindex Modula-2 constants
4eb4cf57 5792@node M2 Constants
c2bbbb22
RP
5793@subsubsection Constants
5794
18fae2a8 5795@value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
c2bbbb22
RP
5796ways:
5797
5798@itemize @bullet
5799
5800@item
5801Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
5802expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
5803rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
5804trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
5805
5806@item
5807Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
5808decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
5809then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
5810@samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
5811digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
5812digits.
5813
5814@item
5815Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
5816like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
5817also be expressed by their ordinal value (their ASCII value, usually)
5818followed by a @samp{C}.
5819
5820@item
1041a570
RP
5821String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
5822pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
5823Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
93928b60 5824Constants, ,C and C++ constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
1041a570 5825sequences.
c2bbbb22
RP
5826
5827@item
5828Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
5829
5830@item
5831Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
5832@code{FALSE}.
5833
5834@item
5835Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
5836
5837@item
5838Set constants are not yet supported.
c2bbbb22
RP
5839@end itemize
5840
4eb4cf57 5841@node M2 Defaults
93928b60 5842@subsubsection Modula-2 defaults
c2bbbb22
RP
5843@cindex Modula-2 defaults
5844
18fae2a8 5845If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
e251e767 5846both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
18fae2a8 5847Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you, or @value{GDBN},
c2bbbb22
RP
5848selected the working language.
5849
18fae2a8 5850If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
c2bbbb22 5851code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} will set the
18fae2a8 5852working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} set
c2bbbb22
RP
5853the language automatically}, for further details.
5854
4eb4cf57 5855@node Deviations
93928b60 5856@subsubsection Deviations from standard Modula-2
c2bbbb22
RP
5857@cindex Modula-2, deviations from
5858
5859A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
5860This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
5861
5862@itemize @bullet
e251e767 5863@item
c2bbbb22
RP
5864Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
5865integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
5866debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
5867pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
5868through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
5869returned a pointer.)
5870
e251e767 5871@item
c2bbbb22 5872C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
18fae2a8 5873non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} will print out strings with these
c2bbbb22
RP
5874escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
5875printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
5876
5877@item
5878The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
5879argument.
5880
5881@item
29a2b744 5882All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
e251e767 5883@end itemize
c2bbbb22 5884
4eb4cf57 5885@node M2 Checks
93928b60 5886@subsubsection Modula-2 type and range checks
c2bbbb22
RP
5887@cindex Modula-2 checks
5888
5889@quotation
18fae2a8 5890@emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
c2bbbb22
RP
5891range checking.
5892@end quotation
5893@c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
5894
18fae2a8 5895@value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
c2bbbb22
RP
5896
5897@itemize @bullet
5898@item
5899They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
5900@var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
5901
5902@item
5903They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
5904GNU Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
c2bbbb22
RP
5905@end itemize
5906
5907As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
5908whose types are not equivalent is an error.
5909
5910Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
29a2b744 5911index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
c2bbbb22 5912
4eb4cf57 5913@node M2 Scope
c2bbbb22
RP
5914@subsubsection The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
5915@cindex scope
5916@kindex .
e94b4a2b 5917@cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
1041a570
RP
5918@ifinfo
5919@kindex colon-colon
ed447b95 5920@c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
1041a570
RP
5921@end ifinfo
5922@iftex
c2bbbb22 5923@kindex ::
1041a570 5924@end iftex
c2bbbb22
RP
5925
5926There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
18fae2a8 5927(@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
c2bbbb22
RP
5928similar syntax:
5929
5930@example
5931
5932@var{module} . @var{id}
5933@var{scope} :: @var{id}
c2bbbb22
RP
5934@end example
5935
5936@noindent
5937where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
29a2b744
RP
5938@var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
5939identifier within your program, except another module.
c2bbbb22 5940
18fae2a8 5941Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
c2bbbb22 5942specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
18fae2a8 5943found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} will search all scopes
c2bbbb22
RP
5944enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
5945
18fae2a8 5946Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
c2bbbb22
RP
5947the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
5948definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
5949an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
5950module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
5951@var{module}.
5952
4eb4cf57 5953@node GDB/M2
18fae2a8 5954@subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
c2bbbb22 5955
18fae2a8 5956Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
c2bbbb22
RP
5957Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
5958specifically to C and C++: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
5959@samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
93918348 5960apply to C++, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
c2bbbb22
RP
5961analogue in Modula-2.
5962
1041a570 5963The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
c2bbbb22
RP
5964while using any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
5965intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
5966created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C++. However, because an
5967address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
1041a570 5968@samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful. (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions})
18fae2a8 5969
c2bbbb22 5970@cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
18fae2a8 5971In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
c2bbbb22 5972interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
18fae2a8 5973
09934a2b 5974@end ifset
da374d80 5975@end ifclear
4eb4cf57
RP
5976
5977@node Symbols
70b88761
RP
5978@chapter Examining the Symbol Table
5979
5980The commands described in this section allow you to inquire about the
5981symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
5982program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
18fae2a8
RP
5983does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
5984program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
93928b60
RP
5985(@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing files}), or by one of the
5986file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to specify files}).
70b88761 5987
6c380b13
RP
5988@c FIXME! This might be intentionally specific to C and C++; if so, move
5989@c to someplace in C section of lang chapter.
5990@cindex symbol names
5991@cindex names of symbols
5992@cindex quoting names
5993Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
18fae2a8 5994characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
6c380b13 5995most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
93928b60 5996source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program variables}). File names
18fae2a8 5997are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
6c380b13 5998ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
18fae2a8 5999@samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
6c380b13
RP
6000@samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
6001
6002@example
6003p 'foo.c'::x
6004@end example
6005
6006@noindent
6007looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
6008
70b88761
RP
6009@table @code
6010@item info address @var{symbol}
6011@kindex info address
6012Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
6013variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
6014local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
6015is always stored.
6016
6017Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
6018at all for a register variables, and for a stack local variable prints
6019the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
6020
6021@item whatis @var{exp}
6022@kindex whatis
6023Print the data type of expression @var{exp}. @var{exp} is not
6024actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
6025assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place.
1041a570 6026@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
70b88761
RP
6027
6028@item whatis
6029Print the data type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
6030
6031@item ptype @var{typename}
6032@kindex ptype
6033Print a description of data type @var{typename}. @var{typename} may be
6034the name of a type, or for C code it may have the form
6035@samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
1041a570 6036@samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
70b88761
RP
6037
6038@item ptype @var{exp}
e0dacfd1 6039@itemx ptype
70b88761 6040Print a description of the type of expression @var{exp}. @code{ptype}
1041a570 6041differs from @code{whatis} by printing a detailed description, instead
ed447b95
RP
6042of just the name of the type.
6043
6044For example, for this variable declaration:
1041a570 6045
70b88761
RP
6046@example
6047struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
6048@end example
1041a570 6049
70b88761 6050@noindent
ed447b95 6051the two commands give this output:
1041a570 6052
70b88761 6053@example
1041a570 6054@group
18fae2a8 6055(@value{GDBP}) whatis v
70b88761 6056type = struct complex
18fae2a8 6057(@value{GDBP}) ptype v
70b88761
RP
6058type = struct complex @{
6059 double real;
6060 double imag;
6061@}
1041a570 6062@end group
70b88761 6063@end example
1041a570 6064
e0dacfd1
RP
6065@noindent
6066As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
6067the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
70b88761
RP
6068
6069@item info types @var{regexp}
6070@itemx info types
e251e767 6071@kindex info types
70b88761
RP
6072Print a brief description of all types whose name matches @var{regexp}
6073(or all types in your program, if you supply no argument). Each
6074complete typename is matched as though it were a complete line; thus,
6075@samp{i type value} gives information on all types in your program whose
6076name includes the string @code{value}, but @samp{i type ^value$} gives
6077information only on types whose complete name is @code{value}.
6078
6079This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
6080@code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
6081lists all source files where a type is defined.
6082
6083@item info source
6084@kindex info source
6085Show the name of the current source file---that is, the source file for
c2bbbb22
RP
6086the function containing the current point of execution---and the language
6087it was written in.
70b88761
RP
6088
6089@item info sources
6090@kindex info sources
29a2b744 6091Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
b80282d5
RP
6092debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
6093have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
70b88761
RP
6094
6095@item info functions
6096@kindex info functions
6097Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
6098
6099@item info functions @var{regexp}
6100Print the names and data types of all defined functions
6101whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
6102Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
6103include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
6104start with @code{step}.
6105
6106@item info variables
6107@kindex info variables
6108Print the names and data types of all variables that are declared
6109outside of functions (i.e., excluding local variables).
6110
6111@item info variables @var{regexp}
6112Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
6113variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
6114@var{regexp}.
6115
70b88761
RP
6116@ignore
6117This was never implemented.
6118@item info methods
6119@itemx info methods @var{regexp}
6120@kindex info methods
6121The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
6122methods within C++ program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
6123specific set of methods found in the various C++ classes. Many
6124C++ classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
6125from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
6126@code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
6127which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
6128@end ignore
6129
d48da190
RP
6130@item maint print symbols @var{filename}
6131@itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
6132@itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
6133@kindex maint print symbols
440d9834 6134@cindex symbol dump
d48da190 6135@kindex maint print psymbols
440d9834
RP
6136@cindex partial symbol dump
6137Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
18fae2a8 6138These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
d48da190 6139symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
18fae2a8 6140symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
d48da190 6141collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
18fae2a8 6142only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
d48da190
RP
6143command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
6144use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
18fae2a8
RP
6145symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
6146files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
d48da190 6147@samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
18fae2a8 6148required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
d55320a0
RP
6149@xref{Files, ,Commands to specify files}, for a discussion of how
6150@value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
70b88761
RP
6151@end table
6152
4eb4cf57 6153@node Altering
70b88761
RP
6154@chapter Altering Execution
6155
29a2b744 6156Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
70b88761
RP
6157find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
6158correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
18fae2a8 6159experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
70b88761
RP
6160program.
6161
6162For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
1d7c3357 6163locations,
18fae2a8 6164@ifclear BARETARGET
1d7c3357 6165give your program a signal, restart it
18fae2a8 6166@end ifclear
1d7c3357
RP
6167@ifset BARETARGET
6168restart your program
6169@end ifset
6170at a different address, or even return prematurely from a function to
6171its caller.
18fae2a8 6172
18fae2a8 6173@menu
ed447b95
RP
6174* Assignment:: Assignment to variables
6175* Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
1d7c3357 6176@ifclear BARETARGET
ed447b95 6177* Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
18fae2a8 6178@end ifclear
b0157555 6179
ed447b95
RP
6180* Returning:: Returning from a function
6181* Calling:: Calling your program's functions
6182* Patching:: Patching your program
18fae2a8 6183@end menu
70b88761 6184
4eb4cf57 6185@node Assignment
93928b60 6186@section Assignment to variables
70b88761
RP
6187
6188@cindex assignment
6189@cindex setting variables
6190To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
1041a570 6191@xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
70b88761
RP
6192
6193@example
6194print x=4
6195@end example
6196
6197@noindent
1041a570 6198stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
4eb4cf57 6199value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
18fae2a8
RP
6200@ifclear CONLY
6201@xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
4eb4cf57 6202information on operators in supported languages.
18fae2a8 6203@end ifclear
70b88761 6204
70b88761
RP
6205@kindex set variable
6206@cindex variables, setting
6207If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
6208@code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
93928b60
RP
6209really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
6210not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
6211,Value history}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
70b88761
RP
6212
6213If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
6214appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
6215variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
ed447b95
RP
6216to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if
6217your program has a variable @code{width}, you get
6218an error if you try to set a new value with just @samp{set width=13},
6219because @value{GDBN} has the command @code{set width}:
1041a570 6220
70b88761 6221@example
18fae2a8 6222(@value{GDBP}) whatis width
70b88761 6223type = double
18fae2a8 6224(@value{GDBP}) p width
70b88761 6225$4 = 13
18fae2a8 6226(@value{GDBP}) set width=47
70b88761
RP
6227Invalid syntax in expression.
6228@end example
1041a570 6229
70b88761 6230@noindent
ed447b95
RP
6231The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
6232order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
1041a570 6233
70b88761 6234@example
18fae2a8 6235(@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
70b88761
RP
6236@end example
6237
18fae2a8 6238@value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
1041a570 6239freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
ed447b95 6240and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
1041a570 6241same length or shorter.
e251e767 6242@comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
70b88761
RP
6243@comment /pesch@cygnus.com 18dec1990
6244
6245To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
6246construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
1041a570 6247(@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
70b88761
RP
6248to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
6249and representation in memory), and
6250
6251@example
6252set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
6253@end example
6254
6255@noindent
6256stores the value 4 into that memory location.
6257
4eb4cf57 6258@node Jumping
93928b60 6259@section Continuing at a different address
70b88761 6260
29a2b744 6261Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
70b88761
RP
6262it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
6263an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
6264
6265@table @code
6266@item jump @var{linespec}
6267@kindex jump
6268Resume execution at line @var{linespec}. Execution will stop
29a2b744 6269immediately if there is a breakpoint there. @xref{List, ,Printing
93928b60 6270source lines}, for a description of the different forms of
29a2b744 6271@var{linespec}.
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RP
6272
6273The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
6274the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
6275register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
6276a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
6277be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
6278of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
6279confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
6280executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
29a2b744 6281well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
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RP
6282
6283@item jump *@var{address}
6284Resume execution at the instruction at address @var{address}.
6285@end table
6286
6287You can get much the same effect as the @code{jump} command by storing a
6288new value into the register @code{$pc}. The difference is that this
29a2b744 6289does not start your program running; it only changes the address where it
70b88761
RP
6290@emph{will} run when it is continued. For example,
6291
6292@example
6293set $pc = 0x485
6294@end example
6295
6296@noindent
6297causes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command to execute at
1041a570 6298address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
93928b60 6299@xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and stepping}.
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RP
6300
6301The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back up,
6302perhaps with more breakpoints set, over a portion of a program that has
6303already executed, in order to examine its execution in more detail.
6304
18fae2a8 6305@ifclear BARETARGET
70b88761 6306@c @group
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6307@node Signaling
6308@section Giving your program a signal
70b88761
RP
6309
6310@table @code
6311@item signal @var{signalnum}
6312@kindex signal
29a2b744 6313Resume execution where your program stopped, but give it immediately the
70b88761
RP
6314signal number @var{signalnum}.
6315
6316Alternatively, if @var{signalnum} is zero, continue execution without
29a2b744 6317giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
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RP
6318a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
6319@code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
6320signal.
6321
6322@code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
6323after executing the command.
6324@end table
6325@c @end group
18fae2a8 6326@end ifclear
70b88761 6327
4eb4cf57 6328@node Returning
93928b60 6329@section Returning from a function
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RP
6330
6331@table @code
6332@item return
6333@itemx return @var{expression}
6334@cindex returning from a function
6335@kindex return
6336You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
6337command. If you give an
6338@var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
e251e767 6339value.
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RP
6340@end table
6341
18fae2a8 6342When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
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RP
6343(and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
6344discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
6345be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
6346
29a2b744 6347This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
93928b60 6348frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
29a2b744
RP
6349innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
6350specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
6351of functions.
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6352
6353The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
6354program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
1041a570 6355returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
93928b60 6356and Stepping, ,Continuing and stepping}) resumes execution until the
1041a570 6357selected stack frame returns naturally.
70b88761 6358
4eb4cf57 6359@node Calling
ed447b95 6360@section Calling program functions
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RP
6361
6362@cindex calling functions
6363@kindex call
6364@table @code
6365@item call @var{expr}
6366Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
6367returned values.
6368@end table
6369
6370You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
6371execute a function from your program, but without cluttering the output
6372with @code{void} returned values. The result is printed and saved in
6373the value history, if it is not void.
6374
4eb4cf57 6375@node Patching
ed447b95 6376@section Patching programs
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RP
6377@cindex patching binaries
6378@cindex writing into executables
1d7c3357 6379@ifclear BARETARGET
c338a2fd 6380@cindex writing into corefiles
1d7c3357 6381@end ifclear
1041a570 6382
18fae2a8 6383By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's executable
1d7c3357
RP
6384code
6385@ifclear BARETARGET
6386(or the corefile)
6387@end ifclear
6388read-only. This prevents accidental alterations
c338a2fd
RP
6389to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally patching
6390your program's binary.
6391
6392If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
6393explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
6394want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
e251e767 6395repairs.
c338a2fd
RP
6396
6397@table @code
6398@item set write on
6399@itemx set write off
6400@kindex set write
18fae2a8
RP
6401If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} will open executable
6402@ifclear BARETARGET
0f153e74 6403and core
18fae2a8 6404@end ifclear
0f153e74 6405files for both reading and writing; if you specify @samp{set write
18fae2a8 6406off} (the default), @value{GDBN} will open them read-only.
c338a2fd 6407
1d7c3357
RP
6408If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
6409@code{exec-file}
6410@ifclear BARETARGET
6411or @code{core-file}
6412@end ifclear
6413command) after changing @code{set write}, for your new setting to take
6414effect.
c338a2fd
RP
6415
6416@item show write
7d7ff5f6 6417@kindex show write
0f153e74 6418Display whether executable files
18fae2a8 6419@ifclear BARETARGET
0f153e74 6420and core files
18fae2a8 6421@end ifclear
0f153e74 6422will be opened for writing as well as reading.
c338a2fd
RP
6423@end table
6424
18fae2a8 6425@node GDB Files
93918348 6426@chapter @value{GDBN} Files
70b88761 6427
18fae2a8 6428@value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged, both in
4eb4cf57 6429order to read its symbol table and in order to start your program.
18fae2a8 6430@ifclear BARETARGET
93918348
RP
6431To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell @value{GDBN}
6432the name of the core dump file.
18fae2a8 6433@end ifclear
1041a570 6434
70b88761 6435@menu
ed447b95
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6436* Files:: Commands to specify files
6437* Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
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RP
6438@end menu
6439
4eb4cf57 6440@node Files
93928b60 6441@section Commands to specify files
70b88761 6442@cindex symbol table
70b88761 6443
18fae2a8 6444@ifclear BARETARGET
0f153e74 6445@cindex core dump file
1041a570 6446The usual way to specify executable and core dump file names is with
ed447b95 6447the command arguments given when you start @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation,
18fae2a8
RP
6448,Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}}.
6449@end ifclear
6450@ifset BARETARGET
4eb4cf57 6451The usual way to specify an executable file name is with
18fae2a8
RP
6452the command argument given when you start @value{GDBN}, (@pxref{Invocation,
6453,Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}}.
6454@end ifset
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RP
6455
6456Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
93918348
RP
6457@value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to specify
6458a file you want to use. In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands
6459to specify new files are useful.
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6460
6461@table @code
6462@item file @var{filename}
6463@cindex executable file
6464@kindex file
6465Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
6466symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
6467executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
93918348 6468directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory, @value{GDBN}
1041a570
RP
6469uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of directories to
6470search, just as the shell does when looking for a program to run. You
18fae2a8 6471can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN} and your program,
1041a570 6472using the @code{path} command.
70b88761 6473
14d01801
RP
6474On systems with memory-mapped files, an auxiliary symbol table file
6475@file{@var{filename}.syms} may be available for @var{filename}. If it
18fae2a8 6476is, @value{GDBN} will map in the symbol table from
14d01801 6477@file{@var{filename}.syms}, starting up more quickly. See the
95d5ceb9 6478descriptions of the options @samp{-mapped} and @samp{-readnow} (available
77b46d13
JG
6479on the command line, and with the commands @code{file}, @code{symbol-file},
6480or @code{add-symbol-file}), for more information.
14d01801 6481
e0dacfd1 6482@item file
18fae2a8 6483@code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
70b88761
RP
6484has on both executable file and the symbol table.
6485
e0dacfd1 6486@item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
70b88761
RP
6487@kindex exec-file
6488Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
18fae2a8 6489in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} will search the environment variable @code{PATH}
29a2b744 6490if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
e0dacfd1 6491discard information on the executable file.
70b88761 6492
e0dacfd1 6493@item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
70b88761
RP
6494@kindex symbol-file
6495Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
6496searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
6497table and program to run from the same file.
6498
93918348 6499@code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
70b88761
RP
6500program's symbol table.
6501
18fae2a8 6502The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of its
70b88761
RP
6503convenience variables, the value history, and all breakpoints and
6504auto-display expressions. This is because they may contain pointers to
6505the internal data recording symbols and data types, which are part of
18fae2a8 6506the old symbol table data being discarded inside @value{GDBN}.
70b88761
RP
6507
6508@code{symbol-file} will not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
6509executing it once.
6510
18fae2a8 6511When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it will
14d01801
RP
6512understand debugging information in whatever format is the standard
6513generated for that environment; you may use either a GNU compiler, or
6514other compilers that adhere to the local conventions. Best results are
18fae2a8 6515usually obtained from GNU compilers; for example, using @code{@value{GCC}}
14d01801
RP
6516you can generate debugging information for optimized code.
6517
70b88761 6518On some kinds of object files, the @code{symbol-file} command does not
14d01801 6519normally read the symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans
70b88761
RP
6520the symbol table quickly to find which source files and which symbols
6521are present. The details are read later, one source file at a time,
1041a570 6522as they are needed.
70b88761 6523
18fae2a8 6524The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN} start up
1041a570
RP
6525faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for occasional
6526pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source file are
6527being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these pauses
93928b60
RP
6528into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional warnings
6529and messages}.)
70b88761 6530
8c69096b
RP
6531We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
6532symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
6533symbol table data in full right away.
70b88761 6534
95d5ceb9
RP
6535@item symbol-file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @r{[} -mapped @r{]}
6536@itemx file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @r{[} -mapped @r{]}
14d01801
RP
6537@kindex readnow
6538@cindex reading symbols immediately
6539@cindex symbols, reading immediately
6540@kindex mapped
6541@cindex memory-mapped symbol file
38962738 6542@cindex saving symbol table
18fae2a8 6543You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
95d5ceb9 6544tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
18fae2a8 6545load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
14d01801
RP
6546entire symbol table available.
6547
18fae2a8 6548@ifclear BARETARGET
14d01801 6549If memory-mapped files are available on your system through the
95d5ceb9 6550@code{mmap} system call, you can use another option, @samp{-mapped}, to
18fae2a8
RP
6551cause @value{GDBN} to write the symbols for your program into a reusable
6552file. Future @value{GDBN} debugging sessions will map in symbol information
93918348 6553from this auxiliary symbol file (if the program has not changed), rather
77b46d13
JG
6554than spending time reading the symbol table from the executable
6555program. Using the @samp{-mapped} option has the same effect as
18fae2a8 6556starting @value{GDBN} with the @samp{-mapped} command-line option.
14d01801 6557
95d5ceb9 6558You can use both options together, to make sure the auxiliary symbol
14d01801
RP
6559file has all the symbol information for your program.
6560
6561The auxiliary symbol file for a program called @var{myprog} is called
6562@samp{@var{myprog}.syms}. Once this file exists (so long as it is newer
18fae2a8 6563than the corresponding executable), @value{GDBN} will always attempt to use
14d01801
RP
6564it when you debug @var{myprog}; no special options or commands are
6565needed.
93918348
RP
6566
6567The @file{.syms} file is specific to the host machine where you run
34ae25cd 6568@value{GDBN}. It holds an exact image of the internal @value{GDBN}
93918348
RP
6569symbol table. It cannot be shared across multiple host platforms.
6570
14d01801
RP
6571@c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
6572@c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
6573@c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
6574@c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
6575@c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
6576@c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
6577@c files.
70b88761 6578
e0dacfd1 6579@item core-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
70b88761
RP
6580@kindex core
6581@kindex core-file
6582Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
6583of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
18fae2a8 6584address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
70b88761
RP
6585executable file itself for other parts.
6586
6587@code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
6588to be used.
6589
6590Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
18fae2a8 6591under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you wish to
70b88761
RP
6592debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which the
6593program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
93928b60 6594(@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the child process}).
18fae2a8 6595@end ifclear
70b88761
RP
6596
6597@item load @var{filename}
6598@kindex load
18fae2a8 6599@ifset GENERIC
70b88761 6600Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
18fae2a8 6601@value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
70b88761
RP
6602is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
6603on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
93918348 6604@code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
70b88761
RP
6605the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
6606
ed447b95
RP
6607If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
6608execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
6609target is @dots{}}''
18fae2a8 6610@end ifset
70b88761 6611
18fae2a8 6612@ifset VXWORKS
70b88761 6613On VxWorks, @code{load} will dynamically link @var{filename} on the
18fae2a8
RP
6614current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
6615@end ifset
70b88761 6616
a64a6c2b 6617@ifset I960
70b88761
RP
6618@cindex download to Nindy-960
6619With the Nindy interface to an Intel 960 board, @code{load} will
6620download @var{filename} to the 960 as well as adding its symbols in
18fae2a8
RP
6621@value{GDBN}.
6622@end ifset
70b88761 6623
a64a6c2b 6624@ifset H8
1d7c3357
RP
6625@cindex download to H8/300 or H8/500
6626@cindex H8/300 or H8/500 download
a64a6c2b
RP
6627@c start-sanitize-Hitachi-SH
6628@cindex download to Hitachi SH
6629@cindex Hitachi SH download
6630@c end-sanitize-Hitachi-SH
6631When you select remote debugging to a Hitachi
6632@c start-sanitize-Hitachi-SH
6633SH,
6634@c end-sanitize-Hitachi-SH
6635H8/300, or H8/500 board
6636(@pxref{Hitachi Remote,,@value{GDBN} and Hitachi Microprocessors}),
1d7c3357
RP
6637the @code{load} command downloads your program to the Hitachi board and also
6638opens it as the current executable target for @value{GDBN} on your host
6639(like the @code{file} command).
18fae2a8 6640@end ifset
c7cb8acb 6641
70b88761
RP
6642@code{load} will not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
6643
18fae2a8 6644@ifclear BARETARGET
70b88761 6645@item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
95d5ceb9 6646@itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @r{[} -mapped @r{]}
70b88761
RP
6647@kindex add-symbol-file
6648@cindex dynamic linking
6649The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table information
b80282d5 6650from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command when @var{filename}
70b88761
RP
6651has been dynamically loaded (by some other means) into the program that
6652is running. @var{address} should be the memory address at which the
18fae2a8 6653file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure this out for itself.
d55320a0 6654You can specify @var{address} as an expression.
70b88761
RP
6655
6656The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
6657originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
6658@code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data thus
6659read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data instead,
e251e767 6660use the @code{symbol-file} command.
70b88761
RP
6661
6662@code{add-symbol-file} will not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
6663
95d5ceb9 6664You can use the @samp{-mapped} and @samp{-readnow} options just as with
18fae2a8 6665the @code{symbol-file} command, to change how @value{GDBN} manages the symbol
0f153e74 6666table information for @var{filename}.
18fae2a8 6667@end ifclear
95d5ceb9 6668
70b88761
RP
6669@item info files
6670@itemx info target
6671@kindex info files
6672@kindex info target
1041a570 6673@code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print
1d7c3357
RP
6674the current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
6675including the
6676@ifclear BARETARGET
6677names of the executable and core dump files
6678@end ifclear
6679@ifset BARETARGET
6680name of the executable file
6681@end ifset
6682currently in use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were
6683loaded. The command @code{help targets} lists all possible targets
6684rather than current ones.
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RP
6685@end table
6686
6687All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
18fae2a8 6688as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute path
70b88761
RP
6689name and remembers it that way.
6690
18fae2a8 6691@ifclear BARETARGET
70b88761 6692@cindex shared libraries
18fae2a8
RP
6693@value{GDBN} supports SunOS, SVR4, and IBM RS/6000 shared libraries.
6694@value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
77b46d13 6695when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
18fae2a8 6696(Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} will not understand
77b46d13
JG
6697references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
6698debugging a core file).
18fae2a8 6699@c FIXME: next @value{GDBN} release should permit some refs to undef
1041a570 6700@c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared lib
70b88761
RP
6701
6702@table @code
70b88761
RP
6703@item info share
6704@itemx info sharedlibrary
6705@kindex info sharedlibrary
6706@kindex info share
c338a2fd 6707Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded.
70b88761 6708
c338a2fd
RP
6709@item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
6710@itemx share @var{regex}
6711@kindex sharedlibrary
6712@kindex share
6713This is an obsolescent command; you can use it to explicitly
6714load shared object library symbols for files matching a UNIX regular
6715expression, but as with files loaded automatically, it will only load
6716shared libraries required by your program for a core file or after
6717typing @code{run}. If @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries
6718required by your program are loaded.
6719@end table
18fae2a8 6720@end ifclear
70b88761 6721
4eb4cf57 6722@node Symbol Errors
93928b60 6723@section Errors reading symbol files
1041a570 6724
18fae2a8 6725While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} will occasionally encounter problems,
1041a570 6726such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
18fae2a8 6727output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
1041a570
RP
6728they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
6729debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
18fae2a8 6730about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
b80282d5 6731only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
18fae2a8 6732times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
1041a570 6733to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
93928b60
RP
6734complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional warnings and
6735messages}).
70b88761 6736
d55320a0 6737The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
70b88761
RP
6738
6739@table @code
6740@item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
6741
6742The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
6743(such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
6744error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
e251e767 6745in its outer scope blocks.
70b88761 6746
18fae2a8 6747@value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
70b88761
RP
6748the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
6749may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
6750function.
6751
6752@item block at @var{address} out of order
6753
e251e767 6754The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
70b88761 6755order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
e251e767 6756do so.
70b88761 6757
ed447b95
RP
6758@value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and will have trouble
6759locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
6760can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
93928b60
RP
6761@code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional warnings and
6762messages}.)
70b88761
RP
6763
6764@item bad block start address patched
6765
6766The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
6767smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
e251e767 6768to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
70b88761 6769
18fae2a8 6770@value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
70b88761
RP
6771starting on the previous source line.
6772
70b88761
RP
6773@item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
6774
6775@cindex foo
6776Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
e251e767 6777larger than the size of the string table.
70b88761 6778
18fae2a8 6779@value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
70b88761
RP
6780name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
6781with this name.
6782
6783@item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
6784
18fae2a8 6785The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does not yet
70b88761 6786know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the misunderstood
e251e767 6787information, in hexadecimal.
70b88761 6788
18fae2a8 6789@value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information. This
29a2b744 6790will usually allow your program to be debugged, though certain symbols
70b88761 6791will not be accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
18fae2a8 6792debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint on
70b88761
RP
6793@code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab} and
6794examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
6795
6796@item stub type has NULL name
1d7c3357
RP
6797@value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for
6798@ifclear CONLY
6799a struct or class.
6800@end ifclear
6801@ifset CONLY
6802a struct.
6803@end ifset
70b88761 6804
1d7c3357 6805@ifclear CONLY
440d9834 6806@item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
70b88761
RP
6807
6808The symbol information for a C++ member function is missing some
440d9834
RP
6809information that recent versions of the compiler should have output
6810for it.
1d7c3357 6811@end ifclear
70b88761 6812
440d9834 6813@item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
70b88761 6814
18fae2a8 6815@value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
70b88761
RP
6816@end table
6817
4eb4cf57 6818@node Targets
e251e767 6819@chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
70b88761
RP
6820@cindex debugging target
6821@kindex target
1041a570 6822
cedaf8bc 6823A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
18fae2a8
RP
6824@ifclear BARETARGET
6825Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program; in
1041a570
RP
6826that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when you
6827use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
18fae2a8 6828flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
1041a570 6829host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
0f153e74 6830realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you
18fae2a8
RP
6831@end ifclear
6832@ifset BARETARGET
0f153e74 6833You
18fae2a8 6834@end ifset
0f153e74 6835can use the @code{target} command to specify one of the target types
93928b60
RP
6836configured for @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for managing
6837targets}).
70b88761
RP
6838
6839@menu
ed447b95
RP
6840* Active Targets:: Active targets
6841* Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
6842* Remote:: Remote debugging
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RP
6843@end menu
6844
4eb4cf57 6845@node Active Targets
93928b60 6846@section Active targets
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RP
6847@cindex stacking targets
6848@cindex active targets
6849@cindex multiple targets
6850
18fae2a8 6851@ifclear BARETARGET
cedaf8bc 6852There are three classes of targets: processes, core files, and
18fae2a8 6853executable files. @value{GDBN} can work concurrently on up to three active
cedaf8bc
RP
6854targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for example) start a
6855process and inspect its activity without abandoning your work on a core
6856file.
70b88761 6857
ed447b95 6858For example, if you execute @samp{gdb a.out}, then the executable file
cedaf8bc
RP
6859@code{a.out} is the only active target. If you designate a core file as
6860well---presumably from a prior run that crashed and coredumped---then
18fae2a8 6861@value{GDBN} has two active targets and will use them in tandem, looking
cedaf8bc
RP
6862first in the corefile target, then in the executable file, to satisfy
6863requests for memory addresses. (Typically, these two classes of target
29a2b744 6864are complementary, since core files contain only a program's
cedaf8bc
RP
6865read-write memory---variables and so on---plus machine status, while
6866executable files contain only the program text and initialized data.)
18fae2a8 6867@end ifclear
cedaf8bc
RP
6868
6869When you type @code{run}, your executable file becomes an active process
18fae2a8 6870target as well. When a process target is active, all @value{GDBN} commands
0f153e74 6871requesting memory addresses refer to that target; addresses in an
18fae2a8 6872@ifclear BARETARGET
0f153e74 6873active core file or
18fae2a8 6874@end ifclear
0f153e74 6875executable file target are obscured while the process
cedaf8bc
RP
6876target is active.
6877
18fae2a8 6878@ifset BARETARGET
4eb4cf57 6879Use the @code{exec-file} command to select a
93928b60
RP
6880new executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to specify
6881files}).
18fae2a8
RP
6882@end ifset
6883@ifclear BARETARGET
1041a570 6884Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a
93928b60
RP
6885new core file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to specify
6886files}). To specify as a target a process that is already running, use
1041a570 6887the @code{attach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an
93928b60 6888already-running process}).
18fae2a8 6889@end ifclear
70b88761 6890
4eb4cf57 6891@node Target Commands
93928b60 6892@section Commands for managing targets
70b88761
RP
6893
6894@table @code
6895@item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
1d7c3357
RP
6896Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target
6897@ifset BARETARGET
6898machine.
6899@end ifset
6900@ifclear BARETARGET
6901machine or process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to
6902debugging facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the
6903type or protocol of the target machine.
70b88761
RP
6904
6905Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
6906typically include things like device names or host names to connect
e251e767 6907with, process numbers, and baud rates.
1d7c3357 6908@end ifclear
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RP
6909
6910The @code{target} command will not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
6911after executing the command.
6912
6913@item help target
6914@kindex help target
6915Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
6916currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
93928b60 6917(@pxref{Files, ,Commands to specify files}).
70b88761
RP
6918
6919@item help target @var{name}
6920Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
6921select it.
6922@end table
6923
c7cb8acb 6924Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
70b88761
RP
6925configuration):
6926
6927@table @code
fe715d06 6928@item target exec @var{program}
70b88761 6929@kindex target exec
fe715d06
RP
6930An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
6931@samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
70b88761 6932
1d7c3357 6933@ifclear BARETARGET
70b88761
RP
6934@item target core @var{filename}
6935@kindex target core
6936A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
6937@samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
1d7c3357 6938@end ifclear
70b88761 6939
18fae2a8 6940@ifset REMOTESTUB
70b88761
RP
6941@item target remote @var{dev}
6942@kindex target remote
c7cb8acb 6943Remote serial target in GDB-specific protocol. The argument @var{dev}
70b88761 6944specifies what serial device to use for the connection (e.g.
93928b60 6945@file{/dev/ttya}). @xref{Remote, ,Remote debugging}.
18fae2a8 6946@end ifset
70b88761 6947
fe715d06
RP
6948@ifset SIMS
6949@item target sim
6950@kindex target sim
6951CPU simulator. @xref{Simulator,,Simulated CPU Target}.
6952@end ifset
6953
a64a6c2b 6954@ifset AMD29K
fe715d06
RP
6955@item target udi @var{keyword}
6956@kindex target udi
6957Remote AMD29K target, using the AMD UDI protocol. The @var{keyword}
6958argument specifies which 29K board or simulator to use. @xref{UDI29K
6959Remote,,@value{GDBN} and the UDI protocol for AMD29K}.
6960
70b88761
RP
6961@item target amd-eb @var{dev} @var{speed} @var{PROG}
6962@kindex target amd-eb
6963@cindex AMD EB29K
6964Remote PC-resident AMD EB29K board, attached over serial lines.
6965@var{dev} is the serial device, as for @code{target remote};
6966@var{speed} allows you to specify the linespeed; and @var{PROG} is the
6967name of the program to be debugged, as it appears to DOS on the PC.
ed447b95 6968@xref{EB29K Remote, ,@value{GDBN} with a remote EB29K}.
77fe5411 6969
18fae2a8 6970@end ifset
a64a6c2b 6971@ifset H8
c7cb8acb
RP
6972@item target hms
6973@kindex target hms
a64a6c2b
RP
6974A Hitachi
6975@c start-sanitize-Hitachi-SH
6976SH,
6977@c end-sanitize-Hitachi-SH
6978H8/300, or H8/500 board, attached via serial line to your host.
6979@ifclear H8EXCLUSIVE
6980@c Unix only, not currently of interest for H8-only manual
6981Use special commands @code{device} and @code{speed} to control the serial
6982line and the communications speed used.
6983@end ifclear
6984@xref{Hitachi Remote,,@value{GDBN} and Hitachi Microprocessors}.
c7cb8acb 6985
18fae2a8 6986@end ifset
a64a6c2b 6987@ifset I960
70b88761
RP
6988@item target nindy @var{devicename}
6989@kindex target nindy
6990An Intel 960 board controlled by a Nindy Monitor. @var{devicename} is
6991the name of the serial device to use for the connection, e.g.
ed447b95 6992@file{/dev/ttya}. @xref{i960-Nindy Remote, ,@value{GDBN} with a remote i960 (Nindy)}.
70b88761 6993
18fae2a8 6994@end ifset
a64a6c2b 6995@ifset ST2000
77fe5411
RP
6996@item target st2000 @var{dev} @var{speed}
6997@kindex target st2000
6998A Tandem ST2000 phone switch, running Tandem's STDBUG protocol. @var{dev}
6999is the name of the device attached to the ST2000 serial line;
7000@var{speed} is the communication line speed. The arguments are not used
18fae2a8
RP
7001if @value{GDBN} is configured to connect to the ST2000 using TCP or Telnet.
7002@xref{ST2000 Remote,,@value{GDBN} with a Tandem ST2000}.
77fe5411 7003
18fae2a8
RP
7004@end ifset
7005@ifset VXWORKS
70b88761
RP
7006@item target vxworks @var{machinename}
7007@kindex target vxworks
7008A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
7009is the target system's machine name or IP address.
18fae2a8
RP
7010@xref{VxWorks Remote, ,@value{GDBN} and VxWorks}.
7011@end ifset
70b88761
RP
7012@end table
7013
18fae2a8
RP
7014@ifset GENERIC
7015Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN}; your
70b88761 7016configuration may have more or fewer targets.
18fae2a8 7017@end ifset
70b88761 7018
4eb4cf57 7019@node Remote
93928b60 7020@section Remote debugging
70b88761
RP
7021@cindex remote debugging
7022
29a2b744 7023If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
c7cb8acb 7024GDB in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging. For
70b88761
RP
7025example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel, or on
7026a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
e251e767 7027powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
70b88761 7028
c7cb8acb 7029Some configurations of GDB have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
70b88761 7030to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
c7cb8acb 7031GDB comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to GDB, but
70b88761
RP
7032not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
7033write the remote stubs---the code that will run on the remote system to
c7cb8acb 7034communicate with GDB.
70b88761 7035
70b88761 7036Other remote targets may be available in your
c7cb8acb 7037configuration of GDB; use @code{help targets} to list them.
70b88761 7038
18fae2a8
RP
7039@ifset GENERIC
7040@c Text on starting up GDB in various specific cases; it goes up front
7041@c in manuals configured for any of those particular situations, here
7042@c otherwise.
18fae2a8
RP
7043@menu
7044@ifset REMOTESTUB
7045* Remote Serial:: @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol
7046@end ifset
a64a6c2b 7047@ifset I960
18fae2a8
RP
7048* i960-Nindy Remote:: @value{GDBN} with a remote i960 (Nindy)
7049@end ifset
a64a6c2b 7050@ifset AMD29K
fe715d06 7051* UDI29K Remote:: @value{GDBN} and the UDI protocol for AMD29K
18fae2a8
RP
7052* EB29K Remote:: @value{GDBN} with a remote EB29K
7053@end ifset
7054@ifset VXWORKS
7055* VxWorks Remote:: @value{GDBN} and VxWorks
7056@end ifset
a64a6c2b 7057@ifset ST2000
18fae2a8
RP
7058* ST2000 Remote:: @value{GDBN} with a Tandem ST2000
7059@end ifset
a64a6c2b
RP
7060@ifset H8
7061* Hitachi Remote:: @value{GDBN} and Hitachi Microprocessors
18fae2a8 7062@end ifset
34ae25cd
RP
7063@ifset MIPS
7064* MIPS Remote:: @value{GDBN} and MIPS boards
7065@end ifset
fe715d06
RP
7066@ifset SIMS
7067* Simulator:: Simulated CPU target
18fae2a8
RP
7068@end ifset
7069@end menu
70b88761 7070
4af6d502 7071@include remote.texi
18fae2a8
RP
7072@end ifset
7073
7074@node Controlling GDB
7075@chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
70b88761 7076
93918348 7077You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using
18fae2a8 7078the @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
93928b60 7079data, @pxref{Print Settings, ,Print settings}; other settings are described here.
70b88761
RP
7080
7081@menu
b80282d5 7082* Prompt:: Prompt
ed447b95
RP
7083* Editing:: Command editing
7084* History:: Command history
7085* Screen Size:: Screen size
b80282d5 7086* Numbers:: Numbers
ed447b95 7087* Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
70b88761
RP
7088@end menu
7089
4eb4cf57 7090@node Prompt
70b88761
RP
7091@section Prompt
7092@cindex prompt
1041a570 7093
18fae2a8
RP
7094@value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
7095called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
70b88761 7096can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
18fae2a8 7097instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
9aa964da 7098the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell which
70b88761
RP
7099one you are talking to.
7100
7101@table @code
7102@item set prompt @var{newprompt}
7103@kindex set prompt
18fae2a8 7104Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
70b88761
RP
7105@kindex show prompt
7106@item show prompt
7107Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
7108@end table
7109
4eb4cf57 7110@node Editing
93928b60 7111@section Command editing
70b88761
RP
7112@cindex readline
7113@cindex command line editing
1041a570 7114
18fae2a8 7115@value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{readline} interface. This
70b88761
RP
7116GNU library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
7117command line interface to the user. Advantages are @code{emacs}-style
7118or @code{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
7119substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
7120debugging sessions.
7121
18fae2a8 7122You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
e251e767 7123command @code{set}.
70b88761
RP
7124
7125@table @code
7126@kindex set editing
7127@cindex editing
7128@item set editing
7129@itemx set editing on
7130Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
7131
7132@item set editing off
7133Disable command line editing.
7134
7135@kindex show editing
7136@item show editing
7137Show whether command line editing is enabled.
7138@end table
7139
4eb4cf57 7140@node History
ed447b95
RP
7141@section Command history
7142
7143@value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
7144debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
7145happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
7146history facility.
1041a570 7147
70b88761
RP
7148@table @code
7149@cindex history substitution
7150@cindex history file
7151@kindex set history filename
7152@item set history filename @var{fname}
18fae2a8
RP
7153Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}. This is
7154the file from which @value{GDBN} will read an initial command history
70b88761
RP
7155list or to which it will write this list when it exits. This list is
7156accessed through history expansion or through the history
7157command editing characters listed below. This file defaults to the
7158value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
7159@file{./.gdb_history} if this variable is not set.
7160
7161@cindex history save
7162@kindex set history save
7163@item set history save
7164@itemx set history save on
7165Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
7166@code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
7167
7168@item set history save off
7169Stop recording command history in a file.
7170
7171@cindex history size
7172@kindex set history size
7173@item set history size @var{size}
18fae2a8 7174Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} will keep in its history list.
70b88761
RP
7175This defaults to the value of the environment variable
7176@code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
7177@end table
7178
7179@cindex history expansion
7180History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
ed447b95 7181@ifset have-readline-appendices
1041a570 7182@xref{Event Designators}.
ed447b95
RP
7183@end ifset
7184
70b88761
RP
7185Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
7186is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
7187@code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
7188follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
7189a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
7190history facilities will not attempt substitution on the strings
7191@kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
7192
7193The commands to control history expansion are:
7194
7195@table @code
7196
7197@kindex set history expansion
7198@item set history expansion on
7199@itemx set history expansion
7200Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
7201
7202@item set history expansion off
7203Disable history expansion.
7204
7205The readline code comes with more complete documentation of
7206editing and history expansion features. Users unfamiliar with @code{emacs}
e251e767 7207or @code{vi} may wish to read it.
ed447b95 7208@ifset have-readline-appendices
70b88761 7209@xref{Command Line Editing}.
ed447b95 7210@end ifset
70b88761
RP
7211
7212@c @group
7213@kindex show history
7214@item show history
7215@itemx show history filename
7216@itemx show history save
7217@itemx show history size
7218@itemx show history expansion
18fae2a8 7219These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
70b88761
RP
7220@code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
7221@c @end group
70b88761
RP
7222@end table
7223
7224@table @code
7225@kindex show commands
7226@item show commands
7227Display the last ten commands in the command history.
7228
7229@item show commands @var{n}
7230Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
7231
7232@item show commands +
7233Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
70b88761
RP
7234@end table
7235
4eb4cf57 7236@node Screen Size
93928b60 7237@section Screen size
70b88761
RP
7238@cindex size of screen
7239@cindex pauses in output
1041a570 7240
a1eff6c2
RP
7241Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
7242information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
7243@value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
7244output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
34ae25cd
RP
7245to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
7246determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
7247printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
70b88761
RP
7248rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
7249
18fae2a8 7250Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the termcap data base
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RP
7251together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
7252@code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
7253you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
7254width} commands:
7255
7256@table @code
7257@item set height @var{lpp}
7258@itemx show height
7259@itemx set width @var{cpl}
7260@itemx show width
7261@kindex set height
7262@kindex set width
7263@kindex show width
7264@kindex show height
7265These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
7266a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
7267commands display the current settings.
7268
18fae2a8 7269If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} will not pause during output
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RP
7270no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a file
7271or to an editor buffer.
d55320a0
RP
7272
7273Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
7274from wrapping its output.
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RP
7275@end table
7276
4eb4cf57 7277@node Numbers
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RP
7278@section Numbers
7279@cindex number representation
7280@cindex entering numbers
1041a570 7281
18fae2a8 7282You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in @value{GDBN} by
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RP
7283the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with @samp{0}, decimal
7284numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers begin with @samp{0x}.
7285Numbers that begin with none of these are, by default, entered in base
728610; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
7287format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
7288both input and output with the @code{set radix} command.
7289
7290@table @code
7291@kindex set radix
7292@item set radix @var{base}
7293Set the default base for numeric input and display. Supported choices
d55320a0 7294for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
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RP
7295specified either unambiguously or using the current default radix; for
7296example, any of
7297
7298@example
7299set radix 012
7300set radix 10.
7301set radix 0xa
7302@end example
7303
7304@noindent
7305will set the base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set radix 10}
7306will leave the radix unchanged no matter what it was.
7307
7308@kindex show radix
7309@item show radix
7310Display the current default base for numeric input and display.
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RP
7311@end table
7312
4eb4cf57 7313@node Messages/Warnings
93928b60 7314@section Optional warnings and messages
1041a570 7315
18fae2a8 7316By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are running
70b88761 7317on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose} command.
18fae2a8 7318It will make @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy internal operation, so
1041a570 7319you will not think it has crashed.
70b88761 7320
1041a570 7321Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
d48da190 7322which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
93928b60 7323see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to specify files}.
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RP
7324
7325@table @code
7326@kindex set verbose
7327@item set verbose on
93918348 7328Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
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RP
7329
7330@item set verbose off
93918348 7331Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
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RP
7332
7333@kindex show verbose
7334@item show verbose
7335Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
7336@end table
7337
18fae2a8 7338By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an object
b80282d5 7339file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may find
93928b60 7340this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors reading symbol files}).
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RP
7341
7342@table @code
7343@kindex set complaints
7344@item set complaints @var{limit}
18fae2a8 7345Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of unusual
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RP
7346symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set @var{limit} to
7347zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number to prevent
7348complaints from being suppressed.
7349
7350@kindex show complaints
7351@item show complaints
18fae2a8 7352Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
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RP
7353@end table
7354
18fae2a8 7355By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
70b88761
RP
7356lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
7357you try to run a program which is already running:
1041a570 7358
70b88761 7359@example
18fae2a8 7360(@value{GDBP}) run
70b88761 7361The program being debugged has been started already.
e251e767 7362Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
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RP
7363@end example
7364
29a2b744 7365If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
70b88761
RP
7366commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
7367
7368@table @code
7369@kindex set confirm
7370@cindex flinching
7371@cindex confirmation
7372@cindex stupid questions
7373@item set confirm off
7374Disables confirmation requests.
7375
7376@item set confirm on
7377Enables confirmation requests (the default).
7378
7379@item show confirm
7380@kindex show confirm
7381Displays state of confirmation requests.
7382@end table
7383
29a2b744 7384@c FIXME this does not really belong here. But where *does* it belong?
b80282d5
RP
7385@cindex reloading symbols
7386Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
7387be replaced without stopping and restarting your program.
18fae2a8 7388@ifset VXWORKS
b80282d5
RP
7389For example, in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file
7390and keep on running.
18fae2a8
RP
7391@end ifset
7392If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow @value{GDBN} to
1041a570
RP
7393reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
7394
b80282d5
RP
7395@table @code
7396@kindex set symbol-reloading
7397@item set symbol-reloading on
7398Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
7399object file with a particular name is seen again.
7400
7401@item set symbol-reloading off
1041a570 7402Do not replace symbol definitions when re-encountering object files of
29a2b744 7403the same name. This is the default state; if you are not running on a
b80282d5 7404system that permits automatically relinking modules, you should leave
18fae2a8 7405@code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN} may discard symbols
b80282d5
RP
7406when linking large programs, that may contain several modules (from
7407different directories or libraries) with the same name.
7408
7409@item show symbol-reloading
7410Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
7411@end table
7412
4eb4cf57 7413@node Sequences
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RP
7414@chapter Canned Sequences of Commands
7415
29a2b744 7416Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
93928b60 7417command lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of commands
1041a570 7418for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command files.
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RP
7419
7420@menu
ed447b95
RP
7421* Define:: User-defined commands
7422* Hooks:: User-defined command hooks
7423* Command Files:: Command files
7424* Output:: Commands for controlled output
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RP
7425@end menu
7426
4eb4cf57 7427@node Define
ed447b95 7428@section User-defined commands
70b88761
RP
7429
7430@cindex user-defined command
18fae2a8 7431A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to which you
70b88761
RP
7432assign a new name as a command. This is done with the @code{define}
7433command.
7434
7435@table @code
7436@item define @var{commandname}
7437@kindex define
7438Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
7439by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
7440
18fae2a8 7441The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
70b88761
RP
7442which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
7443commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
7444
7445@item document @var{commandname}
7446@kindex document
7447Give documentation to the user-defined command @var{commandname}. The
7448command @var{commandname} must already be defined. This command reads
7449lines of documentation just as @code{define} reads the lines of the
7450command definition, ending with @code{end}. After the @code{document}
7451command is finished, @code{help} on command @var{commandname} will print
7452the documentation you have specified.
7453
7454You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
7455documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
7456does not change the documentation.
7457
7458@item help user-defined
7459@kindex help user-defined
7460List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
7461(if any) for each.
7462
4768ba62
JG
7463@item show user
7464@itemx show user @var{commandname}
7465@kindex show user
18fae2a8 7466Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but not its
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RP
7467documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
7468definitions for all user-defined commands.
7469@end table
7470
7471User-defined commands do not take arguments. When they are executed, the
7472commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
7473stops execution of the user-defined command.
7474
7475Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
18fae2a8 7476without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN} commands
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RP
7477that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
7478when used in a user-defined command.
7479
35a15d60 7480@node Hooks
93928b60 7481@section User-defined command hooks
35a15d60
JG
7482@cindex command files
7483
7484You may define @emph{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
7485command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
7486command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
7487before that command.
7488
1d7c3357
RP
7489In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
7490(@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
7491execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
7492displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
35a15d60 7493
1d7c3357
RP
7494@ifclear BARETARGET
7495For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
7496single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
7497you could define:
35a15d60
JG
7498
7499@example
7500define hook-stop
7501handle SIGALRM nopass
7502end
7503
7504define hook-run
7505handle SIGALRM pass
7506end
7507
7508define hook-continue
7509handle SIGLARM pass
7510end
7511@end example
1d7c3357 7512@end ifclear
35a15d60 7513
1d7c3357
RP
7514You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
7515not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
7516name, e.g. @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
7517@c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
7518@c or not?
7519If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
7520@value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
7521(before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
35a15d60 7522
93918348 7523If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
35a15d60
JG
7524will get a warning from the @code{define} command.
7525
4eb4cf57 7526@node Command Files
93928b60 7527@section Command files
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RP
7528
7529@cindex command files
18fae2a8 7530A command file for @value{GDBN} is a file of lines that are @value{GDBN} commands. Comments
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RP
7531(lines starting with @kbd{#}) may also be included. An empty line in a
7532command file does nothing; it does not mean to repeat the last command, as
7533it would from the terminal.
7534
7535@cindex init file
18fae2a8
RP
7536@cindex @file{@value{GDBINIT}}
7537When you start @value{GDBN}, it automatically executes commands from its
7538@dfn{init files}. These are files named @file{@value{GDBINIT}}. @value{GDBN} reads
1041a570
RP
7539the init file (if any) in your home directory and then the init file
7540(if any) in the current working directory. (The init files are not
7541executed if you use the @samp{-nx} option; @pxref{Mode Options,
51b65b74
RP
7542,Choosing modes}.)
7543
7544@ifset GENERIC
7545@cindex init file name
7546On some configurations of @value{GDBN}, the init file is known by a
7547different name (these are typically environments where a specialized
7548form of GDB may need to coexist with other forms, hence a different name
7549for the specialized version's init file). These are the environments
7550with special init file names:
7551
7552@itemize @bullet
7553@kindex .vxgdbinit
7554@item
7555VxWorks (Wind River Systems real-time OS): @samp{.vxgdbinit}
7556
7557@kindex .os68gdbinit
7558@item
7559OS68K (Enea Data Systems real-time OS): @samp{.os68gdbinit}
7560
7561@kindex .esgdbinit
7562@item
7563ES-1800 (Ericsson Telecom AB M68000 emulator): @samp{.esgdbinit}
7564@end itemize
7565@end ifset
7566
7567You can also request the execution of a command file with the
7568@code{source} command:
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RP
7569
7570@table @code
7571@item source @var{filename}
7572@kindex source
7573Execute the command file @var{filename}.
7574@end table
7575
7576The lines in a command file are executed sequentially. They are not
7577printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates execution
7578of the command file.
7579
7580Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
18fae2a8 7581without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
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RP
7582normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
7583when called from command files.
7584
4eb4cf57 7585@node Output
93928b60 7586@section Commands for controlled output
70b88761
RP
7587
7588During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
18fae2a8 7589@value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
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RP
7590explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
7591describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
7592want.
7593
7594@table @code
7595@item echo @var{text}
7596@kindex echo
29a2b744
RP
7597@c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
7598@c because it is not in ANSI.
1041a570
RP
7599Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
7600@var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
7601newline. @strong{No newline will be printed unless you specify one.}
7602In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
ed447b95 7603by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
1041a570
RP
7604string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
7605trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
7606To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
7607@samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
70b88761
RP
7608
7609A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
7610the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
7611
7612@example
7613echo This is some text\n\
7614which is continued\n\
7615onto several lines.\n
7616@end example
7617
7618produces the same output as
7619
7620@example
7621echo This is some text\n
7622echo which is continued\n
7623echo onto several lines.\n
7624@end example
7625
7626@item output @var{expression}
7627@kindex output
7628Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
7629newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
1041a570 7630value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on
e251e767 7631expressions.
70b88761
RP
7632
7633@item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
7634Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
ed447b95
RP
7635the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
7636formats}, for more information.
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RP
7637
7638@item printf @var{string}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
7639@kindex printf
7640Print the values of the @var{expressions} under the control of
d55320a0
RP
7641@var{string}. The @var{expressions} are separated by commas and may be
7642either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as specified by
7643@var{string}, exactly as if your program were to execute the C
7644subroutine
70b88761
RP
7645
7646@example
7647printf (@var{string}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
7648@end example
7649
7650For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
7651
0fd24984 7652@smallexample
70b88761 7653printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
0fd24984 7654@end smallexample
70b88761
RP
7655
7656The only backslash-escape sequences that you can use in the format
7657string are the simple ones that consist of backslash followed by a
7658letter.
7659@end table
7660
18fae2a8 7661@ifclear DOSHOST
4eb4cf57 7662@node Emacs
18fae2a8 7663@chapter Using @value{GDBN} under GNU Emacs
70b88761
RP
7664
7665@cindex emacs
7666A special interface allows you to use GNU Emacs to view (and
7667edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
18fae2a8 7668@value{GDBN}.
70b88761
RP
7669
7670To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
7671executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
18fae2a8 7672@value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
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RP
7673created Emacs buffer.
7674
18fae2a8 7675Using @value{GDBN} under Emacs is just like using @value{GDBN} normally except for two
70b88761
RP
7676things:
7677
7678@itemize @bullet
7679@item
e251e767 7680All ``terminal'' input and output goes through the Emacs buffer.
70b88761
RP
7681@end itemize
7682
18fae2a8 7683This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
70b88761
RP
7684and output done by the program you are debugging.
7685
7686This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
7687commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
7688in this way.
7689
3d3ab540
RP
7690All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
7691with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
7692way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
7693stop.
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RP
7694
7695@itemize @bullet
7696@item
18fae2a8 7697@value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
70b88761
RP
7698@end itemize
7699
18fae2a8
RP
7700Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
7701source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
70b88761 7702left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
fe715d06 7703source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
70b88761
RP
7704and the source.
7705
18fae2a8 7706Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
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RP
7707usual, but you probably will have no reason to use them.
7708
7709@quotation
7710@emph{Warning:} If the directory where your program resides is not your
7711current directory, it can be easy to confuse Emacs about the location of
7712the source files, in which case the auxiliary display buffer will not
18fae2a8
RP
7713appear to show your source. @value{GDBN} can find programs by searching your
7714environment's @code{PATH} variable, so the @value{GDBN} input and output
29a2b744 7715session will proceed normally; but Emacs does not get enough information
18fae2a8
RP
7716back from @value{GDBN} to locate the source files in this situation. To
7717avoid this problem, either start @value{GDBN} mode from the directory where
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RP
7718your program resides, or specify a full path name when prompted for the
7719@kbd{M-x gdb} argument.
7720
18fae2a8 7721A similar confusion can result if you use the @value{GDBN} @code{file} command to
70b88761 7722switch to debugging a program in some other location, from an existing
18fae2a8 7723@value{GDBN} buffer in Emacs.
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RP
7724@end quotation
7725
7726By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If
18fae2a8 7727you need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you keep
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RP
7728several configurations around, with different names) you can set the
7729Emacs variable @code{gdb-command-name}; for example,
1041a570 7730
70b88761
RP
7731@example
7732(setq gdb-command-name "mygdb")
7733@end example
1041a570 7734
70b88761
RP
7735@noindent
7736(preceded by @kbd{ESC ESC}, or typed in the @code{*scratch*} buffer, or
7737in your @file{.emacs} file) will make Emacs call the program named
7738``@code{mygdb}'' instead.
7739
18fae2a8 7740In the @value{GDBN} I/O buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
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RP
7741addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
7742
7743@table @kbd
7744@item C-h m
18fae2a8 7745Describe the features of Emacs' @value{GDBN} Mode.
70b88761
RP
7746
7747@item M-s
18fae2a8 7748Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
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RP
7749update the display window to show the current file and location.
7750
7751@item M-n
7752Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
18fae2a8 7753calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
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RP
7754to show the current file and location.
7755
7756@item M-i
18fae2a8 7757Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
70b88761
RP
7758display window accordingly.
7759
7760@item M-x gdb-nexti
18fae2a8 7761Execute to next instruction, using the @value{GDBN} @code{nexti} command; update
70b88761
RP
7762display window accordingly.
7763
7764@item C-c C-f
18fae2a8 7765Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
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RP
7766@code{finish} command.
7767
7768@item M-c
18fae2a8 7769Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
1041a570 7770command.
203eea5d
RP
7771
7772@emph{Warning:} In Emacs v19, this command is @kbd{C-c C-p}.
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7773
7774@item M-u
7775Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
7776(@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, emacs, The GNU Emacs Manual}),
18fae2a8 7777like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
203eea5d 7778
1041a570 7779@emph{Warning:} In Emacs v19, this command is @kbd{C-c C-u}.
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7780
7781@item M-d
7782Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
18fae2a8 7783@value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
203eea5d
RP
7784
7785@emph{Warning:} In Emacs v19, this command is @kbd{C-c C-d}.
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RP
7786
7787@item C-x &
7788Read the number where the cursor is positioned, and insert it at the end
18fae2a8 7789of the @value{GDBN} I/O buffer. For example, if you wish to disassemble code
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RP
7790around an address that was displayed earlier, type @kbd{disassemble};
7791then move the cursor to the address display, and pick up the
e251e767 7792argument for @code{disassemble} by typing @kbd{C-x &}.
70b88761 7793
ed447b95 7794You can customize this further by defining elements of the list
70b88761
RP
7795@code{gdb-print-command}; once it is defined, you can format or
7796otherwise process numbers picked up by @kbd{C-x &} before they are
c2bbbb22 7797inserted. A numeric argument to @kbd{C-x &} will both indicate that you
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RP
7798wish special formatting, and act as an index to pick an element of the
7799list. If the list element is a string, the number to be inserted is
7800formatted using the Emacs function @code{format}; otherwise the number
7801is passed as an argument to the corresponding list element.
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RP
7802@end table
7803
7804In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x SPC} (@code{gdb-break})
18fae2a8 7805tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
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RP
7806
7807If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
18fae2a8 7808it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
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7809request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this will recreate
7810the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
7811frame.
7812
7813The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
7814which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
18fae2a8 7815the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
70b88761 7816communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
18fae2a8 7817delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows will cease
ed447b95 7818to correspond properly with the code.
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7819
7820@c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
7821@c if/when v19 does something similar. ---pesch@cygnus.com 19dec1990
7822@ignore
e251e767 7823@kindex emacs epoch environment
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RP
7824@kindex epoch
7825@kindex inspect
7826
7827Version 18 of Emacs has a built-in window system called the @code{epoch}
7828environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
7829@code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
7830each value is printed in its own window.
7831@end ignore
18fae2a8 7832@end ifclear
70b88761 7833
18fae2a8 7834@ifset LUCID
4eb4cf57 7835@node Energize
18fae2a8 7836@chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Energize
6ca72cc6
RP
7837
7838@cindex Energize
7839The Energize Programming System is an integrated development environment
7840that includes a point-and-click interface to many programming tools.
18fae2a8
RP
7841When you use @value{GDBN} in this environment, you can use the standard
7842Energize graphical interface to drive @value{GDBN}; you can also, if you
7843choose, type @value{GDBN} commands as usual in a debugging window. Even if
6ca72cc6 7844you use the graphical interface, the debugging window (which uses Emacs,
18fae2a8 7845and resembles the standard Emacs interface to @value{GDBN}) displays the
6ca72cc6
RP
7846equivalent commands, so that the history of your debugging session is
7847properly reflected.
7848
18fae2a8 7849When Energize starts up a @value{GDBN} session, it uses one of the
6ca72cc6
RP
7850command-line options @samp{-energize} or @samp{-cadillac} (``cadillac''
7851is the name of the communications protocol used by the Energize system).
18fae2a8 7852This option makes @value{GDBN} run as one of the tools in the Energize Tool
6ca72cc6
RP
7853Set: it sends all output to the Energize kernel, and accept input from
7854it as well.
7855
7856See the user manual for the Energize Programming System for
7857information on how to use the Energize graphical interface and the other
18fae2a8 7858development tools that Energize integrates with @value{GDBN}.
6ca72cc6 7859
18fae2a8 7860@end ifset
4eb4cf57 7861
18fae2a8
RP
7862@node GDB Bugs
7863@chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
ed447b95
RP
7864@cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
7865@cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
70b88761 7866
18fae2a8 7867Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
70b88761
RP
7868
7869Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
7870may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
18fae2a8
RP
7871the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
7872reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
70b88761
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7873
7874In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
7875information that enables us to fix the bug.
7876
7877@menu
ed447b95
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7878* Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
7879* Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
70b88761
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7880@end menu
7881
4eb4cf57 7882@node Bug Criteria
93928b60 7883@section Have you found a bug?
ed447b95 7884@cindex bug criteria
70b88761
RP
7885
7886If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
7887
7888@itemize @bullet
7889@item
0f153e74 7890@cindex fatal signal
1d7c3357
RP
7891@cindex debugger crash
7892@cindex crash of debugger
70b88761 7893If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
18fae2a8 7894@value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
70b88761
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7895
7896@item
0f153e74 7897@cindex error on valid input
18fae2a8 7898If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a bug.
70b88761
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7899
7900@item
ed447b95 7901@cindex invalid input
18fae2a8 7902If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
70b88761
RP
7903that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
7904``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
7905for traditional practice''.
7906
7907@item
7908If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
18fae2a8 7909for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
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7910@end itemize
7911
4eb4cf57 7912@node Bug Reporting
93928b60 7913@section How to report bugs
0f153e74 7914@cindex bug reports
18fae2a8 7915@cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
70b88761
RP
7916
7917A number of companies and individuals offer support for GNU products.
18fae2a8 7918If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
e251e767 7919contact that organization first.
70b88761 7920
ed447b95
RP
7921You can find contact information for many support companies and
7922individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the GNU Emacs
7923distribution.
70b88761 7924
18fae2a8 7925In any event, we also recommend that you send bug reports for @value{GDBN} to one
70b88761
RP
7926of these addresses:
7927
7928@example
7929bug-gdb@@prep.ai.mit.edu
7930@{ucbvax|mit-eddie|uunet@}!prep.ai.mit.edu!bug-gdb
7931@end example
7932
7933@strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
18fae2a8 7934@samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do not want to
70b88761
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7935receive bug reports. Those that do, have arranged to receive @samp{bug-gdb}.
7936
3d3ab540
RP
7937The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
7938serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
7939the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
7940newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
7941problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
7942path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
7943we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
7944bug reports to the mailing list.
70b88761
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7945
7946As a last resort, send bug reports on paper to:
7947
7948@example
7949GNU Debugger Bugs
3d3ab540 7950Free Software Foundation
70b88761
RP
7951545 Tech Square
7952Cambridge, MA 02139
7953@end example
7954
7955The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
7956@strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
7957fact or leave it out, state it!
7958
7959Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
29a2b744 7960problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
70b88761 7961assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
29a2b744 7962Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
70b88761
RP
7963stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
7964name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
7965of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
7966the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
7967easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
7968
7969Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix
1041a570 7970the bug if it is new to us. It is not as important as what happens if
70b88761
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7971the bug is already known. Therefore, always write your bug reports on
7972the assumption that the bug has not been reported previously.
7973
7974Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
7975bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
7976@emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
7977bugs properly.
7978
7979To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
7980
7981@itemize @bullet
7982@item
18fae2a8 7983The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start with no
70b88761
RP
7984arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show version}.
7985
1041a570 7986Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
18fae2a8 7987the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
70b88761
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7988
7989@item
ddf21240
JG
7990The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
7991version number.
70b88761
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7992
7993@item
18fae2a8
RP
7994What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.
7995``@value{GCC}--2.0''.
70b88761 7996
ddf21240
JG
7997@item
7998What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you
18fae2a8 7999are debugging---e.g. ``@value{GCC}--2.0''.
ddf21240 8000
70b88761
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8001@item
8002The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
8003observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
1041a570 8004you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
ddf21240 8005Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
70b88761
RP
8006
8007If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
8008and then we might not encounter the bug.
8009
8010@item
ddf21240
JG
8011A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
8012reproduce the bug.
70b88761
RP
8013
8014@item
8015A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
8016incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
8017
18fae2a8 8018Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we will
70b88761
RP
8019certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might not
8020notice unless it is glaringly wrong. We are human, after all. You
8021might as well not give us a chance to make a mistake.
8022
8023Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
8024say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as,
18fae2a8 8025your copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a
70b88761
RP
8026bug in the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy
8027might crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash,
8028then when ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not
8029happening for us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we
8030would not be able to draw any conclusion from our observations.
8031
8032@item
18fae2a8
RP
8033If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
8034diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
70b88761
RP
8035it by context, not by line number.
8036
1041a570 8037The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
70b88761 8038sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
70b88761
RP
8039@end itemize
8040
8041Here are some things that are not necessary:
8042
8043@itemize @bullet
8044@item
8045A description of the envelope of the bug.
8046
8047Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
8048which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
8049changes will not affect it.
8050
8051This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
8052will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
8053with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
8054We recommend that you save your time for something else.
8055
8056Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
8057of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
8058output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
e251e767 8059less time, etc.
70b88761 8060
29a2b744 8061However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
70b88761
RP
8062report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
8063
8064@item
8065A patch for the bug.
8066
29a2b744 8067A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
70b88761
RP
8068the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
8069a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
8070to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
8071
18fae2a8 8072Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
70b88761 8073construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
1041a570
RP
8074through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
8075to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
70b88761 8076
29a2b744 8077And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
1041a570 8078patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
70b88761
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8079help us to understand.
8080
8081@item
8082A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
8083
29a2b744 8084Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
70b88761
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8085things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
8086@end itemize
8087
da24340c
RP
8088@c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
8089@c and consists of the two following files:
8090@c rluser.texinfo
8091@c inc-hist.texi
8092@c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
8093@c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
cacf5942
RP
8094@include rluser.texinfo
8095@include inc-hist.texi
70b88761 8096
18fae2a8 8097@ifset NOVEL
4eb4cf57 8098@node Renamed Commands
70b88761
RP
8099@appendix Renamed Commands
8100
c7cb8acb 8101The following commands were renamed in GDB 4, in order to make the
70b88761
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8102command set as a whole more consistent and easier to use and remember:
8103
e251e767
RP
8104@kindex add-syms
8105@kindex delete environment
8106@kindex info copying
8107@kindex info convenience
8108@kindex info directories
8109@kindex info editing
8110@kindex info history
8111@kindex info targets
8112@kindex info values
8113@kindex info version
8114@kindex info warranty
8115@kindex set addressprint
8116@kindex set arrayprint
8117@kindex set prettyprint
8118@kindex set screen-height
8119@kindex set screen-width
8120@kindex set unionprint
8121@kindex set vtblprint
8122@kindex set demangle
8123@kindex set asm-demangle
8124@kindex set sevenbit-strings
8125@kindex set array-max
8126@kindex set caution
8127@kindex set history write
8128@kindex show addressprint
8129@kindex show arrayprint
8130@kindex show prettyprint
8131@kindex show screen-height
8132@kindex show screen-width
8133@kindex show unionprint
8134@kindex show vtblprint
8135@kindex show demangle
8136@kindex show asm-demangle
8137@kindex show sevenbit-strings
8138@kindex show array-max
8139@kindex show caution
8140@kindex show history write
8141@kindex unset
70b88761 8142
92b73793 8143@c TEXI2ROFF-KILL
70b88761 8144@ifinfo
92b73793 8145@c END TEXI2ROFF-KILL
cf496415
RP
8146@example
8147OLD COMMAND NEW COMMAND
92b73793 8148@c TEXI2ROFF-KILL
cf496415 8149--------------- -------------------------------
92b73793 8150@c END TEXI2ROFF-KILL
cf496415
RP
8151add-syms add-symbol-file
8152delete environment unset environment
8153info convenience show convenience
8154info copying show copying
e251e767 8155info directories show directories
cf496415
RP
8156info editing show commands
8157info history show values
8158info targets help target
8159info values show values
8160info version show version
8161info warranty show warranty
8162set/show addressprint set/show print address
8163set/show array-max set/show print elements
8164set/show arrayprint set/show print array
8165set/show asm-demangle set/show print asm-demangle
8166set/show caution set/show confirm
8167set/show demangle set/show print demangle
8168set/show history write set/show history save
8169set/show prettyprint set/show print pretty
8170set/show screen-height set/show height
8171set/show screen-width set/show width
8172set/show sevenbit-strings set/show print sevenbit-strings
8173set/show unionprint set/show print union
8174set/show vtblprint set/show print vtbl
8175
8176unset [No longer an alias for delete]
8177@end example
92b73793 8178@c TEXI2ROFF-KILL
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8179@end ifinfo
8180
8181@tex
8182\vskip \parskip\vskip \baselineskip
8183\halign{\tt #\hfil &\qquad#&\tt #\hfil\cr
8184{\bf Old Command} &&{\bf New Command}\cr
8185add-syms &&add-symbol-file\cr
8186delete environment &&unset environment\cr
8187info convenience &&show convenience\cr
8188info copying &&show copying\cr
8189info directories &&show directories \cr
8190info editing &&show commands\cr
8191info history &&show values\cr
8192info targets &&help target\cr
8193info values &&show values\cr
8194info version &&show version\cr
8195info warranty &&show warranty\cr
8196set{\rm / }show addressprint &&set{\rm / }show print address\cr
8197set{\rm / }show array-max &&set{\rm / }show print elements\cr
8198set{\rm / }show arrayprint &&set{\rm / }show print array\cr
8199set{\rm / }show asm-demangle &&set{\rm / }show print asm-demangle\cr
8200set{\rm / }show caution &&set{\rm / }show confirm\cr
8201set{\rm / }show demangle &&set{\rm / }show print demangle\cr
8202set{\rm / }show history write &&set{\rm / }show history save\cr
8203set{\rm / }show prettyprint &&set{\rm / }show print pretty\cr
8204set{\rm / }show screen-height &&set{\rm / }show height\cr
8205set{\rm / }show screen-width &&set{\rm / }show width\cr
8206set{\rm / }show sevenbit-strings &&set{\rm / }show print sevenbit-strings\cr
8207set{\rm / }show unionprint &&set{\rm / }show print union\cr
8208set{\rm / }show vtblprint &&set{\rm / }show print vtbl\cr
8209\cr
8210unset &&\rm(No longer an alias for delete)\cr
8211}
8212@end tex
92b73793 8213@c END TEXI2ROFF-KILL
18fae2a8 8214@end ifset
70b88761 8215
18fae2a8 8216@ifclear PRECONFIGURED
4eb4cf57 8217@node Formatting Documentation
fe715d06 8218@appendix Formatting Documentation
77b46d13
JG
8219
8220@cindex GDB reference card
8221@cindex reference card
8222The GDB 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
b1385986 8223for printing with PostScript or GhostScript, in the @file{gdb}
ed447b95
RP
8224subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
8225@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
8226release.}. If you can use PostScript or GhostScript with your printer,
8227you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
77b46d13
JG
8228
8229The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
8230can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
8231
8232@example
8233make refcard.dvi
8234@end example
8235
8236The GDB reference card is designed to print in landscape mode on US
8237``letter'' size paper; that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
8238high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
8239your @sc{dvi} output program.
8240
8241@cindex documentation
8242
8243All the documentation for GDB comes as part of the machine-readable
8244distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
8245a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
8246on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
8247formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
8248and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
8249
8250GDB includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info version of
8251this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info file is
8252@file{gdb-@var{version-number}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
a89f94c2
RP
8253subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
8254necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
8255but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in GNU Emacs
8256or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the GNU
8257Texinfo distribution.
77b46d13
JG
8258
8259If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
8260Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
8261@code{makeinfo}.
8262
8263If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level GDB
18fae2a8 8264source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of version @value{GDBVN}), you can
77b46d13
JG
8265make the Info file by typing:
8266
8267@example
8268cd gdb
8269make gdb.info
8270@end example
8271
fe715d06
RP
8272If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
8273a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
8274Texinfo definitions file.
77b46d13 8275
83bfcbae 8276@TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
77b46d13
JG
8277produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
8278document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
8279has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
8280command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
fe715d06
RP
8281(for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
8282require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
77b46d13
JG
8283
8284@TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
8285@file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
8286written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot read, much less
8287typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
8288and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
8289directory.
8290
8291If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
8292typeset and print this manual. First switch to the the @file{gdb}
8293subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
18fae2a8 8294@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and then type:
77b46d13
JG
8295
8296@example
8297make gdb.dvi
8298@end example
8299
4eb4cf57 8300@node Installing GDB
c7cb8acb
RP
8301@appendix Installing GDB
8302@cindex configuring GDB
70b88761
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8303@cindex installation
8304
ed447b95
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8305GDB comes with a @code{configure} script that automates the process
8306of preparing GDB for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
8307build the @code{gdb} program.
f672bb7f
RP
8308@iftex
8309@c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
ed447b95
RP
8310@footnote{If you have a more recent version of GDB than @value{GDBVN},
8311look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
8312installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
f672bb7f
RP
8313@end iftex
8314
c7cb8acb 8315The GDB distribution includes all the source code you need for GDB in
1041a570
RP
8316a single directory, whose name is usually composed by appending the
8317version number to @samp{gdb}.
8318
ed447b95
RP
8319For example, the GDB version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
8320@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
b80282d5 8321
3d3ab540 8322@table @code
18fae2a8 8323@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
c7cb8acb 8324script for configuring GDB and all its supporting libraries.
b80282d5 8325
18fae2a8 8326@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
c7cb8acb 8327the source specific to GDB itself
3d3ab540 8328
18fae2a8 8329@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
77b46d13 8330source for the Binary File Descriptor library
3d3ab540 8331
18fae2a8 8332@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
b80282d5 8333GNU include files
3d3ab540 8334
18fae2a8 8335@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
3d3ab540
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8336source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
8337
18fae2a8 8338@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
3214c51c
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8339source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
8340
18fae2a8 8341@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
b80282d5 8342source for the GNU command-line interface
77b46d13 8343
18fae2a8 8344@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
77b46d13
JG
8345source for the GNU filename pattern-matching subroutine
8346
18fae2a8 8347@item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
77b46d13 8348source for the GNU memory-mapped malloc package
3d3ab540 8349@end table
1041a570 8350
c7cb8acb 8351The simplest way to configure and build GDB is to run @code{configure}
1041a570 8352from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
18fae2a8 8353this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
1041a570
RP
8354
8355First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
8356if you are not already in it; then run @code{configure}. Pass the
c7cb8acb 8357identifier for the platform on which GDB will run as an
1041a570
RP
8358argument.
8359
8360For example:
8361
7463aadd 8362@example
18fae2a8 8363cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
3d3ab540 8364./configure @var{host}
7463aadd
RP
8365make
8366@end example
1041a570 8367
7463aadd 8368@noindent
1041a570 8369where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
c7cb8acb 8370@samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where GDB will run.
d55320a0
RP
8371(You can often leave off @var{host}; @code{configure} tries to guess the
8372correct value by examining your system.)
1041a570 8373
8c69096b 8374Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
38962738
RP
8375@file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
8376libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
8377binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
3d3ab540 8378
e251e767 8379@code{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
29a2b744 8380system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
1041a570
RP
8381shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
8382
8383@example
8384sh configure @var{host}
8385@end example
e251e767 8386
f672bb7f
RP
8387If you run @code{configure} from a directory that contains source
8388directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
18fae2a8 8389@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN}, @code{configure}
f672bb7f 8390creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
98349959 8391you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
f672bb7f
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8392
8393You can run the @code{configure} script from any of the
d55320a0
RP
8394subordinate directories in the GDB distribution if you only want to
8395configure that subdirectory, but be sure to specify a path to it.
1041a570 8396
18fae2a8 8397For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, type the following to configure only
1041a570
RP
8398the @code{bfd} subdirectory:
8399
e251e767 8400@example
203eea5d 8401@group
18fae2a8 8402cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
e251e767 8403../configure @var{host}
203eea5d 8404@end group
e251e767
RP
8405@end example
8406
18fae2a8 8407You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
1041a570
RP
8408However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
8409the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
c7cb8acb
RP
8410that GDB uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
8411let GDB debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
3d3ab540
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8412
8413@menu
c7cb8acb 8414* Separate Objdir:: Compiling GDB in another directory
b80282d5
RP
8415* Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
8416* configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
3d3ab540
RP
8417@end menu
8418
4eb4cf57 8419@node Separate Objdir
93928b60 8420@section Compiling GDB in another directory
1041a570 8421
c7cb8acb 8422If you want to run GDB versions for several host or target machines,
ed447b95 8423you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
1041a570 8424host and target. @code{configure} is designed to make this easy by
f672bb7f
RP
8425allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
8426rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
8427handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (GNU @code{make} does), running
ed447b95 8428@code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
f672bb7f 8429program specified there.
b80282d5 8430
c7cb8acb 8431To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @code{configure}
f672bb7f 8432with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
93918348 8433(You also need to specify a path to find @code{configure}
77b46d13
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8434itself from your working directory. If the path to @code{configure}
8435would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
8436the @samp{--srcdir} option; it will be assumed.)
1041a570 8437
18fae2a8 8438For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build GDB in a separate
f672bb7f 8439directory for a Sun 4 like this:
70b88761
RP
8440
8441@example
3d3ab540 8442@group
18fae2a8 8443cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
f672bb7f
RP
8444mkdir ../gdb-sun4
8445cd ../gdb-sun4
18fae2a8 8446../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
70b88761 8447make
3d3ab540 8448@end group
70b88761
RP
8449@end example
8450
f672bb7f
RP
8451When @code{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
8452directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
8453(and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
8454the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
c7cb8acb 8455directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and GDB itself in
f672bb7f 8456@file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
1041a570 8457
38962738 8458One popular reason to build several GDB configurations in separate
c7cb8acb 8459directories is to configure GDB for cross-compiling (where GDB
f672bb7f
RP
8460runs on one machine---the host---while debugging programs that run on
8461another machine---the target). You specify a cross-debugging target by
8462giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @code{configure}.
c7637ea6 8463
1041a570 8464When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
f672bb7f
RP
8465it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
8466called @code{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
c7637ea6 8467
fe715d06 8468The @code{Makefile} that @code{configure} generates in each source
f672bb7f 8469directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
18fae2a8
RP
8470directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
8471directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{path}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
ed447b95 8472will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
3d3ab540 8473
f672bb7f
RP
8474When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
8475directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
8476if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
8477with each other.
3d3ab540 8478
4eb4cf57 8479@node Config Names
93928b60 8480@section Specifying names for hosts and targets
b80282d5
RP
8481
8482The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @code{configure}
8483script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
8484aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
e251e767 8485of information in the following pattern:
1041a570 8486
b80282d5
RP
8487@example
8488@var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
8489@end example
8490
8c69096b
RP
8491For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
8492or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
8493option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
b80282d5 8494
c7cb8acb 8495The @code{configure} script accompanying GDB does not provide
b80282d5
RP
8496any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
8497aliases. @code{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
8498@code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
8499script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
8500abbreviations---for example:
1041a570 8501
b1385986 8502@smallexample
b80282d5 8503% sh config.sub sun4
d55320a0 8504sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
b80282d5 8505% sh config.sub sun3
d55320a0 8506m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
b80282d5 8507% sh config.sub decstation
d55320a0 8508mips-dec-ultrix4.2
b80282d5
RP
8509% sh config.sub hp300bsd
8510m68k-hp-bsd
8511% sh config.sub i386v
6a8cb0e7 8512i386-unknown-sysv
e94b4a2b 8513% sh config.sub i786v
6a8cb0e7 8514Invalid configuration `i786v': machine `i786v' not recognized
b1385986 8515@end smallexample
1041a570 8516
c7637ea6 8517@noindent
1041a570 8518@code{config.sub} is also distributed in the GDB source
18fae2a8 8519directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
b80282d5 8520
4eb4cf57 8521@node configure Options
93928b60 8522@section @code{configure} options
7463aadd 8523
d48da190 8524Here is a summary of the @code{configure} options and arguments that
18fae2a8 8525are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @code{configure} also has
d48da190
RP
8526several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
8527Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @code{configure}.
8528@c FIXME: Would this be more, or less, useful as an xref (ref to printed
8529@c manual in the printed manual, ref to info file only from the info file)?
7463aadd
RP
8530
8531@example
d48da190
RP
8532configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
8533 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
8534 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{path}@r{]}
f672bb7f
RP
8535 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
8536 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]} @var{host}
7463aadd 8537@end example
1041a570 8538
3d3ab540 8539@noindent
f672bb7f
RP
8540You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
8541@samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
8542@samp{--}.
70b88761
RP
8543
8544@table @code
d48da190
RP
8545@item --help
8546Display a quick summary of how to invoke @code{configure}.
8547
8548@item -prefix=@var{dir}
8549Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
8550@file{@var{dir}}.
8551
f672bb7f 8552@item --srcdir=@var{path}
6ca72cc6
RP
8553@strong{Warning: using this option requires GNU @code{make}, or another
8554@code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
f672bb7f 8555Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
c7cb8acb 8556GDB source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
f672bb7f
RP
8557build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
8558directories. @code{configure} writes configuration specific files in
8559the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
8560directory @var{path}. @code{configure} will create directories under
8561the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
8562@var{path}.
8563
8564@item --norecursion
8565Configure only the directory level where @code{configure} is executed; do not
7463aadd
RP
8566propagate configuration to subdirectories.
8567
f672bb7f 8568@item --rm
d55320a0 8569@emph{Remove} files otherwise built during configuration.
7463aadd 8570
29a2b744 8571@c This does not work (yet if ever). FIXME.
f672bb7f 8572@c @item --parse=@var{lang} @dots{}
c7cb8acb
RP
8573@c Configure the GDB expression parser to parse the listed languages.
8574@c @samp{all} configures GDB for all supported languages. To get a
d7b569d5 8575@c list of all supported languages, omit the argument. Without this
c7cb8acb 8576@c option, GDB is configured to parse all supported languages.
c2bbbb22 8577
f672bb7f 8578@item --target=@var{target}
c7cb8acb
RP
8579Configure GDB for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
8580@var{target}. Without this option, GDB is configured to debug
8581programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as GDB itself.
b80282d5
RP
8582
8583There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
7463aadd
RP
8584
8585@item @var{host} @dots{}
c7cb8acb 8586Configure GDB to run on the specified @var{host}.
b80282d5
RP
8587
8588There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
70b88761
RP
8589@end table
8590
3d3ab540
RP
8591@noindent
8592@code{configure} accepts other options, for compatibility with
b80282d5 8593configuring other GNU tools recursively; but these are the only
c7cb8acb 8594options that affect GDB or its supporting libraries.
18fae2a8 8595@end ifclear
3d3ab540 8596
4eb4cf57 8597@node Index
d2e08421 8598@unnumbered Index
e91b87a3 8599
8600@printindex cp
8601
fe3f5fc8
RP
8602@tex
8603% I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
8604% meantime:
8605\long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
8606\centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
8607\centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
8608\centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
8609\centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
a6d0b6d3
RP
8610\centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
8611\centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
fe3f5fc8
RP
8612\centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
8613\centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
8614\page\colophon
a6d0b6d3 8615% Blame: pesch@cygnus.com, 1991.
fe3f5fc8
RP
8616@end tex
8617
e91b87a3 8618@contents
8619@bye
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