PR python/12227
[deliverable/binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998,
3 @c 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
4 @c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
5 @c
6 @c %**start of header
7 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
8 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
9 @setfilename gdb.info
10 @c
11 @include gdb-cfg.texi
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @syncodeindex ky cp
24 @syncodeindex tp cp
25
26 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
27 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
28 @syncodeindex vr cp
29 @syncodeindex fn cp
30
31 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
32 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
33 @set EDITION Ninth
34
35 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
36 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
37
38 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
39
40 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
41 @c manuals to an info tree.
42 @dircategory Software development
43 @direntry
44 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
45 @end direntry
46
47 @copying
48 Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
49 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
50 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
51
52 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
53 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.3 or
54 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
55 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
56 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
57 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
58
59 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
60 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
61 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
62 @end copying
63
64 @ifnottex
65 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
66
67 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
68 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
69 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
70 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
71 @end ifset
72 Version @value{GDBVN}.
73
74 @insertcopying
75 @end ifnottex
76
77 @titlepage
78 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
79 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
80 @sp 1
81 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
82 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
83 @sp 1
84 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
85 @end ifset
86 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
87 @page
88 @tex
89 {\parskip=0pt
90 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
91 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
92 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
93 }
94 @end tex
95
96 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
97 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
98 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
99 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
100 ISBN 1-882114-77-9 @*
101
102 @insertcopying
103 @page
104 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
105 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
106 software in general. We will miss him.
107 @end titlepage
108 @page
109
110 @ifnottex
111 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
112
113 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
114
115 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
116
117 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
118 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
119 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
120 @end ifset
121 Version @value{GDBVN}.
122
123 Copyright (C) 1988-2010 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
124
125 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
126 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
127 software in general. We will miss him.
128
129 @menu
130 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
132
133 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
134 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
135 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
136 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
137 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
138 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
139 * Stack:: Examining the stack
140 * Source:: Examining source files
141 * Data:: Examining data
142 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
143 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
144 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
145 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
146
147 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148
149 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
150 * Altering:: Altering execution
151 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
152 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
153 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
154 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
155 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
156 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
157 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
158 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
159 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
160 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
161 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
162 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
163
164 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
165
166 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
167 * Command Line Editing: (rluserman). Command Line Editing
168 * Using History Interactively: (history). Using History Interactively
169 @end ifset
170 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
171 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
172 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
173 @end ifclear
174 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
175 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
176 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
177 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
178 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
179 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
180 @value{GDBN}
181 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
182 the operating system
183 * Trace File Format:: GDB trace file format
184 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
185 how you can copy and share GDB
186 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
187 * Index:: Index
188 @end menu
189
190 @end ifnottex
191
192 @contents
193
194 @node Summary
195 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
196
197 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
198 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
199 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
200
201 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
202 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
203
204 @itemize @bullet
205 @item
206 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
207
208 @item
209 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
210
211 @item
212 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
213
214 @item
215 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
216 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
217 @end itemize
218
219 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
220 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
221 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
222
223 Support for D is partial. For information on D, see
224 @ref{D,,D}.
225
226 @cindex Modula-2
227 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
228 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
229
230 Support for OpenCL C is partial. For information on OpenCL C, see
231 @ref{OpenCL C,,OpenCL C}.
232
233 @cindex Pascal
234 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
235 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
236 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
237 syntax.
238
239 @cindex Fortran
240 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
241 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
242 underscore.
243
244 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
245 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
246
247 @menu
248 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
249 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
250 @end menu
251
252 @node Free Software
253 @unnumberedsec Free Software
254
255 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
256 General Public License
257 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
258 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
259 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
260 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
261 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
262 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
263
264 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
265 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
266 from anyone else.
267
268 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
269
270 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
271 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
272 include with the free software. Many of our most important
273 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
274 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
275 when an important free software package does not come with a free
276 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
277 gaps today.
278
279 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
280 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
281 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
282 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
283 them from the free software world.
284
285 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
286 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
287 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
288 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
289 contract to make it non-free.
290
291 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
292 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
293 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
294 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
295 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
296 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
297 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
298
299 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
300 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
301 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
302 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
303
304 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
305 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
306 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
307 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
308 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
309 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
310 community.
311
312 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
313 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
314 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
315 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
316 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
317 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
318 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
319 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
320 of the manual.
321
322 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
323 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
324 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
325 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
326 manual to replace it.
327
328 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
329 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
330 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
331 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
332 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
333 the free software community.
334
335 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
336 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
337 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
338 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
339 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
340 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
341 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
342 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
343 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
344
345 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
346 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
347 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
348 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
349 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
350 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
351 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
352 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
353
354 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
355 published by other publishers, at
356 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
357
358 @node Contributors
359 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
360
361 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
362 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
363 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
364 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
365 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
366 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
367 blow-by-blow account.
368
369 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
370
371 @quotation
372 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
373 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
374 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
375 @end quotation
376
377 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
378 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
379 releases:
380 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
381 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
382 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
383 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
384 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
385 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
386 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
387 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
388 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
389
390 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
391 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
392
393 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
394 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
395 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
396 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
397 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
398
399 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
400 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
401 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
402
403 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
404 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
405
406 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
407
408 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
409 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
410 support.
411 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
412 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
413 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
414 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
415 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
416 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
417 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
418 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
419 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
420 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
421 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
422 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
423 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
424 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
425 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
426 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
427
428 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
429
430 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
431 libraries.
432
433 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
434 about several machine instruction sets.
435
436 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
437 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
438 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
439 and RDI targets, respectively.
440
441 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
442 command-line editing and command history.
443
444 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
445 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
446
447 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
448 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
449 symbols.
450
451 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
452 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
453
454 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
455
456 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
457 processors.
458
459 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
460
461 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
462
463 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
464
465 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
466 watchpoints.
467
468 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
469
470 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
471
472 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
473 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
474
475 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
476 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
477 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
478 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
479 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
480 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
481 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
482
483 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
484 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
485
486 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
487 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
488 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
489 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
490 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
491 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
492 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
493 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
494 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
495 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
496 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
497 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
498 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
499 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
500 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
501
502 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
503 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
504
505 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
506 Hat.
507
508 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
509 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
510 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
511 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
512 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
513 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
514
515 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
516 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
517 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
518 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
519 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
520 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
521 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
522 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
523 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
524 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
525 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
526 Weigand.
527
528 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
529 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
530 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
531 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
532
533 Michael Eager and staff of Xilinx, Inc., contributed support for the
534 Xilinx MicroBlaze architecture.
535
536 @node Sample Session
537 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
538
539 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
540 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
541 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
542
543 @iftex
544 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
545 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
546 @end iftex
547
548 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
549 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
550
551 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
552 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
553 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
554 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
555 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
556 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
557 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
558 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
559 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
560
561 @smallexample
562 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
563 $ @b{./m4}
564 @b{define(foo,0000)}
565
566 @b{foo}
567 0000
568 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
569
570 @b{bar}
571 0000
572 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
573
574 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
575 @b{baz}
576 @b{Ctrl-d}
577 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
578 @end smallexample
579
580 @noindent
581 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
582
583 @smallexample
584 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
585 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
586 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
587 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
588 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
589 the conditions.
590 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
591 for details.
592
593 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
594 (@value{GDBP})
595 @end smallexample
596
597 @noindent
598 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
599 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
600 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
601 that examples fit in this manual.
602
603 @smallexample
604 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
605 @end smallexample
606
607 @noindent
608 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
609 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
610 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
611 @code{break} command.
612
613 @smallexample
614 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
615 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
616 @end smallexample
617
618 @noindent
619 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
620 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
621 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
622
623 @smallexample
624 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
625 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
626 @b{define(foo,0000)}
627
628 @b{foo}
629 0000
630 @end smallexample
631
632 @noindent
633 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
634 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
635 context where it stops.
636
637 @smallexample
638 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
639
640 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
641 at builtin.c:879
642 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
643 @end smallexample
644
645 @noindent
646 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
647 the next line of the current function.
648
649 @smallexample
650 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
651 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
652 : nil,
653 @end smallexample
654
655 @noindent
656 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
657 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
658 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
659 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
660
661 @smallexample
662 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
663 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
664 at input.c:530
665 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
666 @end smallexample
667
668 @noindent
669 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
670 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
671 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
672 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
673 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
674 stack frame for each active subroutine.
675
676 @smallexample
677 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
678 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
679 at input.c:530
680 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
681 at builtin.c:882
682 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
683 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
684 at macro.c:71
685 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
686 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
687 @end smallexample
688
689 @noindent
690 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
691 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
692 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
693
694 @smallexample
695 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
696 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
697 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
698 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
699 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
700 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
701 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
702 : xstrdup(rq);
703 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
704 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
705 @end smallexample
706
707 @noindent
708 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
709 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
710 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
711 (@code{print}) to see their values.
712
713 @smallexample
714 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
715 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
716 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
717 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
718 @end smallexample
719
720 @noindent
721 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
722 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
723 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
724
725 @smallexample
726 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
727 533 xfree(rquote);
728 534
729 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
730 : xstrdup (lq);
731 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
732 : xstrdup (rq);
733 537
734 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
735 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
736 540 @}
737 541
738 542 void
739 @end smallexample
740
741 @noindent
742 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
743 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
744
745 @smallexample
746 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
747 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
748 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
749 540 @}
750 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
751 $3 = 9
752 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
753 $4 = 7
754 @end smallexample
755
756 @noindent
757 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
758 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
759 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
760 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
761 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
762 assignments.
763
764 @smallexample
765 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
766 $5 = 7
767 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
768 $6 = 9
769 @end smallexample
770
771 @noindent
772 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
773 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
774 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
775 example that caused trouble initially:
776
777 @smallexample
778 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
779 Continuing.
780
781 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
782
783 baz
784 0000
785 @end smallexample
786
787 @noindent
788 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
789 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
790 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
791
792 @smallexample
793 @b{Ctrl-d}
794 Program exited normally.
795 @end smallexample
796
797 @noindent
798 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
799 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
800 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
801
802 @smallexample
803 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
804 @end smallexample
805
806 @node Invocation
807 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
808
809 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
810 The essentials are:
811 @itemize @bullet
812 @item
813 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
814 @item
815 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
816 @end itemize
817
818 @menu
819 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
820 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
821 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
822 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
823 @end menu
824
825 @node Invoking GDB
826 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
827
828 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
829 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
830
831 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
832 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
833
834 The command-line options described here are designed
835 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
836 options may effectively be unavailable.
837
838 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
839 specifying an executable program:
840
841 @smallexample
842 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
843 @end smallexample
844
845 @noindent
846 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
847 specified:
848
849 @smallexample
850 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
851 @end smallexample
852
853 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
854 to debug a running process:
855
856 @smallexample
857 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
858 @end smallexample
859
860 @noindent
861 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
862 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
863
864 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
865 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
866 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
867 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
868 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
869
870 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
871 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
872 option processing.
873 @smallexample
874 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
875 @end smallexample
876 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
877 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
878
879 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
880 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
881
882 @smallexample
883 @value{GDBP} -silent
884 @end smallexample
885
886 @noindent
887 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
888 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
889
890 @noindent
891 Type
892
893 @smallexample
894 @value{GDBP} -help
895 @end smallexample
896
897 @noindent
898 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
899 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
900
901 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
902 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
903 @samp{-x} option is used.
904
905
906 @menu
907 * File Options:: Choosing files
908 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
909 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
910 @end menu
911
912 @node File Options
913 @subsection Choosing Files
914
915 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
916 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
917 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
918 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
919 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
920 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
921 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
922 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
923 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
924 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
925 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
926 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
927 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
928
929 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
930 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
931 argument and ignore it.
932
933 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
934 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
935 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
936 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
937 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
938
939 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
940 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
941 @c it.
942
943 @table @code
944 @item -symbols @var{file}
945 @itemx -s @var{file}
946 @cindex @code{--symbols}
947 @cindex @code{-s}
948 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
949
950 @item -exec @var{file}
951 @itemx -e @var{file}
952 @cindex @code{--exec}
953 @cindex @code{-e}
954 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
955 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
956
957 @item -se @var{file}
958 @cindex @code{--se}
959 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
960 file.
961
962 @item -core @var{file}
963 @itemx -c @var{file}
964 @cindex @code{--core}
965 @cindex @code{-c}
966 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
967
968 @item -pid @var{number}
969 @itemx -p @var{number}
970 @cindex @code{--pid}
971 @cindex @code{-p}
972 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
973
974 @item -command @var{file}
975 @itemx -x @var{file}
976 @cindex @code{--command}
977 @cindex @code{-x}
978 Execute commands from file @var{file}. The contents of this file is
979 evaluated exactly as the @code{source} command would.
980 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
981
982 @item -eval-command @var{command}
983 @itemx -ex @var{command}
984 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
985 @cindex @code{-ex}
986 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
987
988 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
989 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
990
991 @smallexample
992 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
993 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
994 @end smallexample
995
996 @item -directory @var{directory}
997 @itemx -d @var{directory}
998 @cindex @code{--directory}
999 @cindex @code{-d}
1000 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
1001
1002 @item -r
1003 @itemx -readnow
1004 @cindex @code{--readnow}
1005 @cindex @code{-r}
1006 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
1007 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
1008 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
1009
1010 @end table
1011
1012 @node Mode Options
1013 @subsection Choosing Modes
1014
1015 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1016 batch mode or quiet mode.
1017
1018 @table @code
1019 @item -nx
1020 @itemx -n
1021 @cindex @code{--nx}
1022 @cindex @code{-n}
1023 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1024 @value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1025 options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1026 Files}.
1027
1028 @item -quiet
1029 @itemx -silent
1030 @itemx -q
1031 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1032 @cindex @code{--silent}
1033 @cindex @code{-q}
1034 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1035 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1036
1037 @item -batch
1038 @cindex @code{--batch}
1039 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1040 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1041 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1042 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1043 in the command files. Batch mode also disables pagination, sets unlimited
1044 terminal width and height @pxref{Screen Size}, and acts as if @kbd{set confirm
1045 off} were in effect (@pxref{Messages/Warnings}).
1046
1047 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1048 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1049 make this more useful, the message
1050
1051 @smallexample
1052 Program exited normally.
1053 @end smallexample
1054
1055 @noindent
1056 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1057 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1058 mode.
1059
1060 @item -batch-silent
1061 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1062 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1063 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1064 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1065 for an interactive session.
1066
1067 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1068 messages, for example.
1069
1070 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1071 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1072
1073 @item -return-child-result
1074 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1075 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1076 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1077
1078 @itemize @bullet
1079 @item
1080 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1081 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1082 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1083 @item
1084 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1085 @item
1086 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1087 the exit code will be -1.
1088 @end itemize
1089
1090 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1091 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1092 interface.
1093
1094 @item -nowindows
1095 @itemx -nw
1096 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1097 @cindex @code{-nw}
1098 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1099 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1100 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1101
1102 @item -windows
1103 @itemx -w
1104 @cindex @code{--windows}
1105 @cindex @code{-w}
1106 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1107 used if possible.
1108
1109 @item -cd @var{directory}
1110 @cindex @code{--cd}
1111 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1112 instead of the current directory.
1113
1114 @item -data-directory @var{directory}
1115 @cindex @code{--data-directory}
1116 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its data directory.
1117 The data directory is where @value{GDBN} searches for its
1118 auxiliary files. @xref{Data Files}.
1119
1120 @item -fullname
1121 @itemx -f
1122 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1123 @cindex @code{-f}
1124 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1125 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1126 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1127 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1128 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1129 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1130 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1131 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1132 frame.
1133
1134 @item -epoch
1135 @cindex @code{--epoch}
1136 The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1137 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1138 routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1139 separate window.
1140
1141 @item -annotate @var{level}
1142 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1143 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1144 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1145 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1146 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1147 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1148 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1149 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1150 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1151
1152 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1153 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1154
1155 @item --args
1156 @cindex @code{--args}
1157 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1158 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1159 This option stops option processing.
1160
1161 @item -baud @var{bps}
1162 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1163 @cindex @code{--baud}
1164 @cindex @code{-b}
1165 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1166 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1167
1168 @item -l @var{timeout}
1169 @cindex @code{-l}
1170 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1171 for remote debugging.
1172
1173 @item -tty @var{device}
1174 @itemx -t @var{device}
1175 @cindex @code{--tty}
1176 @cindex @code{-t}
1177 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1178 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1179
1180 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1181 @item -tui
1182 @cindex @code{--tui}
1183 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1184 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1185 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1186 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Alternatively, the
1187 Text User Interface can be enabled by invoking the program
1188 @samp{@value{GDBTUI}}. Do not use this option if you run @value{GDBN} from
1189 Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1190
1191 @c @item -xdb
1192 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1193 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1194 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1195 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1196 @c systems.
1197
1198 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1199 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1200 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1201 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1202 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1203 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1204
1205 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1206 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1207 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1208 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1209 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1210 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1211
1212 @item -write
1213 @cindex @code{--write}
1214 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1215 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1216 (@pxref{Patching}).
1217
1218 @item -statistics
1219 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1220 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1221 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1222
1223 @item -version
1224 @cindex @code{--version}
1225 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1226 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1227
1228 @end table
1229
1230 @node Startup
1231 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1232 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1233
1234 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1235
1236 @enumerate
1237 @item
1238 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1239 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1240
1241 @item
1242 @cindex init file
1243 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1244 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1245 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1246 that file.
1247
1248 @item
1249 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1250 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1251 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1252 that file.
1253
1254 @item
1255 Processes command line options and operands.
1256
1257 @item
1258 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1259 working directory. This is only done if the current directory is
1260 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1261 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1262 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1263 @value{GDBN}.
1264
1265 @item
1266 Reads command files specified by the @samp{-x} option. @xref{Command
1267 Files}, for more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1268
1269 @item
1270 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1271 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1272 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1273 @end enumerate
1274
1275 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1276 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1277 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1278 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1279 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1280 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1281
1282 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1283 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1284
1285 @cindex init file name
1286 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1287 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1288 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1289 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1290 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1291 ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1292 @file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1293 the file to the standard name.
1294
1295
1296 @node Quitting GDB
1297 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1298 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1299 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1300
1301 @table @code
1302 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1303 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1304 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1305 @itemx q
1306 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1307 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1308 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1309 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1310 error code.
1311 @end table
1312
1313 @cindex interrupt
1314 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1315 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1316 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1317 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1318 until a time when it is safe.
1319
1320 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1321 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1322 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1323
1324 @node Shell Commands
1325 @section Shell Commands
1326
1327 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1328 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1329 just use the @code{shell} command.
1330
1331 @table @code
1332 @kindex shell
1333 @cindex shell escape
1334 @item shell @var{command string}
1335 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1336 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1337 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1338 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1339 @end table
1340
1341 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1342 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1343 @value{GDBN}:
1344
1345 @table @code
1346 @kindex make
1347 @cindex calling make
1348 @item make @var{make-args}
1349 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1350 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1351 @end table
1352
1353 @node Logging Output
1354 @section Logging Output
1355 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1356 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1357
1358 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1359 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1360
1361 @table @code
1362 @kindex set logging
1363 @item set logging on
1364 Enable logging.
1365 @item set logging off
1366 Disable logging.
1367 @cindex logging file name
1368 @item set logging file @var{file}
1369 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1370 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1371 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1372 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1373 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1374 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1375 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1376 @kindex show logging
1377 @item show logging
1378 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1379 @end table
1380
1381 @node Commands
1382 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1383
1384 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1385 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1386 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1387 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1388 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1389
1390 @menu
1391 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1392 * Completion:: Command completion
1393 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1394 @end menu
1395
1396 @node Command Syntax
1397 @section Command Syntax
1398
1399 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1400 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1401 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1402 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1403 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1404 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1405
1406 @cindex abbreviation
1407 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1408 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1409 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1410 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1411 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1412 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1413 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1414
1415 @cindex repeating commands
1416 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1417 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1418 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1419 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1420 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1421 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1422 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1423
1424 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1425 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1426 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1427
1428 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1429 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1430 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1431 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1432 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1433
1434 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1435 @cindex comment
1436 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1437 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1438 Files,,Command Files}).
1439
1440 @cindex repeating command sequences
1441 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1442 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1443 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1444 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1445 for editing.
1446
1447 @node Completion
1448 @section Command Completion
1449
1450 @cindex completion
1451 @cindex word completion
1452 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1453 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1454 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1455 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1456
1457 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1458 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1459 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1460 enter it). For example, if you type
1461
1462 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1463 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1464 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1465 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1466 @smallexample
1467 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1468 @end smallexample
1469
1470 @noindent
1471 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1472 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1473
1474 @smallexample
1475 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1476 @end smallexample
1477
1478 @noindent
1479 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1480 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1481 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1482 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1483 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1484 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1485
1486 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1487 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1488 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1489 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1490 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1491 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1492 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1493 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1494 example:
1495
1496 @smallexample
1497 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1498 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1499 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1500 make_abs_section make_function_type
1501 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1502 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1503 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1504 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1505 @end smallexample
1506
1507 @noindent
1508 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1509 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1510 command.
1511
1512 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1513 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1514 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1515 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1516 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1517
1518 @cindex quotes in commands
1519 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1520 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1521 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1522 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1523 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1524 @value{GDBN} commands.
1525
1526 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1527 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1528 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1529 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1530 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1531 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1532 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1533 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1534 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1535 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1536 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1537
1538 @smallexample
1539 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1540 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1541 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1542 @end smallexample
1543
1544 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1545 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1546 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1547 place:
1548
1549 @smallexample
1550 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1551 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1552 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1553 @end smallexample
1554
1555 @noindent
1556 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1557 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1558 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1559
1560 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1561 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1562 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1563 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1564
1565 @cindex completion of structure field names
1566 @cindex structure field name completion
1567 @cindex completion of union field names
1568 @cindex union field name completion
1569 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1570 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1571 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1572 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1573 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1574 left-hand-side:
1575
1576 @smallexample
1577 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1578 magic to_delete to_fputs to_put to_rewind
1579 to_data to_flush to_isatty to_read to_write
1580 @end smallexample
1581
1582 @noindent
1583 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1584 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1585 follows:
1586
1587 @smallexample
1588 struct ui_file
1589 @{
1590 int *magic;
1591 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1592 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1593 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1594 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1595 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1596 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1597 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1598 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1599 void *to_data;
1600 @}
1601 @end smallexample
1602
1603
1604 @node Help
1605 @section Getting Help
1606 @cindex online documentation
1607 @kindex help
1608
1609 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1610 using the command @code{help}.
1611
1612 @table @code
1613 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1614 @item help
1615 @itemx h
1616 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1617 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1618
1619 @smallexample
1620 (@value{GDBP}) help
1621 List of classes of commands:
1622
1623 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1624 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1625 data -- Examining data
1626 files -- Specifying and examining files
1627 internals -- Maintenance commands
1628 obscure -- Obscure features
1629 running -- Running the program
1630 stack -- Examining the stack
1631 status -- Status inquiries
1632 support -- Support facilities
1633 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1634 stopping the program
1635 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1636
1637 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1638 commands in that class.
1639 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1640 documentation.
1641 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1642 (@value{GDBP})
1643 @end smallexample
1644 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1645
1646 @item help @var{class}
1647 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1648 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1649 help display for the class @code{status}:
1650
1651 @smallexample
1652 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1653 Status inquiries.
1654
1655 List of commands:
1656
1657 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1658 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1659 info -- Generic command for showing things
1660 about the program being debugged
1661 show -- Generic command for showing things
1662 about the debugger
1663
1664 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1665 documentation.
1666 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1667 (@value{GDBP})
1668 @end smallexample
1669
1670 @item help @var{command}
1671 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1672 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1673
1674 @kindex apropos
1675 @item apropos @var{args}
1676 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1677 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1678 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1679
1680 @smallexample
1681 apropos reload
1682 @end smallexample
1683
1684 @noindent
1685 results in:
1686
1687 @smallexample
1688 @c @group
1689 set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1690 multiple times in one run
1691 show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1692 multiple times in one run
1693 @c @end group
1694 @end smallexample
1695
1696 @kindex complete
1697 @item complete @var{args}
1698 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1699 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1700 command you want completed. For example:
1701
1702 @smallexample
1703 complete i
1704 @end smallexample
1705
1706 @noindent results in:
1707
1708 @smallexample
1709 @group
1710 if
1711 ignore
1712 info
1713 inspect
1714 @end group
1715 @end smallexample
1716
1717 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1718 @end table
1719
1720 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1721 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1722 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1723 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1724 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1725 all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1726
1727 @c @group
1728 @table @code
1729 @kindex info
1730 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1731 @item info
1732 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1733 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1734 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1735 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1736 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1737 @w{@code{help info}}.
1738
1739 @kindex set
1740 @item set
1741 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1742 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1743 @code{set prompt $}.
1744
1745 @kindex show
1746 @item show
1747 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1748 @value{GDBN} itself.
1749 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1750 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1751 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1752 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1753
1754 @kindex info set
1755 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1756 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1757 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1758 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1759 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1760 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1761 @end table
1762 @c @end group
1763
1764 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1765 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1766
1767 @table @code
1768 @kindex show version
1769 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1770 @item show version
1771 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1772 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1773 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1774 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1775 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1776 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1777 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1778 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1779 @value{GDBN}.
1780
1781 @kindex show copying
1782 @kindex info copying
1783 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1784 @item show copying
1785 @itemx info copying
1786 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1787
1788 @kindex show warranty
1789 @kindex info warranty
1790 @item show warranty
1791 @itemx info warranty
1792 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1793 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1794
1795 @end table
1796
1797 @node Running
1798 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1799
1800 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1801 debugging information when you compile it.
1802
1803 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1804 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1805 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1806 kill a child process.
1807
1808 @menu
1809 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1810 * Starting:: Starting your program
1811 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1812 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1813
1814 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1815 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1816 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1817 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1818
1819 * Inferiors and Programs:: Debugging multiple inferiors and programs
1820 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1821 * Forks:: Debugging forks
1822 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1823 @end menu
1824
1825 @node Compilation
1826 @section Compiling for Debugging
1827
1828 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1829 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1830 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1831 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1832 and addresses in the executable code.
1833
1834 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1835 the compiler.
1836
1837 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1838 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1839 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1840 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1841 executables containing debugging information.
1842
1843 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1844 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1845 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1846 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1847 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1848
1849 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1850 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1851 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1852
1853 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1854 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1855 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1856 the @option{-g} flag alone, because this information is rather large.
1857 Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
1858 provides macro information if you specify the options
1859 @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3}; the former option requests
1860 debugging information in the Dwarf 2 format, and the latter requests
1861 ``extra information''. In the future, we hope to find more compact
1862 ways to represent macro information, so that it can be included with
1863 @option{-g} alone.
1864
1865 @need 2000
1866 @node Starting
1867 @section Starting your Program
1868 @cindex starting
1869 @cindex running
1870
1871 @table @code
1872 @kindex run
1873 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1874 @item run
1875 @itemx r
1876 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1877 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1878 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1879 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1880 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1881
1882 @end table
1883
1884 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1885 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1886 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1887 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1888 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1889 message like this one:
1890
1891 @smallexample
1892 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1893 Try "help target" or "continue".
1894 @end smallexample
1895
1896 @noindent
1897 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1898 first (@pxref{load}).
1899
1900 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1901 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1902 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1903 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1904 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1905 divided into four categories:
1906
1907 @table @asis
1908 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1909 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1910 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1911 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1912 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1913 the arguments.
1914 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1915 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1916 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1917
1918 @item The @emph{environment.}
1919 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1920 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1921 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1922 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1923
1924 @item The @emph{working directory.}
1925 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1926 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1927 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1928
1929 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1930 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1931 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1932 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1933 set a different device for your program.
1934 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1935
1936 @cindex pipes
1937 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1938 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1939 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1940 wrong program.
1941 @end table
1942
1943 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1944 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
1945 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1946 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1947 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1948
1949 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1950 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1951 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1952 your current breakpoints.
1953
1954 @table @code
1955 @kindex start
1956 @item start
1957 @cindex run to main procedure
1958 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
1959 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
1960 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
1961 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
1962 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
1963 procedure, depending on the language used.
1964
1965 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
1966 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
1967 the @samp{run} command.
1968
1969 @cindex elaboration phase
1970 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
1971 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
1972 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
1973 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
1974 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
1975 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
1976 will remain to halt execution.
1977
1978 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
1979 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
1980 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
1981 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
1982 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
1983
1984 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
1985 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
1986 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
1987 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
1988 elaboration code before running your program.
1989
1990 @kindex set exec-wrapper
1991 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
1992 @itemx show exec-wrapper
1993 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
1994 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
1995 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
1996 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
1997 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
1998 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
1999 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
2000 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
2001
2002 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
2003 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
2004 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
2005 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
2006
2007 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
2008 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
2009 environment:
2010
2011 @smallexample
2012 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2013 (@value{GDBP}) run
2014 @end smallexample
2015
2016 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2017 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2018
2019 @kindex set disable-randomization
2020 @item set disable-randomization
2021 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2022 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2023 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2024 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2025 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2026
2027 This feature is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux. You can get the same
2028 behavior using
2029
2030 @smallexample
2031 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2032 @end smallexample
2033
2034 @item set disable-randomization off
2035 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2036 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2037 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2038 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2039 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2040 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2041
2042 The virtual address space randomization is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2043 It protects the programs against some kinds of security attacks. In these
2044 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2045 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2046 a code at its expected addresses.
2047
2048 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2049 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2050 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2051 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2052 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2053 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2054 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2055 a randomly chosen address.
2056
2057 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2058 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2059 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2060 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2061 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2062
2063 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2064 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2065
2066 @item show disable-randomization
2067 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2068 the virtual address space of the started program.
2069
2070 @end table
2071
2072 @node Arguments
2073 @section Your Program's Arguments
2074
2075 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2076 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2077 @code{run} command.
2078 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2079 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2080 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2081 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2082 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2083
2084 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2085 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2086 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2087 the program, not by the shell.
2088
2089 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2090 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2091
2092 @table @code
2093 @kindex set args
2094 @item set args
2095 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2096 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2097 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2098 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2099 it again without arguments.
2100
2101 @kindex show args
2102 @item show args
2103 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2104 @end table
2105
2106 @node Environment
2107 @section Your Program's Environment
2108
2109 @cindex environment (of your program)
2110 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2111 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2112 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2113 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2114 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2115 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2116 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2117
2118 @table @code
2119 @kindex path
2120 @item path @var{directory}
2121 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2122 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2123 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2124 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2125 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2126 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2127 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2128
2129 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2130 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2131 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2132 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2133 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2134 @var{directory} to the search path.
2135 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2136 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2137
2138 @kindex show paths
2139 @item show paths
2140 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2141 environment variable).
2142
2143 @kindex show environment
2144 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2145 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2146 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2147 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2148 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2149
2150 @kindex set environment
2151 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2152 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2153 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2154 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2155 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2156 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2157 null value.
2158 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2159 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2160
2161 For example, this command:
2162
2163 @smallexample
2164 set env USER = foo
2165 @end smallexample
2166
2167 @noindent
2168 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2169 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2170 are not actually required.)
2171
2172 @kindex unset environment
2173 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2174 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2175 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2176 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2177 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2178 @end table
2179
2180 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2181 the shell indicated
2182 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2183 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2184 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2185 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2186 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2187 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2188 @file{.profile}.
2189
2190 @node Working Directory
2191 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2192
2193 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2194 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2195 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2196 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2197 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2198 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2199
2200 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2201 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2202 Specify Files}.
2203
2204 @table @code
2205 @kindex cd
2206 @cindex change working directory
2207 @item cd @var{directory}
2208 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2209
2210 @kindex pwd
2211 @item pwd
2212 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2213 @end table
2214
2215 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2216 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2217 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2218 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2219 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2220 current working directory of the debuggee.
2221
2222 @node Input/Output
2223 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2224
2225 @cindex redirection
2226 @cindex i/o
2227 @cindex terminal
2228 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2229 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2230 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2231 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2232 running your program.
2233
2234 @table @code
2235 @kindex info terminal
2236 @item info terminal
2237 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2238 program is using.
2239 @end table
2240
2241 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2242 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2243
2244 @smallexample
2245 run > outfile
2246 @end smallexample
2247
2248 @noindent
2249 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2250
2251 @kindex tty
2252 @cindex controlling terminal
2253 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2254 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2255 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2256 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2257 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2258
2259 @smallexample
2260 tty /dev/ttyb
2261 @end smallexample
2262
2263 @noindent
2264 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2265 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2266 that as their controlling terminal.
2267
2268 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2269 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2270 terminal.
2271
2272 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2273 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2274 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2275 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2276
2277 @cindex inferior tty
2278 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2279 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2280 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2281 program.
2282
2283 @table @code
2284 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2285 @kindex set inferior-tty
2286 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2287
2288 @item show inferior-tty
2289 @kindex show inferior-tty
2290 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2291 @end table
2292
2293 @node Attach
2294 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2295 @kindex attach
2296 @cindex attach
2297
2298 @table @code
2299 @item attach @var{process-id}
2300 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2301 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2302 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2303 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2304 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2305
2306 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2307 executing the command.
2308 @end table
2309
2310 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2311 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2312 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2313 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2314
2315 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2316 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2317 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2318 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2319 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2320 Specify Files}.
2321
2322 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2323 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2324 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2325 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2326 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2327 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2328 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2329
2330 @table @code
2331 @kindex detach
2332 @item detach
2333 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2334 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2335 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2336 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2337 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2338 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2339 executing the command.
2340 @end table
2341
2342 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2343 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2344 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2345 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2346 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2347 Messages}).
2348
2349 @node Kill Process
2350 @section Killing the Child Process
2351
2352 @table @code
2353 @kindex kill
2354 @item kill
2355 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2356 @end table
2357
2358 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2359 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2360 is running.
2361
2362 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2363 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2364 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2365 outside the debugger.
2366
2367 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2368 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2369 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2370 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2371 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2372 breakpoint settings).
2373
2374 @node Inferiors and Programs
2375 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs
2376
2377 @value{GDBN} lets you run and debug multiple programs in a single
2378 session. In addition, @value{GDBN} on some systems may let you run
2379 several programs simultaneously (otherwise you have to exit from one
2380 before starting another). In the most general case, you can have
2381 multiple threads of execution in each of multiple processes, launched
2382 from multiple executables.
2383
2384 @cindex inferior
2385 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2386 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2387 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2388 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2389 may be retained after a process exits. Inferiors have unique
2390 identifiers that are different from process ids. Usually each
2391 inferior will also have its own distinct address space, although some
2392 embedded targets may have several inferiors running in different parts
2393 of a single address space. Each inferior may in turn have multiple
2394 threads running in it.
2395
2396 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @w{@code{info
2397 inferiors}}:
2398
2399 @table @code
2400 @kindex info inferiors
2401 @item info inferiors
2402 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2403
2404 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2405
2406 @enumerate
2407 @item
2408 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2409
2410 @item
2411 the target system's inferior identifier
2412
2413 @item
2414 the name of the executable the inferior is running.
2415
2416 @end enumerate
2417
2418 @noindent
2419 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2420 indicates the current inferior.
2421
2422 For example,
2423 @end table
2424 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2425
2426 @smallexample
2427 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2428 Num Description Executable
2429 2 process 2307 hello
2430 * 1 process 3401 goodbye
2431 @end smallexample
2432
2433 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2434
2435 @table @code
2436 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2437 @item inferior @var{infno}
2438 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2439 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2440 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2441 @end table
2442
2443
2444 You can get multiple executables into a debugging session via the
2445 @code{add-inferior} and @w{@code{clone-inferior}} commands. On some
2446 systems @value{GDBN} can add inferiors to the debug session
2447 automatically by following calls to @code{fork} and @code{exec}. To
2448 remove inferiors from the debugging session use the
2449 @w{@code{remove-inferior}} command.
2450
2451 @table @code
2452 @kindex add-inferior
2453 @item add-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ -exec @var{executable} ]
2454 Adds @var{n} inferiors to be run using @var{executable} as the
2455 executable. @var{n} defaults to 1. If no executable is specified,
2456 the inferiors begins empty, with no program. You can still assign or
2457 change the program assigned to the inferior at any time by using the
2458 @code{file} command with the executable name as its argument.
2459
2460 @kindex clone-inferior
2461 @item clone-inferior [ -copies @var{n} ] [ @var{infno} ]
2462 Adds @var{n} inferiors ready to execute the same program as inferior
2463 @var{infno}. @var{n} defaults to 1. @var{infno} defaults to the
2464 number of the current inferior. This is a convenient command when you
2465 want to run another instance of the inferior you are debugging.
2466
2467 @smallexample
2468 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2469 Num Description Executable
2470 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2471 (@value{GDBP}) clone-inferior
2472 Added inferior 2.
2473 1 inferiors added.
2474 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2475 Num Description Executable
2476 2 <null> helloworld
2477 * 1 process 29964 helloworld
2478 @end smallexample
2479
2480 You can now simply switch focus to inferior 2 and run it.
2481
2482 @kindex remove-inferior
2483 @item remove-inferior @var{infno}
2484 Removes the inferior @var{infno}. It is not possible to remove an
2485 inferior that is running with this command. For those, use the
2486 @code{kill} or @code{detach} command first.
2487
2488 @end table
2489
2490 To quit debugging one of the running inferiors that is not the current
2491 inferior, you can either detach from it by using the @w{@code{detach
2492 inferior}} command (allowing it to run independently), or kill it
2493 using the @w{@code{kill inferior}} command:
2494
2495 @table @code
2496 @kindex detach inferior @var{infno}
2497 @item detach inferior @var{infno}
2498 Detach from the inferior identified by @value{GDBN} inferior number
2499 @var{infno}. Note that the inferior's entry still stays on the list
2500 of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its Description will
2501 show @samp{<null>}.
2502
2503 @kindex kill inferior @var{infno}
2504 @item kill inferior @var{infno}
2505 Kill the inferior identified by @value{GDBN} inferior number
2506 @var{infno}. Note that the inferior's entry still stays on the list
2507 of inferiors shown by @code{info inferiors}, but its Description will
2508 show @samp{<null>}.
2509 @end table
2510
2511 After the successful completion of a command such as @code{detach},
2512 @code{detach inferior}, @code{kill} or @code{kill inferior}, or after
2513 a normal process exit, the inferior is still valid and listed with
2514 @code{info inferiors}, ready to be restarted.
2515
2516
2517 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2518 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2519
2520 @table @code
2521 @kindex set print inferior-events
2522 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2523 @item set print inferior-events
2524 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2525 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2526 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2527 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2528 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2529 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2530
2531 @kindex show print inferior-events
2532 @item show print inferior-events
2533 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2534 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2535 @end table
2536
2537 Many commands will work the same with multiple programs as with a
2538 single program: e.g., @code{print myglobal} will simply display the
2539 value of @code{myglobal} in the current inferior.
2540
2541
2542 Occasionaly, when debugging @value{GDBN} itself, it may be useful to
2543 get more info about the relationship of inferiors, programs, address
2544 spaces in a debug session. You can do that with the @w{@code{maint
2545 info program-spaces}} command.
2546
2547 @table @code
2548 @kindex maint info program-spaces
2549 @item maint info program-spaces
2550 Print a list of all program spaces currently being managed by
2551 @value{GDBN}.
2552
2553 @value{GDBN} displays for each program space (in this order):
2554
2555 @enumerate
2556 @item
2557 the program space number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2558
2559 @item
2560 the name of the executable loaded into the program space, with e.g.,
2561 the @code{file} command.
2562
2563 @end enumerate
2564
2565 @noindent
2566 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} program space number
2567 indicates the current program space.
2568
2569 In addition, below each program space line, @value{GDBN} prints extra
2570 information that isn't suitable to display in tabular form. For
2571 example, the list of inferiors bound to the program space.
2572
2573 @smallexample
2574 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2575 Id Executable
2576 2 goodbye
2577 Bound inferiors: ID 1 (process 21561)
2578 * 1 hello
2579 @end smallexample
2580
2581 Here we can see that no inferior is running the program @code{hello},
2582 while @code{process 21561} is running the program @code{goodbye}. On
2583 some targets, it is possible that multiple inferiors are bound to the
2584 same program space. The most common example is that of debugging both
2585 the parent and child processes of a @code{vfork} call. For example,
2586
2587 @smallexample
2588 (@value{GDBP}) maint info program-spaces
2589 Id Executable
2590 * 1 vfork-test
2591 Bound inferiors: ID 2 (process 18050), ID 1 (process 18045)
2592 @end smallexample
2593
2594 Here, both inferior 2 and inferior 1 are running in the same program
2595 space as a result of inferior 1 having executed a @code{vfork} call.
2596 @end table
2597
2598 @node Threads
2599 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2600
2601 @cindex threads of execution
2602 @cindex multiple threads
2603 @cindex switching threads
2604 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2605 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2606 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2607 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2608 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2609 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2610 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2611
2612 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2613 programs:
2614
2615 @itemize @bullet
2616 @item automatic notification of new threads
2617 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2618 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2619 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2620 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2621 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2622 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2623 messages on thread start and exit.
2624 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2625 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2626 isn't compatible with the program.
2627 @end itemize
2628
2629 @quotation
2630 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2631 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2632 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2633 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2634 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2635 like this:
2636
2637 @smallexample
2638 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2639 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2640 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2641 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2642 @end smallexample
2643 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2644 @c doesn't support threads"?
2645 @end quotation
2646
2647 @cindex focus of debugging
2648 @cindex current thread
2649 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2650 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2651 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2652 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2653 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2654
2655 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2656 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2657 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2658 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2659 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2660 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2661 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2662 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2663 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2664 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2665
2666 @smallexample
2667 [New Thread 46912507313328 (LWP 25582)]
2668 @end smallexample
2669
2670 @noindent
2671 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2672 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2673 further qualifier.
2674
2675 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2676 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2677 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2678 @c program?
2679 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2680 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2681 @c threads ab initio?
2682
2683 @cindex thread number
2684 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2685 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2686 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2687
2688 @table @code
2689 @kindex info threads
2690 @item info threads
2691 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2692 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2693
2694 @enumerate
2695 @item
2696 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2697
2698 @item
2699 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2700
2701 @item
2702 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2703 @end enumerate
2704
2705 @noindent
2706 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2707 indicates the current thread.
2708
2709 For example,
2710 @end table
2711 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2712
2713 @smallexample
2714 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2715 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2716 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2717 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2718 at threadtest.c:68
2719 @end smallexample
2720
2721 On HP-UX systems:
2722
2723 @cindex debugging multithreaded programs (on HP-UX)
2724 @cindex thread identifier (GDB), on HP-UX
2725 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2726 number---a small integer assigned in thread-creation order---with each
2727 thread in your program.
2728
2729 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message, on HP-UX
2730 @cindex thread identifier (system), on HP-UX
2731 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2732 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2733 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2734 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2735 both @value{GDBN}'s thread number and the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2736 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2737 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2738 HP-UX, you see
2739
2740 @smallexample
2741 [New thread 2 (system thread 26594)]
2742 @end smallexample
2743
2744 @noindent
2745 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread.
2746
2747 @table @code
2748 @kindex info threads (HP-UX)
2749 @item info threads
2750 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2751 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2752
2753 @enumerate
2754 @item the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2755
2756 @item the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2757
2758 @item the current stack frame summary for that thread
2759 @end enumerate
2760
2761 @noindent
2762 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2763 indicates the current thread.
2764
2765 For example,
2766 @end table
2767 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2768
2769 @smallexample
2770 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2771 * 3 system thread 26607 worker (wptr=0x7b09c318 "@@") \@*
2772 at quicksort.c:137
2773 2 system thread 26606 0x7b0030d8 in __ksleep () \@*
2774 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2775 1 system thread 27905 0x7b003498 in _brk () \@*
2776 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2777 @end smallexample
2778
2779 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2780 Solaris-specific command:
2781
2782 @table @code
2783 @item maint info sol-threads
2784 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2785 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2786 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2787 @end table
2788
2789 @table @code
2790 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2791 @item thread @var{threadno}
2792 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2793 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2794 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2795 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2796 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2797
2798 @smallexample
2799 @c FIXME!! This example made up; find a @value{GDBN} w/threads and get real one
2800 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2801 [Switching to process 35 thread 23]
2802 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2803 @end smallexample
2804
2805 @noindent
2806 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2807 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2808 threads.
2809
2810 @vindex $_thread@r{, convenience variable}
2811 The debugger convenience variable @samp{$_thread} contains the number
2812 of the current thread. You may find this useful in writing breakpoint
2813 conditional expressions, command scripts, and so forth. See
2814 @xref{Convenience Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for general
2815 information on convenience variables.
2816
2817 @kindex thread apply
2818 @cindex apply command to several threads
2819 @item thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{command}
2820 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2821 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2822 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2823 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2824 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2825 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2826 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2827
2828 @kindex set print thread-events
2829 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2830 @item set print thread-events
2831 @itemx set print thread-events on
2832 @itemx set print thread-events off
2833 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2834 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2835 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2836 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2837 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2838
2839 @kindex show print thread-events
2840 @item show print thread-events
2841 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2842 have started and exited.
2843 @end table
2844
2845 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2846 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2847 programs with multiple threads.
2848
2849 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2850 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2851
2852 @table @code
2853 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2854 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2855 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2856 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2857 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2858 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2859 an empty list.
2860
2861 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2862 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2863 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2864 to find @code{libthread_db}. If that fails, @value{GDBN} will continue
2865 with default system shared library directories, and finally the directory
2866 from which @code{libpthread} was loaded in the inferior process.
2867
2868 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2869 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2870 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2871 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2872 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2873 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2874 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2875
2876 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2877 only on some platforms.
2878
2879 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2880 @item show libthread-db-search-path
2881 Display current libthread_db search path.
2882
2883 @kindex set debug libthread-db
2884 @kindex show debug libthread-db
2885 @cindex debugging @code{libthread_db}
2886 @item set debug libthread-db
2887 @itemx show debug libthread-db
2888 Turns on or off display of @code{libthread_db}-related events.
2889 Use @code{1} to enable, @code{0} to disable.
2890 @end table
2891
2892 @node Forks
2893 @section Debugging Forks
2894
2895 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2896 @cindex multiple processes
2897 @cindex processes, multiple
2898 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2899 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2900 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2901 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2902 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2903 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2904 will cause it to terminate.
2905
2906 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2907 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2908 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2909 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2910 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2911 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2912 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2913 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2914 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2915 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2916
2917 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2918 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2919 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2920 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2921
2922 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2923 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2924
2925 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2926 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2927
2928 @table @code
2929 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
2930 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2931 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2932 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2933 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2934
2935 @table @code
2936 @item parent
2937 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2938 unimpeded. This is the default.
2939
2940 @item child
2941 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2942 unimpeded.
2943
2944 @end table
2945
2946 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
2947 @item show follow-fork-mode
2948 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2949 @end table
2950
2951 @cindex debugging multiple processes
2952 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
2953 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
2954
2955 @table @code
2956 @kindex set detach-on-fork
2957 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
2958 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
2959 retain debugger control over them both.
2960
2961 @table @code
2962 @item on
2963 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
2964 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
2965 independently. This is the default.
2966
2967 @item off
2968 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2969 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
2970 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
2971 is held suspended.
2972
2973 @end table
2974
2975 @kindex show detach-on-fork
2976 @item show detach-on-fork
2977 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
2978 @end table
2979
2980 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
2981 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
2982 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
2983 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
2984 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors and
2985 Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors and Programs}).
2986
2987 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
2988 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferior}} command (allowing it
2989 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferior}}
2990 command. @xref{Inferiors and Programs, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors
2991 and Programs}.
2992
2993 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
2994 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
2995 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
2996 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
2997 the child process's @code{main}.
2998
2999 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
3000 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
3001
3002 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
3003 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent
3004 process, use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name
3005 as its argument. By default, after an @code{exec} call executes,
3006 @value{GDBN} discards the symbols of the previous executable image.
3007 You can change this behaviour with the @w{@code{set follow-exec-mode}}
3008 command.
3009
3010 @table @code
3011 @kindex set follow-exec-mode
3012 @item set follow-exec-mode @var{mode}
3013
3014 Set debugger response to a program call of @code{exec}. An
3015 @code{exec} call replaces the program image of a process.
3016
3017 @code{follow-exec-mode} can be:
3018
3019 @table @code
3020 @item new
3021 @value{GDBN} creates a new inferior and rebinds the process to this
3022 new inferior. The program the process was running before the
3023 @code{exec} call can be restarted afterwards by restarting the
3024 original inferior.
3025
3026 For example:
3027
3028 @smallexample
3029 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3030 (gdb) info inferior
3031 Id Description Executable
3032 * 1 <null> prog1
3033 (@value{GDBP}) run
3034 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3035 Program exited normally.
3036 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3037 Id Description Executable
3038 * 2 <null> prog2
3039 1 <null> prog1
3040 @end smallexample
3041
3042 @item same
3043 @value{GDBN} keeps the process bound to the same inferior. The new
3044 executable image replaces the previous executable loaded in the
3045 inferior. Restarting the inferior after the @code{exec} call, with
3046 e.g., the @code{run} command, restarts the executable the process was
3047 running after the @code{exec} call. This is the default mode.
3048
3049 For example:
3050
3051 @smallexample
3052 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3053 Id Description Executable
3054 * 1 <null> prog1
3055 (@value{GDBP}) run
3056 process 12020 is executing new program: prog2
3057 Program exited normally.
3058 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
3059 Id Description Executable
3060 * 1 <null> prog2
3061 @end smallexample
3062
3063 @end table
3064 @end table
3065
3066 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
3067 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
3068 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
3069
3070 @node Checkpoint/Restart
3071 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
3072
3073 @cindex checkpoint
3074 @cindex restart
3075 @cindex bookmark
3076 @cindex snapshot of a process
3077 @cindex rewind program state
3078
3079 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
3080 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
3081 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
3082 later.
3083
3084 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
3085 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
3086 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
3087 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
3088 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
3089
3090 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
3091 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
3092 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
3093 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
3094 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
3095 start again from there.
3096
3097 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
3098 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
3099
3100 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
3101
3102 @table @code
3103 @kindex checkpoint
3104 @item checkpoint
3105 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
3106 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
3107 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
3108
3109 @kindex info checkpoints
3110 @item info checkpoints
3111 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
3112 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
3113 listed:
3114
3115 @table @code
3116 @item Checkpoint ID
3117 @item Process ID
3118 @item Code Address
3119 @item Source line, or label
3120 @end table
3121
3122 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3123 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
3124 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
3125 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
3126 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
3127 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
3128 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
3129
3130 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
3131 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
3132 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
3133 the debugger.
3134
3135 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3136 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
3137 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
3138
3139 @end table
3140
3141 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
3142 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
3143 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
3144 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
3145 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
3146 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
3147 previously read data can be read again.
3148
3149 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
3150 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
3151 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
3152 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
3153 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
3154 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
3155
3156 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
3157 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
3158 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
3159 different execution path this time.
3160
3161 @cindex checkpoints and process id
3162 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
3163 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
3164 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
3165 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
3166 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
3167 potentially pose a problem.
3168
3169 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
3170
3171 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
3172 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
3173 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
3174 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
3175 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
3176 next.
3177
3178 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
3179 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
3180 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
3181 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
3182 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
3183
3184 @node Stopping
3185 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
3186
3187 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
3188 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
3189 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
3190
3191 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
3192 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
3193 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
3194 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
3195 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
3196 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
3197 explicitly request this information at any time.
3198
3199 @table @code
3200 @kindex info program
3201 @item info program
3202 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
3203 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
3204 @end table
3205
3206 @menu
3207 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
3208 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
3209 * Signals:: Signals
3210 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
3211 @end menu
3212
3213 @node Breakpoints
3214 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
3215
3216 @cindex breakpoints
3217 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
3218 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
3219 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
3220 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
3221 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
3222 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3223 program.
3224
3225 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3226 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3227 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3228 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3229 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3230 call).
3231
3232 @cindex watchpoints
3233 @cindex data breakpoints
3234 @cindex memory tracing
3235 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3236 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3237 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3238 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3239 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3240 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3241 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3242 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3243 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3244 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3245 same commands.
3246
3247 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3248 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3249 Automatic Display}.
3250
3251 @cindex catchpoints
3252 @cindex breakpoint on events
3253 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3254 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3255 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3256 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3257 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3258 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3259 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3260
3261 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3262 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3263 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3264 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3265 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3266 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3267 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3268 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3269 enable it again.
3270
3271 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3272 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3273 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3274 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3275 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3276 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3277 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3278
3279 @menu
3280 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3281 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3282 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3283 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3284 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3285 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3286 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3287 * Save Breakpoints:: How to save breakpoints in a file
3288 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3289 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3290 @end menu
3291
3292 @node Set Breaks
3293 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3294
3295 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3296 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3297 @c
3298 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3299
3300 @kindex break
3301 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3302 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3303 @cindex latest breakpoint
3304 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3305 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3306 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3307 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3308 convenience variables.
3309
3310 @table @code
3311 @item break @var{location}
3312 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3313 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3314 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3315 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3316 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3317
3318 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3319 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3320 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3321 that situation.
3322
3323 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3324 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3325 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3326
3327 @item break
3328 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3329 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3330 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3331 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3332 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3333 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3334 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3335 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3336 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3337 inside loops.
3338
3339 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3340 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3341 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3342 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3343 existed when your program stopped.
3344
3345 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3346 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3347 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3348 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3349 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3350 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3351 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3352
3353 @kindex tbreak
3354 @item tbreak @var{args}
3355 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3356 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3357 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3358 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3359
3360 @kindex hbreak
3361 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3362 @item hbreak @var{args}
3363 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3364 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3365 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3366 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3367 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3368 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3369 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3370 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3371 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3372 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3373 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3374 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3375 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3376 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3377 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3378 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3379 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3380 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3381
3382 @kindex thbreak
3383 @item thbreak @var{args}
3384 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3385 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3386 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3387 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3388 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3389 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3390 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3391 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3392
3393 @kindex rbreak
3394 @cindex regular expression
3395 @cindex breakpoints at functions matching a regexp
3396 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3397 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3398 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3399 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3400 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3401 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3402 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3403 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3404
3405 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3406 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3407 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3408 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3409 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3410 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3411
3412 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3413 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3414 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3415 classes.
3416
3417 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3418 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3419 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3420
3421 @smallexample
3422 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3423 @end smallexample
3424
3425 @item rbreak @var{file}:@var{regex}
3426 If @code{rbreak} is called with a filename qualification, it limits
3427 the search for functions matching the given regular expression to the
3428 specified @var{file}. This can be used, for example, to set breakpoints on
3429 every function in a given file:
3430
3431 @smallexample
3432 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak file.c:.
3433 @end smallexample
3434
3435 The colon separating the filename qualifier from the regex may
3436 optionally be surrounded by spaces.
3437
3438 @kindex info breakpoints
3439 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3440 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3441 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3442 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3443 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3444 about the specified breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint). For
3445 each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3446
3447 @table @emph
3448 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3449 @item Type
3450 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3451 @item Disposition
3452 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3453 @item Enabled or Disabled
3454 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3455 that are not enabled.
3456 @item Address
3457 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3458 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3459 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3460 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3461 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3462 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3463 @item What
3464 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3465 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3466 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3467 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3468 @end table
3469
3470 @noindent
3471 If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
3472 the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
3473 are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is allowed to have a condition
3474 specified for it. The condition is not parsed for validity until a shared
3475 library is loaded that allows the pending breakpoint to resolve to a
3476 valid location.
3477
3478 @noindent
3479 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3480 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3481 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3482 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3483 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3484
3485 @noindent
3486 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3487 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3488 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3489 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3490 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3491 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3492 @end table
3493
3494 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3495 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3496 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3497 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3498
3499 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3500 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3501 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3502 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3503
3504 @itemize @bullet
3505 @item
3506 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3507 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3508
3509 @item
3510 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3511 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3512
3513 @item
3514 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3515 several places where that function is inlined.
3516 @end itemize
3517
3518 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3519 the relevant locations@footnote{
3520 As of this writing, multiple-location breakpoints work only if there's
3521 line number information for all the locations. This means that they
3522 will generally not work in system libraries, unless you have debug
3523 info with line numbers for them.}.
3524
3525 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3526 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3527 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3528 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3529 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3530 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3531 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3532
3533 For example:
3534
3535 @smallexample
3536 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3537 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3538 stop only if i==1
3539 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3540 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3541 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3542 @end smallexample
3543
3544 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3545 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3546 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3547 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3548 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3549 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3550 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3551 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3552 that belong to that breakpoint.
3553
3554 @cindex pending breakpoints
3555 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3556 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3557 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3558 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3559 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3560 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3561 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3562 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3563 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3564 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3565 is not yet resolved.
3566
3567 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3568 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3569 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3570 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3571 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3572 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3573
3574 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3575 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3576 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3577 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3578
3579 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3580 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3581 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3582
3583 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3584 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3585 address specification to an address:
3586
3587 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3588 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3589 @table @code
3590 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3591 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3592 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3593
3594 @item set breakpoint pending on
3595 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3596 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3597
3598 @item set breakpoint pending off
3599 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3600 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3601 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3602
3603 @item show breakpoint pending
3604 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3605 @end table
3606
3607 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3608 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3609 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3610
3611 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3612 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3613 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3614 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3615 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3616 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3617 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3618 breakpoints.
3619
3620 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3621
3622 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3623 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3624 @table @code
3625 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3626 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3627 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3628 breakpoint must be used.
3629
3630 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3631 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3632 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3633 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3634 @end table
3635
3636 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3637 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3638 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3639 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3640 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3641 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3642 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3643 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3644 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3645
3646 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3647 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3648 @table @code
3649 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3650 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3651 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3652 removed from the target when it stops.
3653
3654 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3655 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3656 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3657 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3658 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3659
3660 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3661 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3662 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3663 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3664 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3665 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3666 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3667 @end table
3668
3669 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3670 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3671 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3672 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3673 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3674 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3675 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3676 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3677
3678
3679 @node Set Watchpoints
3680 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3681
3682 @cindex setting watchpoints
3683 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3684 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3685 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3686 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3687 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3688
3689 @itemize @bullet
3690 @item
3691 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3692
3693 @item
3694 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3695 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3696 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3697
3698 @item
3699 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3700 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3701 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3702 @end itemize
3703
3704 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3705 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3706 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3707 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3708 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3709 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3710 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3711 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3712 the expression changes.
3713
3714 @cindex software watchpoints
3715 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3716 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3717 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3718 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3719 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3720 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3721 culprit.)
3722
3723 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3724 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3725 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3726
3727 @table @code
3728 @kindex watch
3729 @item watch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3730 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3731 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3732 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3733 to watch the value of a single variable:
3734
3735 @smallexample
3736 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3737 @end smallexample
3738
3739 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3740 clause, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3741 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3742 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3743 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3744 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3745
3746 Ordinarily a watchpoint respects the scope of variables in @var{expr}
3747 (see below). The @code{-location} argument tells @value{GDBN} to
3748 instead watch the memory referred to by @var{expr}. In this case,
3749 @value{GDBN} will evaluate @var{expr}, take the address of the result,
3750 and watch the memory at that address. The type of the result is used
3751 to determine the size of the watched memory. If the expression's
3752 result does not have an address, then @value{GDBN} will print an
3753 error.
3754
3755 @kindex rwatch
3756 @item rwatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3757 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3758 by the program.
3759
3760 @kindex awatch
3761 @item awatch @r{[}-l@r{|}-location@r{]} @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3762 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3763 or written into by the program.
3764
3765 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3766 @item info watchpoints
3767 This command prints a list of watchpoints, using the same format as
3768 @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3769 @end table
3770
3771 If you watch for a change in a numerically entered address you need to
3772 dereference it, as the address itself is just a constant number which will
3773 never change. @value{GDBN} refuses to create a watchpoint that watches
3774 a never-changing value:
3775
3776 @smallexample
3777 (@value{GDBP}) watch 0x600850
3778 Cannot watch constant value 0x600850.
3779 (@value{GDBP}) watch *(int *) 0x600850
3780 Watchpoint 1: *(int *) 6293584
3781 @end smallexample
3782
3783 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3784 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3785 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3786 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3787 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3788 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3789
3790 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3791 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3792 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3793 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3794 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3795 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3796 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3797 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3798
3799 @table @code
3800 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3801 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3802 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3803
3804 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3805 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3806 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3807 @end table
3808
3809 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3810 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3811 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3812
3813 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3814
3815 @smallexample
3816 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3817 @end smallexample
3818
3819 @noindent
3820 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3821
3822 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3823 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3824 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3825 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3826 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3827 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3828 will print a message like this:
3829
3830 @smallexample
3831 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3832 @end smallexample
3833
3834 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3835 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3836 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3837 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3838 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3839 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3840 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3841 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3842
3843 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3844 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3845 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3846 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3847 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3848 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3849
3850 @smallexample
3851 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3852 @end smallexample
3853
3854 @noindent
3855 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3856
3857 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3858 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3859 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3860 expression with separately allocated resources.
3861
3862 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3863 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3864 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3865
3866 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3867 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3868 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3869 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3870 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
3871 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
3872 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
3873 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
3874 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
3875
3876 @cindex watchpoints and threads
3877 @cindex threads and watchpoints
3878 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
3879 watched expression from every thread.
3880
3881 @quotation
3882 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
3883 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
3884 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
3885 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
3886 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
3887 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
3888 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
3889 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
3890 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
3891 @end quotation
3892
3893 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
3894
3895 @node Set Catchpoints
3896 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
3897 @cindex catchpoints, setting
3898 @cindex exception handlers
3899 @cindex event handling
3900
3901 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
3902 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
3903 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
3904
3905 @table @code
3906 @kindex catch
3907 @item catch @var{event}
3908 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
3909 @table @code
3910 @item throw
3911 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
3912 The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
3913
3914 @item catch
3915 The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
3916
3917 @item exception
3918 @cindex Ada exception catching
3919 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
3920 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
3921 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
3922 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
3923 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
3924
3925 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
3926 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
3927 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
3928 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
3929 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
3930 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
3931 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
3932 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
3933
3934 @item exception unhandled
3935 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
3936
3937 @item assert
3938 A failed Ada assertion.
3939
3940 @item exec
3941 @cindex break on fork/exec
3942 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3943 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3944
3945 @item syscall
3946 @itemx syscall @r{[}@var{name} @r{|} @var{number}@r{]} @dots{}
3947 @cindex break on a system call.
3948 A call to or return from a system call, a.k.a.@: @dfn{syscall}. A
3949 syscall is a mechanism for application programs to request a service
3950 from the operating system (OS) or one of the OS system services.
3951 @value{GDBN} can catch some or all of the syscalls issued by the
3952 debuggee, and show the related information for each syscall. If no
3953 argument is specified, calls to and returns from all system calls
3954 will be caught.
3955
3956 @var{name} can be any system call name that is valid for the
3957 underlying OS. Just what syscalls are valid depends on the OS. On
3958 GNU and Unix systems, you can find the full list of valid syscall
3959 names on @file{/usr/include/asm/unistd.h}.
3960
3961 @c For MS-Windows, the syscall names and the corresponding numbers
3962 @c can be found, e.g., on this URL:
3963 @c http://www.metasploit.com/users/opcode/syscalls.html
3964 @c but we don't support Windows syscalls yet.
3965
3966 Normally, @value{GDBN} knows in advance which syscalls are valid for
3967 each OS, so you can use the @value{GDBN} command-line completion
3968 facilities (@pxref{Completion,, command completion}) to list the
3969 available choices.
3970
3971 You may also specify the system call numerically. A syscall's
3972 number is the value passed to the OS's syscall dispatcher to
3973 identify the requested service. When you specify the syscall by its
3974 name, @value{GDBN} uses its database of syscalls to convert the name
3975 into the corresponding numeric code, but using the number directly
3976 may be useful if @value{GDBN}'s database does not have the complete
3977 list of syscalls on your system (e.g., because @value{GDBN} lags
3978 behind the OS upgrades).
3979
3980 The example below illustrates how this command works if you don't provide
3981 arguments to it:
3982
3983 @smallexample
3984 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
3985 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
3986 (@value{GDBP}) r
3987 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
3988
3989 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'close'), \
3990 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3991 (@value{GDBP}) c
3992 Continuing.
3993
3994 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'close'), \
3995 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
3996 (@value{GDBP})
3997 @end smallexample
3998
3999 Here is an example of catching a system call by name:
4000
4001 @smallexample
4002 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall chroot
4003 Catchpoint 1 (syscall 'chroot' [61])
4004 (@value{GDBP}) r
4005 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4006
4007 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'chroot'), \
4008 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4009 (@value{GDBP}) c
4010 Continuing.
4011
4012 Catchpoint 1 (returned from syscall 'chroot'), \
4013 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4014 (@value{GDBP})
4015 @end smallexample
4016
4017 An example of specifying a system call numerically. In the case
4018 below, the syscall number has a corresponding entry in the XML
4019 file, so @value{GDBN} finds its name and prints it:
4020
4021 @smallexample
4022 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4023 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 'exit_group')
4024 (@value{GDBP}) r
4025 Starting program: /tmp/catch-syscall
4026
4027 Catchpoint 1 (call to syscall 'exit_group'), \
4028 0xffffe424 in __kernel_vsyscall ()
4029 (@value{GDBP}) c
4030 Continuing.
4031
4032 Program exited normally.
4033 (@value{GDBP})
4034 @end smallexample
4035
4036 However, there can be situations when there is no corresponding name
4037 in XML file for that syscall number. In this case, @value{GDBN} prints
4038 a warning message saying that it was not able to find the syscall name,
4039 but the catchpoint will be set anyway. See the example below:
4040
4041 @smallexample
4042 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 764
4043 warning: The number '764' does not represent a known syscall.
4044 Catchpoint 2 (syscall 764)
4045 (@value{GDBP})
4046 @end smallexample
4047
4048 If you configure @value{GDBN} using the @samp{--without-expat} option,
4049 it will not be able to display syscall names. Also, if your
4050 architecture does not have an XML file describing its system calls,
4051 you will not be able to see the syscall names. It is important to
4052 notice that these two features are used for accessing the syscall
4053 name database. In either case, you will see a warning like this:
4054
4055 @smallexample
4056 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall
4057 warning: Could not open "syscalls/i386-linux.xml"
4058 warning: Could not load the syscall XML file 'syscalls/i386-linux.xml'.
4059 GDB will not be able to display syscall names.
4060 Catchpoint 1 (syscall)
4061 (@value{GDBP})
4062 @end smallexample
4063
4064 Of course, the file name will change depending on your architecture and system.
4065
4066 Still using the example above, you can also try to catch a syscall by its
4067 number. In this case, you would see something like:
4068
4069 @smallexample
4070 (@value{GDBP}) catch syscall 252
4071 Catchpoint 1 (syscall(s) 252)
4072 @end smallexample
4073
4074 Again, in this case @value{GDBN} would not be able to display syscall's names.
4075
4076 @item fork
4077 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4078 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4079
4080 @item vfork
4081 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
4082 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
4083
4084 @end table
4085
4086 @item tcatch @var{event}
4087 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
4088 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
4089
4090 @end table
4091
4092 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
4093
4094 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
4095 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
4096
4097 @itemize @bullet
4098 @item
4099 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
4100 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
4101 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
4102 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
4103 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
4104 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
4105 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
4106 disabled within interactive calls.
4107
4108 @item
4109 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
4110
4111 @item
4112 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
4113 @end itemize
4114
4115 @cindex raise exceptions
4116 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
4117 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
4118 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
4119 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
4120 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
4121 out where the exception was raised.
4122
4123 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
4124 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
4125 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
4126 which has the following ANSI C interface:
4127
4128 @smallexample
4129 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
4130 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
4131 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
4132 @end smallexample
4133
4134 @noindent
4135 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
4136 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
4137 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
4138
4139 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
4140 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
4141 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
4142 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
4143 raised.
4144
4145
4146 @node Delete Breaks
4147 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
4148
4149 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4150 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
4151 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
4152 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
4153 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
4154 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
4155
4156 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
4157 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
4158 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
4159 their breakpoint numbers.
4160
4161 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
4162 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
4163 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
4164
4165 @table @code
4166 @kindex clear
4167 @item clear
4168 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
4169 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
4170 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
4171 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
4172
4173 @item clear @var{location}
4174 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
4175 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
4176 most useful ones are listed below:
4177
4178 @table @code
4179 @item clear @var{function}
4180 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
4181 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
4182
4183 @item clear @var{linenum}
4184 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
4185 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
4186 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
4187 @end table
4188
4189 @cindex delete breakpoints
4190 @kindex delete
4191 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
4192 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4193 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
4194 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
4195 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
4196 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
4197 @end table
4198
4199 @node Disabling
4200 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
4201
4202 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
4203 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
4204 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
4205 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
4206 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
4207
4208 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
4209 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying
4210 one or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} to
4211 print a list of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints if you
4212 do not know which numbers to use.
4213
4214 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
4215 affects all of its locations.
4216
4217 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
4218 states of enablement:
4219
4220 @itemize @bullet
4221 @item
4222 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
4223 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
4224 @item
4225 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
4226 @item
4227 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
4228 disabled.
4229 @item
4230 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
4231 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
4232 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
4233 @end itemize
4234
4235 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
4236 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
4237
4238 @table @code
4239 @kindex disable
4240 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
4241 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4242 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
4243 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
4244 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
4245 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
4246 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
4247
4248 @kindex enable
4249 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4250 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
4251 become effective once again in stopping your program.
4252
4253 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
4254 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
4255 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
4256
4257 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
4258 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
4259 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
4260 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
4261 @end table
4262
4263 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
4264 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
4265 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
4266 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
4267 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
4268 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
4269 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
4270 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
4271 Stepping}.)
4272
4273 @node Conditions
4274 @subsection Break Conditions
4275 @cindex conditional breakpoints
4276 @cindex breakpoint conditions
4277
4278 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
4279 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
4280 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
4281 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
4282 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
4283 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
4284 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
4285 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
4286
4287 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
4288 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
4289 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
4290 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
4291 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
4292
4293 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
4294 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
4295 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
4296 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
4297 one.
4298
4299 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
4300 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
4301 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
4302 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
4303 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
4304 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
4305 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
4306 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
4307 conditions for the
4308 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
4309 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
4310
4311 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
4312 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
4313 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
4314 with the @code{condition} command.
4315
4316 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
4317 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
4318 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
4319 catchpoint.
4320
4321 @table @code
4322 @kindex condition
4323 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
4324 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
4325 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
4326 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
4327 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
4328 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
4329 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
4330 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
4331 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
4332 prints an error message:
4333
4334 @smallexample
4335 No symbol "foo" in current context.
4336 @end smallexample
4337
4338 @noindent
4339 @value{GDBN} does
4340 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
4341 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
4342 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
4343
4344 @item condition @var{bnum}
4345 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
4346 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
4347 @end table
4348
4349 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
4350 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
4351 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
4352 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
4353 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
4354 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
4355 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
4356 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
4357 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
4358 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
4359 your program reaches it.
4360
4361 @table @code
4362 @kindex ignore
4363 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
4364 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
4365 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
4366 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
4367 takes no action.
4368
4369 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
4370 a count of zero.
4371
4372 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
4373 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
4374 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
4375 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
4376
4377 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
4378 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
4379 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
4380
4381 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
4382 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
4383 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
4384 Variables}.
4385 @end table
4386
4387 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4388
4389
4390 @node Break Commands
4391 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4392
4393 @cindex breakpoint commands
4394 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4395 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4396 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4397 enable other breakpoints.
4398
4399 @table @code
4400 @kindex commands
4401 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4402 @item commands @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
4403 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4404 @itemx end
4405 Specify a list of commands for the given breakpoints. The commands
4406 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4407 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4408
4409 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4410 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4411
4412 With no argument, @code{commands} refers to the last breakpoint,
4413 watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most recently
4414 encountered). If the most recent breakpoints were set with a single
4415 command, then the @code{commands} will apply to all the breakpoints
4416 set by that command. This applies to breakpoints set by
4417 @code{rbreak}, and also applies when a single @code{break} command
4418 creates multiple breakpoints (@pxref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous
4419 Expressions}).
4420 @end table
4421
4422 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4423 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4424
4425 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4426 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4427 that resumes execution.
4428
4429 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4430 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4431 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4432 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4433 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4434
4435 @kindex silent
4436 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4437 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4438 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4439 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4440 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4441 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4442
4443 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4444 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4445 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4446
4447 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4448 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4449
4450 @smallexample
4451 break foo if x>0
4452 commands
4453 silent
4454 printf "x is %d\n",x
4455 cont
4456 end
4457 @end smallexample
4458
4459 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4460 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4461 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4462 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4463 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4464 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4465 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4466
4467 @smallexample
4468 break 403
4469 commands
4470 silent
4471 set x = y + 4
4472 cont
4473 end
4474 @end smallexample
4475
4476 @node Save Breakpoints
4477 @subsection How to save breakpoints to a file
4478
4479 To save breakpoint definitions to a file use the @w{@code{save
4480 breakpoints}} command.
4481
4482 @table @code
4483 @kindex save breakpoints
4484 @cindex save breakpoints to a file for future sessions
4485 @item save breakpoints [@var{filename}]
4486 This command saves all current breakpoint definitions together with
4487 their commands and ignore counts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
4488 suitable for use in a later debugging session. This includes all
4489 types of breakpoints (breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints,
4490 tracepoints). To read the saved breakpoint definitions, use the
4491 @code{source} command (@pxref{Command Files}). Note that watchpoints
4492 with expressions involving local variables may fail to be recreated
4493 because it may not be possible to access the context where the
4494 watchpoint is valid anymore. Because the saved breakpoint definitions
4495 are simply a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands that recreate the
4496 breakpoints, you can edit the file in your favorite editing program,
4497 and remove the breakpoint definitions you're not interested in, or
4498 that can no longer be recreated.
4499 @end table
4500
4501 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4502 @node Error in Breakpoints
4503 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4504
4505 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4506 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4507
4508 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4509 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4510 @smallexample
4511 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4512 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4513 @end smallexample
4514
4515 @noindent
4516 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4517 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4518 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4519
4520 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4521 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4522
4523 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4524 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4525 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4526
4527 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4528 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4529 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4530 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4531
4532 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4533 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4534 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4535 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4536 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4537 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4538 first in the bundle.
4539
4540 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4541 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4542 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4543 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4544 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4545 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4546 is hit.
4547
4548 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4549 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4550
4551 @smallexample
4552 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4553 @end smallexample
4554
4555 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4556 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4557 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4558 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4559 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4560 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4561 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4562 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4563
4564 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4565 adjusted breakpoints:
4566
4567 @smallexample
4568 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4569 to 0x00010410.
4570 @end smallexample
4571
4572 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4573 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4574 frequently than expected.
4575
4576 @node Continuing and Stepping
4577 @section Continuing and Stepping
4578
4579 @cindex stepping
4580 @cindex continuing
4581 @cindex resuming execution
4582 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4583 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4584 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4585 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4586 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4587 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4588 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4589 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4590
4591 @table @code
4592 @kindex continue
4593 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4594 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4595 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4596 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4597 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4598 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4599 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4600 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4601 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4602 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4603
4604 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4605 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4606 @code{continue} is ignored.
4607
4608 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4609 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4610 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4611 @code{continue}.
4612 @end table
4613
4614 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4615 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4616 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4617 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4618
4619 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4620 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4621 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4622 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4623 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4624 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4625
4626 @table @code
4627 @kindex step
4628 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4629 @item step
4630 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4631 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4632 abbreviated @code{s}.
4633
4634 @quotation
4635 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4636 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4637 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4638 @c distinction here.
4639 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4640 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4641 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4642 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4643 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4644 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4645 below.
4646 @end quotation
4647
4648 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4649 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4650 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4651 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4652 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4653 called within the line.
4654
4655 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4656 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4657 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4658 on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4659 was any debugging information about the routine.
4660
4661 @item step @var{count}
4662 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4663 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4664 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4665
4666 @kindex next
4667 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4668 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4669 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4670 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4671 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4672 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4673 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4674 is abbreviated @code{n}.
4675
4676 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4677
4678
4679 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4680 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4681 @c
4682 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4683 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4684 @c function are executed without stopping.
4685
4686 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4687 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4688 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4689
4690 @kindex set step-mode
4691 @item set step-mode
4692 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4693 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4694 @itemx set step-mode on
4695 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
4696 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
4697 information rather than stepping over it.
4698
4699 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
4700 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
4701 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
4702
4703 @item set step-mode off
4704 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
4705 debug information. This is the default.
4706
4707 @item show step-mode
4708 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
4709 source line debug information.
4710
4711 @kindex finish
4712 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
4713 @item finish
4714 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
4715 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
4716 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
4717
4718 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
4719 ,Returning from a Function}).
4720
4721 @kindex until
4722 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
4723 @cindex run until specified location
4724 @item until
4725 @itemx u
4726 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
4727 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
4728 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
4729 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
4730 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
4731 than the address of the jump.
4732
4733 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
4734 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
4735 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
4736 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
4737 through the next iteration.
4738
4739 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
4740 stack frame.
4741
4742 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
4743 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
4744 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
4745 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
4746 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
4747
4748 @smallexample
4749 (@value{GDBP}) f
4750 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
4751 206 expand_input();
4752 (@value{GDBP}) until
4753 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
4754 @end smallexample
4755
4756 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
4757 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
4758 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
4759 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
4760 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
4761 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
4762 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
4763
4764 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
4765 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
4766 argument.
4767
4768 @item until @var{location}
4769 @itemx u @var{location}
4770 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
4771 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
4772 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
4773 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
4774 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
4775 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
4776 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
4777 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
4778 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
4779 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
4780 invocations have returned.
4781
4782 @smallexample
4783 94 int factorial (int value)
4784 95 @{
4785 96 if (value > 1) @{
4786 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
4787 98 @}
4788 99 return (value);
4789 100 @}
4790 @end smallexample
4791
4792
4793 @kindex advance @var{location}
4794 @itemx advance @var{location}
4795 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
4796 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
4797 @ref{Specify Location}.
4798 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
4799 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
4800 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
4801 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
4802
4803
4804 @kindex stepi
4805 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
4806 @item stepi
4807 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
4808 @itemx si
4809 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
4810
4811 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
4812 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
4813 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
4814 Display,, Automatic Display}.
4815
4816 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
4817
4818 @need 750
4819 @kindex nexti
4820 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
4821 @item nexti
4822 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
4823 @itemx ni
4824 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
4825 proceed until the function returns.
4826
4827 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
4828 @end table
4829
4830 @node Signals
4831 @section Signals
4832 @cindex signals
4833
4834 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
4835 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
4836 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
4837 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
4838 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
4839 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
4840 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
4841 requested an alarm).
4842
4843 @cindex fatal signals
4844 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
4845 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
4846 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
4847 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
4848 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
4849 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
4850
4851 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
4852 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
4853 signal.
4854
4855 @cindex handling signals
4856 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
4857 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
4858 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
4859 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
4860 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
4861
4862 @table @code
4863 @kindex info signals
4864 @kindex info handle
4865 @item info signals
4866 @itemx info handle
4867 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
4868 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
4869 the defined types of signals.
4870
4871 @item info signals @var{sig}
4872 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
4873
4874 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
4875
4876 @kindex handle
4877 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
4878 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
4879 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
4880 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
4881 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
4882 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
4883 say what change to make.
4884 @end table
4885
4886 @c @group
4887 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
4888 Their full names are:
4889
4890 @table @code
4891 @item nostop
4892 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
4893 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
4894
4895 @item stop
4896 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
4897 the @code{print} keyword as well.
4898
4899 @item print
4900 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
4901
4902 @item noprint
4903 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
4904 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
4905
4906 @item pass
4907 @itemx noignore
4908 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
4909 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
4910 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
4911
4912 @item nopass
4913 @itemx ignore
4914 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
4915 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
4916 @end table
4917 @c @end group
4918
4919 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
4920 program until you
4921 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
4922 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
4923 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
4924 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
4925 program sees that signal when you continue.
4926
4927 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
4928 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
4929 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
4930 erroneous signals.
4931
4932 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
4933 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
4934 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
4935 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
4936 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
4937 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
4938 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
4939 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
4940 Program a Signal}.
4941
4942 @cindex extra signal information
4943 @anchor{extra signal information}
4944
4945 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
4946 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
4947 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
4948 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
4949 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
4950 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
4951 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
4952 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
4953 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
4954 system header.
4955
4956 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
4957 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
4958
4959 @smallexample
4960 @group
4961 (@value{GDBP}) continue
4962 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
4963 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
4964 69 *(int *)p = 0;
4965 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
4966 type = struct @{
4967 int si_signo;
4968 int si_errno;
4969 int si_code;
4970 union @{
4971 int _pad[28];
4972 struct @{...@} _kill;
4973 struct @{...@} _timer;
4974 struct @{...@} _rt;
4975 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
4976 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
4977 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
4978 @} _sifields;
4979 @}
4980 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
4981 type = struct @{
4982 void *si_addr;
4983 @}
4984 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
4985 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
4986 @end group
4987 @end smallexample
4988
4989 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
4990
4991 @node Thread Stops
4992 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
4993
4994 @cindex stopped threads
4995 @cindex threads, stopped
4996
4997 @cindex continuing threads
4998 @cindex threads, continuing
4999
5000 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
5001 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
5002 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
5003 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
5004 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
5005 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
5006 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
5007 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
5008 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
5009
5010 @menu
5011 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
5012 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
5013 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
5014 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
5015 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
5016 * Observer Mode:: GDB does not alter program behavior
5017 @end menu
5018
5019 @node All-Stop Mode
5020 @subsection All-Stop Mode
5021
5022 @cindex all-stop mode
5023
5024 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
5025 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
5026 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
5027 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
5028 underfoot.
5029
5030 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
5031 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
5032 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
5033
5034 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
5035 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
5036 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
5037 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
5038 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
5039 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
5040 stops.
5041
5042 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
5043 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
5044 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
5045 first thread completes whatever you requested.
5046
5047 @cindex automatic thread selection
5048 @cindex switching threads automatically
5049 @cindex threads, automatic switching
5050 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
5051 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
5052 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
5053 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
5054 thread.
5055
5056 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
5057 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
5058
5059 @table @code
5060 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
5061 @cindex scheduler locking mode
5062 @cindex lock scheduler
5063 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
5064 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
5065 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
5066 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
5067 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
5068 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
5069 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
5070 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
5071 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
5072 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
5073 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
5074 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
5075
5076 @item show scheduler-locking
5077 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
5078 @end table
5079
5080 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
5081 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
5082 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
5083 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
5084 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
5085 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
5086 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
5087 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
5088 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
5089 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
5090 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
5091 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
5092 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
5093 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
5094
5095 @table @code
5096 @kindex set schedule-multiple
5097 @item set schedule-multiple
5098 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
5099 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
5100 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
5101 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
5102 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
5103 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
5104
5105 @item show schedule-multiple
5106 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
5107 multiple processes.
5108 @end table
5109
5110 @node Non-Stop Mode
5111 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
5112
5113 @cindex non-stop mode
5114
5115 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
5116 @c with more details.
5117
5118 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
5119 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
5120 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
5121 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
5122 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
5123 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
5124
5125 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
5126 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
5127 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
5128 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
5129 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
5130 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
5131 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
5132 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
5133 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
5134 independently and simultaneously.
5135
5136 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
5137 or attach to your program:
5138
5139 @smallexample
5140 # Enable the async interface.
5141 set target-async 1
5142
5143 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
5144 set pagination off
5145
5146 # Finally, turn it on!
5147 set non-stop on
5148 @end smallexample
5149
5150 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
5151
5152 @table @code
5153 @kindex set non-stop
5154 @item set non-stop on
5155 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
5156 @item set non-stop off
5157 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
5158 @kindex show non-stop
5159 @item show non-stop
5160 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
5161 @end table
5162
5163 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
5164 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
5165 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
5166 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
5167 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
5168 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
5169 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
5170 default.
5171
5172 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
5173 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
5174 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
5175
5176 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
5177 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
5178 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
5179 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
5180 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
5181
5182 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
5183 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
5184 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
5185 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
5186 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
5187
5188 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
5189
5190 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
5191 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
5192 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
5193 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
5194 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
5195 previously current thread.
5196
5197 @node Background Execution
5198 @subsection Background Execution
5199
5200 @cindex foreground execution
5201 @cindex background execution
5202 @cindex asynchronous execution
5203 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
5204
5205 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
5206 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
5207 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
5208 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
5209 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
5210 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
5211
5212 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
5213 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
5214 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
5215
5216 @table @code
5217 @kindex set target-async
5218 @item set target-async on
5219 Enable asynchronous mode.
5220 @item set target-async off
5221 Disable asynchronous mode.
5222 @kindex show target-async
5223 @item show target-async
5224 Show the current target-async setting.
5225 @end table
5226
5227 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
5228 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
5229
5230 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
5231 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
5232 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
5233 are:
5234
5235 @table @code
5236 @kindex run&
5237 @item run
5238 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
5239
5240 @item attach
5241 @kindex attach&
5242 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
5243
5244 @item step
5245 @kindex step&
5246 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
5247
5248 @item stepi
5249 @kindex stepi&
5250 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
5251
5252 @item next
5253 @kindex next&
5254 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
5255
5256 @item nexti
5257 @kindex nexti&
5258 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
5259
5260 @item continue
5261 @kindex continue&
5262 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
5263
5264 @item finish
5265 @kindex finish&
5266 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
5267
5268 @item until
5269 @kindex until&
5270 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
5271
5272 @end table
5273
5274 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
5275 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
5276 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
5277 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
5278 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
5279 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
5280
5281 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
5282 using the @code{interrupt} command.
5283
5284 @table @code
5285 @kindex interrupt
5286 @item interrupt
5287 @itemx interrupt -a
5288
5289 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
5290 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
5291 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
5292 use @code{interrupt -a}.
5293 @end table
5294
5295 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5296 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
5297
5298 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
5299 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
5300 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
5301
5302 @table @code
5303 @cindex breakpoints and threads
5304 @cindex thread breakpoints
5305 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
5306 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
5307 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
5308 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
5309 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
5310 specify some source line.
5311
5312 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
5313 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
5314 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
5315 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
5316 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
5317
5318 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
5319 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
5320 program.
5321
5322 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
5323 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before or
5324 after the breakpoint condition, like this:
5325
5326 @smallexample
5327 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
5328 @end smallexample
5329
5330 @end table
5331
5332 @node Interrupted System Calls
5333 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
5334
5335 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
5336 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
5337 @cindex premature return from system calls
5338 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
5339 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
5340 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
5341 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
5342 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
5343 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
5344 stop execution.
5345
5346 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
5347 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
5348 style anyways.
5349
5350 For example, do not write code like this:
5351
5352 @smallexample
5353 sleep (10);
5354 @end smallexample
5355
5356 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
5357 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
5358
5359 Instead, write this:
5360
5361 @smallexample
5362 int unslept = 10;
5363 while (unslept > 0)
5364 unslept = sleep (unslept);
5365 @end smallexample
5366
5367 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
5368 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
5369 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
5370 @value{GDBN}.
5371
5372 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
5373 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
5374 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
5375 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
5376
5377 @node Observer Mode
5378 @subsection Observer Mode
5379
5380 If you want to build on non-stop mode and observe program behavior
5381 without any chance of disruption by @value{GDBN}, you can set
5382 variables to disable all of the debugger's attempts to modify state,
5383 whether by writing memory, inserting breakpoints, etc. These operate
5384 at a low level, intercepting operations from all commands.
5385
5386 When all of these are set to @code{off}, then @value{GDBN} is said to
5387 be @dfn{observer mode}. As a convenience, the variable
5388 @code{observer} can be set to disable these, plus enable non-stop
5389 mode.
5390
5391 Note that @value{GDBN} will not prevent you from making nonsensical
5392 combinations of these settings. For instance, if you have enabled
5393 @code{may-insert-breakpoints} but disabled @code{may-write-memory},
5394 then breakpoints that work by writing trap instructions into the code
5395 stream will still not be able to be placed.
5396
5397 @table @code
5398
5399 @kindex observer
5400 @item set observer on
5401 @itemx set observer off
5402 When set to @code{on}, this disables all the permission variables
5403 below (except for @code{insert-fast-tracepoints}), plus enables
5404 non-stop debugging. Setting this to @code{off} switches back to
5405 normal debugging, though remaining in non-stop mode.
5406
5407 @item show observer
5408 Show whether observer mode is on or off.
5409
5410 @kindex may-write-registers
5411 @item set may-write-registers on
5412 @itemx set may-write-registers off
5413 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the values of
5414 registers, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}, or the
5415 @code{jump} command. It defaults to @code{on}.
5416
5417 @item show may-write-registers
5418 Show the current permission to write registers.
5419
5420 @kindex may-write-memory
5421 @item set may-write-memory on
5422 @itemx set may-write-memory off
5423 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to alter the contents
5424 of memory, such as with assignment expressions in @code{print}. It
5425 defaults to @code{on}.
5426
5427 @item show may-write-memory
5428 Show the current permission to write memory.
5429
5430 @kindex may-insert-breakpoints
5431 @item set may-insert-breakpoints on
5432 @itemx set may-insert-breakpoints off
5433 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert breakpoints.
5434 This affects all breakpoints, including internal breakpoints defined
5435 by @value{GDBN}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5436
5437 @item show may-insert-breakpoints
5438 Show the current permission to insert breakpoints.
5439
5440 @kindex may-insert-tracepoints
5441 @item set may-insert-tracepoints on
5442 @itemx set may-insert-tracepoints off
5443 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert (regular)
5444 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5445 non-fast tracepoints, fast tracepoints being under the control of
5446 @code{may-insert-fast-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5447
5448 @item show may-insert-tracepoints
5449 Show the current permission to insert tracepoints.
5450
5451 @kindex may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5452 @item set may-insert-fast-tracepoints on
5453 @itemx set may-insert-fast-tracepoints off
5454 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to insert fast
5455 tracepoints at the beginning of a tracing experiment. It affects only
5456 fast tracepoints, regular (non-fast) tracepoints being under the
5457 control of @code{may-insert-tracepoints}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5458
5459 @item show may-insert-fast-tracepoints
5460 Show the current permission to insert fast tracepoints.
5461
5462 @kindex may-interrupt
5463 @item set may-interrupt on
5464 @itemx set may-interrupt off
5465 This controls whether @value{GDBN} will attempt to interrupt or stop
5466 program execution. When this variable is @code{off}, the
5467 @code{interrupt} command will have no effect, nor will
5468 @kbd{Ctrl-c}. It defaults to @code{on}.
5469
5470 @item show may-interrupt
5471 Show the current permission to interrupt or stop the program.
5472
5473 @end table
5474
5475 @node Reverse Execution
5476 @chapter Running programs backward
5477 @cindex reverse execution
5478 @cindex running programs backward
5479
5480 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
5481 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
5482 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
5483 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
5484
5485 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
5486 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
5487 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
5488 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
5489 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
5490 all target environments can support reverse execution.
5491
5492 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
5493 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
5494 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
5495 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
5496 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
5497 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
5498 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
5499 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
5500 prior values@footnote{
5501 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
5502 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
5503 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
5504
5505 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
5506 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
5507 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
5508 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
5509 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
5510 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
5511 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
5512 }.
5513
5514 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
5515 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
5516
5517 @table @code
5518 @kindex reverse-continue
5519 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
5520 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5521 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5522 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
5523 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
5524 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
5525 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
5526
5527 @kindex reverse-step
5528 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
5529 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5530 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
5531 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
5532
5533 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
5534 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
5535 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
5536 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
5537 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
5538 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
5539
5540 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
5541 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
5542
5543 @kindex reverse-stepi
5544 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
5545 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5546 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
5547 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
5548 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
5549 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
5550 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
5551
5552 @kindex reverse-next
5553 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
5554 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5555 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
5556 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
5557 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
5558 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
5559 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
5560 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
5561 line of a function back to its return to its caller
5562 @footnote{Unless the code is too heavily optimized.}.
5563
5564 @kindex reverse-nexti
5565 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
5566 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5567 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
5568 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
5569 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
5570 another function, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
5571 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
5572 frame) is reached.
5573
5574 @kindex reverse-finish
5575 @item reverse-finish
5576 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
5577 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
5578 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
5579 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
5580
5581 @kindex set exec-direction
5582 @item set exec-direction
5583 Set the direction of target execution.
5584 @itemx set exec-direction reverse
5585 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
5586 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
5587 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
5588 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
5589 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
5590 @item set exec-direction forward
5591 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
5592 This is the default.
5593 @end table
5594
5595
5596 @node Process Record and Replay
5597 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
5598 @cindex process record and replay
5599 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
5600
5601 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
5602 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
5603 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
5604
5605 @cindex replay mode
5606 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
5607 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
5608 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
5609 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
5610 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
5611 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
5612 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
5613 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
5614 execution log.
5615
5616 @cindex record mode
5617 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
5618 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
5619 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
5620 for future replay.
5621
5622 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
5623 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
5624 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
5625 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
5626 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
5627 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
5628
5629 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
5630 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
5631 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
5632 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
5633
5634 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
5635 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
5636
5637 @table @code
5638 @kindex target record
5639 @kindex record
5640 @kindex rec
5641 @item target record
5642 This command starts the process record and replay target. The process
5643 record and replay target can only debug a process that is already
5644 running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with the
5645 @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording with
5646 the @kbd{target record} command.
5647
5648 Both @code{record} and @code{rec} are aliases of @code{target record}.
5649
5650 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
5651 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
5652 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
5653 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
5654 doesn't support displaced stepping.
5655
5656 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
5657 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
5658 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
5659 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), the
5660 process record and replay target cannot be started because it doesn't
5661 support these two modes.
5662
5663 @kindex record stop
5664 @kindex rec s
5665 @item record stop
5666 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
5667 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
5668 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
5669
5670 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
5671 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
5672 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
5673 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
5674 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
5675
5676 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
5677 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
5678 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
5679 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
5680 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
5681
5682 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
5683 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
5684
5685 @kindex record save
5686 @item record save @var{filename}
5687 Save the execution log to a file @file{@var{filename}}.
5688 Default filename is @file{gdb_record.@var{process_id}}, where
5689 @var{process_id} is the process ID of the inferior.
5690
5691 @kindex record restore
5692 @item record restore @var{filename}
5693 Restore the execution log from a file @file{@var{filename}}.
5694 File must have been created with @code{record save}.
5695
5696 @kindex set record insn-number-max
5697 @item set record insn-number-max @var{limit}
5698 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded. Default value is 200000.
5699
5700 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
5701 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
5702 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
5703 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
5704 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
5705 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
5706 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
5707 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
5708
5709 If @var{limit} is zero, @value{GDBN} will never delete recorded
5710 instructions from the execution log. The number of recorded
5711 instructions is unlimited in this case.
5712
5713 @kindex show record insn-number-max
5714 @item show record insn-number-max
5715 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded.
5716
5717 @kindex set record stop-at-limit
5718 @item set record stop-at-limit
5719 Control the behavior when the number of recorded instructions reaches
5720 the limit. If ON (the default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit
5721 is reached for the first time and ask you whether you want to stop the
5722 inferior or continue running it and recording the execution log. If
5723 you decide to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will
5724 cause the oldest one to be deleted.
5725
5726 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
5727 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
5728
5729 @kindex show record stop-at-limit
5730 @item show record stop-at-limit
5731 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
5732
5733 @kindex set record memory-query
5734 @item set record memory-query
5735 Control the behavior when @value{GDBN} is unable to record memory
5736 changes caused by an instruction. If ON, @value{GDBN} will query
5737 whether to stop the inferior in that case.
5738
5739 If this option is OFF (the default), @value{GDBN} will automatically
5740 ignore the effect of such instructions on memory. Later, when
5741 @value{GDBN} replays this execution log, it will mark the log of this
5742 instruction as not accessible, and it will not affect the replay
5743 results.
5744
5745 @kindex show record memory-query
5746 @item show record memory-query
5747 Show the current setting of @code{memory-query}.
5748
5749 @kindex info record
5750 @item info record
5751 Show various statistics about the state of process record and its
5752 in-memory execution log buffer, including:
5753
5754 @itemize @bullet
5755 @item
5756 Whether in record mode or replay mode.
5757 @item
5758 Lowest recorded instruction number (counting from when the current execution log started recording instructions).
5759 @item
5760 Highest recorded instruction number.
5761 @item
5762 Current instruction about to be replayed (if in replay mode).
5763 @item
5764 Number of instructions contained in the execution log.
5765 @item
5766 Maximum number of instructions that may be contained in the execution log.
5767 @end itemize
5768
5769 @kindex record delete
5770 @kindex rec del
5771 @item record delete
5772 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
5773 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
5774 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
5775 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
5776 @end table
5777
5778
5779 @node Stack
5780 @chapter Examining the Stack
5781
5782 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
5783 stopped and how it got there.
5784
5785 @cindex call stack
5786 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
5787 is generated.
5788 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
5789 the arguments of the call,
5790 and the local variables of the function being called.
5791 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
5792 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
5793 stack}.
5794
5795 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
5796 stack allow you to see all of this information.
5797
5798 @cindex selected frame
5799 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
5800 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
5801 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
5802 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
5803 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
5804 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5805
5806 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
5807 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
5808 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
5809
5810 @menu
5811 * Frames:: Stack frames
5812 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
5813 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
5814 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
5815
5816 @end menu
5817
5818 @node Frames
5819 @section Stack Frames
5820
5821 @cindex frame, definition
5822 @cindex stack frame
5823 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
5824 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
5825 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
5826 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
5827 which the function is executing.
5828
5829 @cindex initial frame
5830 @cindex outermost frame
5831 @cindex innermost frame
5832 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
5833 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
5834 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
5835 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
5836 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
5837 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
5838 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
5839 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
5840
5841 @cindex frame pointer
5842 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
5843 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
5844 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
5845 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
5846 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
5847 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
5848
5849 @cindex frame number
5850 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
5851 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
5852 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
5853 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
5854 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
5855
5856 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
5857 @c underflow problems.
5858 @cindex frameless execution
5859 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
5860 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
5861 @smallexample
5862 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
5863 @end smallexample
5864 generates functions without a frame.)
5865 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
5866 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
5867 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
5868 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
5869 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
5870 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
5871 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
5872
5873 @table @code
5874 @kindex frame@r{, command}
5875 @cindex current stack frame
5876 @item frame @var{args}
5877 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
5878 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
5879 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
5880 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
5881
5882 @kindex select-frame
5883 @cindex selecting frame silently
5884 @item select-frame
5885 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
5886 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
5887 @code{frame}.
5888 @end table
5889
5890 @node Backtrace
5891 @section Backtraces
5892
5893 @cindex traceback
5894 @cindex call stack traces
5895 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
5896 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
5897 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
5898 stack.
5899
5900 @table @code
5901 @kindex backtrace
5902 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
5903 @item backtrace
5904 @itemx bt
5905 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
5906 frames in the stack.
5907
5908 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
5909 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
5910
5911 @item backtrace @var{n}
5912 @itemx bt @var{n}
5913 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
5914
5915 @item backtrace -@var{n}
5916 @itemx bt -@var{n}
5917 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
5918
5919 @item backtrace full
5920 @itemx bt full
5921 @itemx bt full @var{n}
5922 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
5923 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
5924 number of frames to print, as described above.
5925 @end table
5926
5927 @kindex where
5928 @kindex info stack
5929 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
5930 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
5931
5932 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
5933 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
5934 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
5935 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
5936 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
5937 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
5938 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
5939 multi-threaded program.
5940
5941 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
5942 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
5943 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
5944 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
5945 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
5946 line number.
5947
5948 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
5949 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
5950
5951 @smallexample
5952 @group
5953 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5954 at builtin.c:993
5955 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
5956 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
5957 at macro.c:71
5958 (More stack frames follow...)
5959 @end group
5960 @end smallexample
5961
5962 @noindent
5963 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
5964 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
5965 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
5966
5967 @noindent
5968 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
5969 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
5970 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
5971 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
5972 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
5973
5974 @cindex value optimized out, in backtrace
5975 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
5976 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
5977 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
5978 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
5979 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
5980 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
5981 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
5982 such a backtrace might look like:
5983
5984 @smallexample
5985 @group
5986 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5987 at builtin.c:993
5988 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<value optimized out>) at macro.c:242
5989 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<value optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
5990 at macro.c:71
5991 (More stack frames follow...)
5992 @end group
5993 @end smallexample
5994
5995 @noindent
5996 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
5997 shown as @samp{<value optimized out>}.
5998
5999 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
6000 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
6001 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
6002
6003 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
6004 @cindex program entry point
6005 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
6006 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
6007 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
6008 @code{main}@footnote{
6009 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
6010 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
6011 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
6012 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
6013 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
6014 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
6015
6016 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
6017 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
6018
6019 @table @code
6020 @item set backtrace past-main
6021 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
6022 @kindex set backtrace
6023 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
6024
6025 @item set backtrace past-main off
6026 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
6027 default.
6028
6029 @item show backtrace past-main
6030 @kindex show backtrace
6031 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
6032
6033 @item set backtrace past-entry
6034 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
6035 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
6036 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
6037 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
6038
6039 @item set backtrace past-entry off
6040 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
6041 application. This is the default.
6042
6043 @item show backtrace past-entry
6044 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
6045
6046 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
6047 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
6048 @cindex backtrace limit
6049 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
6050 unlimited.
6051
6052 @item show backtrace limit
6053 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
6054 @end table
6055
6056 @node Selection
6057 @section Selecting a Frame
6058
6059 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
6060 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
6061 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
6062 of the stack frame just selected.
6063
6064 @table @code
6065 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
6066 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
6067 @item frame @var{n}
6068 @itemx f @var{n}
6069 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
6070 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
6071 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
6072 @code{main}.
6073
6074 @item frame @var{addr}
6075 @itemx f @var{addr}
6076 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
6077 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
6078 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
6079 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
6080 switches between them.
6081
6082 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
6083 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
6084
6085 On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
6086 pointer and a program counter.
6087
6088 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
6089 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
6090
6091 @kindex up
6092 @item up @var{n}
6093 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6094 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
6095 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
6096
6097 @kindex down
6098 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
6099 @item down @var{n}
6100 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
6101 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
6102 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
6103 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
6104 @end table
6105
6106 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
6107 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
6108 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
6109 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
6110
6111 @need 1000
6112 For example:
6113
6114 @smallexample
6115 @group
6116 (@value{GDBP}) up
6117 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
6118 at env.c:10
6119 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
6120 @end group
6121 @end smallexample
6122
6123 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
6124 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
6125 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
6126 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
6127 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
6128 for details.
6129
6130 @table @code
6131 @kindex down-silently
6132 @kindex up-silently
6133 @item up-silently @var{n}
6134 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
6135 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
6136 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
6137 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
6138 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
6139 distracting.
6140 @end table
6141
6142 @node Frame Info
6143 @section Information About a Frame
6144
6145 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
6146 stack frame.
6147
6148 @table @code
6149 @item frame
6150 @itemx f
6151 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
6152 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
6153 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
6154 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
6155 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6156
6157 @kindex info frame
6158 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
6159 @item info frame
6160 @itemx info f
6161 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
6162 including:
6163
6164 @itemize @bullet
6165 @item
6166 the address of the frame
6167 @item
6168 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
6169 @item
6170 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
6171 @item
6172 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
6173 @item
6174 the address of the frame's arguments
6175 @item
6176 the address of the frame's local variables
6177 @item
6178 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
6179 @item
6180 which registers were saved in the frame
6181 @end itemize
6182
6183 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
6184 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
6185 the usual conventions.
6186
6187 @item info frame @var{addr}
6188 @itemx info f @var{addr}
6189 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
6190 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
6191 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
6192 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
6193 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
6194
6195 @kindex info args
6196 @item info args
6197 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
6198
6199 @item info locals
6200 @kindex info locals
6201 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
6202 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
6203 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
6204
6205 @kindex info catch
6206 @cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
6207 @cindex exception handlers, how to list
6208 @item info catch
6209 Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
6210 current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
6211 exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
6212 @code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
6213 @xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
6214
6215 @end table
6216
6217
6218 @node Source
6219 @chapter Examining Source Files
6220
6221 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
6222 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
6223 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
6224 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
6225 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
6226 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
6227 source files by explicit command.
6228
6229 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
6230 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
6231 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
6232
6233 @menu
6234 * List:: Printing source lines
6235 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
6236 * Edit:: Editing source files
6237 * Search:: Searching source files
6238 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
6239 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
6240 @end menu
6241
6242 @node List
6243 @section Printing Source Lines
6244
6245 @kindex list
6246 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
6247 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
6248 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
6249 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
6250 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
6251
6252 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
6253
6254 @table @code
6255 @item list @var{linenum}
6256 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
6257 current source file.
6258
6259 @item list @var{function}
6260 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
6261 @var{function}.
6262
6263 @item list
6264 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
6265 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
6266 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
6267 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
6268 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
6269
6270 @item list -
6271 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6272 @end table
6273
6274 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
6275 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
6276 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
6277
6278 @table @code
6279 @kindex set listsize
6280 @item set listsize @var{count}
6281 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
6282 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
6283
6284 @kindex show listsize
6285 @item show listsize
6286 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
6287 @end table
6288
6289 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
6290 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
6291 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
6292 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
6293 each repetition moves up in the source file.
6294
6295 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
6296 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
6297 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
6298 to specify some source line.
6299
6300 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
6301
6302 @table @code
6303 @item list @var{linespec}
6304 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
6305
6306 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
6307 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
6308 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
6309 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
6310 the same source file as the first linespec.
6311
6312 @item list ,@var{last}
6313 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
6314
6315 @item list @var{first},
6316 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
6317
6318 @item list +
6319 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
6320
6321 @item list -
6322 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
6323
6324 @item list
6325 As described in the preceding table.
6326 @end table
6327
6328 @node Specify Location
6329 @section Specifying a Location
6330 @cindex specifying location
6331 @cindex linespec
6332
6333 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
6334 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
6335 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
6336 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
6337
6338 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
6339 @value{GDBN} understands:
6340
6341 @table @code
6342 @item @var{linenum}
6343 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
6344
6345 @item -@var{offset}
6346 @itemx +@var{offset}
6347 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
6348 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
6349 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
6350 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
6351 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
6352 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
6353 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
6354 linespec.
6355
6356 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
6357 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
6358
6359 @item @var{function}
6360 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
6361 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
6362
6363 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
6364 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
6365 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
6366 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
6367 functions in different source files.
6368
6369 @item @var{label}
6370 Specifies the line at which the label named @var{label} appears.
6371 @value{GDBN} searches for the label in the function corresponding to
6372 the currently selected stack frame. If there is no current selected
6373 stack frame (for instance, if the inferior is not running), then
6374 @value{GDBN} will not search for a label.
6375
6376 @item *@var{address}
6377 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
6378 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
6379 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
6380 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
6381 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
6382 source files.
6383
6384 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
6385 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
6386 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
6387 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
6388 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
6389 of @var{address}:
6390
6391 @table @code
6392 @item @var{expression}
6393 Any expression valid in the current working language.
6394
6395 @item @var{funcaddr}
6396 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
6397 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
6398 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
6399 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
6400 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
6401 (although the Pascal form also works).
6402
6403 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
6404 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
6405
6406 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
6407 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
6408 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
6409 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
6410 functions with identical names in different source files.
6411 @end table
6412
6413 @end table
6414
6415
6416 @node Edit
6417 @section Editing Source Files
6418 @cindex editing source files
6419
6420 @kindex edit
6421 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
6422 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
6423 The editing program of your choice
6424 is invoked with the current line set to
6425 the active line in the program.
6426 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
6427 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
6428
6429 @table @code
6430 @item edit @var{location}
6431 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
6432 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
6433 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
6434 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
6435 command most commonly used:
6436
6437 @table @code
6438 @item edit @var{number}
6439 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
6440
6441 @item edit @var{function}
6442 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
6443 @end table
6444
6445 @end table
6446
6447 @subsection Choosing your Editor
6448 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
6449 @footnote{
6450 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
6451 following command-line syntax:
6452 @smallexample
6453 ex +@var{number} file
6454 @end smallexample
6455 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
6456 the file where to start editing.}.
6457 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
6458 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
6459 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
6460 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
6461 @smallexample
6462 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
6463 export EDITOR
6464 gdb @dots{}
6465 @end smallexample
6466 or in the @code{csh} shell,
6467 @smallexample
6468 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
6469 gdb @dots{}
6470 @end smallexample
6471
6472 @node Search
6473 @section Searching Source Files
6474 @cindex searching source files
6475
6476 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
6477 regular expression.
6478
6479 @table @code
6480 @kindex search
6481 @kindex forward-search
6482 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
6483 @itemx search @var{regexp}
6484 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
6485 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
6486 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
6487 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
6488 @code{fo}.
6489
6490 @kindex reverse-search
6491 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
6492 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
6493 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
6494 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
6495 this command as @code{rev}.
6496 @end table
6497
6498 @node Source Path
6499 @section Specifying Source Directories
6500
6501 @cindex source path
6502 @cindex directories for source files
6503 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
6504 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
6505 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
6506 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
6507 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
6508 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
6509 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
6510
6511 For example, suppose an executable references the file
6512 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
6513 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
6514 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
6515 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
6516 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
6517 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
6518 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
6519 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
6520 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
6521 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
6522
6523 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
6524 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
6525 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
6526 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
6527 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
6528 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
6529
6530 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
6531 source files.
6532
6533 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
6534 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
6535 each line is in the file.
6536
6537 @kindex directory
6538 @kindex dir
6539 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
6540 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
6541 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
6542
6543 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
6544 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
6545
6546 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
6547 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
6548 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
6549 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
6550 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
6551 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
6552 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
6553 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
6554 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
6555 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
6556 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
6557 name to look up the sources.
6558
6559 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
6560 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
6561 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
6562 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
6563 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
6564 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
6565 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
6566 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
6567
6568 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
6569 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
6570 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
6571 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
6572 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
6573 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
6574 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
6575
6576 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
6577 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
6578 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
6579 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
6580 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
6581 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
6582 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
6583 command.
6584
6585 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
6586 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
6587 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
6588 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
6589 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
6590 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
6591 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
6592
6593 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
6594 @cindex default source path substitution
6595 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
6596 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
6597 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
6598 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
6599 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
6600 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
6601 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
6602 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
6603 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
6604 together.
6605
6606 @table @code
6607 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
6608 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
6609 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
6610 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
6611 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
6612 part of absolute file names) or
6613 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
6614 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
6615
6616 @kindex cdir
6617 @kindex cwd
6618 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
6619 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
6620 @cindex compilation directory
6621 @cindex current directory
6622 @cindex working directory
6623 @cindex directory, current
6624 @cindex directory, compilation
6625 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
6626 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
6627 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
6628 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
6629 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
6630 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
6631
6632 @item directory
6633 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
6634
6635 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
6636 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
6637
6638 @item set directories @var{path-list}
6639 @kindex set directories
6640 Set the source path to @var{path-list}.
6641 @samp{$cdir:$cwd} are added if missing.
6642
6643 @item show directories
6644 @kindex show directories
6645 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
6646
6647 @anchor{set substitute-path}
6648 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
6649 @kindex set substitute-path
6650 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
6651 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
6652 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
6653
6654 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
6655 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
6656
6657 @smallexample
6658 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
6659 @end smallexample
6660
6661 @noindent
6662 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
6663 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
6664 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
6665
6666 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
6667 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
6668 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
6669 the substitution.
6670
6671 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
6672
6673 @smallexample
6674 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
6675 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
6676 @end smallexample
6677
6678 @noindent
6679 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
6680 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
6681 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
6682 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
6683
6684
6685 @item unset substitute-path [path]
6686 @kindex unset substitute-path
6687 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
6688 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
6689 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
6690
6691 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
6692
6693 @item show substitute-path [path]
6694 @kindex show substitute-path
6695 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
6696 which would rewrite that path, if any.
6697
6698 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
6699 rules.
6700
6701 @end table
6702
6703 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
6704 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
6705 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
6706
6707 @enumerate
6708 @item
6709 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
6710
6711 @item
6712 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
6713 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
6714 directories in one command.
6715 @end enumerate
6716
6717 @node Machine Code
6718 @section Source and Machine Code
6719 @cindex source line and its code address
6720
6721 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
6722 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
6723 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
6724 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
6725 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
6726 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
6727 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
6728 well as hex.
6729
6730 @table @code
6731 @kindex info line
6732 @item info line @var{linespec}
6733 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
6734 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
6735 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
6736 @end table
6737
6738 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
6739 the object code for the first line of function
6740 @code{m4_changequote}:
6741
6742 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
6743 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
6744 @smallexample
6745 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
6746 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
6747 @end smallexample
6748
6749 @noindent
6750 @cindex code address and its source line
6751 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
6752 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
6753 @smallexample
6754 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
6755 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
6756 @end smallexample
6757
6758 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
6759 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
6760 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
6761 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
6762 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
6763 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
6764 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
6765 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6766 Variables}).
6767
6768 @table @code
6769 @kindex disassemble
6770 @cindex assembly instructions
6771 @cindex instructions, assembly
6772 @cindex machine instructions
6773 @cindex listing machine instructions
6774 @item disassemble
6775 @itemx disassemble /m
6776 @itemx disassemble /r
6777 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
6778 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
6779 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
6780 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
6781 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
6782 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
6783 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
6784 surrounding this value. When two arguments are given, they should
6785 be separated by a comma, possibly surrounded by whitespace. The
6786 arguments specify a range of addresses to dump, in one of two forms:
6787
6788 @table @code
6789 @item @var{start},@var{end}
6790 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to @var{end} (exclusive)
6791 @item @var{start},+@var{length}
6792 the addresses from @var{start} (inclusive) to
6793 @code{@var{start}+@var{length}} (exclusive).
6794 @end table
6795
6796 @noindent
6797 When 2 arguments are specified, the name of the function is also
6798 printed (since there could be several functions in the given range).
6799
6800 The argument(s) can be any expression yielding a numeric value, such as
6801 @samp{0x32c4}, @samp{&main+10} or @samp{$pc - 8}.
6802
6803 If the range of memory being disassembled contains current program counter,
6804 the instruction at that location is shown with a @code{=>} marker.
6805 @end table
6806
6807 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
6808 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
6809
6810 @smallexample
6811 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4, 0x32e4
6812 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
6813 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
6814 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
6815 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6816 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
6817 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
6818 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
6819 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
6820 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6821 End of assembler dump.
6822 @end smallexample
6823
6824 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86, when the
6825 program is stopped just after function prologue:
6826
6827 @smallexample
6828 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
6829 Dump of assembler code for function main:
6830 5 @{
6831 0x08048330 <+0>: push %ebp
6832 0x08048331 <+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
6833 0x08048333 <+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
6834 0x08048336 <+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
6835 0x08048339 <+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
6836
6837 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
6838 => 0x0804833c <+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
6839 0x08048343 <+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
6840
6841 7 return 0;
6842 8 @}
6843 0x08048348 <+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
6844 0x0804834d <+29>: leave
6845 0x0804834e <+30>: ret
6846
6847 End of assembler dump.
6848 @end smallexample
6849
6850 Here is another example showing raw instructions in hex for AMD x86-64,
6851
6852 @smallexample
6853 (gdb) disas /r 0x400281,+10
6854 Dump of assembler code from 0x400281 to 0x40028b:
6855 0x0000000000400281: 38 36 cmp %dh,(%rsi)
6856 0x0000000000400283: 2d 36 34 2e 73 sub $0x732e3436,%eax
6857 0x0000000000400288: 6f outsl %ds:(%rsi),(%dx)
6858 0x0000000000400289: 2e 32 00 xor %cs:(%rax),%al
6859 End of assembler dump.
6860 @end smallexample
6861
6862 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
6863 mnemonics or other syntax.
6864
6865 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
6866 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
6867 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
6868 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
6869 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
6870
6871 @table @code
6872 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
6873 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
6874 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
6875 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
6876 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
6877 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
6878
6879 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
6880 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
6881 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
6882 assemblers for x86-based targets.
6883
6884 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
6885 @item show disassembly-flavor
6886 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
6887 @end table
6888
6889 @table @code
6890 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
6891 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
6892 @item set disassemble-next-line
6893 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
6894 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
6895 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
6896 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
6897 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
6898 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
6899 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
6900 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
6901 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
6902 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
6903 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
6904 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
6905 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
6906 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
6907 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
6908 instruction.
6909 @end table
6910
6911
6912 @node Data
6913 @chapter Examining Data
6914
6915 @cindex printing data
6916 @cindex examining data
6917 @kindex print
6918 @kindex inspect
6919 @c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
6920 @c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
6921 @c different window or something like that.
6922 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
6923 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
6924 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
6925 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
6926 Different Languages}). It may also print the expression using a
6927 Python-based pretty-printer (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
6928
6929 @table @code
6930 @item print @var{expr}
6931 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
6932 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
6933 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
6934 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
6935 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
6936 Formats}.
6937
6938 @item print
6939 @itemx print /@var{f}
6940 @cindex reprint the last value
6941 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
6942 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
6943 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
6944 @end table
6945
6946 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
6947 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
6948 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6949
6950 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
6951 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
6952 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
6953 Table}.
6954
6955 @menu
6956 * Expressions:: Expressions
6957 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
6958 * Variables:: Program variables
6959 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
6960 * Output Formats:: Output formats
6961 * Memory:: Examining memory
6962 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
6963 * Print Settings:: Print settings
6964 * Pretty Printing:: Python pretty printing
6965 * Value History:: Value history
6966 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
6967 * Registers:: Registers
6968 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
6969 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
6970 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
6971 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
6972 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
6973 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
6974 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
6975 character set than GDB does
6976 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
6977 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
6978 @end menu
6979
6980 @node Expressions
6981 @section Expressions
6982
6983 @cindex expressions
6984 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
6985 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
6986 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
6987 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
6988 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
6989 you compiled your program to include this information; see
6990 @ref{Compilation}.
6991
6992 @cindex arrays in expressions
6993 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
6994 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
6995 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
6996 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
6997 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
6998 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
6999
7000 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
7001 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
7002 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
7003 languages.
7004
7005 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
7006 expressions regardless of your programming language.
7007
7008 @cindex casts, in expressions
7009 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
7010 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
7011 at that address in memory.
7012 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
7013
7014 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
7015 to programming languages:
7016
7017 @table @code
7018 @item @@
7019 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
7020 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
7021
7022 @item ::
7023 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
7024 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
7025
7026 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
7027 @cindex type casting memory
7028 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
7029 @cindex casts, to view memory
7030 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
7031 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
7032 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
7033 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
7034 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
7035 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
7036 @end table
7037
7038 @node Ambiguous Expressions
7039 @section Ambiguous Expressions
7040 @cindex ambiguous expressions
7041
7042 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
7043 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
7044 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
7045 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
7046 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
7047 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
7048 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
7049
7050 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
7051 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
7052 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
7053 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
7054 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
7055 as well.
7056
7057 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
7058 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
7059 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
7060 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
7061 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
7062 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
7063 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
7064 choices.
7065
7066 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
7067 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
7068 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
7069
7070 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
7071 @smallexample
7072 @group
7073 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
7074 [0] cancel
7075 [1] all
7076 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
7077 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
7078 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
7079 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
7080 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
7081 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
7082 > 2 4 6
7083 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
7084 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
7085 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
7086 Multiple breakpoints were set.
7087 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
7088 breakpoints.
7089 (@value{GDBP})
7090 @end group
7091 @end smallexample
7092
7093 @table @code
7094 @kindex set multiple-symbols
7095 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
7096 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
7097
7098 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
7099 is ambiguous.
7100
7101 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
7102 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
7103 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
7104 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
7105 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
7106 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
7107 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
7108 in the use of the menu.
7109
7110 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
7111 when an ambiguity is detected.
7112
7113 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
7114 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
7115
7116 @kindex show multiple-symbols
7117 @item show multiple-symbols
7118 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
7119 @end table
7120
7121 @node Variables
7122 @section Program Variables
7123
7124 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
7125 in your program.
7126
7127 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
7128 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
7129
7130 @itemize @bullet
7131 @item
7132 global (or file-static)
7133 @end itemize
7134
7135 @noindent or
7136
7137 @itemize @bullet
7138 @item
7139 visible according to the scope rules of the
7140 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
7141 @end itemize
7142
7143 @noindent This means that in the function
7144
7145 @smallexample
7146 foo (a)
7147 int a;
7148 @{
7149 bar (a);
7150 @{
7151 int b = test ();
7152 bar (b);
7153 @}
7154 @}
7155 @end smallexample
7156
7157 @noindent
7158 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
7159 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
7160 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
7161 the block where @code{b} is declared.
7162
7163 @cindex variable name conflict
7164 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
7165 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
7166 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
7167 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
7168 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
7169 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
7170 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
7171
7172 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
7173 @ifnotinfo
7174 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
7175 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
7176 @end ifnotinfo
7177 @smallexample
7178 @var{file}::@var{variable}
7179 @var{function}::@var{variable}
7180 @end smallexample
7181
7182 @noindent
7183 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
7184 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
7185 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
7186 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
7187
7188 @smallexample
7189 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
7190 @end smallexample
7191
7192 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
7193 This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
7194 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
7195 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
7196 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
7197 @c conflict?? --mew
7198
7199 @cindex wrong values
7200 @cindex variable values, wrong
7201 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
7202 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
7203 @quotation
7204 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
7205 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
7206 scope, and just before exit.
7207 @end quotation
7208 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
7209 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
7210 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
7211 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
7212 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
7213 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
7214 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
7215 variable definitions may be gone.
7216
7217 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
7218 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
7219 when compiling.
7220
7221 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
7222 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
7223 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
7224 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
7225 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
7226 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
7227 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
7228
7229 @smallexample
7230 No symbol "foo" in current context.
7231 @end smallexample
7232
7233 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
7234 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
7235 formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler,
7236 usually supports the @option{-gstabs+} option. @option{-gstabs+}
7237 produces debug info in a format that is superior to formats such as
7238 COFF. You may be able to use DWARF 2 (@option{-gdwarf-2}), which is also
7239 an effective form for debug info. @xref{Debugging Options,,Options
7240 for Debugging Your Program or GCC, gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu}
7241 Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
7242 @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug info formats
7243 that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
7244
7245 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
7246 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
7247 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
7248 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
7249
7250 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
7251 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
7252 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
7253 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
7254 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
7255 For program code
7256
7257 @smallexample
7258 char var0[] = "A";
7259 signed char var1[] = "A";
7260 @end smallexample
7261
7262 You get during debugging
7263 @smallexample
7264 (gdb) print var0
7265 $1 = "A"
7266 (gdb) print var1
7267 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
7268 @end smallexample
7269
7270 @node Arrays
7271 @section Artificial Arrays
7272
7273 @cindex artificial array
7274 @cindex arrays
7275 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
7276 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
7277 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
7278 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
7279 program.
7280
7281 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
7282 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
7283 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
7284 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
7285 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
7286 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
7287 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
7288 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
7289 example. If a program says
7290
7291 @smallexample
7292 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
7293 @end smallexample
7294
7295 @noindent
7296 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
7297
7298 @smallexample
7299 p *array@@len
7300 @end smallexample
7301
7302 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
7303 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
7304 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
7305 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
7306 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
7307
7308 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
7309 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
7310 The value need not be in memory:
7311 @smallexample
7312 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
7313 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7314 @end smallexample
7315
7316 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
7317 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
7318 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
7319 @smallexample
7320 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
7321 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
7322 @end smallexample
7323
7324 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
7325 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
7326 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
7327 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
7328 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
7329 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
7330 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
7331 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
7332 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
7333 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
7334
7335 @smallexample
7336 set $i = 0
7337 p dtab[$i++]->fv
7338 @key{RET}
7339 @key{RET}
7340 @dots{}
7341 @end smallexample
7342
7343 @node Output Formats
7344 @section Output Formats
7345
7346 @cindex formatted output
7347 @cindex output formats
7348 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
7349 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
7350 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
7351 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
7352 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
7353
7354 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
7355 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
7356 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
7357 letters supported are:
7358
7359 @table @code
7360 @item x
7361 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
7362 hexadecimal.
7363
7364 @item d
7365 Print as integer in signed decimal.
7366
7367 @item u
7368 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
7369
7370 @item o
7371 Print as integer in octal.
7372
7373 @item t
7374 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
7375 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
7376 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
7377 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
7378
7379 @item a
7380 @cindex unknown address, locating
7381 @cindex locate address
7382 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
7383 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
7384 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
7385
7386 @smallexample
7387 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
7388 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
7389 @end smallexample
7390
7391 @noindent
7392 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
7393 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
7394
7395 @item c
7396 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
7397 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
7398 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
7399 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
7400
7401 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
7402 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
7403 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
7404 data.
7405
7406 @item f
7407 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
7408 using typical floating point syntax.
7409
7410 @item s
7411 @cindex printing strings
7412 @cindex printing byte arrays
7413 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
7414 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
7415 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
7416 natural types.
7417
7418 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
7419 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
7420 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
7421 array.
7422
7423 @item r
7424 @cindex raw printing
7425 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
7426 use a Python-based pretty-printer, if one is available (@pxref{Pretty
7427 Printing}). This typically results in a higher-level display of the
7428 value's contents. The @samp{r} format bypasses any Python
7429 pretty-printer which might exist.
7430 @end table
7431
7432 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
7433
7434 @smallexample
7435 p/x $pc
7436 @end smallexample
7437
7438 @noindent
7439 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
7440 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
7441
7442 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
7443 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
7444 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
7445
7446 @node Memory
7447 @section Examining Memory
7448
7449 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
7450 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
7451
7452 @cindex examining memory
7453 @table @code
7454 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
7455 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
7456 @itemx x @var{addr}
7457 @itemx x
7458 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
7459 @end table
7460
7461 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
7462 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
7463 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
7464 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
7465 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
7466
7467 @table @r
7468 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
7469 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
7470 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
7471 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
7472 @c 4.1.2.
7473
7474 @item @var{f}, the display format
7475 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
7476 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
7477 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
7478 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
7479 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
7480
7481 @item @var{u}, the unit size
7482 The unit size is any of
7483
7484 @table @code
7485 @item b
7486 Bytes.
7487 @item h
7488 Halfwords (two bytes).
7489 @item w
7490 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
7491 @item g
7492 Giant words (eight bytes).
7493 @end table
7494
7495 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
7496 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. For the @samp{i} format,
7497 the unit size is ignored and is normally not written. For the @samp{s} format,
7498 the unit size defaults to @samp{b}, unless it is explicitly given.
7499 Use @kbd{x /hs} to display 16-bit char strings and @kbd{x /ws} to display
7500 32-bit strings. The next use of @kbd{x /s} will again display 8-bit strings.
7501 Note that the results depend on the programming language of the
7502 current compilation unit. If the language is C, the @samp{s}
7503 modifier will use the UTF-16 encoding while @samp{w} will use
7504 UTF-32. The encoding is set by the programming language and cannot
7505 be altered.
7506
7507 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
7508 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
7509 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
7510 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
7511 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
7512 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
7513 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
7514 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
7515 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
7516 a value from memory).
7517 @end table
7518
7519 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
7520 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
7521 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
7522 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
7523 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
7524
7525 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
7526 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
7527 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
7528 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
7529 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
7530
7531 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
7532 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
7533 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
7534 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
7535 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
7536 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
7537 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
7538 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
7539 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
7540
7541 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
7542 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
7543 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
7544 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
7545 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
7546 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
7547 for successive uses of @code{x}.
7548
7549 When examining machine instructions, the instruction at current program
7550 counter is shown with a @code{=>} marker. For example:
7551
7552 @smallexample
7553 (@value{GDBP}) x/5i $pc-6
7554 0x804837f <main+11>: mov %esp,%ebp
7555 0x8048381 <main+13>: push %ecx
7556 0x8048382 <main+14>: sub $0x4,%esp
7557 => 0x8048385 <main+17>: movl $0x8048460,(%esp)
7558 0x804838c <main+24>: call 0x80482d4 <puts@@plt>
7559 @end smallexample
7560
7561 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
7562 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
7563 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
7564 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
7565 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
7566 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
7567 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
7568 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
7569 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
7570
7571 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
7572 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
7573 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
7574
7575 @cindex remote memory comparison
7576 @cindex verify remote memory image
7577 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
7578 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
7579 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
7580 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
7581 situations.
7582
7583 @table @code
7584 @kindex compare-sections
7585 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
7586 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
7587 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
7588 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
7589 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
7590 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
7591 remote request.
7592 @end table
7593
7594 @node Auto Display
7595 @section Automatic Display
7596 @cindex automatic display
7597 @cindex display of expressions
7598
7599 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
7600 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
7601 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
7602 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
7603 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
7604 The automatic display looks like this:
7605
7606 @smallexample
7607 2: foo = 38
7608 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
7609 @end smallexample
7610
7611 @noindent
7612 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
7613 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
7614 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
7615 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
7616 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
7617 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
7618
7619 @table @code
7620 @kindex display
7621 @item display @var{expr}
7622 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
7623 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
7624
7625 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
7626
7627 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
7628 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
7629 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
7630 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
7631 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
7632
7633 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
7634 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
7635 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
7636 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
7637 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7638 @end table
7639
7640 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
7641 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
7642 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7643
7644 @table @code
7645 @kindex delete display
7646 @kindex undisplay
7647 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
7648 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7649 Remove item numbers @var{dnums} from the list of expressions to display.
7650
7651 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
7652 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
7653
7654 @kindex disable display
7655 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7656 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
7657 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
7658 enabled again later.
7659
7660 @kindex enable display
7661 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7662 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
7663 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
7664
7665 @item display
7666 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
7667 done when your program stops.
7668
7669 @kindex info display
7670 @item info display
7671 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
7672 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
7673 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
7674 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
7675 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
7676 @end table
7677
7678 @cindex display disabled out of scope
7679 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
7680 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
7681 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
7682 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
7683 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
7684 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
7685 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
7686 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
7687 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
7688 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
7689
7690 @node Print Settings
7691 @section Print Settings
7692
7693 @cindex format options
7694 @cindex print settings
7695 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
7696 and symbols are printed.
7697
7698 @noindent
7699 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
7700
7701 @table @code
7702 @kindex set print
7703 @item set print address
7704 @itemx set print address on
7705 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
7706 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
7707 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
7708 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
7709 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
7710 @code{set print address on}:
7711
7712 @smallexample
7713 @group
7714 (@value{GDBP}) f
7715 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
7716 at input.c:530
7717 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7718 @end group
7719 @end smallexample
7720
7721 @item set print address off
7722 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
7723 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
7724
7725 @smallexample
7726 @group
7727 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
7728 (@value{GDBP}) f
7729 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
7730 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7731 @end group
7732 @end smallexample
7733
7734 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
7735 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
7736 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
7737 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
7738
7739 @kindex show print
7740 @item show print address
7741 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
7742 @end table
7743
7744 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
7745 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
7746 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
7747 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
7748 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
7749 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
7750 it prints a symbolic address:
7751
7752 @table @code
7753 @item set print symbol-filename on
7754 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
7755 @cindex symbol, source file and line
7756 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
7757 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7758
7759 @item set print symbol-filename off
7760 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
7761 default.
7762
7763 @item show print symbol-filename
7764 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
7765 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7766 @end table
7767
7768 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
7769 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
7770 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
7771
7772 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
7773 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
7774
7775 @table @code
7776 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
7777 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
7778 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
7779 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
7780 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
7781 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
7782
7783 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
7784 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
7785 symbolic address.
7786 @end table
7787
7788 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
7789 @cindex pointer, finding referent
7790 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
7791 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
7792 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
7793 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
7794 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
7795 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
7796
7797 @smallexample
7798 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
7799 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
7800 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
7801 @end smallexample
7802
7803 @quotation
7804 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
7805 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
7806 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
7807 @end quotation
7808
7809 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
7810
7811 @table @code
7812 @item set print array
7813 @itemx set print array on
7814 @cindex pretty print arrays
7815 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
7816 but uses more space. The default is off.
7817
7818 @item set print array off
7819 Return to compressed format for arrays.
7820
7821 @item show print array
7822 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
7823 arrays.
7824
7825 @cindex print array indexes
7826 @item set print array-indexes
7827 @itemx set print array-indexes on
7828 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
7829 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
7830 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
7831
7832 @item set print array-indexes off
7833 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
7834
7835 @item show print array-indexes
7836 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
7837 arrays.
7838
7839 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
7840 @cindex number of array elements to print
7841 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
7842 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
7843 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
7844 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
7845 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
7846 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
7847 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
7848
7849 @item show print elements
7850 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
7851 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
7852
7853 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
7854 @kindex set print frame-arguments
7855 @cindex printing frame argument values
7856 @cindex print all frame argument values
7857 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
7858 @cindex do not print frame argument values
7859 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
7860 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
7861 values are:
7862
7863 @table @code
7864 @item all
7865 The values of all arguments are printed.
7866
7867 @item scalars
7868 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
7869 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
7870 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
7871 only scalar arguments are shown:
7872
7873 @smallexample
7874 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
7875 at frame-args.c:23
7876 @end smallexample
7877
7878 @item none
7879 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
7880 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
7881
7882 @smallexample
7883 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
7884 at frame-args.c:23
7885 @end smallexample
7886 @end table
7887
7888 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
7889 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
7890 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
7891 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
7892 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
7893 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
7894 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
7895 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
7896 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
7897 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
7898
7899 @item show print frame-arguments
7900 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
7901
7902 @item set print repeats
7903 @cindex repeated array elements
7904 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
7905 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
7906 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
7907 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
7908 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
7909 themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
7910 be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
7911
7912 @item show print repeats
7913 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
7914 elements.
7915
7916 @item set print null-stop
7917 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
7918 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
7919 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
7920 contain only short strings.
7921 The default is off.
7922
7923 @item show print null-stop
7924 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
7925 @sc{null} character.
7926
7927 @item set print pretty on
7928 @cindex print structures in indented form
7929 @cindex indentation in structure display
7930 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
7931 per line, like this:
7932
7933 @smallexample
7934 @group
7935 $1 = @{
7936 next = 0x0,
7937 flags = @{
7938 sweet = 1,
7939 sour = 1
7940 @},
7941 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
7942 @}
7943 @end group
7944 @end smallexample
7945
7946 @item set print pretty off
7947 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
7948
7949 @smallexample
7950 @group
7951 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
7952 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
7953 @end group
7954 @end smallexample
7955
7956 @noindent
7957 This is the default format.
7958
7959 @item show print pretty
7960 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
7961
7962 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
7963 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
7964 @cindex octal escapes in strings
7965 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
7966 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
7967 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
7968 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
7969 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
7970
7971 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
7972 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
7973 international character sets, and is the default.
7974
7975 @item show print sevenbit-strings
7976 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
7977
7978 @item set print union on
7979 @cindex unions in structures, printing
7980 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
7981 and other unions. This is the default setting.
7982
7983 @item set print union off
7984 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
7985 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
7986 instead.
7987
7988 @item show print union
7989 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
7990 structures and other unions.
7991
7992 For example, given the declarations
7993
7994 @smallexample
7995 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
7996 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
7997 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
7998 Bug_forms;
7999
8000 struct thing @{
8001 Species it;
8002 union @{
8003 Tree_forms tree;
8004 Bug_forms bug;
8005 @} form;
8006 @};
8007
8008 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
8009 @end smallexample
8010
8011 @noindent
8012 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
8013
8014 @smallexample
8015 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
8016 @end smallexample
8017
8018 @noindent
8019 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
8020
8021 @smallexample
8022 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
8023 @end smallexample
8024
8025 @noindent
8026 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
8027 and in Pascal.
8028 @end table
8029
8030 @need 1000
8031 @noindent
8032 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
8033
8034 @table @code
8035 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
8036 @item set print demangle
8037 @itemx set print demangle on
8038 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
8039 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
8040 linkage. The default is on.
8041
8042 @item show print demangle
8043 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
8044
8045 @item set print asm-demangle
8046 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
8047 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
8048 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
8049 The default is off.
8050
8051 @item show print asm-demangle
8052 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
8053 or demangled form.
8054
8055 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
8056 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
8057 @kindex set demangle-style
8058 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
8059 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
8060 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
8061
8062 @table @code
8063 @item auto
8064 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
8065
8066 @item gnu
8067 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
8068 This is the default.
8069
8070 @item hp
8071 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
8072
8073 @item lucid
8074 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
8075
8076 @item arm
8077 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
8078 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
8079 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
8080 require further enhancement to permit that.
8081
8082 @end table
8083 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
8084
8085 @item show demangle-style
8086 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
8087
8088 @item set print object
8089 @itemx set print object on
8090 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
8091 @cindex display derived types
8092 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
8093 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
8094 the virtual function table.
8095
8096 @item set print object off
8097 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
8098 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
8099
8100 @item show print object
8101 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
8102
8103 @item set print static-members
8104 @itemx set print static-members on
8105 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
8106 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
8107
8108 @item set print static-members off
8109 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
8110
8111 @item show print static-members
8112 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
8113
8114 @item set print pascal_static-members
8115 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
8116 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
8117 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
8118 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
8119
8120 @item set print pascal_static-members off
8121 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
8122
8123 @item show print pascal_static-members
8124 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
8125
8126 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
8127 @item set print vtbl
8128 @itemx set print vtbl on
8129 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
8130 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
8131 @cindex VTBL display
8132 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
8133 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
8134 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
8135
8136 @item set print vtbl off
8137 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
8138
8139 @item show print vtbl
8140 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
8141 @end table
8142
8143 @node Pretty Printing
8144 @section Pretty Printing
8145
8146 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values using
8147 Python code. It greatly simplifies the display of complex objects. This
8148 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
8149
8150 @menu
8151 * Pretty-Printer Introduction:: Introduction to pretty-printers
8152 * Pretty-Printer Example:: An example pretty-printer
8153 * Pretty-Printer Commands:: Pretty-printer commands
8154 @end menu
8155
8156 @node Pretty-Printer Introduction
8157 @subsection Pretty-Printer Introduction
8158
8159 When @value{GDBN} prints a value, it first sees if there is a pretty-printer
8160 registered for the value. If there is then @value{GDBN} invokes the
8161 pretty-printer to print the value. Otherwise the value is printed normally.
8162
8163 Pretty-printers are normally named. This makes them easy to manage.
8164 The @samp{info pretty-printer} command will list all the installed
8165 pretty-printers with their names.
8166 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
8167 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
8168 Each such subprinter has its own name.
8169 The format of the name is @var{printer-name};@var{subprinter-name}.
8170
8171 Pretty-printers are installed by @dfn{registering} them with @value{GDBN}.
8172 Typically they are automatically loaded and registered when the corresponding
8173 debug information is loaded, thus making them available without having to
8174 do anything special.
8175
8176 There are three places where a pretty-printer can be registered.
8177
8178 @itemize @bullet
8179 @item
8180 Pretty-printers registered globally are available when debugging
8181 all inferiors.
8182
8183 @item
8184 Pretty-printers registered with a program space are available only
8185 when debugging that program.
8186 @xref{Progspaces In Python}, for more details on program spaces in Python.
8187
8188 @item
8189 Pretty-printers registered with an objfile are loaded and unloaded
8190 with the corresponding objfile (e.g., shared library).
8191 @xref{Objfiles In Python}, for more details on objfiles in Python.
8192 @end itemize
8193
8194 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for further information on how
8195 pretty-printers are selected,
8196
8197 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for implementing pretty printers
8198 for new types.
8199
8200 @node Pretty-Printer Example
8201 @subsection Pretty-Printer Example
8202
8203 Here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a pretty-printer:
8204
8205 @smallexample
8206 (@value{GDBP}) print s
8207 $1 = @{
8208 static npos = 4294967295,
8209 _M_dataplus = @{
8210 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
8211 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{
8212 <No data fields>@}, <No data fields>
8213 @},
8214 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>,
8215 std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
8216 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
8217 @}
8218 @}
8219 @end smallexample
8220
8221 With a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} only the contents are printed:
8222
8223 @smallexample
8224 (@value{GDBP}) print s
8225 $2 = "abcd"
8226 @end smallexample
8227
8228 @node Pretty-Printer Commands
8229 @subsection Pretty-Printer Commands
8230 @cindex pretty-printer commands
8231
8232 @table @code
8233 @kindex info pretty-printer
8234 @item info pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
8235 Print the list of installed pretty-printers.
8236 This includes disabled pretty-printers, which are marked as such.
8237
8238 @var{object-regexp} is a regular expression matching the objects
8239 whose pretty-printers to list.
8240 Objects can be @code{global}, the program space's file
8241 (@pxref{Progspaces In Python}),
8242 and the object files within that program space (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}).
8243 @xref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}, for details on how @value{GDBN}
8244 looks up a printer from these three objects.
8245
8246 @var{name-regexp} is a regular expression matching the name of the printers
8247 to list.
8248
8249 @kindex disable pretty-printer
8250 @item disable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
8251 Disable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
8252 A disabled pretty-printer is not forgotten, it may be enabled again later.
8253
8254 @kindex enable pretty-printer
8255 @item enable pretty-printer [@var{object-regexp} [@var{name-regexp}]]
8256 Enable pretty-printers matching @var{object-regexp} and @var{name-regexp}.
8257 @end table
8258
8259 Example:
8260
8261 Suppose we have three pretty-printers installed: one from library1.so
8262 named @code{foo} that prints objects of type @code{foo}, and
8263 another from library2.so named @code{bar} that prints two types of objects,
8264 @code{bar1} and @code{bar2}.
8265
8266 @smallexample
8267 (gdb) info pretty-printer
8268 library1.so:
8269 foo
8270 library2.so:
8271 bar
8272 bar1
8273 bar2
8274 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
8275 library2.so:
8276 bar
8277 bar1
8278 bar2
8279 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library1
8280 1 printer disabled
8281 2 of 3 printers enabled
8282 (gdb) info pretty-printer
8283 library1.so:
8284 foo [disabled]
8285 library2.so:
8286 bar
8287 bar1
8288 bar2
8289 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar:bar1
8290 1 printer disabled
8291 1 of 3 printers enabled
8292 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
8293 library1.so:
8294 foo [disabled]
8295 library2.so:
8296 bar
8297 bar1 [disabled]
8298 bar2
8299 (gdb) disable pretty-printer library2 bar
8300 1 printer disabled
8301 0 of 3 printers enabled
8302 (gdb) info pretty-printer library2
8303 library1.so:
8304 foo [disabled]
8305 library2.so:
8306 bar [disabled]
8307 bar1 [disabled]
8308 bar2
8309 @end smallexample
8310
8311 Note that for @code{bar} the entire printer can be disabled,
8312 as can each individual subprinter.
8313
8314 @node Value History
8315 @section Value History
8316
8317 @cindex value history
8318 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
8319 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
8320 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
8321 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
8322 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
8323 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
8324 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
8325 symbol table.
8326
8327 @cindex @code{$}
8328 @cindex @code{$$}
8329 @cindex history number
8330 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
8331 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
8332 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
8333 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
8334 history number.
8335
8336 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
8337 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
8338 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
8339 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
8340 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
8341 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
8342 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
8343
8344 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
8345 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
8346
8347 @smallexample
8348 p *$
8349 @end smallexample
8350
8351 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
8352 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
8353
8354 @smallexample
8355 p *$.next
8356 @end smallexample
8357
8358 @noindent
8359 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
8360 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
8361
8362 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
8363 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
8364
8365 @smallexample
8366 print x
8367 set x=5
8368 @end smallexample
8369
8370 @noindent
8371 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
8372 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
8373
8374 @table @code
8375 @kindex show values
8376 @item show values
8377 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
8378 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
8379 values} does not change the history.
8380
8381 @item show values @var{n}
8382 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
8383
8384 @item show values +
8385 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
8386 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
8387 @end table
8388
8389 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
8390 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
8391
8392 @node Convenience Vars
8393 @section Convenience Variables
8394
8395 @cindex convenience variables
8396 @cindex user-defined variables
8397 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
8398 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
8399 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
8400 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
8401 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
8402
8403 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
8404 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
8405 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
8406 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
8407 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
8408
8409 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
8410 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
8411 For example:
8412
8413 @smallexample
8414 set $foo = *object_ptr
8415 @end smallexample
8416
8417 @noindent
8418 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
8419 @code{object_ptr}.
8420
8421 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
8422 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
8423 value with another assignment at any time.
8424
8425 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
8426 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
8427 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
8428 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
8429
8430 @table @code
8431 @kindex show convenience
8432 @cindex show all user variables
8433 @item show convenience
8434 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
8435 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
8436
8437 @kindex init-if-undefined
8438 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
8439 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
8440 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
8441 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
8442 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
8443 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
8444 override default values used in a command script.
8445
8446 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
8447 any side-effects do not occur.
8448 @end table
8449
8450 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
8451 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
8452 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
8453
8454 @smallexample
8455 set $i = 0
8456 print bar[$i++]->contents
8457 @end smallexample
8458
8459 @noindent
8460 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
8461
8462 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
8463 values likely to be useful.
8464
8465 @table @code
8466 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
8467 @item $_
8468 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
8469 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
8470 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
8471 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
8472 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
8473 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
8474 to the type of @code{$__}.
8475
8476 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
8477 @item $__
8478 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
8479 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
8480 to match the format in which the data was printed.
8481
8482 @item $_exitcode
8483 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
8484 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
8485 the program being debugged terminates.
8486
8487 @item $_sdata
8488 @vindex $_sdata@r{, inspect, convenience variable}
8489 The variable @code{$_sdata} contains extra collected static tracepoint
8490 data. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}. Note that
8491 @code{$_sdata} could be empty, if not inspecting a trace buffer, or
8492 if extra static tracepoint data has not been collected.
8493
8494 @item $_siginfo
8495 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
8496 The variable @code{$_siginfo} contains extra signal information
8497 (@pxref{extra signal information}). Note that @code{$_siginfo}
8498 could be empty, if the application has not yet received any signals.
8499 For example, it will be empty before you execute the @code{run} command.
8500
8501 @item $_tlb
8502 @vindex $_tlb@r{, convenience variable}
8503 The variable @code{$_tlb} is automatically set when debugging
8504 applications running on MS-Windows in native mode or connected to
8505 gdbserver that supports the @code{qGetTIBAddr} request.
8506 @xref{General Query Packets}.
8507 This variable contains the address of the thread information block.
8508
8509 @end table
8510
8511 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
8512 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
8513 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
8514
8515 @cindex convenience functions
8516 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
8517 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
8518 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
8519 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
8520 @value{GDBN}.
8521
8522 @table @code
8523 @item help function
8524 @kindex help function
8525 @cindex show all convenience functions
8526 Print a list of all convenience functions.
8527 @end table
8528
8529 @node Registers
8530 @section Registers
8531
8532 @cindex registers
8533 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
8534 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
8535 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
8536 your machine.
8537
8538 @table @code
8539 @kindex info registers
8540 @item info registers
8541 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
8542 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
8543
8544 @kindex info all-registers
8545 @cindex floating point registers
8546 @item info all-registers
8547 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
8548 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
8549
8550 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
8551 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
8552 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
8553 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
8554 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
8555 @end table
8556
8557 @cindex stack pointer register
8558 @cindex program counter register
8559 @cindex process status register
8560 @cindex frame pointer register
8561 @cindex standard registers
8562 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
8563 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
8564 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
8565 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
8566 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
8567 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
8568 register that contains the processor status. For example,
8569 you could print the program counter in hex with
8570
8571 @smallexample
8572 p/x $pc
8573 @end smallexample
8574
8575 @noindent
8576 or print the instruction to be executed next with
8577
8578 @smallexample
8579 x/i $pc
8580 @end smallexample
8581
8582 @noindent
8583 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
8584 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
8585 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
8586 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
8587 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
8588 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
8589 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
8590
8591 @smallexample
8592 set $sp += 4
8593 @end smallexample
8594
8595 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
8596 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
8597 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
8598 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
8599 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
8600 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
8601 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
8602
8603 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
8604 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
8605 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
8606 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
8607 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
8608 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
8609 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
8610
8611 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
8612 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
8613 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
8614 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
8615 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
8616 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
8617 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
8618 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
8619 prints the data in both formats.
8620
8621 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
8622 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
8623 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
8624 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
8625 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
8626 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
8627 registers in @code{struct} notation:
8628
8629 @smallexample
8630 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
8631 $1 = @{
8632 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
8633 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
8634 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
8635 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
8636 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
8637 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
8638 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
8639 @}
8640 @end smallexample
8641
8642 @noindent
8643 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
8644 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
8645 value to a @code{struct} member:
8646
8647 @smallexample
8648 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
8649 @end smallexample
8650
8651 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
8652 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
8653 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
8654 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
8655 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
8656 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
8657
8658 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
8659 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
8660 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
8661 frame makes no difference.
8662
8663 @node Floating Point Hardware
8664 @section Floating Point Hardware
8665 @cindex floating point
8666
8667 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
8668 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
8669
8670 @table @code
8671 @kindex info float
8672 @item info float
8673 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
8674 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
8675 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
8676 the ARM and x86 machines.
8677 @end table
8678
8679 @node Vector Unit
8680 @section Vector Unit
8681 @cindex vector unit
8682
8683 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
8684 more information about the status of the vector unit.
8685
8686 @table @code
8687 @kindex info vector
8688 @item info vector
8689 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
8690 layout vary depending on the hardware.
8691 @end table
8692
8693 @node OS Information
8694 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
8695 @cindex OS information
8696
8697 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
8698 you debug your program.
8699
8700 @cindex @code{ptrace} system call
8701 @cindex @code{struct user} contents
8702 When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
8703 machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
8704 system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
8705 called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
8706 command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
8707 structure.
8708
8709 @table @code
8710 @item info udot
8711 @kindex info udot
8712 Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
8713 kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
8714 contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
8715 the @code{examine} command.
8716 @end table
8717
8718 @cindex auxiliary vector
8719 @cindex vector, auxiliary
8720 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
8721 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
8722 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
8723 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
8724 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
8725 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
8726 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
8727 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
8728 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
8729 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
8730 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
8731
8732 @table @code
8733 @kindex info auxv
8734 @item info auxv
8735 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
8736 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
8737 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
8738 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
8739 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
8740 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
8741 an unrecognized tag.
8742 @end table
8743
8744 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating-system-specific information
8745 and display it to user, without interpretation. For remote targets,
8746 this functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
8747 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
8748
8749 @table @code
8750 @kindex info os
8751 @item info os
8752 List the types of OS information available for the target. If the
8753 target does not return a list of possible types, this command will
8754 report an error.
8755
8756 @kindex info os processes
8757 @item info os processes
8758 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
8759 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, and
8760 the command corresponding to the process.
8761 @end table
8762
8763 @node Memory Region Attributes
8764 @section Memory Region Attributes
8765 @cindex memory region attributes
8766
8767 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
8768 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
8769 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
8770 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
8771 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
8772 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
8773 user can override the fetched regions.
8774
8775 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
8776 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
8777 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
8778 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
8779 all memory.
8780
8781 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
8782 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
8783
8784 @table @code
8785 @kindex mem
8786 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
8787 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
8788 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
8789 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
8790 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
8791 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
8792
8793 @item mem auto
8794 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
8795 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
8796
8797 @kindex delete mem
8798 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8799 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
8800 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
8801
8802 @kindex disable mem
8803 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8804 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
8805 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
8806 It may be enabled again later.
8807
8808 @kindex enable mem
8809 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
8810 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
8811
8812 @kindex info mem
8813 @item info mem
8814 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
8815 for each region:
8816
8817 @table @emph
8818 @item Memory Region Number
8819 @item Enabled or Disabled.
8820 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
8821 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
8822
8823 @item Lo Address
8824 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
8825
8826 @item Hi Address
8827 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
8828
8829 @item Attributes
8830 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
8831 @end table
8832 @end table
8833
8834
8835 @subsection Attributes
8836
8837 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
8838 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
8839 write accesses to a memory region.
8840
8841 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
8842 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
8843 etc.@: from accessing memory.
8844
8845 @table @code
8846 @item ro
8847 Memory is read only.
8848 @item wo
8849 Memory is write only.
8850 @item rw
8851 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
8852 @end table
8853
8854 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
8855 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
8856 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
8857 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
8858 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
8859
8860 @table @code
8861 @item 8
8862 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
8863 @item 16
8864 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
8865 @item 32
8866 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
8867 @item 64
8868 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
8869 @end table
8870
8871 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
8872 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8873 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
8874 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
8875 @c
8876 @c @table @code
8877 @c @item hwbreak
8878 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
8879 @c @item swbreak (default)
8880 @c @end table
8881
8882 @subsubsection Data Cache
8883 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
8884 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
8885 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
8886 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
8887 registers.
8888
8889 @table @code
8890 @item cache
8891 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
8892 @item nocache
8893 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
8894 @end table
8895
8896 @subsection Memory Access Checking
8897 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
8898 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
8899 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
8900 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
8901
8902 @table @code
8903 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
8904 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
8905 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
8906 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
8907 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
8908 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
8909 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
8910 The default value is @code{on}.
8911 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
8912 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
8913 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
8914 @end table
8915
8916
8917 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
8918 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8919 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
8920 @c
8921 @c @table @code
8922 @c @item verify
8923 @c @item noverify (default)
8924 @c @end table
8925
8926 @node Dump/Restore Files
8927 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
8928 @cindex dump/restore files
8929 @cindex append data to a file
8930 @cindex dump data to a file
8931 @cindex restore data from a file
8932
8933 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
8934 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
8935 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
8936 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
8937 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
8938 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
8939 files.
8940
8941 @table @code
8942
8943 @kindex dump
8944 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8945 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8946 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8947 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
8948
8949 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
8950 @table @code
8951 @item binary
8952 Raw binary form.
8953 @item ihex
8954 Intel hex format.
8955 @item srec
8956 Motorola S-record format.
8957 @item tekhex
8958 Tektronix Hex format.
8959 @end table
8960
8961 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
8962 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
8963 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
8964 form.
8965
8966 @kindex append
8967 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8968 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8969 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8970 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
8971 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
8972
8973 @kindex restore
8974 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
8975 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
8976 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
8977 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
8978 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
8979
8980 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
8981 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
8982 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
8983 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
8984 from that location.
8985
8986 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
8987 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
8988 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
8989 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
8990
8991 @end table
8992
8993 @node Core File Generation
8994 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
8995 @cindex dump core from inferior
8996
8997 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
8998 image of a running process and its process status (register values
8999 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
9000 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
9001 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
9002 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
9003 the post-mortem debugging mode.
9004
9005 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
9006 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
9007 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
9008
9009 @table @code
9010 @kindex gcore
9011 @kindex generate-core-file
9012 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
9013 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
9014 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
9015 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
9016 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
9017 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
9018
9019 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
9020 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
9021 @end table
9022
9023 @node Character Sets
9024 @section Character Sets
9025 @cindex character sets
9026 @cindex charset
9027 @cindex translating between character sets
9028 @cindex host character set
9029 @cindex target character set
9030
9031 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
9032 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
9033 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
9034 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
9035 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
9036 @dfn{target character set}.
9037
9038 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
9039 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
9040 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
9041 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
9042 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
9043 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
9044 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
9045 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
9046 character and string literals in expressions.
9047
9048 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
9049 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
9050 target-charset} command, described below.
9051
9052 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
9053 support:
9054
9055 @table @code
9056 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
9057 @kindex set target-charset
9058 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
9059 list of supported target character sets, type
9060 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
9061
9062 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
9063 @kindex set host-charset
9064 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
9065
9066 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
9067 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
9068 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
9069 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
9070 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
9071
9072 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
9073 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set host-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
9074 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
9075
9076 @item set charset @var{charset}
9077 @kindex set charset
9078 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
9079 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
9080 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
9081 for both host and target.
9082
9083 @item show charset
9084 @kindex show charset
9085 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
9086
9087 @item show host-charset
9088 @kindex show host-charset
9089 Show the name of the current host character set.
9090
9091 @item show target-charset
9092 @kindex show target-charset
9093 Show the name of the current target character set.
9094
9095 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
9096 @kindex set target-wide-charset
9097 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
9098 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
9099 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
9100 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
9101
9102 @item show target-wide-charset
9103 @kindex show target-wide-charset
9104 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
9105 @end table
9106
9107 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
9108 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
9109 @file{charset-test.c}:
9110
9111 @smallexample
9112 #include <stdio.h>
9113
9114 char ascii_hello[]
9115 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
9116 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
9117 char ibm1047_hello[]
9118 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
9119 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
9120
9121 main ()
9122 @{
9123 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9124 @}
9125 @end smallexample
9126
9127 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
9128 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
9129 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
9130
9131 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
9132
9133 @smallexample
9134 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
9135 $ gdb -nw charset-test
9136 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
9137 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
9138 @dots{}
9139 (@value{GDBP})
9140 @end smallexample
9141
9142 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
9143 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
9144 strings:
9145
9146 @smallexample
9147 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
9148 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
9149 (@value{GDBP})
9150 @end smallexample
9151
9152 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
9153 initial character set:
9154 @smallexample
9155 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
9156 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
9157 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
9158 (@value{GDBP})
9159 @end smallexample
9160
9161 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
9162 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
9163 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
9164 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
9165 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
9166
9167 @smallexample
9168 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
9169 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
9170 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
9171 $2 = 72 'H'
9172 (@value{GDBP})
9173 @end smallexample
9174
9175 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
9176 literals you use in expressions:
9177
9178 @smallexample
9179 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
9180 $3 = 43 '+'
9181 (@value{GDBP})
9182 @end smallexample
9183
9184 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
9185 character.
9186
9187 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
9188 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
9189 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
9190
9191 @smallexample
9192 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
9193 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
9194 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
9195 $5 = 200 '\310'
9196 (@value{GDBP})
9197 @end smallexample
9198
9199 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
9200 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
9201
9202 @smallexample
9203 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
9204 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
9205 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
9206 @end smallexample
9207
9208 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
9209 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
9210 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
9211 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
9212 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
9213
9214 @smallexample
9215 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
9216 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
9217 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
9218 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
9219 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
9220 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
9221 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
9222 $7 = 72 '\110'
9223 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
9224 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
9225 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
9226 $9 = 200 'H'
9227 (@value{GDBP})
9228 @end smallexample
9229
9230 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
9231 string literals you use in expressions:
9232
9233 @smallexample
9234 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
9235 $10 = 78 '+'
9236 (@value{GDBP})
9237 @end smallexample
9238
9239 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
9240 character.
9241
9242 @node Caching Remote Data
9243 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
9244 @cindex caching data of remote targets
9245
9246 @value{GDBN} caches data exchanged between the debugger and a
9247 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
9248 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
9249 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately, simply
9250 caching everything would lead to incorrect results, since @value{GDBN}
9251 does not necessarily know anything about volatile values, memory-mapped I/O
9252 addresses, etc. Furthermore, in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode})
9253 memory can be changed @emph{while} a gdb command is executing.
9254 Therefore, by default, @value{GDBN} only caches data
9255 known to be on the stack@footnote{In non-stop mode, it is moderately
9256 rare for a running thread to modify the stack of a stopped thread
9257 in a way that would interfere with a backtrace, and caching of
9258 stack reads provides a significant speed up of remote backtraces.}.
9259 Other regions of memory can be explicitly marked as
9260 cacheable; see @pxref{Memory Region Attributes}.
9261
9262 @table @code
9263 @kindex set remotecache
9264 @item set remotecache on
9265 @itemx set remotecache off
9266 This option no longer does anything; it exists for compatibility
9267 with old scripts.
9268
9269 @kindex show remotecache
9270 @item show remotecache
9271 Show the current state of the obsolete remotecache flag.
9272
9273 @kindex set stack-cache
9274 @item set stack-cache on
9275 @itemx set stack-cache off
9276 Enable or disable caching of stack accesses. When @code{ON}, use
9277 caching. By default, this option is @code{ON}.
9278
9279 @kindex show stack-cache
9280 @item show stack-cache
9281 Show the current state of data caching for memory accesses.
9282
9283 @kindex info dcache
9284 @item info dcache @r{[}line@r{]}
9285 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
9286 information displayed includes the dcache width and depth, and for
9287 each cache line, its number, address, and how many times it was
9288 referenced. This command is useful for debugging the data cache
9289 operation.
9290
9291 If a line number is specified, the contents of that line will be
9292 printed in hex.
9293 @end table
9294
9295 @node Searching Memory
9296 @section Search Memory
9297 @cindex searching memory
9298
9299 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
9300 @code{find} command.
9301
9302 @table @code
9303 @kindex find
9304 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
9305 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
9306 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
9307 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
9308 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
9309 @end table
9310
9311 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
9312 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
9313
9314 @table @r
9315 @item @var{s}, search query size
9316 The size of each search query value.
9317
9318 @table @code
9319 @item b
9320 bytes
9321 @item h
9322 halfwords (two bytes)
9323 @item w
9324 words (four bytes)
9325 @item g
9326 giant words (eight bytes)
9327 @end table
9328
9329 All values are interpreted in the current language.
9330 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
9331 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
9332
9333 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
9334 value's type in the current language.
9335 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
9336 pattern as a mixture of types.
9337 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
9338 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
9339 which is typically four bytes.
9340
9341 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
9342 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
9343 @end table
9344
9345 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
9346 (@code{"}).
9347 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
9348 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
9349
9350 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
9351 number of matches found.
9352
9353 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
9354 @samp{$_}.
9355 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
9356
9357 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
9358
9359 @smallexample
9360 void
9361 hello ()
9362 @{
9363 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
9364 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
9365 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
9366 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
9367 printf ("%s\n", hello);
9368 @}
9369 @end smallexample
9370
9371 @noindent
9372 you get during debugging:
9373
9374 @smallexample
9375 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
9376 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
9377 1 pattern found
9378 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
9379 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
9380 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
9381 2 patterns found
9382 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
9383 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
9384 1 pattern found
9385 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
9386 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
9387 1 pattern found
9388 (gdb) print $numfound
9389 $1 = 1
9390 (gdb) print $_
9391 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
9392 @end smallexample
9393
9394 @node Optimized Code
9395 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
9396 @cindex optimized code, debugging
9397 @cindex debugging optimized code
9398
9399 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
9400 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
9401 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
9402 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
9403 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
9404 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
9405 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
9406
9407 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
9408 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
9409 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
9410 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
9411
9412 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
9413 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
9414 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
9415 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
9416 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
9417 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
9418
9419 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
9420 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
9421 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
9422 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
9423 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
9424
9425 @menu
9426 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
9427 @end menu
9428
9429 @node Inline Functions
9430 @section Inline Functions
9431 @cindex inline functions, debugging
9432
9433 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
9434 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
9435 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
9436 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
9437 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
9438 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
9439 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
9440 @code{info frame} command.
9441
9442 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
9443 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
9444 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
9445 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
9446 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
9447 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
9448 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
9449 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
9450 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
9451 local variables in the caller.
9452
9453 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
9454 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
9455 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
9456 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
9457 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
9458 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
9459 instructions are executed.
9460
9461 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
9462 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
9463 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
9464 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
9465
9466 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
9467 function calls are the same as normal calls:
9468
9469 @itemize @bullet
9470 @item
9471 You cannot set breakpoints on inlined functions. @value{GDBN}
9472 either reports that there is no symbol with that name, or else sets the
9473 breakpoint only on non-inlined copies of the function. This limitation
9474 will be removed in a future version of @value{GDBN}; until then,
9475 set a breakpoint by line number on the first line of the inlined
9476 function instead.
9477
9478 @item
9479 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
9480 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
9481 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
9482 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
9483 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
9484 or inside the inlined function instead.
9485
9486 @item
9487 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
9488 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
9489 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
9490 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
9491
9492 @end itemize
9493
9494
9495 @node Macros
9496 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
9497
9498 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
9499 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
9500 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
9501 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
9502 where it was defined.
9503
9504 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
9505 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
9506 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
9507 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
9508
9509 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
9510 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
9511 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
9512 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
9513 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
9514 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
9515 see @ref{List}.
9516
9517 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
9518 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
9519 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
9520
9521 @table @code
9522
9523 @kindex macro expand
9524 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
9525 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
9526 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
9527 @item macro expand @var{expression}
9528 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
9529 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
9530 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
9531 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
9532 it can be any string of tokens.
9533
9534 @kindex macro exp1
9535 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
9536 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
9537 @cindex expand macro once
9538 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
9539 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
9540 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
9541 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
9542 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
9543 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
9544 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
9545 can be any string of tokens.
9546
9547 @kindex info macro
9548 @cindex macro definition, showing
9549 @cindex definition, showing a macro's
9550 @item info macro @var{macro}
9551 Show the definition of the macro named @var{macro}, and describe the
9552 source location or compiler command-line where that definition was established.
9553
9554 @kindex macro define
9555 @cindex user-defined macros
9556 @cindex defining macros interactively
9557 @cindex macros, user-defined
9558 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
9559 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
9560 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
9561 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
9562 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
9563 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
9564 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
9565 @var{arglist}.
9566
9567 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
9568 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
9569 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
9570 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
9571 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
9572
9573 @kindex macro undef
9574 @item macro undef @var{macro}
9575 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
9576 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
9577 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
9578 in the program being debugged.
9579
9580 @kindex macro list
9581 @item macro list
9582 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
9583 @end table
9584
9585 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
9586 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
9587 show our source files:
9588
9589 @smallexample
9590 $ cat sample.c
9591 #include <stdio.h>
9592 #include "sample.h"
9593
9594 #define M 42
9595 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
9596
9597 main ()
9598 @{
9599 #define N 28
9600 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9601 #undef N
9602 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9603 #define N 1729
9604 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
9605 @}
9606 $ cat sample.h
9607 #define Q <
9608 $
9609 @end smallexample
9610
9611 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler, @value{NGCC}.
9612 We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3} flags to ensure the
9613 compiler includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
9614 information.
9615
9616 @smallexample
9617 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
9618 $
9619 @end smallexample
9620
9621 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
9622
9623 @smallexample
9624 $ gdb -nw sample
9625 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
9626 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
9627 GDB is free software, @dots{}
9628 (@value{GDBP})
9629 @end smallexample
9630
9631 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
9632 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
9633 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
9634
9635 @smallexample
9636 (@value{GDBP}) list main
9637 3
9638 4 #define M 42
9639 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
9640 6
9641 7 main ()
9642 8 @{
9643 9 #define N 28
9644 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9645 11 #undef N
9646 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9647 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
9648 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
9649 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
9650 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
9651 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
9652 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
9653 #define Q <
9654 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
9655 expands to: (42 + 1)
9656 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
9657 expands to: once (M + 1)
9658 (@value{GDBP})
9659 @end smallexample
9660
9661 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
9662 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
9663 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
9664 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
9665
9666 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
9667 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
9668
9669 @smallexample
9670 (@value{GDBP}) break main
9671 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
9672 (@value{GDBP}) run
9673 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
9674
9675 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
9676 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
9677 (@value{GDBP})
9678 @end smallexample
9679
9680 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
9681
9682 @smallexample
9683 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9684 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
9685 #define N 28
9686 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
9687 expands to: 28 < 42
9688 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
9689 $1 = 1
9690 (@value{GDBP})
9691 @end smallexample
9692
9693 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
9694 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
9695 thereof) in force at each point:
9696
9697 @smallexample
9698 (@value{GDBP}) next
9699 Hello, world!
9700 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
9701 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9702 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
9703 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
9704 (@value{GDBP}) next
9705 We're so creative.
9706 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
9707 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
9708 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
9709 #define N 1729
9710 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
9711 expands to: 1729 < 42
9712 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
9713 $2 = 0
9714 (@value{GDBP})
9715 @end smallexample
9716
9717 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
9718 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
9719 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
9720 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
9721
9722 @smallexample
9723 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
9724 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
9725 -D__STDC__=1
9726 (@value{GDBP})
9727 @end smallexample
9728
9729
9730 @node Tracepoints
9731 @chapter Tracepoints
9732 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
9733 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
9734
9735 @cindex tracepoints
9736 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
9737 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
9738 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
9739 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
9740 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
9741 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
9742 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
9743
9744 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
9745 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
9746 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
9747 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
9748 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
9749 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
9750 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
9751 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
9752 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
9753 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
9754 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
9755
9756 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
9757 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
9758 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
9759 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
9760 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
9761 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
9762 Packets}.
9763
9764 It is also possible to get trace data from a file, in a manner reminiscent
9765 of corefiles; you specify the filename, and use @code{tfind} to search
9766 through the file. @xref{Trace Files}, for more details.
9767
9768 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
9769
9770 @menu
9771 * Set Tracepoints::
9772 * Analyze Collected Data::
9773 * Tracepoint Variables::
9774 * Trace Files::
9775 @end menu
9776
9777 @node Set Tracepoints
9778 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
9779
9780 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
9781 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
9782 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
9783 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
9784 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
9785 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
9786 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
9787
9788 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
9789 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
9790 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
9791 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
9792 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
9793 tracepoint was hit.
9794
9795 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Ignore counts on
9796 tracepoints have no effect, and tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN}
9797 commands when they are hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific
9798 either.
9799
9800 @cindex fast tracepoints
9801 Some targets may support @dfn{fast tracepoints}, which are inserted in
9802 a different way (such as with a jump instead of a trap), that is
9803 faster but possibly restricted in where they may be installed.
9804
9805 @cindex static tracepoints
9806 @cindex markers, static tracepoints
9807 @cindex probing markers, static tracepoints
9808 Regular and fast tracepoints are dynamic tracing facilities, meaning
9809 that they can be used to insert tracepoints at (almost) any location
9810 in the target. Some targets may also support controlling @dfn{static
9811 tracepoints} from @value{GDBN}. With static tracing, a set of
9812 instrumentation points, also known as @dfn{markers}, are embedded in
9813 the target program, and can be activated or deactivated by name or
9814 address. These are usually placed at locations which facilitate
9815 investigating what the target is actually doing. @value{GDBN}'s
9816 support for static tracing includes being able to list instrumentation
9817 points, and attach them with @value{GDBN} defined high level
9818 tracepoints that expose the whole range of convenience of
9819 @value{GDBN}'s tracepoints support. Namelly, support for collecting
9820 registers values and values of global or local (to the instrumentation
9821 point) variables; tracepoint conditions and trace state variables.
9822 The act of installing a @value{GDBN} static tracepoint on an
9823 instrumentation point, or marker, is referred to as @dfn{probing} a
9824 static tracepoint marker.
9825
9826 @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints on some target systems.
9827 @xref{Server,,Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}}.
9828
9829 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
9830 conditions and actions.
9831
9832 @menu
9833 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
9834 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
9835 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
9836 * Tracepoint Conditions::
9837 * Trace State Variables::
9838 * Tracepoint Actions::
9839 * Listing Tracepoints::
9840 * Listing Static Tracepoint Markers::
9841 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
9842 * Tracepoint Restrictions::
9843 @end menu
9844
9845 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
9846 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
9847
9848 @table @code
9849 @cindex set tracepoint
9850 @kindex trace
9851 @item trace @var{location}
9852 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
9853 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
9854 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
9855 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
9856 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
9857 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
9858 changing its actions doesn't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
9859 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
9860 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts.
9861
9862 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
9863
9864 @smallexample
9865 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
9866
9867 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
9868
9869 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
9870
9871 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
9872
9873 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
9874 @end smallexample
9875
9876 @noindent
9877 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
9878
9879 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
9880 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
9881 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
9882 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
9883 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
9884 information on tracepoint conditions.
9885
9886 @item ftrace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
9887 @cindex set fast tracepoint
9888 @cindex fast tracepoints, setting
9889 @kindex ftrace
9890 The @code{ftrace} command sets a fast tracepoint. For targets that
9891 support them, fast tracepoints will use a more efficient but possibly
9892 less general technique to trigger data collection, such as a jump
9893 instruction instead of a trap, or some sort of hardware support. It
9894 may not be possible to create a fast tracepoint at the desired
9895 location, in which case the command will exit with an explanatory
9896 message.
9897
9898 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{ftrace} exactly as for
9899 @code{trace}.
9900
9901 @item strace @var{location} [ if @var{cond} ]
9902 @cindex set static tracepoint
9903 @cindex static tracepoints, setting
9904 @cindex probe static tracepoint marker
9905 @kindex strace
9906 The @code{strace} command sets a static tracepoint. For targets that
9907 support it, setting a static tracepoint probes a static
9908 instrumentation point, or marker, found at @var{location}. It may not
9909 be possible to set a static tracepoint at the desired location, in
9910 which case the command will exit with an explanatory message.
9911
9912 @value{GDBN} handles arguments to @code{strace} exactly as for
9913 @code{trace}, with the addition that the user can also specify
9914 @code{-m @var{marker}} as @var{location}. This probes the marker
9915 identified by the @var{marker} string identifier. This identifier
9916 depends on the static tracepoint backend library your program is
9917 using. You can find all the marker identifiers in the @samp{ID} field
9918 of the @code{info static-tracepoint-markers} command output.
9919 @xref{Listing Static Tracepoint Markers,,Listing Static Tracepoint
9920 Markers}. For example, in the following small program using the UST
9921 tracing engine:
9922
9923 @smallexample
9924 main ()
9925 @{
9926 trace_mark(ust, bar33, "str %s", "FOOBAZ");
9927 @}
9928 @end smallexample
9929
9930 @noindent
9931 the marker id is composed of joining the first two arguments to the
9932 @code{trace_mark} call with a slash, which translates to:
9933
9934 @smallexample
9935 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
9936 Cnt Enb ID Address What
9937 1 n ust/bar33 0x0000000000400ddc in main at stexample.c:22
9938 Data: "str %s"
9939 [etc...]
9940 @end smallexample
9941
9942 @noindent
9943 so you may probe the marker above with:
9944
9945 @smallexample
9946 (@value{GDBP}) strace -m ust/bar33
9947 @end smallexample
9948
9949 Static tracepoints accept an extra collect action --- @code{collect
9950 $_sdata}. This collects arbitrary user data passed in the probe point
9951 call to the tracing library. In the UST example above, you'll see
9952 that the third argument to @code{trace_mark} is a printf-like format
9953 string. The user data is then the result of running that formating
9954 string against the following arguments. Note that @code{info
9955 static-tracepoint-markers} command output lists that format string in
9956 the @samp{Data:} field.
9957
9958 You can inspect this data when analyzing the trace buffer, by printing
9959 the $_sdata variable like any other variable available to
9960 @value{GDBN}. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action Lists}.
9961
9962 @vindex $tpnum
9963 @cindex last tracepoint number
9964 @cindex recent tracepoint number
9965 @cindex tracepoint number
9966 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
9967 of the most recently set tracepoint.
9968
9969 @kindex delete tracepoint
9970 @cindex tracepoint deletion
9971 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9972 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
9973 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
9974 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
9975
9976 Examples:
9977
9978 @smallexample
9979 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
9980
9981 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
9982 @end smallexample
9983
9984 @noindent
9985 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
9986 @end table
9987
9988 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
9989 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
9990
9991 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
9992
9993 @table @code
9994 @kindex disable tracepoint
9995 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9996 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
9997 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
9998 the next trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
9999 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
10000
10001 @kindex enable tracepoint
10002 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10003 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. The enabled
10004 tracepoints will become effective the next time a trace experiment is
10005 run.
10006 @end table
10007
10008 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
10009 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
10010
10011 @table @code
10012 @kindex passcount
10013 @cindex tracepoint pass count
10014 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
10015 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
10016 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
10017 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
10018 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
10019 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
10020 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
10021 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
10022 user.
10023
10024 Examples:
10025
10026 @smallexample
10027 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
10028 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
10029
10030 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
10031 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
10032 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
10033 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
10034 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
10035 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
10036 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
10037 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
10038 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
10039 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
10040 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
10041 @end smallexample
10042 @end table
10043
10044 @node Tracepoint Conditions
10045 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
10046 @cindex conditional tracepoints
10047 @cindex tracepoint conditions
10048
10049 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
10050 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
10051 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
10052 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
10053 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
10054 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
10055 is true.
10056
10057 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
10058 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
10059 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
10060 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
10061 just as with breakpoints.
10062
10063 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
10064 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
10065 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions}
10066 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
10067 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
10068 accesses, and so forth.
10069
10070 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
10071 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
10072 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
10073 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
10074 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
10075 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
10076 search through.
10077
10078 @smallexample
10079 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
10080 @end smallexample
10081
10082 @node Trace State Variables
10083 @subsection Trace State Variables
10084 @cindex trace state variables
10085
10086 A @dfn{trace state variable} is a special type of variable that is
10087 created and managed by target-side code. The syntax is the same as
10088 that for GDB's convenience variables (a string prefixed with ``$''),
10089 but they are stored on the target. They must be created explicitly,
10090 using a @code{tvariable} command. They are always 64-bit signed
10091 integers.
10092
10093 Trace state variables are remembered by @value{GDBN}, and downloaded
10094 to the target along with tracepoint information when the trace
10095 experiment starts. There are no intrinsic limits on the number of
10096 trace state variables, beyond memory limitations of the target.
10097
10098 @cindex convenience variables, and trace state variables
10099 Although trace state variables are managed by the target, you can use
10100 them in print commands and expressions as if they were convenience
10101 variables; @value{GDBN} will get the current value from the target
10102 while the trace experiment is running. Trace state variables share
10103 the same namespace as other ``$'' variables, which means that you
10104 cannot have trace state variables with names like @code{$23} or
10105 @code{$pc}, nor can you have a trace state variable and a convenience
10106 variable with the same name.
10107
10108 @table @code
10109
10110 @item tvariable $@var{name} [ = @var{expression} ]
10111 @kindex tvariable
10112 The @code{tvariable} command creates a new trace state variable named
10113 @code{$@var{name}}, and optionally gives it an initial value of
10114 @var{expression}. @var{expression} is evaluated when this command is
10115 entered; the result will be converted to an integer if possible,
10116 otherwise @value{GDBN} will report an error. A subsequent
10117 @code{tvariable} command specifying the same name does not create a
10118 variable, but instead assigns the supplied initial value to the
10119 existing variable of that name, overwriting any previous initial
10120 value. The default initial value is 0.
10121
10122 @item info tvariables
10123 @kindex info tvariables
10124 List all the trace state variables along with their initial values.
10125 Their current values may also be displayed, if the trace experiment is
10126 currently running.
10127
10128 @item delete tvariable @r{[} $@var{name} @dots{} @r{]}
10129 @kindex delete tvariable
10130 Delete the given trace state variables, or all of them if no arguments
10131 are specified.
10132
10133 @end table
10134
10135 @node Tracepoint Actions
10136 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
10137
10138 @table @code
10139 @kindex actions
10140 @cindex tracepoint actions
10141 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10142 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
10143 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
10144 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
10145 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
10146 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
10147 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
10148 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
10149 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect}, @code{teval}, and
10150 @code{while-stepping}.
10151
10152 @code{actions} is actually equivalent to @code{commands} (@pxref{Break
10153 Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}), except that only the defined
10154 actions are allowed; any other @value{GDBN} command is rejected.
10155
10156 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
10157 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
10158 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
10159
10160 @smallexample
10161 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
10162
10163 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
10164
10165 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
10166 @end smallexample
10167
10168 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
10169 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
10170 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
10171 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
10172 followed by the list of things to be collected after each step in a
10173 sequence of single steps. The @code{while-stepping} command is
10174 terminated by its own separate @code{end} command. Lastly, the action
10175 list is terminated by an @code{end} command.
10176
10177 @smallexample
10178 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
10179 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10180 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
10181 > collect bar,baz
10182 > collect $regs
10183 > while-stepping 12
10184 > collect $pc, arr[i]
10185 > end
10186 end
10187 @end smallexample
10188
10189 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
10190 @item collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
10191 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
10192 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
10193 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
10194 special arguments are supported:
10195
10196 @table @code
10197 @item $regs
10198 Collect all registers.
10199
10200 @item $args
10201 Collect all function arguments.
10202
10203 @item $locals
10204 Collect all local variables.
10205
10206 @item $_sdata
10207 @vindex $_sdata@r{, collect}
10208 Collect static tracepoint marker specific data. Only available for
10209 static tracepoints. @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint Action
10210 Lists}. On the UST static tracepoints library backend, an
10211 instrumentation point resembles a @code{printf} function call. The
10212 tracing library is able to collect user specified data formatted to a
10213 character string using the format provided by the programmer that
10214 instrumented the program. Other backends have similar mechanisms.
10215 Here's an example of a UST marker call:
10216
10217 @smallexample
10218 const char master_name[] = "$your_name";
10219 trace_mark(channel1, marker1, "hello %s", master_name)
10220 @end smallexample
10221
10222 In this case, collecting @code{$_sdata} collects the string
10223 @samp{hello $yourname}. When analyzing the trace buffer, you can
10224 inspect @samp{$_sdata} like any other variable available to
10225 @value{GDBN}.
10226 @end table
10227
10228 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
10229 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
10230 arguments separated by commas; the effect is the same.
10231
10232 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
10233 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
10234
10235 @kindex teval @r{(tracepoints)}
10236 @item teval @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
10237 Evaluate the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit. This
10238 command accepts a comma-separated list of expressions. The results
10239 are discarded, so this is mainly useful for assigning values to trace
10240 state variables (@pxref{Trace State Variables}) without adding those
10241 values to the trace buffer, as would be the case if the @code{collect}
10242 action were used.
10243
10244 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
10245 @item while-stepping @var{n}
10246 Perform @var{n} single-step instruction traces after the tracepoint,
10247 collecting new data after each step. The @code{while-stepping}
10248 command is followed by the list of what to collect while stepping
10249 (followed by its own @code{end} command):
10250
10251 @smallexample
10252 > while-stepping 12
10253 > collect $regs, myglobal
10254 > end
10255 >
10256 @end smallexample
10257
10258 @noindent
10259 Note that @code{$pc} is not automatically collected by
10260 @code{while-stepping}; you need to explicitly collect that register if
10261 you need it. You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
10262 @code{stepping}.
10263
10264 @item set default-collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
10265 @kindex set default-collect
10266 @cindex default collection action
10267 This variable is a list of expressions to collect at each tracepoint
10268 hit. It is effectively an additional @code{collect} action prepended
10269 to every tracepoint action list. The expressions are parsed
10270 individually for each tracepoint, so for instance a variable named
10271 @code{xyz} may be interpreted as a global for one tracepoint, and a
10272 local for another, as appropriate to the tracepoint's location.
10273
10274 @item show default-collect
10275 @kindex show default-collect
10276 Show the list of expressions that are collected by default at each
10277 tracepoint hit.
10278
10279 @end table
10280
10281 @node Listing Tracepoints
10282 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
10283
10284 @table @code
10285 @kindex info tracepoints
10286 @kindex info tp
10287 @cindex information about tracepoints
10288 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
10289 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
10290 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
10291 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
10292 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
10293 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
10294
10295 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
10296 tracing:
10297
10298 @itemize @bullet
10299 @item
10300 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
10301 @end itemize
10302
10303 @smallexample
10304 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
10305 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
10306 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
10307 while-stepping 20
10308 collect globfoo, $regs
10309 end
10310 collect globfoo2
10311 end
10312 pass count 1200
10313 (@value{GDBP})
10314 @end smallexample
10315
10316 @noindent
10317 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
10318 @end table
10319
10320 @node Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
10321 @subsection Listing Static Tracepoint Markers
10322
10323 @table @code
10324 @kindex info static-tracepoint-markers
10325 @cindex information about static tracepoint markers
10326 @item info static-tracepoint-markers
10327 Display information about all static tracepoint markers defined in the
10328 program.
10329
10330 For each marker, the following columns are printed:
10331
10332 @table @emph
10333 @item Count
10334 An incrementing counter, output to help readability. This is not a
10335 stable identifier.
10336 @item ID
10337 The marker ID, as reported by the target.
10338 @item Enabled or Disabled
10339 Probed markers are tagged with @samp{y}. @samp{n} identifies marks
10340 that are not enabled.
10341 @item Address
10342 Where the marker is in your program, as a memory address.
10343 @item What
10344 Where the marker is in the source for your program, as a file and line
10345 number. If the debug information included in the program does not
10346 allow @value{GDBN} to locate the source of the marker, this column
10347 will be left blank.
10348 @end table
10349
10350 @noindent
10351 In addition, the following information may be printed for each marker:
10352
10353 @table @emph
10354 @item Data
10355 User data passed to the tracing library by the marker call. In the
10356 UST backend, this is the format string passed as argument to the
10357 marker call.
10358 @item Static tracepoints probing the marker
10359 The list of static tracepoints attached to the marker.
10360 @end table
10361
10362 @smallexample
10363 (@value{GDBP}) info static-tracepoint-markers
10364 Cnt ID Enb Address What
10365 1 ust/bar2 y 0x0000000000400e1a in main at stexample.c:25
10366 Data: number1 %d number2 %d
10367 Probed by static tracepoints: #2
10368 2 ust/bar33 n 0x0000000000400c87 in main at stexample.c:24
10369 Data: str %s
10370 (@value{GDBP})
10371 @end smallexample
10372 @end table
10373
10374 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
10375 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
10376
10377 @table @code
10378 @kindex tstart
10379 @cindex start a new trace experiment
10380 @cindex collected data discarded
10381 @item tstart
10382 This command takes no arguments. It starts the trace experiment, and
10383 begins collecting data. This has the side effect of discarding all
10384 the data collected in the trace buffer during the previous trace
10385 experiment.
10386
10387 @kindex tstop
10388 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
10389 @item tstop
10390 This command takes no arguments. It ends the trace experiment, and
10391 stops collecting data.
10392
10393 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
10394 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
10395 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
10396
10397 @kindex tstatus
10398 @cindex status of trace data collection
10399 @cindex trace experiment, status of
10400 @item tstatus
10401 This command displays the status of the current trace data
10402 collection.
10403 @end table
10404
10405 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
10406
10407 @smallexample
10408 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
10409 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10410 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
10411 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
10412 > while-stepping 11
10413 > collect $regs
10414 > end
10415 > end
10416 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
10417 [time passes @dots{}]
10418 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
10419 @end smallexample
10420
10421 @cindex disconnected tracing
10422 You can choose to continue running the trace experiment even if
10423 @value{GDBN} disconnects from the target, voluntarily or
10424 involuntarily. For commands such as @code{detach}, the debugger will
10425 ask what you want to do with the trace. But for unexpected
10426 terminations (@value{GDBN} crash, network outage), it would be
10427 unfortunate to lose hard-won trace data, so the variable
10428 @code{disconnected-tracing} lets you decide whether the trace should
10429 continue running without @value{GDBN}.
10430
10431 @table @code
10432 @item set disconnected-tracing on
10433 @itemx set disconnected-tracing off
10434 @kindex set disconnected-tracing
10435 Choose whether a tracing run should continue to run if @value{GDBN}
10436 has disconnected from the target. Note that @code{detach} or
10437 @code{quit} will ask you directly what to do about a running trace no
10438 matter what this variable's setting, so the variable is mainly useful
10439 for handling unexpected situations, such as loss of the network.
10440
10441 @item show disconnected-tracing
10442 @kindex show disconnected-tracing
10443 Show the current choice for disconnected tracing.
10444
10445 @end table
10446
10447 When you reconnect to the target, the trace experiment may or may not
10448 still be running; it might have filled the trace buffer in the
10449 meantime, or stopped for one of the other reasons. If it is running,
10450 it will continue after reconnection.
10451
10452 Upon reconnection, the target will upload information about the
10453 tracepoints in effect. @value{GDBN} will then compare that
10454 information to the set of tracepoints currently defined, and attempt
10455 to match them up, allowing for the possibility that the numbers may
10456 have changed due to creation and deletion in the meantime. If one of
10457 the target's tracepoints does not match any in @value{GDBN}, the
10458 debugger will create a new tracepoint, so that you have a number with
10459 which to specify that tracepoint. This matching-up process is
10460 necessarily heuristic, and it may result in useless tracepoints being
10461 created; you may simply delete them if they are of no use.
10462
10463 @cindex circular trace buffer
10464 If your target agent supports a @dfn{circular trace buffer}, then you
10465 can run a trace experiment indefinitely without filling the trace
10466 buffer; when space runs out, the agent deletes already-collected trace
10467 frames, oldest first, until there is enough room to continue
10468 collecting. This is especially useful if your tracepoints are being
10469 hit too often, and your trace gets terminated prematurely because the
10470 buffer is full. To ask for a circular trace buffer, simply set
10471 @samp{circular_trace_buffer} to on. You can set this at any time,
10472 including during tracing; if the agent can do it, it will change
10473 buffer handling on the fly, otherwise it will not take effect until
10474 the next run.
10475
10476 @table @code
10477 @item set circular-trace-buffer on
10478 @itemx set circular-trace-buffer off
10479 @kindex set circular-trace-buffer
10480 Choose whether a tracing run should use a linear or circular buffer
10481 for trace data. A linear buffer will not lose any trace data, but may
10482 fill up prematurely, while a circular buffer will discard old trace
10483 data, but it will have always room for the latest tracepoint hits.
10484
10485 @item show circular-trace-buffer
10486 @kindex show circular-trace-buffer
10487 Show the current choice for the trace buffer. Note that this may not
10488 match the agent's current buffer handling, nor is it guaranteed to
10489 match the setting that might have been in effect during a past run,
10490 for instance if you are looking at frames from a trace file.
10491
10492 @end table
10493
10494 @node Tracepoint Restrictions
10495 @subsection Tracepoint Restrictions
10496
10497 @cindex tracepoint restrictions
10498 There are a number of restrictions on the use of tracepoints. As
10499 described above, tracepoint data gathering occurs on the target
10500 without interaction from @value{GDBN}. Thus the full capabilities of
10501 the debugger are not available during data gathering, and then at data
10502 examination time, you will be limited by only having what was
10503 collected. The following items describe some common problems, but it
10504 is not exhaustive, and you may run into additional difficulties not
10505 mentioned here.
10506
10507 @itemize @bullet
10508
10509 @item
10510 Tracepoint expressions are intended to gather objects (lvalues). Thus
10511 the full flexibility of GDB's expression evaluator is not available.
10512 You cannot call functions, cast objects to aggregate types, access
10513 convenience variables or modify values (except by assignment to trace
10514 state variables). Some language features may implicitly call
10515 functions (for instance Objective-C fields with accessors), and therefore
10516 cannot be collected either.
10517
10518 @item
10519 Collection of local variables, either individually or in bulk with
10520 @code{$locals} or @code{$args}, during @code{while-stepping} may
10521 behave erratically. The stepping action may enter a new scope (for
10522 instance by stepping into a function), or the location of the variable
10523 may change (for instance it is loaded into a register). The
10524 tracepoint data recorded uses the location information for the
10525 variables that is correct for the tracepoint location. When the
10526 tracepoint is created, it is not possible, in general, to determine
10527 where the steps of a @code{while-stepping} sequence will advance the
10528 program---particularly if a conditional branch is stepped.
10529
10530 @item
10531 Collection of an incompletely-initialized or partially-destroyed object
10532 may result in something that @value{GDBN} cannot display, or displays
10533 in a misleading way.
10534
10535 @item
10536 When @value{GDBN} displays a pointer to character it automatically
10537 dereferences the pointer to also display characters of the string
10538 being pointed to. However, collecting the pointer during tracing does
10539 not automatically collect the string. You need to explicitly
10540 dereference the pointer and provide size information if you want to
10541 collect not only the pointer, but the memory pointed to. For example,
10542 @code{*ptr@@50} can be used to collect the 50 element array pointed to
10543 by @code{ptr}.
10544
10545 @item
10546 It is not possible to collect a complete stack backtrace at a
10547 tracepoint. Instead, you may collect the registers and a few hundred
10548 bytes from the stack pointer with something like @code{*$esp@@300}
10549 (adjust to use the name of the actual stack pointer register on your
10550 target architecture, and the amount of stack you wish to capture).
10551 Then the @code{backtrace} command will show a partial backtrace when
10552 using a trace frame. The number of stack frames that can be examined
10553 depends on the sizes of the frames in the collected stack. Note that
10554 if you ask for a block so large that it goes past the bottom of the
10555 stack, the target agent may report an error trying to read from an
10556 invalid address.
10557
10558 @item
10559 If you do not collect registers at a tracepoint, @value{GDBN} can
10560 infer that the value of @code{$pc} must be the same as the address of
10561 the tracepoint and use that when you are looking at a trace frame
10562 for that tracepoint. However, this cannot work if the tracepoint has
10563 multiple locations (for instance if it was set in a function that was
10564 inlined), or if it has a @code{while-stepping} loop. In those cases
10565 @value{GDBN} will warn you that it can't infer @code{$pc}, and default
10566 it to zero.
10567
10568 @end itemize
10569
10570 @node Analyze Collected Data
10571 @section Using the Collected Data
10572
10573 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
10574 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
10575 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
10576 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
10577 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
10578 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
10579 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
10580 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
10581 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
10582 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
10583 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
10584 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
10585 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
10586 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
10587 the buffer will fail.
10588
10589 @menu
10590 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
10591 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
10592 * save tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
10593 @end menu
10594
10595 @node tfind
10596 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
10597
10598 @kindex tfind
10599 @cindex select trace snapshot
10600 @cindex find trace snapshot
10601 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
10602 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
10603 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
10604 snapshot is selected.
10605
10606 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
10607
10608 @table @code
10609 @item tfind start
10610 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
10611 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
10612
10613 @item tfind none
10614 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
10615
10616 @item tfind end
10617 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
10618
10619 @item tfind
10620 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
10621
10622 @item tfind -
10623 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
10624 retracing earlier steps.
10625
10626 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
10627 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
10628 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
10629 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
10630 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
10631
10632 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
10633 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
10634 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
10635 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
10636 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
10637
10638 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
10639 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
10640 addresses (exclusive).
10641
10642 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
10643 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
10644 @var{addr2} (inclusive).
10645
10646 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
10647 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
10648 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
10649 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
10650 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
10651 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
10652 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
10653 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
10654 @end table
10655
10656 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
10657 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
10658 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
10659 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
10660 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
10661 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
10662 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
10663 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
10664 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
10665 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
10666 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
10667 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
10668 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
10669 tracepoint as the current one.
10670
10671 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
10672 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
10673 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
10674 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
10675 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
10676
10677 @smallexample
10678 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10679 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
10680 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
10681 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
10682 > tfind
10683 > end
10684
10685 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
10686 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
10687 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
10688 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
10689 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
10690 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
10691 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
10692 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
10693 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
10694 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
10695 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
10696 @end smallexample
10697
10698 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
10699 the buffer:
10700
10701 @smallexample
10702 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10703 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
10704 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
10705 > tfind line
10706 > end
10707
10708 Frame 0, X = 1
10709 Frame 7, X = 2
10710 Frame 13, X = 255
10711 @end smallexample
10712
10713 @node tdump
10714 @subsection @code{tdump}
10715 @kindex tdump
10716 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
10717 @cindex tracepoint data, display
10718
10719 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
10720 the current trace snapshot.
10721
10722 @smallexample
10723 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
10724 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
10725 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
10726 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
10727 > end
10728
10729 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
10730
10731 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
10732 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
10733 at gdb_test.c:444
10734 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
10735
10736 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
10737 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
10738 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
10739 d1 0x18 24
10740 d2 0x80 128
10741 d3 0x33 51
10742 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
10743 d5 0x22 34
10744 d6 0xe0 224
10745 d7 0x380035 3670069
10746 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
10747 a1 0x3000668 50333288
10748 a2 0x100 256
10749 a3 0x322000 3284992
10750 a4 0x3000698 50333336
10751 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
10752 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
10753 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
10754 ps 0x0 0
10755 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
10756 fpcontrol 0x0 0
10757 fpstatus 0x0 0
10758 fpiaddr 0x0 0
10759 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
10760 p1 = (void *) 0x11
10761 p2 = (void *) 0x22
10762 p3 = (void *) 0x33
10763 p4 = (void *) 0x44
10764 p5 = (void *) 0x55
10765 p6 = (void *) 0x66
10766 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
10767
10768 (@value{GDBP})
10769 @end smallexample
10770
10771 @code{tdump} works by scanning the tracepoint's current collection
10772 actions and printing the value of each expression listed. So
10773 @code{tdump} can fail, if after a run, you change the tracepoint's
10774 actions to mention variables that were not collected during the run.
10775
10776 Also, for tracepoints with @code{while-stepping} loops, @code{tdump}
10777 uses the collected value of @code{$pc} to distinguish between trace
10778 frames that were collected at the tracepoint hit, and frames that were
10779 collected while stepping. This allows it to correctly choose whether
10780 to display the basic list of collections, or the collections from the
10781 body of the while-stepping loop. However, if @code{$pc} was not collected,
10782 then @code{tdump} will always attempt to dump using the basic collection
10783 list, and may fail if a while-stepping frame does not include all the
10784 same data that is collected at the tracepoint hit.
10785 @c This is getting pretty arcane, example would be good.
10786
10787 @node save tracepoints
10788 @subsection @code{save tracepoints @var{filename}}
10789 @kindex save tracepoints
10790 @kindex save-tracepoints
10791 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
10792
10793 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
10794 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
10795 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
10796 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
10797 Files}). The @w{@code{save-tracepoints}} command is a deprecated
10798 alias for @w{@code{save tracepoints}}
10799
10800 @node Tracepoint Variables
10801 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
10802 @cindex tracepoint variables
10803 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
10804
10805 @table @code
10806 @vindex $trace_frame
10807 @item (int) $trace_frame
10808 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
10809 snapshot is selected.
10810
10811 @vindex $tracepoint
10812 @item (int) $tracepoint
10813 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
10814
10815 @vindex $trace_line
10816 @item (int) $trace_line
10817 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
10818
10819 @vindex $trace_file
10820 @item (char []) $trace_file
10821 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
10822
10823 @vindex $trace_func
10824 @item (char []) $trace_func
10825 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
10826 @end table
10827
10828 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
10829 use @code{output} instead.
10830
10831 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
10832 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
10833 data. Note that these are not the same as trace state variables,
10834 which are managed by the target.
10835
10836 @smallexample
10837 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
10838
10839 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
10840 > output $trace_file
10841 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
10842 > tfind
10843 > end
10844 @end smallexample
10845
10846 @node Trace Files
10847 @section Using Trace Files
10848 @cindex trace files
10849
10850 In some situations, the target running a trace experiment may no
10851 longer be available; perhaps it crashed, or the hardware was needed
10852 for a different activity. To handle these cases, you can arrange to
10853 dump the trace data into a file, and later use that file as a source
10854 of trace data, via the @code{target tfile} command.
10855
10856 @table @code
10857
10858 @kindex tsave
10859 @item tsave [ -r ] @var{filename}
10860 Save the trace data to @var{filename}. By default, this command
10861 assumes that @var{filename} refers to the host filesystem, so if
10862 necessary @value{GDBN} will copy raw trace data up from the target and
10863 then save it. If the target supports it, you can also supply the
10864 optional argument @code{-r} (``remote'') to direct the target to save
10865 the data directly into @var{filename} in its own filesystem, which may be
10866 more efficient if the trace buffer is very large. (Note, however, that
10867 @code{target tfile} can only read from files accessible to the host.)
10868
10869 @kindex target tfile
10870 @kindex tfile
10871 @item target tfile @var{filename}
10872 Use the file named @var{filename} as a source of trace data. Commands
10873 that examine data work as they do with a live target, but it is not
10874 possible to run any new trace experiments. @code{tstatus} will report
10875 the state of the trace run at the moment the data was saved, as well
10876 as the current trace frame you are examining. @var{filename} must be
10877 on a filesystem accessible to the host.
10878
10879 @end table
10880
10881 @node Overlays
10882 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
10883 @cindex overlays
10884
10885 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
10886 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
10887 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
10888 use overlays.
10889
10890 @menu
10891 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
10892 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
10893 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
10894 mapped by asking the inferior.
10895 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
10896 @end menu
10897
10898 @node How Overlays Work
10899 @section How Overlays Work
10900 @cindex mapped overlays
10901 @cindex unmapped overlays
10902 @cindex load address, overlay's
10903 @cindex mapped address
10904 @cindex overlay area
10905
10906 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
10907 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
10908 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
10909 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
10910 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
10911
10912 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
10913 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
10914 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
10915 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
10916 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
10917 largest overlay as well.
10918
10919 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
10920 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
10921 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
10922 there.
10923
10924 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
10925 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
10926 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
10927
10928 @smallexample
10929 @group
10930 Data Instruction Larger
10931 Address Space Address Space Address Space
10932 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
10933 | | | | | |
10934 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
10935 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
10936 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
10937 | and heap | | | | | |
10938 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
10939 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
10940 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
10941 | | | | | |
10942 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
10943 address | | | | | |
10944 | overlay | <-' | | |
10945 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
10946 | | <---. | | load address
10947 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
10948 | | | |
10949 +-----------+ | |
10950 +-----------+
10951 | |
10952 +-----------+
10953
10954 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
10955 @end group
10956 @end smallexample
10957
10958 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
10959 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
10960 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
10961 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
10962 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
10963 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
10964 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
10965 program and the overlay area.
10966
10967 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
10968 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
10969 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
10970 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
10971 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
10972 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
10973 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
10974
10975 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
10976 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
10977 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
10978
10979 @itemize @bullet
10980
10981 @item
10982 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
10983 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
10984 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
10985 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
10986
10987 @item
10988 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
10989 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
10990 your program's performance.
10991
10992 @item
10993 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
10994 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
10995 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
10996 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
10997 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
10998 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
10999 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
11000
11001 @item
11002 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
11003 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
11004 instruction and data spaces.
11005
11006 @end itemize
11007
11008 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
11009 improved in many ways:
11010
11011 @itemize @bullet
11012
11013 @item
11014 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
11015 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
11016 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
11017 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
11018 area in the usual way.
11019
11020 @item
11021 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
11022 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
11023
11024 @item
11025 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
11026 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
11027 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
11028 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
11029 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
11030 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
11031 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
11032
11033 @end itemize
11034
11035
11036 @node Overlay Commands
11037 @section Overlay Commands
11038
11039 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
11040 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
11041 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
11042 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
11043 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
11044 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
11045
11046 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
11047 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
11048
11049 @table @code
11050 @item overlay off
11051 @kindex overlay
11052 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
11053 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
11054 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
11055 overlay support is disabled.
11056
11057 @item overlay manual
11058 @cindex manual overlay debugging
11059 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
11060 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
11061 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
11062 commands described below.
11063
11064 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
11065 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
11066 @cindex map an overlay
11067 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
11068 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
11069 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
11070 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
11071 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
11072 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
11073
11074 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
11075 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
11076 @cindex unmap an overlay
11077 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
11078 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
11079 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
11080 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
11081
11082 @item overlay auto
11083 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
11084 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
11085 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
11086 Overlay Debugging}.
11087
11088 @item overlay load-target
11089 @itemx overlay load
11090 @cindex reloading the overlay table
11091 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
11092 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
11093 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
11094 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
11095 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
11096
11097 @item overlay list-overlays
11098 @itemx overlay list
11099 @cindex listing mapped overlays
11100 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
11101 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
11102
11103 @end table
11104
11105 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
11106 of the function the address falls in:
11107
11108 @smallexample
11109 (@value{GDBP}) print main
11110 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
11111 @end smallexample
11112 @noindent
11113 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
11114 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
11115 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
11116 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
11117
11118 @smallexample
11119 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
11120 No sections are mapped.
11121 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
11122 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
11123 @end smallexample
11124 @noindent
11125 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
11126 name normally:
11127
11128 @smallexample
11129 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
11130 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
11131 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
11132 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
11133 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
11134 @end smallexample
11135
11136 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
11137 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
11138 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
11139 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
11140 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
11141
11142 @itemize @bullet
11143 @item
11144 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
11145 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
11146 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
11147 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
11148 @item
11149 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
11150 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
11151 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
11152 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
11153 breakpoints properly.
11154 @end itemize
11155
11156
11157 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
11158 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
11159 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
11160
11161 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
11162 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
11163 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
11164 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
11165 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
11166 current state of the overlays.
11167
11168 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
11169 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
11170
11171 @table @asis
11172
11173 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
11174 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
11175
11176 @smallexample
11177 struct
11178 @{
11179 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
11180 unsigned long vma;
11181
11182 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
11183 unsigned long size;
11184
11185 /* The overlay's load address. */
11186 unsigned long lma;
11187
11188 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
11189 zero otherwise. */
11190 unsigned long mapped;
11191 @}
11192 @end smallexample
11193
11194 @item @code{_novlys}:
11195 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
11196 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
11197
11198 @end table
11199
11200 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
11201 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
11202 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
11203 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
11204 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
11205 currently mapped.
11206
11207 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
11208 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
11209 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
11210 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
11211 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
11212 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
11213 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
11214 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
11215 are not being executed.
11216
11217 @node Overlay Sample Program
11218 @section Overlay Sample Program
11219 @cindex overlay example program
11220
11221 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
11222 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
11223 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
11224 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
11225 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
11226 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
11227 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
11228
11229 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
11230 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
11231 suite. The program consists of the following files from
11232 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
11233
11234 @table @file
11235 @item overlays.c
11236 The main program file.
11237 @item ovlymgr.c
11238 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
11239 @item foo.c
11240 @itemx bar.c
11241 @itemx baz.c
11242 @itemx grbx.c
11243 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
11244 @item d10v.ld
11245 @itemx m32r.ld
11246 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
11247 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
11248 @end table
11249
11250 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
11251 cross-compiler like this:
11252
11253 @smallexample
11254 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
11255 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
11256 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
11257 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
11258 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
11259 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
11260 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
11261 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
11262 @end smallexample
11263
11264 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
11265 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
11266 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
11267
11268
11269 @node Languages
11270 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
11271 @cindex languages
11272
11273 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
11274 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
11275 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
11276 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
11277 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
11278 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
11279
11280 @cindex working language
11281 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
11282 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
11283 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
11284 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
11285 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
11286 language}.
11287
11288 @menu
11289 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
11290 * Show:: Displaying the language
11291 * Checks:: Type and range checks
11292 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
11293 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
11294 @end menu
11295
11296 @node Setting
11297 @section Switching Between Source Languages
11298
11299 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
11300 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
11301 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
11302 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
11303 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
11304 are printed, etc.
11305
11306 In addition to the working language, every source file that
11307 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
11308 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
11309 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
11310 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
11311 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
11312 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
11313 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
11314 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
11315 Displaying the Language}.
11316
11317 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
11318 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
11319 another language. In that case, make the
11320 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
11321 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
11322 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
11323
11324 @menu
11325 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
11326 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
11327 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
11328 @end menu
11329
11330 @node Filenames
11331 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
11332
11333 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
11334 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
11335
11336 @table @file
11337 @item .ada
11338 @itemx .ads
11339 @itemx .adb
11340 @itemx .a
11341 Ada source file.
11342
11343 @item .c
11344 C source file
11345
11346 @item .C
11347 @itemx .cc
11348 @itemx .cp
11349 @itemx .cpp
11350 @itemx .cxx
11351 @itemx .c++
11352 C@t{++} source file
11353
11354 @item .d
11355 D source file
11356
11357 @item .m
11358 Objective-C source file
11359
11360 @item .f
11361 @itemx .F
11362 Fortran source file
11363
11364 @item .mod
11365 Modula-2 source file
11366
11367 @item .s
11368 @itemx .S
11369 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
11370 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
11371 @end table
11372
11373 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
11374 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
11375
11376 @node Manually
11377 @subsection Setting the Working Language
11378
11379 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
11380 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
11381 your program.
11382
11383 @kindex set language
11384 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
11385 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
11386 a language, such as
11387 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
11388 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
11389
11390 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
11391 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
11392 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
11393 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
11394 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
11395 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
11396 command such as:
11397
11398 @smallexample
11399 print a = b + c
11400 @end smallexample
11401
11402 @noindent
11403 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
11404 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
11405 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
11406 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
11407
11408 @node Automatically
11409 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
11410
11411 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
11412 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
11413 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
11414 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
11415 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
11416 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
11417 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
11418 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
11419 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
11420
11421 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
11422 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
11423 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
11424 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
11425 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
11426
11427 @node Show
11428 @section Displaying the Language
11429
11430 The following commands help you find out which language is the
11431 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
11432
11433 @table @code
11434 @item show language
11435 @kindex show language
11436 Display the current working language. This is the
11437 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
11438 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
11439
11440 @item info frame
11441 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
11442 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
11443 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
11444 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
11445 information listed here.
11446
11447 @item info source
11448 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
11449 Display the source language of this source file.
11450 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
11451 information listed here.
11452 @end table
11453
11454 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
11455 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
11456 with a language explicitly:
11457
11458 @table @code
11459 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
11460 @kindex set extension-language
11461 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
11462 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
11463
11464 @item info extensions
11465 @kindex info extensions
11466 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
11467 @end table
11468
11469 @node Checks
11470 @section Type and Range Checking
11471
11472 @quotation
11473 @emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
11474 checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
11475 section documents the intended facilities.
11476 @end quotation
11477 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
11478
11479 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
11480 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
11481 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
11482 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
11483 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
11484 by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
11485 errors when your program is running.
11486
11487 @value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
11488 Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
11489 it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
11490 evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
11491 working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
11492 automatically based on your program's source language.
11493 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
11494 settings of supported languages.
11495
11496 @menu
11497 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
11498 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
11499 @end menu
11500
11501 @cindex type checking
11502 @cindex checks, type
11503 @node Type Checking
11504 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
11505
11506 Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
11507 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
11508 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
11509 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
11510
11511 @smallexample
11512 1 + 2 @result{} 3
11513 @exdent but
11514 @error{} 1 + 2.3
11515 @end smallexample
11516
11517 The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
11518 type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
11519
11520 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
11521 @value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
11522 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
11523 or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
11524 but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
11525 these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
11526 also issues a warning.
11527
11528 Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
11529 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
11530 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
11531 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
11532 with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
11533 the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
11534
11535 Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
11536 instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
11537 operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
11538 represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
11539 operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
11540 details on specific languages.
11541
11542 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
11543
11544 @kindex set check type
11545 @kindex show check type
11546 @table @code
11547 @item set check type auto
11548 Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
11549 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
11550 each language.
11551
11552 @item set check type on
11553 @itemx set check type off
11554 Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
11555 current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
11556 match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
11557 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
11558 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
11559
11560 @item set check type warn
11561 Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
11562 evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
11563 be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
11564 numbers and structures.
11565
11566 @item show type
11567 Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
11568 is setting it automatically.
11569 @end table
11570
11571 @cindex range checking
11572 @cindex checks, range
11573 @node Range Checking
11574 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
11575
11576 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
11577 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
11578 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
11579 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
11580 not exceed the bounds of the array.
11581
11582 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
11583 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
11584 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
11585 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
11586
11587 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
11588 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
11589 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
11590 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
11591 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
11592 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
11593
11594 @smallexample
11595 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
11596 @end smallexample
11597
11598 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
11599 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
11600 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
11601
11602 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
11603
11604 @kindex set check range
11605 @kindex show check range
11606 @table @code
11607 @item set check range auto
11608 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
11609 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
11610 each language.
11611
11612 @item set check range on
11613 @itemx set check range off
11614 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
11615 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
11616 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
11617 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
11618
11619 @item set check range warn
11620 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
11621 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
11622 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
11623 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
11624 systems).
11625
11626 @item show range
11627 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
11628 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
11629 @end table
11630
11631 @node Supported Languages
11632 @section Supported Languages
11633
11634 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, D, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, OpenCL C, Pascal,
11635 assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
11636 @c This is false ...
11637 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
11638 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
11639 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
11640 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
11641 language.
11642
11643 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
11644 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
11645 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
11646 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
11647 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
11648 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
11649 language reference or tutorial.
11650
11651 @menu
11652 * C:: C and C@t{++}
11653 * D:: D
11654 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
11655 * OpenCL C:: OpenCL C
11656 * Fortran:: Fortran
11657 * Pascal:: Pascal
11658 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
11659 * Ada:: Ada
11660 @end menu
11661
11662 @node C
11663 @subsection C and C@t{++}
11664
11665 @cindex C and C@t{++}
11666 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
11667
11668 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
11669 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
11670 together.
11671
11672 @cindex C@t{++}
11673 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
11674 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
11675 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
11676 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
11677 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
11678 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
11679 compiler (@code{aCC}).
11680
11681 For best results when using @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, use the DWARF 2 debugging
11682 format; if it doesn't work on your system, try the stabs+ debugging
11683 format. You can select those formats explicitly with the @code{g++}
11684 command-line options @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-gstabs+}.
11685 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
11686 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
11687
11688 @menu
11689 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
11690 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
11691 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
11692 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
11693 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
11694 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
11695 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
11696 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
11697 @end menu
11698
11699 @node C Operators
11700 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
11701
11702 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
11703
11704 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
11705 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
11706 often defined on groups of types.
11707
11708 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
11709
11710 @itemize @bullet
11711
11712 @item
11713 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
11714 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
11715
11716 @item
11717 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
11718 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
11719
11720 @item
11721 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
11722
11723 @item
11724 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
11725
11726 @end itemize
11727
11728 @noindent
11729 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
11730 in order of increasing precedence:
11731
11732 @table @code
11733 @item ,
11734 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
11735 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
11736 expression being the last expression evaluated.
11737
11738 @item =
11739 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
11740 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
11741
11742 @item @var{op}=
11743 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
11744 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
11745 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
11746 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
11747 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
11748
11749 @item ?:
11750 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
11751 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
11752 integral type.
11753
11754 @item ||
11755 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11756
11757 @item &&
11758 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
11759
11760 @item |
11761 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11762
11763 @item ^
11764 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
11765
11766 @item &
11767 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
11768
11769 @item ==@r{, }!=
11770 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
11771 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
11772
11773 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
11774 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
11775 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
11776 and non-zero for true.
11777
11778 @item <<@r{, }>>
11779 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
11780
11781 @item @@
11782 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
11783
11784 @item +@r{, }-
11785 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
11786 pointer types.
11787
11788 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
11789 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
11790 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
11791 integral types.
11792
11793 @item ++@r{, }--
11794 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
11795 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
11796 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
11797 operation takes place.
11798
11799 @item *
11800 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
11801 @code{++}.
11802
11803 @item &
11804 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
11805
11806 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
11807 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
11808 to examine the address
11809 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
11810 stored.
11811
11812 @item -
11813 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
11814 precedence as @code{++}.
11815
11816 @item !
11817 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
11818 @code{++}.
11819
11820 @item ~
11821 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
11822 @code{++}.
11823
11824
11825 @item .@r{, }->
11826 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
11827 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
11828 pointer based on the stored type information.
11829 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
11830
11831 @item .*@r{, }->*
11832 Dereferences of pointers to members.
11833
11834 @item []
11835 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
11836 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
11837
11838 @item ()
11839 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
11840
11841 @item ::
11842 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
11843 and @code{class} types.
11844
11845 @item ::
11846 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
11847 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
11848 above.
11849 @end table
11850
11851 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
11852 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
11853 predefined meaning.
11854
11855 @node C Constants
11856 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
11857
11858 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
11859
11860 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
11861 following ways:
11862
11863 @itemize @bullet
11864 @item
11865 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
11866 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
11867 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
11868 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
11869 @code{long} value.
11870
11871 @item
11872 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
11873 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
11874 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
11875 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
11876 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
11877 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
11878 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
11879 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
11880 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
11881 constant.
11882
11883 @item
11884 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
11885 integral equivalents.
11886
11887 @item
11888 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
11889 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
11890 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
11891 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
11892 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
11893 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
11894 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
11895 @samp{\n} for newline.
11896
11897 @item
11898 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
11899 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
11900 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
11901 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
11902 characters.
11903
11904 @item
11905 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
11906 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
11907
11908 @item
11909 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
11910 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
11911 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
11912 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
11913 @end itemize
11914
11915 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
11916 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
11917
11918 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
11919 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
11920
11921 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
11922 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
11923 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
11924 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
11925 @quotation
11926 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use the
11927 proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently, @value{GDBN}
11928 works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled with
11929 @value{NGCC} 2.95.3 or with @value{NGCC} 3.1 or newer, using the options
11930 @option{-gdwarf-2} or @option{-gstabs+}. DWARF 2 is preferred over
11931 stabs+. Most configurations of @value{NGCC} emit either DWARF 2 or
11932 stabs+ as their default debug format, so you usually don't need to
11933 specify a debug format explicitly. Other compilers and/or debug formats
11934 are likely to work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug
11935 C@t{++} code.
11936 @end quotation
11937
11938 @enumerate
11939
11940 @cindex member functions
11941 @item
11942 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
11943
11944 @smallexample
11945 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
11946 @end smallexample
11947
11948 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
11949 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
11950 @item
11951 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
11952 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
11953 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
11954 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}.
11955
11956 @cindex call overloaded functions
11957 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
11958 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
11959 @item
11960 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
11961 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
11962 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
11963 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
11964 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
11965 default arguments.
11966
11967 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
11968 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
11969 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
11970 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
11971 number of function arguments.
11972
11973 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
11974 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
11975 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
11976
11977 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
11978 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
11979 @smallexample
11980 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
11981 @end smallexample
11982
11983 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
11984 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
11985
11986 @cindex reference declarations
11987 @item
11988 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
11989 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
11990 dereferenced.
11991
11992 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
11993 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
11994 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
11995 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
11996 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
11997
11998 @item
11999 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
12000 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
12001 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
12002 necessary, for example in an expression like
12003 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
12004 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
12005 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
12006 @end enumerate
12007
12008 In addition, when used with HP's C@t{++} compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
12009 calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
12010 objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
12011 invoking user-defined operators.
12012
12013 @node C Defaults
12014 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
12015
12016 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
12017
12018 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
12019 both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
12020 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
12021 selects the working language.
12022
12023 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
12024 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
12025 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
12026 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
12027 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
12028 for further details.
12029
12030 @c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
12031 @c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
12032 @c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
12033
12034 @node C Checks
12035 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
12036
12037 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
12038
12039 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
12040 is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
12041 considers two variables type equivalent if:
12042
12043 @itemize @bullet
12044 @item
12045 The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
12046 enumerated tag.
12047
12048 @item
12049 The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
12050 declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
12051
12052 @ignore
12053 @c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
12054 @c FIXME--beers?
12055 @item
12056 The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
12057 declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
12058 compilers.)
12059 @end ignore
12060 @end itemize
12061
12062 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
12063 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
12064 that is not itself an array.
12065
12066 @node Debugging C
12067 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
12068
12069 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
12070 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
12071 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
12072 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
12073
12074 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
12075 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
12076 ,Expressions}.
12077
12078 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
12079 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
12080
12081 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
12082
12083 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
12084 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
12085
12086 @table @code
12087 @cindex break in overloaded functions
12088 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
12089 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
12090 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
12091 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
12092 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
12093
12094 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
12095 @item rbreak @var{regex}
12096 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
12097 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
12098 classes.
12099 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
12100
12101 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
12102 @item catch throw
12103 @itemx catch catch
12104 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
12105 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
12106
12107 @cindex inheritance
12108 @item ptype @var{typename}
12109 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
12110 @var{typename}.
12111 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
12112
12113 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
12114 @item set print demangle
12115 @itemx show print demangle
12116 @itemx set print asm-demangle
12117 @itemx show print asm-demangle
12118 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
12119 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
12120 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
12121
12122 @item set print object
12123 @itemx show print object
12124 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
12125 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
12126
12127 @item set print vtbl
12128 @itemx show print vtbl
12129 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
12130 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
12131 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
12132 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
12133
12134 @kindex set overload-resolution
12135 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
12136 @item set overload-resolution on
12137 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
12138 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
12139 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
12140 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
12141 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
12142 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
12143
12144 @item set overload-resolution off
12145 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
12146 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
12147 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
12148 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
12149 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
12150 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
12151 argument types.
12152
12153 @kindex show overload-resolution
12154 @item show overload-resolution
12155 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
12156
12157 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
12158 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
12159 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
12160 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
12161 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
12162 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
12163 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
12164 @end table
12165
12166 @node Decimal Floating Point
12167 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
12168 @cindex decimal floating point format
12169
12170 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
12171 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
12172 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
12173 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
12174
12175 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
12176 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
12177 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
12178 target.
12179
12180 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
12181 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
12182 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
12183
12184 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
12185 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
12186 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
12187
12188 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
12189 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
12190 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
12191
12192 @node D
12193 @subsection D
12194
12195 @cindex D
12196 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in D and compiled with
12197 GDC, LDC or DMD compilers. Currently @value{GDBN} supports only one D
12198 specific feature --- dynamic arrays.
12199
12200 @node Objective-C
12201 @subsection Objective-C
12202
12203 @cindex Objective-C
12204 This section provides information about some commands and command
12205 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
12206 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
12207 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
12208
12209 @menu
12210 * Method Names in Commands::
12211 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
12212 @end menu
12213
12214 @node Method Names in Commands
12215 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
12216
12217 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
12218 names as line specifications:
12219
12220 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
12221 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
12222 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
12223 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
12224 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
12225 @itemize
12226 @item @code{clear}
12227 @item @code{break}
12228 @item @code{info line}
12229 @item @code{jump}
12230 @item @code{list}
12231 @end itemize
12232
12233 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
12234
12235 @smallexample
12236 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
12237 @end smallexample
12238
12239 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
12240 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
12241 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
12242 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
12243 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
12244 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
12245 debugged, enter:
12246
12247 @smallexample
12248 break -[Fruit create]
12249 @end smallexample
12250
12251 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
12252 enter:
12253
12254 @smallexample
12255 list +[NSText initialize]
12256 @end smallexample
12257
12258 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
12259 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
12260 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
12261 is also possible to specify just a method name:
12262
12263 @smallexample
12264 break create
12265 @end smallexample
12266
12267 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
12268 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
12269 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
12270 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
12271 none apply.
12272
12273 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
12274 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
12275
12276 @smallexample
12277 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
12278 @end smallexample
12279
12280 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
12281 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
12282 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
12283 @kindex print-object
12284 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
12285
12286 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
12287
12288 @smallexample
12289 print -[@var{object} hash]
12290 @end smallexample
12291
12292 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
12293 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
12294 @noindent
12295 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
12296 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
12297 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
12298 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
12299 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
12300 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
12301
12302 @node OpenCL C
12303 @subsection OpenCL C
12304
12305 @cindex OpenCL C
12306 This section provides information about @value{GDBN}s OpenCL C support.
12307
12308 @menu
12309 * OpenCL C Datatypes::
12310 * OpenCL C Expressions::
12311 * OpenCL C Operators::
12312 @end menu
12313
12314 @node OpenCL C Datatypes
12315 @subsubsection OpenCL C Datatypes
12316
12317 @cindex OpenCL C Datatypes
12318 @value{GDBN} supports the builtin scalar and vector datatypes specified
12319 by OpenCL 1.1. In addition the half- and double-precision floating point
12320 data types of the @code{cl_khr_fp16} and @code{cl_khr_fp64} OpenCL
12321 extensions are also known to @value{GDBN}.
12322
12323 @node OpenCL C Expressions
12324 @subsubsection OpenCL C Expressions
12325
12326 @cindex OpenCL C Expressions
12327 @value{GDBN} supports accesses to vector components including the access as
12328 lvalue where possible. Since OpenCL C is based on C99 most C expressions
12329 supported by @value{GDBN} can be used as well.
12330
12331 @node OpenCL C Operators
12332 @subsubsection OpenCL C Operators
12333
12334 @cindex OpenCL C Operators
12335 @value{GDBN} supports the operators specified by OpenCL 1.1 for scalar and
12336 vector data types.
12337
12338 @node Fortran
12339 @subsection Fortran
12340 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
12341
12342 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
12343 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
12344
12345 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
12346 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
12347 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
12348 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
12349 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
12350 underscore.
12351
12352 @menu
12353 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
12354 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
12355 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
12356 @end menu
12357
12358 @node Fortran Operators
12359 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
12360
12361 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
12362
12363 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
12364 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
12365 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
12366
12367 @table @code
12368 @item **
12369 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
12370 of the second one.
12371
12372 @item :
12373 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
12374 represent a section of array.
12375
12376 @item %
12377 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
12378 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
12379 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
12380 union type.
12381 @end table
12382
12383 @node Fortran Defaults
12384 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
12385
12386 @cindex Fortran Defaults
12387
12388 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
12389 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
12390 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
12391 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
12392
12393 @node Special Fortran Commands
12394 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
12395
12396 @cindex Special Fortran commands
12397
12398 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
12399 such as displaying common blocks.
12400
12401 @table @code
12402 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
12403 @kindex info common
12404 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
12405 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
12406 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
12407 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
12408 printed.
12409 @end table
12410
12411 @node Pascal
12412 @subsection Pascal
12413
12414 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
12415 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
12416 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
12417 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
12418 syntax.
12419
12420 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
12421 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
12422 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
12423
12424 @node Modula-2
12425 @subsection Modula-2
12426
12427 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
12428
12429 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
12430 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
12431 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
12432 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
12433 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
12434 table.
12435
12436 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
12437 @menu
12438 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
12439 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
12440 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
12441 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
12442 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
12443 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
12444 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
12445 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
12446 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
12447 @end menu
12448
12449 @node M2 Operators
12450 @subsubsection Operators
12451 @cindex Modula-2 operators
12452
12453 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
12454 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
12455 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
12456 following definitions hold:
12457
12458 @itemize @bullet
12459
12460 @item
12461 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
12462 their subranges.
12463
12464 @item
12465 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
12466
12467 @item
12468 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
12469
12470 @item
12471 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
12472 @var{type}}.
12473
12474 @item
12475 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
12476
12477 @item
12478 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
12479
12480 @item
12481 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
12482 @end itemize
12483
12484 @noindent
12485 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
12486 increasing precedence:
12487
12488 @table @code
12489 @item ,
12490 Function argument or array index separator.
12491
12492 @item :=
12493 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
12494 @var{value}.
12495
12496 @item <@r{, }>
12497 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
12498 types.
12499
12500 @item <=@r{, }>=
12501 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
12502 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
12503 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
12504
12505 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
12506 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
12507 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
12508 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
12509 comment character.
12510
12511 @item IN
12512 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
12513 Same precedence as @code{<}.
12514
12515 @item OR
12516 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
12517
12518 @item AND@r{, }&
12519 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
12520
12521 @item @@
12522 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
12523
12524 @item +@r{, }-
12525 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
12526 and difference on set types.
12527
12528 @item *
12529 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
12530 on set types.
12531
12532 @item /
12533 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
12534 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
12535
12536 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
12537 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
12538 precedence as @code{*}.
12539
12540 @item -
12541 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
12542
12543 @item ^
12544 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
12545
12546 @item NOT
12547 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
12548 @code{^}.
12549
12550 @item .
12551 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
12552 precedence as @code{^}.
12553
12554 @item []
12555 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
12556
12557 @item ()
12558 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
12559 as @code{^}.
12560
12561 @item ::@r{, }.
12562 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
12563 @end table
12564
12565 @quotation
12566 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
12567 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
12568 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
12569 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
12570 @end quotation
12571
12572
12573 @node Built-In Func/Proc
12574 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
12575 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
12576
12577 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
12578 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
12579
12580 @table @var
12581
12582 @item a
12583 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
12584
12585 @item c
12586 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
12587
12588 @item i
12589 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
12590
12591 @item m
12592 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
12593 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
12594 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
12595
12596 @item n
12597 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
12598
12599 @item r
12600 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
12601
12602 @item t
12603 represents a type.
12604
12605 @item v
12606 represents a variable.
12607
12608 @item x
12609 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
12610 explanation of the function for details.
12611 @end table
12612
12613 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
12614
12615 @table @code
12616 @item ABS(@var{n})
12617 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
12618
12619 @item CAP(@var{c})
12620 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
12621 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
12622
12623 @item CHR(@var{i})
12624 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
12625
12626 @item DEC(@var{v})
12627 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
12628
12629 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
12630 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
12631 new value.
12632
12633 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
12634 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
12635 set.
12636
12637 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
12638 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
12639
12640 @item HIGH(@var{a})
12641 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
12642
12643 @item INC(@var{v})
12644 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
12645
12646 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
12647 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
12648 new value.
12649
12650 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
12651 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
12652 there. Returns the new set.
12653
12654 @item MAX(@var{t})
12655 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
12656
12657 @item MIN(@var{t})
12658 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
12659
12660 @item ODD(@var{i})
12661 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
12662
12663 @item ORD(@var{x})
12664 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
12665 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
12666 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
12667 integral, character and enumerated types.
12668
12669 @item SIZE(@var{x})
12670 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
12671
12672 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
12673 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
12674
12675 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
12676 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
12677
12678 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
12679 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
12680 @end table
12681
12682 @quotation
12683 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
12684 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
12685 an error.
12686 @end quotation
12687
12688 @cindex Modula-2 constants
12689 @node M2 Constants
12690 @subsubsection Constants
12691
12692 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
12693 ways:
12694
12695 @itemize @bullet
12696
12697 @item
12698 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
12699 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
12700 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
12701 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
12702
12703 @item
12704 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
12705 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
12706 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
12707 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
12708 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
12709 digits.
12710
12711 @item
12712 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
12713 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
12714 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
12715 followed by a @samp{C}.
12716
12717 @item
12718 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
12719 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
12720 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
12721 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
12722 sequences.
12723
12724 @item
12725 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
12726
12727 @item
12728 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
12729 @code{FALSE}.
12730
12731 @item
12732 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
12733
12734 @item
12735 Set constants are not yet supported.
12736 @end itemize
12737
12738 @node M2 Types
12739 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
12740 @cindex Modula-2 types
12741
12742 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
12743 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
12744 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
12745 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
12746 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
12747 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
12748
12749 The first example contains the following section of code:
12750
12751 @smallexample
12752 VAR
12753 s: SET OF CHAR ;
12754 r: [20..40] ;
12755 @end smallexample
12756
12757 @noindent
12758 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
12759 @code{r} and @code{s}.
12760
12761 @smallexample
12762 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12763 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
12764 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12765 SET OF CHAR
12766 (@value{GDBP}) print r
12767 21
12768 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
12769 [20..40]
12770 @end smallexample
12771
12772 @noindent
12773 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
12774
12775 @smallexample
12776 VAR
12777 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
12778 @end smallexample
12779
12780 @noindent
12781 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
12782
12783 @smallexample
12784 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12785 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
12786 @end smallexample
12787
12788 @noindent
12789 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
12790 expressions using the debugger.
12791
12792 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
12793 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
12794
12795 @smallexample
12796 VAR
12797 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
12798 @end smallexample
12799
12800 @smallexample
12801 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12802 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
12803 @end smallexample
12804
12805 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
12806 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
12807 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
12808 above.
12809
12810 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
12811
12812 @smallexample
12813 TYPE
12814 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
12815 t = [blue..yellow] ;
12816 VAR
12817 s: t ;
12818 BEGIN
12819 s := blue ;
12820 @end smallexample
12821
12822 @noindent
12823 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
12824 and value of a variable.
12825
12826 @smallexample
12827 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12828 $1 = blue
12829 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
12830 type = [blue..yellow]
12831 @end smallexample
12832
12833 @noindent
12834 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
12835 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
12836 their @code{C} counterparts.
12837
12838 @smallexample
12839 VAR
12840 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
12841 BEGIN
12842 s[1] := 1 ;
12843 @end smallexample
12844
12845 @smallexample
12846 (@value{GDBP}) print s
12847 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
12848 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12849 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
12850 @end smallexample
12851
12852 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
12853 pointer types as shown in this example:
12854
12855 @smallexample
12856 VAR
12857 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
12858 BEGIN
12859 NEW(s) ;
12860 s^[1] := 1 ;
12861 @end smallexample
12862
12863 @noindent
12864 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
12865
12866 @smallexample
12867 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12868 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
12869 @end smallexample
12870
12871 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
12872 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
12873 types:
12874
12875 @smallexample
12876 TYPE
12877 foo = RECORD
12878 f1: CARDINAL ;
12879 f2: CHAR ;
12880 f3: myarray ;
12881 END ;
12882
12883 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
12884 myrange = [-2..2] ;
12885 VAR
12886 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
12887 @end smallexample
12888
12889 @noindent
12890 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
12891 below.
12892
12893 @smallexample
12894 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
12895 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
12896 f1 : CARDINAL;
12897 f2 : CHAR;
12898 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
12899 END
12900 @end smallexample
12901
12902 @node M2 Defaults
12903 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
12904 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
12905
12906 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
12907 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
12908 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
12909 selected the working language.
12910
12911 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
12912 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
12913 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
12914 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
12915
12916 @node Deviations
12917 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
12918 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
12919
12920 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
12921 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
12922
12923 @itemize @bullet
12924 @item
12925 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
12926 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
12927 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
12928 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
12929 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
12930 returned a pointer.)
12931
12932 @item
12933 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
12934 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
12935 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
12936 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
12937
12938 @item
12939 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
12940 argument.
12941
12942 @item
12943 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
12944 @end itemize
12945
12946 @node M2 Checks
12947 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
12948 @cindex Modula-2 checks
12949
12950 @quotation
12951 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
12952 range checking.
12953 @end quotation
12954 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
12955
12956 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
12957
12958 @itemize @bullet
12959 @item
12960 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
12961 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
12962
12963 @item
12964 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
12965 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
12966 @end itemize
12967
12968 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
12969 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
12970
12971 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
12972 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
12973
12974 @node M2 Scope
12975 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
12976 @cindex scope
12977 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
12978 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
12979 @ifinfo
12980 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
12981 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
12982 @end ifinfo
12983 @ifnotinfo
12984 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
12985 @end ifnotinfo
12986
12987 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
12988 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
12989 similar syntax:
12990
12991 @smallexample
12992
12993 @var{module} . @var{id}
12994 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
12995 @end smallexample
12996
12997 @noindent
12998 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
12999 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
13000 identifier within your program, except another module.
13001
13002 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
13003 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
13004 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
13005 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
13006
13007 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
13008 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
13009 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
13010 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
13011 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
13012 @var{module}.
13013
13014 @node GDB/M2
13015 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
13016
13017 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
13018 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
13019 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
13020 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
13021 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
13022 analogue in Modula-2.
13023
13024 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
13025 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
13026 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
13027 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
13028 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
13029 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
13030
13031 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
13032 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
13033 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
13034
13035 @node Ada
13036 @subsection Ada
13037 @cindex Ada
13038
13039 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
13040 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
13041 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
13042 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
13043 to be difficult.
13044
13045
13046 @cindex expressions in Ada
13047 @menu
13048 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
13049 and semantics supported by Ada mode
13050 in @value{GDBN}.
13051 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
13052 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
13053 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
13054 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
13055 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
13056 * Ravenscar Profile:: Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar
13057 Profile
13058 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
13059 @end menu
13060
13061 @node Ada Mode Intro
13062 @subsubsection Introduction
13063 @cindex Ada mode, general
13064
13065 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
13066 syntax, with some extensions.
13067 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
13068
13069 @itemize @bullet
13070 @item
13071 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
13072 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
13073 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
13074 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
13075
13076 @item
13077 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
13078 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
13079
13080 @item
13081 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
13082 @end itemize
13083
13084 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
13085 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
13086 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
13087 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
13088 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
13089
13090 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
13091 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
13092 was translated from an Ada source file.
13093
13094 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
13095 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
13096 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
13097 middle (to allow based literals).
13098
13099 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
13100 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
13101 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
13102 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
13103 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
13104 functions to procedures elsewhere.
13105
13106 @node Omissions from Ada
13107 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
13108 @cindex Ada, omissions from
13109
13110 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
13111
13112 @itemize @bullet
13113 @item
13114 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
13115
13116 @itemize @minus
13117 @item
13118 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
13119 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
13120
13121 @item
13122 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
13123
13124 @item
13125 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
13126
13127 @item
13128 @t{'Tag}.
13129
13130 @item
13131 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
13132 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
13133
13134 @item
13135 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
13136 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
13137
13138 @item
13139 @t{'Address}.
13140 @end itemize
13141
13142 @item
13143 The names in
13144 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
13145 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
13146 not currently available.
13147
13148 @item
13149 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
13150 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
13151 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
13152 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
13153 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
13154 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
13155 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
13156 indeterminate values.
13157
13158 @item
13159 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
13160 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
13161 are not implemented.
13162
13163 @item
13164 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
13165 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
13166 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
13167 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
13168 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
13169
13170 @smallexample
13171 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
13172 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
13173 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
13174 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
13175 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
13176 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
13177 @end smallexample
13178
13179 Changing a
13180 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
13181 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
13182 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
13183 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
13184 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
13185 declared to have a type such as:
13186
13187 @smallexample
13188 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
13189 Id : Integer;
13190 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
13191 end record;
13192 @end smallexample
13193
13194 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
13195 assignments:
13196
13197 @smallexample
13198 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
13199 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
13200 @end smallexample
13201
13202 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
13203 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
13204 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
13205 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
13206 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
13207 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
13208 redundant component associations, although which component values are
13209 assigned in such cases is not defined.
13210
13211 @item
13212 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
13213
13214 @item
13215 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
13216 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
13217 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
13218 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
13219 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
13220 the proper resolution.
13221
13222 @item
13223 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
13224
13225 @item
13226 Entry calls are not implemented.
13227
13228 @item
13229 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
13230 formats are not supported.
13231
13232 @item
13233 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
13234
13235 @item
13236 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
13237 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
13238 context.
13239 Should your program
13240 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
13241 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
13242 @end itemize
13243
13244 @node Additions to Ada
13245 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
13246 @cindex Ada, deviations from
13247
13248 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
13249 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
13250
13251 @itemize @bullet
13252 @item
13253 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
13254 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
13255 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
13256 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
13257 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
13258 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
13259 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
13260 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
13261
13262 @item
13263 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
13264 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
13265 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
13266
13267 @item
13268 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
13269 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
13270
13271 @item
13272 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
13273 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
13274 @end itemize
13275
13276 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
13277 additions specific to Ada:
13278
13279 @itemize @bullet
13280 @item
13281 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
13282 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
13283
13284 @smallexample
13285 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
13286 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
13287 @end smallexample
13288
13289 @item
13290 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
13291 the value of its right-hand operand.
13292 This allows, for example,
13293 complex conditional breaks:
13294
13295 @smallexample
13296 (@value{GDBP}) break f
13297 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
13298 @end smallexample
13299
13300 @item
13301 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
13302 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
13303 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
13304 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
13305 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
13306 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
13307 in strings. For example,
13308 @smallexample
13309 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
13310 @end smallexample
13311 @noindent
13312 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
13313 after each period.
13314
13315 @item
13316 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
13317 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
13318 to write
13319
13320 @smallexample
13321 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
13322 @end smallexample
13323
13324 @item
13325 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
13326 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
13327 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
13328 of 3 might print as
13329
13330 @smallexample
13331 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
13332 @end smallexample
13333
13334 @noindent
13335 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
13336 clause.
13337
13338 @item
13339 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
13340 multi-character subsequence of
13341 their names (an exact match gets preference).
13342 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
13343 in place of @t{a'length}.
13344
13345 @item
13346 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
13347 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
13348 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
13349 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
13350 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
13351 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
13352 For example,
13353 @smallexample
13354 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
13355 @end smallexample
13356
13357 @item
13358 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
13359 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
13360 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
13361 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
13362 object.
13363
13364 @end itemize
13365
13366 @node Stopping Before Main Program
13367 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
13368
13369 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
13370 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
13371 before reaching the main procedure.
13372 As defined in the Ada Reference
13373 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
13374 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
13375 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
13376 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
13377
13378 @node Ada Tasks
13379 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
13380 @cindex Ada, tasking
13381
13382 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
13383 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
13384
13385 @table @code
13386 @kindex info tasks
13387 @item info tasks
13388 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
13389
13390
13391 @smallexample
13392 @iftex
13393 @leftskip=0.5cm
13394 @end iftex
13395 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13396 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13397 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13398 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
13399 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
13400 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
13401
13402 @end smallexample
13403
13404 @noindent
13405 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
13406 task currently being inspected.
13407
13408 @table @asis
13409 @item ID
13410 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
13411
13412 @item TID
13413 The Ada task ID.
13414
13415 @item P-ID
13416 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
13417
13418 @item Pri
13419 The base priority of the task.
13420
13421 @item State
13422 Current state of the task.
13423
13424 @table @code
13425 @item Unactivated
13426 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
13427 executing.
13428
13429 @item Runnable
13430 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
13431 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
13432
13433 @item Terminated
13434 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
13435 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
13436 terminated themselves.
13437
13438 @item Child Activation Wait
13439 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
13440
13441 @item Accept Statement
13442 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
13443
13444 @item Waiting on entry call
13445 The task is waiting on an entry call.
13446
13447 @item Async Select Wait
13448 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
13449 select statement.
13450
13451 @item Delay Sleep
13452 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
13453 alternative open.
13454
13455 @item Child Termination Wait
13456 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
13457 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
13458 waiting on a terminate Phase.
13459
13460 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
13461 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
13462 finish terminating.
13463
13464 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
13465 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
13466 @end table
13467
13468 @item Name
13469 Name of the task in the program.
13470
13471 @end table
13472
13473 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
13474 @item info task @var{taskno}
13475 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
13476 the following example:
13477 @smallexample
13478 @iftex
13479 @leftskip=0.5cm
13480 @end iftex
13481 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13482 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13483 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13484 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
13485 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
13486 Ada Task: 0x807c468
13487 Name: task_1
13488 Thread: 0x807f378
13489 Parent: 1 (main_task)
13490 Base Priority: 15
13491 State: Runnable
13492 @end smallexample
13493
13494 @item task
13495 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
13496 @cindex current Ada task ID
13497 This command prints the ID of the current task.
13498
13499 @smallexample
13500 @iftex
13501 @leftskip=0.5cm
13502 @end iftex
13503 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13504 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13505 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13506 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
13507 (@value{GDBP}) task
13508 [Current task is 2]
13509 @end smallexample
13510
13511 @item task @var{taskno}
13512 @cindex Ada task switching
13513 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
13514 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
13515 from the current task to the given task.
13516
13517 @smallexample
13518 @iftex
13519 @leftskip=0.5cm
13520 @end iftex
13521 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13522 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13523 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13524 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
13525 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
13526 [Switching to task 1]
13527 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
13528 (@value{GDBP}) bt
13529 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
13530 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
13531 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
13532 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
13533 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
13534 @end smallexample
13535
13536 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
13537 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
13538 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
13539 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
13540 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
13541 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
13542 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
13543 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
13544 in @ref{Specify Location}.
13545
13546 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
13547 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
13548 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
13549 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
13550 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
13551
13552 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
13553 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
13554 program.
13555
13556 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
13557 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
13558 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
13559
13560 For example,
13561
13562 @smallexample
13563 @iftex
13564 @leftskip=0.5cm
13565 @end iftex
13566 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13567 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13568 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13569 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
13570 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
13571 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
13572 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
13573 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
13574 (@value{GDBP}) cont
13575 Continuing.
13576 task # 1 running
13577 task # 2 running
13578
13579 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
13580 15 flush;
13581 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
13582 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
13583 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
13584 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
13585 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
13586 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
13587 @end smallexample
13588 @end table
13589
13590 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
13591 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
13592 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
13593
13594 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
13595 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
13596 the platform being used.
13597 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
13598 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
13599 as usual.
13600
13601 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
13602 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
13603 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
13604 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
13605 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
13606 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
13607
13608 @node Ravenscar Profile
13609 @subsubsection Tasking Support when using the Ravenscar Profile
13610 @cindex Ravenscar Profile
13611
13612 The @dfn{Ravenscar Profile} is a subset of the Ada tasking features,
13613 specifically designed for systems with safety-critical real-time
13614 requirements.
13615
13616 @table @code
13617 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching on
13618 @cindex task switching with program using Ravenscar Profile
13619 @item set ravenscar task-switching on
13620 Allows task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
13621 Profile. This is the default.
13622
13623 @kindex set ravenscar task-switching off
13624 @item set ravenscar task-switching off
13625 Turn off task switching when debugging a program that uses the Ravenscar
13626 Profile. This is mostly intended to disable the code that adds support
13627 for the Ravenscar Profile, in case a bug in either @value{GDBN} or in
13628 the Ravenscar runtime is preventing @value{GDBN} from working properly.
13629 To be effective, this command should be run before the program is started.
13630
13631 @kindex show ravenscar task-switching
13632 @item show ravenscar task-switching
13633 Show whether it is possible to switch from task to task in a program
13634 using the Ravenscar Profile.
13635
13636 @end table
13637
13638 @node Ada Glitches
13639 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
13640 @cindex Ada, problems
13641
13642 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
13643 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
13644 @value{GDBN},
13645 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
13646 and the GNU Ada compiler.
13647
13648 @itemize @bullet
13649 @item
13650 Currently, the debugger
13651 has insufficient information to determine whether certain pointers represent
13652 pointers to objects or the objects themselves.
13653 Thus, the user may have to tack an extra @code{.all} after an expression
13654 to get it printed properly.
13655
13656 @item
13657 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
13658 storage are invisible to the debugger.
13659
13660 @item
13661 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
13662 argument lists are treated as positional).
13663
13664 @item
13665 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
13666
13667 @item
13668 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
13669 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
13670 the host machine.
13671
13672 @item
13673 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
13674 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
13675 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
13676 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
13677 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
13678 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
13679 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
13680 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
13681 you can usually resolve the confusion
13682 by qualifying the problematic names with package
13683 @code{Standard} explicitly.
13684 @end itemize
13685
13686 Older versions of the compiler sometimes generate erroneous debugging
13687 information, resulting in the debugger incorrectly printing the value
13688 of affected entities. In some cases, the debugger is able to work
13689 around an issue automatically. In other cases, the debugger is able
13690 to work around the issue, but the work-around has to be specifically
13691 enabled.
13692
13693 @kindex set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
13694 @kindex show ada trust-PAD-over-XVS
13695 @table @code
13696
13697 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS on
13698 Configure GDB to strictly follow the GNAT encoding when computing the
13699 value of Ada entities, particularly when @code{PAD} and @code{PAD___XVS}
13700 types are involved (see @code{ada/exp_dbug.ads} in the GCC sources for
13701 a complete description of the encoding used by the GNAT compiler).
13702 This is the default.
13703
13704 @item set ada trust-PAD-over-XVS off
13705 This is related to the encoding using by the GNAT compiler. If @value{GDBN}
13706 sometimes prints the wrong value for certain entities, changing @code{ada
13707 trust-PAD-over-XVS} to @code{off} activates a work-around which may fix
13708 the issue. It is always safe to set @code{ada trust-PAD-over-XVS} to
13709 @code{off}, but this incurs a slight performance penalty, so it is
13710 recommended to leave this setting to @code{on} unless necessary.
13711
13712 @end table
13713
13714 @node Unsupported Languages
13715 @section Unsupported Languages
13716
13717 @cindex unsupported languages
13718 @cindex minimal language
13719 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
13720 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
13721 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
13722 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
13723 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
13724 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
13725
13726 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
13727 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
13728 language.
13729
13730 @node Symbols
13731 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
13732
13733 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
13734 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
13735 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
13736 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
13737 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
13738 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
13739 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
13740
13741 @cindex symbol names
13742 @cindex names of symbols
13743 @cindex quoting names
13744 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
13745 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
13746 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
13747 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
13748 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
13749 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
13750 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
13751 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
13752
13753 @smallexample
13754 p 'foo.c'::x
13755 @end smallexample
13756
13757 @noindent
13758 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
13759
13760 @table @code
13761 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
13762 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
13763 @kindex set case-sensitive
13764 @item set case-sensitive on
13765 @itemx set case-sensitive off
13766 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
13767 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
13768 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
13769 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
13770 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
13771 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
13772 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
13773 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
13774 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
13775 case-insensitive matches.
13776
13777 @kindex show case-sensitive
13778 @item show case-sensitive
13779 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
13780 lookups.
13781
13782 @kindex info address
13783 @cindex address of a symbol
13784 @item info address @var{symbol}
13785 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
13786 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
13787 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
13788 is always stored.
13789
13790 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
13791 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
13792 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
13793
13794 @kindex info symbol
13795 @cindex symbol from address
13796 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
13797 @item info symbol @var{addr}
13798 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
13799 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
13800 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
13801
13802 @smallexample
13803 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
13804 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
13805 @end smallexample
13806
13807 @noindent
13808 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
13809 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
13810
13811 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
13812 library containing the symbol is also printed:
13813
13814 @smallexample
13815 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
13816 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
13817 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
13818 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
13819 @end smallexample
13820
13821 @kindex whatis
13822 @item whatis [@var{arg}]
13823 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression or
13824 a data type. With no argument, print the data type of @code{$}, the
13825 last value in the value history. If @var{arg} is an expression, it is
13826 not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
13827 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place. If
13828 @var{arg} is a type name, it may be the name of a type or typedef, or
13829 for C code it may have the form @samp{class @var{class-name}},
13830 @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
13831 @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
13832 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
13833
13834 @kindex ptype
13835 @item ptype [@var{arg}]
13836 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
13837 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
13838 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
13839
13840 For example, for this variable declaration:
13841
13842 @smallexample
13843 struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
13844 @end smallexample
13845
13846 @noindent
13847 the two commands give this output:
13848
13849 @smallexample
13850 @group
13851 (@value{GDBP}) whatis v
13852 type = struct complex
13853 (@value{GDBP}) ptype v
13854 type = struct complex @{
13855 double real;
13856 double imag;
13857 @}
13858 @end group
13859 @end smallexample
13860
13861 @noindent
13862 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
13863 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
13864
13865 @cindex incomplete type
13866 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
13867 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
13868 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
13869 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
13870 given these declarations:
13871
13872 @smallexample
13873 struct foo;
13874 struct foo *fooptr;
13875 @end smallexample
13876
13877 @noindent
13878 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
13879
13880 @smallexample
13881 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
13882 $1 = <incomplete type>
13883 @end smallexample
13884
13885 @noindent
13886 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
13887 completely specified.
13888
13889 @kindex info types
13890 @item info types @var{regexp}
13891 @itemx info types
13892 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
13893 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
13894 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
13895 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
13896 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
13897 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
13898 name is @code{value}.
13899
13900 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
13901 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
13902 lists all source files where a type is defined.
13903
13904 @kindex info scope
13905 @cindex local variables
13906 @item info scope @var{location}
13907 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
13908 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
13909 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
13910 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
13911 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
13912
13913 @smallexample
13914 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
13915 Scope for command_line_handler:
13916 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
13917 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
13918 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
13919 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
13920 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
13921 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
13922 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
13923 @end smallexample
13924
13925 @noindent
13926 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
13927 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
13928 collect}.
13929
13930 @kindex info source
13931 @item info source
13932 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
13933 the function containing the current point of execution:
13934 @itemize @bullet
13935 @item
13936 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
13937 @item
13938 the directory it was compiled in,
13939 @item
13940 its length, in lines,
13941 @item
13942 which programming language it is written in,
13943 @item
13944 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
13945 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
13946 @item
13947 whether the debugging information includes information about
13948 preprocessor macros.
13949 @end itemize
13950
13951
13952 @kindex info sources
13953 @item info sources
13954 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
13955 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
13956 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
13957
13958 @kindex info functions
13959 @item info functions
13960 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
13961
13962 @item info functions @var{regexp}
13963 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
13964 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
13965 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
13966 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
13967 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
13968 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
13969 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
13970
13971 @kindex info variables
13972 @item info variables
13973 Print the names and data types of all variables that are defined
13974 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
13975
13976 @item info variables @var{regexp}
13977 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
13978 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
13979 @var{regexp}.
13980
13981 @kindex info classes
13982 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
13983 @item info classes
13984 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
13985 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
13986 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
13987 expression.
13988
13989 @kindex info selectors
13990 @item info selectors
13991 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
13992 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
13993 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
13994 expression.
13995
13996 @ignore
13997 This was never implemented.
13998 @kindex info methods
13999 @item info methods
14000 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
14001 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
14002 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
14003 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
14004 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
14005 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
14006 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
14007 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
14008 @end ignore
14009
14010 @cindex reloading symbols
14011 Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
14012 be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
14013 in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
14014 running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
14015 @value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
14016
14017 @table @code
14018 @kindex set symbol-reloading
14019 @item set symbol-reloading on
14020 Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
14021 object file with a particular name is seen again.
14022
14023 @item set symbol-reloading off
14024 Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
14025 same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
14026 running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
14027 should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
14028 may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
14029 several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
14030 name.
14031
14032 @kindex show symbol-reloading
14033 @item show symbol-reloading
14034 Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
14035 @end table
14036
14037 @cindex opaque data types
14038 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
14039 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
14040 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
14041 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
14042 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
14043 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
14044 another source file. The default is on.
14045
14046 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
14047 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
14048
14049 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
14050 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
14051 is printed as follows:
14052 @smallexample
14053 @{<no data fields>@}
14054 @end smallexample
14055
14056 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
14057 @item show opaque-type-resolution
14058 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
14059
14060 @kindex maint print symbols
14061 @cindex symbol dump
14062 @kindex maint print psymbols
14063 @cindex partial symbol dump
14064 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
14065 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
14066 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
14067 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
14068 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
14069 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
14070 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
14071 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
14072 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
14073 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
14074 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
14075 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
14076 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
14077 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
14078 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
14079 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
14080 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
14081
14082 @kindex maint info symtabs
14083 @kindex maint info psymtabs
14084 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
14085 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
14086 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
14087 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
14088 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
14089 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
14090
14091 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
14092 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
14093 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
14094 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
14095 structure in more detail. For example:
14096
14097 @smallexample
14098 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
14099 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
14100 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
14101 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
14102 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
14103 readin no
14104 fullname (null)
14105 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
14106 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
14107 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
14108 dependencies (none)
14109 @}
14110 @}
14111 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
14112 (@value{GDBP})
14113 @end smallexample
14114 @noindent
14115 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
14116 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
14117 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
14118 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
14119 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
14120
14121 @smallexample
14122 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
14123 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
14124 line 1574.
14125 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
14126 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
14127 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
14128 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
14129 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
14130 dirname (null)
14131 fullname (null)
14132 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
14133 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
14134 debugformat DWARF 2
14135 @}
14136 @}
14137 (@value{GDBP})
14138 @end smallexample
14139 @end table
14140
14141
14142 @node Altering
14143 @chapter Altering Execution
14144
14145 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
14146 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
14147 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
14148 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
14149 program.
14150
14151 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
14152 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
14153 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
14154
14155 @menu
14156 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
14157 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
14158 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
14159 * Returning:: Returning from a function
14160 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
14161 * Patching:: Patching your program
14162 @end menu
14163
14164 @node Assignment
14165 @section Assignment to Variables
14166
14167 @cindex assignment
14168 @cindex setting variables
14169 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
14170 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
14171
14172 @smallexample
14173 print x=4
14174 @end smallexample
14175
14176 @noindent
14177 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
14178 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
14179 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
14180 information on operators in supported languages.
14181
14182 @kindex set variable
14183 @cindex variables, setting
14184 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
14185 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
14186 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
14187 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
14188 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
14189
14190 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
14191 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
14192 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
14193 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
14194 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
14195 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
14196 command @code{set width}:
14197
14198 @smallexample
14199 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
14200 type = double
14201 (@value{GDBP}) p width
14202 $4 = 13
14203 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
14204 Invalid syntax in expression.
14205 @end smallexample
14206
14207 @noindent
14208 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
14209 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
14210
14211 @smallexample
14212 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
14213 @end smallexample
14214
14215 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
14216 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
14217 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
14218 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
14219 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
14220 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
14221
14222 @smallexample
14223 @group
14224 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
14225 type = double
14226 (@value{GDBP}) p g
14227 $1 = 1
14228 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
14229 (@value{GDBP}) p g
14230 $2 = 1
14231 (@value{GDBP}) r
14232 The program being debugged has been started already.
14233 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
14234 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
14235 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
14236 Invalid bfd target.
14237 (@value{GDBP}) show g
14238 The current BFD target is "=4".
14239 @end group
14240 @end smallexample
14241
14242 @noindent
14243 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
14244 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
14245 @code{g}, use
14246
14247 @smallexample
14248 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
14249 @end smallexample
14250
14251 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
14252 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
14253 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
14254 same length or shorter.
14255 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
14256 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
14257
14258 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
14259 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
14260 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
14261 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
14262 and representation in memory), and
14263
14264 @smallexample
14265 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
14266 @end smallexample
14267
14268 @noindent
14269 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
14270
14271 @node Jumping
14272 @section Continuing at a Different Address
14273
14274 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
14275 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
14276 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
14277
14278 @table @code
14279 @kindex jump
14280 @item jump @var{linespec}
14281 @itemx jump @var{location}
14282 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
14283 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
14284 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
14285 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
14286 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
14287 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
14288
14289 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
14290 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
14291 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
14292 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
14293 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
14294 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
14295 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
14296 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
14297 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
14298 @end table
14299
14300 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
14301 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
14302 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
14303 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
14304 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
14305 example,
14306
14307 @smallexample
14308 set $pc = 0x485
14309 @end smallexample
14310
14311 @noindent
14312 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
14313 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
14314 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
14315
14316 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
14317 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
14318 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
14319 detail.
14320
14321 @c @group
14322 @node Signaling
14323 @section Giving your Program a Signal
14324 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
14325
14326 @table @code
14327 @kindex signal
14328 @item signal @var{signal}
14329 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
14330 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
14331 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
14332 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
14333
14334 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
14335 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
14336 a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
14337 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
14338 signal.
14339
14340 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
14341 after executing the command.
14342 @end table
14343 @c @end group
14344
14345 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
14346 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
14347 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
14348 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
14349 passes the signal directly to your program.
14350
14351
14352 @node Returning
14353 @section Returning from a Function
14354
14355 @table @code
14356 @cindex returning from a function
14357 @kindex return
14358 @item return
14359 @itemx return @var{expression}
14360 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
14361 command. If you give an
14362 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
14363 value.
14364 @end table
14365
14366 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
14367 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
14368 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
14369 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
14370
14371 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
14372 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
14373 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
14374 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
14375 of functions.
14376
14377 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
14378 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
14379 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
14380 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
14381 selected stack frame returns naturally.
14382
14383 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
14384 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
14385 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
14386 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
14387 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
14388 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
14389 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
14390 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
14391 assignment into the right register(s).
14392
14393 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
14394 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
14395 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
14396 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
14397 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
14398 into a @code{long long int}:
14399
14400 @smallexample
14401 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
14402 29 return 31;
14403 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
14404 Make func return now? (y or n) y
14405 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
14406 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
14407 (@value{GDBP})
14408 @end smallexample
14409
14410 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
14411 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
14412 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
14413 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
14414 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
14415 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
14416 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
14417 an appropriate cast explicitly:
14418
14419 @smallexample
14420 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
14421 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
14422 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
14423 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
14424 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
14425 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
14426 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
14427 (@value{GDBP})
14428 @end smallexample
14429
14430 @node Calling
14431 @section Calling Program Functions
14432
14433 @table @code
14434 @cindex calling functions
14435 @cindex inferior functions, calling
14436 @item print @var{expr}
14437 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
14438 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
14439 debugged.
14440
14441 @kindex call
14442 @item call @var{expr}
14443 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
14444 returned values.
14445
14446 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
14447 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
14448 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
14449 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
14450 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
14451 value history.
14452 @end table
14453
14454 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
14455 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
14456 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
14457 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
14458
14459 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
14460 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
14461 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
14462 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
14463 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
14464 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
14465 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
14466 in that case is controlled by the
14467 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
14468
14469 @table @code
14470 @item set unwindonsignal
14471 @kindex set unwindonsignal
14472 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
14473 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
14474 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
14475 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
14476 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
14477 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
14478 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
14479 received.
14480
14481 @item show unwindonsignal
14482 @kindex show unwindonsignal
14483 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
14484 @value{GDBN}.
14485
14486 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
14487 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
14488 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
14489 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
14490 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
14491 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
14492 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
14493 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
14494 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
14495 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
14496
14497 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
14498 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
14499 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
14500 @value{GDBN}.
14501
14502 @end table
14503
14504 @cindex weak alias functions
14505 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
14506 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
14507 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
14508 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
14509 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
14510 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
14511 function instead.
14512
14513 @node Patching
14514 @section Patching Programs
14515
14516 @cindex patching binaries
14517 @cindex writing into executables
14518 @cindex writing into corefiles
14519
14520 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
14521 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
14522 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
14523 patching your program's binary.
14524
14525 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
14526 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
14527 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
14528 repairs.
14529
14530 @table @code
14531 @kindex set write
14532 @item set write on
14533 @itemx set write off
14534 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
14535 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
14536 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
14537
14538 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
14539 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
14540 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
14541
14542 @item show write
14543 @kindex show write
14544 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
14545 as well as reading.
14546 @end table
14547
14548 @node GDB Files
14549 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
14550
14551 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
14552 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
14553 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
14554 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
14555
14556 @menu
14557 * Files:: Commands to specify files
14558 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
14559 * Index Files:: Index files speed up GDB
14560 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
14561 * Data Files:: GDB data files
14562 @end menu
14563
14564 @node Files
14565 @section Commands to Specify Files
14566
14567 @cindex symbol table
14568 @cindex core dump file
14569
14570 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
14571 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
14572 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
14573 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
14574
14575 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
14576 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
14577 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
14578 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
14579 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
14580 new files are useful.
14581
14582 @table @code
14583 @cindex executable file
14584 @kindex file
14585 @item file @var{filename}
14586 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
14587 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
14588 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
14589 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
14590 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
14591 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
14592 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
14593 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
14594
14595 @cindex unlinked object files
14596 @cindex patching object files
14597 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
14598 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
14599 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
14600 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
14601 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
14602 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
14603 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
14604 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
14605
14606 @item file
14607 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
14608 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
14609
14610 @kindex exec-file
14611 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
14612 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
14613 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
14614 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
14615 discard information on the executable file.
14616
14617 @kindex symbol-file
14618 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
14619 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
14620 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
14621 table and program to run from the same file.
14622
14623 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
14624 program's symbol table.
14625
14626 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
14627 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
14628 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
14629 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
14630 @value{GDBN}.
14631
14632 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
14633 executing it once.
14634
14635 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
14636 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
14637 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
14638 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
14639 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
14640 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
14641 optimized code.
14642
14643 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
14644 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
14645 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
14646 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
14647 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
14648
14649 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
14650 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
14651 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
14652 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
14653 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
14654 Warnings and Messages}.)
14655
14656 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
14657 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
14658 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
14659 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
14660 in stabs format.
14661
14662 @kindex readnow
14663 @cindex reading symbols immediately
14664 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
14665 @item symbol-file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
14666 @itemx file @r{[} -readnow @r{]} @var{filename}
14667 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
14668 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
14669 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
14670 entire symbol table available.
14671
14672 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
14673 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
14674 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
14675 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
14676 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
14677 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
14678 @c files.
14679
14680 @kindex core-file
14681 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
14682 @itemx core
14683 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
14684 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
14685 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
14686 executable file itself for other parts.
14687
14688 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
14689 to be used.
14690
14691 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
14692 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
14693 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
14694 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
14695 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
14696
14697 @kindex add-symbol-file
14698 @cindex dynamic linking
14699 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
14700 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
14701 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
14702 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
14703 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
14704 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
14705 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
14706 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
14707 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
14708 of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
14709 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
14710 @var{address} as an expression.
14711
14712 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
14713 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
14714 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
14715 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
14716 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
14717
14718 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
14719 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
14720 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
14721 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
14722 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
14723 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
14724 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
14725 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
14726 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
14727
14728 @itemize @bullet
14729 @item
14730 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
14731 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
14732 @item
14733 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
14734 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
14735 @item
14736 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
14737 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
14738 @end itemize
14739
14740 @noindent
14741 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
14742 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
14743 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
14744 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
14745 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
14746 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
14747 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
14748 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
14749 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
14750 way.
14751
14752 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
14753
14754 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
14755 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
14756 @cindex load symbols from memory
14757 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
14758 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
14759 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
14760 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
14761 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
14762 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
14763 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
14764 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
14765 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
14766
14767 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
14768 @kindex assf
14769 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
14770 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
14771 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
14772 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
14773 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
14774 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
14775 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
14776 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
14777 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
14778 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
14779
14780 @kindex section
14781 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
14782 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
14783 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
14784 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
14785 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
14786 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
14787 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
14788 their addresses.
14789
14790 @kindex info files
14791 @kindex info target
14792 @item info files
14793 @itemx info target
14794 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
14795 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
14796 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
14797 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
14798 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
14799 current ones.
14800
14801 @kindex maint info sections
14802 @item maint info sections
14803 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
14804 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
14805 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
14806 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
14807 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
14808 may be arbitrarily combined):
14809
14810 @table @code
14811 @item ALLOBJ
14812 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
14813 @item @var{sections}
14814 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
14815 @item @var{section-flags}
14816 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
14817 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
14818 @table @code
14819 @item ALLOC
14820 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
14821 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
14822 @item LOAD
14823 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
14824 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
14825 @item RELOC
14826 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
14827 @item READONLY
14828 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
14829 @item CODE
14830 Section contains executable code only.
14831 @item DATA
14832 Section contains data only (no executable code).
14833 @item ROM
14834 Section will reside in ROM.
14835 @item CONSTRUCTOR
14836 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
14837 @item HAS_CONTENTS
14838 Section is not empty.
14839 @item NEVER_LOAD
14840 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
14841 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
14842 A notification to the linker that the section contains
14843 COFF shared library information.
14844 @item IS_COMMON
14845 Section contains common symbols.
14846 @end table
14847 @end table
14848 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
14849 @cindex read-only sections
14850 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
14851 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
14852 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
14853 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
14854 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
14855 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
14856 enhancement to debugging performance.
14857
14858 The default is off.
14859
14860 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
14861 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
14862 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
14863 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
14864
14865 @item show trust-readonly-sections
14866 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
14867 @end table
14868
14869 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
14870 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
14871 name and remembers it that way.
14872
14873 @cindex shared libraries
14874 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
14875 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
14876 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
14877
14878 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
14879 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
14880
14881 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
14882 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
14883 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
14884 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
14885 debugging a core file).
14886
14887 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
14888 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
14889
14890 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
14891 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
14892 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
14893
14894 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
14895 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
14896 particularly large or there are many of them.
14897
14898 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
14899 commands:
14900
14901 @table @code
14902 @kindex set auto-solib-add
14903 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
14904 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
14905 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
14906 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
14907 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
14908 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
14909 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
14910
14911 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
14912 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
14913 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
14914 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
14915 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
14916 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
14917 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
14918 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
14919 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
14920
14921 @kindex show auto-solib-add
14922 @item show auto-solib-add
14923 Display the current autoloading mode.
14924 @end table
14925
14926 @cindex load shared library
14927 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
14928 command:
14929
14930 @table @code
14931 @kindex info sharedlibrary
14932 @kindex info share
14933 @item info share @var{regex}
14934 @itemx info sharedlibrary @var{regex}
14935 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded
14936 that match @var{regex}. If @var{regex} is omitted then print
14937 all shared libraries that are loaded.
14938
14939 @kindex sharedlibrary
14940 @kindex share
14941 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
14942 @itemx share @var{regex}
14943 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
14944 Unix regular expression.
14945 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
14946 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
14947 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
14948 loaded.
14949
14950 @item nosharedlibrary
14951 @kindex nosharedlibrary
14952 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
14953 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
14954 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
14955 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
14956 discarded.
14957 @end table
14958
14959 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
14960 when any of shared library events happen. Use the @code{set
14961 stop-on-solib-events} command for this:
14962
14963 @table @code
14964 @item set stop-on-solib-events
14965 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
14966 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
14967 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
14968 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
14969 shared library.
14970
14971 @item show stop-on-solib-events
14972 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
14973 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
14974 library events happen.
14975 @end table
14976
14977 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
14978 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
14979 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
14980 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
14981 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
14982 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
14983 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
14984 not.
14985
14986 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
14987 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
14988 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
14989 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
14990 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
14991
14992 @table @code
14993 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
14994 @cindex system root, alternate
14995 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
14996 @kindex set sysroot
14997 @item set sysroot @var{path}
14998 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
14999 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
15000 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
15001 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
15002 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
15003 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
15004 under @var{path}.
15005
15006 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
15007 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
15008 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
15009 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
15010 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
15011 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
15012 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
15013 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
15014 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
15015
15016 For targets with an MS-DOS based filesystem, such as MS-Windows and
15017 SymbianOS, @value{GDBN} tries prefixing a few variants of the target
15018 absolute file name with @var{path}. But first, on Unix hosts,
15019 @value{GDBN} converts all backslash directory separators into forward
15020 slashes, because the backslash is not a directory separator on Unix:
15021
15022 @smallexample
15023 c:\foo\bar.dll @result{} c:/foo/bar.dll
15024 @end smallexample
15025
15026 Then, @value{GDBN} attempts prefixing the target file name with
15027 @var{path}, and looks for the resulting file name in the host file
15028 system:
15029
15030 @smallexample
15031 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c:/foo/bar.dll
15032 @end smallexample
15033
15034 If that does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries removing
15035 the @samp{:} character from the drive spec, both for convenience, and,
15036 for the case of the host file system not supporting file names with
15037 colons:
15038
15039 @smallexample
15040 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/c/foo/bar.dll
15041 @end smallexample
15042
15043 This makes it possible to have a system root that mirrors a target
15044 with more than one drive. E.g., you may want to setup your local
15045 copies of the target system shared libraries like so (note @samp{c} vs
15046 @samp{z}):
15047
15048 @smallexample
15049 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/foo.dll}
15050 @file{/path/to/sysroot/c/sys/bin/bar.dll}
15051 @file{/path/to/sysroot/z/sys/bin/bar.dll}
15052 @end smallexample
15053
15054 @noindent
15055 and point the system root at @file{/path/to/sysroot}, so that
15056 @value{GDBN} can find the correct copies of both
15057 @file{c:\sys\bin\foo.dll}, and @file{z:\sys\bin\bar.dll}.
15058
15059 If that still does not find the shared library, @value{GDBN} tries
15060 removing the whole drive spec from the target file name:
15061
15062 @smallexample
15063 c:/foo/bar.dll @result{} /path/to/sysroot/foo/bar.dll
15064 @end smallexample
15065
15066 This last lookup makes it possible to not care about the drive name,
15067 if you don't want or need to.
15068
15069 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
15070 sysroot}.
15071
15072 @cindex default system root
15073 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
15074 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
15075 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
15076 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
15077 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
15078 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
15079 location.
15080
15081 @kindex show sysroot
15082 @item show sysroot
15083 Display the current shared library prefix.
15084
15085 @kindex set solib-search-path
15086 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
15087 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
15088 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
15089 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
15090 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
15091 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
15092 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
15093 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
15094 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
15095 of shared library symbols.
15096
15097 @kindex show solib-search-path
15098 @item show solib-search-path
15099 Display the current shared library search path.
15100
15101 @cindex DOS file-name semantics of file names.
15102 @kindex set target-file-system-kind (unix|dos-based|auto)
15103 @kindex show target-file-system-kind
15104 @item set target-file-system-kind @var{kind}
15105 Set assumed file system kind for target reported file names.
15106
15107 Shared library file names as reported by the target system may not
15108 make sense as is on the system @value{GDBN} is running on. For
15109 example, when remote debugging a target that has MS-DOS based file
15110 system semantics, from a Unix host, the target may be reporting to
15111 @value{GDBN} a list of loaded shared libraries with file names such as
15112 @file{c:\Windows\kernel32.dll}. On Unix hosts, there's no concept of
15113 drive letters, so the @samp{c:\} prefix is not normally understood as
15114 indicating an absolute file name, and neither is the backslash
15115 normally considered a directory separator character. In that case,
15116 the native file system would interpret this whole absolute file name
15117 as a relative file name with no directory components. This would make
15118 it impossible to point @value{GDBN} at a copy of the remote target's
15119 shared libraries on the host using @code{set sysroot}, and impractical
15120 with @code{set solib-search-path}. Setting
15121 @code{target-file-system-kind} to @code{dos-based} tells @value{GDBN}
15122 to interpret such file names similarly to how the target would, and to
15123 map them to file names valid on @value{GDBN}'s native file system
15124 semantics. The value of @var{kind} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition
15125 to one of the supported file system kinds. In that case, @value{GDBN}
15126 tries to determine the appropriate file system variant based on the
15127 current target's operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the
15128 Current ABI}). The supported file system settings are:
15129
15130 @table @code
15131 @item unix
15132 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is of Unix
15133 kind. Only file names starting the forward slash (@samp{/}) character
15134 are considered absolute, and the directory separator character is also
15135 the forward slash.
15136
15137 @item dos-based
15138 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target file system is DOS based.
15139 File names starting with either a forward slash, or a drive letter
15140 followed by a colon (e.g., @samp{c:}), are considered absolute, and
15141 both the slash (@samp{/}) and the backslash (@samp{\\}) characters are
15142 considered directory separators.
15143
15144 @item auto
15145 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the file system kind associated with the
15146 target operating system (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
15147 This is the default.
15148 @end table
15149 @end table
15150
15151
15152 @node Separate Debug Files
15153 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
15154 @cindex separate debugging information files
15155 @cindex debugging information in separate files
15156 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
15157 @cindex debugging information directory, global
15158 @cindex global debugging information directory
15159 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
15160 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
15161
15162 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
15163 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
15164 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
15165 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
15166 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
15167 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
15168 install only when they need to debug a problem.
15169
15170 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
15171 file:
15172
15173 @itemize @bullet
15174 @item
15175 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
15176 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
15177 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
15178 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
15179 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
15180 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
15181 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
15182 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
15183
15184 @item
15185 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
15186 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
15187 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
15188 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
15189 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
15190 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
15191 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
15192 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
15193 below.
15194 @end itemize
15195
15196 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
15197 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
15198
15199 @itemize @bullet
15200 @item
15201 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
15202 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
15203 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under the global debug
15204 directory, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
15205 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
15206
15207 @item
15208 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
15209 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of the global debug directory for a file
15210 named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
15211 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
15212 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
15213 hex characters, not 10.)
15214 @end itemize
15215
15216 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
15217 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
15218 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
15219 @code{abcdef1234}. If the global debug directory is
15220 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
15221 debug information files, in the indicated order:
15222
15223 @itemize @minus
15224 @item
15225 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
15226 @item
15227 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
15228 @item
15229 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
15230 @item
15231 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
15232 @end itemize
15233
15234 You can set the global debugging info directory's name, and view the
15235 name @value{GDBN} is currently using.
15236
15237 @table @code
15238
15239 @kindex set debug-file-directory
15240 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directories}
15241 Set the directories which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
15242 information files to @var{directory}. Multiple directory components can be set
15243 concatenating them by a directory separator.
15244
15245 @kindex show debug-file-directory
15246 @item show debug-file-directory
15247 Show the directories @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
15248 information files.
15249
15250 @end table
15251
15252 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
15253 @cindex debug link sections
15254 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
15255 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
15256
15257 @itemize
15258 @item
15259 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
15260 a zero byte,
15261 @item
15262 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
15263 boundary within the section, and
15264 @item
15265 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
15266 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
15267 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
15268 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
15269 @end itemize
15270
15271 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
15272 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
15273 described above.
15274
15275 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
15276 @cindex build ID sections
15277 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
15278 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
15279 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
15280 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
15281 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
15282 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
15283 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
15284 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
15285 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
15286
15287 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
15288 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
15289 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
15290 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
15291 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
15292 in an ordinary executable.
15293
15294 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
15295 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
15296 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
15297 following commands:
15298
15299 @smallexample
15300 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
15301 @kbd{strip -g foo}
15302 @end smallexample
15303
15304 @noindent
15305 These commands remove the debugging
15306 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
15307 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
15308 two files:
15309
15310 @itemize @bullet
15311 @item
15312 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
15313 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
15314
15315 @smallexample
15316 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
15317 @end smallexample
15318
15319 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
15320 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
15321 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
15322 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
15323
15324 @item
15325 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
15326 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
15327 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
15328 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
15329 @end itemize
15330
15331 @noindent
15332
15333 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
15334 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
15335 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
15336
15337 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
15338 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
15339 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
15340 @c different ways!
15341 @ifhtml
15342 @display
15343 @html
15344 <em>x</em><sup>32</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>26</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>23</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>22</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>16</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>12</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>11</sup>
15345 + <em>x</em><sup>10</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>8</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>7</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>5</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>4</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>2</sup> + <em>x</em> + 1
15346 @end html
15347 @end display
15348 @end ifhtml
15349 @ifnothtml
15350 @display
15351 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
15352 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
15353 @end display
15354 @end ifnothtml
15355
15356 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
15357 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
15358 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
15359 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
15360 CRC.
15361
15362 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
15363 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
15364 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
15365 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
15366 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
15367 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
15368
15369 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
15370 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
15371 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
15372 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
15373 @code{0xffffffff}.
15374
15375 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
15376 @smallexample
15377 unsigned long
15378 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
15379 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
15380 @{
15381 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
15382 @{
15383 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
15384 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
15385 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
15386 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
15387 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
15388 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
15389 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
15390 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
15391 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
15392 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
15393 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
15394 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
15395 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
15396 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
15397 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
15398 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
15399 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
15400 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
15401 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
15402 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
15403 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
15404 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
15405 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
15406 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
15407 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
15408 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
15409 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
15410 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
15411 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
15412 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
15413 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
15414 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
15415 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
15416 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
15417 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
15418 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
15419 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
15420 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
15421 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
15422 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
15423 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
15424 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
15425 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
15426 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
15427 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
15428 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
15429 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
15430 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
15431 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
15432 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
15433 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
15434 0x2d02ef8d
15435 @};
15436 unsigned char *end;
15437
15438 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
15439 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
15440 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
15441 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
15442 @}
15443 @end smallexample
15444
15445 @noindent
15446 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
15447
15448
15449 @node Index Files
15450 @section Index Files Speed Up @value{GDBN}
15451 @cindex index files
15452 @cindex @samp{.gdb_index} section
15453
15454 When @value{GDBN} finds a symbol file, it scans the symbols in the
15455 file in order to construct an internal symbol table. This lets most
15456 @value{GDBN} operations work quickly---at the cost of a delay early
15457 on. For large programs, this delay can be quite lengthy, so
15458 @value{GDBN} provides a way to build an index, which speeds up
15459 startup.
15460
15461 The index is stored as a section in the symbol file. @value{GDBN} can
15462 write the index to a file, then you can put it into the symbol file
15463 using @command{objcopy}.
15464
15465 To create an index file, use the @code{save gdb-index} command:
15466
15467 @table @code
15468 @item save gdb-index @var{directory}
15469 @kindex save gdb-index
15470 Create an index file for each symbol file currently known by
15471 @value{GDBN}. Each file is named after its corresponding symbol file,
15472 with @samp{.gdb-index} appended, and is written into the given
15473 @var{directory}.
15474 @end table
15475
15476 Once you have created an index file you can merge it into your symbol
15477 file, here named @file{symfile}, using @command{objcopy}:
15478
15479 @smallexample
15480 $ objcopy --add-section .gdb_index=symfile.gdb-index \
15481 --set-section-flags .gdb_index=readonly symfile symfile
15482 @end smallexample
15483
15484 There are currently some limitation on indices. They only work when
15485 for DWARF debugging information, not stabs. And, they do not
15486 currently work for programs using Ada.
15487
15488 @node Symbol Errors
15489 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
15490
15491 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
15492 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
15493 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
15494 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
15495 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
15496 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
15497 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
15498 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
15499 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
15500 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
15501 Messages}).
15502
15503 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
15504
15505 @table @code
15506 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
15507
15508 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
15509 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
15510 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
15511 in its outer scope blocks.
15512
15513 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
15514 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
15515 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
15516 function.
15517
15518 @item block at @var{address} out of order
15519
15520 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
15521 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
15522 do so.
15523
15524 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
15525 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
15526 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
15527 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
15528 Messages}.)
15529
15530 @item bad block start address patched
15531
15532 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
15533 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
15534 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
15535
15536 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
15537 starting on the previous source line.
15538
15539 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
15540
15541 @cindex foo
15542 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
15543 larger than the size of the string table.
15544
15545 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
15546 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
15547 with this name.
15548
15549 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
15550
15551 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
15552 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
15553 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
15554
15555 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
15556 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
15557 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
15558 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
15559 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
15560 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
15561
15562 @item stub type has NULL name
15563
15564 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
15565
15566 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
15567 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
15568 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
15569 it.
15570
15571 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
15572
15573 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
15574
15575 @end table
15576
15577 @node Data Files
15578 @section GDB Data Files
15579
15580 @cindex prefix for data files
15581 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
15582 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
15583
15584 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
15585 is currently using.
15586
15587 @table @code
15588 @kindex set data-directory
15589 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
15590 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
15591 to @var{directory}.
15592
15593 @kindex show data-directory
15594 @item show data-directory
15595 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
15596 @end table
15597
15598 @cindex default data directory
15599 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
15600 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
15601 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
15602 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
15603 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
15604 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
15605 location.
15606
15607 The data directory may also be specified with the
15608 @code{--data-directory} command line option.
15609 @xref{Mode Options}.
15610
15611 @node Targets
15612 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
15613
15614 @cindex debugging target
15615 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
15616
15617 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
15618 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
15619 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
15620 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
15621 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
15622 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
15623 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
15624 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
15625
15626 @cindex target architecture
15627 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
15628 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
15629 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
15630 command.
15631
15632 @table @code
15633 @kindex set architecture
15634 @kindex show architecture
15635 @item set architecture @var{arch}
15636 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
15637 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
15638 supported architectures.
15639
15640 @item show architecture
15641 Show the current target architecture.
15642
15643 @item set processor
15644 @itemx processor
15645 @kindex set processor
15646 @kindex show processor
15647 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
15648 and @code{show architecture}.
15649 @end table
15650
15651 @menu
15652 * Active Targets:: Active targets
15653 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
15654 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
15655 @end menu
15656
15657 @node Active Targets
15658 @section Active Targets
15659
15660 @cindex stacking targets
15661 @cindex active targets
15662 @cindex multiple targets
15663
15664 There are multiple classes of targets such as: processes, executable files or
15665 recording sessions. Core files belong to the process class, making core file
15666 and process mutually exclusive. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} can work concurrently
15667 on multiple active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for
15668 example) start a process and inspect its activity, while still having access to
15669 the executable file after the process finishes. Or if you start process
15670 recording (@pxref{Reverse Execution}) and @code{reverse-step} there, you are
15671 presented a virtual layer of the recording target, while the process target
15672 remains stopped at the chronologically last point of the process execution.
15673
15674 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new core
15675 file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}). To
15676 specify as a target a process that is already running, use the @code{attach}
15677 command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
15678
15679 @node Target Commands
15680 @section Commands for Managing Targets
15681
15682 @table @code
15683 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
15684 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
15685 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
15686 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
15687 protocol of the target machine.
15688
15689 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
15690 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
15691 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
15692
15693 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
15694 after executing the command.
15695
15696 @kindex help target
15697 @item help target
15698 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
15699 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
15700 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
15701
15702 @item help target @var{name}
15703 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
15704 select it.
15705
15706 @kindex set gnutarget
15707 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
15708 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
15709 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
15710 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
15711 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
15712 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
15713
15714 @quotation
15715 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
15716 you must know the actual BFD name.
15717 @end quotation
15718
15719 @noindent
15720 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
15721
15722 @kindex show gnutarget
15723 @item show gnutarget
15724 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
15725 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
15726 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
15727 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
15728 @end table
15729
15730 @cindex common targets
15731 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
15732 configuration):
15733
15734 @table @code
15735 @kindex target
15736 @item target exec @var{program}
15737 @cindex executable file target
15738 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
15739 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
15740
15741 @item target core @var{filename}
15742 @cindex core dump file target
15743 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
15744 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
15745
15746 @item target remote @var{medium}
15747 @cindex remote target
15748 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
15749 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
15750 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
15751
15752 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
15753 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
15754
15755 @smallexample
15756 target remote /dev/ttya
15757 @end smallexample
15758
15759 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
15760 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
15761 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
15762 clobbered by the download.
15763
15764 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
15765 @cindex built-in simulator target
15766 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
15767 In general,
15768 @smallexample
15769 target sim
15770 load
15771 run
15772 @end smallexample
15773 @noindent
15774 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
15775 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
15776 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
15777 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
15778 Processors}.
15779
15780 @end table
15781
15782 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
15783
15784 @table @code
15785
15786 @item target nrom @var{dev}
15787 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
15788 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
15789
15790 @end table
15791
15792 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
15793 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
15794
15795 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
15796 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
15797 various aspects of this process.
15798
15799 @table @code
15800
15801 @item set hash
15802 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
15803 @cindex hash mark while downloading
15804 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
15805 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
15806 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
15807 monitor.
15808
15809 @item show hash
15810 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
15811 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
15812
15813 @item set debug monitor
15814 @kindex set debug monitor
15815 @cindex display remote monitor communications
15816 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
15817 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
15818
15819 @item show debug monitor
15820 @kindex show debug monitor
15821 Show the current status of displaying communications between
15822 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
15823 @end table
15824
15825 @table @code
15826
15827 @kindex load @var{filename}
15828 @item load @var{filename}
15829 @anchor{load}
15830 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
15831 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
15832 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
15833 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
15834 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
15835 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
15836
15837 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
15838 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
15839 target is @dots{}}''
15840
15841 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
15842 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
15843 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
15844 specifies a fixed address.
15845 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
15846
15847 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
15848 load programs into flash memory.
15849
15850 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
15851 @end table
15852
15853 @node Byte Order
15854 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
15855
15856 @cindex choosing target byte order
15857 @cindex target byte order
15858
15859 Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
15860 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
15861 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
15862 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
15863 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
15864 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
15865
15866 @table @code
15867 @kindex set endian
15868 @item set endian big
15869 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
15870
15871 @item set endian little
15872 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
15873
15874 @item set endian auto
15875 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
15876 executable.
15877
15878 @item show endian
15879 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
15880
15881 @end table
15882
15883 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
15884 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
15885 target system.
15886
15887
15888 @node Remote Debugging
15889 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
15890 @cindex remote debugging
15891
15892 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
15893 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
15894 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
15895 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
15896 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
15897
15898 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
15899 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
15900 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
15901 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
15902 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
15903 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
15904
15905 Other remote targets may be available in your
15906 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
15907
15908 @menu
15909 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
15910 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
15911 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
15912 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
15913 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
15914 @end menu
15915
15916 @node Connecting
15917 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
15918
15919 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
15920 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
15921 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
15922 program as the first argument.
15923
15924 @cindex @code{target remote}
15925 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
15926 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
15927 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
15928 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
15929 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
15930 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
15931
15932 @table @code
15933
15934 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
15935 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
15936 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
15937 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
15938
15939 @smallexample
15940 target remote /dev/ttyb
15941 @end smallexample
15942
15943 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
15944 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
15945 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
15946 @code{target} command.
15947
15948 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
15949 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
15950 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
15951 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
15952 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
15953 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
15954 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
15955 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
15956 target.
15957
15958 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
15959 @code{manyfarms}:
15960
15961 @smallexample
15962 target remote manyfarms:2828
15963 @end smallexample
15964
15965 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
15966 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
15967 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
15968 port 1234 on your local machine:
15969
15970 @smallexample
15971 target remote :1234
15972 @end smallexample
15973 @noindent
15974
15975 Note that the colon is still required here.
15976
15977 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
15978 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
15979 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
15980 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
15981
15982 @smallexample
15983 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
15984 @end smallexample
15985
15986 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
15987 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
15988 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
15989 cause havoc with your debugging session.
15990
15991 @item target remote | @var{command}
15992 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
15993 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
15994 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
15995 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
15996 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
15997 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
15998 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
15999 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
16000
16001 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
16002 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
16003 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
16004
16005 @end table
16006
16007 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
16008 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
16009 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
16010 need to use @kbd{run}.
16011
16012 @cindex interrupting remote programs
16013 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
16014 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
16015 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
16016 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
16017 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
16018 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
16019
16020 @smallexample
16021 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
16022 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
16023 @end smallexample
16024
16025 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
16026 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
16027 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
16028 goes back to waiting.
16029
16030 @table @code
16031 @kindex detach (remote)
16032 @item detach
16033 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
16034 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
16035 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
16036 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
16037 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
16038
16039 @kindex disconnect
16040 @item disconnect
16041 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
16042 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
16043 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
16044 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
16045 another target.
16046
16047 @cindex send command to remote monitor
16048 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
16049 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
16050 @kindex monitor
16051 @item monitor @var{cmd}
16052 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
16053 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
16054 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
16055 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
16056 and implement.
16057 @end table
16058
16059 @node File Transfer
16060 @section Sending files to a remote system
16061 @cindex remote target, file transfer
16062 @cindex file transfer
16063 @cindex sending files to remote systems
16064
16065 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
16066 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
16067 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
16068 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
16069 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
16070 the only way to upload or download files.
16071
16072 Not all remote targets support these commands.
16073
16074 @table @code
16075 @kindex remote put
16076 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
16077 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
16078 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
16079
16080 @kindex remote get
16081 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
16082 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
16083 on the host system.
16084
16085 @kindex remote delete
16086 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
16087 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
16088
16089 @end table
16090
16091 @node Server
16092 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
16093
16094 @kindex gdbserver
16095 @cindex remote connection without stubs
16096 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
16097 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
16098 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
16099
16100 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
16101 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
16102 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
16103 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
16104 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
16105 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
16106 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
16107 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
16108 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
16109 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
16110 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
16111 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
16112 choice for debugging.
16113
16114 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
16115 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
16116 protocol.
16117
16118 @quotation
16119 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
16120 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
16121 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
16122 target system with the same privileges as the user running
16123 @code{gdbserver}.
16124 @end quotation
16125
16126 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
16127 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
16128
16129 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
16130 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
16131 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
16132 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
16133 system does all the symbol handling.
16134
16135 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
16136 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
16137 syntax is:
16138
16139 @smallexample
16140 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
16141 @end smallexample
16142
16143 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
16144 hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
16145 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
16146 @file{/dev/com1}:
16147
16148 @smallexample
16149 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
16150 @end smallexample
16151
16152 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
16153 with it.
16154
16155 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
16156
16157 @smallexample
16158 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
16159 @end smallexample
16160
16161 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
16162 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
16163 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
16164 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
16165 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
16166 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
16167 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
16168 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
16169 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
16170 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
16171 @code{target remote} command.
16172
16173 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
16174
16175 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
16176 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
16177
16178 @smallexample
16179 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
16180 @end smallexample
16181
16182 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
16183 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
16184
16185 @pindex pidof
16186 @cindex attach to a program by name
16187 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
16188 @code{pidof} utility:
16189
16190 @smallexample
16191 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
16192 @end smallexample
16193
16194 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
16195 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
16196 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
16197
16198 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
16199 @cindex gdbserver, multiple processes
16200 @cindex multiple processes with gdbserver
16201
16202 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
16203 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
16204 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
16205 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
16206
16207 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
16208 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
16209 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
16210 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
16211 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
16212 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
16213 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
16214 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
16215 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
16216
16217 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
16218 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
16219 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
16220 the program you want to debug.
16221
16222 @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit in multi-process mode.
16223 You can terminate it by using @code{monitor exit}
16224 (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
16225
16226 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
16227
16228 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
16229 status information about the debugging process. The
16230 @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
16231 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
16232 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
16233
16234 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
16235 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
16236 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
16237 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
16238
16239 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
16240 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
16241 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
16242 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
16243
16244 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
16245 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
16246 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
16247 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
16248
16249 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
16250 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
16251 environment:
16252
16253 @smallexample
16254 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
16255 @end smallexample
16256
16257 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
16258
16259 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
16260
16261 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
16262 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
16263 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
16264 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
16265
16266 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
16267 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
16268 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
16269 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
16270 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
16271 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
16272 programs.
16273
16274 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
16275 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
16276 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
16277 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
16278 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
16279 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
16280 already on the target.
16281
16282 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
16283 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
16284 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
16285
16286 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
16287 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
16288 Here are the available commands.
16289
16290 @table @code
16291 @item monitor help
16292 List the available monitor commands.
16293
16294 @item monitor set debug 0
16295 @itemx monitor set debug 1
16296 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
16297
16298 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
16299 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
16300 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
16301 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
16302
16303 @item monitor set libthread-db-search-path [PATH]
16304 @cindex gdbserver, search path for @code{libthread_db}
16305 When this command is issued, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
16306 directories to search for @code{libthread_db} (@pxref{Threads,,set
16307 libthread-db-search-path}). If you omit @var{path},
16308 @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to an empty list.
16309
16310 @item monitor exit
16311 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
16312 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
16313 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
16314 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
16315 of a multi-process mode debug session.
16316
16317 @end table
16318
16319 @subsection Tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
16320 @cindex tracepoints support in @code{gdbserver}
16321
16322 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} supports tracepoints, fast
16323 tracepoints and static tracepoints.
16324
16325 For fast or static tracepoints to work, a special library called the
16326 @dfn{in-process agent} (IPA), must be loaded in the inferior process.
16327 This library is built and distributed as an integral part of
16328 @code{gdbserver}. In addition, support for static tracepoints
16329 requires building the in-process agent library with static tracepoints
16330 support. At present, the UST (LTTng Userspace Tracer,
16331 @url{http://lttng.org/ust}) tracing engine is supported. This support
16332 is automatically available if UST development headers are found in the
16333 standard include path when @code{gdbserver} is built, or if
16334 @code{gdbserver} was explicitly configured using @option{--with-ust}
16335 to point at such headers. You can explicitly disable the support
16336 using @option{--with-ust=no}.
16337
16338 There are several ways to load the in-process agent in your program:
16339
16340 @table @code
16341 @item Specifying it as dependency at link time
16342
16343 You can link your program dynamically with the in-process agent
16344 library. On most systems, this is accomplished by adding
16345 @code{-linproctrace} to the link command.
16346
16347 @item Using the system's preloading mechanisms
16348
16349 You can force loading the in-process agent at startup time by using
16350 your system's support for preloading shared libraries. Many Unixes
16351 support the concept of preloading user defined libraries. In most
16352 cases, you do that by specifying @code{LD_PRELOAD=libinproctrace.so}
16353 in the environment. See also the description of @code{gdbserver}'s
16354 @option{--wrapper} command line option.
16355
16356 @item Using @value{GDBN} to force loading the agent at run time
16357
16358 On some systems, you can force the inferior to load a shared library,
16359 by calling a dynamic loader function in the inferior that takes care
16360 of dynamically looking up and loading a shared library. On most Unix
16361 systems, the function is @code{dlopen}. You'll use the @code{call}
16362 command for that. For example:
16363
16364 @smallexample
16365 (@value{GDBP}) call dlopen ("libinproctrace.so", ...)
16366 @end smallexample
16367
16368 Note that on most Unix systems, for the @code{dlopen} function to be
16369 available, the program needs to be linked with @code{-ldl}.
16370 @end table
16371
16372 On systems that have a userspace dynamic loader, like most Unix
16373 systems, when you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target
16374 remote}, you'll find that the program is stopped at the dynamic
16375 loader's entry point, and no shared library has been loaded in the
16376 program's address space yet, including the in-process agent. In that
16377 case, before being able to use any of the fast or static tracepoints
16378 features, you need to let the loader run and load the shared
16379 libraries. The simplest way to do that is to run the program to the
16380 main procedure. E.g., if debugging a C or C@t{++} program, start
16381 @code{gdbserver} like so:
16382
16383 @smallexample
16384 $ gdbserver :9999 myprogram
16385 @end smallexample
16386
16387 Start GDB and connect to @code{gdbserver} like so, and run to main:
16388
16389 @smallexample
16390 $ gdb myprogram
16391 (@value{GDBP}) target remote myhost:9999
16392 0x00007f215893ba60 in ?? () from /lib64/ld-linux-x86-64.so.2
16393 (@value{GDBP}) b main
16394 (@value{GDBP}) continue
16395 @end smallexample
16396
16397 The in-process tracing agent library should now be loaded into the
16398 process; you can confirm it with the @code{info sharedlibrary}
16399 command, which will list @file{libinproctrace.so} as loaded in the
16400 process. You are now ready to install fast tracepoints, list static
16401 tracepoint markers, probe static tracepoints markers, and start
16402 tracing.
16403
16404 @node Remote Configuration
16405 @section Remote Configuration
16406
16407 @kindex set remote
16408 @kindex show remote
16409 This section documents the configuration options available when
16410 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
16411 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
16412 system-call-allowed}.
16413
16414 @table @code
16415 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
16416 @cindex address size for remote targets
16417 @cindex bits in remote address
16418 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
16419 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
16420 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
16421 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
16422
16423 @item show remoteaddresssize
16424 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
16425
16426 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
16427 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
16428 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
16429 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
16430 remote targets.
16431
16432 @item show remotebaud
16433 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
16434
16435 @item set remotebreak
16436 @cindex interrupt remote programs
16437 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
16438 @anchor{set remotebreak}
16439 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
16440 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
16441 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
16442 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
16443 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
16444
16445 @item show remotebreak
16446 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
16447 interrupt the remote program.
16448
16449 @item set remoteflow on
16450 @itemx set remoteflow off
16451 @kindex set remoteflow
16452 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
16453 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
16454
16455 @item show remoteflow
16456 @kindex show remoteflow
16457 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
16458
16459 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
16460 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
16461 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
16462 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
16463 @code{ascii}.
16464
16465 @item show remotelogbase
16466 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
16467 protocol.
16468
16469 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
16470 @cindex record serial communications on file
16471 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
16472 default is not to record at all.
16473
16474 @item show remotelogfile.
16475 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
16476 serial communications.
16477
16478 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
16479 @cindex timeout for serial communications
16480 @cindex remote timeout
16481 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
16482 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
16483
16484 @item show remotetimeout
16485 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
16486 responses.
16487
16488 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
16489 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
16490 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
16491 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
16492 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
16493 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
16494 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
16495 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
16496
16497 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
16498 @itemx show remote exec-file
16499 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
16500 @cindex executable file, for remote target
16501 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
16502 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
16503 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
16504 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
16505
16506 @item set remote interrupt-sequence
16507 @cindex interrupt remote programs
16508 @cindex select Ctrl-C, BREAK or BREAK-g
16509 Allow the user to select one of @samp{Ctrl-C}, a @code{BREAK} or
16510 @samp{BREAK-g} as the
16511 sequence to the remote target in order to interrupt the execution.
16512 @samp{Ctrl-C} is a default. Some system prefers @code{BREAK} which
16513 is high level of serial line for some certain time.
16514 Linux kernel prefers @samp{BREAK-g}, a.k.a Magic SysRq g.
16515 It is @code{BREAK} signal followed by character @code{g}.
16516
16517 @item show interrupt-sequence
16518 Show which of @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or @code{BREAK-g}
16519 is sent by @value{GDBN} to interrupt the remote program.
16520 @code{BREAK-g} is BREAK signal followed by @code{g} and
16521 also known as Magic SysRq g.
16522
16523 @item set remote interrupt-on-connect
16524 @cindex send interrupt-sequence on start
16525 Specify whether interrupt-sequence is sent to remote target when
16526 @value{GDBN} connects to it. This is mostly needed when you debug
16527 Linux kernel. Linux kernel expects @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g}
16528 which is known as Magic SysRq g in order to connect @value{GDBN}.
16529
16530 @item show interrupt-on-connect
16531 Show whether interrupt-sequence is sent
16532 to remote target when @value{GDBN} connects to it.
16533
16534 @kindex set tcp
16535 @kindex show tcp
16536 @item set tcp auto-retry on
16537 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
16538 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
16539 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
16540 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
16541 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
16542 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
16543 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
16544 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
16545
16546 @item set tcp auto-retry off
16547 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
16548
16549 @item show tcp auto-retry
16550 Show the current auto-retry setting.
16551
16552 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
16553 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
16554 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
16555 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
16556 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
16557 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
16558 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
16559 value.
16560
16561 @item show tcp connect-timeout
16562 Show the current connection timeout setting.
16563 @end table
16564
16565 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
16566 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
16567 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
16568 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
16569 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
16570 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
16571 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
16572 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
16573 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
16574
16575 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
16576 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
16577 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
16578 @value{GDBN} developers.
16579
16580 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
16581 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
16582 are:
16583
16584 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
16585 @item Command Name
16586 @tab Remote Packet
16587 @tab Related Features
16588
16589 @item @code{fetch-register}
16590 @tab @code{p}
16591 @tab @code{info registers}
16592
16593 @item @code{set-register}
16594 @tab @code{P}
16595 @tab @code{set}
16596
16597 @item @code{binary-download}
16598 @tab @code{X}
16599 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
16600
16601 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
16602 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
16603 @tab @code{info auxv}
16604
16605 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
16606 @tab @code{qSymbol}
16607 @tab Detecting multiple threads
16608
16609 @item @code{attach}
16610 @tab @code{vAttach}
16611 @tab @code{attach}
16612
16613 @item @code{verbose-resume}
16614 @tab @code{vCont}
16615 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
16616
16617 @item @code{run}
16618 @tab @code{vRun}
16619 @tab @code{run}
16620
16621 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
16622 @tab @code{Z0}
16623 @tab @code{break}
16624
16625 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
16626 @tab @code{Z1}
16627 @tab @code{hbreak}
16628
16629 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
16630 @tab @code{Z2}
16631 @tab @code{watch}
16632
16633 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
16634 @tab @code{Z3}
16635 @tab @code{rwatch}
16636
16637 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
16638 @tab @code{Z4}
16639 @tab @code{awatch}
16640
16641 @item @code{target-features}
16642 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
16643 @tab @code{set architecture}
16644
16645 @item @code{library-info}
16646 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
16647 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
16648
16649 @item @code{memory-map}
16650 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
16651 @tab @code{info mem}
16652
16653 @item @code{read-sdata-object}
16654 @tab @code{qXfer:sdata:read}
16655 @tab @code{print $_sdata}
16656
16657 @item @code{read-spu-object}
16658 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
16659 @tab @code{info spu}
16660
16661 @item @code{write-spu-object}
16662 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
16663 @tab @code{info spu}
16664
16665 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
16666 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
16667 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
16668
16669 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
16670 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
16671 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
16672
16673 @item @code{threads}
16674 @tab @code{qXfer:threads:read}
16675 @tab @code{info threads}
16676
16677 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
16678 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
16679 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
16680
16681 @item @code{get-thread-information-block-address}
16682 @tab @code{qGetTIBAddr}
16683 @tab Display MS-Windows Thread Information Block.
16684
16685 @item @code{search-memory}
16686 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
16687 @tab @code{find}
16688
16689 @item @code{supported-packets}
16690 @tab @code{qSupported}
16691 @tab Remote communications parameters
16692
16693 @item @code{pass-signals}
16694 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
16695 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
16696
16697 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
16698 @tab @code{vFile:close}
16699 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16700
16701 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
16702 @tab @code{vFile:open}
16703 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16704
16705 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
16706 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
16707 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16708
16709 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
16710 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
16711 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
16712
16713 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
16714 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
16715 @tab @code{remote delete}
16716
16717 @item @code{noack-packet}
16718 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
16719 @tab Packet acknowledgment
16720
16721 @item @code{osdata}
16722 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
16723 @tab @code{info os}
16724
16725 @item @code{query-attached}
16726 @tab @code{qAttached}
16727 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
16728 @end multitable
16729
16730 @node Remote Stub
16731 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
16732
16733 @cindex debugging stub, example
16734 @cindex remote stub, example
16735 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
16736 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
16737 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
16738 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
16739 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
16740 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
16741 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
16742 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
16743
16744 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
16745 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
16746 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
16747 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
16748 program, you need:
16749
16750 @enumerate
16751 @item
16752 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
16753 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
16754 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
16755
16756 @item
16757 A C subroutine library to support your program's
16758 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
16759
16760 @item
16761 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
16762 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
16763 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
16764 documentation.
16765 @end enumerate
16766
16767 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
16768 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
16769 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
16770
16771 @table @emph
16772 @item On the host,
16773 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
16774 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
16775 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
16776
16777 @item On the target,
16778 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
16779 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
16780 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
16781
16782 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
16783 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
16784 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
16785 @end table
16786
16787 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
16788 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
16789 @sc{sparc} boards.
16790
16791 @cindex remote serial stub list
16792 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
16793
16794 @table @code
16795
16796 @item i386-stub.c
16797 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
16798 @cindex Intel
16799 @cindex i386
16800 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
16801
16802 @item m68k-stub.c
16803 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
16804 @cindex Motorola 680x0
16805 @cindex m680x0
16806 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
16807
16808 @item sh-stub.c
16809 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
16810 @cindex Renesas
16811 @cindex SH
16812 For Renesas SH architectures.
16813
16814 @item sparc-stub.c
16815 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
16816 @cindex Sparc
16817 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
16818
16819 @item sparcl-stub.c
16820 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
16821 @cindex Fujitsu
16822 @cindex SparcLite
16823 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
16824
16825 @end table
16826
16827 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
16828 recently added stubs.
16829
16830 @menu
16831 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
16832 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
16833 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
16834 @end menu
16835
16836 @node Stub Contents
16837 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
16838
16839 @cindex remote serial stub
16840 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
16841 subroutines:
16842
16843 @table @code
16844 @item set_debug_traps
16845 @findex set_debug_traps
16846 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
16847 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
16848 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
16849 beginning of your program.
16850
16851 @item handle_exception
16852 @findex handle_exception
16853 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
16854 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
16855 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
16856 run when a trap is triggered.
16857
16858 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
16859 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
16860 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
16861 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
16862 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
16863 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
16864 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
16865 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
16866 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
16867 machine.
16868
16869 @item breakpoint
16870 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
16871 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
16872 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
16873 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
16874 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
16875 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
16876 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
16877 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
16878 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
16879 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
16880 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
16881
16882 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
16883 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
16884 start of your debugging session.
16885 @end table
16886
16887 @node Bootstrapping
16888 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
16889
16890 @cindex remote stub, support routines
16891 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
16892 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
16893 debugging target machine.
16894
16895 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
16896 serial port.
16897
16898 @table @code
16899 @item int getDebugChar()
16900 @findex getDebugChar
16901 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
16902 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
16903 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
16904
16905 @item void putDebugChar(int)
16906 @findex putDebugChar
16907 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
16908 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
16909 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
16910 @end table
16911
16912 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
16913 @cindex interrupting remote targets
16914 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
16915 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
16916 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
16917 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
16918 remote system to stop.
16919
16920 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
16921 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
16922 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
16923 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
16924
16925 Other routines you need to supply are:
16926
16927 @table @code
16928 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
16929 @findex exceptionHandler
16930 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
16931 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
16932 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
16933 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
16934 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
16935 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
16936 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
16937 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
16938 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
16939 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
16940 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
16941 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
16942 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
16943
16944 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
16945 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
16946 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
16947 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
16948 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
16949
16950 @item void flush_i_cache()
16951 @findex flush_i_cache
16952 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
16953 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
16954 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
16955
16956 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
16957 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
16958 @end table
16959
16960 @noindent
16961 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
16962
16963 @table @code
16964 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
16965 @findex memset
16966 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
16967 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
16968 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
16969 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
16970 @end table
16971
16972 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
16973 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
16974 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
16975 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
16976
16977
16978 @node Debug Session
16979 @subsection Putting it All Together
16980
16981 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
16982 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
16983 steps.
16984
16985 @enumerate
16986 @item
16987 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
16988 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
16989 @display
16990 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
16991 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
16992 @end display
16993
16994 @item
16995 Insert these lines near the top of your program:
16996
16997 @smallexample
16998 set_debug_traps();
16999 breakpoint();
17000 @end smallexample
17001
17002 @item
17003 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
17004 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
17005
17006 @smallexample
17007 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
17008 @end smallexample
17009
17010 @noindent
17011 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
17012 function in your program, that function is called when
17013 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
17014 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
17015 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
17016
17017 @item
17018 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
17019 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
17020
17021 @item
17022 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
17023 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
17024
17025 @item
17026 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
17027 @c document that. FIXME.
17028 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
17029 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
17030
17031 @item
17032 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
17033 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
17034
17035 @end enumerate
17036
17037 @node Configurations
17038 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
17039
17040 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
17041 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
17042 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
17043
17044 There are three major categories of configurations: native
17045 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
17046 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
17047 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
17048 are quite different from each other.
17049
17050 @menu
17051 * Native::
17052 * Embedded OS::
17053 * Embedded Processors::
17054 * Architectures::
17055 @end menu
17056
17057 @node Native
17058 @section Native
17059
17060 This section describes details specific to particular native
17061 configurations.
17062
17063 @menu
17064 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
17065 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
17066 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
17067 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
17068 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
17069 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
17070 * Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
17071 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
17072 @end menu
17073
17074 @node HP-UX
17075 @subsection HP-UX
17076
17077 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
17078 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
17079 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
17080
17081
17082 @node BSD libkvm Interface
17083 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
17084
17085 @cindex libkvm
17086 @cindex kernel memory image
17087 @cindex kernel crash dump
17088
17089 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
17090 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
17091 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
17092 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
17093 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
17094 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
17095 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
17096 @code{kvm} target:
17097
17098 @smallexample
17099 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
17100 @end smallexample
17101
17102 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
17103 argument:
17104
17105 @smallexample
17106 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
17107 @end smallexample
17108
17109 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
17110 available:
17111
17112 @table @code
17113 @kindex kvm
17114 @item kvm pcb
17115 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
17116
17117 @item kvm proc
17118 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
17119 modern FreeBSD systems.
17120 @end table
17121
17122 @node SVR4 Process Information
17123 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
17124 @cindex /proc
17125 @cindex examine process image
17126 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
17127
17128 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
17129 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
17130 process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
17131 for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
17132 proc} is available to report information about the process running
17133 your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
17134 proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
17135 This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
17136 Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
17137
17138 @table @code
17139 @kindex info proc
17140 @cindex process ID
17141 @item info proc
17142 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
17143 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
17144 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
17145 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
17146 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
17147 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
17148 executable file's absolute file name.
17149
17150 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
17151 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
17152 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
17153 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
17154 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
17155 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
17156
17157 @item info proc mappings
17158 @cindex memory address space mappings
17159 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
17160 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
17161 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
17162 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
17163 memory access rights to that range.
17164
17165 @item info proc stat
17166 @itemx info proc status
17167 @cindex process detailed status information
17168 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
17169 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
17170 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
17171 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
17172 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
17173 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
17174 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
17175
17176 @item info proc all
17177 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
17178 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
17179
17180 @ignore
17181 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
17182 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
17183 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
17184 @kindex info proc times
17185 @item info proc times
17186 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
17187 its children.
17188
17189 @kindex info proc id
17190 @item info proc id
17191 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
17192 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
17193 @end ignore
17194
17195 @item set procfs-trace
17196 @kindex set procfs-trace
17197 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
17198 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
17199
17200 @item show procfs-trace
17201 @kindex show procfs-trace
17202 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
17203
17204 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
17205 @kindex set procfs-file
17206 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
17207 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
17208 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
17209 standard output.
17210
17211 @item show procfs-file
17212 @kindex show procfs-file
17213 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
17214
17215 @item proc-trace-entry
17216 @itemx proc-trace-exit
17217 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
17218 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
17219 @kindex proc-trace-entry
17220 @kindex proc-trace-exit
17221 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
17222 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
17223 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
17224 from the @code{syscall} interface.
17225
17226 @item info pidlist
17227 @kindex info pidlist
17228 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
17229 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
17230 processes and all the threads within each process.
17231
17232 @item info meminfo
17233 @kindex info meminfo
17234 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
17235 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
17236 @end table
17237
17238 @node DJGPP Native
17239 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
17240 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
17241 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
17242 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
17243
17244 @cindex DPMI
17245 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
17246 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
17247 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
17248 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
17249
17250 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
17251 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
17252 subsection describes those commands.
17253
17254 @table @code
17255 @kindex info dos
17256 @item info dos
17257 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
17258 information about the target system and important OS structures.
17259
17260 @kindex sysinfo
17261 @cindex MS-DOS system info
17262 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
17263 @item info dos sysinfo
17264 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
17265 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
17266 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
17267
17268 @cindex GDT
17269 @cindex LDT
17270 @cindex IDT
17271 @cindex segment descriptor tables
17272 @cindex descriptor tables display
17273 @item info dos gdt
17274 @itemx info dos ldt
17275 @itemx info dos idt
17276 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
17277 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
17278 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
17279 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
17280 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
17281 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
17282 rights.
17283
17284 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
17285 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
17286 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
17287 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
17288 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
17289
17290 @cindex garbled pointers
17291 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
17292 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
17293 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
17294 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
17295 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
17296 debugged program's data segment:
17297
17298 @smallexample
17299 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
17300 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
17301 @end smallexample
17302
17303 @noindent
17304 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
17305 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
17306
17307 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
17308 @item info dos pde
17309 @itemx info dos pte
17310 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
17311 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
17312 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
17313 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
17314 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
17315 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
17316 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
17317 that is currently in use.
17318
17319 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
17320 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
17321 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
17322 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
17323 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
17324 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
17325 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
17326
17327 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
17328 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
17329 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
17330 controller.
17331
17332 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
17333
17334 @cindex physical address from linear address
17335 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
17336 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
17337 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
17338 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
17339 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
17340 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
17341 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
17342
17343 @smallexample
17344 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
17345 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
17346 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
17347 @end smallexample
17348
17349 @noindent
17350 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
17351 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
17352 attributes of that page.
17353
17354 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
17355 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
17356 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
17357 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
17358 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
17359 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
17360
17361 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
17362 transfer buffer:
17363
17364 @smallexample
17365 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
17366 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
17367 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
17368 @end smallexample
17369
17370 @noindent
17371 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
17372 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
17373 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
17374 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
17375 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
17376
17377 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
17378 @end table
17379
17380 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
17381 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
17382 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
17383 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
17384
17385 @table @code
17386 @kindex set com1base
17387 @kindex set com1irq
17388 @kindex set com2base
17389 @kindex set com2irq
17390 @kindex set com3base
17391 @kindex set com3irq
17392 @kindex set com4base
17393 @kindex set com4irq
17394 @item set com1base @var{addr}
17395 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
17396 port.
17397
17398 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
17399 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
17400 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
17401
17402 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
17403 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
17404 other 3 COM ports.
17405
17406 @kindex show com1base
17407 @kindex show com1irq
17408 @kindex show com2base
17409 @kindex show com2irq
17410 @kindex show com3base
17411 @kindex show com3irq
17412 @kindex show com4base
17413 @kindex show com4irq
17414 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
17415 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
17416 lines used by the COM ports.
17417
17418 @item info serial
17419 @kindex info serial
17420 @cindex DOS serial port status
17421 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
17422 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
17423 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
17424 counts of various errors encountered so far.
17425 @end table
17426
17427
17428 @node Cygwin Native
17429 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
17430 @cindex MS Windows debugging
17431 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
17432 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
17433
17434 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
17435 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information.
17436
17437 @cindex Ctrl-BREAK, MS-Windows
17438 @cindex interrupt debuggee on MS-Windows
17439 MS-Windows programs that call @code{SetConsoleMode} to switch off the
17440 special meaning of the @samp{Ctrl-C} keystroke cannot be interrupted
17441 by typing @kbd{C-c}. For this reason, @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows
17442 supports @kbd{C-@key{BREAK}} as an alternative interrupt key
17443 sequence, which can be used to interrupt the debuggee even if it
17444 ignores @kbd{C-c}.
17445
17446 There are various additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in
17447 this section. Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is
17448 described in @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
17449
17450 @table @code
17451 @kindex info w32
17452 @item info w32
17453 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
17454 information about the target system and important OS structures.
17455
17456 @item info w32 selector
17457 This command displays information returned by
17458 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
17459 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
17460 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
17461 Without argument, this command displays information
17462 about the six segment registers.
17463
17464 @item info w32 thread-information-block
17465 This command displays thread specific information stored in the
17466 Thread Information Block (readable on the X86 CPU family using @code{$fs}
17467 selector for 32-bit programs and @code{$gs} for 64-bit programs).
17468
17469 @kindex info dll
17470 @item info dll
17471 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
17472
17473 @kindex dll-symbols
17474 @item dll-symbols
17475 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
17476 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
17477
17478 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
17479 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
17480 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
17481 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
17482 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
17483 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
17484 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
17485 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
17486 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
17487 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
17488 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
17489
17490 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
17491 @item show cygwin-exceptions
17492 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
17493 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
17494
17495 @kindex set new-console
17496 @item set new-console @var{mode}
17497 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
17498 be started in a new console on next start.
17499 If @var{mode} is @code{off}, the debuggee will
17500 be started in the same console as the debugger.
17501
17502 @kindex show new-console
17503 @item show new-console
17504 Displays whether a new console is used
17505 when the debuggee is started.
17506
17507 @kindex set new-group
17508 @item set new-group @var{mode}
17509 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
17510 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
17511 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
17512 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
17513
17514 @kindex show new-group
17515 @item show new-group
17516 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
17517
17518 @kindex set debugevents
17519 @item set debugevents
17520 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
17521 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
17522 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
17523 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
17524 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
17525
17526 @kindex set debugexec
17527 @item set debugexec
17528 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
17529 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
17530
17531 @kindex set debugexceptions
17532 @item set debugexceptions
17533 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
17534 debuggee seen by the debugger.
17535
17536 @kindex set debugmemory
17537 @item set debugmemory
17538 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
17539 and writes by the debugger.
17540
17541 @kindex set shell
17542 @item set shell
17543 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
17544 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
17545
17546 @kindex show shell
17547 @item show shell
17548 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
17549
17550 @end table
17551
17552 @menu
17553 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
17554 @end menu
17555
17556 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
17557 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
17558 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
17559 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
17560
17561 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
17562 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
17563 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
17564 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
17565 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
17566 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
17567 ``minimal symbols''.
17568
17569 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
17570 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
17571 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
17572 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
17573 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
17574 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
17575 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
17576 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
17577 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
17578 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
17579
17580 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
17581
17582 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
17583 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
17584 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
17585 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
17586 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
17587 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
17588 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
17589 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
17590 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
17591
17592 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
17593 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
17594 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
17595 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
17596 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
17597 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
17598
17599 @smallexample
17600 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
17601 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
17602
17603 Non-debugging symbols:
17604 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
17605 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
17606 @end smallexample
17607
17608 @smallexample
17609 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
17610 All functions matching regular expression "!":
17611
17612 Non-debugging symbols:
17613 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
17614 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
17615 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
17616 [etc...]
17617 @end smallexample
17618
17619 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
17620
17621 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
17622 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
17623 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
17624 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
17625 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
17626 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
17627 a function within a DLL without a running program.
17628
17629 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
17630 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
17631 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
17632 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
17633 problem:
17634
17635 @smallexample
17636 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
17637 $1 = 268572168
17638 @end smallexample
17639
17640 @smallexample
17641 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
17642 0x10021610: "\230y\""
17643 @end smallexample
17644
17645 And two possible solutions:
17646
17647 @smallexample
17648 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
17649 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
17650 @end smallexample
17651
17652 @smallexample
17653 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
17654 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
17655 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
17656 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
17657 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
17658 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
17659 @end smallexample
17660
17661 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
17662 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
17663 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
17664 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
17665 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
17666
17667 @smallexample
17668 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
17669 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
17670 @end smallexample
17671
17672 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
17673 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
17674 safe.
17675
17676 @node Hurd Native
17677 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
17678 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
17679
17680 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
17681 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
17682
17683 @table @code
17684 @item set signals
17685 @itemx set sigs
17686 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
17687 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
17688 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
17689 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
17690 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
17691 @code{signals}.
17692
17693 @item show signals
17694 @itemx show sigs
17695 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
17696 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
17697 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
17698
17699 @item set signal-thread
17700 @itemx set sigthread
17701 @kindex set signal-thread
17702 @kindex set sigthread
17703 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
17704 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
17705 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
17706 signal-thread}.
17707
17708 @item show signal-thread
17709 @itemx show sigthread
17710 @kindex show signal-thread
17711 @kindex show sigthread
17712 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
17713 delivered a signal.
17714
17715 @item set stopped
17716 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
17717 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
17718 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
17719 continued by delivering a signal to it.
17720
17721 @item show stopped
17722 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
17723 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
17724 stopped.
17725
17726 @item set exceptions
17727 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
17728 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
17729 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
17730 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
17731 trapping on.
17732
17733 @item show exceptions
17734 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
17735 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
17736
17737 @item set task pause
17738 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
17739 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
17740 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
17741 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
17742 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
17743 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
17744 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
17745 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
17746 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
17747
17748 @item show task pause
17749 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
17750 Show the current state of task suspension.
17751
17752 @item set task detach-suspend-count
17753 @cindex task suspend count
17754 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17755 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
17756 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
17757
17758 @item show task detach-suspend-count
17759 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
17760
17761 @item set task exception-port
17762 @itemx set task excp
17763 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17764 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
17765 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
17766 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
17767
17768 @item set noninvasive
17769 @cindex noninvasive task options
17770 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
17771 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
17772 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
17773 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
17774
17775 @item info send-rights
17776 @itemx info receive-rights
17777 @itemx info port-rights
17778 @itemx info port-sets
17779 @itemx info dead-names
17780 @itemx info ports
17781 @itemx info psets
17782 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17783 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17784 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17785 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17786 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17787 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
17788 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
17789 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
17790 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
17791
17792 @item set thread pause
17793 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
17794 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17795 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
17796 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
17797 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
17798 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
17799 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
17800 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
17801 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
17802 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
17803 only the current thread.
17804
17805 @item show thread pause
17806 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
17807 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
17808
17809 @item set thread run
17810 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
17811
17812 @item show thread run
17813 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
17814
17815 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
17816 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17817 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17818 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
17819 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
17820 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
17821 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
17822
17823 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
17824 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
17825 detaching.
17826
17827 @item set thread exception-port
17828 @itemx set thread excp
17829 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
17830 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
17831 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
17832
17833 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
17834 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
17835 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
17836 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
17837
17838 @item set thread default
17839 @itemx show thread default
17840 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
17841 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
17842 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
17843 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
17844 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
17845 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
17846 the non-default commands.
17847 @end table
17848
17849
17850 @node Neutrino
17851 @subsection QNX Neutrino
17852 @cindex QNX Neutrino
17853
17854 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
17855 Neutrino target:
17856
17857 @table @code
17858 @item set debug nto-debug
17859 @kindex set debug nto-debug
17860 When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
17861 Neutrino support.
17862
17863 @item show debug nto-debug
17864 @kindex show debug nto-debug
17865 Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
17866 @end table
17867
17868 @node Darwin
17869 @subsection Darwin
17870 @cindex Darwin
17871
17872 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
17873
17874 @table @code
17875 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
17876 @kindex set debug darwin
17877 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
17878 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
17879
17880 @item show debug darwin
17881 @kindex show debug darwin
17882 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
17883
17884 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
17885 @kindex set debug mach-o
17886 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
17887 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
17888 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
17889 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
17890 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
17891 usage.
17892
17893 @item show debug mach-o
17894 @kindex show debug mach-o
17895 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
17896
17897 @item set mach-exceptions on
17898 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
17899 @kindex set mach-exceptions
17900 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
17901 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
17902 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
17903 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
17904
17905 @item show mach-exceptions
17906 @kindex show mach-exceptions
17907 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
17908 @end table
17909
17910
17911 @node Embedded OS
17912 @section Embedded Operating Systems
17913
17914 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
17915 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
17916 architectures.
17917
17918 @menu
17919 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
17920 @end menu
17921
17922 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
17923 various real-time operating systems.
17924
17925 @node VxWorks
17926 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
17927
17928 @cindex VxWorks
17929
17930 @table @code
17931
17932 @kindex target vxworks
17933 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
17934 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
17935 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
17936
17937 @end table
17938
17939 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
17940 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
17941
17942 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
17943 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
17944 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
17945 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
17946 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
17947 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
17948 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
17949
17950 @table @code
17951 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
17952 @kindex vxworks-timeout
17953 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
17954 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
17955 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
17956 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
17957 of a thin network line.
17958 @end table
17959
17960 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
17961 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
17962 procedures.
17963
17964 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
17965 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
17966 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
17967 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
17968 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
17969 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
17970 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
17971 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
17972 manual.
17973 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
17974
17975 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
17976 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
17977 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
17978 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
17979
17980 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
17981
17982 @smallexample
17983 (vxgdb)
17984 @end smallexample
17985
17986 @menu
17987 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
17988 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
17989 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
17990 @end menu
17991
17992 @node VxWorks Connection
17993 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
17994
17995 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
17996 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
17997
17998 @smallexample
17999 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
18000 @end smallexample
18001
18002 @need 750
18003 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
18004
18005 @smallexample
18006 Attaching remote machine across net...
18007 Connected to tt.
18008 @end smallexample
18009
18010 @need 1000
18011 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
18012 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
18013 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
18014 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
18015 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
18016
18017 @smallexample
18018 prog.o: No such file or directory.
18019 @end smallexample
18020
18021 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
18022 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
18023 command again.
18024
18025 @node VxWorks Download
18026 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
18027
18028 @cindex download to VxWorks
18029 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
18030 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
18031 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
18032 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
18033 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
18034 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
18035 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
18036 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
18037 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
18038 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
18039 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
18040 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
18041 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
18042 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
18043 program, type this on VxWorks:
18044
18045 @smallexample
18046 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
18047 @end smallexample
18048
18049 @noindent
18050 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
18051
18052 @smallexample
18053 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
18054 (vxgdb) load prog.o
18055 @end smallexample
18056
18057 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
18058
18059 @smallexample
18060 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
18061 @end smallexample
18062
18063 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
18064 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
18065 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
18066 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
18067 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
18068 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
18069 table.)
18070
18071 @node VxWorks Attach
18072 @subsubsection Running Tasks
18073
18074 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
18075 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
18076 follows:
18077
18078 @smallexample
18079 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
18080 @end smallexample
18081
18082 @noindent
18083 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
18084 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
18085 the time of attachment.
18086
18087 @node Embedded Processors
18088 @section Embedded Processors
18089
18090 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
18091 configurations.
18092
18093 @cindex send command to simulator
18094 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
18095 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
18096
18097 @table @code
18098 @item sim @var{command}
18099 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
18100 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
18101 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
18102 acceptable commands.
18103 @end table
18104
18105
18106 @menu
18107 * ARM:: ARM RDI
18108 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
18109 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
18110 * MicroBlaze:: Xilinx MicroBlaze
18111 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
18112 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
18113 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
18114 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
18115 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
18116 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
18117 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
18118 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
18119 * CRIS:: CRIS
18120 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
18121 @end menu
18122
18123 @node ARM
18124 @subsection ARM
18125 @cindex ARM RDI
18126
18127 @table @code
18128 @kindex target rdi
18129 @item target rdi @var{dev}
18130 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
18131 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
18132 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
18133
18134 @kindex target rdp
18135 @item target rdp @var{dev}
18136 ARM Demon monitor.
18137
18138 @end table
18139
18140 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
18141
18142 @table @code
18143 @item set arm disassembler
18144 @kindex set arm
18145 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
18146 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
18147
18148 @item show arm disassembler
18149 @kindex show arm
18150 Show the current disassembly style.
18151
18152 @item set arm apcs32
18153 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
18154 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
18155
18156 @item show arm apcs32
18157 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
18158
18159 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
18160 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
18161 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
18162
18163 @table @code
18164 @item auto
18165 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
18166 @item softfpa
18167 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
18168 processors.
18169 @item fpa
18170 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
18171 @item softvfp
18172 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
18173 @item vfp
18174 VFP co-processor.
18175 @end table
18176
18177 @item show arm fpu
18178 Show the current type of the FPU.
18179
18180 @item set arm abi
18181 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
18182
18183 @item show arm abi
18184 Show the currently used ABI.
18185
18186 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
18187 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
18188 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
18189 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
18190 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
18191 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
18192 register).
18193
18194 @item show arm fallback-mode
18195 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
18196
18197 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
18198 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
18199 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
18200 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
18201 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
18202
18203 @item show arm force-mode
18204 Show the current forced instruction mode.
18205
18206 @item set debug arm
18207 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
18208 target support subsystem.
18209
18210 @item show debug arm
18211 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
18212 @end table
18213
18214 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
18215 using the RDI interface:
18216
18217 @table @code
18218 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
18219 @kindex rdilogfile
18220 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
18221 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
18222 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
18223 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
18224 @file{rdi.log}.
18225
18226 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
18227 @kindex rdilogenable
18228 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
18229 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
18230 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
18231 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
18232 are logged to a file.
18233
18234 @item set rdiromatzero
18235 @kindex set rdiromatzero
18236 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
18237 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
18238 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
18239 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
18240 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
18241
18242 @item show rdiromatzero
18243 @kindex show rdiromatzero
18244 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
18245
18246 @item set rdiheartbeat
18247 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
18248 @cindex RDI heartbeat
18249 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
18250 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
18251 well as the Angel monitor.
18252
18253 @item show rdiheartbeat
18254 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
18255 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
18256 @end table
18257
18258 @table @code
18259 @item target sim @r{[}@var{simargs}@r{]} @dots{}
18260 The @value{GDBN} ARM simulator accepts the following optional arguments.
18261
18262 @table @code
18263 @item --swi-support=@var{type}
18264 Tell the simulator which SWI interfaces to support.
18265 @var{type} may be a comma separated list of the following values.
18266 The default value is @code{all}.
18267
18268 @table @code
18269 @item none
18270 @item demon
18271 @item angel
18272 @item redboot
18273 @item all
18274 @end table
18275 @end table
18276 @end table
18277
18278 @node M32R/D
18279 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
18280
18281 @table @code
18282 @kindex target m32r
18283 @item target m32r @var{dev}
18284 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
18285
18286 @kindex target m32rsdi
18287 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
18288 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
18289 @end table
18290
18291 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
18292
18293 @table @code
18294 @item set download-path @var{path}
18295 @kindex set download-path
18296 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
18297 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
18298
18299 @item show download-path
18300 @kindex show download-path
18301 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
18302
18303 @item set board-address @var{addr}
18304 @kindex set board-address
18305 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
18306 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
18307
18308 @item show board-address
18309 @kindex show board-address
18310 Show the current IP address of the target board.
18311
18312 @item set server-address @var{addr}
18313 @kindex set server-address
18314 @cindex download server address (M32R)
18315 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
18316 host machine.
18317
18318 @item show server-address
18319 @kindex show server-address
18320 Display the IP address of the download server.
18321
18322 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
18323 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
18324 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
18325 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
18326 executable file is uploaded.
18327
18328 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
18329 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
18330 Test the @code{upload} command.
18331 @end table
18332
18333 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
18334
18335 @table @code
18336 @item sdireset
18337 @kindex sdireset
18338 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
18339 This command resets the SDI connection.
18340
18341 @item sdistatus
18342 @kindex sdistatus
18343 This command shows the SDI connection status.
18344
18345 @item debug_chaos
18346 @kindex debug_chaos
18347 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
18348 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
18349
18350 @item use_debug_dma
18351 @kindex use_debug_dma
18352 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
18353
18354 @item use_mon_code
18355 @kindex use_mon_code
18356 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
18357
18358 @item use_ib_break
18359 @kindex use_ib_break
18360 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
18361
18362 @item use_dbt_break
18363 @kindex use_dbt_break
18364 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
18365 @end table
18366
18367 @node M68K
18368 @subsection M68k
18369
18370 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
18371 target command for the following ROM monitor.
18372
18373 @table @code
18374
18375 @kindex target dbug
18376 @item target dbug @var{dev}
18377 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
18378
18379 @end table
18380
18381 @node MicroBlaze
18382 @subsection MicroBlaze
18383 @cindex Xilinx MicroBlaze
18384 @cindex XMD, Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger
18385
18386 The MicroBlaze is a soft-core processor supported on various Xilinx
18387 FPGAs, such as Spartan or Virtex series. Boards with these processors
18388 usually have JTAG ports which connect to a host system running the Xilinx
18389 Embedded Development Kit (EDK) or Software Development Kit (SDK).
18390 This host system is used to download the configuration bitstream to
18391 the target FPGA. The Xilinx Microprocessor Debugger (XMD) program
18392 communicates with the target board using the JTAG interface and
18393 presents a @code{gdbserver} interface to the board. By default
18394 @code{xmd} uses port @code{1234}. (While it is possible to change
18395 this default port, it requires the use of undocumented @code{xmd}
18396 commands. Contact Xilinx support if you need to do this.)
18397
18398 Use these GDB commands to connect to the MicroBlaze target processor.
18399
18400 @table @code
18401 @item target remote :1234
18402 Use this command to connect to the target if you are running @value{GDBN}
18403 on the same system as @code{xmd}.
18404
18405 @item target remote @var{xmd-host}:1234
18406 Use this command to connect to the target if it is connected to @code{xmd}
18407 running on a different system named @var{xmd-host}.
18408
18409 @item load
18410 Use this command to download a program to the MicroBlaze target.
18411
18412 @item set debug microblaze @var{n}
18413 Enable MicroBlaze-specific debugging messages if non-zero.
18414
18415 @item show debug microblaze @var{n}
18416 Show MicroBlaze-specific debugging level.
18417 @end table
18418
18419 @node MIPS Embedded
18420 @subsection MIPS Embedded
18421
18422 @cindex MIPS boards
18423 @value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
18424 MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
18425 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
18426
18427 @need 1000
18428 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
18429
18430 @table @code
18431 @item target mips @var{port}
18432 @kindex target mips @var{port}
18433 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
18434 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
18435 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
18436 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
18437 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
18438 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
18439
18440 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
18441 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
18442 debugger:
18443
18444 @smallexample
18445 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
18446 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
18447 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
18448 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
18449 (@value{GDBP}) run
18450 @end smallexample
18451
18452 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
18453 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
18454 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
18455 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
18456 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
18457
18458 @item target pmon @var{port}
18459 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
18460 PMON ROM monitor.
18461
18462 @item target ddb @var{port}
18463 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
18464 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
18465
18466 @item target lsi @var{port}
18467 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
18468 LSI variant of PMON.
18469
18470 @kindex target r3900
18471 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
18472 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
18473
18474 @kindex target array
18475 @item target array @var{dev}
18476 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
18477
18478 @end table
18479
18480
18481 @noindent
18482 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
18483
18484 @table @code
18485 @item set mipsfpu double
18486 @itemx set mipsfpu single
18487 @itemx set mipsfpu none
18488 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
18489 @itemx show mipsfpu
18490 @kindex set mipsfpu
18491 @kindex show mipsfpu
18492 @cindex MIPS remote floating point
18493 @cindex floating point, MIPS remote
18494 If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
18495 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
18496 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
18497 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
18498 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
18499 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
18500 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
18501 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
18502 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
18503 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
18504 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
18505
18506 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
18507 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
18508 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
18509
18510 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
18511 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
18512
18513 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
18514 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
18515 @itemx show timeout
18516 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
18517 @cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
18518 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
18519 @kindex set timeout
18520 @kindex show timeout
18521 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
18522 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
18523 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
18524 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
18525 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
18526 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
18527 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
18528 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
18529 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
18530 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
18531
18532 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
18533 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
18534 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
18535 to run before stopping.
18536
18537 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
18538 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
18539 @cindex synchronize with remote MIPS target
18540 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
18541 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
18542 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
18543
18544 @item show syn-garbage-limit
18545 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
18546 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
18547 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
18548
18549 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
18550 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
18551 @cindex remote monitor prompt
18552 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
18553 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
18554 @table @asis
18555 @item pmon target
18556 @samp{PMON}
18557 @item ddb target
18558 @samp{NEC010}
18559 @item lsi target
18560 @samp{PMON>}
18561 @end table
18562
18563 @item show monitor-prompt
18564 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
18565 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
18566 remote monitor.
18567
18568 @item set monitor-warnings
18569 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
18570 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
18571 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
18572 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
18573 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
18574
18575 @item show monitor-warnings
18576 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
18577 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
18578
18579 @item pmon @var{command}
18580 @kindex pmon@r{, MIPS remote}
18581 @cindex send PMON command
18582 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
18583 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
18584 @end table
18585
18586 @node OpenRISC 1000
18587 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
18588 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
18589
18590 @cindex or1k boards
18591 See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
18592 about platform and commands.
18593
18594 @table @code
18595
18596 @kindex target jtag
18597 @item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
18598
18599 Connects to remote JTAG server.
18600 JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
18601 connected via parallel port to the board.
18602
18603 Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
18604
18605 @kindex or1ksim
18606 @item or1ksim @var{command}
18607 If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
18608 Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
18609
18610 @kindex info or1k spr
18611 @item info or1k spr
18612 Displays spr groups.
18613
18614 @item info or1k spr @var{group}
18615 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
18616 Displays register names in selected group.
18617
18618 @item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
18619 @itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
18620 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
18621 @itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
18622 Shows information about specified spr register.
18623
18624 @kindex spr
18625 @item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
18626 @itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
18627 @itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
18628 @itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
18629 Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
18630 @end table
18631
18632 Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
18633 It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
18634 program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
18635 triggers can be set using:
18636 @table @code
18637 @item $LEA/$LDATA
18638 Load effective address/data
18639 @item $SEA/$SDATA
18640 Store effective address/data
18641 @item $AEA/$ADATA
18642 Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
18643 @item $FETCH
18644 Fetch data
18645 @end table
18646
18647 When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
18648 @code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
18649
18650 @code{htrace} commands:
18651 @cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
18652 @table @code
18653 @kindex hwatch
18654 @item hwatch @var{conditional}
18655 Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
18656 or Data. For example:
18657
18658 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
18659
18660 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
18661
18662 @kindex htrace
18663 @item htrace info
18664 Display information about current HW trace configuration.
18665
18666 @item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
18667 Set starting criteria for HW trace.
18668
18669 @item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
18670 Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
18671
18672 @item htrace stop @var{conditional}
18673 Set HW trace stopping criteria.
18674
18675 @item htrace record [@var{data}]*
18676 Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
18677 triggered.
18678
18679 @item htrace enable
18680 @itemx htrace disable
18681 Enables/disables the HW trace.
18682
18683 @item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
18684 Clears currently recorded trace data.
18685
18686 If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
18687 will be written there.
18688
18689 @item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
18690 Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
18691
18692 @item htrace mode continuous
18693 Set continuous trace mode.
18694
18695 @item htrace mode suspend
18696 Set suspend trace mode.
18697
18698 @end table
18699
18700 @node PowerPC Embedded
18701 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
18702
18703 @cindex DVC register
18704 @value{GDBN} supports using the DVC (Data Value Compare) register to
18705 implement in hardware simple hardware watchpoint conditions of the form:
18706
18707 @smallexample
18708 (@value{GDBP}) watch @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} \
18709 if @var{ADDRESS|VARIABLE} == @var{CONSTANT EXPRESSION}
18710 @end smallexample
18711
18712 The DVC register will be automatically used whenever @value{GDBN} detects
18713 such pattern in a condition expression. This feature is available in native
18714 @value{GDBN} running on a Linux kernel version 2.6.34 or newer.
18715
18716 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
18717
18718 @table @code
18719 @kindex set powerpc
18720 @item set powerpc soft-float
18721 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
18722 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
18723 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
18724 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
18725
18726 @item set powerpc vector-abi
18727 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
18728 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
18729 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
18730 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
18731 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
18732 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
18733 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
18734
18735 @kindex target dink32
18736 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
18737 DINK32 ROM monitor.
18738
18739 @kindex target ppcbug
18740 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
18741 @kindex target ppcbug1
18742 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
18743 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
18744
18745 @kindex target sds
18746 @item target sds @var{dev}
18747 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
18748 @end table
18749
18750 @cindex SDS protocol
18751 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
18752 by @value{GDBN}:
18753
18754 @table @code
18755 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
18756 @kindex set sdstimeout
18757 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
18758 default is 2 seconds.
18759
18760 @item show sdstimeout
18761 @kindex show sdstimeout
18762 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
18763
18764 @item sds @var{command}
18765 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
18766 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
18767 @end table
18768
18769
18770 @node PA
18771 @subsection HP PA Embedded
18772
18773 @table @code
18774
18775 @kindex target op50n
18776 @item target op50n @var{dev}
18777 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
18778
18779 @kindex target w89k
18780 @item target w89k @var{dev}
18781 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
18782
18783 @end table
18784
18785 @node Sparclet
18786 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
18787
18788 @cindex Sparclet
18789
18790 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
18791 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
18792 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
18793 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
18794 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
18795
18796 @table @code
18797 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
18798 @kindex remotetimeout
18799 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
18800 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
18801 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
18802 @end table
18803
18804 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
18805 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
18806 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
18807 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
18808 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
18809
18810 @smallexample
18811 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
18812 @end smallexample
18813
18814 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
18815
18816 @smallexample
18817 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
18818 @end smallexample
18819
18820 @cindex running, on Sparclet
18821 Once you have set
18822 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
18823 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
18824 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
18825
18826 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
18827
18828 @smallexample
18829 (gdbslet)
18830 @end smallexample
18831
18832 @menu
18833 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
18834 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
18835 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
18836 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
18837 @end menu
18838
18839 @node Sparclet File
18840 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
18841
18842 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
18843
18844 @smallexample
18845 (gdbslet) file prog
18846 @end smallexample
18847
18848 @need 1000
18849 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
18850 @value{GDBN} locates
18851 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
18852 path.
18853 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
18854 files will be searched as well.
18855 @value{GDBN} locates
18856 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
18857 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
18858 If it fails
18859 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
18860
18861 @smallexample
18862 prog: No such file or directory.
18863 @end smallexample
18864
18865 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
18866 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
18867 @code{target} command again.
18868
18869 @node Sparclet Connection
18870 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
18871
18872 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
18873 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
18874
18875 @smallexample
18876 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
18877 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
18878 main () at ../prog.c:3
18879 @end smallexample
18880
18881 @need 750
18882 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
18883
18884 @smallexample
18885 Connected to ttya.
18886 @end smallexample
18887
18888 @node Sparclet Download
18889 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
18890
18891 @cindex download to Sparclet
18892 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
18893 you can use the @value{GDBN}
18894 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
18895 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
18896 command.
18897 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
18898 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
18899 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
18900 of each of the file's sections.
18901 For instance, if the program
18902 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
18903 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
18904
18905 @smallexample
18906 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
18907 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
18908 @end smallexample
18909
18910 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
18911 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
18912 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
18913
18914 @node Sparclet Execution
18915 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
18916
18917 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
18918 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
18919 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
18920 manual for the list of commands.
18921
18922 @smallexample
18923 (gdbslet) b main
18924 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
18925 (gdbslet) run
18926 Starting program: prog
18927 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
18928 3 char *symarg = 0;
18929 (gdbslet) step
18930 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
18931 (gdbslet)
18932 @end smallexample
18933
18934 @node Sparclite
18935 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
18936
18937 @table @code
18938
18939 @kindex target sparclite
18940 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
18941 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
18942 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
18943 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
18944 remote protocol.
18945
18946 @end table
18947
18948 @node Z8000
18949 @subsection Zilog Z8000
18950
18951 @cindex Z8000
18952 @cindex simulator, Z8000
18953 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
18954
18955 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
18956 a Z8000 simulator.
18957
18958 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
18959 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
18960 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
18961 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
18962
18963 @table @code
18964 @item target sim @var{args}
18965 @kindex sim
18966 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
18967 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
18968 options, specify them via @var{args}.
18969 @end table
18970
18971 @noindent
18972 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
18973 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
18974 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
18975 to run your program, and so on.
18976
18977 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
18978 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
18979 additional items of information as specially named registers:
18980
18981 @table @code
18982
18983 @item cycles
18984 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
18985
18986 @item insts
18987 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
18988
18989 @item time
18990 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
18991
18992 @end table
18993
18994 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
18995 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
18996 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
18997 simulated clock ticks.
18998
18999 @node AVR
19000 @subsection Atmel AVR
19001 @cindex AVR
19002
19003 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
19004 following AVR-specific commands:
19005
19006 @table @code
19007 @item info io_registers
19008 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
19009 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
19010 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
19011 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
19012 @end table
19013
19014 @node CRIS
19015 @subsection CRIS
19016 @cindex CRIS
19017
19018 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
19019 following CRIS-specific commands:
19020
19021 @table @code
19022 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
19023 @cindex CRIS version
19024 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
19025 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
19026 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
19027
19028 @item show cris-version
19029 Show the current CRIS version.
19030
19031 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
19032 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
19033 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
19034 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
19035 @code{R59}.
19036
19037 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
19038 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
19039
19040 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
19041 @cindex CRIS mode
19042 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
19043 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
19044 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
19045
19046 @item show cris-mode
19047 Show the current CRIS mode.
19048 @end table
19049
19050 @node Super-H
19051 @subsection Renesas Super-H
19052 @cindex Super-H
19053
19054 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
19055 commands:
19056
19057 @table @code
19058 @item regs
19059 @kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
19060 Show the values of all Super-H registers.
19061
19062 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
19063 @kindex set sh calling-convention
19064 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
19065 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
19066 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
19067 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
19068 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
19069 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
19070 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
19071 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
19072 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
19073 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
19074
19075 @item show sh calling-convention
19076 @kindex show sh calling-convention
19077 Show the current calling convention setting.
19078
19079 @end table
19080
19081
19082 @node Architectures
19083 @section Architectures
19084
19085 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
19086 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
19087
19088 @menu
19089 * i386::
19090 * A29K::
19091 * Alpha::
19092 * MIPS::
19093 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
19094 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
19095 * PowerPC::
19096 @end menu
19097
19098 @node i386
19099 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
19100
19101 @table @code
19102 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
19103 @kindex set struct-convention
19104 @cindex struct return convention
19105 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
19106 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
19107 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
19108 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
19109 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
19110 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
19111 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
19112 be returned in a register.
19113
19114 @item show struct-convention
19115 @kindex show struct-convention
19116 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
19117 from functions.
19118 @end table
19119
19120 @node A29K
19121 @subsection A29K
19122
19123 @table @code
19124
19125 @kindex set rstack_high_address
19126 @cindex AMD 29K register stack
19127 @cindex register stack, AMD29K
19128 @item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
19129 On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
19130 @dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
19131 extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
19132 stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
19133 memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
19134 this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
19135 the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
19136 address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
19137 hexadecimal.
19138
19139 @kindex show rstack_high_address
19140 @item show rstack_high_address
19141 Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
19142 processors.
19143
19144 @end table
19145
19146 @node Alpha
19147 @subsection Alpha
19148
19149 See the following section.
19150
19151 @node MIPS
19152 @subsection MIPS
19153
19154 @cindex stack on Alpha
19155 @cindex stack on MIPS
19156 @cindex Alpha stack
19157 @cindex MIPS stack
19158 Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
19159 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
19160 find the beginning of a function.
19161
19162 @cindex response time, MIPS debugging
19163 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
19164 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
19165 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
19166 commands:
19167
19168 @table @code
19169 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
19170 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
19171 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
19172 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
19173 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
19174 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
19175 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
19176 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
19177
19178 @item show heuristic-fence-post
19179 Display the current limit.
19180 @end table
19181
19182 @noindent
19183 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
19184 for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
19185
19186 Several MIPS-specific commands are available when debugging MIPS
19187 programs:
19188
19189 @table @code
19190 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
19191 @kindex set mips abi
19192 @cindex set ABI for MIPS
19193 Tell @value{GDBN} which MIPS ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
19194 values of @var{arg} are:
19195
19196 @table @samp
19197 @item auto
19198 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
19199 default).
19200 @item o32
19201 @item o64
19202 @item n32
19203 @item n64
19204 @item eabi32
19205 @item eabi64
19206 @item auto
19207 @end table
19208
19209 @item show mips abi
19210 @kindex show mips abi
19211 Show the MIPS ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
19212
19213 @item set mipsfpu
19214 @itemx show mipsfpu
19215 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
19216
19217 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
19218 @kindex set mips mask-address
19219 @cindex MIPS addresses, masking
19220 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
19221 MIPS addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
19222 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
19223 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
19224
19225 @item show mips mask-address
19226 @kindex show mips mask-address
19227 Show whether the upper 32 bits of MIPS addresses are masked off or
19228 not.
19229
19230 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19231 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19232 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit MIPS targets that
19233 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old MIPS 64 target
19234 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
19235 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
19236
19237 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19238 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
19239 Show the current setting of compatibility with older MIPS 64 targets.
19240
19241 @item set debug mips
19242 @kindex set debug mips
19243 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the MIPS-specific
19244 target code in @value{GDBN}.
19245
19246 @item show debug mips
19247 @kindex show debug mips
19248 Show the current setting of MIPS debugging messages.
19249 @end table
19250
19251
19252 @node HPPA
19253 @subsection HPPA
19254 @cindex HPPA support
19255
19256 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
19257 following special commands:
19258
19259 @table @code
19260 @item set debug hppa
19261 @kindex set debug hppa
19262 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
19263 messages are to be displayed.
19264
19265 @item show debug hppa
19266 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
19267
19268 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
19269 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
19270 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
19271 given @var{address}.
19272
19273 @end table
19274
19275
19276 @node SPU
19277 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
19278 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
19279 @cindex SPU
19280
19281 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
19282 it provides the following special commands:
19283
19284 @table @code
19285 @item info spu event
19286 @kindex info spu
19287 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
19288 and pending event status.
19289
19290 @item info spu signal
19291 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
19292 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
19293 notification channels.
19294
19295 @item info spu mailbox
19296 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
19297 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
19298 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
19299
19300 @item info spu dma
19301 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
19302 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
19303 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
19304
19305 @item info spu proxydma
19306 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
19307 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
19308 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
19309
19310 @end table
19311
19312 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
19313 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
19314 special commands:
19315
19316 @table @code
19317 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
19318 @kindex set spu
19319 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
19320 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
19321 function. The default is @code{off}.
19322
19323 @item show spu stop-on-load
19324 @kindex show spu
19325 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
19326
19327 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
19328 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
19329 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
19330 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
19331 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
19332 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
19333
19334 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
19335 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
19336
19337 @end table
19338
19339 @node PowerPC
19340 @subsection PowerPC
19341 @cindex PowerPC architecture
19342
19343 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
19344 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
19345 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
19346 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
19347 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
19348
19349 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
19350 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
19351 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
19352
19353 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
19354 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
19355
19356
19357 @node Controlling GDB
19358 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
19359
19360 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
19361 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
19362 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
19363 described here.
19364
19365 @menu
19366 * Prompt:: Prompt
19367 * Editing:: Command editing
19368 * Command History:: Command history
19369 * Screen Size:: Screen size
19370 * Numbers:: Numbers
19371 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
19372 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
19373 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
19374 * Other Misc Settings:: Other Miscellaneous Settings
19375 @end menu
19376
19377 @node Prompt
19378 @section Prompt
19379
19380 @cindex prompt
19381
19382 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
19383 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
19384 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
19385 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
19386 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
19387 which one you are talking to.
19388
19389 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
19390 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
19391 or a prompt that does not.
19392
19393 @table @code
19394 @kindex set prompt
19395 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
19396 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
19397
19398 @kindex show prompt
19399 @item show prompt
19400 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
19401 @end table
19402
19403 @node Editing
19404 @section Command Editing
19405 @cindex readline
19406 @cindex command line editing
19407
19408 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
19409 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
19410 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
19411 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
19412 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
19413 debugging sessions.
19414
19415 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
19416 command @code{set}.
19417
19418 @table @code
19419 @kindex set editing
19420 @cindex editing
19421 @item set editing
19422 @itemx set editing on
19423 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
19424
19425 @item set editing off
19426 Disable command line editing.
19427
19428 @kindex show editing
19429 @item show editing
19430 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
19431 @end table
19432
19433 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
19434 @xref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library},
19435 @end ifset
19436 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
19437 @xref{Command Line Editing},
19438 @end ifclear
19439 for more details about the Readline
19440 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
19441 encouraged to read that chapter.
19442
19443 @node Command History
19444 @section Command History
19445 @cindex command history
19446
19447 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
19448 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
19449 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
19450 history facility.
19451
19452 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
19453 package, to provide the history facility.
19454 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
19455 @xref{Using History Interactively, , , history, GNU History Library},
19456 @end ifset
19457 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
19458 @xref{Using History Interactively},
19459 @end ifclear
19460 for the detailed description of the History library.
19461
19462 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
19463 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
19464 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
19465 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
19466 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
19467 pressed on a line by itself.
19468
19469 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
19470 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
19471 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
19472 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
19473
19474 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
19475 history.
19476
19477 @table @code
19478 @cindex history substitution
19479 @cindex history file
19480 @kindex set history filename
19481 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
19482 @item set history filename @var{fname}
19483 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
19484 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
19485 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
19486 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
19487 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
19488 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
19489 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
19490 is not set.
19491
19492 @cindex save command history
19493 @kindex set history save
19494 @item set history save
19495 @itemx set history save on
19496 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
19497 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
19498
19499 @item set history save off
19500 Stop recording command history in a file.
19501
19502 @cindex history size
19503 @kindex set history size
19504 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
19505 @item set history size @var{size}
19506 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
19507 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
19508 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
19509 @end table
19510
19511 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
19512 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
19513 @xref{Event Designators, , , history, GNU History Library},
19514 @end ifset
19515 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
19516 @xref{Event Designators},
19517 @end ifclear
19518 for more details.
19519
19520 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
19521 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
19522 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
19523 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
19524 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
19525 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
19526 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
19527 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
19528
19529 The commands to control history expansion are:
19530
19531 @table @code
19532 @item set history expansion on
19533 @itemx set history expansion
19534 @kindex set history expansion
19535 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
19536
19537 @item set history expansion off
19538 Disable history expansion.
19539
19540 @c @group
19541 @kindex show history
19542 @item show history
19543 @itemx show history filename
19544 @itemx show history save
19545 @itemx show history size
19546 @itemx show history expansion
19547 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
19548 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
19549 @c @end group
19550 @end table
19551
19552 @table @code
19553 @kindex show commands
19554 @cindex show last commands
19555 @cindex display command history
19556 @item show commands
19557 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
19558
19559 @item show commands @var{n}
19560 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
19561
19562 @item show commands +
19563 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
19564 @end table
19565
19566 @node Screen Size
19567 @section Screen Size
19568 @cindex size of screen
19569 @cindex pauses in output
19570
19571 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
19572 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
19573 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
19574 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
19575 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
19576 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
19577 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
19578 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
19579
19580 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
19581 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
19582 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
19583 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
19584 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
19585 width} commands:
19586
19587 @table @code
19588 @kindex set height
19589 @kindex set width
19590 @kindex show width
19591 @kindex show height
19592 @item set height @var{lpp}
19593 @itemx show height
19594 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
19595 @itemx show width
19596 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
19597 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
19598 commands display the current settings.
19599
19600 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
19601 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
19602 file or to an editor buffer.
19603
19604 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
19605 from wrapping its output.
19606
19607 @item set pagination on
19608 @itemx set pagination off
19609 @kindex set pagination
19610 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
19611 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}. Note that
19612 running @value{GDBN} with the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode
19613 Options, -batch}) also automatically disables pagination.
19614
19615 @item show pagination
19616 @kindex show pagination
19617 Show the current pagination mode.
19618 @end table
19619
19620 @node Numbers
19621 @section Numbers
19622 @cindex number representation
19623 @cindex entering numbers
19624
19625 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
19626 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
19627 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
19628 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
19629 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
19630 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
19631 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
19632 both input and output with the commands described below.
19633
19634 @table @code
19635 @kindex set input-radix
19636 @item set input-radix @var{base}
19637 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
19638 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
19639 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
19640 example, any of
19641
19642 @smallexample
19643 set input-radix 012
19644 set input-radix 10.
19645 set input-radix 0xa
19646 @end smallexample
19647
19648 @noindent
19649 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
19650 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
19651 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
19652 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
19653 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
19654 change the radix.
19655
19656 @kindex set output-radix
19657 @item set output-radix @var{base}
19658 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
19659 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
19660 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
19661
19662 @kindex show input-radix
19663 @item show input-radix
19664 Display the current default base for numeric input.
19665
19666 @kindex show output-radix
19667 @item show output-radix
19668 Display the current default base for numeric display.
19669
19670 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
19671 @itemx show radix
19672 @kindex set radix
19673 @kindex show radix
19674 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
19675 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
19676 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
19677 default value of 10.
19678
19679 @end table
19680
19681 @node ABI
19682 @section Configuring the Current ABI
19683
19684 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
19685 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
19686 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
19687 current ABI.
19688
19689 @cindex OS ABI
19690 @kindex set osabi
19691 @kindex show osabi
19692
19693 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
19694 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
19695 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
19696 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
19697 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
19698 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
19699 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
19700 platform provides.
19701
19702 @table @code
19703 @item show osabi
19704 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
19705
19706 @item set osabi
19707 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
19708
19709 @item set osabi @var{abi}
19710 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
19711 @end table
19712
19713 @cindex float promotion
19714
19715 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
19716 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
19717 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
19718 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
19719 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
19720 @code{double} and then passed.
19721
19722 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
19723 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
19724 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
19725
19726 @table @code
19727 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
19728 @item set coerce-float-to-double
19729 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
19730 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
19731 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
19732
19733 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
19734 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
19735 functions.
19736
19737 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
19738 @item show coerce-float-to-double
19739 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
19740 @end table
19741
19742 @kindex set cp-abi
19743 @kindex show cp-abi
19744 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
19745 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
19746 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
19747 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
19748 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
19749 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
19750 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
19751 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
19752 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
19753 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
19754 ``auto''.
19755
19756 @table @code
19757 @item show cp-abi
19758 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
19759
19760 @item set cp-abi
19761 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
19762
19763 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
19764 @itemx set cp-abi auto
19765 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
19766 @end table
19767
19768 @node Messages/Warnings
19769 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
19770
19771 @cindex verbose operation
19772 @cindex optional warnings
19773 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
19774 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
19775 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
19776 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
19777
19778 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
19779 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
19780 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
19781
19782 @table @code
19783 @kindex set verbose
19784 @item set verbose on
19785 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
19786
19787 @item set verbose off
19788 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
19789
19790 @kindex show verbose
19791 @item show verbose
19792 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
19793 @end table
19794
19795 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
19796 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
19797 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
19798 Symbol Files}).
19799
19800 @table @code
19801
19802 @kindex set complaints
19803 @item set complaints @var{limit}
19804 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
19805 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
19806 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
19807 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
19808
19809 @kindex show complaints
19810 @item show complaints
19811 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
19812
19813 @end table
19814
19815 @anchor{confirmation requests}
19816 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
19817 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
19818 you try to run a program which is already running:
19819
19820 @smallexample
19821 (@value{GDBP}) run
19822 The program being debugged has been started already.
19823 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
19824 @end smallexample
19825
19826 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
19827 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
19828
19829 @table @code
19830
19831 @kindex set confirm
19832 @cindex flinching
19833 @cindex confirmation
19834 @cindex stupid questions
19835 @item set confirm off
19836 Disables confirmation requests. Note that running @value{GDBN} with
19837 the @option{--batch} option (@pxref{Mode Options, -batch}) also
19838 automatically disables confirmation requests.
19839
19840 @item set confirm on
19841 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
19842
19843 @kindex show confirm
19844 @item show confirm
19845 Displays state of confirmation requests.
19846
19847 @end table
19848
19849 @cindex command tracing
19850 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
19851 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
19852 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
19853 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
19854
19855 @table @code
19856 @kindex set trace-commands
19857 @cindex command scripts, debugging
19858 @item set trace-commands on
19859 Enable command tracing.
19860 @item set trace-commands off
19861 Disable command tracing.
19862 @item show trace-commands
19863 Display the current state of command tracing.
19864 @end table
19865
19866 @node Debugging Output
19867 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
19868 @cindex optional debugging messages
19869
19870 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
19871 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
19872 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
19873 section documents those commands.
19874
19875 @table @code
19876 @kindex set exec-done-display
19877 @item set exec-done-display
19878 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
19879 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
19880 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
19881 @kindex show exec-done-display
19882 @item show exec-done-display
19883 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
19884 notification.
19885 @kindex set debug
19886 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
19887 @cindex architecture debugging info
19888 @item set debug arch
19889 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
19890 @kindex show debug
19891 @item show debug arch
19892 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
19893 @item set debug aix-thread
19894 @cindex AIX threads
19895 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
19896 module.
19897 @item show debug aix-thread
19898 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
19899 @item set debug dwarf2-die
19900 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
19901 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
19902 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
19903 A value of zero turns off the display.
19904 @item show debug dwarf2-die
19905 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
19906 @item set debug displaced
19907 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
19908 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
19909 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
19910 @item show debug displaced
19911 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
19912 related to displaced stepping.
19913 @item set debug event
19914 @cindex event debugging info
19915 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
19916 default is off.
19917 @item show debug event
19918 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
19919 info.
19920 @item set debug expression
19921 @cindex expression debugging info
19922 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
19923 expression parsing. The default is off.
19924 @item show debug expression
19925 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
19926 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
19927 @item set debug frame
19928 @cindex frame debugging info
19929 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
19930 default is off.
19931 @item show debug frame
19932 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
19933 info.
19934 @item set debug gnu-nat
19935 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
19936 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
19937 @item show debug gnu-nat
19938 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
19939 @item set debug infrun
19940 @cindex inferior debugging info
19941 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
19942 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
19943 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
19944 @item show debug infrun
19945 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
19946 @item set debug lin-lwp
19947 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
19948 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
19949 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
19950 @item show debug lin-lwp
19951 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
19952 @item set debug lin-lwp-async
19953 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP async debug messages
19954 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
19955 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP async debug support.
19956 @item show debug lin-lwp-async
19957 Show the current state of Linux LWP async debugging messages.
19958 @item set debug observer
19959 @cindex observer debugging info
19960 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
19961 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
19962 @item show debug observer
19963 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
19964 @item set debug overload
19965 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
19966 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
19967 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
19968 is off.
19969 @item show debug overload
19970 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
19971 debugging info.
19972 @cindex expression parser, debugging info
19973 @cindex debug expression parser
19974 @item set debug parser
19975 Turns on or off the display of expression parser debugging output.
19976 Internally, this sets the @code{yydebug} variable in the expression
19977 parser. @xref{Tracing, , Tracing Your Parser, bison, Bison}, for
19978 details. The default is off.
19979 @item show debug parser
19980 Show the current state of expression parser debugging.
19981 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
19982 @cindex serial connections, debugging
19983 @cindex debug remote protocol
19984 @cindex remote protocol debugging
19985 @cindex display remote packets
19986 @item set debug remote
19987 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
19988 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
19989 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
19990 @item show debug remote
19991 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
19992 @item set debug serial
19993 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
19994 default is off.
19995 @item show debug serial
19996 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
19997 info.
19998 @item set debug solib-frv
19999 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
20000 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
20001 @item show debug solib-frv
20002 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
20003 messages.
20004 @item set debug target
20005 @cindex target debugging info
20006 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
20007 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
20008 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
20009 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
20010 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
20011 @item show debug target
20012 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
20013 info.
20014 @item set debug timestamp
20015 @cindex timestampping debugging info
20016 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
20017 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
20018 message.
20019 @item show debug timestamp
20020 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
20021 debugging info.
20022 @item set debugvarobj
20023 @cindex variable object debugging info
20024 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
20025 info. The default is off.
20026 @item show debugvarobj
20027 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
20028 debugging info.
20029 @item set debug xml
20030 @cindex XML parser debugging
20031 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
20032 @item show debug xml
20033 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
20034 @end table
20035
20036 @node Other Misc Settings
20037 @section Other Miscellaneous Settings
20038 @cindex miscellaneous settings
20039
20040 @table @code
20041 @kindex set interactive-mode
20042 @item set interactive-mode
20043 If @code{on}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate interactively.
20044 If @code{off}, forces @value{GDBN} to operate non-interactively,
20045 If @code{auto} (the default), @value{GDBN} guesses which mode to use,
20046 based on whether the debugger was started in a terminal or not.
20047
20048 In the vast majority of cases, the debugger should be able to guess
20049 correctly which mode should be used. But this setting can be useful
20050 in certain specific cases, such as running a MinGW @value{GDBN}
20051 inside a cygwin window.
20052
20053 @kindex show interactive-mode
20054 @item show interactive-mode
20055 Displays whether the debugger is operating in interactive mode or not.
20056 @end table
20057
20058 @node Extending GDB
20059 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
20060 @cindex extending GDB
20061
20062 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for extension. The first is based
20063 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, and the second is based on the
20064 Python scripting language.
20065
20066 To facilitate the use of these extensions, @value{GDBN} is capable
20067 of evaluating the contents of a file. When doing so, @value{GDBN}
20068 can recognize which scripting language is being used by looking at
20069 the filename extension. Files with an unrecognized filename extension
20070 are always treated as a @value{GDBN} Command Files.
20071 @xref{Command Files,, Command files}.
20072
20073 You can control how @value{GDBN} evaluates these files with the following
20074 setting:
20075
20076 @table @code
20077 @kindex set script-extension
20078 @kindex show script-extension
20079 @item set script-extension off
20080 All scripts are always evaluated as @value{GDBN} Command Files.
20081
20082 @item set script-extension soft
20083 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
20084 extension. If this scripting language is supported, @value{GDBN}
20085 evaluates the script using that language. Otherwise, it evaluates
20086 the file as a @value{GDBN} Command File.
20087
20088 @item set script-extension strict
20089 The debugger determines the scripting language based on filename
20090 extension, and evaluates the script using that language. If the
20091 language is not supported, then the evaluation fails.
20092
20093 @item show script-extension
20094 Display the current value of the @code{script-extension} option.
20095
20096 @end table
20097
20098 @menu
20099 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
20100 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
20101 @end menu
20102
20103 @node Sequences
20104 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
20105
20106 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
20107 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
20108 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
20109 files.
20110
20111 @menu
20112 * Define:: How to define your own commands
20113 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
20114 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
20115 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
20116 @end menu
20117
20118 @node Define
20119 @subsection User-defined Commands
20120
20121 @cindex user-defined command
20122 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
20123 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
20124 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
20125 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
20126 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
20127 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
20128
20129 @smallexample
20130 define adder
20131 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
20132 end
20133 @end smallexample
20134
20135 @noindent
20136 To execute the command use:
20137
20138 @smallexample
20139 adder 1 2 3
20140 @end smallexample
20141
20142 @noindent
20143 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
20144 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
20145 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
20146 functions calls.
20147
20148 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
20149 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
20150 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
20151 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
20152
20153 @smallexample
20154 define adder
20155 if $argc == 2
20156 print $arg0 + $arg1
20157 end
20158 if $argc == 3
20159 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
20160 end
20161 end
20162 @end smallexample
20163
20164 @table @code
20165
20166 @kindex define
20167 @item define @var{commandname}
20168 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
20169 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
20170 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
20171 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
20172 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
20173 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
20174
20175 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
20176 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
20177 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
20178
20179 @kindex document
20180 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
20181 @item document @var{commandname}
20182 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
20183 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
20184 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
20185 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
20186 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
20187 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
20188
20189 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
20190 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
20191 does not change the documentation.
20192
20193 @kindex dont-repeat
20194 @cindex don't repeat command
20195 @item dont-repeat
20196 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
20197 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
20198 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
20199
20200 @kindex help user-defined
20201 @item help user-defined
20202 List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
20203 (if any) for each.
20204
20205 @kindex show user
20206 @item show user
20207 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
20208 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
20209 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
20210 definitions for all user-defined commands.
20211
20212 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
20213 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
20214 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
20215 @item show max-user-call-depth
20216 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
20217 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
20218 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
20219 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
20220 @end table
20221
20222 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
20223 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
20224
20225 When user-defined commands are executed, the
20226 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
20227 stops execution of the user-defined command.
20228
20229 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
20230 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
20231 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
20232 messages when used in a user-defined command.
20233
20234 @node Hooks
20235 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
20236 @cindex command hooks
20237 @cindex hooks, for commands
20238 @cindex hooks, pre-command
20239
20240 @kindex hook
20241 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
20242 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
20243 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
20244 before that command.
20245
20246 @cindex hooks, post-command
20247 @kindex hookpost
20248 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
20249 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
20250 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
20251 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
20252 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
20253
20254 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
20255 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
20256
20257 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
20258 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
20259
20260 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
20261 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
20262 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
20263 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
20264 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
20265
20266 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
20267 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
20268 you could define:
20269
20270 @smallexample
20271 define hook-stop
20272 handle SIGALRM nopass
20273 end
20274
20275 define hook-run
20276 handle SIGALRM pass
20277 end
20278
20279 define hook-continue
20280 handle SIGALRM pass
20281 end
20282 @end smallexample
20283
20284 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
20285 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
20286 you could define:
20287
20288 @smallexample
20289 define hook-echo
20290 echo <<<---
20291 end
20292
20293 define hookpost-echo
20294 echo --->>>\n
20295 end
20296
20297 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
20298 <<<---Hello World--->>>
20299 (@value{GDBP})
20300
20301 @end smallexample
20302
20303 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
20304 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
20305 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
20306 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
20307 @c or not?
20308 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
20309 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
20310 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
20311
20312 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
20313 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
20314 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
20315
20316 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
20317 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
20318
20319 @node Command Files
20320 @subsection Command Files
20321
20322 @cindex command files
20323 @cindex scripting commands
20324 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
20325 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
20326 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
20327 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
20328 terminal.
20329
20330 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
20331 command. Note that the @code{source} command is also used to evaluate
20332 scripts that are not Command Files. The exact behavior can be configured
20333 using the @code{script-extension} setting.
20334 @xref{Extending GDB,, Extending GDB}.
20335
20336 @table @code
20337 @kindex source
20338 @cindex execute commands from a file
20339 @item source [-s] [-v] @var{filename}
20340 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
20341 @end table
20342
20343 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
20344 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
20345 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
20346 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
20347 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
20348
20349 @value{GDBN} first searches for @var{filename} in the current directory.
20350 If the file is not found there, and @var{filename} does not specify a
20351 directory, then @value{GDBN} also looks for the file on the source search path
20352 (specified with the @samp{directory} command);
20353 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched because the compilation directory
20354 is not relevant to scripts.
20355
20356 If @code{-s} is specified, then @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename}
20357 on the search path even if @var{filename} specifies a directory.
20358 The search is done by appending @var{filename} to each element of the
20359 search path. So, for example, if @var{filename} is @file{mylib/myscript}
20360 and the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
20361 look for the script @file{/home/user/mylib/myscript}.
20362 The search is also done if @var{filename} is an absolute path.
20363 For example, if @var{filename} is @file{/tmp/myscript} and
20364 the search path contains @file{/home/user} then @value{GDBN} will
20365 look for the script @file{/home/user/tmp/myscript}.
20366 For DOS-like systems, if @var{filename} contains a drive specification,
20367 it is stripped before concatenation. For example, if @var{filename} is
20368 @file{d:myscript} and the search path contains @file{c:/tmp} then @value{GDBN}
20369 will look for the script @file{c:/tmp/myscript}.
20370
20371 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
20372 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
20373 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
20374
20375 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
20376 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
20377 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
20378 when called from command files.
20379
20380 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
20381 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
20382 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
20383 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
20384 the next command.
20385
20386 @smallexample
20387 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
20388 @end smallexample
20389
20390 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
20391 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
20392 would be directed to @file{log}.
20393
20394 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
20395 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
20396 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
20397 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
20398 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
20399 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
20400 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
20401 conditionally, etc.
20402
20403 @table @code
20404 @kindex if
20405 @kindex else
20406 @item if
20407 @itemx else
20408 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
20409 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
20410 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
20411 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
20412 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
20413 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
20414 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
20415
20416 @kindex while
20417 @item while
20418 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
20419 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
20420 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
20421 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
20422 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
20423 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
20424
20425 @kindex loop_break
20426 @item loop_break
20427 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
20428 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
20429 line.
20430
20431 @kindex loop_continue
20432 @item loop_continue
20433 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
20434 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
20435 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
20436 the controlling expression.
20437
20438 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
20439 @item end
20440 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
20441 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
20442 @end table
20443
20444
20445 @node Output
20446 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
20447
20448 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
20449 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
20450 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
20451 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
20452 want.
20453
20454 @table @code
20455 @kindex echo
20456 @item echo @var{text}
20457 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
20458 @c because it is not in ANSI.
20459 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
20460 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
20461 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
20462 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
20463 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
20464 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
20465 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
20466 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
20467 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
20468
20469 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
20470 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
20471
20472 @smallexample
20473 echo This is some text\n\
20474 which is continued\n\
20475 onto several lines.\n
20476 @end smallexample
20477
20478 produces the same output as
20479
20480 @smallexample
20481 echo This is some text\n
20482 echo which is continued\n
20483 echo onto several lines.\n
20484 @end smallexample
20485
20486 @kindex output
20487 @item output @var{expression}
20488 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
20489 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
20490 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
20491 on expressions.
20492
20493 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
20494 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
20495 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
20496 Formats}, for more information.
20497
20498 @kindex printf
20499 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
20500 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
20501 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
20502 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
20503 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
20504 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
20505 executing the code below:
20506
20507 @smallexample
20508 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
20509 @end smallexample
20510
20511 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
20512 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
20513 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
20514 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
20515 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
20516 printed.
20517
20518 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
20519
20520 @smallexample
20521 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
20522 @end smallexample
20523
20524 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
20525 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
20526 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
20527
20528 @itemize @bullet
20529 @item
20530 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
20531
20532 @item
20533 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
20534 width.
20535
20536 @item
20537 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
20538 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
20539
20540 @item
20541 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
20542 supported.
20543
20544 @item
20545 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
20546
20547 @item
20548 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
20549 @end itemize
20550
20551 @noindent
20552 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
20553 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
20554 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
20555 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
20556
20557 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
20558 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
20559 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
20560 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
20561 supported.
20562
20563 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
20564 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
20565 together with a floating point specifier.
20566 letters:
20567
20568 @itemize @bullet
20569 @item
20570 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
20571
20572 @item
20573 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
20574
20575 @item
20576 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
20577 @end itemize
20578
20579 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
20580 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
20581 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
20582
20583 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
20584 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
20585
20586 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
20587 @smallexample
20588 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
20589 @end smallexample
20590
20591 @kindex eval
20592 @item eval @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
20593 Convert the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
20594 the string @var{template} to a command line, and call it.
20595
20596 @end table
20597
20598 @node Python
20599 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
20600 @cindex python scripting
20601 @cindex scripting with python
20602
20603 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
20604 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
20605 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
20606
20607 @cindex python directory
20608 Python scripts used by @value{GDBN} should be installed in
20609 @file{@var{data-directory}/python}, where @var{data-directory} is
20610 the data directory as determined at @value{GDBN} startup (@pxref{Data Files}).
20611 This directory, known as the @dfn{python directory},
20612 is automatically added to the Python Search Path in order to allow
20613 the Python interpreter to locate all scripts installed at this location.
20614
20615 @menu
20616 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
20617 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
20618 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
20619 * Python modules:: Python modules provided by @value{GDBN}.
20620 @end menu
20621
20622 @node Python Commands
20623 @subsection Python Commands
20624 @cindex python commands
20625 @cindex commands to access python
20626
20627 @value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
20628 and one related setting:
20629
20630 @table @code
20631 @kindex python
20632 @item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
20633 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
20634
20635 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
20636 argument as a Python command. For example:
20637
20638 @smallexample
20639 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
20640 23
20641 @end smallexample
20642
20643 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
20644 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
20645 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
20646 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
20647 containing @code{end}. For example:
20648
20649 @smallexample
20650 (@value{GDBP}) python
20651 Type python script
20652 End with a line saying just "end".
20653 >print 23
20654 >end
20655 23
20656 @end smallexample
20657
20658 @kindex maint set python print-stack
20659 @item maint set python print-stack
20660 By default, @value{GDBN} will print a stack trace when an error occurs
20661 in a Python script. This can be controlled using @code{maint set
20662 python print-stack}: if @code{on}, the default, then Python stack
20663 printing is enabled; if @code{off}, then Python stack printing is
20664 disabled.
20665 @end table
20666
20667 It is also possible to execute a Python script from the @value{GDBN}
20668 interpreter:
20669
20670 @table @code
20671 @item source @file{script-name}
20672 The script name must end with @samp{.py} and @value{GDBN} must be configured
20673 to recognize the script language based on filename extension using
20674 the @code{script-extension} setting. @xref{Extending GDB, ,Extending GDB}.
20675
20676 @item python execfile ("script-name")
20677 This method is based on the @code{execfile} Python built-in function,
20678 and thus is always available.
20679 @end table
20680
20681 @node Python API
20682 @subsection Python API
20683 @cindex python api
20684 @cindex programming in python
20685
20686 @cindex python stdout
20687 @cindex python pagination
20688 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
20689 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
20690 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
20691 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
20692 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
20693
20694 @menu
20695 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
20696 * Exception Handling::
20697 * Values From Inferior::
20698 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
20699 * Pretty Printing API:: Pretty-printing values.
20700 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
20701 * Writing a Pretty-Printer:: Writing a Pretty-Printer.
20702 * Inferiors In Python:: Python representation of inferiors (processes)
20703 * Threads In Python:: Accessing inferior threads from Python.
20704 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
20705 * Parameters In Python:: Adding new @value{GDBN} parameters.
20706 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
20707 * Progspaces In Python:: Program spaces.
20708 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
20709 * Frames In Python:: Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
20710 * Blocks In Python:: Accessing frame blocks from Python.
20711 * Symbols In Python:: Python representation of symbols.
20712 * Symbol Tables In Python:: Python representation of symbol tables.
20713 * Lazy Strings In Python:: Python representation of lazy strings.
20714 * Breakpoints In Python:: Manipulating breakpoints using Python.
20715 @end menu
20716
20717 @node Basic Python
20718 @subsubsection Basic Python
20719
20720 @cindex python functions
20721 @cindex python module
20722 @cindex gdb module
20723 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
20724 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
20725 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
20726 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
20727
20728 @findex gdb.PYTHONDIR
20729 @defvar PYTHONDIR
20730 A string containing the python directory (@pxref{Python}).
20731 @end defvar
20732
20733 @findex gdb.execute
20734 @defun execute command [from_tty] [to_string]
20735 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
20736 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
20737 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
20738
20739 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
20740 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
20741 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
20742
20743 By default, any output produced by @var{command} is sent to
20744 @value{GDBN}'s standard output. If the @var{to_string} parameter is
20745 @code{True}, then output will be collected by @code{gdb.execute} and
20746 returned as a string. The default is @code{False}, in which case the
20747 return value is @code{None}. If @var{to_string} is @code{True}, the
20748 @value{GDBN} virtual terminal will be temporarily set to unlimited width
20749 and height, and its pagination will be disabled; @pxref{Screen Size}.
20750 @end defun
20751
20752 @findex gdb.breakpoints
20753 @defun breakpoints
20754 Return a sequence holding all of @value{GDBN}'s breakpoints.
20755 @xref{Breakpoints In Python}, for more information.
20756 @end defun
20757
20758 @findex gdb.parameter
20759 @defun parameter parameter
20760 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
20761 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
20762 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
20763 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
20764
20765 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
20766 @code{gdb.error} (@pxref{Exception Handling}). Otherwise, the
20767 parameter's value is converted to a Python value of the appropriate
20768 type, and returned.
20769 @end defun
20770
20771 @findex gdb.history
20772 @defun history number
20773 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
20774 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
20775 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
20776 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
20777 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
20778 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
20779 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{gdb.error} exception will be
20780 raised.
20781
20782 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
20783 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
20784 @end defun
20785
20786 @findex gdb.parse_and_eval
20787 @defun parse_and_eval expression
20788 Parse @var{expression} as an expression in the current language,
20789 evaluate it, and return the result as a @code{gdb.Value}.
20790 @var{expression} must be a string.
20791
20792 This function can be useful when implementing a new command
20793 (@pxref{Commands In Python}), as it provides a way to parse the
20794 command's argument as an expression. It is also useful simply to
20795 compute values, for example, it is the only way to get the value of a
20796 convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) as a @code{gdb.Value}.
20797 @end defun
20798
20799 @findex gdb.post_event
20800 @defun post_event event
20801 Put @var{event}, a callable object taking no arguments, into
20802 @value{GDBN}'s internal event queue. This callable will be invoked at
20803 some later point, during @value{GDBN}'s event processing. Events
20804 posted using @code{post_event} will be run in the order in which they
20805 were posted; however, there is no way to know when they will be
20806 processed relative to other events inside @value{GDBN}.
20807
20808 @value{GDBN} is not thread-safe. If your Python program uses multiple
20809 threads, you must be careful to only call @value{GDBN}-specific
20810 functions in the main @value{GDBN} thread. @code{post_event} ensures
20811 this. For example:
20812
20813 @smallexample
20814 (@value{GDBP}) python
20815 >import threading
20816 >
20817 >class Writer():
20818 > def __init__(self, message):
20819 > self.message = message;
20820 > def __call__(self):
20821 > gdb.write(self.message)
20822 >
20823 >class MyThread1 (threading.Thread):
20824 > def run (self):
20825 > gdb.post_event(Writer("Hello "))
20826 >
20827 >class MyThread2 (threading.Thread):
20828 > def run (self):
20829 > gdb.post_event(Writer("World\n"))
20830 >
20831 >MyThread1().start()
20832 >MyThread2().start()
20833 >end
20834 (@value{GDBP}) Hello World
20835 @end smallexample
20836 @end defun
20837
20838 @findex gdb.write
20839 @defun write string
20840 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream.
20841 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
20842 call this function.
20843 @end defun
20844
20845 @findex gdb.flush
20846 @defun flush
20847 Flush @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream. Flushing
20848 @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically call this
20849 function.
20850 @end defun
20851
20852 @findex gdb.target_charset
20853 @defun target_charset
20854 Return the name of the current target character set (@pxref{Character
20855 Sets}). This differs from @code{gdb.parameter('target-charset')} in
20856 that @samp{auto} is never returned.
20857 @end defun
20858
20859 @findex gdb.target_wide_charset
20860 @defun target_wide_charset
20861 Return the name of the current target wide character set
20862 (@pxref{Character Sets}). This differs from
20863 @code{gdb.parameter('target-wide-charset')} in that @samp{auto} is
20864 never returned.
20865 @end defun
20866
20867 @findex gdb.solib_name
20868 @defun solib_name address
20869 Return the name of the shared library holding the given @var{address}
20870 as a string, or @code{None}.
20871 @end defun
20872
20873 @findex gdb.decode_line
20874 @defun decode_line @r{[}expression@r{]}
20875 Return locations of the line specified by @var{expression}, or of the
20876 current line if no argument was given. This function returns a Python
20877 tuple containing two elements. The first element contains a string
20878 holding any unparsed section of @var{expression} (or @code{None} if
20879 the expression has been fully parsed). The second element contains
20880 either @code{None} or another tuple that contains all the locations
20881 that match the expression represented as @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line}
20882 objects (@pxref{Symbol Tables In Python}). If @var{expression} is
20883 provided, it is decoded the way that @value{GDBN}'s inbuilt
20884 @code{break} or @code{edit} commands do (@pxref{Specify Location}).
20885 @end defun
20886
20887 @node Exception Handling
20888 @subsubsection Exception Handling
20889 @cindex python exceptions
20890 @cindex exceptions, python
20891
20892 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
20893 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
20894 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
20895 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
20896 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
20897 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
20898 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
20899
20900 @smallexample
20901 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
20902 Traceback (most recent call last):
20903 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
20904 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
20905 @end smallexample
20906
20907 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by
20908 Python code are converted to Python exceptions. The type of the
20909 Python exception depends on the error.
20910
20911 @ftable @code
20912 @item gdb.error
20913 This is the base class for most exceptions generated by @value{GDBN}.
20914 It is derived from @code{RuntimeError}, for compatibility with earlier
20915 versions of @value{GDBN}.
20916
20917 If an error occurring in @value{GDBN} does not fit into some more
20918 specific category, then the generated exception will have this type.
20919
20920 @item gdb.MemoryError
20921 This is a subclass of @code{gdb.error} which is thrown when an
20922 operation tried to access invalid memory in the inferior.
20923
20924 @item KeyboardInterrupt
20925 User interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
20926 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception.
20927 @end ftable
20928
20929 In all cases, your exception handler will see the @value{GDBN} error
20930 message as its value and the Python call stack backtrace at the Python
20931 statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
20932 traceback.
20933
20934 @findex gdb.GdbError
20935 When implementing @value{GDBN} commands in Python via @code{gdb.Command},
20936 it is useful to be able to throw an exception that doesn't cause a
20937 traceback to be printed. For example, the user may have invoked the
20938 command incorrectly. Use the @code{gdb.GdbError} exception
20939 to handle this case. Example:
20940
20941 @smallexample
20942 (gdb) python
20943 >class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
20944 > """Greet the whole world."""
20945 > def __init__ (self):
20946 > super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
20947 > def invoke (self, args, from_tty):
20948 > argv = gdb.string_to_argv (args)
20949 > if len (argv) != 0:
20950 > raise gdb.GdbError ("hello-world takes no arguments")
20951 > print "Hello, World!"
20952 >HelloWorld ()
20953 >end
20954 (gdb) hello-world 42
20955 hello-world takes no arguments
20956 @end smallexample
20957
20958 @node Values From Inferior
20959 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
20960 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
20961 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
20962
20963 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
20964 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
20965 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
20966 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
20967 fetching values when necessary.
20968
20969 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
20970 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
20971 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
20972
20973 @smallexample
20974 bar = some_val + 2
20975 @end smallexample
20976
20977 @noindent
20978 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
20979 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
20980
20981 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
20982 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
20983 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
20984 can access its @code{foo} element with:
20985
20986 @smallexample
20987 bar = some_val['foo']
20988 @end smallexample
20989
20990 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
20991
20992 A @code{gdb.Value} that represents a function can be executed via
20993 inferior function call. Any arguments provided to the call must match
20994 the function's prototype, and must be provided in the order specified
20995 by that prototype.
20996
20997 For example, @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance
20998 representing a function that takes two integers as arguments. To
20999 execute this function, call it like so:
21000
21001 @smallexample
21002 result = some_val (10,20)
21003 @end smallexample
21004
21005 Any values returned from a function call will be stored as a
21006 @code{gdb.Value}.
21007
21008 The following attributes are provided:
21009
21010 @table @code
21011 @defivar Value address
21012 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
21013 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
21014 this attribute holds @code{None}.
21015 @end defivar
21016
21017 @cindex optimized out value in Python
21018 @defivar Value is_optimized_out
21019 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
21020 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
21021 @end defivar
21022
21023 @defivar Value type
21024 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
21025 @code{gdb.Type} object (@pxref{Types In Python}).
21026 @end defivar
21027
21028 @defivar Value dynamic_type
21029 The dynamic type of this @code{gdb.Value}. This uses C@t{++} run-time
21030 type information (@acronym{RTTI}) to determine the dynamic type of the
21031 value. If this value is of class type, it will return the class in
21032 which the value is embedded, if any. If this value is of pointer or
21033 reference to a class type, it will compute the dynamic type of the
21034 referenced object, and return a pointer or reference to that type,
21035 respectively. In all other cases, it will return the value's static
21036 type.
21037
21038 Note that this feature will only work when debugging a C@t{++} program
21039 that includes @acronym{RTTI} for the object in question. Otherwise,
21040 it will just return the static type of the value as in @kbd{ptype foo}
21041 (@pxref{Symbols, ptype}).
21042 @end defivar
21043 @end table
21044
21045 The following methods are provided:
21046
21047 @table @code
21048 @defmethod Value __init__ @var{val}
21049 Many Python values can be converted directly to a @code{gdb.Value} via
21050 this object initializer. Specifically:
21051
21052 @table @asis
21053 @item Python boolean
21054 A Python boolean is converted to the boolean type from the current
21055 language.
21056
21057 @item Python integer
21058 A Python integer is converted to the C @code{long} type for the
21059 current architecture.
21060
21061 @item Python long
21062 A Python long is converted to the C @code{long long} type for the
21063 current architecture.
21064
21065 @item Python float
21066 A Python float is converted to the C @code{double} type for the
21067 current architecture.
21068
21069 @item Python string
21070 A Python string is converted to a target string, using the current
21071 target encoding.
21072
21073 @item @code{gdb.Value}
21074 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.Value}, then a copy of the value is made.
21075
21076 @item @code{gdb.LazyString}
21077 If @code{val} is a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings In
21078 Python}), then the lazy string's @code{value} method is called, and
21079 its result is used.
21080 @end table
21081 @end defmethod
21082
21083 @defmethod Value cast type
21084 Return a new instance of @code{gdb.Value} that is the result of
21085 casting this instance to the type described by @var{type}, which must
21086 be a @code{gdb.Type} object. If the cast cannot be performed for some
21087 reason, this method throws an exception.
21088 @end defmethod
21089
21090 @defmethod Value dereference
21091 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
21092 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
21093 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
21094
21095 @smallexample
21096 int *foo;
21097 @end smallexample
21098
21099 @noindent
21100 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
21101 @code{foo} points to like this:
21102
21103 @smallexample
21104 bar = foo.dereference ()
21105 @end smallexample
21106
21107 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
21108 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
21109 @end defmethod
21110
21111 @defmethod Value dynamic_cast type
21112 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{dynamic_cast}
21113 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
21114 @end defmethod
21115
21116 @defmethod Value reinterpret_cast type
21117 Like @code{Value.cast}, but works as if the C@t{++} @code{reinterpret_cast}
21118 operator were used. Consult a C@t{++} reference for details.
21119 @end defmethod
21120
21121 @defmethod Value string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}errors@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
21122 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
21123 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
21124 throw an exception.
21125
21126 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
21127 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
21128 language.
21129
21130 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
21131 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
21132 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
21133 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
21134 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
21135
21136 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
21137 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
21138 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
21139 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
21140 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
21141 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
21142 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
21143 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
21144 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
21145
21146 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
21147 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
21148
21149 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
21150 fetched and converted to the given length.
21151 @end defmethod
21152
21153 @defmethod Value lazy_string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
21154 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
21155 converts the contents to a @code{gdb.LazyString} (@pxref{Lazy Strings
21156 In Python}). Otherwise, this method will throw an exception.
21157
21158 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
21159 naming the encoding of the @code{gdb.LazyString}. Some examples are:
21160 @samp{ascii}, @samp{iso-8859-6} or @samp{utf-8}. If the
21161 @var{encoding} argument is an encoding that @value{GDBN} does
21162 recognize, @value{GDBN} will raise an error.
21163
21164 When a lazy string is printed, the @value{GDBN} encoding machinery is
21165 used to convert the string during printing. If the optional
21166 @var{encoding} argument is not provided, or is an empty string,
21167 @value{GDBN} will automatically select the encoding most suitable for
21168 the string type. For further information on encoding in @value{GDBN}
21169 please see @ref{Character Sets}.
21170
21171 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
21172 fetched and encoded to the length of characters specified. If
21173 the @var{length} argument is not provided, the string will be fetched
21174 and encoded until a null of appropriate width is found.
21175 @end defmethod
21176 @end table
21177
21178 @node Types In Python
21179 @subsubsection Types In Python
21180 @cindex types in Python
21181 @cindex Python, working with types
21182
21183 @tindex gdb.Type
21184 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
21185 @code{gdb.Type}.
21186
21187 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
21188 module:
21189
21190 @findex gdb.lookup_type
21191 @defun lookup_type name [block]
21192 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
21193 type to look up. It must be a string.
21194
21195 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
21196 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
21197
21198 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
21199 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
21200 @end defun
21201
21202 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
21203
21204 @table @code
21205 @defivar Type code
21206 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
21207 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
21208 @end defivar
21209
21210 @defivar Type sizeof
21211 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
21212 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
21213 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
21214 @end defivar
21215
21216 @defivar Type tag
21217 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
21218 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
21219 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
21220 @code{None} is returned.
21221 @end defivar
21222 @end table
21223
21224 The following methods are provided:
21225
21226 @table @code
21227 @defmethod Type fields
21228 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
21229 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
21230 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
21231 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
21232 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
21233 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
21234
21235 Each field is an object, with some pre-defined attributes:
21236 @table @code
21237 @item bitpos
21238 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
21239 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
21240 position of the field.
21241
21242 @item name
21243 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
21244
21245 @item artificial
21246 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
21247 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
21248 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
21249
21250 @item is_base_class
21251 This is @code{True} if the field represents a base class of a C@t{++}
21252 structure. This attribute is always provided, and is @code{False}
21253 if the field is not a base class of the type that is the argument of
21254 @code{fields}, or if that type was not a C@t{++} class.
21255
21256 @item bitsize
21257 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
21258 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
21259 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
21260
21261 @item type
21262 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
21263 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
21264 @end table
21265 @end defmethod
21266
21267 @defmethod Type array @var{n1} @r{[}@var{n2}@r{]}
21268 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an array of this
21269 type. If one argument is given, it is the inclusive upper bound of
21270 the array; in this case the lower bound is zero. If two arguments are
21271 given, the first argument is the lower bound of the array, and the
21272 second argument is the upper bound of the array. An array's length
21273 must not be negative, but the bounds can be.
21274 @end defmethod
21275
21276 @defmethod Type const
21277 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
21278 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
21279 @end defmethod
21280
21281 @defmethod Type volatile
21282 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
21283 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
21284 @end defmethod
21285
21286 @defmethod Type unqualified
21287 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
21288 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
21289 @code{volatile}.
21290 @end defmethod
21291
21292 @defmethod Type range
21293 Return a Python @code{Tuple} object that contains two elements: the
21294 low bound of the argument type and the high bound of that type. If
21295 the type does not have a range, @value{GDBN} will raise a
21296 @code{gdb.error} exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
21297 @end defmethod
21298
21299 @defmethod Type reference
21300 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
21301 type.
21302 @end defmethod
21303
21304 @defmethod Type pointer
21305 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a pointer to this
21306 type.
21307 @end defmethod
21308
21309 @defmethod Type strip_typedefs
21310 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
21311 after removing all layers of typedefs.
21312 @end defmethod
21313
21314 @defmethod Type target
21315 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
21316 of this type.
21317
21318 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
21319 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
21320 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
21321 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
21322 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
21323 target type is the aliased type.
21324
21325 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
21326 exception.
21327 @end defmethod
21328
21329 @defmethod Type template_argument n [block]
21330 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
21331 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
21332 @var{n}th template argument.
21333
21334 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
21335 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
21336
21337 If @var{block} is given, then @var{name} is looked up in that scope.
21338 Otherwise, it is searched for globally.
21339 @end defmethod
21340 @end table
21341
21342
21343 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
21344 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
21345 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
21346
21347 @table @code
21348 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
21349 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
21350 @item TYPE_CODE_PTR
21351 The type is a pointer.
21352
21353 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
21354 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
21355 @item TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
21356 The type is an array.
21357
21358 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
21359 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
21360 @item TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
21361 The type is a structure.
21362
21363 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
21364 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
21365 @item TYPE_CODE_UNION
21366 The type is a union.
21367
21368 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
21369 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
21370 @item TYPE_CODE_ENUM
21371 The type is an enum.
21372
21373 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
21374 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
21375 @item TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
21376 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
21377
21378 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
21379 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
21380 @item TYPE_CODE_FUNC
21381 The type is a function.
21382
21383 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
21384 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
21385 @item TYPE_CODE_INT
21386 The type is an integer type.
21387
21388 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
21389 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
21390 @item TYPE_CODE_FLT
21391 A floating point type.
21392
21393 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
21394 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
21395 @item TYPE_CODE_VOID
21396 The special type @code{void}.
21397
21398 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
21399 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
21400 @item TYPE_CODE_SET
21401 A Pascal set type.
21402
21403 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
21404 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
21405 @item TYPE_CODE_RANGE
21406 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
21407
21408 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
21409 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
21410 @item TYPE_CODE_STRING
21411 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
21412 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
21413
21414 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
21415 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
21416 @item TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
21417 A string of bits.
21418
21419 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
21420 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
21421 @item TYPE_CODE_ERROR
21422 An unknown or erroneous type.
21423
21424 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
21425 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
21426 @item TYPE_CODE_METHOD
21427 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
21428
21429 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
21430 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
21431 @item TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
21432 A pointer-to-member-function.
21433
21434 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
21435 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
21436 @item TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
21437 A pointer-to-member.
21438
21439 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
21440 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
21441 @item TYPE_CODE_REF
21442 A reference type.
21443
21444 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
21445 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
21446 @item TYPE_CODE_CHAR
21447 A character type.
21448
21449 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
21450 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
21451 @item TYPE_CODE_BOOL
21452 A boolean type.
21453
21454 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
21455 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
21456 @item TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
21457 A complex float type.
21458
21459 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
21460 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
21461 @item TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
21462 A typedef to some other type.
21463
21464 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
21465 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
21466 @item TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
21467 A C@t{++} namespace.
21468
21469 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
21470 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
21471 @item TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
21472 A decimal floating point type.
21473
21474 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
21475 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
21476 @item TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
21477 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
21478 convenience functions.
21479 @end table
21480
21481 Further support for types is provided in the @code{gdb.types}
21482 Python module (@pxref{gdb.types}).
21483
21484 @node Pretty Printing API
21485 @subsubsection Pretty Printing API
21486
21487 An example output is provided (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
21488
21489 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
21490 specific interface, defined here.
21491
21492 @defop Operation {pretty printer} children (self)
21493 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
21494 children of the pretty-printer's value.
21495
21496 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
21497 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
21498 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
21499 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
21500 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
21501
21502 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
21503 as though the value has no children.
21504 @end defop
21505
21506 @defop Operation {pretty printer} display_hint (self)
21507 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
21508 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
21509 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
21510 printed.
21511
21512 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
21513 string.
21514
21515 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
21516
21517 @table @samp
21518 @item array
21519 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
21520 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
21521 @code{set print array}.
21522
21523 @item map
21524 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
21525 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
21526 values.
21527
21528 @item string
21529 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
21530 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
21531 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
21532 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
21533 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
21534 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
21535 @end table
21536 @end defop
21537
21538 @defop Operation {pretty printer} to_string (self)
21539 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
21540 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
21541
21542 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
21543 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
21544 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
21545 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
21546 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
21547 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
21548 the result of @code{children}.
21549
21550 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
21551
21552 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
21553 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
21554 another pretty-printer.
21555
21556 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
21557 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
21558 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
21559 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
21560 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
21561
21562 Finally, if this method returns @code{None} then no further operations
21563 are peformed in this method and nothing is printed.
21564
21565 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
21566 @end defop
21567
21568 @value{GDBN} provides a function which can be used to look up the
21569 default pretty-printer for a @code{gdb.Value}:
21570
21571 @findex gdb.default_visualizer
21572 @defun default_visualizer value
21573 This function takes a @code{gdb.Value} object as an argument. If a
21574 pretty-printer for this value exists, then it is returned. If no such
21575 printer exists, then this returns @code{None}.
21576 @end defun
21577
21578 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
21579 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
21580
21581 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
21582 functions or callable objects that have been registered via addition
21583 as a pretty-printer. Printers in this list are called @code{global}
21584 printers, they're available when debugging all inferiors.
21585 Each @code{gdb.Progspace} contains a @code{pretty_printers} attribute.
21586 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
21587 attribute.
21588
21589 Each function on these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
21590 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
21591 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}). If a function
21592 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
21593 @code{None}.
21594
21595 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
21596 @code{gdb.Objfile} in the current program space and iteratively calls
21597 each enabled lookup routine in the list for that @code{gdb.Objfile}
21598 until it receives a pretty-printer object.
21599 If no pretty-printer is found in the objfile lists, @value{GDBN} then
21600 searches the pretty-printer list of the current program space,
21601 calling each enabled function until an object is returned.
21602 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
21603 @code{gdb.pretty_printers} list, again calling each enabled function until an
21604 object is returned.
21605
21606 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
21607 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
21608 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
21609 object is returned.
21610
21611 For various reasons a pretty-printer may not work.
21612 For example, the underlying data structure may have changed and
21613 the pretty-printer is out of date.
21614
21615 The consequences of a broken pretty-printer are severe enough that
21616 @value{GDBN} provides support for enabling and disabling individual
21617 printers. For example, if @code{print frame-arguments} is on,
21618 a backtrace can become highly illegible if any argument is printed
21619 with a broken printer.
21620
21621 Pretty-printers are enabled and disabled by attaching an @code{enabled}
21622 attribute to the registered function or callable object. If this attribute
21623 is present and its value is @code{False}, the printer is disabled, otherwise
21624 the printer is enabled.
21625
21626 @node Writing a Pretty-Printer
21627 @subsubsection Writing a Pretty-Printer
21628 @cindex writing a pretty-printer
21629
21630 A pretty-printer consists of two parts: a lookup function to detect
21631 if the type is supported, and the printer itself.
21632
21633 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
21634 written. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for details on the API this class
21635 must provide.
21636
21637 @smallexample
21638 class StdStringPrinter(object):
21639 "Print a std::string"
21640
21641 def __init__(self, val):
21642 self.val = val
21643
21644 def to_string(self):
21645 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
21646
21647 def display_hint(self):
21648 return 'string'
21649 @end smallexample
21650
21651 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
21652 example above might be written.
21653
21654 @smallexample
21655 def str_lookup_function(val):
21656 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
21657 if lookup_tag == None:
21658 return None
21659 regex = re.compile("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
21660 if regex.match(lookup_tag):
21661 return StdStringPrinter(val)
21662 return None
21663 @end smallexample
21664
21665 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
21666 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
21667 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
21668 returns @code{None}.
21669
21670 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
21671 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
21672 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
21673 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
21674 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
21675 different names.
21676
21677 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Auto-loading}) such that it
21678 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
21679 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
21680 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
21681 the current objfile.
21682
21683 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
21684 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
21685 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
21686 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
21687 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
21688 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
21689 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
21690 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
21691 inferior.
21692
21693 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}),
21694 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
21695
21696 @smallexample
21697 def register_printers(objfile):
21698 objfile.pretty_printers.add(str_lookup_function)
21699 @end smallexample
21700
21701 @noindent
21702 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
21703
21704 @smallexample
21705 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
21706 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers(gdb.current_objfile())
21707 @end smallexample
21708
21709 The previous example illustrates a basic pretty-printer.
21710 There are a few things that can be improved on.
21711 The printer doesn't have a name, making it hard to identify in a
21712 list of installed printers. The lookup function has a name, but
21713 lookup functions can have arbitrary, even identical, names.
21714
21715 Second, the printer only handles one type, whereas a library typically has
21716 several types. One could install a lookup function for each desired type
21717 in the library, but one could also have a single lookup function recognize
21718 several types. The latter is the conventional way this is handled.
21719 If a pretty-printer can handle multiple data types, then its
21720 @dfn{subprinters} are the printers for the individual data types.
21721
21722 The @code{gdb.printing} module provides a formal way of solving these
21723 problems (@pxref{gdb.printing}).
21724 Here is another example that handles multiple types.
21725
21726 These are the types we are going to pretty-print:
21727
21728 @smallexample
21729 struct foo @{ int a, b; @};
21730 struct bar @{ struct foo x, y; @};
21731 @end smallexample
21732
21733 Here are the printers:
21734
21735 @smallexample
21736 class fooPrinter:
21737 """Print a foo object."""
21738
21739 def __init__(self, val):
21740 self.val = val
21741
21742 def to_string(self):
21743 return ("a=<" + str(self.val["a"]) +
21744 "> b=<" + str(self.val["b"]) + ">")
21745
21746 class barPrinter:
21747 """Print a bar object."""
21748
21749 def __init__(self, val):
21750 self.val = val
21751
21752 def to_string(self):
21753 return ("x=<" + str(self.val["x"]) +
21754 "> y=<" + str(self.val["y"]) + ">")
21755 @end smallexample
21756
21757 This example doesn't need a lookup function, that is handled by the
21758 @code{gdb.printing} module. Instead a function is provided to build up
21759 the object that handles the lookup.
21760
21761 @smallexample
21762 import gdb.printing
21763
21764 def build_pretty_printer():
21765 pp = gdb.printing.RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter(
21766 "my_library")
21767 pp.add_printer('foo', '^foo$', fooPrinter)
21768 pp.add_printer('bar', '^bar$', barPrinter)
21769 return pp
21770 @end smallexample
21771
21772 And here is the autoload support:
21773
21774 @smallexample
21775 import gdb.printing
21776 import my_library
21777 gdb.printing.register_pretty_printer(
21778 gdb.current_objfile(),
21779 my_library.build_pretty_printer())
21780 @end smallexample
21781
21782 Finally, when this printer is loaded into @value{GDBN}, here is the
21783 corresponding output of @samp{info pretty-printer}:
21784
21785 @smallexample
21786 (gdb) info pretty-printer
21787 my_library.so:
21788 my_library
21789 foo
21790 bar
21791 @end smallexample
21792
21793 @node Inferiors In Python
21794 @subsubsection Inferiors In Python
21795 @cindex inferiors in python
21796
21797 @findex gdb.Inferior
21798 Programs which are being run under @value{GDBN} are called inferiors
21799 (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). Python scripts can access
21800 information about and manipulate inferiors controlled by @value{GDBN}
21801 via objects of the @code{gdb.Inferior} class.
21802
21803 The following inferior-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
21804 module:
21805
21806 @defun inferiors
21807 Return a tuple containing all inferior objects.
21808 @end defun
21809
21810 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following attributes:
21811
21812 @table @code
21813 @defivar Inferior num
21814 ID of inferior, as assigned by GDB.
21815 @end defivar
21816
21817 @defivar Inferior pid
21818 Process ID of the inferior, as assigned by the underlying operating
21819 system.
21820 @end defivar
21821
21822 @defivar Inferior was_attached
21823 Boolean signaling whether the inferior was created using `attach', or
21824 started by @value{GDBN} itself.
21825 @end defivar
21826 @end table
21827
21828 A @code{gdb.Inferior} object has the following methods:
21829
21830 @table @code
21831 @defmethod Inferior threads
21832 This method returns a tuple holding all the threads which are valid
21833 when it is called. If there are no valid threads, the method will
21834 return an empty tuple.
21835 @end defmethod
21836
21837 @findex gdb.read_memory
21838 @defmethod Inferior read_memory address length
21839 Read @var{length} bytes of memory from the inferior, starting at
21840 @var{address}. Returns a buffer object, which behaves much like an array
21841 or a string. It can be modified and given to the @code{gdb.write_memory}
21842 function.
21843 @end defmethod
21844
21845 @findex gdb.write_memory
21846 @defmethod Inferior write_memory address buffer @r{[}length@r{]}
21847 Write the contents of @var{buffer} to the inferior, starting at
21848 @var{address}. The @var{buffer} parameter must be a Python object
21849 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
21850 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. If given, @var{length}
21851 determines the number of bytes from @var{buffer} to be written.
21852 @end defmethod
21853
21854 @findex gdb.search_memory
21855 @defmethod Inferior search_memory address length pattern
21856 Search a region of the inferior memory starting at @var{address} with
21857 the given @var{length} using the search pattern supplied in
21858 @var{pattern}. The @var{pattern} parameter must be a Python object
21859 which supports the buffer protocol, i.e., a string, an array or the
21860 object returned from @code{gdb.read_memory}. Returns a Python @code{Long}
21861 containing the address where the pattern was found, or @code{None} if
21862 the pattern could not be found.
21863 @end defmethod
21864 @end table
21865
21866 @node Threads In Python
21867 @subsubsection Threads In Python
21868 @cindex threads in python
21869
21870 @findex gdb.InferiorThread
21871 Python scripts can access information about, and manipulate inferior threads
21872 controlled by @value{GDBN}, via objects of the @code{gdb.InferiorThread} class.
21873
21874 The following thread-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
21875 module:
21876
21877 @findex gdb.selected_thread
21878 @defun selected_thread
21879 This function returns the thread object for the selected thread. If there
21880 is no selected thread, this will return @code{None}.
21881 @end defun
21882
21883 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following attributes:
21884
21885 @table @code
21886 @defivar InferiorThread num
21887 ID of the thread, as assigned by GDB.
21888 @end defivar
21889
21890 @defivar InferiorThread ptid
21891 ID of the thread, as assigned by the operating system. This attribute is a
21892 tuple containing three integers. The first is the Process ID (PID); the second
21893 is the Lightweight Process ID (LWPID), and the third is the Thread ID (TID).
21894 Either the LWPID or TID may be 0, which indicates that the operating system
21895 does not use that identifier.
21896 @end defivar
21897 @end table
21898
21899 A @code{gdb.InferiorThread} object has the following methods:
21900
21901 @table @code
21902 @defmethod InferiorThread switch
21903 This changes @value{GDBN}'s currently selected thread to the one represented
21904 by this object.
21905 @end defmethod
21906
21907 @defmethod InferiorThread is_stopped
21908 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is stopped.
21909 @end defmethod
21910
21911 @defmethod InferiorThread is_running
21912 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is running.
21913 @end defmethod
21914
21915 @defmethod InferiorThread is_exited
21916 Return a Boolean indicating whether the thread is exited.
21917 @end defmethod
21918 @end table
21919
21920 @node Commands In Python
21921 @subsubsection Commands In Python
21922
21923 @cindex commands in python
21924 @cindex python commands
21925 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
21926 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
21927 class, most commonly using a subclass.
21928
21929 @defmethod Command __init__ name @var{command_class} @r{[}@var{completer_class}@r{]} @r{[}@var{prefix}@r{]}
21930 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
21931 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
21932 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
21933
21934 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
21935 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
21936 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
21937 an exception is raised.
21938
21939 There is no support for multi-line commands.
21940
21941 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
21942 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
21943 new command in the help system.
21944
21945 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
21946 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
21947 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
21948 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
21949 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
21950 error will occur when completion is attempted.
21951
21952 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
21953 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
21954 registered.
21955
21956 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
21957 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
21958 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
21959 not documented.'' is used.
21960 @end defmethod
21961
21962 @cindex don't repeat Python command
21963 @defmethod Command dont_repeat
21964 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
21965 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
21966 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
21967 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
21968 @end defmethod
21969
21970 @defmethod Command invoke argument from_tty
21971 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
21972
21973 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
21974 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
21975
21976 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
21977 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
21978 that the command came from elsewhere.
21979
21980 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
21981 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
21982
21983 @findex gdb.string_to_argv
21984 To break @var{argument} up into an argv-like string use
21985 @code{gdb.string_to_argv}. This function behaves identically to
21986 @value{GDBN}'s internal argument lexer @code{buildargv}.
21987 It is recommended to use this for consistency.
21988 Arguments are separated by spaces and may be quoted.
21989 Example:
21990
21991 @smallexample
21992 print gdb.string_to_argv ("1 2\ \\\"3 '4 \"5' \"6 '7\"")
21993 ['1', '2 "3', '4 "5', "6 '7"]
21994 @end smallexample
21995
21996 @end defmethod
21997
21998 @cindex completion of Python commands
21999 @defmethod Command complete text word
22000 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
22001 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
22002 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
22003 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
22004 complete}).
22005
22006 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
22007 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
22008 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
22009 using a word-breaking heuristic.
22010
22011 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
22012 @itemize @bullet
22013 @item
22014 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
22015 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
22016 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
22017 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
22018 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
22019 sequence are ignored.
22020
22021 @item
22022 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
22023 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
22024 function is invoked, and its result is used.
22025
22026 @item
22027 All other results are treated as though there were no available
22028 completions.
22029 @end itemize
22030 @end defmethod
22031
22032 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
22033 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
22034 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
22035 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
22036 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
22037 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
22038
22039 @table @code
22040 @findex COMMAND_NONE
22041 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
22042 @item COMMAND_NONE
22043 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
22044 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
22045
22046 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
22047 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
22048 @item COMMAND_RUNNING
22049 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
22050 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
22051 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22052 commands in this category.
22053
22054 @findex COMMAND_DATA
22055 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
22056 @item COMMAND_DATA
22057 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
22058 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
22059 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
22060 in this category.
22061
22062 @findex COMMAND_STACK
22063 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
22064 @item COMMAND_STACK
22065 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
22066 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
22067 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
22068 list of commands in this category.
22069
22070 @findex COMMAND_FILES
22071 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
22072 @item COMMAND_FILES
22073 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
22074 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
22075 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22076 commands in this category.
22077
22078 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
22079 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
22080 @item COMMAND_SUPPORT
22081 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
22082 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
22083 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
22084 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
22085 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22086 commands in this category.
22087
22088 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
22089 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
22090 @item COMMAND_STATUS
22091 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
22092 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
22093 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
22094 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
22095
22096 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
22097 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
22098 @item COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
22099 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
22100 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
22101 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
22102 this category.
22103
22104 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
22105 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
22106 @item COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
22107 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
22108 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
22109 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22110 commands in this category.
22111
22112 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
22113 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
22114 @item COMMAND_OBSCURE
22115 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
22116 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
22117 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
22118 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
22119 category.
22120
22121 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
22122 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
22123 @item COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
22124 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
22125 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
22126 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
22127 commands in this category.
22128 @end table
22129
22130 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
22131 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
22132 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
22133 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
22134
22135 @table @code
22136 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
22137 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
22138 @item COMPLETE_NONE
22139 This constant means that no completion should be done.
22140
22141 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
22142 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
22143 @item COMPLETE_FILENAME
22144 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
22145
22146 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
22147 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
22148 @item COMPLETE_LOCATION
22149 This constant means that location completion should be done.
22150 @xref{Specify Location}.
22151
22152 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
22153 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
22154 @item COMPLETE_COMMAND
22155 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
22156 command names.
22157
22158 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
22159 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
22160 @item COMPLETE_SYMBOL
22161 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
22162 as the source.
22163 @end table
22164
22165 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
22166 implemented in Python:
22167
22168 @smallexample
22169 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
22170 """Greet the whole world."""
22171
22172 def __init__ (self):
22173 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
22174
22175 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
22176 print "Hello, World!"
22177
22178 HelloWorld ()
22179 @end smallexample
22180
22181 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
22182 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
22183 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
22184 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
22185
22186 @node Parameters In Python
22187 @subsubsection Parameters In Python
22188
22189 @cindex parameters in python
22190 @cindex python parameters
22191 @tindex gdb.Parameter
22192 @tindex Parameter
22193 You can implement new @value{GDBN} parameters using Python. A new
22194 parameter is implemented as an instance of the @code{gdb.Parameter}
22195 class.
22196
22197 Parameters are exposed to the user via the @code{set} and
22198 @code{show} commands. @xref{Help}.
22199
22200 There are many parameters that already exist and can be set in
22201 @value{GDBN}. Two examples are: @code{set follow fork} and
22202 @code{set charset}. Setting these parameters influences certain
22203 behavior in @value{GDBN}. Similarly, you can define parameters that
22204 can be used to influence behavior in custom Python scripts and commands.
22205
22206 @defmethod Parameter __init__ name @var{command-class} @var{parameter-class} @r{[}@var{enum-sequence}@r{]}
22207 The object initializer for @code{Parameter} registers the new
22208 parameter with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked
22209 from the subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
22210
22211 @var{name} is the name of the new parameter. If @var{name} consists
22212 of multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
22213 parameters. An example of this can be illustrated with the
22214 @code{set print} set of parameters. If @var{name} is
22215 @code{print foo}, then @code{print} will be searched as the prefix
22216 parameter. In this case the parameter can subsequently be accessed in
22217 @value{GDBN} as @code{set print foo}.
22218
22219 If @var{name} consists of multiple words, and no prefix parameter group
22220 can be found, an exception is raised.
22221
22222 @var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
22223 (@pxref{Commands In Python}). This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to
22224 categorize the new parameter in the help system.
22225
22226 @var{parameter-class} should be one of the @samp{PARAM_} constants
22227 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} the type of the new
22228 parameter; this information is used for input validation and
22229 completion.
22230
22231 If @var{parameter-class} is @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then
22232 @var{enum-sequence} must be a sequence of strings. These strings
22233 represent the possible values for the parameter.
22234
22235 If @var{parameter-class} is not @code{PARAM_ENUM}, then the presence
22236 of a fourth argument will cause an exception to be thrown.
22237
22238 The help text for the new parameter is taken from the Python
22239 documentation string for the parameter's class, if there is one. If
22240 there is no documentation string, a default value is used.
22241 @end defmethod
22242
22243 @defivar Parameter set_doc
22244 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
22245 the help text for this parameter's @code{set} command. The value is
22246 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
22247 have no effect.
22248 @end defivar
22249
22250 @defivar Parameter show_doc
22251 If this attribute exists, and is a string, then its value is used as
22252 the help text for this parameter's @code{show} command. The value is
22253 examined when @code{Parameter.__init__} is invoked; subsequent changes
22254 have no effect.
22255 @end defivar
22256
22257 @defivar Parameter value
22258 The @code{value} attribute holds the underlying value of the
22259 parameter. It can be read and assigned to just as any other
22260 attribute. @value{GDBN} does validation when assignments are made.
22261 @end defivar
22262
22263
22264 When a new parameter is defined, its type must be specified. The
22265 available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
22266 module:
22267
22268 @table @code
22269 @findex PARAM_BOOLEAN
22270 @findex gdb.PARAM_BOOLEAN
22271 @item PARAM_BOOLEAN
22272 The value is a plain boolean. The Python boolean values, @code{True}
22273 and @code{False} are the only valid values.
22274
22275 @findex PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
22276 @findex gdb.PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
22277 @item PARAM_AUTO_BOOLEAN
22278 The value has three possible states: true, false, and @samp{auto}. In
22279 Python, true and false are represented using boolean constants, and
22280 @samp{auto} is represented using @code{None}.
22281
22282 @findex PARAM_UINTEGER
22283 @findex gdb.PARAM_UINTEGER
22284 @item PARAM_UINTEGER
22285 The value is an unsigned integer. The value of 0 should be
22286 interpreted to mean ``unlimited''.
22287
22288 @findex PARAM_INTEGER
22289 @findex gdb.PARAM_INTEGER
22290 @item PARAM_INTEGER
22291 The value is a signed integer. The value of 0 should be interpreted
22292 to mean ``unlimited''.
22293
22294 @findex PARAM_STRING
22295 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING
22296 @item PARAM_STRING
22297 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, any escape
22298 sequences, such as @samp{\t}, @samp{\f}, and octal escapes, are
22299 translated into corresponding characters and encoded into the current
22300 host charset.
22301
22302 @findex PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
22303 @findex gdb.PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
22304 @item PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE
22305 The value is a string. When the user modifies the string, escapes are
22306 passed through untranslated.
22307
22308 @findex PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
22309 @findex gdb.PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
22310 @item PARAM_OPTIONAL_FILENAME
22311 The value is a either a filename (a string), or @code{None}.
22312
22313 @findex PARAM_FILENAME
22314 @findex gdb.PARAM_FILENAME
22315 @item PARAM_FILENAME
22316 The value is a filename. This is just like
22317 @code{PARAM_STRING_NOESCAPE}, but uses file names for completion.
22318
22319 @findex PARAM_ZINTEGER
22320 @findex gdb.PARAM_ZINTEGER
22321 @item PARAM_ZINTEGER
22322 The value is an integer. This is like @code{PARAM_INTEGER}, except 0
22323 is interpreted as itself.
22324
22325 @findex PARAM_ENUM
22326 @findex gdb.PARAM_ENUM
22327 @item PARAM_ENUM
22328 The value is a string, which must be one of a collection string
22329 constants provided when the parameter is created.
22330 @end table
22331
22332 @node Functions In Python
22333 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
22334
22335 @cindex writing convenience functions
22336 @cindex convenience functions in python
22337 @cindex python convenience functions
22338 @tindex gdb.Function
22339 @tindex Function
22340 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
22341 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
22342 class @code{gdb.Function}.
22343
22344 @defmethod Function __init__ name
22345 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
22346 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
22347 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
22348 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
22349 the given @var{name}.
22350
22351 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
22352 string for the new class.
22353 @end defmethod
22354
22355 @defmethod Function invoke @var{*args}
22356 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
22357 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
22358 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
22359 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
22360 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
22361 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
22362 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
22363
22364 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
22365 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
22366 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
22367 @end defmethod
22368
22369 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
22370 be implemented in Python:
22371
22372 @smallexample
22373 class Greet (gdb.Function):
22374 """Return string to greet someone.
22375 Takes a name as argument."""
22376
22377 def __init__ (self):
22378 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
22379
22380 def invoke (self, name):
22381 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
22382
22383 Greet ()
22384 @end smallexample
22385
22386 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
22387 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
22388 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
22389 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
22390
22391 @node Progspaces In Python
22392 @subsubsection Program Spaces In Python
22393
22394 @cindex progspaces in python
22395 @tindex gdb.Progspace
22396 @tindex Progspace
22397 A program space, or @dfn{progspace}, represents a symbolic view
22398 of an address space.
22399 It consists of all of the objfiles of the program.
22400 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
22401 @xref{Inferiors and Programs, program spaces}, for more details
22402 about program spaces.
22403
22404 The following progspace-related functions are available in the
22405 @code{gdb} module:
22406
22407 @findex gdb.current_progspace
22408 @defun current_progspace
22409 This function returns the program space of the currently selected inferior.
22410 @xref{Inferiors and Programs}.
22411 @end defun
22412
22413 @findex gdb.progspaces
22414 @defun progspaces
22415 Return a sequence of all the progspaces currently known to @value{GDBN}.
22416 @end defun
22417
22418 Each progspace is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Progspace}
22419 class.
22420
22421 @defivar Progspace filename
22422 The file name of the progspace as a string.
22423 @end defivar
22424
22425 @defivar Progspace pretty_printers
22426 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
22427 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
22428 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
22429 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
22430 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
22431 information.
22432 @end defivar
22433
22434 @node Objfiles In Python
22435 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
22436
22437 @cindex objfiles in python
22438 @tindex gdb.Objfile
22439 @tindex Objfile
22440 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
22441 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
22442 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
22443 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
22444 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
22445
22446 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
22447 @code{gdb} module:
22448
22449 @findex gdb.current_objfile
22450 @defun current_objfile
22451 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
22452 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
22453 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
22454 this function returns @code{None}.
22455 @end defun
22456
22457 @findex gdb.objfiles
22458 @defun objfiles
22459 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
22460 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
22461 @end defun
22462
22463 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
22464 class.
22465
22466 @defivar Objfile filename
22467 The file name of the objfile as a string.
22468 @end defivar
22469
22470 @defivar Objfile pretty_printers
22471 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
22472 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
22473 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
22474 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
22475 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing API}, for more
22476 information.
22477 @end defivar
22478
22479 @node Frames In Python
22480 @subsubsection Accessing inferior stack frames from Python.
22481
22482 @cindex frames in python
22483 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
22484 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
22485 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
22486 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
22487 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{gdb.error}
22488 exception (@pxref{Exception Handling}).
22489
22490 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
22491 operator, like:
22492
22493 @smallexample
22494 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
22495 True
22496 @end smallexample
22497
22498 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
22499
22500 @findex gdb.selected_frame
22501 @defun selected_frame
22502 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
22503 @end defun
22504
22505 @defun frame_stop_reason_string reason
22506 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
22507 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
22508 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
22509 @end defun
22510
22511 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
22512
22513 @table @code
22514 @defmethod Frame is_valid
22515 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
22516 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
22517 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
22518 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
22519 @end defmethod
22520
22521 @defmethod Frame name
22522 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
22523 obtained.
22524 @end defmethod
22525
22526 @defmethod Frame type
22527 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of
22528 @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, @code{gdb.DUMMY_FRAME}, @code{gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME}
22529 or @code{gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME}.
22530 @end defmethod
22531
22532 @defmethod Frame unwind_stop_reason
22533 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
22534 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
22535 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
22536 function to a string.
22537 @end defmethod
22538
22539 @defmethod Frame pc
22540 Returns the frame's resume address.
22541 @end defmethod
22542
22543 @defmethod Frame block
22544 Return the frame's code block. @xref{Blocks In Python}.
22545 @end defmethod
22546
22547 @defmethod Frame function
22548 Return the symbol for the function corresponding to this frame.
22549 @xref{Symbols In Python}.
22550 @end defmethod
22551
22552 @defmethod Frame older
22553 Return the frame that called this frame.
22554 @end defmethod
22555
22556 @defmethod Frame newer
22557 Return the frame called by this frame.
22558 @end defmethod
22559
22560 @defmethod Frame find_sal
22561 Return the frame's symtab and line object.
22562 @xref{Symbol Tables In Python}.
22563 @end defmethod
22564
22565 @defmethod Frame read_var variable @r{[}block@r{]}
22566 Return the value of @var{variable} in this frame. If the optional
22567 argument @var{block} is provided, search for the variable from that
22568 block; otherwise start at the frame's current block (which is
22569 determined by the frame's current program counter). @var{variable}
22570 must be a string or a @code{gdb.Symbol} object. @var{block} must be a
22571 @code{gdb.Block} object.
22572 @end defmethod
22573
22574 @defmethod Frame select
22575 Set this frame to be the selected frame. @xref{Stack, ,Examining the
22576 Stack}.
22577 @end defmethod
22578 @end table
22579
22580 @node Blocks In Python
22581 @subsubsection Accessing frame blocks from Python.
22582
22583 @cindex blocks in python
22584 @tindex gdb.Block
22585
22586 Within each frame, @value{GDBN} maintains information on each block
22587 stored in that frame. These blocks are organized hierarchically, and
22588 are represented individually in Python as a @code{gdb.Block}.
22589 Please see @ref{Frames In Python}, for a more in-depth discussion on
22590 frames. Furthermore, see @ref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}, for more
22591 detailed technical information on @value{GDBN}'s book-keeping of the
22592 stack.
22593
22594 The following block-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
22595 module:
22596
22597 @findex gdb.block_for_pc
22598 @defun block_for_pc pc
22599 Return the @code{gdb.Block} containing the given @var{pc} value. If the
22600 block cannot be found for the @var{pc} value specified, the function
22601 will return @code{None}.
22602 @end defun
22603
22604 A @code{gdb.Block} object has the following attributes:
22605
22606 @table @code
22607 @defivar Block start
22608 The start address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
22609 @end defivar
22610
22611 @defivar Block end
22612 The end address of the block. This attribute is not writable.
22613 @end defivar
22614
22615 @defivar Block function
22616 The name of the block represented as a @code{gdb.Symbol}. If the
22617 block is not named, then this attribute holds @code{None}. This
22618 attribute is not writable.
22619 @end defivar
22620
22621 @defivar Block superblock
22622 The block containing this block. If this parent block does not exist,
22623 this attribute holds @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
22624 @end defivar
22625 @end table
22626
22627 @node Symbols In Python
22628 @subsubsection Python representation of Symbols.
22629
22630 @cindex symbols in python
22631 @tindex gdb.Symbol
22632
22633 @value{GDBN} represents every variable, function and type as an
22634 entry in a symbol table. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
22635 Similarly, Python represents these symbols in @value{GDBN} with the
22636 @code{gdb.Symbol} object.
22637
22638 The following symbol-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
22639 module:
22640
22641 @findex gdb.lookup_symbol
22642 @defun lookup_symbol name [block] [domain]
22643 This function searches for a symbol by name. The search scope can be
22644 restricted to the parameters defined in the optional domain and block
22645 arguments.
22646
22647 @var{name} is the name of the symbol. It must be a string. The
22648 optional @var{block} argument restricts the search to symbols visible
22649 in that @var{block}. The @var{block} argument must be a
22650 @code{gdb.Block} object. The optional @var{domain} argument restricts
22651 the search to the domain type. The @var{domain} argument must be a
22652 domain constant defined in the @code{gdb} module and described later
22653 in this chapter.
22654 @end defun
22655
22656 A @code{gdb.Symbol} object has the following attributes:
22657
22658 @table @code
22659 @defivar Symbol symtab
22660 The symbol table in which the symbol appears. This attribute is
22661 represented as a @code{gdb.Symtab} object. @xref{Symbol Tables In
22662 Python}. This attribute is not writable.
22663 @end defivar
22664
22665 @defivar Symbol name
22666 The name of the symbol as a string. This attribute is not writable.
22667 @end defivar
22668
22669 @defivar Symbol linkage_name
22670 The name of the symbol, as used by the linker (i.e., may be mangled).
22671 This attribute is not writable.
22672 @end defivar
22673
22674 @defivar Symbol print_name
22675 The name of the symbol in a form suitable for output. This is either
22676 @code{name} or @code{linkage_name}, depending on whether the user
22677 asked @value{GDBN} to display demangled or mangled names.
22678 @end defivar
22679
22680 @defivar Symbol addr_class
22681 The address class of the symbol. This classifies how to find the value
22682 of a symbol. Each address class is a constant defined in the
22683 @code{gdb} module and described later in this chapter.
22684 @end defivar
22685
22686 @defivar Symbol is_argument
22687 @code{True} if the symbol is an argument of a function.
22688 @end defivar
22689
22690 @defivar Symbol is_constant
22691 @code{True} if the symbol is a constant.
22692 @end defivar
22693
22694 @defivar Symbol is_function
22695 @code{True} if the symbol is a function or a method.
22696 @end defivar
22697
22698 @defivar Symbol is_variable
22699 @code{True} if the symbol is a variable.
22700 @end defivar
22701 @end table
22702
22703 The available domain categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
22704 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
22705
22706 @table @code
22707 @findex SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
22708 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
22709 @item SYMBOL_UNDEF_DOMAIN
22710 This is used when a domain has not been discovered or none of the
22711 following domains apply. This usually indicates an error either
22712 in the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
22713 @findex SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
22714 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
22715 @item SYMBOL_VAR_DOMAIN
22716 This domain contains variables, function names, typedef names and enum
22717 type values.
22718 @findex SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
22719 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
22720 @item SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN
22721 This domain holds struct, union and enum type names.
22722 @findex SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
22723 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
22724 @item SYMBOL_LABEL_DOMAIN
22725 This domain contains names of labels (for gotos).
22726 @findex SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
22727 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
22728 @item SYMBOL_VARIABLES_DOMAIN
22729 This domain holds a subset of the @code{SYMBOLS_VAR_DOMAIN}; it
22730 contains everything minus functions and types.
22731 @findex SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
22732 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_FUNCTIONS_DOMAIN
22733 @item SYMBOL_FUNCTION_DOMAIN
22734 This domain contains all functions.
22735 @findex SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
22736 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
22737 @item SYMBOL_TYPES_DOMAIN
22738 This domain contains all types.
22739 @end table
22740
22741 The available address class categories in @code{gdb.Symbol} are represented
22742 as constants in the @code{gdb} module:
22743
22744 @table @code
22745 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
22746 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
22747 @item SYMBOL_LOC_UNDEF
22748 If this is returned by address class, it indicates an error either in
22749 the symbol information or in @value{GDBN}'s handling of symbols.
22750 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
22751 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
22752 @item SYMBOL_LOC_CONST
22753 Value is constant int.
22754 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
22755 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
22756 @item SYMBOL_LOC_STATIC
22757 Value is at a fixed address.
22758 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
22759 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
22760 @item SYMBOL_LOC_REGISTER
22761 Value is in a register.
22762 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
22763 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
22764 @item SYMBOL_LOC_ARG
22765 Value is an argument. This value is at the offset stored within the
22766 symbol inside the frame's argument list.
22767 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
22768 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
22769 @item SYMBOL_LOC_REF_ARG
22770 Value address is stored in the frame's argument list. Just like
22771 @code{LOC_ARG} except that the value's address is stored at the
22772 offset, not the value itself.
22773 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
22774 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
22775 @item SYMBOL_LOC_REGPARM_ADDR
22776 Value is a specified register. Just like @code{LOC_REGISTER} except
22777 the register holds the address of the argument instead of the argument
22778 itself.
22779 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
22780 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
22781 @item SYMBOL_LOC_LOCAL
22782 Value is a local variable.
22783 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
22784 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
22785 @item SYMBOL_LOC_TYPEDEF
22786 Value not used. Symbols in the domain @code{SYMBOL_STRUCT_DOMAIN} all
22787 have this class.
22788 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
22789 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
22790 @item SYMBOL_LOC_BLOCK
22791 Value is a block.
22792 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
22793 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
22794 @item SYMBOL_LOC_CONST_BYTES
22795 Value is a byte-sequence.
22796 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
22797 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
22798 @item SYMBOL_LOC_UNRESOLVED
22799 Value is at a fixed address, but the address of the variable has to be
22800 determined from the minimal symbol table whenever the variable is
22801 referenced.
22802 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
22803 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
22804 @item SYMBOL_LOC_OPTIMIZED_OUT
22805 The value does not actually exist in the program.
22806 @findex SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
22807 @findex gdb.SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
22808 @item SYMBOL_LOC_COMPUTED
22809 The value's address is a computed location.
22810 @end table
22811
22812 @node Symbol Tables In Python
22813 @subsubsection Symbol table representation in Python.
22814
22815 @cindex symbol tables in python
22816 @tindex gdb.Symtab
22817 @tindex gdb.Symtab_and_line
22818
22819 Access to symbol table data maintained by @value{GDBN} on the inferior
22820 is exposed to Python via two objects: @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} and
22821 @code{gdb.Symtab}. Symbol table and line data for a frame is returned
22822 from the @code{find_sal} method in @code{gdb.Frame} object.
22823 @xref{Frames In Python}.
22824
22825 For more information on @value{GDBN}'s symbol table management, see
22826 @ref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, for more information.
22827
22828 A @code{gdb.Symtab_and_line} object has the following attributes:
22829
22830 @table @code
22831 @defivar Symtab_and_line symtab
22832 The symbol table object (@code{gdb.Symtab}) for this frame.
22833 This attribute is not writable.
22834 @end defivar
22835
22836 @defivar Symtab_and_line pc
22837 Indicates the current program counter address. This attribute is not
22838 writable.
22839 @end defivar
22840
22841 @defivar Symtab_and_line line
22842 Indicates the current line number for this object. This
22843 attribute is not writable.
22844 @end defivar
22845 @end table
22846
22847 A @code{gdb.Symtab} object has the following attributes:
22848
22849 @table @code
22850 @defivar Symtab filename
22851 The symbol table's source filename. This attribute is not writable.
22852 @end defivar
22853
22854 @defivar Symtab objfile
22855 The symbol table's backing object file. @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
22856 This attribute is not writable.
22857 @end defivar
22858 @end table
22859
22860 The following methods are provided:
22861
22862 @table @code
22863 @defmethod Symtab fullname
22864 Return the symbol table's source absolute file name.
22865 @end defmethod
22866 @end table
22867
22868 @node Breakpoints In Python
22869 @subsubsection Manipulating breakpoints using Python
22870
22871 @cindex breakpoints in python
22872 @tindex gdb.Breakpoint
22873
22874 Python code can manipulate breakpoints via the @code{gdb.Breakpoint}
22875 class.
22876
22877 @defmethod Breakpoint __init__ spec @r{[}type@r{]} @r{[}wp_class@r{]} @r{[}internal@r{]}
22878 Create a new breakpoint. @var{spec} is a string naming the
22879 location of the breakpoint, or an expression that defines a
22880 watchpoint. The contents can be any location recognized by the
22881 @code{break} command, or in the case of a watchpoint, by the @code{watch}
22882 command. The optional @var{type} denotes the breakpoint to create
22883 from the types defined later in this chapter. This argument can be
22884 either: @code{BP_BREAKPOINT} or @code{BP_WATCHPOINT}. @var{type}
22885 defaults to @code{BP_BREAKPOINT}. The optional @var{internal} argument
22886 allows the breakpoint to become invisible to the user. The breakpoint
22887 will neither be reported when created, nor will it be listed in the
22888 output from @code{info breakpoints} (but will be listed with the
22889 @code{maint info breakpoints} command). The optional @var{wp_class}
22890 argument defines the class of watchpoint to create, if @var{type} is
22891 @code{BP_WATCHPOINT}. If a watchpoint class is not provided, it is
22892 assumed to be a @var{WP_WRITE} class.
22893 @end defmethod
22894
22895 The available watchpoint types represented by constants are defined in the
22896 @code{gdb} module:
22897
22898 @table @code
22899 @findex WP_READ
22900 @findex gdb.WP_READ
22901 @item WP_READ
22902 Read only watchpoint.
22903
22904 @findex WP_WRITE
22905 @findex gdb.WP_WRITE
22906 @item WP_WRITE
22907 Write only watchpoint.
22908
22909 @findex WP_ACCESS
22910 @findex gdb.WP_ACCESS
22911 @item WP_ACCESS
22912 Read/Write watchpoint.
22913 @end table
22914
22915 @defmethod Breakpoint is_valid
22916 Return @code{True} if this @code{Breakpoint} object is valid,
22917 @code{False} otherwise. A @code{Breakpoint} object can become invalid
22918 if the user deletes the breakpoint. In this case, the object still
22919 exists, but the underlying breakpoint does not. In the cases of
22920 watchpoint scope, the watchpoint remains valid even if execution of the
22921 inferior leaves the scope of that watchpoint.
22922 @end defmethod
22923
22924 @defmethod Breakpoint delete
22925 Permanently deletes the @value{GDBN} breakpoint. This also
22926 invalidates the Python @code{Breakpoint} object. Any further access
22927 to this object's attributes or methods will raise an error.
22928 @end defmethod
22929
22930 @defivar Breakpoint enabled
22931 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is enabled, and
22932 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
22933 @end defivar
22934
22935 @defivar Breakpoint silent
22936 This attribute is @code{True} if the breakpoint is silent, and
22937 @code{False} otherwise. This attribute is writable.
22938
22939 Note that a breakpoint can also be silent if it has commands and the
22940 first command is @code{silent}. This is not reported by the
22941 @code{silent} attribute.
22942 @end defivar
22943
22944 @defivar Breakpoint thread
22945 If the breakpoint is thread-specific, this attribute holds the thread
22946 id. If the breakpoint is not thread-specific, this attribute is
22947 @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
22948 @end defivar
22949
22950 @defivar Breakpoint task
22951 If the breakpoint is Ada task-specific, this attribute holds the Ada task
22952 id. If the breakpoint is not task-specific (or the underlying
22953 language is not Ada), this attribute is @code{None}. This attribute
22954 is writable.
22955 @end defivar
22956
22957 @defivar Breakpoint ignore_count
22958 This attribute holds the ignore count for the breakpoint, an integer.
22959 This attribute is writable.
22960 @end defivar
22961
22962 @defivar Breakpoint number
22963 This attribute holds the breakpoint's number --- the identifier used by
22964 the user to manipulate the breakpoint. This attribute is not writable.
22965 @end defivar
22966
22967 @defivar Breakpoint type
22968 This attribute holds the breakpoint's type --- the identifier used to
22969 determine the actual breakpoint type or use-case. This attribute is not
22970 writable.
22971 @end defivar
22972
22973 @defivar Breakpoint visible
22974 This attribute tells whether the breakpoint is visible to the user
22975 when set, or when the @samp{info breakpoints} command is run. This
22976 attribute is not writable.
22977 @end defivar
22978
22979 The available types are represented by constants defined in the @code{gdb}
22980 module:
22981
22982 @table @code
22983 @findex BP_BREAKPOINT
22984 @findex gdb.BP_BREAKPOINT
22985 @item BP_BREAKPOINT
22986 Normal code breakpoint.
22987
22988 @findex BP_WATCHPOINT
22989 @findex gdb.BP_WATCHPOINT
22990 @item BP_WATCHPOINT
22991 Watchpoint breakpoint.
22992
22993 @findex BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
22994 @findex gdb.BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
22995 @item BP_HARDWARE_WATCHPOINT
22996 Hardware assisted watchpoint.
22997
22998 @findex BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
22999 @findex gdb.BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
23000 @item BP_READ_WATCHPOINT
23001 Hardware assisted read watchpoint.
23002
23003 @findex BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
23004 @findex gdb.BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
23005 @item BP_ACCESS_WATCHPOINT
23006 Hardware assisted access watchpoint.
23007 @end table
23008
23009 @defivar Breakpoint hit_count
23010 This attribute holds the hit count for the breakpoint, an integer.
23011 This attribute is writable, but currently it can only be set to zero.
23012 @end defivar
23013
23014 @defivar Breakpoint location
23015 This attribute holds the location of the breakpoint, as specified by
23016 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have a location
23017 (that is, it is a watchpoint) the attribute's value is @code{None}. This
23018 attribute is not writable.
23019 @end defivar
23020
23021 @defivar Breakpoint expression
23022 This attribute holds a breakpoint expression, as specified by
23023 the user. It is a string. If the breakpoint does not have an
23024 expression (the breakpoint is not a watchpoint) the attribute's value
23025 is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
23026 @end defivar
23027
23028 @defivar Breakpoint condition
23029 This attribute holds the condition of the breakpoint, as specified by
23030 the user. It is a string. If there is no condition, this attribute's
23031 value is @code{None}. This attribute is writable.
23032 @end defivar
23033
23034 @defivar Breakpoint commands
23035 This attribute holds the commands attached to the breakpoint. If
23036 there are commands, this attribute's value is a string holding all the
23037 commands, separated by newlines. If there are no commands, this
23038 attribute is @code{None}. This attribute is not writable.
23039 @end defivar
23040
23041 @node Lazy Strings In Python
23042 @subsubsection Python representation of lazy strings.
23043
23044 @cindex lazy strings in python
23045 @tindex gdb.LazyString
23046
23047 A @dfn{lazy string} is a string whose contents is not retrieved or
23048 encoded until it is needed.
23049
23050 A @code{gdb.LazyString} is represented in @value{GDBN} as an
23051 @code{address} that points to a region of memory, an @code{encoding}
23052 that will be used to encode that region of memory, and a @code{length}
23053 to delimit the region of memory that represents the string. The
23054 difference between a @code{gdb.LazyString} and a string wrapped within
23055 a @code{gdb.Value} is that a @code{gdb.LazyString} will be treated
23056 differently by @value{GDBN} when printing. A @code{gdb.LazyString} is
23057 retrieved and encoded during printing, while a @code{gdb.Value}
23058 wrapping a string is immediately retrieved and encoded on creation.
23059
23060 A @code{gdb.LazyString} object has the following functions:
23061
23062 @defmethod LazyString value
23063 Convert the @code{gdb.LazyString} to a @code{gdb.Value}. This value
23064 will point to the string in memory, but will lose all the delayed
23065 retrieval, encoding and handling that @value{GDBN} applies to a
23066 @code{gdb.LazyString}.
23067 @end defmethod
23068
23069 @defivar LazyString address
23070 This attribute holds the address of the string. This attribute is not
23071 writable.
23072 @end defivar
23073
23074 @defivar LazyString length
23075 This attribute holds the length of the string in characters. If the
23076 length is -1, then the string will be fetched and encoded up to the
23077 first null of appropriate width. This attribute is not writable.
23078 @end defivar
23079
23080 @defivar LazyString encoding
23081 This attribute holds the encoding that will be applied to the string
23082 when the string is printed by @value{GDBN}. If the encoding is not
23083 set, or contains an empty string, then @value{GDBN} will select the
23084 most appropriate encoding when the string is printed. This attribute
23085 is not writable.
23086 @end defivar
23087
23088 @defivar LazyString type
23089 This attribute holds the type that is represented by the lazy string's
23090 type. For a lazy string this will always be a pointer type. To
23091 resolve this to the lazy string's character type, use the type's
23092 @code{target} method. @xref{Types In Python}. This attribute is not
23093 writable.
23094 @end defivar
23095
23096 @node Auto-loading
23097 @subsection Auto-loading
23098 @cindex auto-loading, Python
23099
23100 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
23101 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
23102 @value{GDBN} will look for Python support scripts in several ways:
23103 @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} and @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section.
23104
23105 @menu
23106 * objfile-gdb.py file:: The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
23107 * .debug_gdb_scripts section:: The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
23108 * Which flavor to choose?::
23109 @end menu
23110
23111 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
23112 debugging commands and scripts.
23113
23114 Auto-loading can be enabled or disabled.
23115
23116 @table @code
23117 @kindex maint set python auto-load
23118 @item maint set python auto-load [yes|no]
23119 Enable or disable the Python auto-loading feature.
23120
23121 @kindex maint show python auto-load
23122 @item maint show python auto-load
23123 Show whether Python auto-loading is enabled or disabled.
23124 @end table
23125
23126 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the
23127 @dfn{current objfile}. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
23128 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
23129 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers.
23130
23131 @node objfile-gdb.py file
23132 @subsubsection The @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py} file
23133 @cindex @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py}
23134
23135 When a new object file is read, @value{GDBN} looks for
23136 a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py},
23137 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
23138 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
23139 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
23140 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
23141
23142 If this file does not exist, and if the parameter
23143 @code{debug-file-directory} is set (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}),
23144 then @value{GDBN} will look for @var{real-name} in all of the
23145 directories mentioned in the value of @code{debug-file-directory}.
23146
23147 Finally, if this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
23148 a file named @file{@var{data-directory}/python/auto-load/@var{real-name}}, where
23149 @var{data-directory} is @value{GDBN}'s data directory (available via
23150 @code{show data-directory}, @pxref{Data Files}), and @var{real-name}
23151 is the object file's real name, as described above.
23152
23153 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded this way.
23154 @value{GDBN} will load the associated script every time the corresponding
23155 @var{objfile} is opened.
23156 So your @file{-gdb.py} file should be careful to avoid errors if it
23157 is evaluated more than once.
23158
23159 @node .debug_gdb_scripts section
23160 @subsubsection The @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
23161 @cindex @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section
23162
23163 For systems using file formats like ELF and COFF,
23164 when @value{GDBN} loads a new object file
23165 it will look for a special section named @samp{.debug_gdb_scripts}.
23166 If this section exists, its contents is a list of names of scripts to load.
23167
23168 @value{GDBN} will look for each specified script file first in the
23169 current directory and then along the source search path
23170 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}),
23171 except that @file{$cdir} is not searched, since the compilation
23172 directory is not relevant to scripts.
23173
23174 Entries can be placed in section @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} with,
23175 for example, this GCC macro:
23176
23177 @example
23178 /* Note: The "MS" section flags are to remove duplicates. */
23179 #define DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT(script_name) \
23180 asm("\
23181 .pushsection \".debug_gdb_scripts\", \"MS\",@@progbits,1\n\
23182 .byte 1\n\
23183 .asciz \"" script_name "\"\n\
23184 .popsection \n\
23185 ");
23186 @end example
23187
23188 @noindent
23189 Then one can reference the macro in a header or source file like this:
23190
23191 @example
23192 DEFINE_GDB_SCRIPT ("my-app-scripts.py")
23193 @end example
23194
23195 The script name may include directories if desired.
23196
23197 If the macro is put in a header, any application or library
23198 using this header will get a reference to the specified script.
23199
23200 @node Which flavor to choose?
23201 @subsubsection Which flavor to choose?
23202
23203 Given the multiple ways of auto-loading Python scripts, it might not always
23204 be clear which one to choose. This section provides some guidance.
23205
23206 Benefits of the @file{-gdb.py} way:
23207
23208 @itemize @bullet
23209 @item
23210 Can be used with file formats that don't support multiple sections.
23211
23212 @item
23213 Ease of finding scripts for public libraries.
23214
23215 Scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section are searched for
23216 in the source search path.
23217 For publicly installed libraries, e.g., @file{libstdc++}, there typically
23218 isn't a source directory in which to find the script.
23219
23220 @item
23221 Doesn't require source code additions.
23222 @end itemize
23223
23224 Benefits of the @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} way:
23225
23226 @itemize @bullet
23227 @item
23228 Works with static linking.
23229
23230 Scripts for libraries done the @file{-gdb.py} way require an objfile to
23231 trigger their loading. When an application is statically linked the only
23232 objfile available is the executable, and it is cumbersome to attach all the
23233 scripts from all the input libraries to the executable's @file{-gdb.py} script.
23234
23235 @item
23236 Works with classes that are entirely inlined.
23237
23238 Some classes can be entirely inlined, and thus there may not be an associated
23239 shared library to attach a @file{-gdb.py} script to.
23240
23241 @item
23242 Scripts needn't be copied out of the source tree.
23243
23244 In some circumstances, apps can be built out of large collections of internal
23245 libraries, and the build infrastructure necessary to install the
23246 @file{-gdb.py} scripts in a place where @value{GDBN} can find them is
23247 cumbersome. It may be easier to specify the scripts in the
23248 @code{.debug_gdb_scripts} section as relative paths, and add a path to the
23249 top of the source tree to the source search path.
23250 @end itemize
23251
23252 @node Python modules
23253 @subsection Python modules
23254 @cindex python modules
23255
23256 @value{GDBN} comes with a module to assist writing Python code.
23257
23258 @menu
23259 * gdb.printing:: Building and registering pretty-printers.
23260 * gdb.types:: Utilities for working with types.
23261 @end menu
23262
23263 @node gdb.printing
23264 @subsubsection gdb.printing
23265 @cindex gdb.printing
23266
23267 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
23268 pretty-printers.
23269
23270 @table @code
23271 @item PrettyPrinter (@var{name}, @var{subprinters}=None)
23272 This class specifies the API that makes @samp{info pretty-printer},
23273 @samp{enable pretty-printer} and @samp{disable pretty-printer} work.
23274 Pretty-printers should generally inherit from this class.
23275
23276 @item SubPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
23277 For printers that handle multiple types, this class specifies the
23278 corresponding API for the subprinters.
23279
23280 @item RegexpCollectionPrettyPrinter (@var{name})
23281 Utility class for handling multiple printers, all recognized via
23282 regular expressions.
23283 @xref{Writing a Pretty-Printer}, for an example.
23284
23285 @item register_pretty_printer (@var{obj}, @var{printer})
23286 Register @var{printer} with the pretty-printer list of @var{obj}.
23287 @end table
23288
23289 @node gdb.types
23290 @subsubsection gdb.types
23291 @cindex gdb.types
23292
23293 This module provides a collection of utilities for working with
23294 @code{gdb.Types} objects.
23295
23296 @table @code
23297 @item get_basic_type (@var{type})
23298 Return @var{type} with const and volatile qualifiers stripped,
23299 and with typedefs and C@t{++} references converted to the underlying type.
23300
23301 C@t{++} example:
23302
23303 @smallexample
23304 typedef const int const_int;
23305 const_int foo (3);
23306 const_int& foo_ref (foo);
23307 int main () @{ return 0; @}
23308 @end smallexample
23309
23310 Then in gdb:
23311
23312 @smallexample
23313 (gdb) start
23314 (gdb) python import gdb.types
23315 (gdb) python foo_ref = gdb.parse_and_eval("foo_ref")
23316 (gdb) python print gdb.types.get_basic_type(foo_ref.type)
23317 int
23318 @end smallexample
23319
23320 @item has_field (@var{type}, @var{field})
23321 Return @code{True} if @var{type}, assumed to be a type with fields
23322 (e.g., a structure or union), has field @var{field}.
23323
23324 @item make_enum_dict (@var{enum_type})
23325 Return a Python @code{dictionary} type produced from @var{enum_type}.
23326 @end table
23327
23328 @node Interpreters
23329 @chapter Command Interpreters
23330 @cindex command interpreters
23331
23332 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
23333 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
23334 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
23335
23336 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
23337 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
23338 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
23339 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
23340
23341 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
23342 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
23343 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
23344 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
23345
23346 @table @code
23347 @item console
23348 @cindex console interpreter
23349 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
23350 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
23351 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
23352
23353 @item mi
23354 @cindex mi interpreter
23355 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
23356 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
23357 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
23358 Interface}.
23359
23360 @item mi2
23361 @cindex mi2 interpreter
23362 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
23363
23364 @item mi1
23365 @cindex mi1 interpreter
23366 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
23367
23368 @end table
23369
23370 @cindex invoke another interpreter
23371 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
23372 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
23373 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
23374 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
23375 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
23376 the IDE inoperable!
23377
23378 @kindex interpreter-exec
23379 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
23380 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
23381 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
23382 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
23383
23384 @smallexample
23385 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
23386 @end smallexample
23387
23388 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
23389 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
23390
23391 @node TUI
23392 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
23393 @cindex TUI
23394 @cindex Text User Interface
23395
23396 @menu
23397 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
23398 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
23399 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
23400 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
23401 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
23402 @end menu
23403
23404 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
23405 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
23406 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
23407 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
23408 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
23409 is available.
23410
23411 @pindex @value{GDBTUI}
23412 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
23413 either @samp{@value{GDBTUI}} or @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
23414 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
23415 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
23416 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
23417
23418 @node TUI Overview
23419 @section TUI Overview
23420
23421 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
23422
23423 @table @emph
23424 @item command
23425 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
23426 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
23427 managed using readline.
23428
23429 @item source
23430 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
23431 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
23432
23433 @item assembly
23434 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
23435
23436 @item register
23437 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
23438 when their values change.
23439 @end table
23440
23441 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
23442 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
23443 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
23444 indicates the breakpoint type:
23445
23446 @table @code
23447 @item B
23448 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
23449
23450 @item b
23451 Breakpoint which was never hit.
23452
23453 @item H
23454 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
23455
23456 @item h
23457 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
23458 @end table
23459
23460 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
23461
23462 @table @code
23463 @item +
23464 Breakpoint is enabled.
23465
23466 @item -
23467 Breakpoint is disabled.
23468 @end table
23469
23470 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
23471 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
23472 changes.
23473
23474 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
23475 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
23476 layouts:
23477
23478 @itemize @bullet
23479 @item
23480 source only,
23481
23482 @item
23483 assembly only,
23484
23485 @item
23486 source and assembly,
23487
23488 @item
23489 source and registers, or
23490
23491 @item
23492 assembly and registers.
23493 @end itemize
23494
23495 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
23496
23497 @table @emph
23498 @item target
23499 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
23500 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
23501
23502 @item process
23503 Gives the current process or thread number.
23504 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
23505
23506 @item function
23507 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
23508 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
23509 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
23510 the string @code{??} is displayed.
23511
23512 @item line
23513 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
23514 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
23515
23516 @item pc
23517 Indicates the current program counter address.
23518 @end table
23519
23520 @node TUI Keys
23521 @section TUI Key Bindings
23522 @cindex TUI key bindings
23523
23524 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
23525 @ifset SYSTEM_READLINE
23526 (@pxref{Command Line Editing, , , rluserman, GNU Readline Library}).
23527 @end ifset
23528 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
23529 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}).
23530 @end ifclear
23531 The following key bindings are installed for both TUI mode and the
23532 @value{GDBN} standard mode.
23533
23534 @table @kbd
23535 @kindex C-x C-a
23536 @item C-x C-a
23537 @kindex C-x a
23538 @itemx C-x a
23539 @kindex C-x A
23540 @itemx C-x A
23541 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
23542 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
23543 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
23544 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
23545 The screen is then refreshed.
23546
23547 @kindex C-x 1
23548 @item C-x 1
23549 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
23550 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
23551 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
23552
23553 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
23554
23555 @kindex C-x 2
23556 @item C-x 2
23557 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
23558 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
23559 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
23560 previous layout and the new one.
23561
23562 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
23563
23564 @kindex C-x o
23565 @item C-x o
23566 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
23567 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
23568 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
23569
23570 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
23571
23572 @kindex C-x s
23573 @item C-x s
23574 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
23575 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
23576 @end table
23577
23578 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
23579
23580 @table @asis
23581 @kindex PgUp
23582 @item @key{PgUp}
23583 Scroll the active window one page up.
23584
23585 @kindex PgDn
23586 @item @key{PgDn}
23587 Scroll the active window one page down.
23588
23589 @kindex Up
23590 @item @key{Up}
23591 Scroll the active window one line up.
23592
23593 @kindex Down
23594 @item @key{Down}
23595 Scroll the active window one line down.
23596
23597 @kindex Left
23598 @item @key{Left}
23599 Scroll the active window one column left.
23600
23601 @kindex Right
23602 @item @key{Right}
23603 Scroll the active window one column right.
23604
23605 @kindex C-L
23606 @item @kbd{C-L}
23607 Refresh the screen.
23608 @end table
23609
23610 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
23611 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
23612 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
23613 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
23614 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
23615
23616 @node TUI Single Key Mode
23617 @section TUI Single Key Mode
23618 @cindex TUI single key mode
23619
23620 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
23621 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
23622 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
23623
23624 @table @kbd
23625 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23626 @item c
23627 continue
23628
23629 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23630 @item d
23631 down
23632
23633 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23634 @item f
23635 finish
23636
23637 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23638 @item n
23639 next
23640
23641 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23642 @item q
23643 exit the SingleKey mode.
23644
23645 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23646 @item r
23647 run
23648
23649 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23650 @item s
23651 step
23652
23653 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23654 @item u
23655 up
23656
23657 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23658 @item v
23659 info locals
23660
23661 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
23662 @item w
23663 where
23664 @end table
23665
23666 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
23667 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
23668 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
23669 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
23670 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
23671 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
23672
23673
23674 @node TUI Commands
23675 @section TUI-specific Commands
23676 @cindex TUI commands
23677
23678 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
23679 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
23680 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
23681 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
23682
23683 Note that if @value{GDBN}'s @code{stdout} is not connected to a
23684 terminal, or @value{GDBN} has been started with the machine interface
23685 interpreter (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}), most of
23686 these commands will fail with an error, because it would not be
23687 possible or desirable to enable curses window management.
23688
23689 @table @code
23690 @item info win
23691 @kindex info win
23692 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
23693
23694 @item layout next
23695 @kindex layout
23696 Display the next layout.
23697
23698 @item layout prev
23699 Display the previous layout.
23700
23701 @item layout src
23702 Display the source window only.
23703
23704 @item layout asm
23705 Display the assembly window only.
23706
23707 @item layout split
23708 Display the source and assembly window.
23709
23710 @item layout regs
23711 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
23712
23713 @item focus next
23714 @kindex focus
23715 Make the next window active for scrolling.
23716
23717 @item focus prev
23718 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
23719
23720 @item focus src
23721 Make the source window active for scrolling.
23722
23723 @item focus asm
23724 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
23725
23726 @item focus regs
23727 Make the register window active for scrolling.
23728
23729 @item focus cmd
23730 Make the command window active for scrolling.
23731
23732 @item refresh
23733 @kindex refresh
23734 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
23735
23736 @item tui reg float
23737 @kindex tui reg
23738 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
23739
23740 @item tui reg general
23741 Show the general registers in the register window.
23742
23743 @item tui reg next
23744 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
23745 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
23746 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
23747 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
23748
23749 @item tui reg system
23750 Show the system registers in the register window.
23751
23752 @item update
23753 @kindex update
23754 Update the source window and the current execution point.
23755
23756 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
23757 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
23758 @kindex winheight
23759 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
23760 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
23761 decrease it.
23762
23763 @item tabset @var{nchars}
23764 @kindex tabset
23765 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
23766 @end table
23767
23768 @node TUI Configuration
23769 @section TUI Configuration Variables
23770 @cindex TUI configuration variables
23771
23772 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
23773
23774 @table @code
23775 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
23776 @kindex set tui border-kind
23777 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
23778 The possible values are the following:
23779 @table @code
23780 @item space
23781 Use a space character to draw the border.
23782
23783 @item ascii
23784 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
23785
23786 @item acs
23787 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
23788 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
23789 @end table
23790
23791 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
23792 @kindex set tui border-mode
23793 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
23794 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
23795 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
23796 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
23797 @table @code
23798 @item normal
23799 Use normal attributes to display the border.
23800
23801 @item standout
23802 Use standout mode.
23803
23804 @item reverse
23805 Use reverse video mode.
23806
23807 @item half
23808 Use half bright mode.
23809
23810 @item half-standout
23811 Use half bright and standout mode.
23812
23813 @item bold
23814 Use extra bright or bold mode.
23815
23816 @item bold-standout
23817 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
23818 @end table
23819 @end table
23820
23821 @node Emacs
23822 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
23823
23824 @cindex Emacs
23825 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
23826 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
23827 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
23828 @value{GDBN}.
23829
23830 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
23831 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
23832 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
23833 created Emacs buffer.
23834 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
23835
23836 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
23837 things:
23838
23839 @itemize @bullet
23840 @item
23841 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
23842 the GUD buffer.
23843
23844 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
23845 and output done by the program you are debugging.
23846
23847 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
23848 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
23849 in this way.
23850
23851 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
23852 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
23853 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
23854 stop.
23855
23856 @item
23857 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
23858
23859 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
23860 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
23861 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
23862 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
23863 and the source.
23864
23865 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
23866 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
23867 @end itemize
23868
23869 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
23870 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
23871 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
23872 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
23873
23874 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
23875 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
23876 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
23877 sets your current working directory to to the directory associated
23878 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
23879 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
23880 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
23881 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
23882 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
23883
23884 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
23885 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
23886 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
23887 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
23888
23889 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
23890 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
23891 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
23892 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
23893 one you want.
23894
23895 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
23896 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
23897
23898 @table @kbd
23899 @item C-h m
23900 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
23901
23902 @item C-c C-s
23903 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
23904 update the display window to show the current file and location.
23905
23906 @item C-c C-n
23907 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
23908 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
23909 to show the current file and location.
23910
23911 @item C-c C-i
23912 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
23913 display window accordingly.
23914
23915 @item C-c C-f
23916 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
23917 @code{finish} command.
23918
23919 @item C-c C-r
23920 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
23921 command.
23922
23923 @item C-c <
23924 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
23925 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
23926 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
23927
23928 @item C-c >
23929 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
23930 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
23931 @end table
23932
23933 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
23934 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
23935
23936 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
23937 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
23938 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
23939 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
23940 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
23941 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
23942 speedbar displays watch expressions.
23943
23944 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
23945 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
23946 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
23947 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
23948 frame.
23949
23950 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
23951 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
23952 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
23953 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
23954 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
23955 to correspond properly with the code.
23956
23957 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
23958 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
23959 Emacs Manual}).
23960
23961 @c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
23962 @c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
23963 @ignore
23964 @kindex Emacs Epoch environment
23965 @kindex Epoch
23966 @kindex inspect
23967
23968 Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
23969 called the @code{epoch}
23970 environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
23971 @code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
23972 each value is printed in its own window.
23973 @end ignore
23974
23975
23976 @node GDB/MI
23977 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
23978
23979 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
23980
23981 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
23982 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
23983 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
23984 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
23985 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
23986 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
23987
23988 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
23989 in the form of a reference manual.
23990
23991 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
23992 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
23993 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
23994
23995 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
23996
23997 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
23998 This chapter uses the following notation:
23999
24000 @itemize @bullet
24001 @item
24002 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
24003
24004 @item
24005 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
24006 it may or may not be given.
24007
24008 @item
24009 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
24010 may repeat zero or more times.
24011
24012 @item
24013 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
24014 may repeat one or more times.
24015
24016 @item
24017 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
24018 @end itemize
24019
24020 @ignore
24021 @heading Dependencies
24022 @end ignore
24023
24024 @menu
24025 * GDB/MI General Design::
24026 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
24027 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
24028 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
24029 * GDB/MI Output Records::
24030 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
24031 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
24032 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
24033 * GDB/MI Program Context::
24034 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
24035 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
24036 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
24037 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
24038 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
24039 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
24040 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
24041 * GDB/MI File Commands::
24042 @ignore
24043 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
24044 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
24045 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
24046 @end ignore
24047 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
24048 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
24049 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
24050 @end menu
24051
24052 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24053 @node GDB/MI General Design
24054 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
24055 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
24056
24057 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
24058 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
24059 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
24060 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
24061 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
24062 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
24063 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
24064 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
24065 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
24066 a command and reported as part of that command response.
24067
24068 The important examples of notifications are:
24069 @itemize @bullet
24070
24071 @item
24072 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
24073 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
24074 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
24075 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
24076 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
24077 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
24078 command itself was successfully executed.
24079
24080 @item
24081 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
24082 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
24083 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
24084 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
24085 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
24086 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
24087
24088 @item
24089 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
24090 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
24091 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
24092 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
24093 orthogonal frontend design.
24094
24095 @end itemize
24096
24097 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
24098 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
24099 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
24100 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
24101 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
24102 the user interface.
24103
24104
24105 @menu
24106 * Context management::
24107 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
24108 * Thread groups::
24109 @end menu
24110
24111 @node Context management
24112 @subsection Context management
24113
24114 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
24115 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
24116 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
24117 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
24118 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
24119 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
24120 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
24121 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
24122 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
24123
24124 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
24125 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
24126 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
24127 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
24128 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
24129 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
24130 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
24131 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
24132 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
24133 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
24134 for thread and frame to operate on.
24135
24136 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
24137 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
24138 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
24139 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
24140 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
24141 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
24142 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
24143 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
24144 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
24145 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
24146
24147 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
24148 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
24149 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
24150 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
24151 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
24152 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
24153 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
24154 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
24155 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
24156 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
24157 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
24158 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
24159 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
24160 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
24161 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
24162 @samp{--frame} options.
24163
24164 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
24165 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
24166
24167 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
24168 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
24169 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
24170 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
24171 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
24172 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
24173 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
24174 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
24175 @code{-list-target-features} command.
24176
24177 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
24178 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
24179 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
24180 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
24181 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
24182 are running.
24183
24184 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
24185 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
24186 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
24187 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
24188 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
24189 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
24190 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
24191 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
24192 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
24193 @samp{--thread} option).
24194
24195 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
24196 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
24197 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
24198 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
24199
24200 @node Thread groups
24201 @subsection Thread groups
24202 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
24203 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
24204 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
24205 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
24206 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
24207
24208 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
24209 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
24210 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
24211 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
24212 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
24213 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
24214 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
24215 into processes.
24216
24217 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
24218 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
24219 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
24220 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
24221 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
24222 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
24223 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
24224 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
24225 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
24226 the members of specific thread group.
24227
24228 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
24229 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
24230 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
24231 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
24232 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
24233 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
24234 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
24235 after attaching to that thread group.
24236
24237 Thread groups are related to inferiors (@pxref{Inferiors and
24238 Programs}). Each inferior corresponds to a thread group of a special
24239 type @samp{process}, and some additional operations are permitted on
24240 such thread groups.
24241
24242 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24243 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
24244 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
24245
24246 @menu
24247 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
24248 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
24249 @end menu
24250
24251 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
24252 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
24253
24254 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
24255 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
24256 @table @code
24257 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
24258 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
24259
24260 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
24261 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
24262 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
24263
24264 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
24265 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
24266 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
24267
24268 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
24269 "any sequence of digits"
24270
24271 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
24272 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
24273
24274 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
24275 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
24276
24277 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
24278 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
24279
24280 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
24281 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
24282 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
24283
24284 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
24285 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
24286
24287 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
24288 @code{CR | CR-LF}
24289 @end table
24290
24291 @noindent
24292 Notes:
24293
24294 @itemize @bullet
24295 @item
24296 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
24297 output is described below.
24298
24299 @item
24300 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
24301 finishes.
24302
24303 @item
24304 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
24305 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
24306 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
24307 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
24308 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
24309 @end itemize
24310
24311 Pragmatics:
24312
24313 @itemize @bullet
24314 @item
24315 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
24316
24317 @item
24318 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
24319 @end itemize
24320
24321 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
24322 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
24323
24324 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
24325 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
24326 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
24327 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
24328 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
24329 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
24330
24331 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
24332 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
24333 @var{token}.
24334
24335 @table @code
24336 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
24337 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
24338
24339 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
24340 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
24341
24342 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
24343 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
24344
24345 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
24346 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
24347
24348 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
24349 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
24350
24351 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
24352 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
24353
24354 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
24355 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
24356
24357 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
24358 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
24359
24360 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
24361 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
24362
24363 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
24364 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
24365 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
24366
24367 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
24368 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
24369
24370 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
24371 @code{ @var{string} }
24372
24373 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
24374 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
24375
24376 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
24377 @code{@var{c-string}}
24378
24379 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
24380 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
24381
24382 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
24383 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
24384 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
24385
24386 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
24387 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
24388
24389 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
24390 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
24391
24392 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
24393 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
24394
24395 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
24396 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
24397
24398 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
24399 @code{CR | CR-LF}
24400
24401 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
24402 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
24403 @end table
24404
24405 @noindent
24406 Notes:
24407
24408 @itemize @bullet
24409 @item
24410 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
24411
24412 @item
24413 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
24414 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
24415 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
24416 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
24417 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
24418 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
24419 prior command.
24420
24421 @item
24422 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24423 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
24424 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
24425 prefixed by @samp{+}.
24426
24427 @item
24428 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24429 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
24430 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
24431 @samp{*}.
24432
24433 @item
24434 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24435 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
24436 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
24437 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
24438
24439 @item
24440 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24441 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
24442 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
24443 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
24444
24445 @item
24446 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24447 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
24448 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
24449
24450 @item
24451 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24452 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
24453 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
24454 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
24455
24456 @item
24457 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
24458 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
24459 @var{values}.
24460
24461
24462 @end itemize
24463
24464 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
24465 details about the various output records.
24466
24467 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24468 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
24469 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
24470
24471 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
24472 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
24473
24474 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
24475 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
24476 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
24477 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
24478 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
24479 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
24480
24481 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
24482 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
24483 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
24484
24485 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24486 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
24487 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
24488 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
24489
24490 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
24491 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
24492
24493 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
24494 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
24495 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
24496 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
24497 might change.
24498
24499 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
24500 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
24501 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
24502 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
24503
24504 @itemize @bullet
24505 @item
24506 New MI commands may be added.
24507
24508 @item
24509 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
24510
24511 @item
24512 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
24513 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
24514
24515 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
24516 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
24517
24518 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
24519 @c resolve inconsistencies.
24520 @end itemize
24521
24522 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
24523 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
24524 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
24525 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
24526 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
24527
24528 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
24529 @c version?
24530
24531 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
24532 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
24533 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
24534 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
24535 @cindex mailing lists
24536
24537 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24538 @node GDB/MI Output Records
24539 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
24540
24541 @menu
24542 * GDB/MI Result Records::
24543 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
24544 * GDB/MI Async Records::
24545 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
24546 * GDB/MI Thread Information::
24547 @end menu
24548
24549 @node GDB/MI Result Records
24550 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
24551
24552 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
24553 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
24554 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
24555 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
24556
24557 @table @code
24558 @findex ^done
24559 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
24560 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
24561 values.
24562
24563 @item "^running"
24564 @findex ^running
24565 This result record is equivalent to @samp{^done}. Historically, it
24566 was output instead of @samp{^done} if the command has resumed the
24567 target. This behaviour is maintained for backward compatibility, but
24568 all frontends should treat @samp{^done} and @samp{^running}
24569 identically and rely on the @samp{*running} output record to determine
24570 which threads are resumed.
24571
24572 @item "^connected"
24573 @findex ^connected
24574 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
24575
24576 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
24577 @findex ^error
24578 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
24579 error message.
24580
24581 @item "^exit"
24582 @findex ^exit
24583 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
24584
24585 @end table
24586
24587 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
24588 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
24589
24590 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
24591 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
24592 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
24593 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
24594 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
24595
24596 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
24597 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
24598 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
24599 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
24600 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
24601
24602 @table @code
24603 @item "~" @var{string-output}
24604 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
24605 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
24606
24607 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
24608 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
24609 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
24610 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
24611
24612 @item "&" @var{string-output}
24613 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
24614 internals.
24615 @end table
24616
24617 @node GDB/MI Async Records
24618 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
24619
24620 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
24621 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
24622 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
24623 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
24624 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
24625 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
24626
24627 The following is the list of possible async records:
24628
24629 @table @code
24630
24631 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
24632 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
24633 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
24634 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
24635 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
24636 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
24637 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
24638 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
24639 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
24640 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
24641
24642 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}",core="@var{core}"
24643 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
24644 following values:
24645
24646 @table @code
24647 @item breakpoint-hit
24648 A breakpoint was reached.
24649 @item watchpoint-trigger
24650 A watchpoint was triggered.
24651 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
24652 A read watchpoint was triggered.
24653 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
24654 An access watchpoint was triggered.
24655 @item function-finished
24656 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
24657 @item location-reached
24658 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
24659 @item watchpoint-scope
24660 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
24661 @item end-stepping-range
24662 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
24663 similar CLI command was accomplished.
24664 @item exited-signalled
24665 The inferior exited because of a signal.
24666 @item exited
24667 The inferior exited.
24668 @item exited-normally
24669 The inferior exited normally.
24670 @item signal-received
24671 A signal was received by the inferior.
24672 @end table
24673
24674 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
24675 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
24676 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
24677 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
24678 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
24679 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
24680 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
24681 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
24682 several threads in the list. The @var{core} field reports the
24683 processor core on which the stop event has happened. This field may be absent
24684 if such information is not available.
24685
24686 @item =thread-group-added,id="@var{id}"
24687 @itemx =thread-group-removed,id="@var{id}"
24688 A thread group was either added or removed. The @var{id} field
24689 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. When a thread
24690 group is added, it generally might not be associated with a running
24691 process. When a thread group is removed, its id becomes invalid and
24692 cannot be used in any way.
24693
24694 @item =thread-group-started,id="@var{id}",pid="@var{pid}"
24695 A thread group became associated with a running program,
24696 either because the program was just started or the thread group
24697 was attached to a program. The @var{id} field contains the
24698 @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread group. The @var{pid} field
24699 contains process identifier, specific to the operating system.
24700
24701 @itemx =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"
24702 A thread group is no longer associated with a running program,
24703 either because the program has exited, or because it was detached
24704 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
24705 thread group.
24706
24707 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
24708 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
24709 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
24710 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
24711 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
24712
24713 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
24714 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
24715 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
24716 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
24717 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
24718 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
24719 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
24720
24721 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
24722 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
24723 that thread.
24724
24725 @item =library-loaded,...
24726 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
24727 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
24728 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
24729 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
24730 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
24731 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
24732 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
24733 @var{symbols-loaded} field reports if the debug symbols for this
24734 library are loaded. The @var{thread-group} field, if present,
24735 specifies the id of the thread group in whose context the library was loaded.
24736 If the field is absent, it means the library was loaded in the context
24737 of all present thread groups.
24738
24739 @item =library-unloaded,...
24740 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
24741 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
24742 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification.
24743 The @var{thread-group} field, if present, specifies the id of the
24744 thread group in whose context the library was unloaded. If the field is
24745 absent, it means the library was unloaded in the context of all present
24746 thread groups.
24747
24748 @end table
24749
24750 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
24751 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
24752
24753 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
24754 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
24755 fields:
24756
24757 @table @code
24758 @item level
24759 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
24760 zero. This field is always present.
24761
24762 @item func
24763 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
24764 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
24765
24766 @item addr
24767 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
24768
24769 @item file
24770 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
24771 address. This field may be absent.
24772
24773 @item line
24774 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
24775 may be absent.
24776
24777 @item from
24778 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
24779 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
24780
24781 @end table
24782
24783 @node GDB/MI Thread Information
24784 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Information
24785
24786 Whenever @value{GDBN} has to report an information about a thread, it
24787 uses a tuple with the following fields:
24788
24789 @table @code
24790 @item id
24791 The numeric id assigned to the thread by @value{GDBN}. This field is
24792 always present.
24793
24794 @item target-id
24795 Target-specific string identifying the thread. This field is always present.
24796
24797 @item details
24798 Additional information about the thread provided by the target.
24799 It is supposed to be human-readable and not interpreted by the
24800 frontend. This field is optional.
24801
24802 @item state
24803 Either @samp{stopped} or @samp{running}, depending on whether the
24804 thread is presently running. This field is always present.
24805
24806 @item core
24807 The value of this field is an integer number of the processor core the
24808 thread was last seen on. This field is optional.
24809 @end table
24810
24811
24812 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24813 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
24814 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
24815 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
24816
24817 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
24818 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
24819 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
24820 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
24821
24822 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
24823 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
24824
24825 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
24826
24827 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
24828 information of the breakpoint.
24829
24830 @smallexample
24831 -> -break-insert main
24832 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
24833 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
24834 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
24835 <- (gdb)
24836 @end smallexample
24837
24838 @subheading Program Execution
24839
24840 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
24841 reason that execution stopped.
24842
24843 @smallexample
24844 -> -exec-run
24845 <- ^running
24846 <- (gdb)
24847 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
24848 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
24849 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
24850 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
24851 <- (gdb)
24852 -> -exec-continue
24853 <- ^running
24854 <- (gdb)
24855 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
24856 <- (gdb)
24857 @end smallexample
24858
24859 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
24860
24861 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
24862
24863 @smallexample
24864 -> (gdb)
24865 <- -gdb-exit
24866 <- ^exit
24867 @end smallexample
24868
24869 Please note that @samp{^exit} is printed immediately, but it might
24870 take some time for @value{GDBN} to actually exit. During that time, @value{GDBN}
24871 performs necessary cleanups, including killing programs being debugged
24872 or disconnecting from debug hardware, so the frontend should wait till
24873 @value{GDBN} exits and should only forcibly kill @value{GDBN} if it
24874 fails to exit in reasonable time.
24875
24876 @subheading A Bad Command
24877
24878 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
24879
24880 @smallexample
24881 -> -rubbish
24882 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
24883 <- (gdb)
24884 @end smallexample
24885
24886
24887 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24888 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
24889 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
24890
24891 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
24892 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
24893
24894 @subheading Motivation
24895
24896 The motivation for this collection of commands.
24897
24898 @subheading Introduction
24899
24900 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
24901
24902 @subheading Commands
24903
24904 For each command in the block, the following is described:
24905
24906 @subsubheading Synopsis
24907
24908 @smallexample
24909 -command @var{args}@dots{}
24910 @end smallexample
24911
24912 @subsubheading Result
24913
24914 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24915
24916 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
24917
24918 @subsubheading Example
24919
24920 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
24921 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
24922
24923
24924 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24925 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
24926 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
24927
24928 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
24929 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
24930 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
24931 breakpoints.
24932
24933 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
24934 @findex -break-after
24935
24936 @subsubheading Synopsis
24937
24938 @smallexample
24939 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
24940 @end smallexample
24941
24942 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
24943 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
24944 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
24945 @samp{-break-list} command below.
24946
24947 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24948
24949 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
24950
24951 @subsubheading Example
24952
24953 @smallexample
24954 (gdb)
24955 -break-insert main
24956 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
24957 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
24958 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
24959 (gdb)
24960 -break-after 1 3
24961 ~
24962 ^done
24963 (gdb)
24964 -break-list
24965 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
24966 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
24967 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
24968 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
24969 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
24970 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
24971 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
24972 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
24973 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
24974 line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
24975 (gdb)
24976 @end smallexample
24977
24978 @ignore
24979 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
24980 @findex -break-catch
24981 @end ignore
24982
24983 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
24984 @findex -break-commands
24985
24986 @subsubheading Synopsis
24987
24988 @smallexample
24989 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
24990 @end smallexample
24991
24992 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
24993 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
24994 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
24995 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
24996 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
24997 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
24998
24999 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25000
25001 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
25002
25003 @subsubheading Example
25004
25005 @smallexample
25006 (gdb)
25007 -break-insert main
25008 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
25009 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
25010 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
25011 (gdb)
25012 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
25013 ^done
25014 (gdb)
25015 @end smallexample
25016
25017 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
25018 @findex -break-condition
25019
25020 @subsubheading Synopsis
25021
25022 @smallexample
25023 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
25024 @end smallexample
25025
25026 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
25027 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
25028 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
25029 command below).
25030
25031 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25032
25033 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
25034
25035 @subsubheading Example
25036
25037 @smallexample
25038 (gdb)
25039 -break-condition 1 1
25040 ^done
25041 (gdb)
25042 -break-list
25043 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25044 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25045 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25046 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25047 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25048 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25049 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25050 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25051 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25052 line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
25053 (gdb)
25054 @end smallexample
25055
25056 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
25057 @findex -break-delete
25058
25059 @subsubheading Synopsis
25060
25061 @smallexample
25062 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
25063 @end smallexample
25064
25065 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
25066 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
25067
25068 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25069
25070 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
25071
25072 @subsubheading Example
25073
25074 @smallexample
25075 (gdb)
25076 -break-delete 1
25077 ^done
25078 (gdb)
25079 -break-list
25080 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
25081 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25082 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25083 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25084 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25085 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25086 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25087 body=[]@}
25088 (gdb)
25089 @end smallexample
25090
25091 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
25092 @findex -break-disable
25093
25094 @subsubheading Synopsis
25095
25096 @smallexample
25097 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
25098 @end smallexample
25099
25100 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
25101 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
25102
25103 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25104
25105 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
25106
25107 @subsubheading Example
25108
25109 @smallexample
25110 (gdb)
25111 -break-disable 2
25112 ^done
25113 (gdb)
25114 -break-list
25115 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25116 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25117 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25118 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25119 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25120 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25121 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25122 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
25123 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25124 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
25125 (gdb)
25126 @end smallexample
25127
25128 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
25129 @findex -break-enable
25130
25131 @subsubheading Synopsis
25132
25133 @smallexample
25134 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
25135 @end smallexample
25136
25137 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
25138
25139 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25140
25141 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
25142
25143 @subsubheading Example
25144
25145 @smallexample
25146 (gdb)
25147 -break-enable 2
25148 ^done
25149 (gdb)
25150 -break-list
25151 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25152 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25153 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25154 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25155 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25156 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25157 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25158 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25159 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25160 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
25161 (gdb)
25162 @end smallexample
25163
25164 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
25165 @findex -break-info
25166
25167 @subsubheading Synopsis
25168
25169 @smallexample
25170 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
25171 @end smallexample
25172
25173 @c REDUNDANT???
25174 Get information about a single breakpoint.
25175
25176 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25177
25178 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
25179
25180 @subsubheading Example
25181 N.A.
25182
25183 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
25184 @findex -break-insert
25185
25186 @subsubheading Synopsis
25187
25188 @smallexample
25189 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ] [ -a ]
25190 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
25191 [ -p @var{thread} ] [ @var{location} ]
25192 @end smallexample
25193
25194 @noindent
25195 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
25196
25197 @itemize @bullet
25198 @item function
25199 @c @item +offset
25200 @c @item -offset
25201 @c @item linenum
25202 @item filename:linenum
25203 @item filename:function
25204 @item *address
25205 @end itemize
25206
25207 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
25208
25209 @table @samp
25210 @item -t
25211 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
25212 @item -h
25213 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
25214 @item -c @var{condition}
25215 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
25216 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
25217 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
25218 @item -f
25219 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
25220 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
25221 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
25222 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
25223 cannot be parsed.
25224 @item -d
25225 Create a disabled breakpoint.
25226 @item -a
25227 Create a tracepoint. @xref{Tracepoints}. When this parameter
25228 is used together with @samp{-h}, a fast tracepoint is created.
25229 @end table
25230
25231 @subsubheading Result
25232
25233 The result is in the form:
25234
25235 @smallexample
25236 ^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
25237 enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
25238 fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
25239 times="@var{times}"@}
25240 @end smallexample
25241
25242 @noindent
25243 where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
25244 @var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
25245 inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
25246 this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
25247 and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
25248 (always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
25249 which use the same output).
25250
25251 Note: this format is open to change.
25252 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
25253
25254 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25255
25256 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
25257 @samp{hbreak}, @samp{thbreak}, and @samp{rbreak}.
25258
25259 @subsubheading Example
25260
25261 @smallexample
25262 (gdb)
25263 -break-insert main
25264 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
25265 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
25266 (gdb)
25267 -break-insert -t foo
25268 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
25269 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
25270 (gdb)
25271 -break-list
25272 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25273 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25274 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25275 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25276 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25277 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25278 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25279 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25280 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
25281 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
25282 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
25283 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
25284 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
25285 (gdb)
25286 -break-insert -r foo.*
25287 ~int foo(int, int);
25288 ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
25289 "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
25290 (gdb)
25291 @end smallexample
25292
25293 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
25294 @findex -break-list
25295
25296 @subsubheading Synopsis
25297
25298 @smallexample
25299 -break-list
25300 @end smallexample
25301
25302 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
25303
25304 @table @samp
25305 @item Number
25306 number of the breakpoint
25307 @item Type
25308 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
25309 @item Disposition
25310 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
25311 or @samp{nokeep}
25312 @item Enabled
25313 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
25314 @item Address
25315 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
25316 @item What
25317 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
25318 name, line number
25319 @item Times
25320 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
25321 @end table
25322
25323 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
25324 @code{body} field is an empty list.
25325
25326 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25327
25328 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
25329
25330 @subsubheading Example
25331
25332 @smallexample
25333 (gdb)
25334 -break-list
25335 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25336 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25337 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25338 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25339 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25340 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25341 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25342 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25343 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
25344 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25345 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
25346 line="13",times="0"@}]@}
25347 (gdb)
25348 @end smallexample
25349
25350 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
25351
25352 @smallexample
25353 (gdb)
25354 -break-list
25355 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
25356 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25357 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25358 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25359 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25360 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25361 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25362 body=[]@}
25363 (gdb)
25364 @end smallexample
25365
25366 @subheading The @code{-break-passcount} Command
25367 @findex -break-passcount
25368
25369 @subsubheading Synopsis
25370
25371 @smallexample
25372 -break-passcount @var{tracepoint-number} @var{passcount}
25373 @end smallexample
25374
25375 Set the passcount for tracepoint @var{tracepoint-number} to
25376 @var{passcount}. If the breakpoint referred to by @var{tracepoint-number}
25377 is not a tracepoint, error is emitted. This corresponds to CLI
25378 command @samp{passcount}.
25379
25380 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
25381 @findex -break-watch
25382
25383 @subsubheading Synopsis
25384
25385 @smallexample
25386 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
25387 @end smallexample
25388
25389 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
25390 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
25391 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
25392 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
25393 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
25394 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
25395 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
25396 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
25397
25398 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
25399 breakpoints inserted.
25400
25401 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25402
25403 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
25404 @samp{rwatch}.
25405
25406 @subsubheading Example
25407
25408 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
25409
25410 @smallexample
25411 (gdb)
25412 -break-watch x
25413 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
25414 (gdb)
25415 -exec-continue
25416 ^running
25417 (gdb)
25418 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
25419 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
25420 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
25421 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
25422 (gdb)
25423 @end smallexample
25424
25425 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
25426 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
25427 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
25428
25429 @smallexample
25430 (gdb)
25431 -break-watch C
25432 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
25433 (gdb)
25434 -exec-continue
25435 ^running
25436 (gdb)
25437 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
25438 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
25439 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
25440 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25441 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
25442 (gdb)
25443 -exec-continue
25444 ^running
25445 (gdb)
25446 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
25447 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
25448 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
25449 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25450 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
25451 (gdb)
25452 @end smallexample
25453
25454 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
25455 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
25456 deleted.
25457
25458 @smallexample
25459 (gdb)
25460 -break-watch C
25461 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
25462 (gdb)
25463 -break-list
25464 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25465 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25466 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25467 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25468 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25469 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25470 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25471 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25472 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
25473 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25474 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
25475 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
25476 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
25477 (gdb)
25478 -exec-continue
25479 ^running
25480 (gdb)
25481 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
25482 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
25483 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
25484 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25485 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
25486 (gdb)
25487 -break-list
25488 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
25489 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25490 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25491 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25492 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25493 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25494 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25495 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25496 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
25497 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25498 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
25499 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
25500 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
25501 (gdb)
25502 -exec-continue
25503 ^running
25504 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
25505 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
25506 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
25507 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25508 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
25509 (gdb)
25510 -break-list
25511 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
25512 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
25513 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
25514 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
25515 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
25516 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
25517 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
25518 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25519 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
25520 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
25521 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
25522 times="1"@}]@}
25523 (gdb)
25524 @end smallexample
25525
25526 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25527 @node GDB/MI Program Context
25528 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
25529
25530 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
25531 @findex -exec-arguments
25532
25533
25534 @subsubheading Synopsis
25535
25536 @smallexample
25537 -exec-arguments @var{args}
25538 @end smallexample
25539
25540 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
25541 @samp{-exec-run}.
25542
25543 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25544
25545 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
25546
25547 @subsubheading Example
25548
25549 @smallexample
25550 (gdb)
25551 -exec-arguments -v word
25552 ^done
25553 (gdb)
25554 @end smallexample
25555
25556
25557 @ignore
25558 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
25559 @findex -exec-show-arguments
25560
25561 @subsubheading Synopsis
25562
25563 @smallexample
25564 -exec-show-arguments
25565 @end smallexample
25566
25567 Print the arguments of the program.
25568
25569 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25570
25571 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
25572
25573 @subsubheading Example
25574 N.A.
25575 @end ignore
25576
25577
25578 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
25579 @findex -environment-cd
25580
25581 @subsubheading Synopsis
25582
25583 @smallexample
25584 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
25585 @end smallexample
25586
25587 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
25588
25589 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25590
25591 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
25592
25593 @subsubheading Example
25594
25595 @smallexample
25596 (gdb)
25597 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
25598 ^done
25599 (gdb)
25600 @end smallexample
25601
25602
25603 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
25604 @findex -environment-directory
25605
25606 @subsubheading Synopsis
25607
25608 @smallexample
25609 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
25610 @end smallexample
25611
25612 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
25613 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
25614 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
25615 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
25616 occurs as normal.
25617 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
25618 multiple directories in a single command
25619 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
25620 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
25621 If blanks are needed as
25622 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
25623 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
25624 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
25625 character must not be used
25626 in any directory name.
25627 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
25628
25629 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25630
25631 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
25632
25633 @subsubheading Example
25634
25635 @smallexample
25636 (gdb)
25637 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
25638 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
25639 (gdb)
25640 -environment-directory ""
25641 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
25642 (gdb)
25643 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
25644 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
25645 (gdb)
25646 -environment-directory -r
25647 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
25648 (gdb)
25649 @end smallexample
25650
25651
25652 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
25653 @findex -environment-path
25654
25655 @subsubheading Synopsis
25656
25657 @smallexample
25658 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
25659 @end smallexample
25660
25661 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
25662 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
25663 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
25664 supplied in addition to the
25665 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
25666 occurs as normal.
25667 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
25668 multiple directories in a single command
25669 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
25670 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
25671 If blanks are needed as
25672 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
25673 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
25674 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
25675 character must not be used
25676 in any directory name.
25677 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
25678
25679
25680 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25681
25682 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
25683
25684 @subsubheading Example
25685
25686 @smallexample
25687 (gdb)
25688 -environment-path
25689 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
25690 (gdb)
25691 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
25692 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
25693 (gdb)
25694 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
25695 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
25696 (gdb)
25697 @end smallexample
25698
25699
25700 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
25701 @findex -environment-pwd
25702
25703 @subsubheading Synopsis
25704
25705 @smallexample
25706 -environment-pwd
25707 @end smallexample
25708
25709 Show the current working directory.
25710
25711 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25712
25713 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
25714
25715 @subsubheading Example
25716
25717 @smallexample
25718 (gdb)
25719 -environment-pwd
25720 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
25721 (gdb)
25722 @end smallexample
25723
25724 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25725 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
25726 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
25727
25728
25729 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
25730 @findex -thread-info
25731
25732 @subsubheading Synopsis
25733
25734 @smallexample
25735 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
25736 @end smallexample
25737
25738 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
25739 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
25740 threads. When printing information about all threads,
25741 also reports the current thread.
25742
25743 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25744
25745 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
25746 about all threads.
25747
25748 @subsubheading Example
25749
25750 @smallexample
25751 -thread-info
25752 ^done,threads=[
25753 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
25754 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
25755 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
25756 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
25757 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}],
25758 current-thread-id="1"
25759 (gdb)
25760 @end smallexample
25761
25762 The @samp{state} field may have the following values:
25763
25764 @table @code
25765 @item stopped
25766 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
25767 threads.
25768
25769 @item running
25770 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
25771 threads.
25772
25773 @end table
25774
25775 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
25776 @findex -thread-list-ids
25777
25778 @subsubheading Synopsis
25779
25780 @smallexample
25781 -thread-list-ids
25782 @end smallexample
25783
25784 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
25785 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
25786
25787 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
25788 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
25789
25790 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25791
25792 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
25793
25794 @subsubheading Example
25795
25796 @smallexample
25797 (gdb)
25798 -thread-list-ids
25799 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
25800 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
25801 (gdb)
25802 @end smallexample
25803
25804
25805 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
25806 @findex -thread-select
25807
25808 @subsubheading Synopsis
25809
25810 @smallexample
25811 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
25812 @end smallexample
25813
25814 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
25815 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
25816
25817 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
25818 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
25819
25820 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25821
25822 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
25823
25824 @subsubheading Example
25825
25826 @smallexample
25827 (gdb)
25828 -exec-next
25829 ^running
25830 (gdb)
25831 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
25832 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
25833 (gdb)
25834 -thread-list-ids
25835 ^done,
25836 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
25837 number-of-threads="3"
25838 (gdb)
25839 -thread-select 3
25840 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
25841 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
25842 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
25843 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
25844 (gdb)
25845 @end smallexample
25846
25847 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25848 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
25849 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
25850
25851 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
25852 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
25853 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
25854 other cases.
25855
25856 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
25857 @findex -exec-continue
25858
25859 @subsubheading Synopsis
25860
25861 @smallexample
25862 -exec-continue [--reverse] [--all|--thread-group N]
25863 @end smallexample
25864
25865 Resumes the execution of the inferior program, which will continue
25866 to execute until it reaches a debugger stop event. If the
25867 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, execution resumes in reverse until
25868 it reaches a stop event. Stop events may include
25869 @itemize @bullet
25870 @item
25871 breakpoints or watchpoints
25872 @item
25873 signals or exceptions
25874 @item
25875 the end of the process (or its beginning under @samp{--reverse})
25876 @item
25877 the end or beginning of a replay log if one is being used.
25878 @end itemize
25879 In all-stop mode (@pxref{All-Stop
25880 Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads, depending on the
25881 value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. If @samp{--all} is
25882 specified, all threads (in all inferiors) will be resumed. The @samp{--all} option is
25883 ignored in all-stop mode. If the @samp{--thread-group} options is
25884 specified, then all threads in that thread group are resumed.
25885
25886 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25887
25888 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
25889
25890 @subsubheading Example
25891
25892 @smallexample
25893 -exec-continue
25894 ^running
25895 (gdb)
25896 @@Hello world
25897 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
25898 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
25899 line="13"@}
25900 (gdb)
25901 @end smallexample
25902
25903
25904 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
25905 @findex -exec-finish
25906
25907 @subsubheading Synopsis
25908
25909 @smallexample
25910 -exec-finish [--reverse]
25911 @end smallexample
25912
25913 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
25914 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
25915 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes the reverse
25916 execution of the inferior program until the point where current
25917 function was called.
25918
25919 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25920
25921 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
25922
25923 @subsubheading Example
25924
25925 Function returning @code{void}.
25926
25927 @smallexample
25928 -exec-finish
25929 ^running
25930 (gdb)
25931 @@hello from foo
25932 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
25933 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
25934 (gdb)
25935 @end smallexample
25936
25937 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
25938 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
25939 value itself.
25940
25941 @smallexample
25942 -exec-finish
25943 ^running
25944 (gdb)
25945 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
25946 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
25947 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
25948 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
25949 (gdb)
25950 @end smallexample
25951
25952
25953 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
25954 @findex -exec-interrupt
25955
25956 @subsubheading Synopsis
25957
25958 @smallexample
25959 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
25960 @end smallexample
25961
25962 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
25963 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
25964 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
25965 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
25966 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
25967
25968 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
25969 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
25970 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
25971 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
25972
25973 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
25974 All threads (in all inferiors) will be interrupted if the
25975 @samp{--all} option is specified. If the @samp{--thread-group}
25976 option is specified, all threads in that group will be interrupted.
25977
25978 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25979
25980 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
25981
25982 @subsubheading Example
25983
25984 @smallexample
25985 (gdb)
25986 111-exec-continue
25987 111^running
25988
25989 (gdb)
25990 222-exec-interrupt
25991 222^done
25992 (gdb)
25993 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
25994 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
25995 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
25996 (gdb)
25997
25998 (gdb)
25999 -exec-interrupt
26000 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
26001 (gdb)
26002 @end smallexample
26003
26004 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
26005 @findex -exec-jump
26006
26007 @subsubheading Synopsis
26008
26009 @smallexample
26010 -exec-jump @var{location}
26011 @end smallexample
26012
26013 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
26014 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
26015 different forms of @var{location}.
26016
26017 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26018
26019 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
26020
26021 @subsubheading Example
26022
26023 @smallexample
26024 -exec-jump foo.c:10
26025 *running,thread-id="all"
26026 ^running
26027 @end smallexample
26028
26029
26030 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
26031 @findex -exec-next
26032
26033 @subsubheading Synopsis
26034
26035 @smallexample
26036 -exec-next [--reverse]
26037 @end smallexample
26038
26039 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
26040 of the next source line is reached.
26041
26042 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
26043 of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the previous
26044 source line. If you issue this command on the first line of a
26045 function, it will take you back to the caller of that function, to the
26046 source line where the function was called.
26047
26048
26049 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26050
26051 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
26052
26053 @subsubheading Example
26054
26055 @smallexample
26056 -exec-next
26057 ^running
26058 (gdb)
26059 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
26060 (gdb)
26061 @end smallexample
26062
26063
26064 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
26065 @findex -exec-next-instruction
26066
26067 @subsubheading Synopsis
26068
26069 @smallexample
26070 -exec-next-instruction [--reverse]
26071 @end smallexample
26072
26073 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
26074 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
26075 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
26076 printed as well.
26077
26078 If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution
26079 of the inferior program, stopping at the previous instruction. If the
26080 previously executed instruction was a return from another function,
26081 it will continue to execute in reverse until the call to that function
26082 (from the current stack frame) is reached.
26083
26084 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26085
26086 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
26087
26088 @subsubheading Example
26089
26090 @smallexample
26091 (gdb)
26092 -exec-next-instruction
26093 ^running
26094
26095 (gdb)
26096 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26097 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
26098 (gdb)
26099 @end smallexample
26100
26101
26102 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
26103 @findex -exec-return
26104
26105 @subsubheading Synopsis
26106
26107 @smallexample
26108 -exec-return
26109 @end smallexample
26110
26111 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
26112 Displays the new current frame.
26113
26114 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26115
26116 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
26117
26118 @subsubheading Example
26119
26120 @smallexample
26121 (gdb)
26122 200-break-insert callee4
26123 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
26124 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
26125 (gdb)
26126 000-exec-run
26127 000^running
26128 (gdb)
26129 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
26130 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
26131 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26132 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
26133 (gdb)
26134 205-break-delete
26135 205^done
26136 (gdb)
26137 111-exec-return
26138 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
26139 args=[@{name="strarg",
26140 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
26141 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26142 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
26143 (gdb)
26144 @end smallexample
26145
26146
26147 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
26148 @findex -exec-run
26149
26150 @subsubheading Synopsis
26151
26152 @smallexample
26153 -exec-run [--all | --thread-group N]
26154 @end smallexample
26155
26156 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
26157 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
26158 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
26159 the program has exited exceptionally.
26160
26161 When no option is specified, the current inferior is started. If the
26162 @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, it should refer to a thread
26163 group of type @samp{process}, and that thread group will be started.
26164 If the @samp{--all} option is specified, then all inferiors will be started.
26165
26166 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26167
26168 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
26169
26170 @subsubheading Examples
26171
26172 @smallexample
26173 (gdb)
26174 -break-insert main
26175 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
26176 (gdb)
26177 -exec-run
26178 ^running
26179 (gdb)
26180 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
26181 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
26182 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
26183 (gdb)
26184 @end smallexample
26185
26186 @noindent
26187 Program exited normally:
26188
26189 @smallexample
26190 (gdb)
26191 -exec-run
26192 ^running
26193 (gdb)
26194 x = 55
26195 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
26196 (gdb)
26197 @end smallexample
26198
26199 @noindent
26200 Program exited exceptionally:
26201
26202 @smallexample
26203 (gdb)
26204 -exec-run
26205 ^running
26206 (gdb)
26207 x = 55
26208 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
26209 (gdb)
26210 @end smallexample
26211
26212 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
26213 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
26214
26215 @smallexample
26216 (gdb)
26217 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
26218 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
26219 @end smallexample
26220
26221
26222 @c @subheading -exec-signal
26223
26224
26225 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
26226 @findex -exec-step
26227
26228 @subsubheading Synopsis
26229
26230 @smallexample
26231 -exec-step [--reverse]
26232 @end smallexample
26233
26234 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
26235 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
26236 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
26237 function. If the @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse
26238 execution of the inferior program, stopping at the beginning of the
26239 previously executed source line.
26240
26241 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26242
26243 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
26244
26245 @subsubheading Example
26246
26247 Stepping into a function:
26248
26249 @smallexample
26250 -exec-step
26251 ^running
26252 (gdb)
26253 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26254 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
26255 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
26256 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
26257 (gdb)
26258 @end smallexample
26259
26260 Regular stepping:
26261
26262 @smallexample
26263 -exec-step
26264 ^running
26265 (gdb)
26266 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
26267 (gdb)
26268 @end smallexample
26269
26270
26271 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
26272 @findex -exec-step-instruction
26273
26274 @subsubheading Synopsis
26275
26276 @smallexample
26277 -exec-step-instruction [--reverse]
26278 @end smallexample
26279
26280 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. If the
26281 @samp{--reverse} option is specified, resumes reverse execution of the
26282 inferior program, stopping at the previously executed instruction.
26283 The output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on
26284 whether we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the
26285 former case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed
26286 as well.
26287
26288 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26289
26290 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
26291
26292 @subsubheading Example
26293
26294 @smallexample
26295 (gdb)
26296 -exec-step-instruction
26297 ^running
26298
26299 (gdb)
26300 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26301 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
26302 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
26303 (gdb)
26304 -exec-step-instruction
26305 ^running
26306
26307 (gdb)
26308 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
26309 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
26310 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
26311 (gdb)
26312 @end smallexample
26313
26314
26315 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
26316 @findex -exec-until
26317
26318 @subsubheading Synopsis
26319
26320 @smallexample
26321 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
26322 @end smallexample
26323
26324 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
26325 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
26326 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
26327 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
26328
26329 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26330
26331 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
26332
26333 @subsubheading Example
26334
26335 @smallexample
26336 (gdb)
26337 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
26338 ^running
26339 (gdb)
26340 x = 55
26341 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
26342 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
26343 (gdb)
26344 @end smallexample
26345
26346 @ignore
26347 @subheading -file-clear
26348 Is this going away????
26349 @end ignore
26350
26351 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26352 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
26353 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
26354
26355
26356 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
26357 @findex -stack-info-frame
26358
26359 @subsubheading Synopsis
26360
26361 @smallexample
26362 -stack-info-frame
26363 @end smallexample
26364
26365 Get info on the selected frame.
26366
26367 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26368
26369 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
26370 (without arguments).
26371
26372 @subsubheading Example
26373
26374 @smallexample
26375 (gdb)
26376 -stack-info-frame
26377 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
26378 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26379 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
26380 (gdb)
26381 @end smallexample
26382
26383 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
26384 @findex -stack-info-depth
26385
26386 @subsubheading Synopsis
26387
26388 @smallexample
26389 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
26390 @end smallexample
26391
26392 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
26393 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
26394
26395 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26396
26397 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
26398
26399 @subsubheading Example
26400
26401 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
26402
26403 @smallexample
26404 (gdb)
26405 -stack-info-depth
26406 ^done,depth="12"
26407 (gdb)
26408 -stack-info-depth 4
26409 ^done,depth="4"
26410 (gdb)
26411 -stack-info-depth 12
26412 ^done,depth="12"
26413 (gdb)
26414 -stack-info-depth 11
26415 ^done,depth="11"
26416 (gdb)
26417 -stack-info-depth 13
26418 ^done,depth="12"
26419 (gdb)
26420 @end smallexample
26421
26422 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
26423 @findex -stack-list-arguments
26424
26425 @subsubheading Synopsis
26426
26427 @smallexample
26428 -stack-list-arguments @var{print-values}
26429 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
26430 @end smallexample
26431
26432 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
26433 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
26434 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
26435 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
26436 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
26437 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
26438 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
26439 which case only existing frames will be returned.
26440
26441 If @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
26442 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
26443 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
26444 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
26445 structures and unions.
26446
26447 Use of this command to obtain arguments in a single frame is
26448 deprecated in favor of the @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
26449
26450 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26451
26452 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
26453 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
26454 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
26455
26456 @subsubheading Example
26457
26458 @smallexample
26459 (gdb)
26460 -stack-list-frames
26461 ^done,
26462 stack=[
26463 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
26464 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26465 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
26466 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
26467 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26468 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
26469 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
26470 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26471 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
26472 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
26473 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26474 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
26475 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
26476 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
26477 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
26478 (gdb)
26479 -stack-list-arguments 0
26480 ^done,
26481 stack-args=[
26482 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
26483 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
26484 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
26485 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
26486 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
26487 (gdb)
26488 -stack-list-arguments 1
26489 ^done,
26490 stack-args=[
26491 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
26492 frame=@{level="1",
26493 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
26494 frame=@{level="2",args=[
26495 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
26496 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
26497 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
26498 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
26499 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
26500 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
26501 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
26502 (gdb)
26503 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
26504 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
26505 (gdb)
26506 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
26507 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
26508 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
26509 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
26510 (gdb)
26511 @end smallexample
26512
26513 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
26514
26515
26516 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
26517 @findex -stack-list-frames
26518
26519 @subsubheading Synopsis
26520
26521 @smallexample
26522 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
26523 @end smallexample
26524
26525 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
26526 following info:
26527
26528 @table @samp
26529 @item @var{level}
26530 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
26531 @item @var{addr}
26532 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
26533 @item @var{func}
26534 Function name.
26535 @item @var{file}
26536 File name of the source file where the function lives.
26537 @item @var{fullname}
26538 The full file name of the source file where the function lives.
26539 @item @var{line}
26540 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
26541 @item @var{from}
26542 The shared library where this function is defined. This is only given
26543 if the frame's function is not known.
26544 @end table
26545
26546 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
26547 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
26548 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
26549 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
26550 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
26551 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
26552 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
26553
26554 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26555
26556 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
26557
26558 @subsubheading Example
26559
26560 Full stack backtrace:
26561
26562 @smallexample
26563 (gdb)
26564 -stack-list-frames
26565 ^done,stack=
26566 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
26567 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
26568 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26569 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26570 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26571 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26572 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26573 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26574 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26575 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26576 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26577 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26578 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26579 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26580 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26581 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26582 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26583 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26584 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26585 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26586 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26587 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26588 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
26589 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
26590 (gdb)
26591 @end smallexample
26592
26593 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
26594
26595 @smallexample
26596 (gdb)
26597 -stack-list-frames 3 5
26598 ^done,stack=
26599 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26600 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26601 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26602 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
26603 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26604 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
26605 (gdb)
26606 @end smallexample
26607
26608 Show a single frame:
26609
26610 @smallexample
26611 (gdb)
26612 -stack-list-frames 3 3
26613 ^done,stack=
26614 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
26615 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
26616 (gdb)
26617 @end smallexample
26618
26619
26620 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
26621 @findex -stack-list-locals
26622
26623 @subsubheading Synopsis
26624
26625 @smallexample
26626 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
26627 @end smallexample
26628
26629 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
26630 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
26631 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
26632 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
26633 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
26634 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
26635 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
26636 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
26637 more detail.
26638
26639 This command is deprecated in favor of the
26640 @samp{-stack-list-variables} command.
26641
26642 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26643
26644 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
26645
26646 @subsubheading Example
26647
26648 @smallexample
26649 (gdb)
26650 -stack-list-locals 0
26651 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
26652 (gdb)
26653 -stack-list-locals --all-values
26654 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
26655 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
26656 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
26657 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
26658 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
26659 (gdb)
26660 @end smallexample
26661
26662 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-variables} Command
26663 @findex -stack-list-variables
26664
26665 @subsubheading Synopsis
26666
26667 @smallexample
26668 -stack-list-variables @var{print-values}
26669 @end smallexample
26670
26671 Display the names of local variables and function arguments for the selected frame. If
26672 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
26673 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
26674 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
26675 type and value for simple data types, and the name and type for arrays,
26676 structures and unions.
26677
26678 @subsubheading Example
26679
26680 @smallexample
26681 (gdb)
26682 -stack-list-variables --thread 1 --frame 0 --all-values
26683 ^done,variables=[@{name="x",value="11"@},@{name="s",value="@{a = 1, b = 2@}"@}]
26684 (gdb)
26685 @end smallexample
26686
26687
26688 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
26689 @findex -stack-select-frame
26690
26691 @subsubheading Synopsis
26692
26693 @smallexample
26694 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
26695 @end smallexample
26696
26697 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
26698 the stack.
26699
26700 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
26701 option to every command.
26702
26703 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
26704
26705 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
26706 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
26707
26708 @subsubheading Example
26709
26710 @smallexample
26711 (gdb)
26712 -stack-select-frame 2
26713 ^done
26714 (gdb)
26715 @end smallexample
26716
26717 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
26718 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
26719 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
26720
26721 @ignore
26722
26723 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
26724
26725 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
26726 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
26727 used by @code{Insight}.
26728
26729 The two main reasons for that are:
26730
26731 @enumerate 1
26732 @item
26733 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
26734
26735 @item
26736 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
26737 now).
26738 @end enumerate
26739
26740 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
26741 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
26742 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
26743 hints about their use.
26744
26745 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
26746 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
26747 least, the following operations:
26748
26749 @itemize @bullet
26750 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
26751 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
26752 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
26753 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
26754 @end itemize
26755
26756 @end ignore
26757
26758 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
26759
26760 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
26761
26762 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
26763 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
26764 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
26765 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
26766 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
26767 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
26768 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
26769 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
26770 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
26771 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
26772 object, or to change display format.
26773
26774 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
26775 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
26776 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
26777 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
26778 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
26779 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
26780 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
26781 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
26782 child will be created.
26783
26784 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
26785 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
26786 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
26787 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
26788 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
26789
26790 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
26791 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
26792 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
26793 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
26794 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
26795 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
26796 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
26797 variables that frontend has created.
26798
26799 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
26800 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
26801 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
26802 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
26803 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
26804 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
26805 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
26806 implicitly updated.
26807
26808 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
26809 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
26810 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
26811 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
26812 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
26813 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
26814 frame. Consider this example:
26815
26816 @smallexample
26817 void do_work(...)
26818 @{
26819 struct work_state state;
26820
26821 if (...)
26822 do_work(...);
26823 @}
26824 @end smallexample
26825
26826 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
26827 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the the variable
26828 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
26829 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
26830 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
26831
26832 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
26833 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
26834 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
26835 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
26836 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
26837 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
26838
26839 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
26840 access this functionality:
26841
26842 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
26843 @item @strong{Operation}
26844 @tab @strong{Description}
26845
26846 @item @code{-enable-pretty-printing}
26847 @tab enable Python-based pretty-printing
26848 @item @code{-var-create}
26849 @tab create a variable object
26850 @item @code{-var-delete}
26851 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
26852 @item @code{-var-set-format}
26853 @tab set the display format of this variable
26854 @item @code{-var-show-format}
26855 @tab show the display format of this variable
26856 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
26857 @tab tells how many children this object has
26858 @item @code{-var-list-children}
26859 @tab return a list of the object's children
26860 @item @code{-var-info-type}
26861 @tab show the type of this variable object
26862 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
26863 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
26864 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
26865 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
26866 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
26867 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
26868 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
26869 @tab get the value of this variable
26870 @item @code{-var-assign}
26871 @tab set the value of this variable
26872 @item @code{-var-update}
26873 @tab update the variable and its children
26874 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
26875 @tab set frozeness attribute
26876 @item @code{-var-set-update-range}
26877 @tab set range of children to display on update
26878 @end multitable
26879
26880 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
26881 how it can be used.
26882
26883 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
26884
26885 @subheading The @code{-enable-pretty-printing} Command
26886 @findex -enable-pretty-printing
26887
26888 @smallexample
26889 -enable-pretty-printing
26890 @end smallexample
26891
26892 @value{GDBN} allows Python-based visualizers to affect the output of the
26893 MI variable object commands. However, because there was no way to
26894 implement this in a fully backward-compatible way, a front end must
26895 request that this functionality be enabled.
26896
26897 Once enabled, this feature cannot be disabled.
26898
26899 Note that if Python support has not been compiled into @value{GDBN},
26900 this command will still succeed (and do nothing).
26901
26902 This feature is currently (as of @value{GDBN} 7.0) experimental, and
26903 may work differently in future versions of @value{GDBN}.
26904
26905 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
26906 @findex -var-create
26907
26908 @subsubheading Synopsis
26909
26910 @smallexample
26911 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
26912 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
26913 @end smallexample
26914
26915 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
26916 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
26917 register.
26918
26919 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
26920 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
26921 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
26922 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
26923 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
26924
26925 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
26926 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
26927 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
26928 object must be created.
26929
26930 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
26931 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
26932
26933 @itemize @bullet
26934 @item
26935 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
26936
26937 @item
26938 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
26939
26940 @item
26941 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
26942 @end itemize
26943
26944 @cindex dynamic varobj
26945 A varobj's contents may be provided by a Python-based pretty-printer. In this
26946 case the varobj is known as a @dfn{dynamic varobj}. Dynamic varobjs
26947 have slightly different semantics in some cases. If the
26948 @code{-enable-pretty-printing} command is not sent, then @value{GDBN}
26949 will never create a dynamic varobj. This ensures backward
26950 compatibility for existing clients.
26951
26952 @subsubheading Result
26953
26954 This operation returns attributes of the newly-created varobj. These
26955 are:
26956
26957 @table @samp
26958 @item name
26959 The name of the varobj.
26960
26961 @item numchild
26962 The number of children of the varobj. This number is not necessarily
26963 reliable for a dynamic varobj. Instead, you must examine the
26964 @samp{has_more} attribute.
26965
26966 @item value
26967 The varobj's scalar value. For a varobj whose type is some sort of
26968 aggregate (e.g., a @code{struct}), or for a dynamic varobj, this value
26969 will not be interesting.
26970
26971 @item type
26972 The varobj's type. This is a string representation of the type, as
26973 would be printed by the @value{GDBN} CLI.
26974
26975 @item thread-id
26976 If a variable object is bound to a specific thread, then this is the
26977 thread's identifier.
26978
26979 @item has_more
26980 For a dynamic varobj, this indicates whether there appear to be any
26981 children available. For a non-dynamic varobj, this will be 0.
26982
26983 @item dynamic
26984 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
26985 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
26986 then this attribute will not be present.
26987
26988 @item displayhint
26989 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
26990 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
26991 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
26992 @end table
26993
26994 Typical output will look like this:
26995
26996 @smallexample
26997 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}",
26998 has_more="@var{has_more}"
26999 @end smallexample
27000
27001
27002 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
27003 @findex -var-delete
27004
27005 @subsubheading Synopsis
27006
27007 @smallexample
27008 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
27009 @end smallexample
27010
27011 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
27012 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
27013
27014 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
27015
27016
27017 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
27018 @findex -var-set-format
27019
27020 @subsubheading Synopsis
27021
27022 @smallexample
27023 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
27024 @end smallexample
27025
27026 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
27027 @var{format-spec}.
27028
27029 @anchor{-var-set-format}
27030 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
27031
27032 @smallexample
27033 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
27034 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
27035 @end smallexample
27036
27037 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
27038 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
27039 for pointers, etc.).
27040
27041 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
27042 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
27043
27044 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
27045 @findex -var-show-format
27046
27047 @subsubheading Synopsis
27048
27049 @smallexample
27050 -var-show-format @var{name}
27051 @end smallexample
27052
27053 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
27054
27055 @smallexample
27056 @var{format} @expansion{}
27057 @var{format-spec}
27058 @end smallexample
27059
27060
27061 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
27062 @findex -var-info-num-children
27063
27064 @subsubheading Synopsis
27065
27066 @smallexample
27067 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
27068 @end smallexample
27069
27070 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
27071
27072 @smallexample
27073 numchild=@var{n}
27074 @end smallexample
27075
27076 Note that this number is not completely reliable for a dynamic varobj.
27077 It will return the current number of children, but more children may
27078 be available.
27079
27080
27081 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
27082 @findex -var-list-children
27083
27084 @subsubheading Synopsis
27085
27086 @smallexample
27087 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name} [@var{from} @var{to}]
27088 @end smallexample
27089 @anchor{-var-list-children}
27090
27091 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
27092 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
27093 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value of 0 or
27094 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
27095 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
27096 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
27097 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
27098 and unions.
27099
27100 @var{from} and @var{to}, if specified, indicate the range of children
27101 to report. If @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is
27102 reset and all children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting
27103 at @var{from} (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be
27104 reported.
27105
27106 If a child range is requested, it will only affect the current call to
27107 @code{-var-list-children}, but not future calls to @code{-var-update}.
27108 For this, you must instead use @code{-var-set-update-range}. The
27109 intent of this approach is to enable a front end to implement any
27110 update approach it likes; for example, scrolling a view may cause the
27111 front end to request more children with @code{-var-list-children}, and
27112 then the front end could call @code{-var-set-update-range} with a
27113 different range to ensure that future updates are restricted to just
27114 the visible items.
27115
27116 For each child the following results are returned:
27117
27118 @table @var
27119
27120 @item name
27121 Name of the variable object created for this child.
27122
27123 @item exp
27124 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
27125 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
27126
27127 For a dynamic varobj, this value cannot be used to form an
27128 expression. There is no way to do this at all with a dynamic varobj.
27129
27130 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
27131 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
27132 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
27133 type and value are not present.
27134
27135 A dynamic varobj will not report the access qualifying
27136 pseudo-children, regardless of the language. This information is not
27137 available at all with a dynamic varobj.
27138
27139 @item numchild
27140 Number of children this child has. For a dynamic varobj, this will be
27141 0.
27142
27143 @item type
27144 The type of the child.
27145
27146 @item value
27147 If values were requested, this is the value.
27148
27149 @item thread-id
27150 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
27151 Otherwise this result is not present.
27152
27153 @item frozen
27154 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
27155 @end table
27156
27157 The result may have its own attributes:
27158
27159 @table @samp
27160 @item displayhint
27161 A dynamic varobj can supply a display hint to the front end. The
27162 value comes directly from the Python pretty-printer object's
27163 @code{display_hint} method. @xref{Pretty Printing API}.
27164
27165 @item has_more
27166 This is an integer attribute which is nonzero if there are children
27167 remaining after the end of the selected range.
27168 @end table
27169
27170 @subsubheading Example
27171
27172 @smallexample
27173 (gdb)
27174 -var-list-children n
27175 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
27176 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
27177 (gdb)
27178 -var-list-children --all-values n
27179 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
27180 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
27181 @end smallexample
27182
27183
27184 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
27185 @findex -var-info-type
27186
27187 @subsubheading Synopsis
27188
27189 @smallexample
27190 -var-info-type @var{name}
27191 @end smallexample
27192
27193 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
27194 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
27195 @value{GDBN} CLI:
27196
27197 @smallexample
27198 type=@var{typename}
27199 @end smallexample
27200
27201
27202 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
27203 @findex -var-info-expression
27204
27205 @subsubheading Synopsis
27206
27207 @smallexample
27208 -var-info-expression @var{name}
27209 @end smallexample
27210
27211 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
27212 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
27213 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
27214
27215 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
27216 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
27217
27218 @smallexample
27219 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
27220 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
27221 @end smallexample
27222
27223 @noindent
27224 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
27225
27226 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
27227 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
27228 is of limited use.
27229
27230 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
27231 @findex -var-info-path-expression
27232
27233 @subsubheading Synopsis
27234
27235 @smallexample
27236 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
27237 @end smallexample
27238
27239 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
27240 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
27241 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
27242 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
27243 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
27244 watchpoint from a variable object.
27245
27246 This command is currently not valid for children of a dynamic varobj,
27247 and will give an error when invoked on one.
27248
27249 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
27250 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
27251 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
27252 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
27253 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
27254 @smallexample
27255 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
27256 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
27257 @end smallexample
27258
27259 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
27260 @findex -var-show-attributes
27261
27262 @subsubheading Synopsis
27263
27264 @smallexample
27265 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
27266 @end smallexample
27267
27268 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
27269
27270 @smallexample
27271 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
27272 @end smallexample
27273
27274 @noindent
27275 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
27276
27277 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
27278 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
27279
27280 @subsubheading Synopsis
27281
27282 @smallexample
27283 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
27284 @end smallexample
27285
27286 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
27287 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
27288 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
27289 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
27290 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
27291 the current display format will be used. The current display format
27292 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
27293
27294 @smallexample
27295 value=@var{value}
27296 @end smallexample
27297
27298 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
27299 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
27300
27301 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
27302 @findex -var-assign
27303
27304 @subsubheading Synopsis
27305
27306 @smallexample
27307 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
27308 @end smallexample
27309
27310 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
27311 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
27312 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
27313 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
27314
27315 @subsubheading Example
27316
27317 @smallexample
27318 (gdb)
27319 -var-assign var1 3
27320 ^done,value="3"
27321 (gdb)
27322 -var-update *
27323 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
27324 (gdb)
27325 @end smallexample
27326
27327 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
27328 @findex -var-update
27329
27330 @subsubheading Synopsis
27331
27332 @smallexample
27333 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
27334 @end smallexample
27335
27336 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
27337 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
27338 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
27339 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
27340 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
27341 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
27342 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
27343 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
27344 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
27345 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
27346 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
27347 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
27348 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
27349
27350 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
27351 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
27352 diagnostic.
27353
27354 If @code{-var-set-update-range} was previously used on a varobj, then
27355 only the selected range of children will be reported.
27356
27357 @code{-var-update} reports all the changed varobjs in a tuple named
27358 @samp{changelist}.
27359
27360 Each item in the change list is itself a tuple holding:
27361
27362 @table @samp
27363 @item name
27364 The name of the varobj.
27365
27366 @item value
27367 If values were requested for this update, then this field will be
27368 present and will hold the value of the varobj.
27369
27370 @item in_scope
27371 @anchor{-var-update}
27372 This field is a string which may take one of three values:
27373
27374 @table @code
27375 @item "true"
27376 The variable object's current value is valid.
27377
27378 @item "false"
27379 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
27380 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
27381 scope.
27382
27383 @item "invalid"
27384 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
27385 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
27386 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
27387 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
27388 objects.
27389 @end table
27390
27391 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
27392 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
27393
27394 @item type_changed
27395 This is only present if the varobj is still valid. If the type
27396 changed, then this will be the string @samp{true}; otherwise it will
27397 be @samp{false}.
27398
27399 @item new_type
27400 If the varobj's type changed, then this field will be present and will
27401 hold the new type.
27402
27403 @item new_num_children
27404 For a dynamic varobj, if the number of children changed, or if the
27405 type changed, this will be the new number of children.
27406
27407 The @samp{numchild} field in other varobj responses is generally not
27408 valid for a dynamic varobj -- it will show the number of children that
27409 @value{GDBN} knows about, but because dynamic varobjs lazily
27410 instantiate their children, this will not reflect the number of
27411 children which may be available.
27412
27413 The @samp{new_num_children} attribute only reports changes to the
27414 number of children known by @value{GDBN}. This is the only way to
27415 detect whether an update has removed children (which necessarily can
27416 only happen at the end of the update range).
27417
27418 @item displayhint
27419 The display hint, if any.
27420
27421 @item has_more
27422 This is an integer value, which will be 1 if there are more children
27423 available outside the varobj's update range.
27424
27425 @item dynamic
27426 This attribute will be present and have the value @samp{1} if the
27427 varobj is a dynamic varobj. If the varobj is not a dynamic varobj,
27428 then this attribute will not be present.
27429
27430 @item new_children
27431 If new children were added to a dynamic varobj within the selected
27432 update range (as set by @code{-var-set-update-range}), then they will
27433 be listed in this attribute.
27434 @end table
27435
27436 @subsubheading Example
27437
27438 @smallexample
27439 (gdb)
27440 -var-assign var1 3
27441 ^done,value="3"
27442 (gdb)
27443 -var-update --all-values var1
27444 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
27445 type_changed="false"@}]
27446 (gdb)
27447 @end smallexample
27448
27449 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
27450 @findex -var-set-frozen
27451 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
27452
27453 @subsubheading Synopsis
27454
27455 @smallexample
27456 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
27457 @end smallexample
27458
27459 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
27460 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
27461 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
27462 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
27463 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
27464 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
27465 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
27466 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
27467 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
27468 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
27469 @code{-var-update} does.
27470
27471 @subsubheading Example
27472
27473 @smallexample
27474 (gdb)
27475 -var-set-frozen V 1
27476 ^done
27477 (gdb)
27478 @end smallexample
27479
27480 @subheading The @code{-var-set-update-range} command
27481 @findex -var-set-update-range
27482 @anchor{-var-set-update-range}
27483
27484 @subsubheading Synopsis
27485
27486 @smallexample
27487 -var-set-update-range @var{name} @var{from} @var{to}
27488 @end smallexample
27489
27490 Set the range of children to be returned by future invocations of
27491 @code{-var-update}.
27492
27493 @var{from} and @var{to} indicate the range of children to report. If
27494 @var{from} or @var{to} is less than zero, the range is reset and all
27495 children will be reported. Otherwise, children starting at @var{from}
27496 (zero-based) and up to and excluding @var{to} will be reported.
27497
27498 @subsubheading Example
27499
27500 @smallexample
27501 (gdb)
27502 -var-set-update-range V 1 2
27503 ^done
27504 @end smallexample
27505
27506 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
27507 @findex -var-set-visualizer
27508 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
27509
27510 @subsubheading Synopsis
27511
27512 @smallexample
27513 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
27514 @end smallexample
27515
27516 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
27517
27518 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
27519 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
27520
27521 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
27522 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
27523 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
27524 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
27525 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
27526 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
27527 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing API}).
27528
27529 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
27530 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
27531 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
27532 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
27533
27534 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
27535 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
27536 can be used to check this.
27537
27538 @subsubheading Example
27539
27540 Resetting the visualizer:
27541
27542 @smallexample
27543 (gdb)
27544 -var-set-visualizer V None
27545 ^done
27546 @end smallexample
27547
27548 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
27549
27550 @smallexample
27551 (gdb)
27552 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
27553 ^done
27554 @end smallexample
27555
27556 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
27557 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
27558
27559 @smallexample
27560 (gdb)
27561 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
27562 ^done
27563 @end smallexample
27564
27565 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
27566 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
27567 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
27568
27569 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
27570 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
27571 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
27572 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
27573
27574 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
27575 @c @subheading -data-assign
27576 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
27577 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
27578 @c set variable
27579 @c @subsubheading Example
27580 @c N.A.
27581
27582 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
27583 @findex -data-disassemble
27584
27585 @subsubheading Synopsis
27586
27587 @smallexample
27588 -data-disassemble
27589 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
27590 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
27591 -- @var{mode}
27592 @end smallexample
27593
27594 @noindent
27595 Where:
27596
27597 @table @samp
27598 @item @var{start-addr}
27599 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
27600 @item @var{end-addr}
27601 is the end address
27602 @item @var{filename}
27603 is the name of the file to disassemble
27604 @item @var{linenum}
27605 is the line number to disassemble around
27606 @item @var{lines}
27607 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
27608 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
27609 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
27610 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
27611 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
27612 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
27613 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
27614 are displayed.
27615 @item @var{mode}
27616 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly) or 1 (meaning mixed source and
27617 disassembly).
27618 @end table
27619
27620 @subsubheading Result
27621
27622 The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
27623
27624 @itemize @bullet
27625 @item Address
27626 @item Func-name
27627 @item Offset
27628 @item Instruction
27629 @end itemize
27630
27631 Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
27632 directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
27633
27634 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27635
27636 There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
27637
27638 @subsubheading Example
27639
27640 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
27641
27642 @smallexample
27643 (gdb)
27644 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
27645 ^done,
27646 asm_insns=[
27647 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
27648 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
27649 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
27650 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
27651 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
27652 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
27653 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
27654 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
27655 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
27656 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
27657 (gdb)
27658 @end smallexample
27659
27660 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
27661 @code{main}.
27662
27663 @smallexample
27664 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
27665 ^done,asm_insns=[
27666 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
27667 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
27668 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
27669 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
27670 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
27671 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
27672 [@dots{}]
27673 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
27674 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
27675 (gdb)
27676 @end smallexample
27677
27678 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
27679
27680 @smallexample
27681 (gdb)
27682 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
27683 ^done,asm_insns=[
27684 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
27685 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
27686 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
27687 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
27688 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
27689 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
27690 (gdb)
27691 @end smallexample
27692
27693 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
27694
27695 @smallexample
27696 (gdb)
27697 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
27698 ^done,asm_insns=[
27699 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
27700 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
27701 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
27702 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
27703 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
27704 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
27705 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
27706 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
27707 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
27708 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
27709 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
27710 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
27711 (gdb)
27712 @end smallexample
27713
27714
27715 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
27716 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
27717
27718 @subsubheading Synopsis
27719
27720 @smallexample
27721 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
27722 @end smallexample
27723
27724 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
27725 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
27726 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
27727
27728 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27729
27730 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
27731 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
27732 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
27733
27734 @subsubheading Example
27735
27736 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
27737 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
27738 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
27739 output.
27740
27741 @smallexample
27742 211-data-evaluate-expression A
27743 211^done,value="1"
27744 (gdb)
27745 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
27746 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
27747 (gdb)
27748 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
27749 411^done,value="4"
27750 (gdb)
27751 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
27752 511^done,value="4"
27753 (gdb)
27754 @end smallexample
27755
27756
27757 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
27758 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
27759
27760 @subsubheading Synopsis
27761
27762 @smallexample
27763 -data-list-changed-registers
27764 @end smallexample
27765
27766 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
27767
27768 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27769
27770 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
27771 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
27772
27773 @subsubheading Example
27774
27775 On a PPC MBX board:
27776
27777 @smallexample
27778 (gdb)
27779 -exec-continue
27780 ^running
27781
27782 (gdb)
27783 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
27784 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
27785 line="5"@}
27786 (gdb)
27787 -data-list-changed-registers
27788 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
27789 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
27790 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
27791 (gdb)
27792 @end smallexample
27793
27794
27795 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
27796 @findex -data-list-register-names
27797
27798 @subsubheading Synopsis
27799
27800 @smallexample
27801 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
27802 @end smallexample
27803
27804 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
27805 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
27806 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
27807 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
27808 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
27809 include empty register names.
27810
27811 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27812
27813 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
27814 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
27815 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
27816
27817 @subsubheading Example
27818
27819 For the PPC MBX board:
27820 @smallexample
27821 (gdb)
27822 -data-list-register-names
27823 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
27824 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
27825 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
27826 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
27827 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
27828 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
27829 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
27830 (gdb)
27831 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
27832 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
27833 (gdb)
27834 @end smallexample
27835
27836 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
27837 @findex -data-list-register-values
27838
27839 @subsubheading Synopsis
27840
27841 @smallexample
27842 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
27843 @end smallexample
27844
27845 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
27846 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
27847 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
27848 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
27849
27850 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
27851
27852 @table @code
27853 @item x
27854 Hexadecimal
27855 @item o
27856 Octal
27857 @item t
27858 Binary
27859 @item d
27860 Decimal
27861 @item r
27862 Raw
27863 @item N
27864 Natural
27865 @end table
27866
27867 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27868
27869 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
27870 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
27871
27872 @subsubheading Example
27873
27874 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
27875 don't appear in the actual output):
27876
27877 @smallexample
27878 (gdb)
27879 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
27880 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
27881 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
27882 (gdb)
27883 -data-list-register-values x
27884 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
27885 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
27886 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
27887 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
27888 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
27889 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
27890 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
27891 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
27892 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
27893 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
27894 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
27895 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
27896 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
27897 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
27898 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
27899 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
27900 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
27901 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
27902 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
27903 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
27904 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
27905 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
27906 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
27907 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
27908 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
27909 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
27910 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
27911 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
27912 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
27913 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
27914 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
27915 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
27916 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
27917 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
27918 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
27919 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
27920 (gdb)
27921 @end smallexample
27922
27923
27924 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
27925 @findex -data-read-memory
27926
27927 This command is deprecated, use @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} instead.
27928
27929 @subsubheading Synopsis
27930
27931 @smallexample
27932 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
27933 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
27934 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
27935 @end smallexample
27936
27937 @noindent
27938 where:
27939
27940 @table @samp
27941 @item @var{address}
27942 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
27943 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
27944 quoted using the C convention.
27945
27946 @item @var{word-format}
27947 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
27948 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
27949 ,Output Formats}).
27950
27951 @item @var{word-size}
27952 The size of each memory word in bytes.
27953
27954 @item @var{nr-rows}
27955 The number of rows in the output table.
27956
27957 @item @var{nr-cols}
27958 The number of columns in the output table.
27959
27960 @item @var{aschar}
27961 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
27962 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
27963 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
27964 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
27965
27966 @item @var{byte-offset}
27967 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
27968 @end table
27969
27970 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
27971 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
27972 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
27973 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
27974 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
27975 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
27976 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
27977 @samp{addr}.
27978
27979 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
27980 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
27981 @samp{prev-page}.
27982
27983 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
27984
27985 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
27986 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
27987
27988 @subsubheading Example
27989
27990 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
27991 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
27992 word. Display each word in hex.
27993
27994 @smallexample
27995 (gdb)
27996 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
27997 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
27998 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
27999 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
28000 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
28001 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
28002 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
28003 (gdb)
28004 @end smallexample
28005
28006 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
28007 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
28008
28009 @smallexample
28010 (gdb)
28011 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
28012 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
28013 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
28014 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
28015 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
28016 (gdb)
28017 @end smallexample
28018
28019 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
28020 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
28021 used as the non-printable character.
28022
28023 @smallexample
28024 (gdb)
28025 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
28026 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
28027 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
28028 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
28029 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28030 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28031 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28032 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
28033 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
28034 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
28035 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
28036 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
28037 (gdb)
28038 @end smallexample
28039
28040 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} Command
28041 @findex -data-read-memory-bytes
28042
28043 @subsubheading Synopsis
28044
28045 @smallexample
28046 -data-read-memory-bytes [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
28047 @var{address} @var{count}
28048 @end smallexample
28049
28050 @noindent
28051 where:
28052
28053 @table @samp
28054 @item @var{address}
28055 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
28056 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
28057 quoted using the C convention.
28058
28059 @item @var{count}
28060 The number of bytes to read. This should be an integer literal.
28061
28062 @item @var{byte-offset}
28063 The offsets in bytes relative to @var{address} at which to start
28064 reading. This should be an integer literal. This option is provided
28065 so that a frontend is not required to first evaluate address and then
28066 perform address arithmetics itself.
28067
28068 @end table
28069
28070 This command attempts to read all accessible memory regions in the
28071 specified range. First, all regions marked as unreadable in the memory
28072 map (if one is defined) will be skipped. @xref{Memory Region
28073 Attributes}. Second, @value{GDBN} will attempt to read the remaining
28074 regions. For each one, if reading full region results in an errors,
28075 @value{GDBN} will try to read a subset of the region.
28076
28077 In general, every single byte in the region may be readable or not,
28078 and the only way to read every readable byte is to try a read at
28079 every address, which is not practical. Therefore, @value{GDBN} will
28080 attempt to read all accessible bytes at either beginning or the end
28081 of the region, using a binary division scheme. This heuristic works
28082 well for reading accross a memory map boundary. Note that if a region
28083 has a readable range that is neither at the beginning or the end,
28084 @value{GDBN} will not read it.
28085
28086 The result record (@pxref{GDB/MI Result Records}) that is output of
28087 the command includes a field named @samp{memory} whose content is a
28088 list of tuples. Each tuple represent a successfully read memory block
28089 and has the following fields:
28090
28091 @table @code
28092 @item begin
28093 The start address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
28094
28095 @item end
28096 The end address of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal.
28097
28098 @item offset
28099 The offset of the memory block, as hexadecimal literal, relative to
28100 the start address passed to @code{-data-read-memory-bytes}.
28101
28102 @item contents
28103 The contents of the memory block, in hex.
28104
28105 @end table
28106
28107
28108
28109 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28110
28111 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}.
28112
28113 @subsubheading Example
28114
28115 @smallexample
28116 (gdb)
28117 -data-read-memory-bytes &a 10
28118 ^done,memory=[@{begin="0xbffff154",offset="0x00000000",
28119 end="0xbffff15e",
28120 contents="01000000020000000300"@}]
28121 (gdb)
28122 @end smallexample
28123
28124
28125 @subheading The @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} Command
28126 @findex -data-write-memory-bytes
28127
28128 @subsubheading Synopsis
28129
28130 @smallexample
28131 -data-write-memory-bytes @var{address} @var{contents}
28132 @end smallexample
28133
28134 @noindent
28135 where:
28136
28137 @table @samp
28138 @item @var{address}
28139 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
28140 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
28141 quoted using the C convention.
28142
28143 @item @var{contents}
28144 The hex-encoded bytes to write.
28145
28146 @end table
28147
28148 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28149
28150 There's no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
28151
28152 @subsubheading Example
28153
28154 @smallexample
28155 (gdb)
28156 -data-write-memory-bytes &a "aabbccdd"
28157 ^done
28158 (gdb)
28159 @end smallexample
28160
28161
28162 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28163 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
28164 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
28165
28166 The commands defined in this section implement MI support for
28167 tracepoints. For detailed introduction, see @ref{Tracepoints}.
28168
28169 @subheading The @code{-trace-find} Command
28170 @findex -trace-find
28171
28172 @subsubheading Synopsis
28173
28174 @smallexample
28175 -trace-find @var{mode} [@var{parameters}@dots{}]
28176 @end smallexample
28177
28178 Find a trace frame using criteria defined by @var{mode} and
28179 @var{parameters}. The following table lists permissible
28180 modes and their parameters. For details of operation, see @ref{tfind}.
28181
28182 @table @samp
28183
28184 @item none
28185 No parameters are required. Stops examining trace frames.
28186
28187 @item frame-number
28188 An integer is required as parameter. Selects tracepoint frame with
28189 that index.
28190
28191 @item tracepoint-number
28192 An integer is required as parameter. Finds next
28193 trace frame that corresponds to tracepoint with the specified number.
28194
28195 @item pc
28196 An address is required as parameter. Finds
28197 next trace frame that corresponds to any tracepoint at the specified
28198 address.
28199
28200 @item pc-inside-range
28201 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds next trace
28202 frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address inside the
28203 specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
28204
28205 @item pc-outside-range
28206 Two addresses are required as parameters. Finds
28207 next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at an address outside
28208 the specified range. Both bounds are considered to be inside the range.
28209
28210 @item line
28211 Line specification is required as parameter. @xref{Specify Location}.
28212 Finds next trace frame that corresponds to a tracepoint at
28213 the specified location.
28214
28215 @end table
28216
28217 If @samp{none} was passed as @var{mode}, the response does not
28218 have fields. Otherwise, the response may have the following fields:
28219
28220 @table @samp
28221 @item found
28222 This field has either @samp{0} or @samp{1} as the value, depending
28223 on whether a matching tracepoint was found.
28224
28225 @item traceframe
28226 The index of the found traceframe. This field is present iff
28227 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
28228
28229 @item tracepoint
28230 The index of the found tracepoint. This field is present iff
28231 the @samp{found} field has value of @samp{1}.
28232
28233 @item frame
28234 The information about the frame corresponding to the found trace
28235 frame. This field is present only if a trace frame was found.
28236 @xref{GDB/MI Frame Information}, for description of this field.
28237
28238 @end table
28239
28240 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28241
28242 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tfind}.
28243
28244 @subheading -trace-define-variable
28245 @findex -trace-define-variable
28246
28247 @subsubheading Synopsis
28248
28249 @smallexample
28250 -trace-define-variable @var{name} [ @var{value} ]
28251 @end smallexample
28252
28253 Create trace variable @var{name} if it does not exist. If
28254 @var{value} is specified, sets the initial value of the specified
28255 trace variable to that value. Note that the @var{name} should start
28256 with the @samp{$} character.
28257
28258 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28259
28260 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariable}.
28261
28262 @subheading -trace-list-variables
28263 @findex -trace-list-variables
28264
28265 @subsubheading Synopsis
28266
28267 @smallexample
28268 -trace-list-variables
28269 @end smallexample
28270
28271 Return a table of all defined trace variables. Each element of the
28272 table has the following fields:
28273
28274 @table @samp
28275 @item name
28276 The name of the trace variable. This field is always present.
28277
28278 @item initial
28279 The initial value. This is a 64-bit signed integer. This
28280 field is always present.
28281
28282 @item current
28283 The value the trace variable has at the moment. This is a 64-bit
28284 signed integer. This field is absent iff current value is
28285 not defined, for example if the trace was never run, or is
28286 presently running.
28287
28288 @end table
28289
28290 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28291
28292 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tvariables}.
28293
28294 @subsubheading Example
28295
28296 @smallexample
28297 (gdb)
28298 -trace-list-variables
28299 ^done,trace-variables=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="3",
28300 hdr=[@{width="15",alignment="-1",col_name="name",colhdr="Name"@},
28301 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="initial",colhdr="Initial"@},
28302 @{width="11",alignment="-1",col_name="current",colhdr="Current"@}],
28303 body=[variable=@{name="$trace_timestamp",initial="0"@}
28304 variable=@{name="$foo",initial="10",current="15"@}]@}
28305 (gdb)
28306 @end smallexample
28307
28308 @subheading -trace-save
28309 @findex -trace-save
28310
28311 @subsubheading Synopsis
28312
28313 @smallexample
28314 -trace-save [-r ] @var{filename}
28315 @end smallexample
28316
28317 Saves the collected trace data to @var{filename}. Without the
28318 @samp{-r} option, the data is downloaded from the target and saved
28319 in a local file. With the @samp{-r} option the target is asked
28320 to perform the save.
28321
28322 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28323
28324 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tsave}.
28325
28326
28327 @subheading -trace-start
28328 @findex -trace-start
28329
28330 @subsubheading Synopsis
28331
28332 @smallexample
28333 -trace-start
28334 @end smallexample
28335
28336 Starts a tracing experiments. The result of this command does not
28337 have any fields.
28338
28339 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28340
28341 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstart}.
28342
28343 @subheading -trace-status
28344 @findex -trace-status
28345
28346 @subsubheading Synopsis
28347
28348 @smallexample
28349 -trace-status
28350 @end smallexample
28351
28352 Obtains the status of a tracing experiment. The result may include
28353 the following fields:
28354
28355 @table @samp
28356
28357 @item supported
28358 May have a value of either @samp{0}, when no tracing operations are
28359 supported, @samp{1}, when all tracing operations are supported, or
28360 @samp{file} when examining trace file. In the latter case, examining
28361 of trace frame is possible but new tracing experiement cannot be
28362 started. This field is always present.
28363
28364 @item running
28365 May have a value of either @samp{0} or @samp{1} depending on whether
28366 tracing experiement is in progress on target. This field is present
28367 if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
28368
28369 @item stop-reason
28370 Report the reason why the tracing was stopped last time. This field
28371 may be absent iff tracing was never stopped on target yet. The
28372 value of @samp{request} means the tracing was stopped as result of
28373 the @code{-trace-stop} command. The value of @samp{overflow} means
28374 the tracing buffer is full. The value of @samp{disconnection} means
28375 tracing was automatically stopped when @value{GDBN} has disconnected.
28376 The value of @samp{passcount} means tracing was stopped when a
28377 tracepoint was passed a maximal number of times for that tracepoint.
28378 This field is present if @samp{supported} field is not @samp{0}.
28379
28380 @item stopping-tracepoint
28381 The number of tracepoint whose passcount as exceeded. This field is
28382 present iff the @samp{stop-reason} field has the value of
28383 @samp{passcount}.
28384
28385 @item frames
28386 @itemx frames-created
28387 The @samp{frames} field is a count of the total number of trace frames
28388 in the trace buffer, while @samp{frames-created} is the total created
28389 during the run, including ones that were discarded, such as when a
28390 circular trace buffer filled up. Both fields are optional.
28391
28392 @item buffer-size
28393 @itemx buffer-free
28394 These fields tell the current size of the tracing buffer and the
28395 remaining space. These fields are optional.
28396
28397 @item circular
28398 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
28399 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
28400 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
28401 and may fill up.
28402
28403 @item disconnected
28404 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
28405 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
28406 that the trace run will stop.
28407
28408 @end table
28409
28410 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28411
28412 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstatus}.
28413
28414 @subheading -trace-stop
28415 @findex -trace-stop
28416
28417 @subsubheading Synopsis
28418
28419 @smallexample
28420 -trace-stop
28421 @end smallexample
28422
28423 Stops a tracing experiment. The result of this command has the same
28424 fields as @code{-trace-status}, except that the @samp{supported} and
28425 @samp{running} fields are not output.
28426
28427 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28428
28429 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{tstop}.
28430
28431
28432 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28433 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
28434 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
28435
28436
28437 @ignore
28438 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
28439 @findex -symbol-info-address
28440
28441 @subsubheading Synopsis
28442
28443 @smallexample
28444 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
28445 @end smallexample
28446
28447 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
28448
28449 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28450
28451 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
28452
28453 @subsubheading Example
28454 N.A.
28455
28456
28457 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
28458 @findex -symbol-info-file
28459
28460 @subsubheading Synopsis
28461
28462 @smallexample
28463 -symbol-info-file
28464 @end smallexample
28465
28466 Show the file for the symbol.
28467
28468 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28469
28470 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
28471 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
28472
28473 @subsubheading Example
28474 N.A.
28475
28476
28477 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
28478 @findex -symbol-info-function
28479
28480 @subsubheading Synopsis
28481
28482 @smallexample
28483 -symbol-info-function
28484 @end smallexample
28485
28486 Show which function the symbol lives in.
28487
28488 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28489
28490 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
28491
28492 @subsubheading Example
28493 N.A.
28494
28495
28496 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
28497 @findex -symbol-info-line
28498
28499 @subsubheading Synopsis
28500
28501 @smallexample
28502 -symbol-info-line
28503 @end smallexample
28504
28505 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
28506
28507 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28508
28509 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
28510 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
28511
28512 @subsubheading Example
28513 N.A.
28514
28515
28516 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
28517 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
28518
28519 @subsubheading Synopsis
28520
28521 @smallexample
28522 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
28523 @end smallexample
28524
28525 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
28526
28527 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28528
28529 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
28530
28531 @subsubheading Example
28532 N.A.
28533
28534
28535 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
28536 @findex -symbol-list-functions
28537
28538 @subsubheading Synopsis
28539
28540 @smallexample
28541 -symbol-list-functions
28542 @end smallexample
28543
28544 List the functions in the executable.
28545
28546 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28547
28548 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
28549 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
28550
28551 @subsubheading Example
28552 N.A.
28553 @end ignore
28554
28555
28556 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
28557 @findex -symbol-list-lines
28558
28559 @subsubheading Synopsis
28560
28561 @smallexample
28562 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
28563 @end smallexample
28564
28565 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
28566 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
28567 ascending PC order.
28568
28569 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28570
28571 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
28572
28573 @subsubheading Example
28574 @smallexample
28575 (gdb)
28576 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
28577 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
28578 (gdb)
28579 @end smallexample
28580
28581
28582 @ignore
28583 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
28584 @findex -symbol-list-types
28585
28586 @subsubheading Synopsis
28587
28588 @smallexample
28589 -symbol-list-types
28590 @end smallexample
28591
28592 List all the type names.
28593
28594 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28595
28596 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
28597 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
28598
28599 @subsubheading Example
28600 N.A.
28601
28602
28603 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
28604 @findex -symbol-list-variables
28605
28606 @subsubheading Synopsis
28607
28608 @smallexample
28609 -symbol-list-variables
28610 @end smallexample
28611
28612 List all the global and static variable names.
28613
28614 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28615
28616 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
28617
28618 @subsubheading Example
28619 N.A.
28620
28621
28622 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
28623 @findex -symbol-locate
28624
28625 @subsubheading Synopsis
28626
28627 @smallexample
28628 -symbol-locate
28629 @end smallexample
28630
28631 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28632
28633 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
28634
28635 @subsubheading Example
28636 N.A.
28637
28638
28639 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
28640 @findex -symbol-type
28641
28642 @subsubheading Synopsis
28643
28644 @smallexample
28645 -symbol-type @var{variable}
28646 @end smallexample
28647
28648 Show type of @var{variable}.
28649
28650 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28651
28652 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
28653 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
28654
28655 @subsubheading Example
28656 N.A.
28657 @end ignore
28658
28659
28660 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28661 @node GDB/MI File Commands
28662 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
28663
28664 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
28665 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
28666
28667 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
28668 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
28669
28670 @subsubheading Synopsis
28671
28672 @smallexample
28673 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
28674 @end smallexample
28675
28676 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
28677 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
28678 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
28679 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
28680 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
28681 notification.
28682
28683 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28684
28685 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
28686
28687 @subsubheading Example
28688
28689 @smallexample
28690 (gdb)
28691 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
28692 ^done
28693 (gdb)
28694 @end smallexample
28695
28696
28697 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
28698 @findex -file-exec-file
28699
28700 @subsubheading Synopsis
28701
28702 @smallexample
28703 -file-exec-file @var{file}
28704 @end smallexample
28705
28706 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
28707 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
28708 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
28709 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
28710 notification.
28711
28712 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28713
28714 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
28715
28716 @subsubheading Example
28717
28718 @smallexample
28719 (gdb)
28720 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
28721 ^done
28722 (gdb)
28723 @end smallexample
28724
28725
28726 @ignore
28727 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
28728 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
28729
28730 @subsubheading Synopsis
28731
28732 @smallexample
28733 -file-list-exec-sections
28734 @end smallexample
28735
28736 List the sections of the current executable file.
28737
28738 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28739
28740 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
28741 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
28742 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
28743
28744 @subsubheading Example
28745 N.A.
28746 @end ignore
28747
28748
28749 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
28750 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
28751
28752 @subsubheading Synopsis
28753
28754 @smallexample
28755 -file-list-exec-source-file
28756 @end smallexample
28757
28758 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
28759 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
28760 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
28761 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
28762
28763 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28764
28765 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
28766
28767 @subsubheading Example
28768
28769 @smallexample
28770 (gdb)
28771 123-file-list-exec-source-file
28772 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
28773 (gdb)
28774 @end smallexample
28775
28776
28777 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
28778 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
28779
28780 @subsubheading Synopsis
28781
28782 @smallexample
28783 -file-list-exec-source-files
28784 @end smallexample
28785
28786 List the source files for the current executable.
28787
28788 It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
28789 the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
28790
28791 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28792
28793 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
28794 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
28795
28796 @subsubheading Example
28797 @smallexample
28798 (gdb)
28799 -file-list-exec-source-files
28800 ^done,files=[
28801 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
28802 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
28803 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
28804 (gdb)
28805 @end smallexample
28806
28807 @ignore
28808 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
28809 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
28810
28811 @subsubheading Synopsis
28812
28813 @smallexample
28814 -file-list-shared-libraries
28815 @end smallexample
28816
28817 List the shared libraries in the program.
28818
28819 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28820
28821 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
28822
28823 @subsubheading Example
28824 N.A.
28825
28826
28827 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
28828 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
28829
28830 @subsubheading Synopsis
28831
28832 @smallexample
28833 -file-list-symbol-files
28834 @end smallexample
28835
28836 List symbol files.
28837
28838 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28839
28840 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
28841
28842 @subsubheading Example
28843 N.A.
28844 @end ignore
28845
28846
28847 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
28848 @findex -file-symbol-file
28849
28850 @subsubheading Synopsis
28851
28852 @smallexample
28853 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
28854 @end smallexample
28855
28856 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
28857 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
28858 produced, except for a completion notification.
28859
28860 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28861
28862 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
28863
28864 @subsubheading Example
28865
28866 @smallexample
28867 (gdb)
28868 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
28869 ^done
28870 (gdb)
28871 @end smallexample
28872
28873 @ignore
28874 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28875 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
28876 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
28877
28878 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
28879
28880 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
28881
28882 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
28883
28884 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
28885
28886 @c @subheading -overlay-map
28887
28888 @c @subheading -overlay-off
28889
28890 @c @subheading -overlay-on
28891
28892 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
28893
28894 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28895 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
28896 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
28897
28898 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
28899
28900 @c @subheading -signal-handle
28901
28902 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
28903
28904 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
28905 @end ignore
28906
28907
28908 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
28909 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
28910 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
28911
28912
28913 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
28914 @findex -target-attach
28915
28916 @subsubheading Synopsis
28917
28918 @smallexample
28919 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
28920 @end smallexample
28921
28922 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
28923 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
28924 group, the id previously returned by
28925 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
28926
28927 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28928
28929 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
28930
28931 @subsubheading Example
28932 @smallexample
28933 (gdb)
28934 -target-attach 34
28935 =thread-created,id="1"
28936 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
28937 ^done
28938 (gdb)
28939 @end smallexample
28940
28941 @ignore
28942 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
28943 @findex -target-compare-sections
28944
28945 @subsubheading Synopsis
28946
28947 @smallexample
28948 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
28949 @end smallexample
28950
28951 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
28952 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
28953
28954 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28955
28956 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
28957
28958 @subsubheading Example
28959 N.A.
28960 @end ignore
28961
28962
28963 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
28964 @findex -target-detach
28965
28966 @subsubheading Synopsis
28967
28968 @smallexample
28969 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
28970 @end smallexample
28971
28972 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
28973 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
28974 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
28975
28976 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
28977
28978 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
28979
28980 @subsubheading Example
28981
28982 @smallexample
28983 (gdb)
28984 -target-detach
28985 ^done
28986 (gdb)
28987 @end smallexample
28988
28989
28990 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
28991 @findex -target-disconnect
28992
28993 @subsubheading Synopsis
28994
28995 @smallexample
28996 -target-disconnect
28997 @end smallexample
28998
28999 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
29000 generally not resumed.
29001
29002 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29003
29004 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
29005
29006 @subsubheading Example
29007
29008 @smallexample
29009 (gdb)
29010 -target-disconnect
29011 ^done
29012 (gdb)
29013 @end smallexample
29014
29015
29016 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
29017 @findex -target-download
29018
29019 @subsubheading Synopsis
29020
29021 @smallexample
29022 -target-download
29023 @end smallexample
29024
29025 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
29026 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
29027
29028 @table @samp
29029 @item section
29030 The name of the section.
29031 @item section-sent
29032 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
29033 @item section-size
29034 The size of the section.
29035 @item total-sent
29036 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
29037 @item total-size
29038 The size of the overall executable to download.
29039 @end table
29040
29041 @noindent
29042 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
29043 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
29044
29045 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
29046 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
29047
29048 @table @samp
29049 @item section
29050 The name of the section.
29051 @item section-size
29052 The size of the section.
29053 @item total-size
29054 The size of the overall executable to download.
29055 @end table
29056
29057 @noindent
29058 At the end, a summary is printed.
29059
29060 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29061
29062 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
29063
29064 @subsubheading Example
29065
29066 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
29067 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
29068
29069 @smallexample
29070 (gdb)
29071 -target-download
29072 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
29073 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
29074 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
29075 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
29076 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
29077 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
29078 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
29079 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
29080 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
29081 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
29082 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
29083 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
29084 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
29085 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
29086 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
29087 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
29088 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
29089 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
29090 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
29091 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
29092 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
29093 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
29094 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
29095 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
29096 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
29097 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
29098 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
29099 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
29100 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
29101 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
29102 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
29103 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
29104 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
29105 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
29106 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
29107 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
29108 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
29109 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
29110 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
29111 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
29112 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
29113 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
29114 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
29115 write-rate="429"
29116 (gdb)
29117 @end smallexample
29118
29119
29120 @ignore
29121 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
29122 @findex -target-exec-status
29123
29124 @subsubheading Synopsis
29125
29126 @smallexample
29127 -target-exec-status
29128 @end smallexample
29129
29130 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
29131 not, for instance).
29132
29133 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29134
29135 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
29136
29137 @subsubheading Example
29138 N.A.
29139
29140
29141 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
29142 @findex -target-list-available-targets
29143
29144 @subsubheading Synopsis
29145
29146 @smallexample
29147 -target-list-available-targets
29148 @end smallexample
29149
29150 List the possible targets to connect to.
29151
29152 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29153
29154 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
29155
29156 @subsubheading Example
29157 N.A.
29158
29159
29160 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
29161 @findex -target-list-current-targets
29162
29163 @subsubheading Synopsis
29164
29165 @smallexample
29166 -target-list-current-targets
29167 @end smallexample
29168
29169 Describe the current target.
29170
29171 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29172
29173 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
29174 other things).
29175
29176 @subsubheading Example
29177 N.A.
29178
29179
29180 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
29181 @findex -target-list-parameters
29182
29183 @subsubheading Synopsis
29184
29185 @smallexample
29186 -target-list-parameters
29187 @end smallexample
29188
29189 @c ????
29190 @end ignore
29191
29192 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29193
29194 No equivalent.
29195
29196 @subsubheading Example
29197 N.A.
29198
29199
29200 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
29201 @findex -target-select
29202
29203 @subsubheading Synopsis
29204
29205 @smallexample
29206 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
29207 @end smallexample
29208
29209 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
29210
29211 @table @samp
29212 @item @var{type}
29213 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
29214 @item @var{parameters}
29215 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
29216 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
29217 @end table
29218
29219 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
29220 which the target program is, in the following form:
29221
29222 @smallexample
29223 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
29224 args=[@var{arg list}]
29225 @end smallexample
29226
29227 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29228
29229 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
29230
29231 @subsubheading Example
29232
29233 @smallexample
29234 (gdb)
29235 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
29236 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
29237 (gdb)
29238 @end smallexample
29239
29240 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29241 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
29242 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
29243
29244
29245 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
29246 @findex -target-file-put
29247
29248 @subsubheading Synopsis
29249
29250 @smallexample
29251 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
29252 @end smallexample
29253
29254 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
29255 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
29256
29257 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29258
29259 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
29260
29261 @subsubheading Example
29262
29263 @smallexample
29264 (gdb)
29265 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
29266 ^done
29267 (gdb)
29268 @end smallexample
29269
29270
29271 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
29272 @findex -target-file-get
29273
29274 @subsubheading Synopsis
29275
29276 @smallexample
29277 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
29278 @end smallexample
29279
29280 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
29281 on the host system.
29282
29283 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29284
29285 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
29286
29287 @subsubheading Example
29288
29289 @smallexample
29290 (gdb)
29291 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
29292 ^done
29293 (gdb)
29294 @end smallexample
29295
29296
29297 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
29298 @findex -target-file-delete
29299
29300 @subsubheading Synopsis
29301
29302 @smallexample
29303 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
29304 @end smallexample
29305
29306 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
29307
29308 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29309
29310 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
29311
29312 @subsubheading Example
29313
29314 @smallexample
29315 (gdb)
29316 -target-file-delete remotefile
29317 ^done
29318 (gdb)
29319 @end smallexample
29320
29321
29322 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
29323 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
29324 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
29325
29326 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
29327
29328 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
29329 @findex -gdb-exit
29330
29331 @subsubheading Synopsis
29332
29333 @smallexample
29334 -gdb-exit
29335 @end smallexample
29336
29337 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
29338
29339 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29340
29341 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
29342
29343 @subsubheading Example
29344
29345 @smallexample
29346 (gdb)
29347 -gdb-exit
29348 ^exit
29349 @end smallexample
29350
29351
29352 @ignore
29353 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
29354 @findex -exec-abort
29355
29356 @subsubheading Synopsis
29357
29358 @smallexample
29359 -exec-abort
29360 @end smallexample
29361
29362 Kill the inferior running program.
29363
29364 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29365
29366 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
29367
29368 @subsubheading Example
29369 N.A.
29370 @end ignore
29371
29372
29373 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
29374 @findex -gdb-set
29375
29376 @subsubheading Synopsis
29377
29378 @smallexample
29379 -gdb-set
29380 @end smallexample
29381
29382 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
29383 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
29384
29385 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29386
29387 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
29388
29389 @subsubheading Example
29390
29391 @smallexample
29392 (gdb)
29393 -gdb-set $foo=3
29394 ^done
29395 (gdb)
29396 @end smallexample
29397
29398
29399 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
29400 @findex -gdb-show
29401
29402 @subsubheading Synopsis
29403
29404 @smallexample
29405 -gdb-show
29406 @end smallexample
29407
29408 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
29409
29410 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29411
29412 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
29413
29414 @subsubheading Example
29415
29416 @smallexample
29417 (gdb)
29418 -gdb-show annotate
29419 ^done,value="0"
29420 (gdb)
29421 @end smallexample
29422
29423 @c @subheading -gdb-source
29424
29425
29426 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
29427 @findex -gdb-version
29428
29429 @subsubheading Synopsis
29430
29431 @smallexample
29432 -gdb-version
29433 @end smallexample
29434
29435 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
29436
29437 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
29438
29439 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
29440 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
29441
29442 @subsubheading Example
29443
29444 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
29445 @c box in TeX.
29446 @smallexample
29447 (gdb)
29448 -gdb-version
29449 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
29450 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
29451 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
29452 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
29453 ~ certain conditions.
29454 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
29455 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
29456 ~ details.
29457 ~This GDB was configured as
29458 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
29459 ^done
29460 (gdb)
29461 @end smallexample
29462
29463 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
29464 @findex -list-features
29465
29466 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
29467 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
29468 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
29469 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
29470 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
29471 startup.
29472
29473 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
29474 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
29475 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
29476 is given below.
29477
29478 Example output:
29479
29480 @smallexample
29481 (gdb) -list-features
29482 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
29483 @end smallexample
29484
29485 The current list of features is:
29486
29487 @table @samp
29488 @item frozen-varobjs
29489 Indicates presence of the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
29490 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
29491 of @code{-varobj-create}.
29492 @item pending-breakpoints
29493 Indicates presence of the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert} command.
29494 @item python
29495 Indicates presence of Python scripting support, Python-based
29496 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
29497 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
29498 @item thread-info
29499 Indicates presence of the @code{-thread-info} command.
29500 @item data-read-memory-bytes
29501 Indicates presense of the @code{-data-read-memory-bytes} and the
29502 @code{-data-write-memory-bytes} commands.
29503
29504 @end table
29505
29506 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
29507 @findex -list-target-features
29508
29509 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
29510 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
29511 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
29512 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
29513 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
29514 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
29515 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
29516 Example output:
29517
29518 @smallexample
29519 (gdb) -list-features
29520 ^done,result=["async"]
29521 @end smallexample
29522
29523 The current list of features is:
29524
29525 @table @samp
29526 @item async
29527 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
29528 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
29529 while the target is running.
29530
29531 @item reverse
29532 Indicates that the target is capable of reverse execution.
29533 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
29534
29535 @end table
29536
29537 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
29538 @findex -list-thread-groups
29539
29540 @subheading Synopsis
29541
29542 @smallexample
29543 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ --recurse 1 ] [ @var{group} ... ]
29544 @end smallexample
29545
29546 Lists thread groups (@pxref{Thread groups}). When a single thread
29547 group is passed as the argument, lists the children of that group.
29548 When several thread group are passed, lists information about those
29549 thread groups. Without any parameters, lists information about all
29550 top-level thread groups.
29551
29552 Normally, thread groups that are being debugged are reported.
29553 With the @samp{--available} option, @value{GDBN} reports thread groups
29554 available on the target.
29555
29556 The output of this command may have either a @samp{threads} result or
29557 a @samp{groups} result. The @samp{thread} result has a list of tuples
29558 as value, with each tuple describing a thread (@pxref{GDB/MI Thread
29559 Information}). The @samp{groups} result has a list of tuples as value,
29560 each tuple describing a thread group. If top-level groups are
29561 requested (that is, no parameter is passed), or when several groups
29562 are passed, the output always has a @samp{groups} result. The format
29563 of the @samp{group} result is described below.
29564
29565 To reduce the number of roundtrips it's possible to list thread groups
29566 together with their children, by passing the @samp{--recurse} option
29567 and the recursion depth. Presently, only recursion depth of 1 is
29568 permitted. If this option is present, then every reported thread group
29569 will also include its children, either as @samp{group} or
29570 @samp{threads} field.
29571
29572 In general, any combination of option and parameters is permitted, with
29573 the following caveats:
29574
29575 @itemize @bullet
29576 @item
29577 When a single thread group is passed, the output will typically
29578 be the @samp{threads} result. Because threads may not contain
29579 anything, the @samp{recurse} option will be ignored.
29580
29581 @item
29582 When the @samp{--available} option is passed, limited information may
29583 be available. In particular, the list of threads of a process might
29584 be inaccessible. Further, specifying specific thread groups might
29585 not give any performance advantage over listing all thread groups.
29586 The frontend should assume that @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}
29587 is always an expensive operation and cache the results.
29588
29589 @end itemize
29590
29591 The @samp{groups} result is a list of tuples, where each tuple may
29592 have the following fields:
29593
29594 @table @code
29595 @item id
29596 Identifier of the thread group. This field is always present.
29597 The identifier is an opaque string; frontends should not try to
29598 convert it to an integer, even though it might look like one.
29599
29600 @item type
29601 The type of the thread group. At present, only @samp{process} is a
29602 valid type.
29603
29604 @item pid
29605 The target-specific process identifier. This field is only present
29606 for thread groups of type @samp{process} and only if the process exists.
29607
29608 @item num_children
29609 The number of children this thread group has. This field may be
29610 absent for an available thread group.
29611
29612 @item threads
29613 This field has a list of tuples as value, each tuple describing a
29614 thread. It may be present if the @samp{--recurse} option is
29615 specified, and it's actually possible to obtain the threads.
29616
29617 @item cores
29618 This field is a list of integers, each identifying a core that one
29619 thread of the group is running on. This field may be absent if
29620 such information is not available.
29621
29622 @item executable
29623 The name of the executable file that corresponds to this thread group.
29624 The field is only present for thread groups of type @samp{process},
29625 and only if there is a corresponding executable file.
29626
29627 @end table
29628
29629 @subheading Example
29630
29631 @smallexample
29632 @value{GDBP}
29633 -list-thread-groups
29634 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
29635 -list-thread-groups 17
29636 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
29637 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
29638 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
29639 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
29640 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
29641 -list-thread-groups --available
29642 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2]@}]
29643 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1
29644 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
29645 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
29646 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},..]
29647 -list-thread-groups --available --recurse 1 17 18
29648 ^done,groups=[@{id="17", types="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2",cores=[1,2],
29649 threads=[@{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[1]@},
29650 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90",cores=[2]@}]@},...]
29651 @end smallexample
29652
29653
29654 @subheading The @code{-add-inferior} Command
29655 @findex -add-inferior
29656
29657 @subheading Synopsis
29658
29659 @smallexample
29660 -add-inferior
29661 @end smallexample
29662
29663 Creates a new inferior (@pxref{Inferiors and Programs}). The created
29664 inferior is not associated with any executable. Such association may
29665 be established with the @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols} command
29666 (@pxref{GDB/MI File Commands}). The command response has a single
29667 field, @samp{thread-group}, whose value is the identifier of the
29668 thread group corresponding to the new inferior.
29669
29670 @subheading Example
29671
29672 @smallexample
29673 @value{GDBP}
29674 -add-inferior
29675 ^done,thread-group="i3"
29676 @end smallexample
29677
29678 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
29679 @findex -interpreter-exec
29680
29681 @subheading Synopsis
29682
29683 @smallexample
29684 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
29685 @end smallexample
29686 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
29687
29688 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
29689
29690 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
29691
29692 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
29693
29694 @subheading Example
29695
29696 @smallexample
29697 (gdb)
29698 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
29699 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
29700 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
29701 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
29702 ^done
29703 (gdb)
29704 @end smallexample
29705
29706 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
29707 @findex -inferior-tty-set
29708
29709 @subheading Synopsis
29710
29711 @smallexample
29712 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
29713 @end smallexample
29714
29715 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
29716
29717 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
29718
29719 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
29720
29721 @subheading Example
29722
29723 @smallexample
29724 (gdb)
29725 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
29726 ^done
29727 (gdb)
29728 @end smallexample
29729
29730 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
29731 @findex -inferior-tty-show
29732
29733 @subheading Synopsis
29734
29735 @smallexample
29736 -inferior-tty-show
29737 @end smallexample
29738
29739 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
29740
29741 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
29742
29743 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
29744
29745 @subheading Example
29746
29747 @smallexample
29748 (gdb)
29749 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
29750 ^done
29751 (gdb)
29752 -inferior-tty-show
29753 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
29754 (gdb)
29755 @end smallexample
29756
29757 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
29758 @findex -enable-timings
29759
29760 @subheading Synopsis
29761
29762 @smallexample
29763 -enable-timings [yes | no]
29764 @end smallexample
29765
29766 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
29767 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
29768 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
29769 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
29770
29771 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
29772
29773 No equivalent.
29774
29775 @subheading Example
29776
29777 @smallexample
29778 (gdb)
29779 -enable-timings
29780 ^done
29781 (gdb)
29782 -break-insert main
29783 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
29784 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
29785 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
29786 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
29787 (gdb)
29788 -enable-timings no
29789 ^done
29790 (gdb)
29791 -exec-run
29792 ^running
29793 (gdb)
29794 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
29795 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
29796 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
29797 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
29798 (gdb)
29799 @end smallexample
29800
29801 @node Annotations
29802 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
29803
29804 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
29805 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
29806 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
29807 relatively high level.
29808
29809 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
29810 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
29811
29812 @ignore
29813 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
29814 @end ignore
29815
29816 @menu
29817 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
29818 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
29819 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
29820 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
29821 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
29822 * Annotations for Running::
29823 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
29824 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
29825 @end menu
29826
29827 @node Annotations Overview
29828 @section What is an Annotation?
29829 @cindex annotations
29830
29831 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
29832 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
29833 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
29834 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
29835 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
29836 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
29837 cannot contain newline characters.
29838
29839 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
29840 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
29841 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
29842 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
29843 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
29844 means those three characters as output.
29845
29846 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
29847 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
29848 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
29849 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
29850 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
29851 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
29852 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
29853 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
29854 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
29855
29856 @table @code
29857 @kindex set annotate
29858 @item set annotate @var{level}
29859 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
29860 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
29861
29862 @item show annotate
29863 @kindex show annotate
29864 Show the current annotation level.
29865 @end table
29866
29867 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
29868
29869 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
29870
29871 @smallexample
29872 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
29873 GNU gdb 6.0
29874 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
29875 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
29876 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
29877 under certain conditions.
29878 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
29879 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
29880 for details.
29881 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
29882
29883 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
29884 (@value{GDBP})
29885 ^Z^Zprompt
29886 @kbd{quit}
29887
29888 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
29889 $
29890 @end smallexample
29891
29892 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
29893 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
29894 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
29895 output from @value{GDBN}.
29896
29897 @node Server Prefix
29898 @section The Server Prefix
29899 @cindex server prefix
29900
29901 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
29902 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
29903 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
29904 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
29905 a transparent manner.
29906
29907 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
29908 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
29909 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
29910 @code{print} command.
29911
29912 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
29913 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
29914
29915 @node Prompting
29916 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
29917
29918 @cindex annotations for prompts
29919 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
29920 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
29921 over, etc.
29922
29923 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
29924 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
29925 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
29926 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
29927 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
29928 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
29929 features the following annotations:
29930
29931 @smallexample
29932 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
29933 ^Z^Zprompt
29934 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
29935 @end smallexample
29936
29937 The input types are
29938
29939 @table @code
29940 @findex pre-prompt annotation
29941 @findex prompt annotation
29942 @findex post-prompt annotation
29943 @item prompt
29944 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
29945
29946 @findex pre-commands annotation
29947 @findex commands annotation
29948 @findex post-commands annotation
29949 @item commands
29950 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
29951 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
29952
29953 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
29954 @findex overload-choice annotation
29955 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
29956 @item overload-choice
29957 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
29958
29959 @findex pre-query annotation
29960 @findex query annotation
29961 @findex post-query annotation
29962 @item query
29963 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
29964
29965 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
29966 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
29967 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
29968 @item prompt-for-continue
29969 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
29970 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
29971 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
29972 presence of annotations.
29973 @end table
29974
29975 @node Errors
29976 @section Errors
29977 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
29978
29979 @findex quit annotation
29980 @smallexample
29981 ^Z^Zquit
29982 @end smallexample
29983
29984 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
29985
29986 @findex error annotation
29987 @smallexample
29988 ^Z^Zerror
29989 @end smallexample
29990
29991 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
29992
29993 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
29994 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
29995 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
29996 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
29997 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
29998 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
29999 to the top level.
30000
30001 @findex error-begin annotation
30002 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
30003
30004 @smallexample
30005 ^Z^Zerror-begin
30006 @end smallexample
30007
30008 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
30009 message.
30010
30011 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
30012 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
30013 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
30014
30015 @node Invalidation
30016 @section Invalidation Notices
30017
30018 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
30019 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
30020 changed.
30021
30022 @table @code
30023 @findex frames-invalid annotation
30024 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
30025
30026 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
30027 have changed.
30028
30029 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
30030 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
30031
30032 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
30033 deleted a breakpoint.
30034 @end table
30035
30036 @node Annotations for Running
30037 @section Running the Program
30038 @cindex annotations for running programs
30039
30040 @findex starting annotation
30041 @findex stopping annotation
30042 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
30043 @code{step} or @code{continue},
30044
30045 @smallexample
30046 ^Z^Zstarting
30047 @end smallexample
30048
30049 is output. When the program stops,
30050
30051 @smallexample
30052 ^Z^Zstopped
30053 @end smallexample
30054
30055 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
30056 annotations describe how the program stopped.
30057
30058 @table @code
30059 @findex exited annotation
30060 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
30061 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
30062 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
30063
30064 @findex signalled annotation
30065 @findex signal-name annotation
30066 @findex signal-name-end annotation
30067 @findex signal-string annotation
30068 @findex signal-string-end annotation
30069 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
30070 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
30071 annotation continues:
30072
30073 @smallexample
30074 @var{intro-text}
30075 ^Z^Zsignal-name
30076 @var{name}
30077 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
30078 @var{middle-text}
30079 ^Z^Zsignal-string
30080 @var{string}
30081 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
30082 @var{end-text}
30083 @end smallexample
30084
30085 @noindent
30086 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
30087 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
30088 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
30089 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
30090 user's benefit and have no particular format.
30091
30092 @findex signal annotation
30093 @item ^Z^Zsignal
30094 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
30095 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
30096 terminated with it.
30097
30098 @findex breakpoint annotation
30099 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
30100 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
30101
30102 @findex watchpoint annotation
30103 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
30104 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
30105 @end table
30106
30107 @node Source Annotations
30108 @section Displaying Source
30109 @cindex annotations for source display
30110
30111 @findex source annotation
30112 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
30113
30114 @smallexample
30115 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
30116 @end smallexample
30117
30118 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
30119 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
30120 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
30121 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
30122 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
30123 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
30124 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
30125 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
30126 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
30127 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
30128 depend on the language).
30129
30130 @node JIT Interface
30131 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
30132 @cindex just-in-time compilation
30133 @cindex JIT compilation interface
30134
30135 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
30136 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
30137 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
30138 performance while maintaining platform independence.
30139
30140 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
30141 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
30142 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
30143 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
30144 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
30145 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
30146
30147 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
30148 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
30149 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
30150 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
30151 LLVM JIT.
30152
30153 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
30154 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
30155 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
30156 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
30157 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
30158 out about additional code.
30159
30160 @menu
30161 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
30162 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
30163 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
30164 @end menu
30165
30166 @node Declarations
30167 @section JIT Declarations
30168
30169 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
30170 implement the interface:
30171
30172 @smallexample
30173 typedef enum
30174 @{
30175 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
30176 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
30177 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
30178 @} jit_actions_t;
30179
30180 struct jit_code_entry
30181 @{
30182 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
30183 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
30184 const char *symfile_addr;
30185 uint64_t symfile_size;
30186 @};
30187
30188 struct jit_descriptor
30189 @{
30190 uint32_t version;
30191 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
30192 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
30193 uint32_t action_flag;
30194 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
30195 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
30196 @};
30197
30198 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
30199 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
30200
30201 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
30202 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
30203 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
30204 @end smallexample
30205
30206 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
30207 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
30208 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
30209
30210 @node Registering Code
30211 @section Registering Code
30212
30213 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
30214
30215 @itemize @bullet
30216 @item
30217 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
30218 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
30219
30220 @item
30221 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
30222 file.
30223
30224 @item
30225 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
30226
30227 @item
30228 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
30229
30230 @item
30231 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
30232 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
30233 @end itemize
30234
30235 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
30236 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
30237 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
30238 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
30239
30240 @node Unregistering Code
30241 @section Unregistering Code
30242
30243 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
30244
30245 @itemize @bullet
30246 @item
30247 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
30248
30249 @item
30250 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
30251
30252 @item
30253 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
30254 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
30255 @end itemize
30256
30257 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
30258 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
30259
30260 @node GDB Bugs
30261 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
30262 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
30263 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
30264
30265 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
30266
30267 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
30268 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
30269 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
30270 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
30271
30272 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
30273 information that enables us to fix the bug.
30274
30275 @menu
30276 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
30277 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
30278 @end menu
30279
30280 @node Bug Criteria
30281 @section Have You Found a Bug?
30282 @cindex bug criteria
30283
30284 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
30285
30286 @itemize @bullet
30287 @cindex fatal signal
30288 @cindex debugger crash
30289 @cindex crash of debugger
30290 @item
30291 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
30292 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
30293
30294 @cindex error on valid input
30295 @item
30296 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
30297 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
30298 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
30299
30300 @cindex invalid input
30301 @item
30302 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
30303 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
30304 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
30305 for traditional practice''.
30306
30307 @item
30308 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
30309 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
30310 @end itemize
30311
30312 @node Bug Reporting
30313 @section How to Report Bugs
30314 @cindex bug reports
30315 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
30316
30317 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
30318 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
30319 contact that organization first.
30320
30321 You can find contact information for many support companies and
30322 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
30323 distribution.
30324 @c should add a web page ref...
30325
30326 @ifset BUGURL
30327 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
30328 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
30329 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
30330 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
30331 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
30332 be used.
30333
30334 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
30335 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
30336 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
30337 @samp{bug-gdb}.
30338
30339 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
30340 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
30341 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
30342 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
30343 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
30344 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
30345 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
30346 bug reports to the mailing list.
30347 @end ifset
30348 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
30349 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
30350 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
30351 @end ifclear
30352 @end ifset
30353
30354 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
30355 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
30356 fact or leave it out, state it!
30357
30358 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
30359 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
30360 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
30361 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
30362 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
30363 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
30364 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
30365 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
30366 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
30367
30368 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
30369 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
30370 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
30371 self-contained.
30372
30373 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
30374 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
30375 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
30376 bugs properly.
30377
30378 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
30379
30380 @itemize @bullet
30381 @item
30382 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
30383 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
30384 version}.
30385
30386 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
30387 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
30388
30389 @item
30390 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
30391 version number.
30392
30393 @item
30394 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
30395 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
30396
30397 @item
30398 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
30399 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
30400 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
30401 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
30402 those compilers.
30403
30404 @item
30405 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
30406 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
30407 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
30408 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
30409
30410 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
30411 and then we might not encounter the bug.
30412
30413 @item
30414 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
30415 reproduce the bug.
30416
30417 @item
30418 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
30419 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
30420
30421 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
30422 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
30423 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
30424 a chance to make a mistake.
30425
30426 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
30427 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
30428 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
30429 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
30430 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
30431 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
30432 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
30433 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
30434
30435 @pindex script
30436 @cindex recording a session script
30437 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
30438 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
30439 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
30440 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
30441
30442 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
30443 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
30444
30445 @item
30446 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
30447 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
30448 it by context, not by line number.
30449
30450 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
30451 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
30452
30453 @end itemize
30454
30455 Here are some things that are not necessary:
30456
30457 @itemize @bullet
30458 @item
30459 A description of the envelope of the bug.
30460
30461 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
30462 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
30463 changes will not affect it.
30464
30465 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
30466 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
30467 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
30468 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
30469
30470 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
30471 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
30472 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
30473 less time, and so on.
30474
30475 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
30476 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
30477
30478 @item
30479 A patch for the bug.
30480
30481 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
30482 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
30483 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
30484 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
30485
30486 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
30487 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
30488 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
30489 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
30490
30491 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
30492 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
30493 help us to understand.
30494
30495 @item
30496 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
30497
30498 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
30499 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
30500 @end itemize
30501
30502 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
30503 @c and consists of the two following files:
30504 @c rluser.texinfo
30505 @c inc-hist.texinfo
30506 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
30507 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
30508 @ifclear SYSTEM_READLINE
30509 @include rluser.texi
30510 @include inc-hist.texinfo
30511 @end ifclear
30512
30513
30514 @node Formatting Documentation
30515 @appendix Formatting Documentation
30516
30517 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
30518 @cindex reference card
30519 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
30520 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
30521 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
30522 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
30523 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
30524 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
30525
30526 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
30527 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
30528
30529 @smallexample
30530 make refcard.dvi
30531 @end smallexample
30532
30533 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
30534 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
30535 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
30536 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
30537 your @sc{dvi} output program.
30538
30539 @cindex documentation
30540
30541 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
30542 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
30543 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
30544 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
30545 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
30546 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
30547
30548 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
30549 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
30550 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
30551 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
30552 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
30553 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
30554 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
30555 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
30556
30557 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
30558 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
30559 @code{makeinfo}.
30560
30561 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
30562 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
30563 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
30564
30565 @smallexample
30566 cd gdb
30567 make gdb.info
30568 @end smallexample
30569
30570 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
30571 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
30572 Texinfo definitions file.
30573
30574 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
30575 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
30576 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
30577 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
30578 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
30579 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
30580 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
30581
30582 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
30583 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
30584 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
30585 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
30586 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
30587 directory.
30588
30589 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
30590 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
30591 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
30592 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
30593
30594 @smallexample
30595 make gdb.dvi
30596 @end smallexample
30597
30598 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
30599
30600 @node Installing GDB
30601 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
30602 @cindex installation
30603
30604 @menu
30605 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
30606 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
30607 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
30608 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
30609 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
30610 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
30611 @end menu
30612
30613 @node Requirements
30614 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
30615 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
30616
30617 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
30618 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
30619
30620 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
30621 @table @asis
30622 @item ISO C90 compiler
30623 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
30624 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
30625
30626 @end table
30627
30628 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
30629 @table @asis
30630 @item Expat
30631 @anchor{Expat}
30632 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
30633 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
30634 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
30635 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
30636 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
30637 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
30638
30639 Expat is used for:
30640
30641 @itemize @bullet
30642 @item
30643 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
30644 @item
30645 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
30646 @item
30647 Remote shared library lists (@pxref{Library List Format})
30648 @item
30649 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
30650 @end itemize
30651
30652 @item zlib
30653 @cindex compressed debug sections
30654 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
30655 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
30656 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
30657 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
30658 information in such binaries.
30659
30660 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
30661 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
30662 @url{http://zlib.net}.
30663
30664 @item iconv
30665 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
30666 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
30667 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
30668 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
30669
30670 On systems with @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
30671 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
30672 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
30673
30674 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
30675 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
30676 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
30677 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
30678 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
30679 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
30680 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
30681 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
30682 @end table
30683
30684 @node Running Configure
30685 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
30686 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
30687 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
30688 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
30689 build the @code{gdb} program.
30690 @iftex
30691 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
30692 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
30693 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
30694 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
30695 @end iftex
30696
30697 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
30698 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
30699 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
30700
30701 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
30702 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
30703
30704 @table @code
30705 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
30706 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
30707
30708 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
30709 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
30710
30711 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
30712 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
30713
30714 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
30715 @sc{gnu} include files
30716
30717 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
30718 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
30719
30720 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
30721 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
30722
30723 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
30724 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
30725
30726 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
30727 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
30728
30729 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
30730 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
30731 @end table
30732
30733 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
30734 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
30735 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
30736
30737 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
30738 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
30739 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
30740 argument.
30741
30742 For example:
30743
30744 @smallexample
30745 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
30746 ./configure @var{host}
30747 make
30748 @end smallexample
30749
30750 @noindent
30751 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
30752 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
30753 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
30754 correct value by examining your system.)
30755
30756 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
30757 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
30758 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
30759 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
30760
30761 @need 750
30762 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
30763 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
30764 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
30765
30766 @smallexample
30767 sh configure @var{host}
30768 @end smallexample
30769
30770 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
30771 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
30772 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
30773 @file{configure}
30774 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
30775 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
30776
30777 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
30778 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
30779 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
30780 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
30781 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
30782 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
30783 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
30784 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
30785 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
30786
30787 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
30788 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
30789 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
30790 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
30791 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
30792
30793 @node Separate Objdir
30794 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
30795
30796 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
30797 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
30798 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
30799 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
30800 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
30801 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
30802 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
30803 program specified there.
30804
30805 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
30806 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
30807 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
30808 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
30809 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
30810 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
30811
30812 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
30813 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
30814
30815 @smallexample
30816 @group
30817 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
30818 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
30819 cd ../gdb-sun4
30820 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
30821 make
30822 @end group
30823 @end smallexample
30824
30825 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
30826 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
30827 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
30828 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
30829 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
30830 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
30831
30832 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
30833 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
30834 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
30835 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
30836 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
30837
30838 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
30839 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
30840 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
30841 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
30842 You specify a cross-debugging target by
30843 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
30844
30845 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
30846 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
30847 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
30848
30849 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
30850 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
30851 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
30852 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
30853 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
30854
30855 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
30856 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
30857 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
30858 with each other.
30859
30860 @node Config Names
30861 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
30862
30863 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
30864 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
30865 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
30866 of information in the following pattern:
30867
30868 @smallexample
30869 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
30870 @end smallexample
30871
30872 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
30873 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
30874 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
30875
30876 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
30877 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
30878 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
30879 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
30880 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
30881 abbreviations---for example:
30882
30883 @smallexample
30884 % sh config.sub i386-linux
30885 i386-pc-linux-gnu
30886 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
30887 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
30888 % sh config.sub hp9k700
30889 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
30890 % sh config.sub sun4
30891 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
30892 % sh config.sub sun3
30893 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
30894 % sh config.sub i986v
30895 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
30896 @end smallexample
30897
30898 @noindent
30899 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
30900 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
30901
30902 @node Configure Options
30903 @section @file{configure} Options
30904
30905 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
30906 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
30907 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
30908 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
30909
30910 @smallexample
30911 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
30912 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
30913 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
30914 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
30915 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
30916 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
30917 @var{host}
30918 @end smallexample
30919
30920 @noindent
30921 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
30922 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
30923 @samp{--}.
30924
30925 @table @code
30926 @item --help
30927 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
30928
30929 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
30930 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
30931 @file{@var{dir}}.
30932
30933 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
30934 Configure the source to install programs under directory
30935 @file{@var{dir}}.
30936
30937 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
30938 @need 2000
30939 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
30940 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
30941 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
30942 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
30943 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
30944 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
30945 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
30946 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
30947 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
30948 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
30949 @var{dirname}.
30950
30951 @item --norecursion
30952 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
30953 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
30954
30955 @item --target=@var{target}
30956 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
30957 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
30958 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
30959
30960 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
30961
30962 @item @var{host} @dots{}
30963 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
30964
30965 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
30966 @end table
30967
30968 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
30969 needed for special purposes only.
30970
30971 @node System-wide configuration
30972 @section System-wide configuration and settings
30973 @cindex system-wide init file
30974
30975 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
30976 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
30977 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
30978
30979 Here is the corresponding configure option:
30980
30981 @table @code
30982 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
30983 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
30984 @var{file}.
30985 @end table
30986
30987 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
30988 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
30989
30990 @itemize @bullet
30991 @item
30992 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
30993 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
30994 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
30995 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
30996 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
30997 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
30998
30999 @item
31000 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
31001 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
31002 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
31003 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
31004 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
31005 @end itemize
31006
31007 @node Maintenance Commands
31008 @appendix Maintenance Commands
31009 @cindex maintenance commands
31010 @cindex internal commands
31011
31012 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
31013 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
31014 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
31015 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
31016 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
31017
31018 @table @code
31019 @kindex maint agent
31020 @kindex maint agent-eval
31021 @item maint agent @var{expression}
31022 @itemx maint agent-eval @var{expression}
31023 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
31024 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
31025 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
31026 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
31027 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
31028 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
31029 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
31030 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
31031 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
31032 addition and return the sum.
31033
31034 @kindex maint info breakpoints
31035 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
31036 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
31037 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
31038 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
31039 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
31040 is shown:
31041
31042 @table @code
31043 @item breakpoint
31044 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
31045
31046 @item watchpoint
31047 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
31048
31049 @item longjmp
31050 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
31051 @code{longjmp} calls.
31052
31053 @item longjmp resume
31054 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
31055
31056 @item until
31057 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
31058
31059 @item finish
31060 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
31061
31062 @item shlib events
31063 Shared library events.
31064
31065 @end table
31066
31067 @kindex set displaced-stepping
31068 @kindex show displaced-stepping
31069 @cindex displaced stepping support
31070 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
31071 @item set displaced-stepping
31072 @itemx show displaced-stepping
31073 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
31074 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
31075 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
31076 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
31077 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
31078
31079 @table @code
31080 @item set displaced-stepping on
31081 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
31082 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
31083
31084 @item set displaced-stepping off
31085 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
31086 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
31087
31088 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
31089 @item set displaced-stepping auto
31090 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
31091 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
31092 architecture supports displaced stepping.
31093 @end table
31094
31095 @kindex maint check-symtabs
31096 @item maint check-symtabs
31097 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
31098
31099 @kindex maint cplus first_component
31100 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
31101 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
31102
31103 @kindex maint cplus namespace
31104 @item maint cplus namespace
31105 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
31106
31107 @kindex maint demangle
31108 @item maint demangle @var{name}
31109 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
31110
31111 @kindex maint deprecate
31112 @kindex maint undeprecate
31113 @cindex deprecated commands
31114 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
31115 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
31116 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
31117 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
31118 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
31119 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
31120 the replacement as part of the warning.
31121
31122 @kindex maint dump-me
31123 @item maint dump-me
31124 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
31125 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
31126 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
31127 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
31128
31129 @kindex maint internal-error
31130 @kindex maint internal-warning
31131 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
31132 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
31133 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
31134 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
31135 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
31136 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
31137 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
31138 @value{GDBN} session.
31139
31140 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
31141 used as the text of the error or warning message.
31142
31143 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
31144
31145 @smallexample
31146 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
31147 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
31148 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
31149 debugging may prove unreliable.
31150 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
31151 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
31152 (@value{GDBP})
31153 @end smallexample
31154
31155 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
31156 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
31157
31158 @kindex maint set internal-error
31159 @kindex maint show internal-error
31160 @kindex maint set internal-warning
31161 @kindex maint show internal-warning
31162 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
31163 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
31164 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
31165 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
31166 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
31167 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
31168 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
31169 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
31170 described in the table below.
31171
31172 @table @samp
31173 @item quit
31174 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
31175 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
31176
31177 @item corefile
31178 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
31179 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
31180 @end table
31181
31182 @kindex maint packet
31183 @item maint packet @var{text}
31184 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
31185 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
31186 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
31187 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
31188 checksum.
31189
31190 @kindex maint print architecture
31191 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31192 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
31193 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
31194
31195 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
31196 @item maint print c-tdesc
31197 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
31198 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
31199 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
31200
31201 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
31202 @item maint print dummy-frames
31203 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
31204
31205 @smallexample
31206 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
31207 @dots{}
31208 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
31209 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
31210 58 return (a + b);
31211 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
31212 @dots{}
31213 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
31214 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
31215 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
31216 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
31217 (@value{GDBP})
31218 @end smallexample
31219
31220 Takes an optional file parameter.
31221
31222 @kindex maint print registers
31223 @kindex maint print raw-registers
31224 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
31225 @kindex maint print register-groups
31226 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31227 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31228 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31229 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31230 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
31231
31232 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
31233 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print cooked-registers}
31234 includes the (cooked) value of all registers, including registers which
31235 aren't available on the target nor visible to user; and the
31236 command @code{maint print register-groups} includes the groups that each
31237 register is a member of. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
31238 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
31239
31240 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
31241 write the information.
31242
31243 @kindex maint print reggroups
31244 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
31245 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
31246 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
31247 information.
31248
31249 The register groups info looks like this:
31250
31251 @smallexample
31252 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
31253 Group Type
31254 general user
31255 float user
31256 all user
31257 vector user
31258 system user
31259 save internal
31260 restore internal
31261 @end smallexample
31262
31263 @kindex flushregs
31264 @item flushregs
31265 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
31266
31267 @kindex maint print objfiles
31268 @cindex info for known object files
31269 @item maint print objfiles
31270 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
31271 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
31272 and symtabs.
31273
31274 @kindex maint print section-scripts
31275 @cindex info for known .debug_gdb_scripts-loaded scripts
31276 @item maint print section-scripts [@var{regexp}]
31277 Print a dump of scripts specified in the @code{.debug_gdb_section} section.
31278 If @var{regexp} is specified, only print scripts loaded by object files
31279 matching @var{regexp}.
31280 For each script, this command prints its name as specified in the objfile,
31281 and the full path if known.
31282 @xref{.debug_gdb_scripts section}.
31283
31284 @kindex maint print statistics
31285 @cindex bcache statistics
31286 @item maint print statistics
31287 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
31288 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
31289 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
31290 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
31291 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
31292 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
31293 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
31294 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
31295 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
31296 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
31297 lengths.
31298
31299 @kindex maint print target-stack
31300 @cindex target stack description
31301 @item maint print target-stack
31302 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
31303 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
31304 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
31305 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
31306 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
31307 address.
31308
31309 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
31310 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
31311
31312 @kindex maint print type
31313 @cindex type chain of a data type
31314 @item maint print type @var{expr}
31315 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
31316 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
31317 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
31318 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
31319 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
31320
31321 @kindex maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
31322 @kindex maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
31323 @item maint set dwarf2 always-disassemble
31324 @item maint show dwarf2 always-disassemble
31325 Control the behavior of @code{info address} when using DWARF debugging
31326 information.
31327
31328 The default is @code{off}, which means that @value{GDBN} should try to
31329 describe a variable's location in an easily readable format. When
31330 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will instead display the DWARF location
31331 expression in an assembly-like format. Note that some locations are
31332 too complex for @value{GDBN} to describe simply; in this case you will
31333 always see the disassembly form.
31334
31335 Here is an example of the resulting disassembly:
31336
31337 @smallexample
31338 (gdb) info addr argc
31339 Symbol "argc" is a complex DWARF expression:
31340 1: DW_OP_fbreg 0
31341 @end smallexample
31342
31343 For more information on these expressions, see
31344 @uref{http://www.dwarfstd.org/, the DWARF standard}.
31345
31346 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
31347 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
31348 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
31349 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
31350 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
31351
31352 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
31353 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
31354 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
31355 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
31356 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
31357 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
31358 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
31359 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
31360 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
31361
31362 @kindex maint set profile
31363 @kindex maint show profile
31364 @cindex profiling GDB
31365 @item maint set profile
31366 @itemx maint show profile
31367 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
31368
31369 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
31370 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
31371 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
31372 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
31373 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
31374 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
31375 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
31376
31377 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
31378 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
31379
31380 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
31381 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
31382 @cindex hardware debug registers
31383 @item maint set show-debug-regs
31384 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
31385 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
31386 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
31387 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
31388 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
31389 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
31390
31391 @kindex maint set show-all-tib
31392 @kindex maint show show-all-tib
31393 @item maint set show-all-tib
31394 @itemx maint show show-all-tib
31395 Control whether to show all non zero areas within a 1k block starting
31396 at thread local base, when using the @samp{info w32 thread-information-block}
31397 command.
31398
31399 @kindex maint space
31400 @cindex memory used by commands
31401 @item maint space
31402 Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
31403 nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
31404 took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
31405 by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
31406 switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
31407
31408 @kindex maint time
31409 @cindex time of command execution
31410 @item maint time
31411 Control whether to display the execution time for each command. If
31412 set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
31413 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
31414 The time is not printed for the commands that run the target, since
31415 there's no mechanism currently to compute how much time was spend
31416 by @value{GDBN} and how much time was spend by the program been debugged.
31417 it's not possibly currently
31418 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
31419 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
31420
31421 @kindex maint translate-address
31422 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
31423 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
31424 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
31425 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
31426 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
31427 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
31428 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
31429
31430 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
31431 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
31432 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
31433
31434 @end table
31435
31436 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
31437 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
31438
31439 @table @code
31440 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
31441 @kindex set watchdog
31442 @cindex watchdog timer
31443 @cindex timeout for commands
31444 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
31445 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
31446 reports and error and the command is aborted.
31447
31448 @item show watchdog
31449 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
31450 @end table
31451
31452 @node Remote Protocol
31453 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
31454
31455 @menu
31456 * Overview::
31457 * Packets::
31458 * Stop Reply Packets::
31459 * General Query Packets::
31460 * Architecture-Specific Protocol Details::
31461 * Tracepoint Packets::
31462 * Host I/O Packets::
31463 * Interrupts::
31464 * Notification Packets::
31465 * Remote Non-Stop::
31466 * Packet Acknowledgment::
31467 * Examples::
31468 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
31469 * Library List Format::
31470 * Memory Map Format::
31471 * Thread List Format::
31472 @end menu
31473
31474 @node Overview
31475 @section Overview
31476
31477 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
31478 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
31479 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
31480 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
31481
31482 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
31483 transmitted and received data, respectively.
31484
31485 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
31486 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
31487 @cindex remote serial protocol
31488 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
31489 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
31490 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
31491 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
31492 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
31493
31494 @smallexample
31495 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
31496 @end smallexample
31497 @noindent
31498
31499 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
31500 @noindent
31501 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
31502 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
31503 eight bit unsigned checksum).
31504
31505 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
31506 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
31507
31508 @smallexample
31509 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
31510 @end smallexample
31511
31512 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
31513 @noindent
31514 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
31515 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
31516 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
31517
31518 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
31519 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
31520 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
31521 retransmission):
31522
31523 @smallexample
31524 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
31525 <- @code{+}
31526 @end smallexample
31527 @noindent
31528
31529 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
31530 once a connection is established.
31531 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
31532
31533 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
31534 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
31535 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
31536 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
31537 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
31538 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
31539 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
31540
31541 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
31542 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
31543 exceptions).
31544
31545 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
31546 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
31547 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
31548 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
31549
31550 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
31551 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
31552 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
31553
31554 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
31555 @anchor{Binary Data}
31556 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
31557 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
31558 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
31559 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
31560 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
31561 binary data.
31562
31563 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
31564 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
31565 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
31566 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
31567 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
31568 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
31569 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
31570 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
31571 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
31572 (described next).
31573
31574 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
31575 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
31576 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
31577 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
31578 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
31579 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
31580 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
31581 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
31582 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
31583 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
31584 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
31585 3}} more times.
31586
31587 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
31588 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
31589 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
31590 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
31591 @samp{0*"00}.
31592
31593 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
31594 error number. That number is not well defined.
31595
31596 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
31597 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
31598 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
31599 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
31600 on that response.
31601
31602 A stub is required to support the @samp{g}, @samp{G}, @samp{m}, @samp{M},
31603 @samp{c}, and @samp{s} @var{command}s. All other @var{command}s are
31604 optional.
31605
31606 @node Packets
31607 @section Packets
31608
31609 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
31610 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
31611 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
31612 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
31613
31614 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
31615 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
31616 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
31617 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
31618 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
31619 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
31620 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
31621 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
31622 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
31623 @var{baz}.
31624
31625 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
31626 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
31627 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
31628 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
31629 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
31630 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
31631 pick any thread.
31632
31633 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
31634 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
31635 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
31636 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
31637 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
31638 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
31639 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
31640 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
31641 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
31642 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
31643 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
31644 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
31645 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
31646
31647 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
31648 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
31649 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
31650 more information.
31651
31652 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
31653 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
31654
31655 Here are the packet descriptions.
31656
31657 @table @samp
31658
31659 @item !
31660 @cindex @samp{!} packet
31661 @anchor{extended mode}
31662 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
31663 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
31664 debugged.
31665
31666 Reply:
31667 @table @samp
31668 @item OK
31669 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
31670 @end table
31671
31672 @item ?
31673 @cindex @samp{?} packet
31674 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
31675 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
31676 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
31677
31678 Reply:
31679 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
31680
31681 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
31682 @cindex @samp{A} packet
31683 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
31684 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
31685 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
31686
31687 Reply:
31688 @table @samp
31689 @item OK
31690 The arguments were set.
31691 @item E @var{NN}
31692 An error occurred.
31693 @end table
31694
31695 @item b @var{baud}
31696 @cindex @samp{b} packet
31697 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
31698 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
31699
31700 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
31701 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
31702 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
31703
31704 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
31705 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
31706 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
31707 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
31708 of view, nothing actually happened.}
31709
31710 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
31711 @cindex @samp{B} packet
31712 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
31713 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
31714
31715 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
31716 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
31717
31718 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
31719 @anchor{bc}
31720 @item bc
31721 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
31722 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
31723
31724 Reply:
31725 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
31726
31727 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
31728 @anchor{bs}
31729 @item bs
31730 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
31731 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
31732
31733 Reply:
31734 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
31735
31736 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
31737 @cindex @samp{c} packet
31738 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
31739 resume at current address.
31740
31741 Reply:
31742 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
31743
31744 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
31745 @cindex @samp{C} packet
31746 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
31747 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
31748
31749 Reply:
31750 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
31751
31752 @item d
31753 @cindex @samp{d} packet
31754 Toggle debug flag.
31755
31756 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
31757 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
31758
31759 @item D
31760 @itemx D;@var{pid}
31761 @cindex @samp{D} packet
31762 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
31763 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
31764 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
31765
31766 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
31767 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
31768 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
31769 big-endian hex string.
31770
31771 Reply:
31772 @table @samp
31773 @item OK
31774 for success
31775 @item E @var{NN}
31776 for an error
31777 @end table
31778
31779 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
31780 @cindex @samp{F} packet
31781 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
31782 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
31783 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
31784
31785 @item g
31786 @anchor{read registers packet}
31787 @cindex @samp{g} packet
31788 Read general registers.
31789
31790 Reply:
31791 @table @samp
31792 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
31793 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
31794 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
31795 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
31796 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
31797 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
31798 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
31799 @item E @var{NN}
31800 for an error.
31801 @end table
31802
31803 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
31804 @cindex @samp{G} packet
31805 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
31806 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
31807
31808 Reply:
31809 @table @samp
31810 @item OK
31811 for success
31812 @item E @var{NN}
31813 for an error
31814 @end table
31815
31816 @item H @var{c} @var{thread-id}
31817 @cindex @samp{H} packet
31818 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
31819 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{c} depends on the operation to be performed: it
31820 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations, @samp{g} for other
31821 operations. The thread designator @var{thread-id} has the format and
31822 interpretation described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
31823
31824 Reply:
31825 @table @samp
31826 @item OK
31827 for success
31828 @item E @var{NN}
31829 for an error
31830 @end table
31831
31832 @c FIXME: JTC:
31833 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
31834 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
31835 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
31836 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
31837 @c described. For example:
31838 @c
31839 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
31840 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
31841 @c otherwise returns current registers.
31842 @c
31843 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
31844 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
31845 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
31846
31847 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
31848 @anchor{cycle step packet}
31849 @cindex @samp{i} packet
31850 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
31851 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
31852 step starting at that address.
31853
31854 @item I
31855 @cindex @samp{I} packet
31856 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
31857 step packet}.
31858
31859 @item k
31860 @cindex @samp{k} packet
31861 Kill request.
31862
31863 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
31864 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
31865 thread?)}.
31866
31867 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
31868 @cindex @samp{m} packet
31869 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
31870 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
31871
31872 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
31873 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
31874 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
31875 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
31876 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
31877 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
31878 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
31879 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
31880
31881 Reply:
31882 @table @samp
31883 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
31884 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
31885 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
31886 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
31887 @item E @var{NN}
31888 @var{NN} is errno
31889 @end table
31890
31891 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
31892 @cindex @samp{M} packet
31893 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
31894 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
31895 hexadecimal number.
31896
31897 Reply:
31898 @table @samp
31899 @item OK
31900 for success
31901 @item E @var{NN}
31902 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
31903 written).
31904 @end table
31905
31906 @item p @var{n}
31907 @cindex @samp{p} packet
31908 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
31909 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
31910 register value is encoded.
31911
31912 Reply:
31913 @table @samp
31914 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
31915 the register's value
31916 @item E @var{NN}
31917 for an error
31918 @item
31919 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
31920 @end table
31921
31922 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
31923 @anchor{write register packet}
31924 @cindex @samp{P} packet
31925 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
31926 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
31927 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
31928
31929 Reply:
31930 @table @samp
31931 @item OK
31932 for success
31933 @item E @var{NN}
31934 for an error
31935 @end table
31936
31937 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
31938 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
31939 @cindex @samp{q} packet
31940 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
31941 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
31942 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
31943
31944 @item r
31945 @cindex @samp{r} packet
31946 Reset the entire system.
31947
31948 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
31949
31950 @item R @var{XX}
31951 @cindex @samp{R} packet
31952 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
31953 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
31954
31955 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
31956
31957 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
31958 @cindex @samp{s} packet
31959 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
31960 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
31961
31962 Reply:
31963 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
31964
31965 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
31966 @anchor{step with signal packet}
31967 @cindex @samp{S} packet
31968 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
31969 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
31970
31971 Reply:
31972 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
31973
31974 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
31975 @cindex @samp{t} packet
31976 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
31977 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
31978 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
31979
31980 @item T @var{thread-id}
31981 @cindex @samp{T} packet
31982 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
31983
31984 Reply:
31985 @table @samp
31986 @item OK
31987 thread is still alive
31988 @item E @var{NN}
31989 thread is dead
31990 @end table
31991
31992 @item v
31993 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
31994 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
31995
31996 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
31997 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
31998 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
31999 The process ID is a
32000 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
32001 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
32002 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
32003
32004 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
32005 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
32006 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
32007 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
32008 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
32009 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
32010 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
32011 @c stopping or restarting threads.
32012
32013 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
32014
32015 Reply:
32016 @table @samp
32017 @item E @var{nn}
32018 for an error
32019 @item @r{Any stop packet}
32020 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
32021 @item OK
32022 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
32023 @end table
32024
32025 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
32026 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
32027 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
32028 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
32029 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
32030 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
32031 in their current state in non-stop mode.
32032 Specifying multiple
32033 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
32034 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
32035
32036 Currently supported actions are:
32037
32038 @table @samp
32039 @item c
32040 Continue.
32041 @item C @var{sig}
32042 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
32043 @item s
32044 Step.
32045 @item S @var{sig}
32046 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
32047 @item t
32048 Stop.
32049 @end table
32050
32051 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
32052 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
32053 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
32054
32055 The @samp{t} action is only relevant in non-stop mode
32056 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
32057 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
32058 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
32059 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
32060 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
32061 as an implementation detail.
32062
32063 Reply:
32064 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
32065
32066 @item vCont?
32067 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
32068 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
32069
32070 Reply:
32071 @table @samp
32072 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
32073 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
32074 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
32075 @item
32076 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
32077 @end table
32078
32079 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
32080 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
32081 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
32082 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
32083
32084 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
32085 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
32086 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
32087 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
32088 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
32089 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
32090 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
32091 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
32092 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
32093 packet is received.
32094
32095 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
32096 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
32097 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
32098 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
32099 @var{thread-id}.
32100
32101 Reply:
32102 @table @samp
32103 @item OK
32104 for success
32105 @item E @var{NN}
32106 for an error
32107 @end table
32108
32109 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
32110 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
32111 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
32112 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
32113 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
32114 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
32115 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
32116 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
32117 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
32118 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
32119 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
32120 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
32121
32122
32123 Reply:
32124 @table @samp
32125 @item OK
32126 for success
32127 @item E.memtype
32128 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
32129 @item E @var{NN}
32130 for an error
32131 @end table
32132
32133 @item vFlashDone
32134 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
32135 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
32136 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
32137 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
32138 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
32139 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
32140 request is completed.
32141
32142 @item vKill;@var{pid}
32143 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
32144 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
32145 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
32146 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
32147 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
32148
32149 Reply:
32150 @table @samp
32151 @item E @var{nn}
32152 for an error
32153 @item OK
32154 for success
32155 @end table
32156
32157 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
32158 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
32159 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
32160 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
32161 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
32162 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
32163 state.
32164
32165 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
32166
32167 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
32168
32169 Reply:
32170 @table @samp
32171 @item E @var{nn}
32172 for an error
32173 @item @r{Any stop packet}
32174 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
32175 @end table
32176
32177 @item vStopped
32178 @anchor{vStopped packet}
32179 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
32180
32181 In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
32182 reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
32183
32184 Reply:
32185 @table @samp
32186 @item @r{Any stop packet}
32187 if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
32188 @item OK
32189 if there are no unreported stop events
32190 @end table
32191
32192 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
32193 @anchor{X packet}
32194 @cindex @samp{X} packet
32195 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
32196 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
32197 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
32198
32199 Reply:
32200 @table @samp
32201 @item OK
32202 for success
32203 @item E @var{NN}
32204 for an error
32205 @end table
32206
32207 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
32208 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{kind}
32209 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
32210 @cindex @samp{z} packet
32211 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
32212 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
32213 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} of kind @var{kind}.
32214
32215 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
32216 separately.
32217
32218 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
32219 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
32220 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
32221 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
32222 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
32223 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
32224
32225 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32226 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32227 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
32228 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
32229 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
32230 @var{addr} of type @var{kind}.
32231
32232 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
32233 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
32234 @var{kind} is target-specific and typically indicates the size of
32235 the breakpoint in bytes that should be inserted. E.g., the @sc{arm}
32236 and @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint. Some
32237 architectures have additional meanings for @var{kind};
32238 see @ref{Architecture-Specific Protocol Details}.
32239
32240 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
32241 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
32242 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
32243 target, is not defined.}
32244
32245 Reply:
32246 @table @samp
32247 @item OK
32248 success
32249 @item
32250 not supported
32251 @item E @var{NN}
32252 for an error
32253 @end table
32254
32255 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32256 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32257 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
32258 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
32259 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
32260 address @var{addr}.
32261
32262 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
32263 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory. @var{kind}
32264 has the same meaning as in @samp{Z0} packets.
32265
32266 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
32267 movement.}
32268
32269 Reply:
32270 @table @samp
32271 @item OK
32272 success
32273 @item
32274 not supported
32275 @item E @var{NN}
32276 for an error
32277 @end table
32278
32279 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32280 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32281 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
32282 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
32283 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint at @var{addr}.
32284 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
32285
32286 Reply:
32287 @table @samp
32288 @item OK
32289 success
32290 @item
32291 not supported
32292 @item E @var{NN}
32293 for an error
32294 @end table
32295
32296 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32297 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32298 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
32299 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
32300 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint at @var{addr}.
32301 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
32302
32303 Reply:
32304 @table @samp
32305 @item OK
32306 success
32307 @item
32308 not supported
32309 @item E @var{NN}
32310 for an error
32311 @end table
32312
32313 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32314 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{kind}
32315 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
32316 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
32317 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint at @var{addr}.
32318 @var{kind} is interpreted as the number of bytes to watch.
32319
32320 Reply:
32321 @table @samp
32322 @item OK
32323 success
32324 @item
32325 not supported
32326 @item E @var{NN}
32327 for an error
32328 @end table
32329
32330 @end table
32331
32332 @node Stop Reply Packets
32333 @section Stop Reply Packets
32334 @cindex stop reply packets
32335
32336 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
32337 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
32338 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
32339 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
32340 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
32341 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
32342 @value{GDBN} source code.
32343
32344 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
32345 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
32346 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
32347 components.
32348
32349 @table @samp
32350
32351 @item S @var{AA}
32352 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
32353 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
32354 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
32355
32356 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
32357 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
32358 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
32359 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
32360 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
32361 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
32362 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
32363 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
32364
32365 @itemize @bullet
32366 @item
32367 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
32368 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
32369 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
32370 two-digit hex number.
32371
32372 @item
32373 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
32374 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
32375
32376 @item
32377 If @var{n} is @samp{core}, then @var{r} is the hexadecimal number of
32378 the core on which the stop event was detected.
32379
32380 @item
32381 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
32382 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
32383 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
32384 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
32385
32386 @item
32387 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
32388 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
32389 future.
32390 @end itemize
32391
32392 The currently defined stop reasons are:
32393
32394 @table @samp
32395 @item watch
32396 @itemx rwatch
32397 @itemx awatch
32398 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
32399 hex.
32400
32401 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
32402 @item library
32403 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
32404 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
32405 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
32406
32407 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
32408 @item replaylog
32409 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
32410 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
32411 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
32412 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
32413 for more information.
32414 @end table
32415
32416 @item W @var{AA}
32417 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
32418 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
32419 applicable to certain targets.
32420
32421 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
32422 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
32423 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
32424 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
32425
32426 @item X @var{AA}
32427 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
32428 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
32429
32430 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
32431 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
32432 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
32433 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
32434
32435 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
32436 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
32437 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
32438 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
32439 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
32440
32441 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
32442 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
32443 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
32444 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
32445 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
32446 system calls.
32447
32448 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
32449 this very system call.
32450
32451 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
32452 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
32453 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
32454 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
32455 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
32456 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
32457
32458 @end table
32459
32460 @node General Query Packets
32461 @section General Query Packets
32462 @cindex remote query requests
32463
32464 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
32465 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
32466 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
32467 sending information to and from the stub.
32468
32469 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
32470 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
32471 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
32472 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
32473 conventions:
32474
32475 @itemize @bullet
32476 @item
32477 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
32478 @item
32479 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
32480 letter.
32481 @item
32482 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
32483 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
32484 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
32485 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
32486 @end itemize
32487
32488 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
32489 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
32490 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
32491 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
32492 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
32493 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
32494 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
32495 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
32496 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
32497 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
32498 packet.}.
32499
32500 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
32501 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
32502 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
32503 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
32504 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
32505
32506 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
32507
32508 @table @samp
32509
32510 @item QAllow:@var{op}:@var{val}@dots{}
32511 @cindex @samp{QAllow} packet
32512 Specify which operations @value{GDBN} expects to request of the
32513 target, as a semicolon-separated list of operation name and value
32514 pairs. Possible values for @var{op} include @samp{WriteReg},
32515 @samp{WriteMem}, @samp{InsertBreak}, @samp{InsertTrace},
32516 @samp{InsertFastTrace}, and @samp{Stop}. @var{val} is either 0,
32517 indicating that @value{GDBN} will not request the operation, or 1,
32518 indicating that it may. (The target can then use this to set up its
32519 own internals optimally, for instance if the debugger never expects to
32520 insert breakpoints, it may not need to install its own trap handler.)
32521
32522 @item qC
32523 @cindex current thread, remote request
32524 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
32525 Return the current thread ID.
32526
32527 Reply:
32528 @table @samp
32529 @item QC @var{thread-id}
32530 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
32531 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
32532 @item @r{(anything else)}
32533 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
32534 @end table
32535
32536 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
32537 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
32538 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
32539 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
32540 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
32541 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
32542 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
32543
32544 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
32545 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
32546 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
32547 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
32548 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
32549 detect trailing zeros.
32550
32551 Reply:
32552 @table @samp
32553 @item E @var{NN}
32554 An error (such as memory fault)
32555 @item C @var{crc32}
32556 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
32557 @end table
32558
32559 @item qfThreadInfo
32560 @itemx qsThreadInfo
32561 @cindex list active threads, remote request
32562 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
32563 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
32564 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
32565 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
32566 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
32567 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
32568 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
32569 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
32570
32571 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
32572
32573 Reply:
32574 @table @samp
32575 @item m @var{thread-id}
32576 A single thread ID
32577 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
32578 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
32579 @item l
32580 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
32581 @end table
32582
32583 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
32584 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
32585 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
32586 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
32587 with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for @dfn{last}).
32588 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
32589 fields.
32590
32591 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
32592 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
32593 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
32594 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
32595 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
32596
32597 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
32598 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
32599
32600 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
32601 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
32602 information associated with the variable.)
32603
32604 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
32605 the load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
32606 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
32607 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
32608 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
32609 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
32610
32611 Reply:
32612 @table @samp
32613 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
32614 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
32615 local storage requested.
32616
32617 @item E @var{nn}
32618 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
32619
32620 @item
32621 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
32622 @end table
32623
32624 @item qGetTIBAddr:@var{thread-id}
32625 @cindex get thread information block address
32626 @cindex @samp{qGetTIBAddr} packet
32627 Fetch address of the Windows OS specific Thread Information Block.
32628
32629 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the thread.
32630
32631 Reply:
32632 @table @samp
32633 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
32634 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the linear address of the
32635 thread information block.
32636
32637 @item E @var{nn}
32638 An error occured. This means that either the thread was not found, or the
32639 address could not be retrieved.
32640
32641 @item
32642 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTIBAddr} is not supported by the stub.
32643 @end table
32644
32645 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
32646 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
32647 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
32648 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
32649 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
32650 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
32651 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
32652
32653 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
32654
32655 Reply:
32656 @table @samp
32657 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
32658 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
32659 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
32660 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
32661 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
32662 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
32663 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
32664 @end table
32665
32666 @item qOffsets
32667 @cindex section offsets, remote request
32668 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
32669 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
32670 image.
32671
32672 Reply:
32673 @table @samp
32674 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
32675 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
32676 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
32677 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
32678 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
32679 segments by the supplied offsets.
32680
32681 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
32682 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
32683 to the @code{Bss} section.}
32684
32685 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
32686 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
32687 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
32688 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
32689 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
32690 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
32691 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
32692 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
32693 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
32694 @end table
32695
32696 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
32697 @cindex thread information, remote request
32698 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
32699 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
32700 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
32701 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
32702
32703 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
32704 (see below).
32705
32706 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
32707
32708 @item QNonStop:1
32709 @item QNonStop:0
32710 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
32711 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
32712 @anchor{QNonStop}
32713 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
32714 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
32715
32716 Reply:
32717 @table @samp
32718 @item OK
32719 The request succeeded.
32720
32721 @item E @var{nn}
32722 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
32723
32724 @item
32725 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
32726 the stub.
32727 @end table
32728
32729 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
32730 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
32731 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
32732 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
32733
32734 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
32735 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
32736 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
32737 @anchor{QPassSignals}
32738 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
32739 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
32740 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
32741 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
32742 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
32743 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
32744 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
32745 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
32746 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
32747
32748 Reply:
32749 @table @samp
32750 @item OK
32751 The request succeeded.
32752
32753 @item E @var{nn}
32754 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
32755
32756 @item
32757 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
32758 the stub.
32759 @end table
32760
32761 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
32762 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
32763 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
32764 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
32765
32766 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
32767 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
32768 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
32769 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
32770 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
32771 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
32772 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
32773 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
32774 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
32775
32776 Reply:
32777 @table @samp
32778 @item OK
32779 A command response with no output.
32780 @item @var{OUTPUT}
32781 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
32782 @item E @var{NN}
32783 Indicate a badly formed request.
32784 @item
32785 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
32786 @end table
32787
32788 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
32789 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
32790 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
32791 packets.)
32792
32793 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
32794 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
32795 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
32796 @anchor{qSearch memory}
32797 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
32798 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
32799 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
32800
32801 Reply:
32802 @table @samp
32803 @item 0
32804 The pattern was not found.
32805 @item 1,address
32806 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
32807 @item E @var{NN}
32808 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
32809 @item
32810 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
32811 @end table
32812
32813 @item QStartNoAckMode
32814 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
32815 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
32816 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
32817 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
32818
32819 Reply:
32820 @table @samp
32821 @item OK
32822 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
32823 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
32824 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
32825 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
32826 @item
32827 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
32828 @end table
32829
32830 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
32831 @cindex supported packets, remote query
32832 @cindex features of the remote protocol
32833 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
32834 @anchor{qSupported}
32835 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
32836 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
32837 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
32838 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
32839 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
32840 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
32841 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
32842 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
32843 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
32844 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
32845 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
32846 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
32847 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
32848 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
32849
32850 Reply:
32851 @table @samp
32852 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
32853 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
32854 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
32855 possible forms).
32856 @item
32857 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
32858 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
32859 @end table
32860
32861 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
32862 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
32863 are:
32864
32865 @table @samp
32866 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
32867 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
32868 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
32869 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
32870 @item @var{name}+
32871 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
32872 need an associated value.
32873 @item @var{name}-
32874 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
32875 @item @var{name}?
32876 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
32877 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
32878 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
32879 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
32880 @end table
32881
32882 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
32883 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
32884 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
32885 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
32886 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
32887
32888 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
32889 are defined:
32890
32891 @table @samp
32892 @item multiprocess
32893 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
32894 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
32895 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
32896 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
32897 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
32898
32899 @item xmlRegisters
32900 This feature indicates that @value{GDBN} supports the XML target
32901 description. If the stub sees @samp{xmlRegisters=} with target
32902 specific strings separated by a comma, it will report register
32903 description.
32904
32905 @item qRelocInsn
32906 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports the
32907 @samp{qRelocInsn} packet (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
32908 instruction reply packet}).
32909 @end table
32910
32911 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
32912 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
32913 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
32914 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
32915 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
32916 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
32917 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
32918 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
32919 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
32920 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
32921 all the features it supports.
32922
32923 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
32924 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
32925
32926 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
32927 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
32928 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
32929 form response.
32930
32931 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
32932 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
32933 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
32934 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
32935
32936 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
32937 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
32938 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
32939 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
32940 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
32941
32942 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
32943
32944 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
32945 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
32946 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
32947 @item Feature Name
32948 @tab Value Required
32949 @tab Default
32950 @tab Probe Allowed
32951
32952 @item @samp{PacketSize}
32953 @tab Yes
32954 @tab @samp{-}
32955 @tab No
32956
32957 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
32958 @tab No
32959 @tab @samp{-}
32960 @tab Yes
32961
32962 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
32963 @tab No
32964 @tab @samp{-}
32965 @tab Yes
32966
32967 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
32968 @tab No
32969 @tab @samp{-}
32970 @tab Yes
32971
32972 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
32973 @tab No
32974 @tab @samp{-}
32975 @tab Yes
32976
32977 @item @samp{qXfer:sdata:read}
32978 @tab No
32979 @tab @samp{-}
32980 @tab Yes
32981
32982 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
32983 @tab No
32984 @tab @samp{-}
32985 @tab Yes
32986
32987 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
32988 @tab No
32989 @tab @samp{-}
32990 @tab Yes
32991
32992 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
32993 @tab No
32994 @tab @samp{-}
32995 @tab Yes
32996
32997 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
32998 @tab No
32999 @tab @samp{-}
33000 @tab Yes
33001
33002 @item @samp{qXfer:threads:read}
33003 @tab No
33004 @tab @samp{-}
33005 @tab Yes
33006
33007
33008 @item @samp{QNonStop}
33009 @tab No
33010 @tab @samp{-}
33011 @tab Yes
33012
33013 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
33014 @tab No
33015 @tab @samp{-}
33016 @tab Yes
33017
33018 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
33019 @tab No
33020 @tab @samp{-}
33021 @tab Yes
33022
33023 @item @samp{multiprocess}
33024 @tab No
33025 @tab @samp{-}
33026 @tab No
33027
33028 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
33029 @tab No
33030 @tab @samp{-}
33031 @tab No
33032
33033 @item @samp{ReverseContinue}
33034 @tab No
33035 @tab @samp{-}
33036 @tab No
33037
33038 @item @samp{ReverseStep}
33039 @tab No
33040 @tab @samp{-}
33041 @tab No
33042
33043 @item @samp{TracepointSource}
33044 @tab No
33045 @tab @samp{-}
33046 @tab No
33047
33048 @item @samp{QAllow}
33049 @tab No
33050 @tab @samp{-}
33051 @tab No
33052
33053 @end multitable
33054
33055 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
33056
33057 @table @samp
33058 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
33059 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
33060 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
33061 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
33062 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
33063 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
33064 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
33065 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
33066 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
33067 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
33068
33069 @item qXfer:auxv:read
33070 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
33071 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
33072
33073 @item qXfer:features:read
33074 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
33075 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
33076
33077 @item qXfer:libraries:read
33078 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
33079 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
33080
33081 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
33082 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
33083 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
33084
33085 @item qXfer:sdata:read
33086 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:sdata:read} packet
33087 (@pxref{qXfer sdata read}).
33088
33089 @item qXfer:spu:read
33090 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
33091 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
33092
33093 @item qXfer:spu:write
33094 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
33095 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
33096
33097 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
33098 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
33099 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
33100
33101 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
33102 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
33103 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
33104
33105 @item qXfer:threads:read
33106 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
33107 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}).
33108
33109 @item QNonStop
33110 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
33111 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
33112
33113 @item QPassSignals
33114 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
33115 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
33116
33117 @item QStartNoAckMode
33118 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
33119 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
33120
33121 @item multiprocess
33122 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
33123 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
33124 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
33125 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
33126 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
33127 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
33128 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
33129 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
33130 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
33131 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
33132 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
33133
33134 @item qXfer:osdata:read
33135 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
33136 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
33137
33138 @item ConditionalTracepoints
33139 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
33140 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
33141
33142 @item ReverseContinue
33143 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse continue packet
33144 (@pxref{bc}).
33145
33146 @item ReverseStep
33147 The remote stub accepts and implements the reverse step packet
33148 (@pxref{bs}).
33149
33150 @item TracepointSource
33151 The remote stub understands the @samp{QTDPsrc} packet that supplies
33152 the source form of tracepoint definitions.
33153
33154 @item QAllow
33155 The remote stub understands the @samp{QAllow} packet.
33156
33157 @item StaticTracepoint
33158 @cindex static tracepoints, in remote protocol
33159 The remote stub supports static tracepoints.
33160
33161 @end table
33162
33163 @item qSymbol::
33164 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
33165 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
33166 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
33167 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
33168
33169 Reply:
33170 @table @samp
33171 @item OK
33172 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
33173 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
33174 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
33175 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
33176 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
33177 below.
33178 @end table
33179
33180 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
33181 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
33182
33183 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
33184 target has previously requested.
33185
33186 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
33187 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
33188 will be empty.
33189
33190 Reply:
33191 @table @samp
33192 @item OK
33193 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
33194 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
33195 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
33196 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
33197 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
33198 @end table
33199
33200 @item qTBuffer
33201 @item QTBuffer
33202 @item QTDisconnected
33203 @itemx QTDP
33204 @itemx QTDPsrc
33205 @itemx QTDV
33206 @itemx qTfP
33207 @itemx qTfV
33208 @itemx QTFrame
33209 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
33210
33211 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
33212 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
33213 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
33214 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
33215 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
33216 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
33217 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
33218 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
33219 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
33220 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
33221 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
33222
33223 Reply:
33224 @table @samp
33225 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
33226 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
33227 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
33228 the thread's attributes.
33229 @end table
33230
33231 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
33232 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
33233 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
33234 packets.)
33235
33236 @item QTSave
33237 @item qTsP
33238 @item qTsV
33239 @itemx QTStart
33240 @itemx QTStop
33241 @itemx QTinit
33242 @itemx QTro
33243 @itemx qTStatus
33244 @itemx qTV
33245 @itemx qTfSTM
33246 @itemx qTsSTM
33247 @itemx qTSTMat
33248 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
33249
33250 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33251 @cindex read special object, remote request
33252 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
33253 @anchor{qXfer read}
33254 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
33255 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
33256 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
33257 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
33258 additional details about what data to access.
33259
33260 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
33261 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
33262 formats, listed below.
33263
33264 @table @samp
33265 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33266 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
33267 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
33268 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
33269
33270 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33271 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33272
33273 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33274 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
33275 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
33276 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
33277 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
33278
33279 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33280 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33281
33282 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33283 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
33284 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
33285 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
33286 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33287
33288 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
33289 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
33290 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
33291
33292 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33293 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33294
33295 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33296 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
33297 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
33298 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
33299 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33300
33301 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33302 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33303
33304 @item qXfer:sdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33305 @anchor{qXfer sdata read}
33306
33307 Read contents of the extra collected static tracepoint marker
33308 information. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must
33309 be empty (@pxref{qXfer read}). @xref{Tracepoint Actions,,Tracepoint
33310 Action Lists}.
33311
33312 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33313 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33314 (@pxref{qSupported}).
33315
33316 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33317 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
33318 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
33319 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
33320 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33321
33322 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33323 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33324 (@pxref{qSupported}).
33325
33326 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
33327 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
33328 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
33329 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
33330 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
33331 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
33332 in that context to be accessed.
33333
33334 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33335 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33336 (@pxref{qSupported}).
33337
33338 @item qXfer:threads:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33339 @anchor{qXfer threads read}
33340 Access the list of threads on target. @xref{Thread List Format}. The
33341 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
33342 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
33343
33344 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33345 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33346
33347 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
33348 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
33349 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
33350 @xref{Operating System Information}.
33351
33352 @end table
33353
33354 Reply:
33355 @table @samp
33356 @item m @var{data}
33357 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
33358 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
33359 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
33360 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
33361 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
33362 request.
33363
33364 @item l @var{data}
33365 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
33366 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
33367 than the @var{length} in the request.
33368
33369 @item l
33370 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
33371 There is no more data to be read.
33372
33373 @item E00
33374 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
33375
33376 @item E @var{nn}
33377 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
33378 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
33379
33380 @item
33381 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
33382 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
33383 @end table
33384
33385 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
33386 @cindex write data into object, remote request
33387 @anchor{qXfer write}
33388 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
33389 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
33390 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
33391 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
33392 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
33393 to access.
33394
33395 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
33396 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
33397 formats, listed below.
33398
33399 @table @samp
33400 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
33401 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
33402 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
33403 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
33404 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
33405
33406 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33407 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
33408 (@pxref{qSupported}).
33409
33410 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
33411 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
33412 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
33413 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
33414 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
33415 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
33416 in that context to be accessed.
33417
33418 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
33419 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
33420 @end table
33421
33422 Reply:
33423 @table @samp
33424 @item @var{nn}
33425 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
33426 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
33427
33428 @item E00
33429 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
33430
33431 @item E @var{nn}
33432 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
33433 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
33434
33435 @item
33436 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
33437 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
33438 @end table
33439
33440 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
33441 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
33442 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
33443 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
33444 must respond with an empty packet.
33445
33446 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
33447 @cindex query attached, remote request
33448 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
33449 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
33450 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
33451 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
33452 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
33453 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
33454 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
33455
33456 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
33457 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
33458 the @code{quit} command.
33459
33460 Reply:
33461 @table @samp
33462 @item 1
33463 The remote server attached to an existing process.
33464 @item 0
33465 The remote server created a new process.
33466 @item E @var{NN}
33467 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
33468 @end table
33469
33470 @end table
33471
33472 @node Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
33473 @section Architecture-Specific Protocol Details
33474
33475 This section describes how the remote protocol is applied to specific
33476 target architectures. Also see @ref{Standard Target Features}, for
33477 details of XML target descriptions for each architecture.
33478
33479 @subsection ARM
33480
33481 @subsubsection Breakpoint Kinds
33482
33483 These breakpoint kinds are defined for the @samp{Z0} and @samp{Z1} packets.
33484
33485 @table @r
33486
33487 @item 2
33488 16-bit Thumb mode breakpoint.
33489
33490 @item 3
33491 32-bit Thumb mode (Thumb-2) breakpoint.
33492
33493 @item 4
33494 32-bit ARM mode breakpoint.
33495
33496 @end table
33497
33498 @subsection MIPS
33499
33500 @subsubsection Register Packet Format
33501
33502 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
33503 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
33504 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
33505 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
33506 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
33507 most-significant - least-significant.
33508
33509 @table @r
33510
33511 @item MIPS32
33512
33513 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
33514 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
33515 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
33516
33517 @item MIPS64
33518
33519 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
33520 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
33521 as @code{MIPS32}.
33522
33523 @end table
33524
33525 @node Tracepoint Packets
33526 @section Tracepoint Packets
33527 @cindex tracepoint packets
33528 @cindex packets, tracepoint
33529
33530 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
33531 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
33532
33533 @table @samp
33534
33535 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:F@var{flen}][:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
33536 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
33537 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
33538 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
33539 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{F} is present,
33540 then the tracepoint is to be a fast tracepoint, and the @var{flen} is
33541 the number of bytes that the target should copy elsewhere to make room
33542 for the tracepoint. If an @samp{X} is present, it introduces a
33543 tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal length, followed
33544 by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar to action
33545 encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is present,
33546 further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this tracepoint's
33547 actions.
33548
33549 Replies:
33550 @table @samp
33551 @item OK
33552 The packet was understood and carried out.
33553 @item qRelocInsn
33554 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
33555 @item
33556 The packet was not recognized.
33557 @end table
33558
33559 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
33560 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
33561 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
33562 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
33563 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
33564 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
33565 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
33566
33567 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
33568 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
33569 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
33570 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
33571 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
33572 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
33573 tracepoint actions.
33574
33575 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
33576 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
33577 following forms:
33578
33579 @table @samp
33580
33581 @item R @var{mask}
33582 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
33583 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
33584 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
33585 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
33586 not fit in a 32-bit word.
33587
33588 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
33589 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
33590 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
33591 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
33592 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
33593 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
33594 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
33595
33596 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
33597 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
33598 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
33599 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
33600 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
33601 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
33602 packet).
33603
33604 @end table
33605
33606 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
33607 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
33608 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
33609 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
33610 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
33611 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
33612 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
33613 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
33614
33615 Replies:
33616 @table @samp
33617 @item OK
33618 The packet was understood and carried out.
33619 @item qRelocInsn
33620 @xref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate instruction reply packet}.
33621 @item
33622 The packet was not recognized.
33623 @end table
33624
33625 @item QTDPsrc:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{type}:@var{start}:@var{slen}:@var{bytes}
33626 @cindex @samp{QTDPsrc} packet
33627 Specify a source string of tracepoint @var{n} at address @var{addr}.
33628 This is useful to get accurate reproduction of the tracepoints
33629 originally downloaded at the beginning of the trace run. @var{type}
33630 is the name of the tracepoint part, such as @samp{cond} for the
33631 tracepoint's conditional expression (see below for a list of types), while
33632 @var{bytes} is the string, encoded in hexadecimal.
33633
33634 @var{start} is the offset of the @var{bytes} within the overall source
33635 string, while @var{slen} is the total length of the source string.
33636 This is intended for handling source strings that are longer than will
33637 fit in a single packet.
33638 @c Add detailed example when this info is moved into a dedicated
33639 @c tracepoint descriptions section.
33640
33641 The available string types are @samp{at} for the location,
33642 @samp{cond} for the conditional, and @samp{cmd} for an action command.
33643 @value{GDBN} sends a separate packet for each command in the action
33644 list, in the same order in which the commands are stored in the list.
33645
33646 The target does not need to do anything with source strings except
33647 report them back as part of the replies to the @samp{qTfP}/@samp{qTsP}
33648 query packets.
33649
33650 Although this packet is optional, and @value{GDBN} will only send it
33651 if the target replies with @samp{TracepointSource} @xref{General
33652 Query Packets}, it makes both disconnected tracing and trace files
33653 much easier to use. Otherwise the user must be careful that the
33654 tracepoints in effect while looking at trace frames are identical to
33655 the ones in effect during the trace run; even a small discrepancy
33656 could cause @samp{tdump} not to work, or a particular trace frame not
33657 be found.
33658
33659 @item QTDV:@var{n}:@var{value}
33660 @cindex define trace state variable, remote request
33661 @cindex @samp{QTDV} packet
33662 Create a new trace state variable, number @var{n}, with an initial
33663 value of @var{value}, which is a 64-bit signed integer. Both @var{n}
33664 and @var{value} are encoded as hexadecimal values. @value{GDBN} has
33665 the option of not using this packet for initial values of zero; the
33666 target should simply create the trace state variables as they are
33667 mentioned in expressions.
33668
33669 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
33670 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
33671 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
33672 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
33673
33674 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
33675 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
33676 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
33677 one of the following forms:
33678
33679 @table @samp
33680 @item F @var{f}
33681 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
33682 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
33683 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
33684
33685 @item T @var{t}
33686 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
33687 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
33688
33689 @end table
33690
33691 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
33692 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
33693 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
33694 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
33695
33696 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
33697 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
33698 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
33699 is a hexadecimal number.
33700
33701 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
33702 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
33703 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
33704 and @var{end} (inclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
33705 numbers.
33706
33707 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
33708 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
33709 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses (exclusive).
33710
33711 @item QTStart
33712 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from
33713 tracepoint hits in the trace frame buffer. This packet supports the
33714 @samp{qRelocInsn} reply (@pxref{Tracepoint Packets,,Relocate
33715 instruction reply packet}).
33716
33717 @item QTStop
33718 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
33719
33720 @item QTinit
33721 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
33722
33723 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
33724 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
33725 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
33726 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
33727
33728 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
33729 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
33730 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
33731 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
33732
33733 @item QTDisconnected:@var{value}
33734 Set the choice to what to do with the tracing run when @value{GDBN}
33735 disconnects from the target. A @var{value} of 1 directs the target to
33736 continue the tracing run, while 0 tells the target to stop tracing if
33737 @value{GDBN} is no longer in the picture.
33738
33739 @item qTStatus
33740 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
33741
33742 The reply has the form:
33743
33744 @table @samp
33745
33746 @item T@var{running}@r{[};@var{field}@r{]}@dots{}
33747 @var{running} is a single digit @code{1} if the trace is presently
33748 running, or @code{0} if not. It is followed by semicolon-separated
33749 optional fields that an agent may use to report additional status.
33750
33751 @end table
33752
33753 If the trace is not running, the agent may report any of several
33754 explanations as one of the optional fields:
33755
33756 @table @samp
33757
33758 @item tnotrun:0
33759 No trace has been run yet.
33760
33761 @item tstop:0
33762 The trace was stopped by a user-originated stop command.
33763
33764 @item tfull:0
33765 The trace stopped because the trace buffer filled up.
33766
33767 @item tdisconnected:0
33768 The trace stopped because @value{GDBN} disconnected from the target.
33769
33770 @item tpasscount:@var{tpnum}
33771 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} exceeded its pass count.
33772
33773 @item terror:@var{text}:@var{tpnum}
33774 The trace stopped because tracepoint @var{tpnum} had an error. The
33775 string @var{text} is available to describe the nature of the error
33776 (for instance, a divide by zero in the condition expression).
33777 @var{text} is hex encoded.
33778
33779 @item tunknown:0
33780 The trace stopped for some other reason.
33781
33782 @end table
33783
33784 Additional optional fields supply statistical and other information.
33785 Although not required, they are extremely useful for users monitoring
33786 the progress of a trace run. If a trace has stopped, and these
33787 numbers are reported, they must reflect the state of the just-stopped
33788 trace.
33789
33790 @table @samp
33791
33792 @item tframes:@var{n}
33793 The number of trace frames in the buffer.
33794
33795 @item tcreated:@var{n}
33796 The total number of trace frames created during the run. This may
33797 be larger than the trace frame count, if the buffer is circular.
33798
33799 @item tsize:@var{n}
33800 The total size of the trace buffer, in bytes.
33801
33802 @item tfree:@var{n}
33803 The number of bytes still unused in the buffer.
33804
33805 @item circular:@var{n}
33806 The value of the circular trace buffer flag. @code{1} means that the
33807 trace buffer is circular and old trace frames will be discarded if
33808 necessary to make room, @code{0} means that the trace buffer is linear
33809 and may fill up.
33810
33811 @item disconn:@var{n}
33812 The value of the disconnected tracing flag. @code{1} means that
33813 tracing will continue after @value{GDBN} disconnects, @code{0} means
33814 that the trace run will stop.
33815
33816 @end table
33817
33818 @item qTV:@var{var}
33819 @cindex trace state variable value, remote request
33820 @cindex @samp{qTV} packet
33821 Ask the stub for the value of the trace state variable number @var{var}.
33822
33823 Replies:
33824 @table @samp
33825 @item V@var{value}
33826 The value of the variable is @var{value}. This will be the current
33827 value of the variable if the user is examining a running target, or a
33828 saved value if the variable was collected in the trace frame that the
33829 user is looking at. Note that multiple requests may result in
33830 different reply values, such as when requesting values while the
33831 program is running.
33832
33833 @item U
33834 The value of the variable is unknown. This would occur, for example,
33835 if the user is examining a trace frame in which the requested variable
33836 was not collected.
33837 @end table
33838
33839 @item qTfP
33840 @itemx qTsP
33841 These packets request data about tracepoints that are being used by
33842 the target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfP} to get the first piece
33843 of data, and multiple @code{qTsP} to get additional pieces. Replies
33844 to these packets generally take the form of the @code{QTDP} packets
33845 that define tracepoints. (FIXME add detailed syntax)
33846
33847 @item qTfV
33848 @itemx qTsV
33849 These packets request data about trace state variables that are on the
33850 target. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfV} to get the first vari of data,
33851 and multiple @code{qTsV} to get additional variables. Replies to
33852 these packets follow the syntax of the @code{QTDV} packets that define
33853 trace state variables.
33854
33855 @item qTfSTM
33856 @itemx qTsSTM
33857 These packets request data about static tracepoint markers that exist
33858 in the target program. @value{GDBN} sends @code{qTfSTM} to get the
33859 first piece of data, and multiple @code{qTsSTM} to get additional
33860 pieces. Replies to these packets take the following form:
33861
33862 Reply:
33863 @table @samp
33864 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}
33865 A single marker
33866 @item m @var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra},@var{address}:@var{id}:@var{extra}@dots{}
33867 a comma-separated list of markers
33868 @item l
33869 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
33870 @item E @var{nn}
33871 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
33872 @item
33873 An empty reply indicates that the request is not supported by the
33874 stub.
33875 @end table
33876
33877 @var{address} is encoded in hex.
33878 @var{id} and @var{extra} are strings encoded in hex.
33879
33880 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
33881 more markers, separated by commas. @value{GDBN} will respond to each
33882 reply with a request for more markers (using the @samp{qs} form of the
33883 query), until the target responds with @samp{l} (lower-case ell, for
33884 @dfn{last}).
33885
33886 @item qTSTMat:@var{address}
33887 This packets requests data about static tracepoint markers in the
33888 target program at @var{address}. Replies to this packet follow the
33889 syntax of the @samp{qTfSTM} and @code{qTsSTM} packets that list static
33890 tracepoint markers.
33891
33892 @item QTSave:@var{filename}
33893 This packet directs the target to save trace data to the file name
33894 @var{filename} in the target's filesystem. @var{filename} is encoded
33895 as a hex string; the interpretation of the file name (relative vs
33896 absolute, wild cards, etc) is up to the target.
33897
33898 @item qTBuffer:@var{offset},@var{len}
33899 Return up to @var{len} bytes of the current contents of trace buffer,
33900 starting at @var{offset}. The trace buffer is treated as if it were
33901 a contiguous collection of traceframes, as per the trace file format.
33902 The reply consists as many hex-encoded bytes as the target can deliver
33903 in a packet; it is not an error to return fewer than were asked for.
33904 A reply consisting of just @code{l} indicates that no bytes are
33905 available.
33906
33907 @item QTBuffer:circular:@var{value}
33908 This packet directs the target to use a circular trace buffer if
33909 @var{value} is 1, or a linear buffer if the value is 0.
33910
33911 @end table
33912
33913 @subsection Relocate instruction reply packet
33914 When installing fast tracepoints in memory, the target may need to
33915 relocate the instruction currently at the tracepoint address to a
33916 different address in memory. For most instructions, a simple copy is
33917 enough, but, for example, call instructions that implicitly push the
33918 return address on the stack, and relative branches or other
33919 PC-relative instructions require offset adjustment, so that the effect
33920 of executing the instruction at a different address is the same as if
33921 it had executed in the original location.
33922
33923 In response to several of the tracepoint packets, the target may also
33924 respond with a number of intermediate @samp{qRelocInsn} request
33925 packets before the final result packet, to have @value{GDBN} handle
33926 this relocation operation. If a packet supports this mechanism, its
33927 documentation will explicitly say so. See for example the above
33928 descriptions for the @samp{QTStart} and @samp{QTDP} packets. The
33929 format of the request is:
33930
33931 @table @samp
33932 @item qRelocInsn:@var{from};@var{to}
33933
33934 This requests @value{GDBN} to copy instruction at address @var{from}
33935 to address @var{to}, possibly adjusted so that executing the
33936 instruction at @var{to} has the same effect as executing it at
33937 @var{from}. @value{GDBN} writes the adjusted instruction to target
33938 memory starting at @var{to}.
33939 @end table
33940
33941 Replies:
33942 @table @samp
33943 @item qRelocInsn:@var{adjusted_size}
33944 Informs the stub the relocation is complete. @var{adjusted_size} is
33945 the length in bytes of resulting relocated instruction sequence.
33946 @item E @var{NN}
33947 A badly formed request was detected, or an error was encountered while
33948 relocating the instruction.
33949 @end table
33950
33951 @node Host I/O Packets
33952 @section Host I/O Packets
33953 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
33954 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
33955
33956 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
33957 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
33958 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
33959 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
33960 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
33961 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
33962 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
33963 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
33964 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
33965 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
33966
33967 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
33968 its arguments. They have this format:
33969
33970 @table @samp
33971
33972 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
33973 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
33974 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
33975 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
33976 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
33977 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
33978 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
33979 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
33980 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
33981
33982 @end table
33983
33984 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
33985
33986 @table @samp
33987
33988 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
33989 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
33990 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
33991 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
33992 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
33993 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
33994 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
33995 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
33996 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
33997 @var{attachment}.
33998
33999 @item
34000 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
34001
34002 @end table
34003
34004 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
34005
34006 @table @samp
34007 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
34008 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
34009 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
34010 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
34011 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
34012 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
34013 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
34014
34015 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
34016 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
34017 -1 if an error occurs.
34018
34019 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
34020 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
34021 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
34022 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
34023 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
34024 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
34025 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
34026 @var{count} was zero.
34027
34028 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
34029 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
34030 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
34031 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
34032 some characters were escaped.
34033
34034 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
34035 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
34036 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
34037 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
34038 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
34039 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
34040 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
34041 error occurred.
34042
34043 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
34044 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
34045 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
34046
34047 @end table
34048
34049 @node Interrupts
34050 @section Interrupts
34051 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
34052
34053 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
34054 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C}, @code{BREAK} or
34055 a @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g},
34056 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{interrupt-sequence}.
34057
34058 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
34059 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
34060 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
34061 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
34062 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
34063
34064 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
34065 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
34066 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
34067 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
34068 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
34069 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
34070 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
34071 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
34072
34073 @code{BREAK} followed by @code{g} is also known as Magic SysRq g.
34074 When Linux kernel receives this sequence from serial port,
34075 it stops execution and connects to gdb.
34076
34077 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
34078 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
34079 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
34080 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
34081 currently-executing threads and processes.
34082 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
34083 running program, it should send one of the stop
34084 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
34085 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
34086 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
34087 Interrupts received while the
34088 program is stopped are discarded.
34089
34090 @node Notification Packets
34091 @section Notification Packets
34092 @cindex notification packets
34093 @cindex packets, notification
34094
34095 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
34096 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
34097 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
34098 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
34099 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
34100 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
34101 is not a problem.
34102
34103 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
34104 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
34105 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
34106 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
34107 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
34108 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
34109 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
34110
34111 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
34112 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
34113
34114 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
34115 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
34116 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
34117 not they understand it.
34118
34119 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
34120 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
34121 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
34122 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
34123 recipients.
34124
34125 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
34126 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
34127 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
34128 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
34129 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
34130
34131 The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
34132 defined:
34133
34134 @table @samp
34135 @item Stop: @var{reply}
34136 Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
34137 The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
34138 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
34139 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
34140 @value{GDBN}.
34141 @end table
34142
34143 @node Remote Non-Stop
34144 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
34145
34146 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
34147 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
34148 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
34149 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
34150
34151 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
34152 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
34153 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
34154 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
34155 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
34156 probe the target state after a mode change.
34157
34158 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
34159 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
34160 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
34161 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
34162 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
34163 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
34164 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
34165 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
34166 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
34167 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
34168 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
34169
34170 Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
34171 additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
34172 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
34173 synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
34174 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
34175 the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
34176 if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
34177 ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
34178 finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
34179 sending any queued stop events.
34180
34181 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
34182 notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
34183 @value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
34184 @value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
34185 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
34186 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
34187 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
34188
34189 After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
34190 acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
34191 as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
34192 is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
34193 send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
34194 process normally.
34195
34196 Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
34197 stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
34198 normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
34199 @samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
34200 permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
34201 should process normally.
34202
34203 If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
34204 additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
34205 response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
34206 send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
34207 notification, and the process shall be repeated.
34208
34209 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
34210 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
34211 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
34212 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
34213 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
34214 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
34215 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
34216 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
34217 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
34218 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
34219 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
34220 @samp{OK}.
34221
34222 @node Packet Acknowledgment
34223 @section Packet Acknowledgment
34224
34225 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
34226 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
34227 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
34228 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
34229 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
34230 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
34231 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
34232
34233 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
34234 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
34235 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
34236 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
34237 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
34238
34239 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
34240 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
34241 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
34242 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
34243
34244 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
34245 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
34246 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
34247 @pxref{qSupported}.
34248 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
34249 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
34250 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
34251 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
34252 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
34253 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
34254 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
34255
34256 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
34257 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
34258 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
34259 connection.
34260 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
34261 new connection is established,
34262 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
34263 for the current connection, once disabled.
34264
34265 @node Examples
34266 @section Examples
34267
34268 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
34269 does not get any direct output:
34270
34271 @smallexample
34272 -> @code{R00}
34273 <- @code{+}
34274 @emph{target restarts}
34275 -> @code{?}
34276 <- @code{+}
34277 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
34278 -> @code{+}
34279 @end smallexample
34280
34281 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
34282
34283 @smallexample
34284 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
34285 <- @code{+}
34286 -> @code{s}
34287 <- @code{+}
34288 @emph{time passes}
34289 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
34290 -> @code{+}
34291 -> @code{g}
34292 <- @code{+}
34293 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
34294 -> @code{+}
34295 @end smallexample
34296
34297 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
34298 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
34299 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
34300
34301 @menu
34302 * File-I/O Overview::
34303 * Protocol Basics::
34304 * The F Request Packet::
34305 * The F Reply Packet::
34306 * The Ctrl-C Message::
34307 * Console I/O::
34308 * List of Supported Calls::
34309 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
34310 * Constants::
34311 * File-I/O Examples::
34312 @end menu
34313
34314 @node File-I/O Overview
34315 @subsection File-I/O Overview
34316 @cindex file-i/o overview
34317
34318 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
34319 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
34320 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
34321 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
34322 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
34323 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
34324
34325 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
34326 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
34327 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
34328 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
34329 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
34330
34331 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
34332 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
34333 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
34334 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
34335 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
34336 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
34337 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
34338
34339 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
34340 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
34341 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
34342 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
34343 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
34344
34345 @smallexample
34346 (@value{GDBP}) continue
34347 <- target requests 'system call X'
34348 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
34349 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
34350 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
34351 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
34352 @end smallexample
34353
34354 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
34355 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
34356 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
34357 system are not supported by this protocol.
34358
34359 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
34360
34361 @node Protocol Basics
34362 @subsection Protocol Basics
34363 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
34364
34365 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
34366 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
34367 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
34368 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
34369 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
34370 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
34371 to call the appropriate host system call:
34372
34373 @itemize @bullet
34374 @item
34375 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
34376
34377 @item
34378 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
34379 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
34380 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
34381 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
34382
34383 @end itemize
34384
34385 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
34386
34387 @itemize @bullet
34388 @item
34389 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
34390 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
34391 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
34392 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
34393 packet.
34394
34395 @item
34396 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
34397 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
34398
34399 @item
34400 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
34401
34402 @item
34403 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
34404
34405 @item
34406 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
34407 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
34408 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
34409 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
34410 packet.
34411
34412 @end itemize
34413
34414 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
34415 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
34416
34417 @itemize @bullet
34418 @item
34419 Return value.
34420
34421 @item
34422 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
34423
34424 @item
34425 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
34426
34427 @end itemize
34428
34429 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
34430 the latest continue or step action.
34431
34432 @node The F Request Packet
34433 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
34434 @cindex file-i/o request packet
34435 @cindex @code{F} request packet
34436
34437 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
34438
34439 @table @samp
34440 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
34441
34442 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
34443 This is just the name of the function.
34444
34445 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
34446 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
34447 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
34448 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
34449 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
34450 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
34451 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
34452
34453 @end table
34454
34455
34456
34457 @node The F Reply Packet
34458 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
34459 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
34460 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
34461
34462 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
34463
34464 @table @samp
34465
34466 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
34467
34468 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
34469
34470 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
34471 representation.
34472 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
34473
34474 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
34475 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
34476 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
34477
34478 @smallexample
34479 F0,0,C
34480 @end smallexample
34481
34482 @noindent
34483 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
34484
34485 @smallexample
34486 F-1,4,C
34487 @end smallexample
34488
34489 @noindent
34490 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
34491
34492 @end table
34493
34494
34495 @node The Ctrl-C Message
34496 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
34497 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
34498
34499 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
34500 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
34501 the target should behave as if it had
34502 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
34503 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
34504 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
34505 packet.
34506
34507 It's important for the target to know in which
34508 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
34509
34510 @itemize @bullet
34511 @item
34512 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
34513
34514 @item
34515 The system call on the host has been finished.
34516
34517 @end itemize
34518
34519 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
34520 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
34521 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
34522 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
34523 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
34524 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
34525
34526 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
34527 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
34528 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
34529 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
34530 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
34531 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
34532 or the full action has been completed.
34533
34534 @node Console I/O
34535 @subsection Console I/O
34536 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
34537
34538 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
34539 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
34540 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
34541 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
34542 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
34543 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
34544 conditions is met:
34545
34546 @itemize @bullet
34547 @item
34548 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
34549 @code{read}
34550 system call is treated as finished.
34551
34552 @item
34553 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
34554 newline.
34555
34556 @item
34557 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
34558 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
34559
34560 @end itemize
34561
34562 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
34563 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
34564 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
34565 is stopped at the user's request.
34566
34567
34568 @node List of Supported Calls
34569 @subsection List of Supported Calls
34570 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
34571
34572 @menu
34573 * open::
34574 * close::
34575 * read::
34576 * write::
34577 * lseek::
34578 * rename::
34579 * unlink::
34580 * stat/fstat::
34581 * gettimeofday::
34582 * isatty::
34583 * system::
34584 @end menu
34585
34586 @node open
34587 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
34588 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
34589
34590 @table @asis
34591 @item Synopsis:
34592 @smallexample
34593 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
34594 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
34595 @end smallexample
34596
34597 @item Request:
34598 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
34599
34600 @noindent
34601 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
34602
34603 @table @code
34604 @item O_CREAT
34605 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
34606 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
34607 are concerned.
34608
34609 @item O_EXCL
34610 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
34611 an error and open() fails.
34612
34613 @item O_TRUNC
34614 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
34615 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
34616 truncated to zero length.
34617
34618 @item O_APPEND
34619 The file is opened in append mode.
34620
34621 @item O_RDONLY
34622 The file is opened for reading only.
34623
34624 @item O_WRONLY
34625 The file is opened for writing only.
34626
34627 @item O_RDWR
34628 The file is opened for reading and writing.
34629 @end table
34630
34631 @noindent
34632 Other bits are silently ignored.
34633
34634
34635 @noindent
34636 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
34637
34638 @table @code
34639 @item S_IRUSR
34640 User has read permission.
34641
34642 @item S_IWUSR
34643 User has write permission.
34644
34645 @item S_IRGRP
34646 Group has read permission.
34647
34648 @item S_IWGRP
34649 Group has write permission.
34650
34651 @item S_IROTH
34652 Others have read permission.
34653
34654 @item S_IWOTH
34655 Others have write permission.
34656 @end table
34657
34658 @noindent
34659 Other bits are silently ignored.
34660
34661
34662 @item Return value:
34663 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
34664 occurred.
34665
34666 @item Errors:
34667
34668 @table @code
34669 @item EEXIST
34670 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
34671
34672 @item EISDIR
34673 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
34674
34675 @item EACCES
34676 The requested access is not allowed.
34677
34678 @item ENAMETOOLONG
34679 @var{pathname} was too long.
34680
34681 @item ENOENT
34682 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
34683
34684 @item ENODEV
34685 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
34686
34687 @item EROFS
34688 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
34689 write access was requested.
34690
34691 @item EFAULT
34692 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
34693
34694 @item ENOSPC
34695 No space on device to create the file.
34696
34697 @item EMFILE
34698 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
34699
34700 @item ENFILE
34701 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
34702 has been reached.
34703
34704 @item EINTR
34705 The call was interrupted by the user.
34706 @end table
34707
34708 @end table
34709
34710 @node close
34711 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
34712 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
34713
34714 @table @asis
34715 @item Synopsis:
34716 @smallexample
34717 int close(int fd);
34718 @end smallexample
34719
34720 @item Request:
34721 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
34722
34723 @item Return value:
34724 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
34725
34726 @item Errors:
34727
34728 @table @code
34729 @item EBADF
34730 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
34731
34732 @item EINTR
34733 The call was interrupted by the user.
34734 @end table
34735
34736 @end table
34737
34738 @node read
34739 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
34740 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
34741
34742 @table @asis
34743 @item Synopsis:
34744 @smallexample
34745 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
34746 @end smallexample
34747
34748 @item Request:
34749 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
34750
34751 @item Return value:
34752 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
34753 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
34754 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
34755
34756 @item Errors:
34757
34758 @table @code
34759 @item EBADF
34760 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
34761 reading.
34762
34763 @item EFAULT
34764 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
34765
34766 @item EINTR
34767 The call was interrupted by the user.
34768 @end table
34769
34770 @end table
34771
34772 @node write
34773 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
34774 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
34775
34776 @table @asis
34777 @item Synopsis:
34778 @smallexample
34779 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
34780 @end smallexample
34781
34782 @item Request:
34783 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
34784
34785 @item Return value:
34786 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
34787 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
34788 is returned.
34789
34790 @item Errors:
34791
34792 @table @code
34793 @item EBADF
34794 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
34795 writing.
34796
34797 @item EFAULT
34798 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
34799
34800 @item EFBIG
34801 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
34802 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
34803
34804 @item ENOSPC
34805 No space on device to write the data.
34806
34807 @item EINTR
34808 The call was interrupted by the user.
34809 @end table
34810
34811 @end table
34812
34813 @node lseek
34814 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
34815 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
34816
34817 @table @asis
34818 @item Synopsis:
34819 @smallexample
34820 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
34821 @end smallexample
34822
34823 @item Request:
34824 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
34825
34826 @var{flag} is one of:
34827
34828 @table @code
34829 @item SEEK_SET
34830 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
34831
34832 @item SEEK_CUR
34833 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
34834 bytes.
34835
34836 @item SEEK_END
34837 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
34838 bytes.
34839 @end table
34840
34841 @item Return value:
34842 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
34843 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
34844 value of -1 is returned.
34845
34846 @item Errors:
34847
34848 @table @code
34849 @item EBADF
34850 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
34851
34852 @item ESPIPE
34853 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
34854
34855 @item EINVAL
34856 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
34857
34858 @item EINTR
34859 The call was interrupted by the user.
34860 @end table
34861
34862 @end table
34863
34864 @node rename
34865 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
34866 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
34867
34868 @table @asis
34869 @item Synopsis:
34870 @smallexample
34871 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
34872 @end smallexample
34873
34874 @item Request:
34875 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
34876
34877 @item Return value:
34878 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
34879
34880 @item Errors:
34881
34882 @table @code
34883 @item EISDIR
34884 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
34885 directory.
34886
34887 @item EEXIST
34888 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
34889
34890 @item EBUSY
34891 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
34892 process.
34893
34894 @item EINVAL
34895 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
34896 of itself.
34897
34898 @item ENOTDIR
34899 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
34900 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
34901 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
34902
34903 @item EFAULT
34904 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
34905
34906 @item EACCES
34907 No access to the file or the path of the file.
34908
34909 @item ENAMETOOLONG
34910
34911 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
34912
34913 @item ENOENT
34914 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
34915
34916 @item EROFS
34917 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
34918
34919 @item ENOSPC
34920 The device containing the file has no room for the new
34921 directory entry.
34922
34923 @item EINTR
34924 The call was interrupted by the user.
34925 @end table
34926
34927 @end table
34928
34929 @node unlink
34930 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
34931 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
34932
34933 @table @asis
34934 @item Synopsis:
34935 @smallexample
34936 int unlink(const char *pathname);
34937 @end smallexample
34938
34939 @item Request:
34940 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
34941
34942 @item Return value:
34943 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
34944
34945 @item Errors:
34946
34947 @table @code
34948 @item EACCES
34949 No access to the file or the path of the file.
34950
34951 @item EPERM
34952 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
34953
34954 @item EBUSY
34955 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
34956 being used by another process.
34957
34958 @item EFAULT
34959 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
34960
34961 @item ENAMETOOLONG
34962 @var{pathname} was too long.
34963
34964 @item ENOENT
34965 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
34966
34967 @item ENOTDIR
34968 A component of the path is not a directory.
34969
34970 @item EROFS
34971 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
34972
34973 @item EINTR
34974 The call was interrupted by the user.
34975 @end table
34976
34977 @end table
34978
34979 @node stat/fstat
34980 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
34981 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
34982 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
34983
34984 @table @asis
34985 @item Synopsis:
34986 @smallexample
34987 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
34988 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
34989 @end smallexample
34990
34991 @item Request:
34992 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
34993 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
34994
34995 @item Return value:
34996 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
34997
34998 @item Errors:
34999
35000 @table @code
35001 @item EBADF
35002 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
35003
35004 @item ENOENT
35005 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
35006 path is an empty string.
35007
35008 @item ENOTDIR
35009 A component of the path is not a directory.
35010
35011 @item EFAULT
35012 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35013
35014 @item EACCES
35015 No access to the file or the path of the file.
35016
35017 @item ENAMETOOLONG
35018 @var{pathname} was too long.
35019
35020 @item EINTR
35021 The call was interrupted by the user.
35022 @end table
35023
35024 @end table
35025
35026 @node gettimeofday
35027 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
35028 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
35029
35030 @table @asis
35031 @item Synopsis:
35032 @smallexample
35033 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
35034 @end smallexample
35035
35036 @item Request:
35037 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
35038
35039 @item Return value:
35040 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
35041
35042 @item Errors:
35043
35044 @table @code
35045 @item EINVAL
35046 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
35047
35048 @item EFAULT
35049 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
35050 @end table
35051
35052 @end table
35053
35054 @node isatty
35055 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
35056 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
35057
35058 @table @asis
35059 @item Synopsis:
35060 @smallexample
35061 int isatty(int fd);
35062 @end smallexample
35063
35064 @item Request:
35065 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
35066
35067 @item Return value:
35068 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
35069
35070 @item Errors:
35071
35072 @table @code
35073 @item EINTR
35074 The call was interrupted by the user.
35075 @end table
35076
35077 @end table
35078
35079 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
35080 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
35081 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
35082 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
35083 needed.
35084
35085
35086 @node system
35087 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
35088 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
35089
35090 @table @asis
35091 @item Synopsis:
35092 @smallexample
35093 int system(const char *command);
35094 @end smallexample
35095
35096 @item Request:
35097 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
35098
35099 @item Return value:
35100 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
35101 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
35102 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
35103 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
35104 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
35105 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
35106 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
35107
35108 @item Errors:
35109
35110 @table @code
35111 @item EINTR
35112 The call was interrupted by the user.
35113 @end table
35114
35115 @end table
35116
35117 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
35118 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
35119 the host is simplified before it's returned
35120 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
35121 is discarded, and the return value consists
35122 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
35123
35124 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
35125 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
35126 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
35127
35128 @table @code
35129 @item set remote system-call-allowed
35130 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
35131 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
35132 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
35133
35134 @item show remote system-call-allowed
35135 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
35136 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
35137 protocol.
35138 @end table
35139
35140 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
35141 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
35142 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
35143
35144 @menu
35145 * Integral Datatypes::
35146 * Pointer Values::
35147 * Memory Transfer::
35148 * struct stat::
35149 * struct timeval::
35150 @end menu
35151
35152 @node Integral Datatypes
35153 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
35154 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
35155
35156 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
35157 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
35158 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
35159
35160 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
35161 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
35162
35163 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
35164
35165 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
35166 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
35167
35168 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
35169
35170 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
35171 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
35172 byte order.
35173
35174 @node Pointer Values
35175 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
35176 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
35177
35178 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
35179 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
35180 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
35181 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
35182
35183 @smallexample
35184 @code{1aaf/12}
35185 @end smallexample
35186
35187 @noindent
35188 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
35189 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
35190 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
35191 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
35192
35193 @smallexample
35194 @code{123456/d}
35195 @end smallexample
35196
35197 @node Memory Transfer
35198 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
35199 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
35200
35201 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
35202 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
35203 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
35204 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
35205 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
35206 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
35207 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
35208
35209
35210 @node struct stat
35211 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
35212 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
35213
35214 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
35215 is defined as follows:
35216
35217 @smallexample
35218 struct stat @{
35219 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
35220 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
35221 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
35222 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
35223 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
35224 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
35225 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
35226 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
35227 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
35228 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
35229 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
35230 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
35231 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
35232 @};
35233 @end smallexample
35234
35235 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
35236 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
35237 structure is of size 64 bytes.
35238
35239 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
35240 range of values.
35241
35242 @table @code
35243
35244 @item st_dev
35245 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
35246
35247 @item st_ino
35248 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
35249
35250 @item st_mode
35251 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
35252 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
35253
35254 @item st_uid
35255 @itemx st_gid
35256 @itemx st_rdev
35257 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
35258
35259 @item st_atime
35260 @itemx st_mtime
35261 @itemx st_ctime
35262 These values have a host and file system dependent
35263 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
35264 support exact timing values.
35265 @end table
35266
35267 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
35268 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
35269 continuing.
35270
35271 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
35272 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
35273 get truncated on the target.
35274
35275 @node struct timeval
35276 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
35277 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
35278
35279 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
35280 is defined as follows:
35281
35282 @smallexample
35283 struct timeval @{
35284 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
35285 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
35286 @};
35287 @end smallexample
35288
35289 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
35290 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
35291 structure is of size 8 bytes.
35292
35293 @node Constants
35294 @subsection Constants
35295 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
35296
35297 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
35298 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
35299 values before and after the call as needed.
35300
35301 @menu
35302 * Open Flags::
35303 * mode_t Values::
35304 * Errno Values::
35305 * Lseek Flags::
35306 * Limits::
35307 @end menu
35308
35309 @node Open Flags
35310 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
35311 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
35312
35313 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
35314
35315 @smallexample
35316 O_RDONLY 0x0
35317 O_WRONLY 0x1
35318 O_RDWR 0x2
35319 O_APPEND 0x8
35320 O_CREAT 0x200
35321 O_TRUNC 0x400
35322 O_EXCL 0x800
35323 @end smallexample
35324
35325 @node mode_t Values
35326 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
35327 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
35328
35329 All values are given in octal representation.
35330
35331 @smallexample
35332 S_IFREG 0100000
35333 S_IFDIR 040000
35334 S_IRUSR 0400
35335 S_IWUSR 0200
35336 S_IXUSR 0100
35337 S_IRGRP 040
35338 S_IWGRP 020
35339 S_IXGRP 010
35340 S_IROTH 04
35341 S_IWOTH 02
35342 S_IXOTH 01
35343 @end smallexample
35344
35345 @node Errno Values
35346 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
35347 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
35348
35349 All values are given in decimal representation.
35350
35351 @smallexample
35352 EPERM 1
35353 ENOENT 2
35354 EINTR 4
35355 EBADF 9
35356 EACCES 13
35357 EFAULT 14
35358 EBUSY 16
35359 EEXIST 17
35360 ENODEV 19
35361 ENOTDIR 20
35362 EISDIR 21
35363 EINVAL 22
35364 ENFILE 23
35365 EMFILE 24
35366 EFBIG 27
35367 ENOSPC 28
35368 ESPIPE 29
35369 EROFS 30
35370 ENAMETOOLONG 91
35371 EUNKNOWN 9999
35372 @end smallexample
35373
35374 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
35375 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
35376
35377 @node Lseek Flags
35378 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
35379 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
35380
35381 @smallexample
35382 SEEK_SET 0
35383 SEEK_CUR 1
35384 SEEK_END 2
35385 @end smallexample
35386
35387 @node Limits
35388 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
35389 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
35390
35391 All values are given in decimal representation.
35392
35393 @smallexample
35394 INT_MIN -2147483648
35395 INT_MAX 2147483647
35396 UINT_MAX 4294967295
35397 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
35398 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
35399 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
35400 @end smallexample
35401
35402 @node File-I/O Examples
35403 @subsection File-I/O Examples
35404 @cindex file-i/o examples
35405
35406 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
35407 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
35408
35409 @smallexample
35410 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
35411 @emph{request memory read from target}
35412 -> @code{m1234,6}
35413 <- XXXXXX
35414 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
35415 -> @code{F6}
35416 @end smallexample
35417
35418 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
35419 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
35420
35421 @smallexample
35422 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
35423 @emph{request memory write to target}
35424 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
35425 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
35426 -> @code{F6}
35427 @end smallexample
35428
35429 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
35430 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
35431
35432 @smallexample
35433 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
35434 -> @code{F-1,9}
35435 @end smallexample
35436
35437 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
35438 host is called:
35439
35440 @smallexample
35441 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
35442 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
35443 <- @code{T02}
35444 @end smallexample
35445
35446 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
35447 host is called:
35448
35449 @smallexample
35450 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
35451 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
35452 <- @code{T02}
35453 @end smallexample
35454
35455 @node Library List Format
35456 @section Library List Format
35457 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
35458
35459 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
35460 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
35461 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
35462 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
35463 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
35464 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
35465 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
35466 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
35467 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
35468 are loaded.
35469
35470 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
35471 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
35472 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
35473 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
35474
35475 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
35476 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
35477 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
35478 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
35479 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
35480 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
35481
35482 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
35483 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
35484
35485 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
35486 offset, looks like this:
35487
35488 @smallexample
35489 <library-list>
35490 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
35491 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
35492 </library>
35493 </library-list>
35494 @end smallexample
35495
35496 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
35497 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
35498
35499 @smallexample
35500 <library-list>
35501 <library name="sharedlib.o">
35502 <section address="0x10000000"/>
35503 <section address="0x20000000"/>
35504 <section address="0x30000000"/>
35505 </library>
35506 </library-list>
35507 @end smallexample
35508
35509 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
35510
35511 @smallexample
35512 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
35513 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
35514 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
35515 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
35516 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
35517 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
35518 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
35519 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
35520 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
35521 @end smallexample
35522
35523 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
35524 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
35525 section for each library.
35526
35527 @node Memory Map Format
35528 @section Memory Map Format
35529 @cindex memory map format
35530
35531 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
35532 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
35533 memory map.
35534
35535 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
35536 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
35537 lists memory regions.
35538
35539 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
35540 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
35541
35542 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
35543
35544 @smallexample
35545 <?xml version="1.0"?>
35546 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
35547 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
35548 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
35549 <memory-map>
35550 region...
35551 </memory-map>
35552 @end smallexample
35553
35554 Each region can be either:
35555
35556 @itemize
35557
35558 @item
35559 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
35560 bytes from there:
35561
35562 @smallexample
35563 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
35564 @end smallexample
35565
35566
35567 @item
35568 A region of read-only memory:
35569
35570 @smallexample
35571 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
35572 @end smallexample
35573
35574
35575 @item
35576 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
35577 bytes in length:
35578
35579 @smallexample
35580 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
35581 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
35582 </memory>
35583 @end smallexample
35584
35585 @end itemize
35586
35587 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
35588 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
35589 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
35590
35591 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
35592
35593 @smallexample
35594 <!-- ................................................... -->
35595 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
35596 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
35597 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
35598 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
35599 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
35600 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
35601 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
35602 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
35603 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
35604 and its type, or device. -->
35605 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
35606 start CDATA #REQUIRED
35607 length CDATA #REQUIRED
35608 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
35609 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
35610 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
35611 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
35612 @end smallexample
35613
35614 @node Thread List Format
35615 @section Thread List Format
35616 @cindex thread list format
35617
35618 To efficiently update the list of threads and their attributes,
35619 @value{GDBN} issues the @samp{qXfer:threads:read} packet
35620 (@pxref{qXfer threads read}) and obtains the XML document with
35621 the following structure:
35622
35623 @smallexample
35624 <?xml version="1.0"?>
35625 <threads>
35626 <thread id="id" core="0">
35627 ... description ...
35628 </thread>
35629 </threads>
35630 @end smallexample
35631
35632 Each @samp{thread} element must have the @samp{id} attribute that
35633 identifies the thread (@pxref{thread-id syntax}). The
35634 @samp{core} attribute, if present, specifies which processor core
35635 the thread was last executing on. The content of the of @samp{thread}
35636 element is interpreted as human-readable auxilliary information.
35637
35638 @include agentexpr.texi
35639
35640 @node Trace File Format
35641 @appendix Trace File Format
35642 @cindex trace file format
35643
35644 The trace file comes in three parts: a header, a textual description
35645 section, and a trace frame section with binary data.
35646
35647 The header has the form @code{\x7fTRACE0\n}. The first byte is
35648 @code{0x7f} so as to indicate that the file contains binary data,
35649 while the @code{0} is a version number that may have different values
35650 in the future.
35651
35652 The description section consists of multiple lines of @sc{ascii} text
35653 separated by newline characters (@code{0xa}). The lines may include a
35654 variety of optional descriptive or context-setting information, such
35655 as tracepoint definitions or register set size. @value{GDBN} will
35656 ignore any line that it does not recognize. An empty line marks the end
35657 of this section.
35658
35659 @c FIXME add some specific types of data
35660
35661 The trace frame section consists of a number of consecutive frames.
35662 Each frame begins with a two-byte tracepoint number, followed by a
35663 four-byte size giving the amount of data in the frame. The data in
35664 the frame consists of a number of blocks, each introduced by a
35665 character indicating its type (at least register, memory, and trace
35666 state variable). The data in this section is raw binary, not a
35667 hexadecimal or other encoding; its endianness matches the target's
35668 endianness.
35669
35670 @c FIXME bi-arch may require endianness/arch info in description section
35671
35672 @table @code
35673 @item R @var{bytes}
35674 Register block. The number and ordering of bytes matches that of a
35675 @code{g} packet in the remote protocol. Note that these are the
35676 actual bytes, in target order and @value{GDBN} register order, not a
35677 hexadecimal encoding.
35678
35679 @item M @var{address} @var{length} @var{bytes}...
35680 Memory block. This is a contiguous block of memory, at the 8-byte
35681 address @var{address}, with a 2-byte length @var{length}, followed by
35682 @var{length} bytes.
35683
35684 @item V @var{number} @var{value}
35685 Trace state variable block. This records the 8-byte signed value
35686 @var{value} of trace state variable numbered @var{number}.
35687
35688 @end table
35689
35690 Future enhancements of the trace file format may include additional types
35691 of blocks.
35692
35693 @node Target Descriptions
35694 @appendix Target Descriptions
35695 @cindex target descriptions
35696
35697 @strong{Warning:} target descriptions are still under active development,
35698 and the contents and format may change between @value{GDBN} releases.
35699 The format is expected to stabilize in the future.
35700
35701 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
35702 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
35703 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
35704 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or MIPS, for example ---
35705 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
35706 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
35707 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
35708
35709 @itemize @bullet
35710 @item
35711 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
35712 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
35713 @item
35714 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
35715 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
35716 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
35717 @item
35718 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
35719 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
35720 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
35721 @end itemize
35722
35723 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
35724 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
35725 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
35726 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
35727 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
35728
35729 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
35730 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
35731
35732 @menu
35733 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
35734 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
35735 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
35736 descriptions.
35737 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
35738 @end menu
35739
35740 @node Retrieving Descriptions
35741 @section Retrieving Descriptions
35742
35743 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
35744 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
35745 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
35746 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
35747 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
35748 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
35749 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
35750 Format}.
35751
35752 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
35753 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
35754 specify a file are:
35755
35756 @table @code
35757 @cindex set tdesc filename
35758 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
35759 Read the target description from @var{path}.
35760
35761 @cindex unset tdesc filename
35762 @item unset tdesc filename
35763 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
35764 will use the description supplied by the current target.
35765
35766 @cindex show tdesc filename
35767 @item show tdesc filename
35768 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
35769 @end table
35770
35771
35772 @node Target Description Format
35773 @section Target Description Format
35774 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
35775
35776 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
35777 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
35778 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
35779 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
35780 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
35781 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
35782 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
35783
35784 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
35785 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
35786 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
35787 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
35788 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
35789
35790 Here is a simple target description:
35791
35792 @smallexample
35793 <target version="1.0">
35794 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
35795 </target>
35796 @end smallexample
35797
35798 @noindent
35799 This minimal description only says that the target uses
35800 the x86-64 architecture.
35801
35802 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
35803 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
35804 are explained further below.
35805
35806 @smallexample
35807 <?xml version="1.0"?>
35808 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
35809 <target version="1.0">
35810 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
35811 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
35812 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
35813 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
35814 </target>
35815 @end smallexample
35816
35817 @noindent
35818 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
35819 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
35820 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
35821 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
35822 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
35823 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
35824 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
35825 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
35826 the version mismatch.
35827
35828 @subsection Inclusion
35829 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
35830 @cindex XInclude
35831 @ifnotinfo
35832 @cindex <xi:include>
35833 @end ifnotinfo
35834
35835 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
35836 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
35837 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
35838 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
35839 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
35840
35841 @smallexample
35842 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
35843 @end smallexample
35844
35845 @noindent
35846 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
35847 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
35848 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
35849 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
35850 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
35851 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
35852 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
35853 original description.
35854
35855 @subsection Architecture
35856 @cindex <architecture>
35857
35858 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
35859
35860 @smallexample
35861 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
35862 @end smallexample
35863
35864 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
35865 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
35866
35867 @subsection OS ABI
35868 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
35869
35870 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
35871 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
35872
35873 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
35874
35875 @smallexample
35876 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
35877 @end smallexample
35878
35879 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
35880 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
35881
35882 @subsection Compatible Architecture
35883 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
35884
35885 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
35886 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
35887
35888 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
35889
35890 @smallexample
35891 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
35892 @end smallexample
35893
35894 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
35895 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
35896
35897 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
35898 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
35899 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
35900 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
35901 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
35902 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
35903 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
35904
35905 @smallexample
35906 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
35907 <compatible>spu</compatible>
35908 @end smallexample
35909
35910 @subsection Features
35911 @cindex <feature>
35912
35913 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
35914 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
35915 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
35916 has this form:
35917
35918 @smallexample
35919 <feature name="@var{name}">
35920 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
35921 @var{reg}@dots{}
35922 </feature>
35923 @end smallexample
35924
35925 @noindent
35926 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
35927 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
35928 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
35929 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
35930
35931 @subsection Types
35932
35933 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
35934 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
35935 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
35936 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
35937 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
35938
35939 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
35940 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
35941 Types must be defined before they are used.
35942
35943 @cindex <vector>
35944 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
35945 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
35946 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
35947 @var{count}:
35948
35949 @smallexample
35950 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
35951 @end smallexample
35952
35953 @cindex <union>
35954 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
35955 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
35956 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
35957 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
35958
35959 @smallexample
35960 <union id="@var{id}">
35961 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
35962 @dots{}
35963 </union>
35964 @end smallexample
35965
35966 @cindex <struct>
35967 If a register's value is composed from several separate values, define
35968 it with a structure type. There are two forms of the @samp{<struct>}
35969 element; a @samp{<struct>} element must either contain only bitfields
35970 or contain no bitfields. If the structure contains only bitfields,
35971 its total size in bytes must be specified, each bitfield must have an
35972 explicit start and end, and bitfields are automatically assigned an
35973 integer type. The field's @var{start} should be less than or
35974 equal to its @var{end}, and zero represents the least significant bit.
35975
35976 @smallexample
35977 <struct id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
35978 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
35979 @dots{}
35980 </struct>
35981 @end smallexample
35982
35983 If the structure contains no bitfields, then each field has an
35984 explicit type, and no implicit padding is added.
35985
35986 @smallexample
35987 <struct id="@var{id}">
35988 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
35989 @dots{}
35990 </struct>
35991 @end smallexample
35992
35993 @cindex <flags>
35994 If a register's value is a series of single-bit flags, define it with
35995 a flags type. The @samp{<flags>} element has an explicit @var{size}
35996 and contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements. Each field has a
35997 @var{name}, a @var{start}, and an @var{end}. Only single-bit flags
35998 are supported.
35999
36000 @smallexample
36001 <flags id="@var{id}" size="@var{size}">
36002 <field name="@var{name}" start="@var{start}" end="@var{end}"/>
36003 @dots{}
36004 </flags>
36005 @end smallexample
36006
36007 @subsection Registers
36008 @cindex <reg>
36009
36010 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
36011
36012 @smallexample
36013 <reg name="@var{name}"
36014 bitsize="@var{size}"
36015 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
36016 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
36017 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
36018 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
36019 @end smallexample
36020
36021 @noindent
36022 The components are as follows:
36023
36024 @table @var
36025
36026 @item name
36027 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
36028
36029 @item bitsize
36030 The register's size, in bits.
36031
36032 @item regnum
36033 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
36034 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
36035 a preceeding feature); the first register in the target description
36036 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
36037 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
36038 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
36039 in order of increasing register number.
36040
36041 @item save-restore
36042 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
36043 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
36044 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
36045 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
36046 ABI.
36047
36048 @item type
36049 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
36050 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
36051 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
36052 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
36053 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
36054 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
36055
36056 @item group
36057 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
36058 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
36059 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
36060 in @code{info registers}.
36061
36062 @end table
36063
36064 @node Predefined Target Types
36065 @section Predefined Target Types
36066 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
36067
36068 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
36069 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
36070 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
36071 types. The currently supported types are:
36072
36073 @table @code
36074
36075 @item int8
36076 @itemx int16
36077 @itemx int32
36078 @itemx int64
36079 @itemx int128
36080 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
36081
36082 @item uint8
36083 @itemx uint16
36084 @itemx uint32
36085 @itemx uint64
36086 @itemx uint128
36087 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
36088
36089 @item code_ptr
36090 @itemx data_ptr
36091 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
36092 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
36093 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
36094 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
36095 may be marked as data pointers.
36096
36097 @item ieee_single
36098 Single precision IEEE floating point.
36099
36100 @item ieee_double
36101 Double precision IEEE floating point.
36102
36103 @item arm_fpa_ext
36104 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
36105
36106 @item i387_ext
36107 The 10-byte extended precision format used by x87 registers.
36108
36109 @item i386_eflags
36110 32bit @sc{eflags} register used by x86.
36111
36112 @item i386_mxcsr
36113 32bit @sc{mxcsr} register used by x86.
36114
36115 @end table
36116
36117 @node Standard Target Features
36118 @section Standard Target Features
36119 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
36120
36121 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
36122 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
36123 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
36124 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
36125 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
36126 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
36127 can recognize them.
36128
36129 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
36130 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
36131 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
36132 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
36133 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
36134 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
36135 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
36136 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
36137
36138 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
36139 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
36140 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
36141
36142 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
36143 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
36144 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
36145 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
36146
36147 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
36148 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
36149 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
36150
36151 @menu
36152 * ARM Features::
36153 * i386 Features::
36154 * MIPS Features::
36155 * M68K Features::
36156 * PowerPC Features::
36157 @end menu
36158
36159
36160 @node ARM Features
36161 @subsection ARM Features
36162 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
36163
36164 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for non-M-profile
36165 ARM targets.
36166 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
36167 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
36168
36169 For M-profile targets (e.g. Cortex-M3), the @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}
36170 feature is replaced by @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.m-profile}. It should contain
36171 registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp}, @samp{lr}, @samp{pc},
36172 and @samp{xpsr}.
36173
36174 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
36175 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
36176
36177 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
36178 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
36179 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
36180 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
36181
36182 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
36183 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
36184 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
36185 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
36186 halves of the double-precision registers.
36187
36188 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
36189 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
36190 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
36191 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
36192 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
36193 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
36194
36195 @node i386 Features
36196 @subsection i386 Features
36197 @cindex target descriptions, i386 features
36198
36199 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.core} feature is required for i386/amd64
36200 targets. It should describe the following registers:
36201
36202 @itemize @minus
36203 @item
36204 @samp{eax} through @samp{edi} plus @samp{eip} for i386
36205 @item
36206 @samp{rax} through @samp{r15} plus @samp{rip} for amd64
36207 @item
36208 @samp{eflags}, @samp{cs}, @samp{ss}, @samp{ds}, @samp{es},
36209 @samp{fs}, @samp{gs}
36210 @item
36211 @samp{st0} through @samp{st7}
36212 @item
36213 @samp{fctrl}, @samp{fstat}, @samp{ftag}, @samp{fiseg}, @samp{fioff},
36214 @samp{foseg}, @samp{fooff} and @samp{fop}
36215 @end itemize
36216
36217 The register sets may be different, depending on the target.
36218
36219 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature is optional. It should
36220 describe registers:
36221
36222 @itemize @minus
36223 @item
36224 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm7} for i386
36225 @item
36226 @samp{xmm0} through @samp{xmm15} for amd64
36227 @item
36228 @samp{mxcsr}
36229 @end itemize
36230
36231 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.avx} feature is optional and requires the
36232 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.sse} feature. It should
36233 describe the upper 128 bits of @sc{ymm} registers:
36234
36235 @itemize @minus
36236 @item
36237 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm7h} for i386
36238 @item
36239 @samp{ymm0h} through @samp{ymm15h} for amd64
36240 @end itemize
36241
36242 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.i386.linux} feature is optional. It should
36243 describe a single register, @samp{orig_eax}.
36244
36245 @node MIPS Features
36246 @subsection MIPS Features
36247 @cindex target descriptions, MIPS features
36248
36249 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for MIPS targets.
36250 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
36251 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
36252 on the target.
36253
36254 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
36255 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
36256 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
36257
36258 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
36259 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
36260 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
36261 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
36262
36263 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
36264 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
36265 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
36266
36267 @node M68K Features
36268 @subsection M68K Features
36269 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
36270
36271 @table @code
36272 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
36273 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
36274 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
36275 One of those features must be always present.
36276 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
36277 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
36278 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
36279 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
36280
36281 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
36282 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
36283 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
36284 @samp{fpiaddr}.
36285 @end table
36286
36287 @node PowerPC Features
36288 @subsection PowerPC Features
36289 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
36290
36291 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
36292 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
36293 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
36294 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
36295
36296 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
36297 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
36298
36299 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
36300 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
36301 and @samp{vrsave}.
36302
36303 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
36304 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
36305 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
36306 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
36307 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
36308 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
36309
36310 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
36311 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
36312 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
36313 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
36314 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
36315 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
36316 user.
36317
36318 @node Operating System Information
36319 @appendix Operating System Information
36320 @cindex operating system information
36321
36322 @menu
36323 * Process list::
36324 @end menu
36325
36326 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
36327 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
36328 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
36329 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
36330 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
36331 on a different aspect of target.
36332
36333 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
36334 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
36335 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
36336 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
36337
36338 @node Process list
36339 @appendixsection Process list
36340 @cindex operating system information, process list
36341
36342 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
36343 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
36344 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
36345 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
36346
36347 An example document is:
36348
36349 @smallexample
36350 <?xml version="1.0"?>
36351 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
36352 <osdata type="processes">
36353 <item>
36354 <column name="pid">1</column>
36355 <column name="user">root</column>
36356 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
36357 <column name="cores">1,2,3</column>
36358 </item>
36359 </osdata>
36360 @end smallexample
36361
36362 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
36363 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
36364 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
36365 displayed by @value{GDBN}. The @samp{cores} column, if present,
36366 should contain a comma-separated list of cores that this process
36367 is running on. Target may provide additional columns,
36368 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
36369
36370 @include gpl.texi
36371
36372 @node GNU Free Documentation License
36373 @appendix GNU Free Documentation License
36374 @include fdl.texi
36375
36376 @node Index
36377 @unnumbered Index
36378
36379 @printindex cp
36380
36381 @tex
36382 % I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
36383 % meantime:
36384 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
36385 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
36386 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
36387 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
36388 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
36389 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
36390 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
36391 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
36392 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
36393 \page\colophon
36394 % Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.
36395 @end tex
36396
36397 @bye
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