binutils.texi: (objdump) fix formatting in options summary
[binutils-gdb.git] / binutils / binutils.texi
1 \input texinfo @c -*- Texinfo -*-
2 @setfilename binutils.info
3
4 @ifinfo
5 @format
6 START-INFO-DIR-ENTRY
7 * Binutils: (binutils). The GNU binary utilities "ar", "objcopy",
8 "objdump", "nm", "nlmconv", "size",
9 "strings", "strip", and "ranlib".
10 END-INFO-DIR-ENTRY
11 @end format
12 @end ifinfo
13
14 @ifinfo
15 Copyright @copyright{} 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
16
17 Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of
18 this manual provided the copyright notice and this permission notice
19 are preserved on all copies.
20
21 @ignore
22 Permission is granted to process this file through TeX and print the
23 results, provided the printed document carries a copying permission
24 notice identical to this one except for the removal of this paragraph
25 (this paragraph not being relevant to the printed manual).
26
27 @end ignore
28
29 Permission is granted to copy and distribute modified versions of this
30 manual under the conditions for verbatim copying, provided also that
31 the entire resulting derived work is distributed under the terms of a
32 permission notice identical to this one.
33
34 Permission is granted to copy and distribute translations of this manual
35 into another language, under the above conditions for modified versions.
36 @end ifinfo
37
38 @synindex ky cp
39 @c
40 @c This file documents the GNU binary utilities "ar", "ld", "objcopy",
41 @c "objdump", "nm", "size", "strings", "strip", and "ranlib".
42 @c
43 @c Copyright (C) 1991, 1992, 1993 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
44 @c
45 @c This text may be freely distributed under the terms of the GNU
46 @c General Public License.
47 @c
48
49 @setchapternewpage odd
50 @settitle GNU Binary Utilities
51 @titlepage
52 @finalout
53 @title The GNU Binary Utilities
54 @subtitle Version 2.2
55 @sp 1
56 @subtitle May 1993
57 @author Roland H. Pesch
58 @author Jeffrey M. Osier
59 @author Cygnus Support
60 @page
61
62 @tex
63 {\parskip=0pt \hfill Cygnus Support\par \hfill
64 \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par }
65 @end tex
66
67 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
68 Copyright @copyright{} 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
69
70 Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of
71 this manual provided the copyright notice and this permission notice
72 are preserved on all copies.
73
74 Permission is granted to copy and distribute modified versions of this
75 manual under the conditions for verbatim copying, provided also that
76 the entire resulting derived work is distributed under the terms of a
77 permission notice identical to this one.
78
79 Permission is granted to copy and distribute translations of this manual
80 into another language, under the above conditions for modified versions.
81 @end titlepage
82
83 @node Top
84 @top Introduction
85
86 @cindex version
87 This brief manual contains preliminary documentation for the GNU binary
88 utilities (collectively version 2.2):
89
90 @iftex
91 @table @code
92 @item ar
93 Create, modify, and extract from archives
94
95 @item nm
96 List symbols from object files
97
98 @item objcopy
99 Copy and translate object files
100
101 @item objdump
102 Display information from object files
103
104 @item ranlib
105 Generate index to archive contents
106
107 @item size
108 List file section sizes and total size
109
110 @item strings
111 List printable strings from files
112
113 @item strip
114 Discard symbols
115
116 @item c++filt
117 Demangle encoded C++ symbols
118
119 @item nlmconv
120 Convert object code into a Netware Loadable Module
121 @end table
122 @end iftex
123
124 @menu
125 * ar:: Create, modify, and extract from archives
126 * nm:: List symbols from object files
127 * objcopy:: Copy and translate object files
128 * objdump:: Display information from object files
129 * ranlib:: Generate index to archive contents
130 * size:: List section sizes and total size
131 * strings:: List printable strings from files
132 * strip:: Discard symbols
133 * c++filt:: Filter to demangle encoded C++ symbols
134 * nlmconv:: Converts object code into an NLM
135 * Selecting The Target System:: How these utilities determine the target.
136 * Index::
137 @end menu
138
139 @node ar
140 @chapter ar
141
142 @kindex ar
143 @cindex archives
144 @cindex collections of files
145 @smallexample
146 ar [-]@var{p}[@var{mod} [@var{relpos}]] @var{archive} [@var{member}@dots{}]
147 ar -M [ <mri-script ]
148 @end smallexample
149
150 The GNU @code{ar} program creates, modifies, and extracts from
151 archives. An @dfn{archive} is a single file holding a collection of
152 other files in a structure that makes it possible to retrieve
153 the original individual files (called @dfn{members} of the archive).
154
155 The original files' contents, mode (permissions), timestamp, owner, and
156 group are preserved in the archive, and can be restored on
157 extraction.
158
159 @cindex name length
160 GNU @code{ar} can maintain archives whose members have names of any
161 length; however, depending on how @code{ar} is configured on your
162 system, a limit on member-name length may be imposed for compatibility
163 with archive formats maintained with other tools. If it exists, the
164 limit is often 15 characters (typical of formats related to a.out) or 16
165 characters (typical of formats related to coff).
166
167 @cindex libraries
168 @code{ar} is considered a binary utility because archives of this sort
169 are most often used as @dfn{libraries} holding commonly needed
170 subroutines.
171
172 @cindex symbol index
173 @code{ar} creates an index to the symbols defined in relocatable
174 object modules in the archive when you specify the modifier @samp{s}.
175 Once created, this index is updated in the archive whenever @code{ar}
176 makes a change to its contents (save for the @samp{q} update operation).
177 An archive with such an index speeds up linking to the library, and
178 allows routines in the library to call each other without regard to
179 their placement in the archive.
180
181 You may use @samp{nm -s} or @samp{nm --print-armap} to list this index
182 table. If an archive lacks the table, another form of @code{ar} called
183 @code{ranlib} can be used to add just the table.
184
185 @cindex compatibility, @code{ar}
186 @cindex @code{ar} compatibility
187 GNU @code{ar} is designed to be compatible with two different
188 facilities. You can control its activity using command-line options,
189 like the different varieties of @code{ar} on Unix systems; or, if you
190 specify the single command-line option @samp{-M}, you can control it
191 with a script supplied via standard input, like the MRI ``librarian''
192 program.
193
194 @menu
195 * ar cmdline:: Controlling @code{ar} on the command line
196 * ar scripts:: Controlling @code{ar} with a script
197 @end menu
198
199 @page
200 @node ar cmdline
201 @section Controlling @code{ar} on the command line
202
203 @smallexample
204 ar [-]@var{p}[@var{mod} [@var{relpos}]] @var{archive} [@var{member}@dots{}]
205 @end smallexample
206
207 @cindex Unix compatibility, @code{ar}
208 When you use @code{ar} in the Unix style, @code{ar} insists on at least two
209 arguments to execute: one keyletter specifying the @emph{operation}
210 (optionally accompanied by other keyletters specifying
211 @emph{modifiers}), and the archive name to act on.
212
213 Most operations can also accept further @var{member} arguments,
214 specifying particular files to operate on.
215
216 GNU @code{ar} allows you to mix the operation code @var{p} and modifier
217 flags @var{mod} in any order, within the first command-line argument.
218
219 If you wish, you may begin the first command-line argument with a
220 dash.
221
222 @cindex operations on archive
223 The @var{p} keyletter specifies what operation to execute; it may be
224 any of the following, but you must specify only one of them:
225
226 @table @code
227 @item d
228 @cindex deleting from archive
229 @emph{Delete} modules from the archive. Specify the names of modules to
230 be deleted as @var{member}@dots{}; the archive is untouched if you
231 specify no files to delete.
232
233 If you specify the @samp{v} modifier, @code{ar} lists each module
234 as it is deleted.
235
236 @item m
237 @cindex moving in archive
238 Use this operation to @emph{move} members in an archive.
239
240 The ordering of members in an archive can make a difference in how
241 programs are linked using the library, if a symbol is defined in more
242 than one member.
243
244 If no modifiers are used with @code{m}, any members you name in the
245 @var{member} arguments are moved to the @emph{end} of the archive;
246 you can use the @samp{a}, @samp{b}, or @samp{i} modifiers to move them to a
247 specified place instead.
248
249 @item p
250 @cindex printing from archive
251 @emph{Print} the specified members of the archive, to the standard
252 output file. If the @samp{v} modifier is specified, show the member
253 name before copying its contents to standard output.
254
255 If you specify no @var{member} arguments, all the files in the archive are
256 printed.
257
258 @item q
259 @cindex quick append to archive
260 @emph{Quick append}; add the files @var{member}@dots{} to the end of
261 @var{archive}, without checking for replacement.
262
263 The modifiers @samp{a}, @samp{b}, and @samp{i} do @emph{not} affect this
264 operation; new members are always placed at the end of the archive.
265
266 The modifier @samp{v} makes @code{ar} list each file as it is appended.
267
268 Since the point of this operation is speed, the archive's symbol table
269 index is not updated, even if it already existed; you can use @samp{ar s} or
270 @code{ranlib} explicitly to update the symbol table index.
271
272 @item r
273 @cindex replacement in archive
274 Insert the files @var{member}@dots{} into @var{archive} (with
275 @emph{replacement}). This operation differs from @samp{q} in that any
276 previously existing members are deleted if their names match those being
277 added.
278
279 If one of the files named in @var{member}@dots{} does not exist, @code{ar}
280 displays an error message, and leaves undisturbed any existing members
281 of the archive matching that name.
282
283 By default, new members are added at the end of the file; but you may
284 use one of the modifiers @samp{a}, @samp{b}, or @samp{i} to request
285 placement relative to some existing member.
286
287 The modifier @samp{v} used with this operation elicits a line of
288 output for each file inserted, along with one of the letters @samp{a} or
289 @samp{r} to indicate whether the file was appended (no old member
290 deleted) or replaced.
291
292 @item t
293 @cindex contents of archive
294 Display a @emph{table} listing the contents of @var{archive}, or those
295 of the files listed in @var{member}@dots{} that are present in the
296 archive. Normally only the member name is shown; if you also want to
297 see the modes (permissions), timestamp, owner, group, and size, you can
298 request that by also specifying the @samp{v} modifier.
299
300 If you do not specify a @var{member}, all files in the archive
301 are listed.
302
303 @cindex repeated names in archive
304 @cindex name duplication in archive
305 If there is more than one file with the same name (say, @samp{fie}) in
306 an archive (say @samp{b.a}), @samp{ar t b.a fie} lists only the
307 first instance; to see them all, you must ask for a complete
308 listing---in our example, @samp{ar t b.a}.
309 @c WRS only; per Gumby, this is implementation-dependent, and in a more
310 @c recent case in fact works the other way.
311
312 @item x
313 @cindex extract from archive
314 @emph{Extract} members (named @var{member}) from the archive. You can
315 use the @samp{v} modifier with this operation, to request that
316 @code{ar} list each name as it extracts it.
317
318 If you do not specify a @var{member}, all files in the archive
319 are extracted.
320
321 @end table
322
323 A number of modifiers (@var{mod}) may immediately follow the @var{p}
324 keyletter, to specify variations on an operation's behavior:
325
326 @table @code
327 @item a
328 @cindex relative placement in archive
329 Add new files @emph{after} an existing member of the
330 archive. If you use the modifier @samp{a}, the name of an existing archive
331 member must be present as the @var{relpos} argument, before the
332 @var{archive} specification.
333
334 @item b
335 Add new files @emph{before} an existing member of the
336 archive. If you use the modifier @samp{b}, the name of an existing archive
337 member must be present as the @var{relpos} argument, before the
338 @var{archive} specification. (same as @samp{i}).
339
340 @item c
341 @cindex creating archives
342 @emph{Create} the archive. The specified @var{archive} is always
343 created if it did not exist, when you request an update. But a warning is
344 issued unless you specify in advance that you expect to create it, by
345 using this modifier.
346
347 @item i
348 Insert new files @emph{before} an existing member of the
349 archive. If you use the modifier @samp{i}, the name of an existing archive
350 member must be present as the @var{relpos} argument, before the
351 @var{archive} specification. (same as @samp{b}).
352
353 @item l
354 This modifier is accepted but not used.
355 @c whaffor ar l modifier??? presumably compat; with
356 @c what???---pesch@@cygnus.com, 25jan91
357
358 @item o
359 @cindex dates in archive
360 Preserve the @emph{original} dates of members when extracting them. If
361 you do not specify this modifier, files extracted from the archive
362 are stamped with the time of extraction.
363
364 @item s
365 @cindex writing archive index
366 Write an object-file index into the archive, or update an existing one,
367 even if no other change is made to the archive. You may use this modifier
368 flag either with any operation, or alone. Running @samp{ar s} on an
369 archive is equivalent to running @samp{ranlib} on it.
370
371 @item u
372 @cindex updating an archive
373 Normally, @samp{ar r}@dots{} inserts all files
374 listed into the archive. If you would like to insert @emph{only} those
375 of the files you list that are newer than existing members of the same
376 names, use this modifier. The @samp{u} modifier is allowed only for the
377 operation @samp{r} (replace). In particular, the combination @samp{qu} is
378 not allowed, since checking the timestamps would lose any speed
379 advantage from the operation @samp{q}.
380
381 @item v
382 This modifier requests the @emph{verbose} version of an operation. Many
383 operations display additional information, such as filenames processed,
384 when the modifier @samp{v} is appended.
385
386 @item V
387 This modifier shows the version number of @code{ar}.
388 @end table
389
390 @node ar scripts
391 @section Controlling @code{ar} with a script
392
393 @smallexample
394 ar -M [ <@var{script} ]
395 @end smallexample
396
397 @cindex MRI compatibility, @code{ar}
398 @cindex scripts, @code{ar}
399 If you use the single command-line option @samp{-M} with @code{ar}, you
400 can control its operation with a rudimentary command language. This
401 form of @code{ar} operates interactively if standard input is coming
402 directly from a terminal. During interactive use, @code{ar} prompts for
403 input (the prompt is @samp{AR >}), and continues executing even after
404 errors. If you redirect standard input to a script file, no prompts are
405 issued, and @code{ar} abandons execution (with a nonzero exit code)
406 on any error.
407
408 The @code{ar} command language is @emph{not} designed to be equivalent
409 to the command-line options; in fact, it provides somewhat less control
410 over archives. The only purpose of the command language is to ease the
411 transition to GNU @code{ar} for developers who already have scripts
412 written for the MRI ``librarian'' program.
413
414 The syntax for the @code{ar} command language is straightforward:
415 @itemize @bullet
416 @item
417 commands are recognized in upper or lower case; for example, @code{LIST}
418 is the same as @code{list}. In the following descriptions, commands are
419 shown in upper case for clarity.
420
421 @item
422 a single command may appear on each line; it is the first word on the
423 line.
424
425 @item
426 empty lines are allowed, and have no effect.
427
428 @item
429 comments are allowed; text after either of the characters @samp{*}
430 or @samp{;} is ignored.
431
432 @item
433 Whenever you use a list of names as part of the argument to an @code{ar}
434 command, you can separate the individual names with either commas or
435 blanks. Commas are shown in the explanations below, for clarity.
436
437 @item
438 @samp{+} is used as a line continuation character; if @samp{+} appears
439 at the end of a line, the text on the following line is considered part
440 of the current command.
441 @end itemize
442
443 Here are the commands you can use in @code{ar} scripts, or when using
444 @code{ar} interactively. Three of them have special significance:
445
446 @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE} specify a @dfn{current archive}, which is
447 a temporary file required for most of the other commands.
448
449 @code{SAVE} commits the changes so far specified by the script. Prior
450 to @code{SAVE}, commands affect only the temporary copy of the current
451 archive.
452
453 @table @code
454 @item ADDLIB @var{archive}
455 @itemx ADDLIB @var{archive} (@var{module}, @var{module}, @dots{} @var{module})
456 Add all the contents of @var{archive} (or, if specified, each named
457 @var{module} from @var{archive}) to the current archive.
458
459 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
460
461 @item ADDMOD @var{member}, @var{member}, @dots{} @var{member}
462 @c FIXME! w/Replacement?? If so, like "ar r @var{archive} @var{names}"
463 @c else like "ar q..."
464 Add each named @var{member} as a module in the current archive.
465
466 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
467
468 @item CLEAR
469 Discard the contents of the current archive, cancelling the effect of
470 any operations since the last @code{SAVE}. May be executed (with no
471 effect) even if no current archive is specified.
472
473 @item CREATE @var{archive}
474 Creates an archive, and makes it the current archive (required for many
475 other commands). The new archive is created with a temporary name; it
476 is not actually saved as @var{archive} until you use @code{SAVE}.
477 You can overwrite existing archives; similarly, the contents of any
478 existing file named @var{archive} will not be destroyed until @code{SAVE}.
479
480 @item DELETE @var{module}, @var{module}, @dots{} @var{module}
481 Delete each listed @var{module} from the current archive; equivalent to
482 @samp{ar -d @var{archive} @var{module} @dots{} @var{module}}.
483
484 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
485
486 @item DIRECTORY @var{archive} (@var{module}, @dots{} @var{module})
487 @itemx DIRECTORY @var{archive} (@var{module}, @dots{} @var{module}) @var{outputfile}
488 List each named @var{module} present in @var{archive}. The separate
489 command @code{VERBOSE} specifies the form of the output: when verbose
490 output is off, output is like that of @samp{ar -t @var{archive}
491 @var{module}@dots{}}. When verbose output is on, the listing is like
492 @samp{ar -tv @var{archive} @var{module}@dots{}}.
493
494 Output normally goes to the standard output stream; however, if you
495 specify @var{outputfile} as a final argument, @code{ar} directs the
496 output to that file.
497
498 @item END
499 Exit from @code{ar}, with a @code{0} exit code to indicate successful
500 completion. This command does not save the output file; if you have
501 changed the current archive since the last @code{SAVE} command, those
502 changes are lost.
503
504 @item EXTRACT @var{module}, @var{module}, @dots{} @var{module}
505 Extract each named @var{module} from the current archive, writing them
506 into the current directory as separate files. Equivalent to @samp{ar -x
507 @var{archive} @var{module}@dots{}}.
508
509 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
510
511 @ignore
512 @c FIXME Tokens but no commands???
513 @item FULLDIR
514
515 @item HELP
516 @end ignore
517
518 @item LIST
519 Display full contents of the current archive, in ``verbose'' style
520 regardless of the state of @code{VERBOSE}. The effect is like @samp{ar
521 tv @var{archive}}). (This single command is a GNU @code{ld}
522 enhancement, rather than present for MRI compatibility.)
523
524 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
525
526 @item OPEN @var{archive}
527 Opens an existing archive for use as the current archive (required for
528 many other commands). Any changes as the result of subsequent commands
529 will not actually affect @var{archive} until you next use @code{SAVE}.
530
531 @item REPLACE @var{module}, @var{module}, @dots{} @var{module}
532 In the current archive, replace each existing @var{module} (named in
533 the @code{REPLACE} arguments) from files in the current working directory.
534 To execute this command without errors, both the file, and the module in
535 the current archive, must exist.
536
537 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
538
539 @item VERBOSE
540 Toggle an internal flag governing the output from @code{DIRECTORY}.
541 When the flag is on, @code{DIRECTORY} output matches output from
542 @samp{ar -tv }@dots{}.
543
544 @item SAVE
545 Commit your changes to the current archive, and actually save it as a
546 file with the name specified in the last @code{CREATE} or @code{OPEN}
547 command.
548
549 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
550
551 @end table
552
553 @iftex
554 @node ld
555 @chapter ld
556 @cindex linker
557 @kindex ld
558 The GNU linker @code{ld} is now described in a separate manual.
559 @xref{Top,, Overview,, Using LD: the GNU linker}.
560 @end iftex
561
562 @node nm
563 @chapter nm
564 @cindex symbols
565 @kindex nm
566
567 @smallexample
568 nm [ -a | --debug-syms ] [ -g | --extern-only ]
569 [ -B ] [ -C | --demangle ] [ -D | --dynamic ]
570 [ -s | --print-armap ] [ -A | -o | --print-file-name ]
571 [ -n | -v | --numeric-sort ] [ -p | --no-sort ]
572 [ -r | --reverse-sort ] [ -u | --undefined-only ]
573 [ -t @var{radix} | --radix=@var{radix} ] [ -P | --portability ]
574 [ --target=@var{bfdname} ] [ -f @var{format} | --format=@var{format} ]
575 [ -V | --version ] [ --help ] [ @var{objfile}@dots{} ]
576 @end smallexample
577
578 GNU @code{nm} lists the symbols from object files @var{objfile}@dots{}.
579 If no object files are listed as arguments, @code{nm} assumes
580 @file{a.out}.
581
582 For each symbol, @code{nm} shows:
583
584 @itemize @bullet
585 @item
586 The symbol value, in the radix selected by options (see below), or
587 hexadecimal by default.
588
589 @item
590 The symbol type. At least the following types are used; others are, as
591 well, depending on the object file format. If lowercase, the symbol is
592 local; if uppercase, the symbol is global (external).
593
594 @c Some more detail on exactly what these symbol types are used for
595 @c would be nice.
596 @table @code
597 @item A
598 Absolute.
599
600 @item B
601 BSS (uninitialized data).
602
603 @item C
604 Common.
605
606 @item D
607 Initialized data.
608
609 @item I
610 Indirect reference.
611
612 @item T
613 Text (program code).
614
615 @item U
616 Undefined.
617 @end table
618
619 @item
620 The symbol name.
621 @end itemize
622
623 The long and short forms of options, shown here as alternatives, are
624 equivalent.
625
626 @table @code
627 @item -A
628 @itemx -o
629 @itemx --print-file-name
630 @cindex input file name
631 @cindex file name
632 @cindex source file name
633 Precede each symbol by the name of the input file (or archive element)
634 in which it was found, rather than identifying the input file once only,
635 before all of its symbols.
636
637 @item -a
638 @itemx --debug-syms
639 @cindex debugging symbols
640 Display all symbols, even debugger-only symbols; normally these are not
641 listed.
642
643 @item -B
644 @cindex @code{nm} format
645 @cindex @code{nm} compatibility
646 The same as @samp{--format=bsd} (for compatibility with the MIPS @code{nm}).
647
648 @item -C
649 @itemx --demangle
650 @cindex demangling C++ symbols
651 Decode (@dfn{demangle}) low-level symbol names into user-level names.
652 Besides removing any initial underscore prepended by the system, this
653 makes C++ function names readable. @xref{c++filt}, for more information
654 on demangling.
655
656 @item -D
657 @itemx --dynamic
658 @cindex dynamic symbols
659 Display the dynamic symbols rather than the normal symbols. This is
660 only meaningful for dynamic objects, such as certain types of shared
661 libraries.
662
663 @item -f @var{format}
664 @itemx --format=@var{format}
665 @cindex @code{nm} format
666 @cindex @code{nm} compatibility
667 Use the output format @var{format}, which can be @code{bsd},
668 @code{sysv}, or @code{posix}. The default is @code{bsd}.
669 Only the first character of @var{format} is significant; it can be
670 either upper or lower case.
671
672 @item -g
673 @itemx --extern-only
674 @cindex external symbols
675 Display only external symbols.
676
677 @item -n
678 @itemx -v
679 @itemx --numeric-sort
680 Sort symbols numerically by their addresses, rather than alphabetically
681 by their names.
682
683 @item -p
684 @itemx --no-sort
685 @cindex sorting symbols
686 Do not bother to sort the symbols in any order; print them in the order
687 encountered.
688
689 @item -P
690 @itemx --portability
691 Use the POSIX.2 standard output format instead of the default format.
692 Equivalent to @samp{-f posix}.
693
694 @item -s
695 @itemx --print-armap
696 @cindex symbol index, listing
697 When listing symbols from archive members, include the index: a mapping
698 (stored in the archive by @code{ar} or @code{ranlib}) of which modules
699 contain definitions for which names.
700
701 @item -r
702 @itemx --reverse-sort
703 Reverse the order of the sort (whether numeric or alphabetic); let the
704 last come first.
705
706 @item -t @var{radix}
707 @itemx --radix=@var{radix}
708 Use @var{radix} as the radix for printing the symbol values. It must be
709 @samp{d} for decimal, @samp{o} for octal, or @samp{x} for hexadecimal.
710
711 @item --target=@var{bfdname}
712 @cindex object code format
713 Specify an object code format other than your system's default format.
714 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
715
716 @item -u
717 @itemx --undefined-only
718 @cindex external symbols
719 @cindex undefined symbols
720 Display only undefined symbols (those external to each object file).
721
722 @item -V
723 @itemx --version
724 Show the version number of @code{nm} and exit.
725
726 @item --help
727 Show a summary of the options to @code{nm} and exit.
728 @end table
729
730 @node objcopy
731 @chapter objcopy
732
733 @smallexample
734 objcopy [ -F @var{bfdname} | --target=@var{bfdname} ]
735 [ -I @var{bfdname} | --input-target=@var{bfdname} ]
736 [ -O @var{bfdname} | --output-target=@var{bfdname} ]
737 [ -S | --strip-all ] [ -g | --strip-debug ]
738 [ -x | --discard-all ] [ -X | --discard-locals ]
739 [ -b @var{byte} | --byte=@var{byte} ]
740 [ -i @var{interleave} | --interleave=@var{interleave} ]
741 [ -v | --verbose ] [ -V | --version ] [ --help ]
742 @var{infile} [@var{outfile}]
743 @end smallexample
744
745 The @sc{gnu} @code{objcopy} utility copies the contents of an object
746 file to another. @code{objcopy} uses the @sc{gnu} @sc{bfd} Library to
747 read and write the object files. It can write the destination object
748 file in a format different from that of the source object file. The
749 exact behavior of @code{objcopy} is controlled by command-line options.
750
751 @code{objcopy} creates temporary files to do its translations and
752 deletes them afterward. @code{objcopy} uses @sc{bfd} to do all its
753 translation work; it has access to all the formats described in @sc{bfd}
754 and thus is able to recognize most formats without being told
755 explicitly. @xref{BFD,,BFD,ld.info,Using LD}.
756
757 @table @code
758 @item @var{infile}
759 @itemx @var{outfile}
760 The source and output files, respectively.
761 If you do not specify @var{outfile}, @code{objcopy} creates a
762 temporary file and destructively renames the result with
763 the name of @var{infile}.
764
765 @item -I @var{bfdname}
766 @itemx --input-target=@var{bfdname}
767 Consider the source file's object format to be @var{bfdname}, rather than
768 attempting to deduce it. @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
769
770 @item -O @var{bfdname}
771 @itemx --output-target=@var{bfdname}
772 Write the output file using the object format @var{bfdname}.
773 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
774
775 @item -F @var{bfdname}
776 @itemx --target=@var{bfdname}
777 Use @var{bfdname} as the object format for both the input and the output
778 file; i.e., simply transfer data from source to destination with no
779 translation. @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
780
781 @item -S
782 @itemx --strip-all
783 Do not copy relocation and symbol information from the source file.
784
785 @item -g
786 @itemx --strip-debug
787 Do not copy debugging symbols from the source file.
788
789 @item -x
790 @itemx --discard-all
791 Do not copy non-global symbols from the source file.
792 @c FIXME any reason to prefer "non-global" to "local" here?
793
794 @item -X
795 @itemx --discard-locals
796 Do not copy compiler-generated local symbols.
797 (These usually start with @samp{L} or @samp{.}.)
798
799 @item -b @var{byte}
800 @itemx --byte=@var{byte}
801 Keep only every @var{byte}th byte of the input file (header data is not
802 affected). @var{byte} can be in the range from 0 to @var{interleave}-1,
803 where @var{interleave} is given by the @samp{-i} or @samp{--interleave}
804 option, or the default of 4. This option is useful for creating files
805 to program @sc{rom}. It is typically used with an @code{srec} output
806 target.
807
808 @item -i @var{interleave}
809 @itemx --interleave=@var{interleave}
810 Only copy one out of every @var{interleave} bytes. Select which byte to
811 copy with the @var{-b} or @samp{--byte} option. The default is 4.
812 @code{objcopy} ignores this option if you do not specify either @samp{-b} or
813 @samp{--byte}.
814
815 @item -V
816 @itemx --version
817 Show the version number of @code{objcopy}.
818
819 @item -v
820 @itemx --verbose
821 Verbose output: list all object files modified. In the case of
822 archives, @samp{objcopy -V} lists all members of the archive.
823
824 @item --help
825 Show a summary of the options to @code{objcopy}.
826 @end table
827
828 @node objdump
829 @chapter objdump
830
831 @cindex object file information
832 @kindex objdump
833
834 @smallexample
835 objdump [ -a | --archive-headers ]
836 [ -b @var{bfdname} | --target=@var{bfdname} ]
837 [ -d | --disassemble ] [ -f | --file-headers ]
838 [ -h | --section-headers | --headers ] [ -i | --info ]
839 [ -j @var{section} | --section=@var{section} ]
840 [ -l | --line-numbers ]
841 [ -m @var{machine} | --architecture=@var{machine} ]
842 [ -r | --reloc ] [ -R | --dynamic-reloc ]
843 [ -s | --full-contents ] [ --stabs ]
844 [ -t | --syms ] [ -T | --dynamic-syms ] [ -x | --all-headers ]
845 [ --version ] [ --help ] @var{objfile}@dots{}
846 @end smallexample
847
848 @code{objdump} displays information about one or more object files.
849 The options control what particular information to display. This
850 information is mostly useful to programmers who are working on the
851 compilation tools, as opposed to programmers who just want their
852 program to compile and work.
853
854 @var{objfile}@dots{} are the object files to be examined. When you
855 specify archives, @code{objdump} shows information on each of the member
856 object files.
857
858 The long and short forms of options, shown here as alternatives, are
859 equivalent. At least one option besides @samp{-l} must be given.
860
861 @table @code
862 @item -a
863 @itemx --archive-header
864 @cindex archive headers
865 If any of the @var{objfile} files are archives, display the archive
866 header information (in a format similar to @samp{ls -l}). Besides the
867 information you could list with @samp{ar tv}, @samp{objdump -a} shows
868 the object file format of each archive member.
869
870 @item -b @var{bfdname}
871 @itemx --target=@var{bfdname}
872 @cindex object code format
873 Specify that the object-code format for the object files is
874 @var{bfdname}. This option may not be necessary; @var{objdump} can
875 automatically recognize many formats.
876
877 For example,
878 @example
879 objdump -b oasys -m vax -h fu.o
880 @end example
881 @noindent
882 displays summary information from the section headers (@samp{-h}) of
883 @file{fu.o}, which is explicitly identified (@samp{-m}) as a VAX object
884 file in the format produced by Oasys compilers. You can list the
885 formats available with the @samp{-i} option.
886 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
887
888 @item -d
889 @itemx --disassemble
890 @cindex disassembling object code
891 @cindex machine instructions
892 Display the assembler mnemonics for the machine
893 instructions from @var{objfile}.
894
895 @item -f
896 @itemx --file-header
897 @cindex object file header
898 Display summary information from the overall header of
899 each of the @var{objfile} files.
900
901 @item -h
902 @itemx --section-header
903 @itemx --header
904 @cindex section headers
905 Display summary information from the section headers of the
906 object file.
907
908 File segments may be relocated to nonstandard addresses, for example by
909 using the @samp{-Ttext}, @samp{-Tdata}, or @samp{-Tbss} options to
910 @code{ld}. However, some object file formats, such as a.out, do not
911 store the starting address of the file segments. In those situations,
912 although @code{ld} relocates the sections correctly, using @samp{objdump
913 -h} to list the file section headers cannot show the correct addresses.
914 Instead, it shows the usual addresses, which are implicit for the
915 target.
916
917 @item --help
918 Print a summary of the options to @code{objdump} and exit.
919
920 @item -i
921 @itemx --info
922 @cindex architectures available
923 @cindex object formats available
924 Display a list showing all architectures and object formats available
925 for specification with @samp{-b} or @samp{-m}.
926
927 @item -j @var{name}
928 @itemx --section=@var{name}
929 @cindex section information
930 Display information only for section @var{name}.
931
932 @item -l
933 @itemx --line-numbers
934 @cindex source filenames for object files
935 Label the display (using debugging information) with the filename
936 and source line numbers corresponding to the object code shown.
937 Only useful with @samp{-d}.
938
939 @item -m @var{machine}
940 @itemx --architecture=@var{machine}
941 @cindex architecture
942 Specify that the object files @var{objfile} are for architecture
943 @var{machine}. You can list available architectures using the @samp{-i}
944 option.
945
946 @item -r
947 @itemx --reloc
948 @cindex relocation entries, in object file
949 Print the relocation entries of the file.
950
951 @item -R
952 @itemx --dynamic-reloc
953 @cindex dynamic relocation entries, in object file
954 Print the dynamic relocation entries of the file. This is only
955 meaningful for dynamic objects, such as certain types of shared
956 libraries.
957
958 @item -s
959 @itemx --full-contents
960 @cindex sections, full contents
961 @cindex object file sections
962 Display the full contents of any sections requested.
963
964 @item --stabs
965 @cindex stab
966 @cindex .stab
967 @cindex debug symbols
968 @cindex ELF object file format
969 Display the full contents of any sections requested. Display the
970 contents of the .stab and .stab.index and .stab.excl sections from an
971 ELF file. This is only useful on systems (such as Solaris 2.0) in which
972 @code{.stab} debugging symbol-table entries are carried in an ELF
973 section. In most other file formats, debugging symbol-table entries are
974 interleaved with linkage symbols, and are visible in the @samp{--syms}
975 output.
976
977 @item -t
978 @itemx --syms
979 @cindex symbol table entries, printing
980 Print the symbol table entries of the file.
981 This is similar to the information provided by the @samp{nm} program.
982
983 @item -T
984 @itemx --dynamic-syms
985 @cindex dynamic symbol table entries, printing
986 Print the dynamic symbol table entries of the file. This is only
987 meaningful for dynamic objects, such as certain types of shared
988 libraries. This is similar to the information provided by the @samp{nm}
989 program when given the @samp{-D} (@samp{--dynamic}) option.
990
991 @item --version
992 Print the version number of @code{objdump} and exit.
993
994 @item -x
995 @itemx --all-header
996 @cindex all header information, object file
997 @cindex header information, all
998 Display all available header information, including the symbol table and
999 relocation entries. Using @samp{-x} is equivalent to specifying all of
1000 @samp{-a -f -h -r -t}.
1001 @end table
1002
1003 @node ranlib
1004 @chapter ranlib
1005
1006 @kindex ranlib
1007 @cindex archive contents
1008 @cindex symbol index
1009
1010 @smallexample
1011 ranlib [-vV] @var{archive}
1012 @end smallexample
1013
1014 @code{ranlib} generates an index to the contents of an archive and
1015 stores it in the archive. The index lists each symbol defined by a
1016 member of an archive that is a relocatable object file.
1017
1018 You may use @samp{nm -s} or @samp{nm --print-armap} to list this index.
1019
1020 An archive with such an index speeds up linking to the library and
1021 allows routines in the library to call each other without regard to
1022 their placement in the archive.
1023
1024 The GNU @code{ranlib} program is another form of GNU @code{ar}; running
1025 @code{ranlib} is completely equivalent to executing @samp{ar -s}.
1026 @xref{ar}.
1027
1028 @table @code
1029 @item -v
1030 @itemx -V
1031 Show the version number of @code{ranlib}.
1032 @end table
1033
1034 @node size
1035 @chapter size
1036
1037 @kindex size
1038 @cindex section sizes
1039
1040 @smallexample
1041 size [ -A | -B | --format=@var{compatibility} ]
1042 [ --help ] [ -d | -o | -x | --radix=@var{number} ]
1043 [ --target=@var{bfdname} ] [ -V | --version ]
1044 @var{objfile}@dots{}
1045 @end smallexample
1046
1047 The GNU @code{size} utility lists the section sizes---and the total
1048 size---for each of the object or archive files @var{objfile} in its
1049 argument list. By default, one line of output is generated for each
1050 object file or each module in an archive.
1051
1052 @var{objfile}@dots{} are the object files to be examined.
1053
1054 The command line options have the following meanings:
1055
1056 @table @code
1057 @item -A
1058 @itemx -B
1059 @itemx --format=@var{compatibility}
1060 @cindex @code{size} display format
1061 Using one of these options, you can choose whether the output from GNU
1062 @code{size} resembles output from System V @code{size} (using @samp{-A},
1063 or @samp{--format=sysv}), or Berkeley @code{size} (using @samp{-B}, or
1064 @samp{--format=berkeley}). The default is the one-line format similar to
1065 Berkeley's.
1066 @c Bonus for doc-source readers: you can also say --format=strange (or
1067 @c anything else that starts with 's') for sysv, and --format=boring (or
1068 @c anything else that starts with 'b') for Berkeley.
1069
1070 Here is an example of the Berkeley (default) format of output from
1071 @code{size}:
1072 @smallexample
1073 size --format=Berkeley ranlib size
1074 text data bss dec hex filename
1075 294880 81920 11592 388392 5ed28 ranlib
1076 294880 81920 11888 388688 5ee50 size
1077 @end smallexample
1078
1079 @noindent
1080 This is the same data, but displayed closer to System V conventions:
1081
1082 @smallexample
1083 size --format=SysV ranlib size
1084 ranlib :
1085 section size addr
1086 .text 294880 8192
1087 .data 81920 303104
1088 .bss 11592 385024
1089 Total 388392
1090
1091
1092 size :
1093 section size addr
1094 .text 294880 8192
1095 .data 81920 303104
1096 .bss 11888 385024
1097 Total 388688
1098 @end smallexample
1099
1100 @item --help
1101 Show a summary of acceptable arguments and options.
1102
1103 @item -d
1104 @itemx -o
1105 @itemx -x
1106 @itemx --radix=@var{number}
1107 @cindex @code{size} number format
1108 @cindex radix for section sizes
1109 Using one of these options, you can control whether the size of each
1110 section is given in decimal (@samp{-d}, or @samp{--radix=10}); octal
1111 (@samp{-o}, or @samp{--radix=8}); or hexadecimal (@samp{-x}, or
1112 @samp{--radix=16}). In @samp{--radix=@var{number}}, only the three
1113 values (8, 10, 16) are supported. The total size is always given in two
1114 radices; decimal and hexadecimal for @samp{-d} or @samp{-x} output, or
1115 octal and hexadecimal if you're using @samp{-o}.
1116
1117 @item --target=@var{bfdname}
1118 @cindex object code format
1119 Specify that the object-code format for @var{objfile} is
1120 @var{bfdname}. This option may not be necessary; @code{size} can
1121 automatically recognize many formats.
1122 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1123
1124 @item -V
1125 @itemx --version
1126 Display the version number of @code{size}.
1127 @end table
1128
1129 @node strings
1130 @chapter strings
1131 @kindex strings
1132 @cindex listings strings
1133 @cindex printing strings
1134 @cindex strings, printing
1135
1136 @smallexample
1137 strings [-afov] [-@var{min-len}] [-n @var{min-len}] [-t @var{radix}] [-]
1138 [--all] [--print-file-name] [--bytes=@var{min-len}]
1139 [--radix=@var{radix}] [--target=@var{bfdname}]
1140 [--help] [--version] @var{file}@dots{}
1141 @end smallexample
1142
1143 For each @var{file} given, GNU @code{strings} prints the printable
1144 character sequences that are at least 4 characters long (or the number
1145 given with the options below) and are followed by a NUL or newline
1146 character. By default, it only prints the strings from the initialized
1147 data sections of object files; for other types of files, it prints the
1148 strings from the whole file.
1149
1150 @code{strings} is mainly useful for determining the contents of non-text
1151 files.
1152
1153 @table @code
1154 @item -a
1155 @itemx --all
1156 @itemx -
1157 Do not scan only the initialized data section of object files; scan
1158 the whole files.
1159
1160 @item -f
1161 @itemx --print-file-name
1162 Print the name of the file before each string.
1163
1164 @item --help
1165 Print a summary of the program usage on the standard output and exit.
1166
1167 @itemx -@var{min-len}
1168 @item -n @var{min-len}
1169 @itemx --bytes=@var{min-len}
1170 Print sequences of characters that are at least @var{min-len} characters
1171 long, instead of the default 4.
1172
1173 @item -o
1174 Like @samp{-t o}. Some other versions of @code{strings} have @samp{-o}
1175 act like @samp{-t d} instead. Since we can not be compatible with both
1176 ways, we simply chose one.
1177
1178 @item -t @var{radix}
1179 @itemx --radix=@var{radix}
1180 Print the offset within the file before each string. The single
1181 character argument specifies the radix of the offset---@samp{o} for
1182 octal, @samp{x} for hexadecimal, or @samp{d} for decimal.
1183
1184 @item --target=@var{bfdname}
1185 @cindex object code format
1186 Specify an object code format other than your system's default format.
1187 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1188
1189 @item -v
1190 @itemx --version
1191 Print the program version number on the standard output and exit.
1192 @end table
1193
1194 @node strip
1195 @chapter strip
1196
1197 @kindex strip
1198 @cindex removing symbols
1199 @cindex discarding symbols
1200 @cindex symbols, discarding
1201
1202 @smallexample
1203 strip [ -F @var{bfdname} | --target=@var{bfdname} | --target=@var{bfdname} ]
1204 [ -I @var{bfdname} | --input-target=@var{bfdname} ]
1205 [ -O @var{bfdname} | --output-target=@var{bfdname} ]
1206 [ -s | --strip-all ] [ -S | -g | --strip-debug ]
1207 [ -x | --discard-all ] [ -X | --discard-locals ]
1208 [ -v | --verbose ] [ -V | --version ] [ --help ]
1209 @var{objfile}@dots{}
1210 @end smallexample
1211
1212 GNU @code{strip} discards all symbols from object files
1213 @var{objfile}. The list of object files may include archives.
1214 At least one object file must be given.
1215
1216 @code{strip} modifies the files named in its argument,
1217 rather than writing modified copies under different names.
1218
1219 @table @code
1220 @item -F @var{bfdname}
1221 @itemx --target=@var{bfdname}
1222 Treat the original @var{objfile} as a file with the object
1223 code format @var{bfdname}, and rewrite it in the same format.
1224 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1225
1226 @item --help
1227 Show a summary of the options to @code{strip} and exit.
1228
1229 @item -I @var{bfdname}
1230 @itemx --input-target=@var{bfdname}
1231 Treat the original @var{objfile} as a file with the object
1232 code format @var{bfdname}.
1233 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1234
1235 @item -O @var{bfdname}
1236 @itemx --output-target=@var{bfdname}
1237 Replace @var{objfile} with a file in the output format @var{bfdname}.
1238 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1239
1240 @item -s
1241 @itemx --strip-all
1242 Remove all symbols.
1243
1244 @item -g
1245 @itemx -S
1246 @itemx --strip-debug
1247 Remove debugging symbols only.
1248
1249 @item -x
1250 @itemx --discard-all
1251 Remove non-global symbols.
1252
1253 @item -X
1254 @itemx --discard-locals
1255 Remove compiler-generated local symbols.
1256 (These usually start with @samp{L} or @samp{.}.)
1257
1258 @item -V
1259 @itemx --version
1260 Show the version number for @code{strip}.
1261
1262 @item -v
1263 @itemx --verbose
1264 Verbose output: list all object files modified. In the case of
1265 archives, @samp{strip -v} lists all members of the archive.
1266 @end table
1267
1268 @node c++filt
1269 @chapter c++filt
1270
1271 @kindex c++filt
1272 @cindex demangling C++ symbols
1273
1274 @smallexample
1275 c++filt [ -_ | --strip-underscores ]
1276 [ -s @var{format} | --format=@var{format} ]
1277 [ --help ] [ --version ] [ @var{symbol}@dots{} ]
1278 @end smallexample
1279
1280 The C++ language provides function overloading, which means that you can
1281 write many functions with the same name (providing each takes parameters
1282 of different types). All C++ function names are encoded into a
1283 low-level assembly label (this process is known as
1284 @dfn{mangling}). The @code{c++filt} program does the inverse mapping: it
1285 decodes (@dfn{demangles}) low-level names into user-level names so that
1286 the linker can keep these overloaded functions from clashing.
1287
1288 Every alphanumeric word (consisting of letters, digits, underscores,
1289 dollars, or periods) seen in the input is a potential label. If the
1290 label decodes into a C++ name, the C++ name replaces the low-level
1291 name in the output.
1292
1293 You can use @code{c++filt} to decipher individual symbols:
1294
1295 @example
1296 c++filt @var{symbol}
1297 @end example
1298
1299 If no @var{symbol} arguments are given, @code{c++filt} reads symbol
1300 names from the standard input and writes the demangled names to the
1301 standard output. All results are printed on the standard output.
1302
1303 @table @code
1304 @item -_
1305 @itemx --strip-underscores
1306 On some systems, both the C and C++ compilers put an underscore in front
1307 of every name. For example, the C name @code{foo} gets the low-level
1308 name @code{_foo}. This option removes the initial underscore.
1309
1310 @item -s @var{format}
1311 @itemx --format=@var{format}
1312 GNU @code{nm} can decode three different methods of mangling, used by
1313 different C++ compilers. The argument to this option selects which
1314 method it uses:
1315
1316 @table @code
1317 @item gnu
1318 the one used by the GNU compiler (the default method)
1319 @item lucid
1320 the one used by the Lucid compiler
1321 @item arm
1322 the one specified by the C++ Annotated Reference Manual
1323 @end table
1324
1325 @item --help
1326 Print a summary of the options to @code{c++filt} and exit.
1327
1328 @item --version
1329 Print the version number of @code{c++filt} and exit.
1330 @end table
1331
1332 @quotation
1333 @emph{Warning:} @code{c++filt} is a new utility, and the details of its
1334 user interface are subject to change in future releases. In particular,
1335 a command-line option may be required in the the future to decode a name
1336 passed as an argument on the command line; in other words,
1337
1338 @example
1339 c++filt @var{symbol}
1340 @end example
1341
1342 @noindent
1343 may in a future release become
1344
1345 @example
1346 c++filt @var{option} @var{symbol}
1347 @end example
1348 @end quotation
1349
1350 @node nlmconv
1351 @chapter nlmconv
1352
1353 @code{nlmconv} converts a relocatable object file into a NetWare
1354 Loadable Module.
1355
1356 @ignore
1357 @code{nlmconv} currently works with @samp{i386} object
1358 files in @code{coff}, @sc{elf}, or @code{a.out} format, and @sc{SPARC}
1359 object files in @sc{elf}, or @code{a.out} format@footnote{
1360 @code{nlmconv} should work with any @samp{i386} or @sc{sparc} object
1361 format in the Binary File Descriptor library. It has only been tested
1362 with the above formats.}.
1363 @end ignore
1364
1365 @quotation
1366 @emph{Warning:} @code{nlmconv} is not always built as part of the binary
1367 utilities, since it is only useful for NLM targets.
1368 @end quotation
1369
1370 @smallexample
1371 nlmconv [ -I @var{bfdname} | --input-target=@var{bfdname} ]
1372 [ -O @var{bfdname} | --output-target=@var{bfdname} ]
1373 [ -T @var{headerfile} | --header-file=@var{headerfile} ]
1374 [ -d | --debug] [ -l @var{linker} | --linker=@var{linker} ]
1375 [ -h | --help ] [ -V | --version ]
1376 @var{infile} @var{outfile}
1377 @end smallexample
1378
1379 @code{nlmconv} converts the relocatable @samp{i386} object file
1380 @var{infile} into the NetWare Loadable Module @var{outfile}, optionally
1381 reading @var{headerfile} for NLM header information. For instructions
1382 on writing the NLM command file language used in header files, see the
1383 @samp{linkers} section, @samp{NLMLINK} in particular, of the @cite{NLM
1384 Development and Tools Overview}, which is part of the NLM Software
1385 Developer's Kit (``NLM SDK''), available from Novell, Inc.
1386 @code{nlmconv} uses the @sc{gnu} Binary File Descriptor library to read
1387 @var{infile}; see @ref{BFD,,BFD,ld.info,Using LD}, for
1388 more information.
1389
1390 @code{nlmconv} can perform a link step. In other words, you can list
1391 more than one object file for input if you list them in the definitions
1392 file (rather than simply specifying one input file on the command line).
1393 In this case, @code{nlmconv} calls the linker for you.
1394
1395 @table @code
1396 @item -I @var{bfdname}
1397 @itemx --input-target=@var{bfdname}
1398 Object format of the input file. @code{nlmconv} can usually determine
1399 the format of a given file (so no default is necessary).
1400 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1401
1402 @item -O @var{bfdname}
1403 @itemx --output-target=@var{bfdname}
1404 Object format of the output file. @code{nlmconv} infers the output
1405 format based on the input format, e.g. for a @samp{i386} input file the
1406 output format is @samp{nlm32-i386}.
1407 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1408
1409 @item -T @var{headerfile}
1410 @itemx --header-file=@var{headerfile}
1411 Reads @var{headerfile} for NLM header information. For instructions on
1412 writing the NLM command file language used in header files, see@ see the
1413 @samp{linkers} section, of the @cite{NLM Development and Tools
1414 Overview}, which is part of the NLM Software Developer's Kit, available
1415 from Novell, Inc.
1416
1417 @item -d
1418 @itemx --debug
1419 Displays (on standard error) the linker command line used by @code{nlmconv}.
1420
1421 @item -l @var{linker}
1422 @itemx --linker=@var{linker}
1423 Use @var{linker} for any linking. @var{linker} can be an abosolute or a
1424 relative pathname.
1425
1426 @item -h
1427 @itemx --help
1428 Prints a usage summary.
1429
1430 @item -V
1431 @itemx --version
1432 Prints the version number for @code{nlmconv}.
1433 @end table
1434
1435 @node Selecting The Target System
1436 @chapter Selecting the target system
1437
1438 You can specify three aspects of the target system to the @sc{gnu}
1439 binary file utilities, each in several ways:
1440
1441 @itemize @bullet
1442 @item
1443 the target
1444
1445 @item
1446 the architecture
1447
1448 @item
1449 the linker emulation (which applies to the linker only)
1450 @end itemize
1451
1452 In the following summaries, the lists of ways to specify values are in
1453 order of decreasing precedence. The ways listed first override those
1454 listed later.
1455
1456 The commands to list valid values only list the values for which the
1457 programs you are running were configured. If they were configured with
1458 @samp{--with-targets=all}, the commands list most of the available
1459 values, but a few are left out; not all targets can be configured in at
1460 once because some of them can only be configured @dfn{native} (on hosts
1461 with the same type as the target system).
1462
1463 @menu
1464 * Target Selection::
1465 * Architecture Selection::
1466 * Linker Emulation Selection::
1467 @end menu
1468
1469 @node Target Selection
1470 @section Target Selection
1471
1472 A @dfn{target} is an object file format. A given target may be
1473 supported for multiple architectures (@pxref{Architecture Selection}).
1474 A target selection may also have variations for different operating
1475 systems or architectures.
1476
1477 The command to list valid target values is @samp{objdump -i}
1478 (the first column of output contains the relevant information).
1479
1480 Some sample values are: @samp{a.out-hp300bsd}, @samp{ecoff-littlemips},
1481 @samp{a.out-sunos-big}.
1482
1483 @subheading @code{objdump} Target
1484
1485 Ways to specify:
1486
1487 @enumerate
1488 @item
1489 command line option: @samp{-b} or @samp{--target}
1490
1491 @item
1492 environment variable @code{GNUTARGET}
1493
1494 @item
1495 deduced from the input file
1496 @end enumerate
1497
1498 @subheading @code{objcopy} and @code{strip} Input Target
1499
1500 Ways to specify:
1501
1502 @enumerate
1503 @item
1504 command line options: @samp{-I} or @samp{--input-target}, or @samp{-F} or @samp{--target}
1505
1506 @item
1507 environment variable @code{GNUTARGET}
1508
1509 @item
1510 deduced from the input file
1511 @end enumerate
1512
1513 @subheading @code{objcopy} and @code{strip} Output Target
1514
1515 Ways to specify:
1516
1517 @enumerate
1518 @item
1519 command line options: @samp{-O} or @samp{--output-target}, or @samp{-F} or @samp{--target}
1520
1521 @item
1522 the input target (see ``@code{objcopy} and @code{strip} Input Target'' above)
1523
1524 @item
1525 environment variable @code{GNUTARGET}
1526
1527 @item
1528 deduced from the input file
1529 @end enumerate
1530
1531 @subheading @code{nm}, @code{size}, and @code{strings} Target
1532
1533 Ways to specify:
1534
1535 @enumerate
1536 @item
1537 command line option: @samp{--target}
1538
1539 @item
1540 environment variable @code{GNUTARGET}
1541
1542 @item
1543 deduced from the input file
1544 @end enumerate
1545
1546 @subheading Linker Input Target
1547
1548 Ways to specify:
1549
1550 @enumerate
1551 @item
1552 command line option: @samp{-b} or @samp{--format}
1553 (@pxref{Options,,Options,ld.info,Using LD})
1554
1555 @item
1556 script command @code{TARGET}
1557 (@pxref{Option Commands,,Option Commands,ld.info,Using LD})
1558
1559 @item
1560 environment variable @code{GNUTARGET}
1561 (@pxref{Environment,,Environment,ld.info,Using LD})
1562
1563 @item
1564 the default target of the selected linker emulation
1565 (@pxref{Linker Emulation Selection})
1566 @end enumerate
1567
1568 @subheading Linker Output Target
1569
1570 Ways to specify:
1571
1572 @enumerate
1573 @item
1574 command line option: @samp{-oformat}
1575 (@pxref{Options,,Options,ld.info,Using LD})
1576
1577 @item
1578 script command @code{OUTPUT_FORMAT}
1579 (@pxref{Option Commands,,Option Commands,ld.info,Using LD})
1580
1581 @item
1582 the linker input target (see ``Linker Input Target'' above)
1583 @end enumerate
1584
1585 @node Architecture Selection
1586 @section Architecture selection
1587
1588 An @dfn{architecture} is a type of @sc{cpu} on which an object file is
1589 to run. Its name may contain a colon, separating the name of the
1590 processor family from the name of the particular @sc{cpu}.
1591
1592 The command to list valid architecture values is @samp{objdump -i} (the
1593 second column contains the relevant information).
1594
1595 Sample values: @samp{m68k:68020}, @samp{mips:3000}, @samp{sparc}.
1596
1597 @subheading @code{objdump} Architecture
1598
1599 Ways to specify:
1600
1601 @enumerate
1602 @item
1603 command line option: @samp{-m} or @samp{--architecture}
1604
1605 @item
1606 deduced from the input file
1607 @end enumerate
1608
1609 @subheading @code{objcopy}, @code{nm}, @code{size}, @code{strings} Architecture
1610
1611 Ways to specify:
1612
1613 @enumerate
1614 @item
1615 deduced from the input file
1616 @end enumerate
1617
1618 @subheading Linker Input Architecture
1619
1620 Ways to specify:
1621
1622 @enumerate
1623 @item
1624 deduced from the input file
1625 @end enumerate
1626
1627 @subheading Linker Output Architecture
1628
1629 Ways to specify:
1630
1631 @enumerate
1632 @item
1633 script command @code{OUTPUT_ARCH}
1634 (@pxref{Option Commands,,Option Commands,ld.info,Using LD})
1635
1636 @item
1637 the default architecture from the linker output target
1638 (@pxref{Target Selection})
1639 @end enumerate
1640
1641 @node Linker Emulation Selection
1642 @section Linker emulation selection
1643
1644 A linker @dfn{emulation} is a ``personality'' of the linker, which gives
1645 the linker default values for the other aspects of the target system.
1646 In particular, it consists of
1647
1648 @itemize @bullet
1649 @item
1650 the linker script
1651
1652 @item
1653 the target
1654
1655 @item
1656 several ``hook'' functions that are run at certain stages of the linking
1657 process to do special things that some targets require
1658 @end itemize
1659
1660 The command to list valid linker emulation values is @samp{ld -V}.
1661
1662 Sample values: @samp{hp300bsd}, @samp{mipslit}, @samp{sun4}.
1663
1664 Ways to specify:
1665
1666 @enumerate
1667 @item
1668 command line option: @samp{-m}
1669 (@pxref{Options,,Options,ld.info,Using LD})
1670
1671 @item
1672 environment variable @code{LDEMULATION}
1673
1674 @item
1675 compiled-in @code{DEFAULT_EMULATION} from @file{Makefile},
1676 which comes from @code{EMUL} in @file{config/@var{target}.mt}
1677 @end enumerate
1678
1679 @node Index
1680 @unnumbered Index
1681
1682 @printindex cp
1683
1684 @contents
1685 @bye