2000-07-20 H.J. Lu <hjl@gnu.org>
[binutils-gdb.git] / binutils / binutils.texi
1 \input texinfo @c -*- Texinfo -*-
2 @setfilename binutils.info
3 @include config.texi
4
5 @ifinfo
6 @format
7 START-INFO-DIR-ENTRY
8 * Binutils: (binutils). The GNU binary utilities.
9 * ar: (binutils)ar. Create, modify, and extract from archives
10 * nm: (binutils)nm. List symbols from object files
11 * objcopy: (binutils)objcopy. Copy and translate object files
12 * objdump: (binutils)objdump. Display information from object files
13 * ranlib: (binutils)ranlib. Generate index to archive contents
14 * readelf: (binutils)readelf. Display the contents of ELF format files.
15 * size: (binutils)size. List section sizes and total size
16 * strings: (binutils)strings. List printable strings from files
17 * strip: (binutils)strip. Discard symbols
18 * c++filt: (binutils)c++filt. Filter to demangle encoded C++ symbols
19 * cxxfilt: (binutils)c++filt. MS-DOS name for c++filt
20 * addr2line: (binutils)addr2line. Convert addresses to file and line
21 * nlmconv: (binutils)nlmconv. Converts object code into an NLM
22 * windres: (binutils)windres. Manipulate Windows resources
23 * dlltool: (binutils)dlltool. Create files needed to build and use DLLs
24 END-INFO-DIR-ENTRY
25 @end format
26 @end ifinfo
27
28 @ifinfo
29 Copyright @copyright{} 1991, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
30
31 Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of
32 this manual provided the copyright notice and this permission notice
33 are preserved on all copies.
34
35 @ignore
36 Permission is granted to process this file through TeX and print the
37 results, provided the printed document carries a copying permission
38 notice identical to this one except for the removal of this paragraph
39 (this paragraph not being relevant to the printed manual).
40
41 @end ignore
42
43 Permission is granted to copy and distribute modified versions of this
44 manual under the conditions for verbatim copying, provided also that
45 the entire resulting derived work is distributed under the terms of a
46 permission notice identical to this one.
47
48 Permission is granted to copy and distribute translations of this manual
49 into another language, under the above conditions for modified versions.
50 @end ifinfo
51
52 @synindex ky cp
53 @c
54 @c This file documents the GNU binary utilities "ar", "ld", "objcopy",
55 @c "objdump", "nm", "size", "strings", "strip", "readelf" and "ranlib".
56 @c
57 @c Copyright (C) 1991, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
58 @c
59 @c This text may be freely distributed under the terms of the GNU
60 @c General Public License.
61 @c
62
63 @setchapternewpage odd
64 @settitle @sc{gnu} Binary Utilities
65 @titlepage
66 @finalout
67 @title The @sc{gnu} Binary Utilities
68 @subtitle Version @value{VERSION}
69 @sp 1
70 @subtitle May 1993
71 @author Roland H. Pesch
72 @author Jeffrey M. Osier
73 @author Cygnus Support
74 @page
75
76 @tex
77 {\parskip=0pt \hfill Cygnus Support\par \hfill
78 \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par }
79 @end tex
80
81 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
82 Copyright @copyright{} 1991, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 1998 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
83
84 Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of
85 this manual provided the copyright notice and this permission notice
86 are preserved on all copies.
87
88 Permission is granted to copy and distribute modified versions of this
89 manual under the conditions for verbatim copying, provided also that
90 the entire resulting derived work is distributed under the terms of a
91 permission notice identical to this one.
92
93 Permission is granted to copy and distribute translations of this manual
94 into another language, under the above conditions for modified versions.
95 @end titlepage
96
97 @node Top
98 @top Introduction
99
100 @cindex version
101 This brief manual contains preliminary documentation for the @sc{gnu} binary
102 utilities (collectively version @value{VERSION}):
103
104 @iftex
105 @table @code
106 @item ar
107 Create, modify, and extract from archives
108
109 @item nm
110 List symbols from object files
111
112 @item objcopy
113 Copy and translate object files
114
115 @item objdump
116 Display information from object files
117
118 @item ranlib
119 Generate index to archive contents
120
121 @item readelf
122 Display the contents of ELF format files.
123
124 @item size
125 List file section sizes and total size
126
127 @item strings
128 List printable strings from files
129
130 @item strip
131 Discard symbols
132
133 @item c++filt
134 Demangle encoded C++ symbols (on MS-DOS, this program is named
135 @code{cxxfilt})
136
137 @item addr2line
138 Convert addresses into file names and line numbers
139
140 @item nlmconv
141 Convert object code into a Netware Loadable Module
142
143 @item windres
144 Manipulate Windows resources
145
146 @item dlltool
147 Create the files needed to build and use Dynamic Link Libraries
148 @end table
149 @end iftex
150
151 @menu
152 * ar:: Create, modify, and extract from archives
153 * nm:: List symbols from object files
154 * objcopy:: Copy and translate object files
155 * objdump:: Display information from object files
156 * ranlib:: Generate index to archive contents
157 * readelf:: Display the contents of ELF format files.
158 * size:: List section sizes and total size
159 * strings:: List printable strings from files
160 * strip:: Discard symbols
161 * c++filt:: Filter to demangle encoded C++ symbols
162 * cxxfilt: c++filt. MS-DOS name for c++filt
163 * addr2line:: Convert addresses to file and line
164 * nlmconv:: Converts object code into an NLM
165 * windres:: Manipulate Windows resources
166 * dlltool:: Create files needed to build and use DLLs
167 * Selecting The Target System:: How these utilities determine the target.
168 * Reporting Bugs:: Reporting Bugs
169 * Index:: Index
170 @end menu
171
172 @node ar
173 @chapter ar
174
175 @kindex ar
176 @cindex archives
177 @cindex collections of files
178 @smallexample
179 ar [-]@var{p}[@var{mod} [@var{relpos}] [@var{count}]] @var{archive} [@var{member}@dots{}]
180 ar -M [ <mri-script ]
181 @end smallexample
182
183 The @sc{gnu} @code{ar} program creates, modifies, and extracts from
184 archives. An @dfn{archive} is a single file holding a collection of
185 other files in a structure that makes it possible to retrieve
186 the original individual files (called @dfn{members} of the archive).
187
188 The original files' contents, mode (permissions), timestamp, owner, and
189 group are preserved in the archive, and can be restored on
190 extraction.
191
192 @cindex name length
193 @sc{gnu} @code{ar} can maintain archives whose members have names of any
194 length; however, depending on how @code{ar} is configured on your
195 system, a limit on member-name length may be imposed for compatibility
196 with archive formats maintained with other tools. If it exists, the
197 limit is often 15 characters (typical of formats related to a.out) or 16
198 characters (typical of formats related to coff).
199
200 @cindex libraries
201 @code{ar} is considered a binary utility because archives of this sort
202 are most often used as @dfn{libraries} holding commonly needed
203 subroutines.
204
205 @cindex symbol index
206 @code{ar} creates an index to the symbols defined in relocatable
207 object modules in the archive when you specify the modifier @samp{s}.
208 Once created, this index is updated in the archive whenever @code{ar}
209 makes a change to its contents (save for the @samp{q} update operation).
210 An archive with such an index speeds up linking to the library, and
211 allows routines in the library to call each other without regard to
212 their placement in the archive.
213
214 You may use @samp{nm -s} or @samp{nm --print-armap} to list this index
215 table. If an archive lacks the table, another form of @code{ar} called
216 @code{ranlib} can be used to add just the table.
217
218 @cindex compatibility, @code{ar}
219 @cindex @code{ar} compatibility
220 @sc{gnu} @code{ar} is designed to be compatible with two different
221 facilities. You can control its activity using command-line options,
222 like the different varieties of @code{ar} on Unix systems; or, if you
223 specify the single command-line option @samp{-M}, you can control it
224 with a script supplied via standard input, like the MRI ``librarian''
225 program.
226
227 @menu
228 * ar cmdline:: Controlling @code{ar} on the command line
229 * ar scripts:: Controlling @code{ar} with a script
230 @end menu
231
232 @page
233 @node ar cmdline
234 @section Controlling @code{ar} on the command line
235
236 @smallexample
237 ar [-]@var{p}[@var{mod} [@var{relpos}] [@var{count}]] @var{archive} [@var{member}@dots{}]
238 @end smallexample
239
240 @cindex Unix compatibility, @code{ar}
241 When you use @code{ar} in the Unix style, @code{ar} insists on at least two
242 arguments to execute: one keyletter specifying the @emph{operation}
243 (optionally accompanied by other keyletters specifying
244 @emph{modifiers}), and the archive name to act on.
245
246 Most operations can also accept further @var{member} arguments,
247 specifying particular files to operate on.
248
249 @sc{gnu} @code{ar} allows you to mix the operation code @var{p} and modifier
250 flags @var{mod} in any order, within the first command-line argument.
251
252 If you wish, you may begin the first command-line argument with a
253 dash.
254
255 @cindex operations on archive
256 The @var{p} keyletter specifies what operation to execute; it may be
257 any of the following, but you must specify only one of them:
258
259 @table @code
260 @item d
261 @cindex deleting from archive
262 @emph{Delete} modules from the archive. Specify the names of modules to
263 be deleted as @var{member}@dots{}; the archive is untouched if you
264 specify no files to delete.
265
266 If you specify the @samp{v} modifier, @code{ar} lists each module
267 as it is deleted.
268
269 @item m
270 @cindex moving in archive
271 Use this operation to @emph{move} members in an archive.
272
273 The ordering of members in an archive can make a difference in how
274 programs are linked using the library, if a symbol is defined in more
275 than one member.
276
277 If no modifiers are used with @code{m}, any members you name in the
278 @var{member} arguments are moved to the @emph{end} of the archive;
279 you can use the @samp{a}, @samp{b}, or @samp{i} modifiers to move them to a
280 specified place instead.
281
282 @item p
283 @cindex printing from archive
284 @emph{Print} the specified members of the archive, to the standard
285 output file. If the @samp{v} modifier is specified, show the member
286 name before copying its contents to standard output.
287
288 If you specify no @var{member} arguments, all the files in the archive are
289 printed.
290
291 @item q
292 @cindex quick append to archive
293 @emph{Quick append}; Historically, add the files @var{member}@dots{} to the end of
294 @var{archive}, without checking for replacement.
295
296 The modifiers @samp{a}, @samp{b}, and @samp{i} do @emph{not} affect this
297 operation; new members are always placed at the end of the archive.
298
299 The modifier @samp{v} makes @code{ar} list each file as it is appended.
300
301 Since the point of this operation is speed, the archive's symbol table
302 index is not updated, even if it already existed; you can use @samp{ar s} or
303 @code{ranlib} explicitly to update the symbol table index.
304
305 However, too many different systems assume quick append rebuilds the
306 index, so GNU ar implements @code{q} as a synonym for @code{r}.
307
308 @item r
309 @cindex replacement in archive
310 Insert the files @var{member}@dots{} into @var{archive} (with
311 @emph{replacement}). This operation differs from @samp{q} in that any
312 previously existing members are deleted if their names match those being
313 added.
314
315 If one of the files named in @var{member}@dots{} does not exist, @code{ar}
316 displays an error message, and leaves undisturbed any existing members
317 of the archive matching that name.
318
319 By default, new members are added at the end of the file; but you may
320 use one of the modifiers @samp{a}, @samp{b}, or @samp{i} to request
321 placement relative to some existing member.
322
323 The modifier @samp{v} used with this operation elicits a line of
324 output for each file inserted, along with one of the letters @samp{a} or
325 @samp{r} to indicate whether the file was appended (no old member
326 deleted) or replaced.
327
328 @item t
329 @cindex contents of archive
330 Display a @emph{table} listing the contents of @var{archive}, or those
331 of the files listed in @var{member}@dots{} that are present in the
332 archive. Normally only the member name is shown; if you also want to
333 see the modes (permissions), timestamp, owner, group, and size, you can
334 request that by also specifying the @samp{v} modifier.
335
336 If you do not specify a @var{member}, all files in the archive
337 are listed.
338
339 @cindex repeated names in archive
340 @cindex name duplication in archive
341 If there is more than one file with the same name (say, @samp{fie}) in
342 an archive (say @samp{b.a}), @samp{ar t b.a fie} lists only the
343 first instance; to see them all, you must ask for a complete
344 listing---in our example, @samp{ar t b.a}.
345 @c WRS only; per Gumby, this is implementation-dependent, and in a more
346 @c recent case in fact works the other way.
347
348 @item x
349 @cindex extract from archive
350 @emph{Extract} members (named @var{member}) from the archive. You can
351 use the @samp{v} modifier with this operation, to request that
352 @code{ar} list each name as it extracts it.
353
354 If you do not specify a @var{member}, all files in the archive
355 are extracted.
356
357 @end table
358
359 A number of modifiers (@var{mod}) may immediately follow the @var{p}
360 keyletter, to specify variations on an operation's behavior:
361
362 @table @code
363 @item a
364 @cindex relative placement in archive
365 Add new files @emph{after} an existing member of the
366 archive. If you use the modifier @samp{a}, the name of an existing archive
367 member must be present as the @var{relpos} argument, before the
368 @var{archive} specification.
369
370 @item b
371 Add new files @emph{before} an existing member of the
372 archive. If you use the modifier @samp{b}, the name of an existing archive
373 member must be present as the @var{relpos} argument, before the
374 @var{archive} specification. (same as @samp{i}).
375
376 @item c
377 @cindex creating archives
378 @emph{Create} the archive. The specified @var{archive} is always
379 created if it did not exist, when you request an update. But a warning is
380 issued unless you specify in advance that you expect to create it, by
381 using this modifier.
382
383 @item f
384 Truncate names in the archive. @sc{gnu} @code{ar} will normally permit file
385 names of any length. This will cause it to create archives which are
386 not compatible with the native @code{ar} program on some systems. If
387 this is a concern, the @samp{f} modifier may be used to truncate file
388 names when putting them in the archive.
389
390 @item i
391 Insert new files @emph{before} an existing member of the
392 archive. If you use the modifier @samp{i}, the name of an existing archive
393 member must be present as the @var{relpos} argument, before the
394 @var{archive} specification. (same as @samp{b}).
395
396 @item l
397 This modifier is accepted but not used.
398 @c whaffor ar l modifier??? presumably compat; with
399 @c what???---doc@@cygnus.com, 25jan91
400
401 @item N
402 Uses the @var{count} parameter. This is used if there are multiple
403 entries in the archive with the same name. Extract or delete instance
404 @var{count} of the given name from the archive.
405
406 @item o
407 @cindex dates in archive
408 Preserve the @emph{original} dates of members when extracting them. If
409 you do not specify this modifier, files extracted from the archive
410 are stamped with the time of extraction.
411
412 @item P
413 Use the full path name when matching names in the archive. @sc{gnu}
414 @code{ar} can not create an archive with a full path name (such archives
415 are not POSIX complaint), but other archive creators can. This option
416 will cause @sc{gnu} @code{ar} to match file names using a complete path
417 name, which can be convenient when extracting a single file from an
418 archive created by another tool.
419
420 @item s
421 @cindex writing archive index
422 Write an object-file index into the archive, or update an existing one,
423 even if no other change is made to the archive. You may use this modifier
424 flag either with any operation, or alone. Running @samp{ar s} on an
425 archive is equivalent to running @samp{ranlib} on it.
426
427 @item S
428 @cindex not writing archive index
429 Do not generate an archive symbol table. This can speed up building a
430 large library in several steps. The resulting archive can not be used
431 with the linker. In order to build a symbol table, you must omit the
432 @samp{S} modifier on the last execution of @samp{ar}, or you must run
433 @samp{ranlib} on the archive.
434
435 @item u
436 @cindex updating an archive
437 Normally, @samp{ar r}@dots{} inserts all files
438 listed into the archive. If you would like to insert @emph{only} those
439 of the files you list that are newer than existing members of the same
440 names, use this modifier. The @samp{u} modifier is allowed only for the
441 operation @samp{r} (replace). In particular, the combination @samp{qu} is
442 not allowed, since checking the timestamps would lose any speed
443 advantage from the operation @samp{q}.
444
445 @item v
446 This modifier requests the @emph{verbose} version of an operation. Many
447 operations display additional information, such as filenames processed,
448 when the modifier @samp{v} is appended.
449
450 @item V
451 This modifier shows the version number of @code{ar}.
452 @end table
453
454 @node ar scripts
455 @section Controlling @code{ar} with a script
456
457 @smallexample
458 ar -M [ <@var{script} ]
459 @end smallexample
460
461 @cindex MRI compatibility, @code{ar}
462 @cindex scripts, @code{ar}
463 If you use the single command-line option @samp{-M} with @code{ar}, you
464 can control its operation with a rudimentary command language. This
465 form of @code{ar} operates interactively if standard input is coming
466 directly from a terminal. During interactive use, @code{ar} prompts for
467 input (the prompt is @samp{AR >}), and continues executing even after
468 errors. If you redirect standard input to a script file, no prompts are
469 issued, and @code{ar} abandons execution (with a nonzero exit code)
470 on any error.
471
472 The @code{ar} command language is @emph{not} designed to be equivalent
473 to the command-line options; in fact, it provides somewhat less control
474 over archives. The only purpose of the command language is to ease the
475 transition to @sc{gnu} @code{ar} for developers who already have scripts
476 written for the MRI ``librarian'' program.
477
478 The syntax for the @code{ar} command language is straightforward:
479 @itemize @bullet
480 @item
481 commands are recognized in upper or lower case; for example, @code{LIST}
482 is the same as @code{list}. In the following descriptions, commands are
483 shown in upper case for clarity.
484
485 @item
486 a single command may appear on each line; it is the first word on the
487 line.
488
489 @item
490 empty lines are allowed, and have no effect.
491
492 @item
493 comments are allowed; text after either of the characters @samp{*}
494 or @samp{;} is ignored.
495
496 @item
497 Whenever you use a list of names as part of the argument to an @code{ar}
498 command, you can separate the individual names with either commas or
499 blanks. Commas are shown in the explanations below, for clarity.
500
501 @item
502 @samp{+} is used as a line continuation character; if @samp{+} appears
503 at the end of a line, the text on the following line is considered part
504 of the current command.
505 @end itemize
506
507 Here are the commands you can use in @code{ar} scripts, or when using
508 @code{ar} interactively. Three of them have special significance:
509
510 @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE} specify a @dfn{current archive}, which is
511 a temporary file required for most of the other commands.
512
513 @code{SAVE} commits the changes so far specified by the script. Prior
514 to @code{SAVE}, commands affect only the temporary copy of the current
515 archive.
516
517 @table @code
518 @item ADDLIB @var{archive}
519 @itemx ADDLIB @var{archive} (@var{module}, @var{module}, @dots{} @var{module})
520 Add all the contents of @var{archive} (or, if specified, each named
521 @var{module} from @var{archive}) to the current archive.
522
523 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
524
525 @item ADDMOD @var{member}, @var{member}, @dots{} @var{member}
526 @c FIXME! w/Replacement?? If so, like "ar r @var{archive} @var{names}"
527 @c else like "ar q..."
528 Add each named @var{member} as a module in the current archive.
529
530 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
531
532 @item CLEAR
533 Discard the contents of the current archive, canceling the effect of
534 any operations since the last @code{SAVE}. May be executed (with no
535 effect) even if no current archive is specified.
536
537 @item CREATE @var{archive}
538 Creates an archive, and makes it the current archive (required for many
539 other commands). The new archive is created with a temporary name; it
540 is not actually saved as @var{archive} until you use @code{SAVE}.
541 You can overwrite existing archives; similarly, the contents of any
542 existing file named @var{archive} will not be destroyed until @code{SAVE}.
543
544 @item DELETE @var{module}, @var{module}, @dots{} @var{module}
545 Delete each listed @var{module} from the current archive; equivalent to
546 @samp{ar -d @var{archive} @var{module} @dots{} @var{module}}.
547
548 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
549
550 @item DIRECTORY @var{archive} (@var{module}, @dots{} @var{module})
551 @itemx DIRECTORY @var{archive} (@var{module}, @dots{} @var{module}) @var{outputfile}
552 List each named @var{module} present in @var{archive}. The separate
553 command @code{VERBOSE} specifies the form of the output: when verbose
554 output is off, output is like that of @samp{ar -t @var{archive}
555 @var{module}@dots{}}. When verbose output is on, the listing is like
556 @samp{ar -tv @var{archive} @var{module}@dots{}}.
557
558 Output normally goes to the standard output stream; however, if you
559 specify @var{outputfile} as a final argument, @code{ar} directs the
560 output to that file.
561
562 @item END
563 Exit from @code{ar}, with a @code{0} exit code to indicate successful
564 completion. This command does not save the output file; if you have
565 changed the current archive since the last @code{SAVE} command, those
566 changes are lost.
567
568 @item EXTRACT @var{module}, @var{module}, @dots{} @var{module}
569 Extract each named @var{module} from the current archive, writing them
570 into the current directory as separate files. Equivalent to @samp{ar -x
571 @var{archive} @var{module}@dots{}}.
572
573 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
574
575 @ignore
576 @c FIXME Tokens but no commands???
577 @item FULLDIR
578
579 @item HELP
580 @end ignore
581
582 @item LIST
583 Display full contents of the current archive, in ``verbose'' style
584 regardless of the state of @code{VERBOSE}. The effect is like @samp{ar
585 tv @var{archive}}. (This single command is a @sc{gnu} @code{ar}
586 enhancement, rather than present for MRI compatibility.)
587
588 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
589
590 @item OPEN @var{archive}
591 Opens an existing archive for use as the current archive (required for
592 many other commands). Any changes as the result of subsequent commands
593 will not actually affect @var{archive} until you next use @code{SAVE}.
594
595 @item REPLACE @var{module}, @var{module}, @dots{} @var{module}
596 In the current archive, replace each existing @var{module} (named in
597 the @code{REPLACE} arguments) from files in the current working directory.
598 To execute this command without errors, both the file, and the module in
599 the current archive, must exist.
600
601 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
602
603 @item VERBOSE
604 Toggle an internal flag governing the output from @code{DIRECTORY}.
605 When the flag is on, @code{DIRECTORY} output matches output from
606 @samp{ar -tv }@dots{}.
607
608 @item SAVE
609 Commit your changes to the current archive, and actually save it as a
610 file with the name specified in the last @code{CREATE} or @code{OPEN}
611 command.
612
613 Requires prior use of @code{OPEN} or @code{CREATE}.
614
615 @end table
616
617 @iftex
618 @node ld
619 @chapter ld
620 @cindex linker
621 @kindex ld
622 The @sc{gnu} linker @code{ld} is now described in a separate manual.
623 @xref{Top,, Overview,, Using LD: the @sc{gnu} linker}.
624 @end iftex
625
626 @node nm
627 @chapter nm
628 @cindex symbols
629 @kindex nm
630
631 @smallexample
632 nm [ -a | --debug-syms ] [ -g | --extern-only ]
633 [ -B ] [ -C | --demangle[=@var{style}] ] [ -D | --dynamic ]
634 [ -s | --print-armap ] [ -A | -o | --print-file-name ]
635 [ -n | -v | --numeric-sort ] [ -p | --no-sort ]
636 [ -r | --reverse-sort ] [ --size-sort ] [ -u | --undefined-only ]
637 [ -t @var{radix} | --radix=@var{radix} ] [ -P | --portability ]
638 [ --target=@var{bfdname} ] [ -f @var{format} | --format=@var{format} ]
639 [ --defined-only ] [-l | --line-numbers ]
640 [ --no-demangle ] [ -V | --version ] [ --help ] [ @var{objfile}@dots{} ]
641 @end smallexample
642
643 @sc{gnu} @code{nm} lists the symbols from object files @var{objfile}@dots{}.
644 If no object files are listed as arguments, @code{nm} assumes the file
645 @file{a.out}.
646
647 For each symbol, @code{nm} shows:
648
649 @itemize @bullet
650 @item
651 The symbol value, in the radix selected by options (see below), or
652 hexadecimal by default.
653
654 @item
655 The symbol type. At least the following types are used; others are, as
656 well, depending on the object file format. If lowercase, the symbol is
657 local; if uppercase, the symbol is global (external).
658
659 @c Some more detail on exactly what these symbol types are used for
660 @c would be nice.
661 @table @code
662 @item A
663 The symbol's value is absolute, and will not be changed by further
664 linking.
665
666 @item B
667 The symbol is in the uninitialized data section (known as BSS).
668
669 @item C
670 The symbol is common. Common symbols are uninitialized data. When
671 linking, multiple common symbols may appear with the same name. If the
672 symbol is defined anywhere, the common symbols are treated as undefined
673 references. For more details on common symbols, see the discussion of
674 --warn-common in @ref{Options,,Linker options,ld.info,The GNU linker}.
675
676 @item D
677 The symbol is in the initialized data section.
678
679 @item G
680 The symbol is in an initialized data section for small objects. Some
681 object file formats permit more efficient access to small data objects,
682 such as a global int variable as opposed to a large global array.
683
684 @item I
685 The symbol is an indirect reference to another symbol. This is a GNU
686 extension to the a.out object file format which is rarely used.
687
688 @item N
689 The symbol is a debugging symbol.
690
691 @item R
692 The symbol is in a read only data section.
693
694 @item S
695 The symbol is in an uninitialized data section for small objects.
696
697 @item T
698 The symbol is in the text (code) section.
699
700 @item U
701 The symbol is undefined.
702
703 @item V
704 The symbol is a weak object. When a weak defined symbol is linked with
705 a normal defined symbol, the normal defined symbol is used with no error.
706 When a weak undefined symbol is linked and the symbol is not defined,
707 the value of the weak symbol becomes zero with no error.
708
709 @item W
710 The symbol is a weak symbol that has not been specifically tagged as a
711 weak object symbol. When a weak defined symbol is linked with a normal
712 defined symbol, the normal defined symbol is used with no error.
713 When a weak undefined symbol is linked and the symbol is not defined,
714 the value of the weak symbol becomes zero with no error.
715
716 @item -
717 The symbol is a stabs symbol in an a.out object file. In this case, the
718 next values printed are the stabs other field, the stabs desc field, and
719 the stab type. Stabs symbols are used to hold debugging information;
720 for more information, see @ref{Top,Stabs,Stabs Overview,stabs.info, The
721 ``stabs'' debug format}.
722
723 @item ?
724 The symbol type is unknown, or object file format specific.
725 @end table
726
727 @item
728 The symbol name.
729 @end itemize
730
731 The long and short forms of options, shown here as alternatives, are
732 equivalent.
733
734 @table @code
735 @item -A
736 @itemx -o
737 @itemx --print-file-name
738 @cindex input file name
739 @cindex file name
740 @cindex source file name
741 Precede each symbol by the name of the input file (or archive member)
742 in which it was found, rather than identifying the input file once only,
743 before all of its symbols.
744
745 @item -a
746 @itemx --debug-syms
747 @cindex debugging symbols
748 Display all symbols, even debugger-only symbols; normally these are not
749 listed.
750
751 @item -B
752 @cindex @code{nm} format
753 @cindex @code{nm} compatibility
754 The same as @samp{--format=bsd} (for compatibility with the MIPS @code{nm}).
755
756 @item -C
757 @itemx --demangle[=@var{style}]
758 @cindex demangling in nm
759 Decode (@dfn{demangle}) low-level symbol names into user-level names.
760 Besides removing any initial underscore prepended by the system, this
761 makes C++ function names readable. Different compilers have different
762 mangling styles. The optional demangling style argument can be used to
763 choose an appropriate demangling style for your compiler. @xref{c++filt},
764 for more information on demangling.
765
766 @item --no-demangle
767 Do not demangle low-level symbol names. This is the default.
768
769 @item -D
770 @itemx --dynamic
771 @cindex dynamic symbols
772 Display the dynamic symbols rather than the normal symbols. This is
773 only meaningful for dynamic objects, such as certain types of shared
774 libraries.
775
776 @item -f @var{format}
777 @itemx --format=@var{format}
778 @cindex @code{nm} format
779 @cindex @code{nm} compatibility
780 Use the output format @var{format}, which can be @code{bsd},
781 @code{sysv}, or @code{posix}. The default is @code{bsd}.
782 Only the first character of @var{format} is significant; it can be
783 either upper or lower case.
784
785 @item -g
786 @itemx --extern-only
787 @cindex external symbols
788 Display only external symbols.
789
790 @item -l
791 @itemx --line-numbers
792 @cindex symbol line numbers
793 For each symbol, use debugging information to try to find a filename and
794 line number. For a defined symbol, look for the line number of the
795 address of the symbol. For an undefined symbol, look for the line
796 number of a relocation entry which refers to the symbol. If line number
797 information can be found, print it after the other symbol information.
798
799 @item -n
800 @itemx -v
801 @itemx --numeric-sort
802 Sort symbols numerically by their addresses, rather than alphabetically
803 by their names.
804
805 @item -p
806 @itemx --no-sort
807 @cindex sorting symbols
808 Do not bother to sort the symbols in any order; print them in the order
809 encountered.
810
811 @item -P
812 @itemx --portability
813 Use the POSIX.2 standard output format instead of the default format.
814 Equivalent to @samp{-f posix}.
815
816 @item -s
817 @itemx --print-armap
818 @cindex symbol index, listing
819 When listing symbols from archive members, include the index: a mapping
820 (stored in the archive by @code{ar} or @code{ranlib}) of which modules
821 contain definitions for which names.
822
823 @item -r
824 @itemx --reverse-sort
825 Reverse the order of the sort (whether numeric or alphabetic); let the
826 last come first.
827
828 @item --size-sort
829 Sort symbols by size. The size is computed as the difference between
830 the value of the symbol and the value of the symbol with the next higher
831 value. The size of the symbol is printed, rather than the value.
832
833 @item -t @var{radix}
834 @itemx --radix=@var{radix}
835 Use @var{radix} as the radix for printing the symbol values. It must be
836 @samp{d} for decimal, @samp{o} for octal, or @samp{x} for hexadecimal.
837
838 @item --target=@var{bfdname}
839 @cindex object code format
840 Specify an object code format other than your system's default format.
841 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
842
843 @item -u
844 @itemx --undefined-only
845 @cindex external symbols
846 @cindex undefined symbols
847 Display only undefined symbols (those external to each object file).
848
849 @item --defined-only
850 @cindex external symbols
851 @cindex undefined symbols
852 Display only defined symbols for each object file.
853
854 @item -V
855 @itemx --version
856 Show the version number of @code{nm} and exit.
857
858 @item --help
859 Show a summary of the options to @code{nm} and exit.
860 @end table
861
862 @node objcopy
863 @chapter objcopy
864
865 @smallexample
866 objcopy [ -F @var{bfdname} | --target=@var{bfdname} ]
867 [ -I @var{bfdname} | --input-target=@var{bfdname} ]
868 [ -O @var{bfdname} | --output-target=@var{bfdname} ]
869 [ -S | --strip-all ] [ -g | --strip-debug ]
870 [ -K @var{symbolname} | --keep-symbol=@var{symbolname} ]
871 [ -N @var{symbolname} | --strip-symbol=@var{symbolname} ]
872 [ -L @var{symbolname} | --localize-symbol=@var{symbolname} ]
873 [ -W @var{symbolname} | --weaken-symbol=@var{symbolname} ]
874 [ -x | --discard-all ] [ -X | --discard-locals ]
875 [ -b @var{byte} | --byte=@var{byte} ]
876 [ -i @var{interleave} | --interleave=@var{interleave} ]
877 [ -j @var{sectionname} | --only-section=@var{sectionname} ]
878 [ -R @var{sectionname} | --remove-section=@var{sectionname} ]
879 [ -p | --preserve-dates ] [ --debugging ]
880 [ --gap-fill=@var{val} ] [ --pad-to=@var{address} ]
881 [ --set-start=@var{val} ] [ --adjust-start=@var{incr} ]
882 [ --change-addresses=@var{incr} ]
883 [ --change-section-address @var{section}@{=,+,-@}@var{val} ]
884 [ --change-section-lma @var{section}@{=,+,-@}@var{val} ]
885 [ --change-section-vma @var{section}@{=,+,-@}@var{val} ]
886 [ --change-warnings ] [ --no-change-warnings ]
887 [ --set-section-flags @var{section}=@var{flags} ]
888 [ --add-section @var{sectionname}=@var{filename} ]
889 [ --change-leading-char ] [ --remove-leading-char ]
890 [ --redefine-sym @var{old}=@var{new} ] [ --weaken ]
891 [ -v | --verbose ] [ -V | --version ] [ --help ]
892 @var{infile} [@var{outfile}]
893 @end smallexample
894
895 The @sc{gnu} @code{objcopy} utility copies the contents of an object
896 file to another. @code{objcopy} uses the @sc{gnu} @sc{bfd} Library to
897 read and write the object files. It can write the destination object
898 file in a format different from that of the source object file. The
899 exact behavior of @code{objcopy} is controlled by command-line options.
900 Note that @code{objcopy} should be able to copy a fully linked file
901 between any two formats. However, copying a relocatable object file
902 between any two formats may not work as expected.
903
904 @code{objcopy} creates temporary files to do its translations and
905 deletes them afterward. @code{objcopy} uses @sc{bfd} to do all its
906 translation work; it has access to all the formats described in @sc{bfd}
907 and thus is able to recognize most formats without being told
908 explicitly. @xref{BFD,,BFD,ld.info,Using LD}.
909
910 @code{objcopy} can be used to generate S-records by using an output
911 target of @samp{srec} (e.g., use @samp{-O srec}).
912
913 @code{objcopy} can be used to generate a raw binary file by using an
914 output target of @samp{binary} (e.g., use @samp{-O binary}). When
915 @code{objcopy} generates a raw binary file, it will essentially produce
916 a memory dump of the contents of the input object file. All symbols and
917 relocation information will be discarded. The memory dump will start at
918 the load address of the lowest section copied into the output file.
919
920 When generating an S-record or a raw binary file, it may be helpful to
921 use @samp{-S} to remove sections containing debugging information. In
922 some cases @samp{-R} will be useful to remove sections which contain
923 information that is not needed by the binary file.
924
925 @table @code
926 @item @var{infile}
927 @itemx @var{outfile}
928 The input and output files, respectively.
929 If you do not specify @var{outfile}, @code{objcopy} creates a
930 temporary file and destructively renames the result with
931 the name of @var{infile}.
932
933 @item -I @var{bfdname}
934 @itemx --input-target=@var{bfdname}
935 Consider the source file's object format to be @var{bfdname}, rather than
936 attempting to deduce it. @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
937
938 @item -O @var{bfdname}
939 @itemx --output-target=@var{bfdname}
940 Write the output file using the object format @var{bfdname}.
941 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
942
943 @item -F @var{bfdname}
944 @itemx --target=@var{bfdname}
945 Use @var{bfdname} as the object format for both the input and the output
946 file; i.e., simply transfer data from source to destination with no
947 translation. @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
948
949 @item -j @var{sectionname}
950 @itemx --only-section=@var{sectionname}
951 Copy only the named section from the input file to the output file.
952 This option may be given more than once. Note that using this option
953 inappropriately may make the output file unusable.
954
955 @item -R @var{sectionname}
956 @itemx --remove-section=@var{sectionname}
957 Remove any section named @var{sectionname} from the output file. This
958 option may be given more than once. Note that using this option
959 inappropriately may make the output file unusable.
960
961 @item -S
962 @itemx --strip-all
963 Do not copy relocation and symbol information from the source file.
964
965 @item -g
966 @itemx --strip-debug
967 Do not copy debugging symbols from the source file.
968
969 @item --strip-unneeded
970 Strip all symbols that are not needed for relocation processing.
971
972 @item -K @var{symbolname}
973 @itemx --keep-symbol=@var{symbolname}
974 Copy only symbol @var{symbolname} from the source file. This option may
975 be given more than once.
976
977 @item -N @var{symbolname}
978 @itemx --strip-symbol=@var{symbolname}
979 Do not copy symbol @var{symbolname} from the source file. This option
980 may be given more than once.
981
982 @item -L @var{symbolname}
983 @itemx --localize-symbol=@var{symbolname}
984 Make symbol @var{symbolname} local to the file, so that it is not
985 visible externally. This option may be given more than once.
986
987 @item -W @var{symbolname}
988 @itemx --weaken-symbol=@var{symbolname}
989 Make symbol @var{symbolname} weak. This option may be given more than once.
990
991 @item -x
992 @itemx --discard-all
993 Do not copy non-global symbols from the source file.
994 @c FIXME any reason to prefer "non-global" to "local" here?
995
996 @item -X
997 @itemx --discard-locals
998 Do not copy compiler-generated local symbols.
999 (These usually start with @samp{L} or @samp{.}.)
1000
1001 @item -b @var{byte}
1002 @itemx --byte=@var{byte}
1003 Keep only every @var{byte}th byte of the input file (header data is not
1004 affected). @var{byte} can be in the range from 0 to @var{interleave}-1,
1005 where @var{interleave} is given by the @samp{-i} or @samp{--interleave}
1006 option, or the default of 4. This option is useful for creating files
1007 to program @sc{rom}. It is typically used with an @code{srec} output
1008 target.
1009
1010 @item -i @var{interleave}
1011 @itemx --interleave=@var{interleave}
1012 Only copy one out of every @var{interleave} bytes. Select which byte to
1013 copy with the @var{-b} or @samp{--byte} option. The default is 4.
1014 @code{objcopy} ignores this option if you do not specify either @samp{-b} or
1015 @samp{--byte}.
1016
1017 @item -p
1018 @itemx --preserve-dates
1019 Set the access and modification dates of the output file to be the same
1020 as those of the input file.
1021
1022 @item --debugging
1023 Convert debugging information, if possible. This is not the default
1024 because only certain debugging formats are supported, and the
1025 conversion process can be time consuming.
1026
1027 @item --gap-fill @var{val}
1028 Fill gaps between sections with @var{val}. This operation applies to
1029 the @emph{load address} (LMA) of the sections. It is done by increasing
1030 the size of the section with the lower address, and filling in the extra
1031 space created with @var{val}.
1032
1033 @item --pad-to @var{address}
1034 Pad the output file up to the load address @var{address}. This is
1035 done by increasing the size of the last section. The extra space is
1036 filled in with the value specified by @samp{--gap-fill} (default zero).
1037
1038 @item --set-start @var{val}
1039 Set the start address of the new file to @var{val}. Not all object file
1040 formats support setting the start address.
1041
1042 @item --change-start @var{incr}
1043 @itemx --adjust-start @var{incr}
1044 @cindex changing start address
1045 Change the start address by adding @var{incr}. Not all object file
1046 formats support setting the start address.
1047
1048 @item --change-addresses @var{incr}
1049 @itemx --adjust-vma @var{incr}
1050 @cindex changing object addresses
1051 Change the VMA and LMA addresses of all sections, as well as the start
1052 address, by adding @var{incr}. Some object file formats do not permit
1053 section addresses to be changed arbitrarily. Note that this does not
1054 relocate the sections; if the program expects sections to be loaded at a
1055 certain address, and this option is used to change the sections such
1056 that they are loaded at a different address, the program may fail.
1057
1058 @item --change-section-address @var{section}@{=,+,-@}@var{val}
1059 @itemx --adjust-section-vma @var{section}@{=,+,-@}@var{val}
1060 @cindex changing section address
1061 Set or change both the VMA address and the LMA address of the named
1062 @var{section}. If @samp{=} is used, the section address is set to
1063 @var{val}. Otherwise, @var{val} is added to or subtracted from the
1064 section address. See the comments under @samp{--change-addresses},
1065 above. If @var{section} does not exist in the input file, a warning will
1066 be issued, unless @samp{--no-change-warnings} is used.
1067
1068 @item --change-section-lma @var{section}@{=,+,-@}@var{val}
1069 @cindex changing section LMA
1070 Set or change the LMA address of the named @var{section}. The LMA
1071 address is the address where the section will be loaded into memory at
1072 program load time. Normally this is the same as the VMA address, which
1073 is the address of the section at program run time, but on some systems,
1074 especially those where a program is held in ROM, the two can be
1075 different. If @samp{=} is used, the section address is set to
1076 @var{val}. Otherwise, @var{val} is added to or subtracted from the
1077 section address. See the comments under @samp{--change-addresses},
1078 above. If @var{section} does not exist in the input file, a warning
1079 will be issued, unless @samp{--no-change-warnings} is used.
1080
1081 @item --change-section-vma @var{section}@{=,+,-@}@var{val}
1082 @cindex changing section VMA
1083 Set or change the VMA address of the named @var{section}. The VMA
1084 address is the address where the section will be located once the
1085 program has started executing. Normally this is the same as the LMA
1086 address, which is the address where the section will be loaded into
1087 memory, but on some systems, especially those where a program is held in
1088 ROM, the two can be different. If @samp{=} is used, the section address
1089 is set to @var{val}. Otherwise, @var{val} is added to or subtracted
1090 from the section address. See the comments under
1091 @samp{--change-addresses}, above. If @var{section} does not exist in
1092 the input file, a warning will be issued, unless
1093 @samp{--no-change-warnings} is used.
1094
1095 @item --change-warnings
1096 @itemx --adjust-warnings
1097 If @samp{--change-section-address} or @samp{--change-section-lma} or
1098 @samp{--change-section-vma} is used, and the named section does not
1099 exist, issue a warning. This is the default.
1100
1101 @item --no-change-warnings
1102 @itemx --no-adjust-warnings
1103 Do not issue a warning if @samp{--change-section-address} or
1104 @samp{--adjust-section-lma} or @samp{--adjust-section-vma} is used, even
1105 if the named section does not exist.
1106
1107 @item --set-section-flags @var{section}=@var{flags}
1108 Set the flags for the named section. The @var{flags} argument is a
1109 comma separated string of flag names. The recognized names are
1110 @samp{alloc}, @samp{contents}, @samp{load}, @samp{noload},
1111 @samp{readonly}, @samp{code}, @samp{data}, @samp{rom}, @samp{share}, and
1112 @samp{debug}. You can set the @samp{contents} flag for a section which
1113 does not have contents, but it is not meaningful to clear the
1114 @samp{contents} flag of a section which does have contents--just remove
1115 the section instead. Not all flags are meaningful for all object file
1116 formats.
1117
1118 @item --add-section @var{sectionname}=@var{filename}
1119 Add a new section named @var{sectionname} while copying the file. The
1120 contents of the new section are taken from the file @var{filename}. The
1121 size of the section will be the size of the file. This option only
1122 works on file formats which can support sections with arbitrary names.
1123
1124 @item --change-leading-char
1125 Some object file formats use special characters at the start of
1126 symbols. The most common such character is underscore, which compilers
1127 often add before every symbol. This option tells @code{objcopy} to
1128 change the leading character of every symbol when it converts between
1129 object file formats. If the object file formats use the same leading
1130 character, this option has no effect. Otherwise, it will add a
1131 character, or remove a character, or change a character, as
1132 appropriate.
1133
1134 @item --remove-leading-char
1135 If the first character of a global symbol is a special symbol leading
1136 character used by the object file format, remove the character. The
1137 most common symbol leading character is underscore. This option will
1138 remove a leading underscore from all global symbols. This can be useful
1139 if you want to link together objects of different file formats with
1140 different conventions for symbol names. This is different from
1141 @code{--change-leading-char} because it always changes the symbol name
1142 when appropriate, regardless of the object file format of the output
1143 file.
1144
1145 @item --redefine-sym @var{old}=@var{new}
1146 Change the name of a symbol @var{old}, to @var{new}. This can be useful
1147 when one is trying link two things together for which you have no
1148 source, and there are name collisions.
1149
1150 @item --weaken
1151 Change all global symbols in the file to be weak. This can be useful
1152 when building an object which will be linked against other objects using
1153 the @code{-R} option to the linker. This option is only effective when
1154 using an object file format which supports weak symbols.
1155
1156 @item -V
1157 @itemx --version
1158 Show the version number of @code{objcopy}.
1159
1160 @item -v
1161 @itemx --verbose
1162 Verbose output: list all object files modified. In the case of
1163 archives, @samp{objcopy -V} lists all members of the archive.
1164
1165 @item --help
1166 Show a summary of the options to @code{objcopy}.
1167 @end table
1168
1169 @node objdump
1170 @chapter objdump
1171
1172 @cindex object file information
1173 @kindex objdump
1174
1175 @smallexample
1176 objdump [ -a | --archive-headers ]
1177 [ -b @var{bfdname} | --target=@var{bfdname} ]
1178 [ -C | --demangle[=@var{style}] ]
1179 [ -d | --disassemble ]
1180 [ -D | --disassemble-all ]
1181 [ -z | --disassemble-zeroes ]
1182 [ -EB | -EL | --endian=@{big | little @} ]
1183 [ -f | --file-headers ]
1184 [ --file-start-context ]
1185 [ -g | --debugging ]
1186 [ -h | --section-headers | --headers ]
1187 [ -i | --info ]
1188 [ -j @var{section} | --section=@var{section} ]
1189 [ -l | --line-numbers ]
1190 [ -S | --source ]
1191 [ -m @var{machine} | --architecture=@var{machine} ]
1192 [ -M @var{options} | --disassembler-options=@var{options}]
1193 [ -p | --private-headers ]
1194 [ -r | --reloc ]
1195 [ -R | --dynamic-reloc ]
1196 [ -s | --full-contents ]
1197 [ -G | --stabs ]
1198 [ -t | --syms ]
1199 [ -T | --dynamic-syms ]
1200 [ -x | --all-headers ]
1201 [ -w | --wide ]
1202 [ --start-address=@var{address} ]
1203 [ --stop-address=@var{address} ]
1204 [ --prefix-addresses]
1205 [ --[no-]show-raw-insn ]
1206 [ --adjust-vma=@var{offset} ]
1207 [ -V | --version ]
1208 [ -H | --help ]
1209 @var{objfile}@dots{}
1210 @end smallexample
1211
1212 @code{objdump} displays information about one or more object files.
1213 The options control what particular information to display. This
1214 information is mostly useful to programmers who are working on the
1215 compilation tools, as opposed to programmers who just want their
1216 program to compile and work.
1217
1218 @var{objfile}@dots{} are the object files to be examined. When you
1219 specify archives, @code{objdump} shows information on each of the member
1220 object files.
1221
1222 The long and short forms of options, shown here as alternatives, are
1223 equivalent. At least one option from the list
1224 @samp{-a,-d,-D,-f,-g,-G,-h,-H,-p,-r,-R,-S,-t,-T,-V,-x} must be given.
1225
1226 @table @code
1227 @item -a
1228 @itemx --archive-header
1229 @cindex archive headers
1230 If any of the @var{objfile} files are archives, display the archive
1231 header information (in a format similar to @samp{ls -l}). Besides the
1232 information you could list with @samp{ar tv}, @samp{objdump -a} shows
1233 the object file format of each archive member.
1234
1235 @item --adjust-vma=@var{offset}
1236 @cindex section addresses in objdump
1237 @cindex VMA in objdump
1238 When dumping information, first add @var{offset} to all the section
1239 addresses. This is useful if the section addresses do not correspond to
1240 the symbol table, which can happen when putting sections at particular
1241 addresses when using a format which can not represent section addresses,
1242 such as a.out.
1243
1244 @item -b @var{bfdname}
1245 @itemx --target=@var{bfdname}
1246 @cindex object code format
1247 Specify that the object-code format for the object files is
1248 @var{bfdname}. This option may not be necessary; @var{objdump} can
1249 automatically recognize many formats.
1250
1251 For example,
1252 @example
1253 objdump -b oasys -m vax -h fu.o
1254 @end example
1255 @noindent
1256 displays summary information from the section headers (@samp{-h}) of
1257 @file{fu.o}, which is explicitly identified (@samp{-m}) as a VAX object
1258 file in the format produced by Oasys compilers. You can list the
1259 formats available with the @samp{-i} option.
1260 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1261
1262 @item -C
1263 @itemx --demangle[=@var{style}]
1264 @cindex demangling in objdump
1265 Decode (@dfn{demangle}) low-level symbol names into user-level names.
1266 Besides removing any initial underscore prepended by the system, this
1267 makes C++ function names readable. Different compilers have different
1268 mangling styles. The optional demangling style argument can be used to
1269 choose an appropriate demangling style for your compiler. @xref{c++filt},
1270 for more information on demangling.
1271
1272 @item -G
1273 @item --debugging
1274 Display debugging information. This attempts to parse debugging
1275 information stored in the file and print it out using a C like syntax.
1276 Only certain types of debugging information have been implemented.
1277
1278 @item -d
1279 @itemx --disassemble
1280 @cindex disassembling object code
1281 @cindex machine instructions
1282 Display the assembler mnemonics for the machine instructions from
1283 @var{objfile}. This option only disassembles those sections which are
1284 expected to contain instructions.
1285
1286 @item -D
1287 @itemx --disassemble-all
1288 Like @samp{-d}, but disassemble the contents of all sections, not just
1289 those expected to contain instructions.
1290
1291 @item --prefix-addresses
1292 When disassembling, print the complete address on each line. This is
1293 the older disassembly format.
1294
1295 @item --disassemble-zeroes
1296 Normally the disassembly output will skip blocks of zeroes. This
1297 option directs the disassembler to disassemble those blocks, just like
1298 any other data.
1299
1300 @item -EB
1301 @itemx -EL
1302 @itemx --endian=@{big|little@}
1303 @cindex endianness
1304 @cindex disassembly endianness
1305 Specify the endianness of the object files. This only affects
1306 disassembly. This can be useful when disassembling a file format which
1307 does not describe endianness information, such as S-records.
1308
1309 @item -f
1310 @itemx --file-header
1311 @cindex object file header
1312 Display summary information from the overall header of
1313 each of the @var{objfile} files.
1314
1315 @item --file-start-context
1316 @cindex source code context
1317 Specify that when displaying interlisted source code/disassembly
1318 (assumes '-S') from a file that has not yet been displayed, extend the
1319 context to the start of the file.
1320
1321 @item -h
1322 @itemx --section-header
1323 @itemx --header
1324 @cindex section headers
1325 Display summary information from the section headers of the
1326 object file.
1327
1328 File segments may be relocated to nonstandard addresses, for example by
1329 using the @samp{-Ttext}, @samp{-Tdata}, or @samp{-Tbss} options to
1330 @code{ld}. However, some object file formats, such as a.out, do not
1331 store the starting address of the file segments. In those situations,
1332 although @code{ld} relocates the sections correctly, using @samp{objdump
1333 -h} to list the file section headers cannot show the correct addresses.
1334 Instead, it shows the usual addresses, which are implicit for the
1335 target.
1336
1337 @item --help
1338 Print a summary of the options to @code{objdump} and exit.
1339
1340 @item -i
1341 @itemx --info
1342 @cindex architectures available
1343 @cindex object formats available
1344 Display a list showing all architectures and object formats available
1345 for specification with @samp{-b} or @samp{-m}.
1346
1347 @item -j @var{name}
1348 @itemx --section=@var{name}
1349 @cindex section information
1350 Display information only for section @var{name}.
1351
1352 @item -l
1353 @itemx --line-numbers
1354 @cindex source filenames for object files
1355 Label the display (using debugging information) with the filename and
1356 source line numbers corresponding to the object code or relocs shown.
1357 Only useful with @samp{-d}, @samp{-D}, or @samp{-r}.
1358
1359 @item -m @var{machine}
1360 @itemx --architecture=@var{machine}
1361 @cindex architecture
1362 @cindex disassembly architecture
1363 Specify the architecture to use when disassembling object files. This
1364 can be useful when disassembling object files which do not describe
1365 architecture information, such as S-records. You can list the available
1366 architectures with the @samp{-i} option.
1367
1368 @item -M @var{options}
1369 @itemx --disassembler-options=@var{options}
1370 Pass target specific information to the disassembler. Only supported on
1371 some targets.
1372
1373 If the target is an ARM architecture then this switch can be used to
1374 select which register name set is used during disassembler. Specifying
1375 @samp{-M reg-name-std} (the default) will select the register names as
1376 used in ARM's instruction set documentation, but with register 13 called
1377 'sp', register 14 called 'lr' and register 15 called 'pc'. Specifying
1378 @samp{-M reg-names-apcs} will select the name set used by the ARM
1379 Procedure Call Standard, whilst specifying @samp{-M reg-names-raw} will
1380 just use @samp{r} followed by the register number.
1381
1382 There are also two variants on the APCS register naming scheme enabled
1383 by @samp{-M reg-names-atpcs} and @samp{-M reg-names-special-atpcs} which
1384 use the ARM/Thumb Procedure Call Standard naming conventions. (Eiuther
1385 with the normal register name sor the special register names).
1386
1387 This option can also be used for ARM architectures to force the
1388 disassembler to interpret all instructions as THUMB instructions by
1389 using the switch @samp{--disassembler-options=force-thumb}. This can be
1390 useful when attempting to disassemble thumb code produced by other
1391 compilers.
1392
1393 @item -p
1394 @itemx --private-headers
1395 Print information that is specific to the object file format. The exact
1396 information printed depends upon the object file format. For some
1397 object file formats, no additional information is printed.
1398
1399 @item -r
1400 @itemx --reloc
1401 @cindex relocation entries, in object file
1402 Print the relocation entries of the file. If used with @samp{-d} or
1403 @samp{-D}, the relocations are printed interspersed with the
1404 disassembly.
1405
1406 @item -R
1407 @itemx --dynamic-reloc
1408 @cindex dynamic relocation entries, in object file
1409 Print the dynamic relocation entries of the file. This is only
1410 meaningful for dynamic objects, such as certain types of shared
1411 libraries.
1412
1413 @item -s
1414 @itemx --full-contents
1415 @cindex sections, full contents
1416 @cindex object file sections
1417 Display the full contents of any sections requested.
1418
1419 @item -S
1420 @itemx --source
1421 @cindex source disassembly
1422 @cindex disassembly, with source
1423 Display source code intermixed with disassembly, if possible. Implies
1424 @samp{-d}.
1425
1426 @item --show-raw-insn
1427 When disassembling instructions, print the instruction in hex as well as
1428 in symbolic form. This is the default except when
1429 @code{--prefix-addresses} is used.
1430
1431 @item --no-show-raw-insn
1432 When disassembling instructions, do not print the instruction bytes.
1433 This is the default when @code{--prefix-addresses} is used.
1434
1435 @item -G
1436 @item --stabs
1437 @cindex stab
1438 @cindex .stab
1439 @cindex debug symbols
1440 @cindex ELF object file format
1441 Display the full contents of any sections requested. Display the
1442 contents of the .stab and .stab.index and .stab.excl sections from an
1443 ELF file. This is only useful on systems (such as Solaris 2.0) in which
1444 @code{.stab} debugging symbol-table entries are carried in an ELF
1445 section. In most other file formats, debugging symbol-table entries are
1446 interleaved with linkage symbols, and are visible in the @samp{--syms}
1447 output. For more information on stabs symbols, see @ref{Top,Stabs,Stabs
1448 Overview,stabs.info, The ``stabs'' debug format}.
1449
1450 @item --start-address=@var{address}
1451 @cindex start-address
1452 Start displaying data at the specified address. This affects the output
1453 of the @code{-d}, @code{-r} and @code{-s} options.
1454
1455 @item --stop-address=@var{address}
1456 @cindex stop-address
1457 Stop displaying data at the specified address. This affects the output
1458 of the @code{-d}, @code{-r} and @code{-s} options.
1459
1460 @item -t
1461 @itemx --syms
1462 @cindex symbol table entries, printing
1463 Print the symbol table entries of the file.
1464 This is similar to the information provided by the @samp{nm} program.
1465
1466 @item -T
1467 @itemx --dynamic-syms
1468 @cindex dynamic symbol table entries, printing
1469 Print the dynamic symbol table entries of the file. This is only
1470 meaningful for dynamic objects, such as certain types of shared
1471 libraries. This is similar to the information provided by the @samp{nm}
1472 program when given the @samp{-D} (@samp{--dynamic}) option.
1473
1474 @item --version
1475 Print the version number of @code{objdump} and exit.
1476
1477 @item -x
1478 @itemx --all-header
1479 @cindex all header information, object file
1480 @cindex header information, all
1481 Display all available header information, including the symbol table and
1482 relocation entries. Using @samp{-x} is equivalent to specifying all of
1483 @samp{-a -f -h -r -t}.
1484
1485 @item -w
1486 @itemx --wide
1487 @cindex wide output, printing
1488 Format some lines for output devices that have more than 80 columns.
1489 @end table
1490
1491 @node ranlib
1492 @chapter ranlib
1493
1494 @kindex ranlib
1495 @cindex archive contents
1496 @cindex symbol index
1497
1498 @smallexample
1499 ranlib [-vV] @var{archive}
1500 @end smallexample
1501
1502 @code{ranlib} generates an index to the contents of an archive and
1503 stores it in the archive. The index lists each symbol defined by a
1504 member of an archive that is a relocatable object file.
1505
1506 You may use @samp{nm -s} or @samp{nm --print-armap} to list this index.
1507
1508 An archive with such an index speeds up linking to the library and
1509 allows routines in the library to call each other without regard to
1510 their placement in the archive.
1511
1512 The @sc{gnu} @code{ranlib} program is another form of @sc{gnu} @code{ar}; running
1513 @code{ranlib} is completely equivalent to executing @samp{ar -s}.
1514 @xref{ar}.
1515
1516 @table @code
1517 @item -v
1518 @itemx -V
1519 @itemx --version
1520 Show the version number of @code{ranlib}.
1521 @end table
1522
1523 @node size
1524 @chapter size
1525
1526 @kindex size
1527 @cindex section sizes
1528
1529 @smallexample
1530 size [ -A | -B | --format=@var{compatibility} ]
1531 [ --help ] [ -d | -o | -x | --radix=@var{number} ]
1532 [ --target=@var{bfdname} ] [ -V | --version ]
1533 [ @var{objfile}@dots{} ]
1534 @end smallexample
1535
1536 The @sc{gnu} @code{size} utility lists the section sizes---and the total
1537 size---for each of the object or archive files @var{objfile} in its
1538 argument list. By default, one line of output is generated for each
1539 object file or each module in an archive.
1540
1541 @var{objfile}@dots{} are the object files to be examined.
1542 If none are specified, the file @code{a.out} will be used.
1543
1544 The command line options have the following meanings:
1545
1546 @table @code
1547 @item -A
1548 @itemx -B
1549 @itemx --format=@var{compatibility}
1550 @cindex @code{size} display format
1551 Using one of these options, you can choose whether the output from @sc{gnu}
1552 @code{size} resembles output from System V @code{size} (using @samp{-A},
1553 or @samp{--format=sysv}), or Berkeley @code{size} (using @samp{-B}, or
1554 @samp{--format=berkeley}). The default is the one-line format similar to
1555 Berkeley's.
1556 @c Bonus for doc-source readers: you can also say --format=strange (or
1557 @c anything else that starts with 's') for sysv, and --format=boring (or
1558 @c anything else that starts with 'b') for Berkeley.
1559
1560 Here is an example of the Berkeley (default) format of output from
1561 @code{size}:
1562 @smallexample
1563 $ size --format=Berkeley ranlib size
1564 text data bss dec hex filename
1565 294880 81920 11592 388392 5ed28 ranlib
1566 294880 81920 11888 388688 5ee50 size
1567 @end smallexample
1568
1569 @noindent
1570 This is the same data, but displayed closer to System V conventions:
1571
1572 @smallexample
1573 $ size --format=SysV ranlib size
1574 ranlib :
1575 section size addr
1576 .text 294880 8192
1577 .data 81920 303104
1578 .bss 11592 385024
1579 Total 388392
1580
1581
1582 size :
1583 section size addr
1584 .text 294880 8192
1585 .data 81920 303104
1586 .bss 11888 385024
1587 Total 388688
1588 @end smallexample
1589
1590 @item --help
1591 Show a summary of acceptable arguments and options.
1592
1593 @item -d
1594 @itemx -o
1595 @itemx -x
1596 @itemx --radix=@var{number}
1597 @cindex @code{size} number format
1598 @cindex radix for section sizes
1599 Using one of these options, you can control whether the size of each
1600 section is given in decimal (@samp{-d}, or @samp{--radix=10}); octal
1601 (@samp{-o}, or @samp{--radix=8}); or hexadecimal (@samp{-x}, or
1602 @samp{--radix=16}). In @samp{--radix=@var{number}}, only the three
1603 values (8, 10, 16) are supported. The total size is always given in two
1604 radices; decimal and hexadecimal for @samp{-d} or @samp{-x} output, or
1605 octal and hexadecimal if you're using @samp{-o}.
1606
1607 @item --target=@var{bfdname}
1608 @cindex object code format
1609 Specify that the object-code format for @var{objfile} is
1610 @var{bfdname}. This option may not be necessary; @code{size} can
1611 automatically recognize many formats.
1612 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1613
1614 @item -V
1615 @itemx --version
1616 Display the version number of @code{size}.
1617 @end table
1618
1619 @node strings
1620 @chapter strings
1621 @kindex strings
1622 @cindex listings strings
1623 @cindex printing strings
1624 @cindex strings, printing
1625
1626 @smallexample
1627 strings [-afov] [-@var{min-len}] [-n @var{min-len}] [-t @var{radix}] [-]
1628 [--all] [--print-file-name] [--bytes=@var{min-len}]
1629 [--radix=@var{radix}] [--target=@var{bfdname}]
1630 [--help] [--version] @var{file}@dots{}
1631 @end smallexample
1632
1633 For each @var{file} given, @sc{gnu} @code{strings} prints the printable
1634 character sequences that are at least 4 characters long (or the number
1635 given with the options below) and are followed by an unprintable
1636 character. By default, it only prints the strings from the initialized
1637 and loaded sections of object files; for other types of files, it prints
1638 the strings from the whole file.
1639
1640 @code{strings} is mainly useful for determining the contents of non-text
1641 files.
1642
1643 @table @code
1644 @item -a
1645 @itemx --all
1646 @itemx -
1647 Do not scan only the initialized and loaded sections of object files;
1648 scan the whole files.
1649
1650 @item -f
1651 @itemx --print-file-name
1652 Print the name of the file before each string.
1653
1654 @item --help
1655 Print a summary of the program usage on the standard output and exit.
1656
1657 @item -@var{min-len}
1658 @itemx -n @var{min-len}
1659 @itemx --bytes=@var{min-len}
1660 Print sequences of characters that are at least @var{min-len} characters
1661 long, instead of the default 4.
1662
1663 @item -o
1664 Like @samp{-t o}. Some other versions of @code{strings} have @samp{-o}
1665 act like @samp{-t d} instead. Since we can not be compatible with both
1666 ways, we simply chose one.
1667
1668 @item -t @var{radix}
1669 @itemx --radix=@var{radix}
1670 Print the offset within the file before each string. The single
1671 character argument specifies the radix of the offset---@samp{o} for
1672 octal, @samp{x} for hexadecimal, or @samp{d} for decimal.
1673
1674 @item --target=@var{bfdname}
1675 @cindex object code format
1676 Specify an object code format other than your system's default format.
1677 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1678
1679 @item -v
1680 @itemx --version
1681 Print the program version number on the standard output and exit.
1682 @end table
1683
1684 @node strip
1685 @chapter strip
1686
1687 @kindex strip
1688 @cindex removing symbols
1689 @cindex discarding symbols
1690 @cindex symbols, discarding
1691
1692 @smallexample
1693 strip [ -F @var{bfdname} | --target=@var{bfdname} ]
1694 [ -I @var{bfdname} | --input-target=@var{bfdname} ]
1695 [ -O @var{bfdname} | --output-target=@var{bfdname} ]
1696 [ -s | --strip-all ] [ -S | -g | --strip-debug ]
1697 [ -K @var{symbolname} | --keep-symbol=@var{symbolname} ]
1698 [ -N @var{symbolname} | --strip-symbol=@var{symbolname} ]
1699 [ -x | --discard-all ] [ -X | --discard-locals ]
1700 [ -R @var{sectionname} | --remove-section=@var{sectionname} ]
1701 [ -o @var{file} ] [ -p | --preserve-dates ]
1702 [ -v | --verbose ] [ -V | --version ] [ --help ]
1703 @var{objfile}@dots{}
1704 @end smallexample
1705
1706 @sc{gnu} @code{strip} discards all symbols from object files
1707 @var{objfile}. The list of object files may include archives.
1708 At least one object file must be given.
1709
1710 @code{strip} modifies the files named in its argument,
1711 rather than writing modified copies under different names.
1712
1713 @table @code
1714 @item -F @var{bfdname}
1715 @itemx --target=@var{bfdname}
1716 Treat the original @var{objfile} as a file with the object
1717 code format @var{bfdname}, and rewrite it in the same format.
1718 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1719
1720 @item --help
1721 Show a summary of the options to @code{strip} and exit.
1722
1723 @item -I @var{bfdname}
1724 @itemx --input-target=@var{bfdname}
1725 Treat the original @var{objfile} as a file with the object
1726 code format @var{bfdname}.
1727 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1728
1729 @item -O @var{bfdname}
1730 @itemx --output-target=@var{bfdname}
1731 Replace @var{objfile} with a file in the output format @var{bfdname}.
1732 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
1733
1734 @item -R @var{sectionname}
1735 @itemx --remove-section=@var{sectionname}
1736 Remove any section named @var{sectionname} from the output file. This
1737 option may be given more than once. Note that using this option
1738 inappropriately may make the output file unusable.
1739
1740 @item -s
1741 @itemx --strip-all
1742 Remove all symbols.
1743
1744 @item -g
1745 @itemx -S
1746 @itemx --strip-debug
1747 Remove debugging symbols only.
1748
1749 @item --strip-unneeded
1750 Remove all symbols that are not needed for relocation processing.
1751
1752 @item -K @var{symbolname}
1753 @itemx --keep-symbol=@var{symbolname}
1754 Keep only symbol @var{symbolname} from the source file. This option may
1755 be given more than once.
1756
1757 @item -N @var{symbolname}
1758 @itemx --strip-symbol=@var{symbolname}
1759 Remove symbol @var{symbolname} from the source file. This option may be
1760 given more than once, and may be combined with strip options other than
1761 @code{-K}.
1762
1763 @item -o @var{file}
1764 Put the stripped output in @var{file}, rather than replacing the
1765 existing file. When this argument is used, only one @var{objfile}
1766 argument may be specified.
1767
1768 @item -p
1769 @itemx --preserve-dates
1770 Preserve the access and modification dates of the file.
1771
1772 @item -x
1773 @itemx --discard-all
1774 Remove non-global symbols.
1775
1776 @item -X
1777 @itemx --discard-locals
1778 Remove compiler-generated local symbols.
1779 (These usually start with @samp{L} or @samp{.}.)
1780
1781 @item -V
1782 @itemx --version
1783 Show the version number for @code{strip}.
1784
1785 @item -v
1786 @itemx --verbose
1787 Verbose output: list all object files modified. In the case of
1788 archives, @samp{strip -v} lists all members of the archive.
1789 @end table
1790
1791 @node c++filt, addr2line, strip, Top
1792 @chapter c++filt
1793
1794 @kindex c++filt
1795 @cindex demangling C++ symbols
1796
1797 @smallexample
1798 c++filt [ -_ | --strip-underscores ]
1799 [ -j | --java ]
1800 [ -n | --no-strip-underscores ]
1801 [ -s @var{format} | --format=@var{format} ]
1802 [ --help ] [ --version ] [ @var{symbol}@dots{} ]
1803 @end smallexample
1804
1805 @kindex cxxfilt
1806 The C++ and Java languages provides function overloading, which means
1807 that you can write many functions with the same name (providing each
1808 takes parameters of different types). All C++ and Java function names
1809 are encoded into a low-level assembly label (this process is known as
1810 @dfn{mangling}). The @code{c++filt}
1811 @footnote{MS-DOS does not allow @kbd{+} characters in file names, so on
1812 MS-DOS this program is named @code{cxxfilt}.}
1813 program does the inverse mapping: it decodes (@dfn{demangles}) low-level
1814 names into user-level names so that the linker can keep these overloaded
1815 functions from clashing.
1816
1817 Every alphanumeric word (consisting of letters, digits, underscores,
1818 dollars, or periods) seen in the input is a potential label. If the
1819 label decodes into a C++ name, the C++ name replaces the low-level
1820 name in the output.
1821
1822 You can use @code{c++filt} to decipher individual symbols:
1823
1824 @example
1825 c++filt @var{symbol}
1826 @end example
1827
1828 If no @var{symbol} arguments are given, @code{c++filt} reads symbol
1829 names from the standard input and writes the demangled names to the
1830 standard output. All results are printed on the standard output.
1831
1832 @table @code
1833 @item -_
1834 @itemx --strip-underscores
1835 On some systems, both the C and C++ compilers put an underscore in front
1836 of every name. For example, the C name @code{foo} gets the low-level
1837 name @code{_foo}. This option removes the initial underscore. Whether
1838 @code{c++filt} removes the underscore by default is target dependent.
1839
1840 @item -j
1841 @itemx --java
1842 Prints demangled names using Java syntax. The default is to use C++
1843 syntax.
1844
1845 @item -n
1846 @itemx --no-strip-underscores
1847 Do not remove the initial underscore.
1848
1849 @item -s @var{format}
1850 @itemx --format=@var{format}
1851 @sc{gnu} @code{nm} can decode three different methods of mangling, used by
1852 different C++ compilers. The argument to this option selects which
1853 method it uses:
1854
1855 @table @code
1856 @item gnu
1857 the one used by the @sc{gnu} compiler (the default method)
1858 @item lucid
1859 the one used by the Lucid compiler
1860 @item arm
1861 the one specified by the C++ Annotated Reference Manual
1862 @item hp
1863 the one used by the HP compiler
1864 @item edg
1865 the one used by the EDG compiler
1866 @item gnu-new-abi
1867 the one used by the @sc{gnu} compiler with the new ABI.
1868 @end table
1869
1870 @item --help
1871 Print a summary of the options to @code{c++filt} and exit.
1872
1873 @item --version
1874 Print the version number of @code{c++filt} and exit.
1875 @end table
1876
1877 @quotation
1878 @emph{Warning:} @code{c++filt} is a new utility, and the details of its
1879 user interface are subject to change in future releases. In particular,
1880 a command-line option may be required in the the future to decode a name
1881 passed as an argument on the command line; in other words,
1882
1883 @example
1884 c++filt @var{symbol}
1885 @end example
1886
1887 @noindent
1888 may in a future release become
1889
1890 @example
1891 c++filt @var{option} @var{symbol}
1892 @end example
1893 @end quotation
1894
1895 @node addr2line
1896 @chapter addr2line
1897
1898 @kindex addr2line
1899 @cindex address to file name and line number
1900
1901 @smallexample
1902 addr2line [ -b @var{bfdname} | --target=@var{bfdname} ]
1903 [ -C | --demangle[=@var{style} ]
1904 [ -e @var{filename} | --exe=@var{filename} ]
1905 [ -f | --functions ] [ -s | --basename ]
1906 [ -H | --help ] [ -V | --version ]
1907 [ addr addr ... ]
1908 @end smallexample
1909
1910 @code{addr2line} translates program addresses into file names and line
1911 numbers. Given an address and an executable, it uses the debugging
1912 information in the executable to figure out which file name and line
1913 number are associated with a given address.
1914
1915 The executable to use is specified with the @code{-e} option. The
1916 default is the file @file{a.out}.
1917
1918 @code{addr2line} has two modes of operation.
1919
1920 In the first, hexadecimal addresses are specified on the command line,
1921 and @code{addr2line} displays the file name and line number for each
1922 address.
1923
1924 In the second, @code{addr2line} reads hexadecimal addresses from
1925 standard input, and prints the file name and line number for each
1926 address on standard output. In this mode, @code{addr2line} may be used
1927 in a pipe to convert dynamically chosen addresses.
1928
1929 The format of the output is @samp{FILENAME:LINENO}. The file name and
1930 line number for each address is printed on a separate line. If the
1931 @code{-f} option is used, then each @samp{FILENAME:LINENO} line is
1932 preceded by a @samp{FUNCTIONNAME} line which is the name of the function
1933 containing the address.
1934
1935 If the file name or function name can not be determined,
1936 @code{addr2line} will print two question marks in their place. If the
1937 line number can not be determined, @code{addr2line} will print 0.
1938
1939 The long and short forms of options, shown here as alternatives, are
1940 equivalent.
1941
1942 @table @code
1943 @item -b @var{bfdname}
1944 @itemx --target=@var{bfdname}
1945 @cindex object code format
1946 Specify that the object-code format for the object files is
1947 @var{bfdname}.
1948
1949 @item -C
1950 @itemx --demangle[=@var{style}]
1951 @cindex demangling in objdump
1952 Decode (@dfn{demangle}) low-level symbol names into user-level names.
1953 Besides removing any initial underscore prepended by the system, this
1954 makes C++ function names readable. Different compilers have different
1955 mangling styles. The optional demangling style argument can be used to
1956 choose an appropriate demangling style for your compiler. @xref{c++filt},
1957 for more information on demangling.
1958
1959 @item -e @var{filename}
1960 @itemx --exe=@var{filename}
1961 Specify the name of the executable for which addresses should be
1962 translated. The default file is @file{a.out}.
1963
1964 @item -f
1965 @itemx --functions
1966 Display function names as well as file and line number information.
1967
1968 @item -s
1969 @itemx --basenames
1970 Display only the base of each file name.
1971 @end table
1972
1973 @node nlmconv
1974 @chapter nlmconv
1975
1976 @code{nlmconv} converts a relocatable object file into a NetWare
1977 Loadable Module.
1978
1979 @ignore
1980 @code{nlmconv} currently works with @samp{i386} object
1981 files in @code{coff}, @sc{elf}, or @code{a.out} format, and @sc{SPARC}
1982 object files in @sc{elf}, or @code{a.out} format@footnote{
1983 @code{nlmconv} should work with any @samp{i386} or @sc{sparc} object
1984 format in the Binary File Descriptor library. It has only been tested
1985 with the above formats.}.
1986 @end ignore
1987
1988 @quotation
1989 @emph{Warning:} @code{nlmconv} is not always built as part of the binary
1990 utilities, since it is only useful for NLM targets.
1991 @end quotation
1992
1993 @smallexample
1994 nlmconv [ -I @var{bfdname} | --input-target=@var{bfdname} ]
1995 [ -O @var{bfdname} | --output-target=@var{bfdname} ]
1996 [ -T @var{headerfile} | --header-file=@var{headerfile} ]
1997 [ -d | --debug] [ -l @var{linker} | --linker=@var{linker} ]
1998 [ -h | --help ] [ -V | --version ]
1999 @var{infile} @var{outfile}
2000 @end smallexample
2001
2002 @code{nlmconv} converts the relocatable @samp{i386} object file
2003 @var{infile} into the NetWare Loadable Module @var{outfile}, optionally
2004 reading @var{headerfile} for NLM header information. For instructions
2005 on writing the NLM command file language used in header files, see the
2006 @samp{linkers} section, @samp{NLMLINK} in particular, of the @cite{NLM
2007 Development and Tools Overview}, which is part of the NLM Software
2008 Developer's Kit (``NLM SDK''), available from Novell, Inc.
2009 @code{nlmconv} uses the @sc{gnu} Binary File Descriptor library to read
2010 @var{infile}; see @ref{BFD,,BFD,ld.info,Using LD}, for
2011 more information.
2012
2013 @code{nlmconv} can perform a link step. In other words, you can list
2014 more than one object file for input if you list them in the definitions
2015 file (rather than simply specifying one input file on the command line).
2016 In this case, @code{nlmconv} calls the linker for you.
2017
2018 @table @code
2019 @item -I @var{bfdname}
2020 @itemx --input-target=@var{bfdname}
2021 Object format of the input file. @code{nlmconv} can usually determine
2022 the format of a given file (so no default is necessary).
2023 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
2024
2025 @item -O @var{bfdname}
2026 @itemx --output-target=@var{bfdname}
2027 Object format of the output file. @code{nlmconv} infers the output
2028 format based on the input format, e.g. for a @samp{i386} input file the
2029 output format is @samp{nlm32-i386}.
2030 @xref{Target Selection}, for more information.
2031
2032 @item -T @var{headerfile}
2033 @itemx --header-file=@var{headerfile}
2034 Reads @var{headerfile} for NLM header information. For instructions on
2035 writing the NLM command file language used in header files, see@ see the
2036 @samp{linkers} section, of the @cite{NLM Development and Tools
2037 Overview}, which is part of the NLM Software Developer's Kit, available
2038 from Novell, Inc.
2039
2040 @item -d
2041 @itemx --debug
2042 Displays (on standard error) the linker command line used by @code{nlmconv}.
2043
2044 @item -l @var{linker}
2045 @itemx --linker=@var{linker}
2046 Use @var{linker} for any linking. @var{linker} can be an absolute or a
2047 relative pathname.
2048
2049 @item -h
2050 @itemx --help
2051 Prints a usage summary.
2052
2053 @item -V
2054 @itemx --version
2055 Prints the version number for @code{nlmconv}.
2056 @end table
2057
2058 @node windres
2059 @chapter windres
2060
2061 @code{windres} may be used to manipulate Windows resources.
2062
2063 @quotation
2064 @emph{Warning:} @code{windres} is not always built as part of the binary
2065 utilities, since it is only useful for Windows targets.
2066 @end quotation
2067
2068 @smallexample
2069 windres [options] [input-file] [output-file]
2070 @end smallexample
2071
2072 @code{windres} reads resources from an input file and copies them into
2073 an output file. Either file may be in one of three formats:
2074
2075 @table @code
2076 @item rc
2077 A text format read by the Resource Compiler.
2078
2079 @item res
2080 A binary format generated by the Resource Compiler.
2081
2082 @item coff
2083 A COFF object or executable.
2084 @end table
2085
2086 The exact description of these different formats is available in
2087 documentation from Microsoft.
2088
2089 When @code{windres} converts from the @code{rc} format to the @code{res}
2090 format, it is acting like the Windows Resource Compiler. When
2091 @code{windres} converts from the @code{res} format to the @code{coff}
2092 format, it is acting like the Windows @code{CVTRES} program.
2093
2094 When @code{windres} generates an @code{rc} file, the output is similar
2095 but not identical to the format expected for the input. When an input
2096 @code{rc} file refers to an external filename, an output @code{rc} file
2097 will instead include the file contents.
2098
2099 If the input or output format is not specified, @code{windres} will
2100 guess based on the file name, or, for the input file, the file contents.
2101 A file with an extension of @file{.rc} will be treated as an @code{rc}
2102 file, a file with an extension of @file{.res} will be treated as a
2103 @code{res} file, and a file with an extension of @file{.o} or
2104 @file{.exe} will be treated as a @code{coff} file.
2105
2106 If no output file is specified, @code{windres} will print the resources
2107 in @code{rc} format to standard output.
2108
2109 The normal use is for you to write an @code{rc} file, use @code{windres}
2110 to convert it to a COFF object file, and then link the COFF file into
2111 your application. This will make the resources described in the
2112 @code{rc} file available to Windows.
2113
2114 @table @code
2115 @item -i @var{filename}
2116 @itemx --input @var{filename}
2117 The name of the input file. If this option is not used, then
2118 @code{windres} will use the first non-option argument as the input file
2119 name. If there are no non-option arguments, then @code{windres} will
2120 read from standard input. @code{windres} can not read a COFF file from
2121 standard input.
2122
2123 @item -o @var{filename}
2124 @itemx --output @var{filename}
2125 The name of the output file. If this option is not used, then
2126 @code{windres} will use the first non-option argument, after any used
2127 for the input file name, as the output file name. If there is no
2128 non-option argument, then @code{windres} will write to standard output.
2129 @code{windres} can not write a COFF file to standard output.
2130
2131 @item -I @var{format}
2132 @itemx --input-format @var{format}
2133 The input format to read. @var{format} may be @samp{res}, @samp{rc}, or
2134 @samp{coff}. If no input format is specified, @code{windres} will
2135 guess, as described above.
2136
2137 @item -O @var{format}
2138 @itemx --output-format @var{format}
2139 The output format to generate. @var{format} may be @samp{res},
2140 @samp{rc}, or @samp{coff}. If no output format is specified,
2141 @code{windres} will guess, as described above.
2142
2143 @item -F @var{target}
2144 @itemx --target @var{target}
2145 Specify the BFD format to use for a COFF file as input or output. This
2146 is a BFD target name; you can use the @code{--help} option to see a list
2147 of supported targets. Normally @code{windres} will use the default
2148 format, which is the first one listed by the @code{--help} option.
2149 @ref{Target Selection}.
2150
2151 @item --preprocessor @var{program}
2152 When @code{windres} reads an @code{rc} file, it runs it through the C
2153 preprocessor first. This option may be used to specify the preprocessor
2154 to use, including any leading arguments. The default preprocessor
2155 argument is @code{gcc -E -xc-header -DRC_INVOKED}.
2156
2157 @item --include-dir @var{directory}
2158 Specify an include directory to use when reading an @code{rc} file.
2159 @code{windres} will pass this to the preprocessor as an @code{-I}
2160 option. @code{windres} will also search this directory when looking for
2161 files named in the @code{rc} file.
2162
2163 @item -D @var{target}
2164 @itemx --define @var{sym}[=@var{val}]
2165 Specify a @code{-D} option to pass to the preprocessor when reading an
2166 @code{rc} file.
2167
2168 @item -v
2169 Enable verbose mode. This tells you what the preprocessor is if you
2170 didn't specify one.
2171
2172 @item --language @var{val}
2173 Specify the default language to use when reading an @code{rc} file.
2174 @var{val} should be a hexadecimal language code. The low eight bits are
2175 the language, and the high eight bits are the sublanguage.
2176
2177 @item --use-temp-file
2178 Use a temporary file to instead of using popen to read the output of
2179 the preprocessor. Use this option if the popen implementation is buggy
2180 on the host (eg., certain non-English language versions of Windows 95 and
2181 Windows 98 are known to have buggy popen where the output will instead
2182 go the console).
2183
2184 @item --no-use-temp-file
2185 Use popen, not a temporary file, to read the output of the preprocessor.
2186 This is the default behaviour.
2187
2188 @item --help
2189 Prints a usage summary.
2190
2191 @item --version
2192 Prints the version number for @code{windres}.
2193
2194 @item --yydebug
2195 If @code{windres} is compiled with @code{YYDEBUG} defined as @code{1},
2196 this will turn on parser debugging.
2197 @end table
2198
2199
2200 @node dlltool
2201 @chapter Create files needed to build and use DLLs
2202 @cindex DLL
2203 @kindex dlltool
2204
2205 @code{dlltool} may be used to create the files needed to build and use
2206 dynamic link libraries (DLLs).
2207
2208 @quotation
2209 @emph{Warning:} @code{dlltool} is not always built as part of the binary
2210 utilities, since it is only useful for those targets which support DLLs.
2211 @end quotation
2212
2213 @smallexample
2214 dlltool [-d|--input-def @var{def-file-name}]
2215 [-b|--base-file @var{base-file-name}]
2216 [-e|--output-exp @var{exports-file-name}]
2217 [-z|--output-def @var{def-file-name}]
2218 [-l|--output-lib @var{library-file-name}]
2219 [--export-all-symbols] [--no-export-all-symbols]
2220 [--exclude-symbols @var{list}]
2221 [--no-default-excludes]
2222 [-S|--as @var{path-to-assembler}] [-f|--as-flags @var{options}]
2223 [-D|--dllname @var{name}] [-m|--machine @var{machine}]
2224 [-a|--add-indirect] [-U|--add-underscore] [-k|--kill-at]
2225 [-A|--add-stdcall-alias]
2226 [-x|--no-idata4] [-c|--no-idata5] [-i|--interwork]
2227 [-n|--nodelete] [-v|--verbose] [-h|--help] [-V|--version]
2228 [object-file @dots{}]
2229 @end smallexample
2230
2231 @code{dlltool} reads its inputs, which can come from the @samp{-d} and
2232 @samp{-b} options as well as object files specified on the command
2233 line. It then processes these inputs and if the @samp{-e} option has
2234 been specified it creates a exports file. If the @samp{-l} option
2235 has been specified it creates a library file and if the @samp{-z} option
2236 has been specified it creates a def file. Any or all of the -e, -l
2237 and -z options can be present in one invocation of dlltool.
2238
2239 When creating a DLL, along with the source for the DLL, it is necessary
2240 to have three other files. @code{dlltool} can help with the creation of
2241 these files.
2242
2243 The first file is a @samp{.def} file which specifies which functions are
2244 exported from the DLL, which functions the DLL imports, and so on. This
2245 is a text file and can be created by hand, or @code{dlltool} can be used
2246 to create it using the @samp{-z} option. In this case @code{dlltool}
2247 will scan the object files specified on its command line looking for
2248 those functions which have been specially marked as being exported and
2249 put entries for them in the .def file it creates.
2250
2251 In order to mark a function as being exported from a DLL, it needs to
2252 have an @samp{-export:<name_of_function>} entry in the @samp{.drectve}
2253 section of the object file. This can be done in C by using the
2254 asm() operator:
2255
2256 @smallexample
2257 asm (".section .drectve");
2258 asm (".ascii \"-export:my_func\"");
2259
2260 int my_func (void) @{ @dots{} @}
2261 @end smallexample
2262
2263 The second file needed for DLL creation is an exports file. This file
2264 is linked with the object files that make up the body of the DLL and it
2265 handles the interface between the DLL and the outside world. This is a
2266 binary file and it can be created by giving the @samp{-e} option to
2267 @code{dlltool} when it is creating or reading in a .def file.
2268
2269 The third file needed for DLL creation is the library file that programs
2270 will link with in order to access the functions in the DLL. This file
2271 can be created by giving the @samp{-l} option to dlltool when it
2272 is creating or reading in a .def file.
2273
2274 @code{dlltool} builds the library file by hand, but it builds the
2275 exports file by creating temporary files containing assembler statements
2276 and then assembling these. The @samp{-S} command line option can be
2277 used to specify the path to the assembler that dlltool will use,
2278 and the @samp{-f} option can be used to pass specific flags to that
2279 assembler. The @samp{-n} can be used to prevent dlltool from deleting
2280 these temporary assembler files when it is done, and if @samp{-n} is
2281 specified twice then this will prevent dlltool from deleting the
2282 temporary object files it used to build the library.
2283
2284 Here is an example of creating a DLL from a source file @samp{dll.c} and
2285 also creating a program (from an object file called @samp{program.o})
2286 that uses that DLL:
2287
2288 @smallexample
2289 gcc -c dll.c
2290 dlltool -e exports.o -l dll.lib dll.o
2291 gcc dll.o exports.o -o dll.dll
2292 gcc program.o dll.lib -o program
2293 @end smallexample
2294
2295 The command line options have the following meanings:
2296
2297 @table @code
2298
2299 @item -d @var{filename}
2300 @itemx --input-def @var{filename}
2301 @cindex input .def file
2302 Specifies the name of a .def file to be read in and processed.
2303
2304 @item -b @var{filename}
2305 @itemx --base-file @var{filename}
2306 @cindex base files
2307 Specifies the name of a base file to be read in and processed. The
2308 contents of this file will be added to the relocation section in the
2309 exports file generated by dlltool.
2310
2311 @item -e @var{filename}
2312 @itemx --output-exp @var{filename}
2313 Specifies the name of the export file to be created by dlltool.
2314
2315 @item -z @var{filename}
2316 @itemx --output-def @var{filename}
2317 Specifies the name of the .def file to be created by dlltool.
2318
2319 @item -l @var{filename}
2320 @itemx --output-lib @var{filename}
2321 Specifies the name of the library file to be created by dlltool.
2322
2323 @item --export-all-symbols
2324 Treat all global and weak defined symbols found in the input object
2325 files as symbols to be exported. There is a small list of symbols which
2326 are not exported by default; see the @code{--no-default-excludes}
2327 option. You may add to the list of symbols to not export by using the
2328 @code{--exclude-symbols} option.
2329
2330 @item --no-export-all-symbols
2331 Only export symbols explicitly listed in an input .def file or in
2332 @samp{.drectve} sections in the input object files. This is the default
2333 behaviour. The @samp{.drectve} sections are created by @samp{dllexport}
2334 attributes in the source code.
2335
2336 @item --exclude-symbols @var{list}
2337 Do not export the symbols in @var{list}. This is a list of symbol names
2338 separated by comma or colon characters. The symbol names should not
2339 contain a leading underscore. This is only meaningful when
2340 @code{--export-all-symbols} is used.
2341
2342 @item --no-default-excludes
2343 When @code{--export-all-symbols} is used, it will by default avoid
2344 exporting certain special symbols. The current list of symbols to avoid
2345 exporting is @samp{DllMain@@12}, @samp{DllEntryPoint@@0},
2346 @samp{impure_ptr}. You may use the @code{--no-default-excludes} option
2347 to go ahead and export these special symbols. This is only meaningful
2348 when @code{--export-all-symbols} is used.
2349
2350 @item -S @var{path}
2351 @itemx --as @var{path}
2352 Specifies the path, including the filename, of the assembler to be used
2353 to create the exports file.
2354
2355 @item -f @var{switches}
2356 @itemx --as-flags @var{switches}
2357 Specifies any specific command line switches to be passed to the
2358 assembler when building the exports file. This option will work even if
2359 the @samp{-S} option is not used. This option only takes one argument,
2360 and if it occurs more than once on the command line, then later
2361 occurrences will override earlier occurrences. So if it is necessary to
2362 pass multiple switches to the assembler they should be enclosed in
2363 double quotes.
2364
2365 @item -D @var{name}
2366 @itemx --dll-name @var{name}
2367 Specifies the name to be stored in the .def file as the name of the DLL
2368 when the @samp{-e} option is used. If this option is not present, then
2369 the filename given to the @samp{-e} option will be used as the name of
2370 the DLL.
2371
2372 @item -m @var{machine}
2373 @itemx -machine @var{machine}
2374 Specifies the type of machine for which the library file should be
2375 built. @code{dlltool} has a built in default type, depending upon how
2376 it was created, but this option can be used to override that. This is
2377 normally only useful when creating DLLs for an ARM processor, when the
2378 contents of the DLL are actually encode using THUMB instructions.
2379
2380 @item -a
2381 @itemx --add-indirect
2382 Specifies that when @code{dlltool} is creating the exports file it
2383 should add a section which allows the exported functions to be
2384 referenced without using the import library. Whatever the hell that
2385 means!
2386
2387 @item -U
2388 @itemx --add-underscore
2389 Specifies that when @code{dlltool} is creating the exports file it
2390 should prepend an underscore to the names of the exported functions.
2391
2392 @item -k
2393 @itemx --kill-at
2394 Specifies that when @code{dlltool} is creating the exports file it
2395 should not append the string @samp{@@ <number>}. These numbers are
2396 called ordinal numbers and they represent another way of accessing the
2397 function in a DLL, other than by name.
2398
2399 @item -A
2400 @itemx --add-stdcall-alias
2401 Specifies that when @code{dlltool} is creating the exports file it
2402 should add aliases for stdcall symbols without @samp{@@ <number>}
2403 in addition to the symbols with @samp{@@ <number>}.
2404
2405 @item -x
2406 @itemx --no-idata4
2407 Specifies that when @code{dlltool} is creating the exports and library
2408 files it should omit the .idata4 section. This is for compatibility
2409 with certain operating systems.
2410
2411 @item -c
2412 @itemx --no-idata5
2413 Specifies that when @code{dlltool} is creating the exports and library
2414 files it should omit the .idata5 section. This is for compatibility
2415 with certain operating systems.
2416
2417 @item -i
2418 @itemx --interwork
2419 Specifies that @code{dlltool} should mark the objects in the library
2420 file and exports file that it produces as supporting interworking
2421 between ARM and THUMB code.
2422
2423 @item -n
2424 @itemx --nodelete
2425 Makes @code{dlltool} preserve the temporary assembler files it used to
2426 create the exports file. If this option is repeated then dlltool will
2427 also preserve the temporary object files it uses to create the library
2428 file.
2429
2430 @item -v
2431 @itemx --verbose
2432 Make dlltool describe what it is doing.
2433
2434 @item -h
2435 @itemx --help
2436 Displays a list of command line options and then exits.
2437
2438 @item -V
2439 @itemx --version
2440 Displays dlltool's version number and then exits.
2441
2442 @end table
2443
2444 @node readelf
2445 @chapter readelf
2446
2447 @cindex ELF file information
2448 @kindex readelf
2449
2450 @smallexample
2451 readelf [ -a | --all ]
2452 [ -h | --file-header]
2453 [ -l | --program-headers | --segments]
2454 [ -S | --section-headers | --sections]
2455 [ -e | --headers]
2456 [ -s | --syms | --symbols]
2457 [ -n | --notes]
2458 [ -r | --relocs]
2459 [ -d | --dynamic]
2460 [ -V | --version-info]
2461 [ -D | --use-dynamic]
2462 [ -x <number> | --hex-dump=<number>]
2463 [ -w[liapr] | --debug-dump[=info,=line,=abbrev,=pubnames,=ranges]]
2464 [ --histogram]
2465 [ -v | --version]
2466 [ -H | --help]
2467 @var{elffile}@dots{}
2468 @end smallexample
2469
2470 @code{readelf} displays information about one or more ELF format object
2471 files. The options control what particular information to display.
2472
2473 @var{elffile}@dots{} are the object files to be examined. At the
2474 moment, @code{readelf} does not support examining archives, nor does it
2475 support examing 64 bit ELF files.
2476
2477 The long and short forms of options, shown here as alternatives, are
2478 equivalent. At least one option besides @samp{-v} or @samp{-H} must be
2479 given.
2480
2481 @table @code
2482 @item -a
2483 @itemx --all
2484 Equivalent to specifiying @samp{--file-header},
2485 @samp{--program-headers}, @samp{--sections}, @samp{--symbols},
2486 @samp{--relocs}, @samp{--dynamic}, @samp{--notes} and
2487 @samp{--version-info}.
2488
2489 @item -h
2490 @itemx --file-header
2491 @cindex ELF file header information
2492 Displays the information contained in the ELF header at the start of the
2493 file.
2494
2495 @item -l
2496 @itemx --program-headers
2497 @itemx --segments
2498 @cindex ELF program header information
2499 @cindex ELF segment information
2500 Displays the information contained in the file's segment headers, if it
2501 has any.
2502
2503 @item -S
2504 @itemx --sections
2505 @itemx --section-headers
2506 @cindex ELF section information
2507 Displays the information contained in the file's section headers, if it
2508 has any.
2509
2510 @item -s
2511 @itemx --symbols
2512 @itemx --syms
2513 @cindex ELF symbol table information
2514 Displays the entries in symbol table section of the file, if it has one.
2515
2516 @item -e
2517 @itemx --headers
2518 Display all the headers in the file. Equivalent to @samp{-h -l -S}.
2519
2520 @item -n
2521 @itemx --notes
2522 @cindex ELF core notes
2523 Displays the contents of the NOTE segment, if it exists.
2524
2525 @item -r
2526 @itemx --relocs
2527 @cindex ELF reloc information
2528 Displays the contents of the file's relocation section, if it ha one.
2529
2530 @item -d
2531 @itemx --dynamic
2532 @cindex ELF dynamic section information
2533 Displays the contents of the file's dynamic section, if it has one.
2534
2535 @item -V
2536 @itemx --version-info
2537 @cindex ELF version sections informations
2538 Displays the contents of the version sections in the file, it they
2539 exist.
2540
2541 @item -D
2542 @itemx --use-dynamic
2543 When displaying symbols, this option makes @code{readelf} use the
2544 symbol table in the file's dynamic section, rather than the one in the
2545 symbols section.
2546
2547 @item -x <number>
2548 @itemx --hex-dump=<number>
2549 Displays the contents of the indicated section as a hexadecimal dump.
2550
2551 @item -w[liapr]
2552 @itemx --debug-dump[=line,=info,=abbrev,=pubnames,=ranges]
2553 Displays the contents of the debug sections in the file, if any are
2554 present. If one of the optional letters or words follows the switch
2555 then only data found in those specific sections will be dumped.
2556
2557 @item --histogram
2558 Display a histogram of bucket list lengths when displaying the contents
2559 of the symbol tables.
2560
2561 @item -v
2562 @itemx --version
2563 Display the version number of readelf.
2564
2565 @item -H
2566 @itemx --help
2567 Display the command line options understood by @code{readelf}.
2568
2569 @end table
2570
2571
2572 @node Selecting The Target System
2573 @chapter Selecting the target system
2574
2575 You can specify three aspects of the target system to the @sc{gnu}
2576 binary file utilities, each in several ways:
2577
2578 @itemize @bullet
2579 @item
2580 the target
2581
2582 @item
2583 the architecture
2584
2585 @item
2586 the linker emulation (which applies to the linker only)
2587 @end itemize
2588
2589 In the following summaries, the lists of ways to specify values are in
2590 order of decreasing precedence. The ways listed first override those
2591 listed later.
2592
2593 The commands to list valid values only list the values for which the
2594 programs you are running were configured. If they were configured with
2595 @samp{--enable-targets=all}, the commands list most of the available
2596 values, but a few are left out; not all targets can be configured in at
2597 once because some of them can only be configured @dfn{native} (on hosts
2598 with the same type as the target system).
2599
2600 @menu
2601 * Target Selection::
2602 * Architecture Selection::
2603 * Linker Emulation Selection::
2604 @end menu
2605
2606 @node Target Selection
2607 @section Target Selection
2608
2609 A @dfn{target} is an object file format. A given target may be
2610 supported for multiple architectures (@pxref{Architecture Selection}).
2611 A target selection may also have variations for different operating
2612 systems or architectures.
2613
2614 The command to list valid target values is @samp{objdump -i}
2615 (the first column of output contains the relevant information).
2616
2617 Some sample values are: @samp{a.out-hp300bsd}, @samp{ecoff-littlemips},
2618 @samp{a.out-sunos-big}.
2619
2620 You can also specify a target using a configuration triplet. This is
2621 the same sort of name that is passed to @file{configure} to specify a
2622 target. When you use a configuration triplet as an argument, it must be
2623 fully canonicalized. You can see the canonical version of a triplet by
2624 running the shell script @file{config.sub} which is included with the
2625 sources.
2626
2627 Some sample configuration triplets are: @samp{m68k-hp-bsd},
2628 @samp{mips-dec-ultrix}, @samp{sparc-sun-sunos}.
2629
2630 @subheading @code{objdump} Target
2631
2632 Ways to specify:
2633
2634 @enumerate
2635 @item
2636 command line option: @samp{-b} or @samp{--target}
2637
2638 @item
2639 environment variable @code{GNUTARGET}
2640
2641 @item
2642 deduced from the input file
2643 @end enumerate
2644
2645 @subheading @code{objcopy} and @code{strip} Input Target
2646
2647 Ways to specify:
2648
2649 @enumerate
2650 @item
2651 command line options: @samp{-I} or @samp{--input-target}, or @samp{-F} or @samp{--target}
2652
2653 @item
2654 environment variable @code{GNUTARGET}
2655
2656 @item
2657 deduced from the input file
2658 @end enumerate
2659
2660 @subheading @code{objcopy} and @code{strip} Output Target
2661
2662 Ways to specify:
2663
2664 @enumerate
2665 @item
2666 command line options: @samp{-O} or @samp{--output-target}, or @samp{-F} or @samp{--target}
2667
2668 @item
2669 the input target (see ``@code{objcopy} and @code{strip} Input Target'' above)
2670
2671 @item
2672 environment variable @code{GNUTARGET}
2673
2674 @item
2675 deduced from the input file
2676 @end enumerate
2677
2678 @subheading @code{nm}, @code{size}, and @code{strings} Target
2679
2680 Ways to specify:
2681
2682 @enumerate
2683 @item
2684 command line option: @samp{--target}
2685
2686 @item
2687 environment variable @code{GNUTARGET}
2688
2689 @item
2690 deduced from the input file
2691 @end enumerate
2692
2693 @subheading Linker Input Target
2694
2695 Ways to specify:
2696
2697 @enumerate
2698 @item
2699 command line option: @samp{-b} or @samp{--format}
2700 (@pxref{Options,,Options,ld.info,Using LD})
2701
2702 @item
2703 script command @code{TARGET}
2704 (@pxref{Option Commands,,Option Commands,ld.info,Using LD})
2705
2706 @item
2707 environment variable @code{GNUTARGET}
2708 (@pxref{Environment,,Environment,ld.info,Using LD})
2709
2710 @item
2711 the default target of the selected linker emulation
2712 (@pxref{Linker Emulation Selection})
2713 @end enumerate
2714
2715 @subheading Linker Output Target
2716
2717 Ways to specify:
2718
2719 @enumerate
2720 @item
2721 command line option: @samp{-oformat}
2722 (@pxref{Options,,Options,ld.info,Using LD})
2723
2724 @item
2725 script command @code{OUTPUT_FORMAT}
2726 (@pxref{Option Commands,,Option Commands,ld.info,Using LD})
2727
2728 @item
2729 the linker input target (see ``Linker Input Target'' above)
2730 @end enumerate
2731
2732 @node Architecture Selection
2733 @section Architecture selection
2734
2735 An @dfn{architecture} is a type of @sc{cpu} on which an object file is
2736 to run. Its name may contain a colon, separating the name of the
2737 processor family from the name of the particular @sc{cpu}.
2738
2739 The command to list valid architecture values is @samp{objdump -i} (the
2740 second column contains the relevant information).
2741
2742 Sample values: @samp{m68k:68020}, @samp{mips:3000}, @samp{sparc}.
2743
2744 @subheading @code{objdump} Architecture
2745
2746 Ways to specify:
2747
2748 @enumerate
2749 @item
2750 command line option: @samp{-m} or @samp{--architecture}
2751
2752 @item
2753 deduced from the input file
2754 @end enumerate
2755
2756 @subheading @code{objcopy}, @code{nm}, @code{size}, @code{strings} Architecture
2757
2758 Ways to specify:
2759
2760 @enumerate
2761 @item
2762 deduced from the input file
2763 @end enumerate
2764
2765 @subheading Linker Input Architecture
2766
2767 Ways to specify:
2768
2769 @enumerate
2770 @item
2771 deduced from the input file
2772 @end enumerate
2773
2774 @subheading Linker Output Architecture
2775
2776 Ways to specify:
2777
2778 @enumerate
2779 @item
2780 script command @code{OUTPUT_ARCH}
2781 (@pxref{Option Commands,,Option Commands,ld.info,Using LD})
2782
2783 @item
2784 the default architecture from the linker output target
2785 (@pxref{Target Selection})
2786 @end enumerate
2787
2788 @node Linker Emulation Selection
2789 @section Linker emulation selection
2790
2791 A linker @dfn{emulation} is a ``personality'' of the linker, which gives
2792 the linker default values for the other aspects of the target system.
2793 In particular, it consists of
2794
2795 @itemize @bullet
2796 @item
2797 the linker script
2798
2799 @item
2800 the target
2801
2802 @item
2803 several ``hook'' functions that are run at certain stages of the linking
2804 process to do special things that some targets require
2805 @end itemize
2806
2807 The command to list valid linker emulation values is @samp{ld -V}.
2808
2809 Sample values: @samp{hp300bsd}, @samp{mipslit}, @samp{sun4}.
2810
2811 Ways to specify:
2812
2813 @enumerate
2814 @item
2815 command line option: @samp{-m}
2816 (@pxref{Options,,Options,ld.info,Using LD})
2817
2818 @item
2819 environment variable @code{LDEMULATION}
2820
2821 @item
2822 compiled-in @code{DEFAULT_EMULATION} from @file{Makefile},
2823 which comes from @code{EMUL} in @file{config/@var{target}.mt}
2824 @end enumerate
2825
2826 @node Reporting Bugs
2827 @chapter Reporting Bugs
2828 @cindex bugs
2829 @cindex reporting bugs
2830
2831 Your bug reports play an essential role in making the binary utilities
2832 reliable.
2833
2834 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or
2835 it may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is
2836 to help the entire community by making the next version of the binary
2837 utilities work better. Bug reports are your contribution to their
2838 maintenance.
2839
2840 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
2841 information that enables us to fix the bug.
2842
2843 @menu
2844 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
2845 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
2846 @end menu
2847
2848 @node Bug Criteria
2849 @section Have you found a bug?
2850 @cindex bug criteria
2851
2852 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
2853
2854 @itemize @bullet
2855 @cindex fatal signal
2856 @cindex crash
2857 @item
2858 If a binary utility gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is
2859 a bug. Reliable utilities never crash.
2860
2861 @cindex error on valid input
2862 @item
2863 If a binary utility produces an error message for valid input, that is a
2864 bug.
2865
2866 @item
2867 If you are an experienced user of binary utilities, your suggestions for
2868 improvement are welcome in any case.
2869 @end itemize
2870
2871 @node Bug Reporting
2872 @section How to report bugs
2873 @cindex bug reports
2874 @cindex bugs, reporting
2875
2876 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu}
2877 products. If you obtained the binary utilities from a support
2878 organization, we recommend you contact that organization first.
2879
2880 You can find contact information for many support companies and
2881 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
2882 distribution.
2883
2884 In any event, we also recommend that you send bug reports for the binary
2885 utilities to @samp{bug-gnu-utils@@gnu.org}.
2886
2887 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
2888 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
2889 fact or leave it out, state it!
2890
2891 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
2892 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
2893 assume that the name of a file you use in an example does not matter.
2894 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is
2895 a stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where
2896 that pathname is stored in memory; perhaps, if the pathname were
2897 different, the contents of that location would fool the utility into
2898 doing the right thing despite the bug. Play it safe and give a
2899 specific, complete example. That is the easiest thing for you to do,
2900 and the most helpful.
2901
2902 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the bug if
2903 it is new to us. Therefore, always write your bug reports on the assumption
2904 that the bug has not been reported previously.
2905
2906 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
2907 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
2908 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
2909 bugs properly.
2910
2911 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
2912
2913 @itemize @bullet
2914 @item
2915 The version of the utility. Each utility announces it if you start it
2916 with the @samp{--version} argument.
2917
2918 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
2919 the bug in the current version of the binary utilities.
2920
2921 @item
2922 Any patches you may have applied to the source, including any patches
2923 made to the @code{BFD} library.
2924
2925 @item
2926 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
2927 version number.
2928
2929 @item
2930 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the utilities---e.g.
2931 ``@code{gcc-2.7}''.
2932
2933 @item
2934 The command arguments you gave the utility to observe the bug. To
2935 guarantee you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy
2936 of the Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
2937
2938 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
2939 and then we might not encounter the bug.
2940
2941 @item
2942 A complete input file, or set of input files, that will reproduce the
2943 bug. If the utility is reading an object file or files, then it is
2944 generally most helpful to send the actual object files, uuencoded if
2945 necessary to get them through the mail system. Note that
2946 @samp{bug-gnu-utils@@gnu.org} is a mailing list, so you should avoid
2947 sending very large files to it. Making the files available for
2948 anonymous FTP is OK.
2949
2950 If the source files were produced exclusively using @sc{gnu} programs
2951 (e.g., @code{gcc}, @code{gas}, and/or the @sc{gnu} @code{ld}), then it
2952 may be OK to send the source files rather than the object files. In
2953 this case, be sure to say exactly what version of @code{gcc}, or
2954 whatever, was used to produce the object files. Also say how
2955 @code{gcc}, or whatever, was configured.
2956
2957 @item
2958 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
2959 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
2960
2961 Of course, if the bug is that the utility gets a fatal signal, then we
2962 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
2963 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
2964 a chance to make a mistake.
2965
2966 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
2967 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as your
2968 copy of the utility is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
2969 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
2970 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
2971 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
2972 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
2973 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
2974
2975 @item
2976 If you wish to suggest changes to the source, send us context diffs, as
2977 generated by @code{diff} with the @samp{-u}, @samp{-c}, or @samp{-p}
2978 option. Always send diffs from the old file to the new file. If you
2979 wish to discuss something in the @code{ld} source, refer to it by
2980 context, not by line number.
2981
2982 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
2983 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
2984 @end itemize
2985
2986 Here are some things that are not necessary:
2987
2988 @itemize @bullet
2989 @item
2990 A description of the envelope of the bug.
2991
2992 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
2993 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
2994 changes will not affect it.
2995
2996 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
2997 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
2998 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
2999 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
3000
3001 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
3002 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
3003 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
3004 less time, and so on.
3005
3006 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
3007 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
3008
3009 @item
3010 A patch for the bug.
3011
3012 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
3013 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
3014 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
3015 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
3016
3017 Sometimes with programs as complicated as the binary utilities it is
3018 very hard to construct an example that will make the program follow a
3019 certain path through the code. If you do not send us the example, we
3020 will not be able to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that
3021 the bug is fixed.
3022
3023 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
3024 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
3025 help us to understand.
3026
3027 @item
3028 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
3029
3030 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
3031 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
3032 @end itemize
3033
3034 @node Index
3035 @unnumbered Index
3036
3037 @printindex cp
3038
3039 @contents
3040 @bye