2009-02-06 Pedro Alves <pedro@codesourcery.com>
[binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998,
3 @c 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
4 @c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
5 @c
6 @c %**start of header
7 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
8 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
9 @setfilename gdb.info
10 @c
11 @include gdb-cfg.texi
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @syncodeindex ky cp
24
25 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
26 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
27 @syncodeindex vr cp
28 @syncodeindex fn cp
29
30 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
31 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
32 @set EDITION Ninth
33
34 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
35 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
36
37 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
38
39 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
40 @c manuals to an info tree.
41 @dircategory Software development
42 @direntry
43 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
44 @end direntry
45
46 @copying
47 Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
48 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
49 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
50
51 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
52 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or
53 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
54 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
55 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
56 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
57
58 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
59 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
60 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
61 @end copying
62
63 @ifnottex
64 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
65
66 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
67 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
68 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
69 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
70 @end ifset
71 Version @value{GDBVN}.
72
73 @insertcopying
74 @end ifnottex
75
76 @titlepage
77 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
78 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
79 @sp 1
80 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
81 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
82 @sp 1
83 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
84 @end ifset
85 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
86 @page
87 @tex
88 {\parskip=0pt
89 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
90 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
91 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
92 }
93 @end tex
94
95 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
96 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
97 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
98 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
99 ISBN 1-882114-77-9 @*
100
101 @insertcopying
102 @page
103 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
104 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
105 software in general. We will miss him.
106 @end titlepage
107 @page
108
109 @ifnottex
110 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
111
112 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
113
114 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
115
116 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
117 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
118 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
119 @end ifset
120 Version @value{GDBVN}.
121
122 Copyright (C) 1988-2009 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
123
124 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
125 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
126 software in general. We will miss him.
127
128 @menu
129 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
130 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
131
132 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
133 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
134 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
135 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
136 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
137 * Stack:: Examining the stack
138 * Source:: Examining source files
139 * Data:: Examining data
140 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
141 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
142 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
143
144 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
145
146 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
147 * Altering:: Altering execution
148 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
149 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
150 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
151 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
152 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
153 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
154 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
155 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
156 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
157 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
158 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
159
160 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
161
162 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
163 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
164 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
165 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
166 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
167 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
168 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
169 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
170 @value{GDBN}
171 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
172 the operating system
173 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
174 how you can copy and share GDB
175 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
176 * Index:: Index
177 @end menu
178
179 @end ifnottex
180
181 @contents
182
183 @node Summary
184 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
185
186 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
187 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
188 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
189
190 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
191 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
192
193 @itemize @bullet
194 @item
195 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
196
197 @item
198 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
199
200 @item
201 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
202
203 @item
204 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
205 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
206 @end itemize
207
208 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
209 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
210 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
211
212 @cindex Modula-2
213 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
214 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
215
216 @cindex Pascal
217 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
218 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
219 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
220 syntax.
221
222 @cindex Fortran
223 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
224 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
225 underscore.
226
227 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
228 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
229
230 @menu
231 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
232 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
233 @end menu
234
235 @node Free Software
236 @unnumberedsec Free Software
237
238 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
239 General Public License
240 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
241 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
242 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
243 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
244 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
245 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
246
247 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
248 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
249 from anyone else.
250
251 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
252
253 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
254 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
255 include with the free software. Many of our most important
256 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
257 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
258 when an important free software package does not come with a free
259 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
260 gaps today.
261
262 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
263 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
264 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
265 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
266 them from the free software world.
267
268 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
269 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
270 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
271 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
272 contract to make it non-free.
273
274 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
275 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
276 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
277 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
278 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
279 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
280 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
281
282 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
283 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
284 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
285 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
286
287 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
288 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
289 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
290 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
291 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
292 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
293 community.
294
295 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
296 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
297 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
298 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
299 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
300 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
301 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
302 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
303 of the manual.
304
305 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
306 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
307 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
308 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
309 manual to replace it.
310
311 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
312 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
313 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
314 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
315 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
316 the free software community.
317
318 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
319 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
320 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
321 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
322 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
323 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
324 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
325 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
326 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
327
328 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
329 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
330 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
331 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
332 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
333 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
334 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
335 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
336
337 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
338 published by other publishers, at
339 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
340
341 @node Contributors
342 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
343
344 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
345 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
346 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
347 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
348 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
349 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
350 blow-by-blow account.
351
352 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
353
354 @quotation
355 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
356 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
357 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
358 @end quotation
359
360 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
361 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
362 releases:
363 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
364 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
365 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
366 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
367 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
368 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
369 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
370 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
371 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
372
373 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
374 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
375
376 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
377 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
378 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
379 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
380 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
381
382 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
383 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
384 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
385
386 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
387 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
388
389 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
390
391 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
392 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
393 support.
394 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
395 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
396 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
397 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
398 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
399 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
400 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
401 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
402 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
403 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
404 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
405 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
406 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
407 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
408 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
409 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
410
411 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
412
413 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
414 libraries.
415
416 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
417 about several machine instruction sets.
418
419 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
420 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
421 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
422 and RDI targets, respectively.
423
424 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
425 command-line editing and command history.
426
427 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
428 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
429
430 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
431 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
432 symbols.
433
434 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
435 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
436
437 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
438
439 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
440 processors.
441
442 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
443
444 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
445
446 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
447
448 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
449 watchpoints.
450
451 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
452
453 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
454
455 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
456 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
457
458 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
459 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
460 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
461 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
462 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
463 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
464 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
465
466 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
467 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
468
469 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
470 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
471 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
472 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
473 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
474 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
475 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
476 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
477 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
478 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
479 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
480 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
481 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
482 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
483 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
484
485 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
486 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
487
488 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
489 Hat.
490
491 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
492 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
493 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
494 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
495 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
496 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
497
498 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
499 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
500 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
501 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
502 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
503 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
504 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
505 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
506 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
507 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
508 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
509 Weigand.
510
511 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
512 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
513 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
514 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
515
516 @node Sample Session
517 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
518
519 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
520 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
521 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
522
523 @iftex
524 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
525 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
526 @end iftex
527
528 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
529 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
530
531 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
532 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
533 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
534 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
535 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
536 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
537 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
538 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
539 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
540
541 @smallexample
542 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
543 $ @b{./m4}
544 @b{define(foo,0000)}
545
546 @b{foo}
547 0000
548 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
549
550 @b{bar}
551 0000
552 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
553
554 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
555 @b{baz}
556 @b{Ctrl-d}
557 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
558 @end smallexample
559
560 @noindent
561 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
562
563 @smallexample
564 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
565 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
566 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
567 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
568 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
569 the conditions.
570 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
571 for details.
572
573 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
574 (@value{GDBP})
575 @end smallexample
576
577 @noindent
578 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
579 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
580 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
581 that examples fit in this manual.
582
583 @smallexample
584 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
585 @end smallexample
586
587 @noindent
588 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
589 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
590 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
591 @code{break} command.
592
593 @smallexample
594 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
595 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
596 @end smallexample
597
598 @noindent
599 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
600 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
601 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
602
603 @smallexample
604 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
605 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
606 @b{define(foo,0000)}
607
608 @b{foo}
609 0000
610 @end smallexample
611
612 @noindent
613 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
614 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
615 context where it stops.
616
617 @smallexample
618 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
619
620 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
621 at builtin.c:879
622 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
623 @end smallexample
624
625 @noindent
626 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
627 the next line of the current function.
628
629 @smallexample
630 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
631 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
632 : nil,
633 @end smallexample
634
635 @noindent
636 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
637 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
638 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
639 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
640
641 @smallexample
642 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
643 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
644 at input.c:530
645 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
646 @end smallexample
647
648 @noindent
649 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
650 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
651 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
652 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
653 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
654 stack frame for each active subroutine.
655
656 @smallexample
657 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
658 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
659 at input.c:530
660 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
661 at builtin.c:882
662 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
663 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
664 at macro.c:71
665 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
666 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
667 @end smallexample
668
669 @noindent
670 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
671 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
672 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
673
674 @smallexample
675 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
676 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
677 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
678 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
679 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
680 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
681 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
682 : xstrdup(rq);
683 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
684 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
685 @end smallexample
686
687 @noindent
688 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
689 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
690 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
691 (@code{print}) to see their values.
692
693 @smallexample
694 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
695 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
696 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
697 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
698 @end smallexample
699
700 @noindent
701 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
702 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
703 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
704
705 @smallexample
706 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
707 533 xfree(rquote);
708 534
709 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
710 : xstrdup (lq);
711 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
712 : xstrdup (rq);
713 537
714 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
715 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
716 540 @}
717 541
718 542 void
719 @end smallexample
720
721 @noindent
722 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
723 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
724
725 @smallexample
726 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
727 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
728 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
729 540 @}
730 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
731 $3 = 9
732 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
733 $4 = 7
734 @end smallexample
735
736 @noindent
737 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
738 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
739 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
740 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
741 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
742 assignments.
743
744 @smallexample
745 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
746 $5 = 7
747 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
748 $6 = 9
749 @end smallexample
750
751 @noindent
752 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
753 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
754 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
755 example that caused trouble initially:
756
757 @smallexample
758 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
759 Continuing.
760
761 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
762
763 baz
764 0000
765 @end smallexample
766
767 @noindent
768 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
769 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
770 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
771
772 @smallexample
773 @b{Ctrl-d}
774 Program exited normally.
775 @end smallexample
776
777 @noindent
778 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
779 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
780 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
781
782 @smallexample
783 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
784 @end smallexample
785
786 @node Invocation
787 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
788
789 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
790 The essentials are:
791 @itemize @bullet
792 @item
793 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
794 @item
795 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
796 @end itemize
797
798 @menu
799 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
800 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
801 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
802 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
803 @end menu
804
805 @node Invoking GDB
806 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
807
808 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
809 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
810
811 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
812 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
813
814 The command-line options described here are designed
815 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
816 options may effectively be unavailable.
817
818 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
819 specifying an executable program:
820
821 @smallexample
822 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
823 @end smallexample
824
825 @noindent
826 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
827 specified:
828
829 @smallexample
830 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
831 @end smallexample
832
833 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
834 to debug a running process:
835
836 @smallexample
837 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
838 @end smallexample
839
840 @noindent
841 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
842 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
843
844 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
845 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
846 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
847 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
848 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
849
850 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
851 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
852 option processing.
853 @smallexample
854 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
855 @end smallexample
856 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
857 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
858
859 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
860 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
861
862 @smallexample
863 @value{GDBP} -silent
864 @end smallexample
865
866 @noindent
867 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
868 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
869
870 @noindent
871 Type
872
873 @smallexample
874 @value{GDBP} -help
875 @end smallexample
876
877 @noindent
878 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
879 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
880
881 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
882 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
883 @samp{-x} option is used.
884
885
886 @menu
887 * File Options:: Choosing files
888 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
889 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
890 @end menu
891
892 @node File Options
893 @subsection Choosing Files
894
895 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
896 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
897 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
898 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
899 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
900 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
901 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
902 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
903 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
904 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
905 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
906 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
907 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
908
909 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
910 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
911 argument and ignore it.
912
913 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
914 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
915 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
916 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
917 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
918
919 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
920 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
921 @c it.
922
923 @table @code
924 @item -symbols @var{file}
925 @itemx -s @var{file}
926 @cindex @code{--symbols}
927 @cindex @code{-s}
928 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
929
930 @item -exec @var{file}
931 @itemx -e @var{file}
932 @cindex @code{--exec}
933 @cindex @code{-e}
934 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
935 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
936
937 @item -se @var{file}
938 @cindex @code{--se}
939 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
940 file.
941
942 @item -core @var{file}
943 @itemx -c @var{file}
944 @cindex @code{--core}
945 @cindex @code{-c}
946 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
947
948 @item -pid @var{number}
949 @itemx -p @var{number}
950 @cindex @code{--pid}
951 @cindex @code{-p}
952 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
953
954 @item -command @var{file}
955 @itemx -x @var{file}
956 @cindex @code{--command}
957 @cindex @code{-x}
958 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}. @xref{Command
959 Files,, Command files}.
960
961 @item -eval-command @var{command}
962 @itemx -ex @var{command}
963 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
964 @cindex @code{-ex}
965 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
966
967 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
968 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
969
970 @smallexample
971 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
972 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
973 @end smallexample
974
975 @item -directory @var{directory}
976 @itemx -d @var{directory}
977 @cindex @code{--directory}
978 @cindex @code{-d}
979 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
980
981 @item -r
982 @itemx -readnow
983 @cindex @code{--readnow}
984 @cindex @code{-r}
985 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
986 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
987 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
988
989 @end table
990
991 @node Mode Options
992 @subsection Choosing Modes
993
994 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
995 batch mode or quiet mode.
996
997 @table @code
998 @item -nx
999 @itemx -n
1000 @cindex @code{--nx}
1001 @cindex @code{-n}
1002 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1003 @value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1004 options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1005 Files}.
1006
1007 @item -quiet
1008 @itemx -silent
1009 @itemx -q
1010 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1011 @cindex @code{--silent}
1012 @cindex @code{-q}
1013 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1014 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1015
1016 @item -batch
1017 @cindex @code{--batch}
1018 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1019 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1020 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1021 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1022 in the command files.
1023
1024 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1025 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1026 make this more useful, the message
1027
1028 @smallexample
1029 Program exited normally.
1030 @end smallexample
1031
1032 @noindent
1033 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1034 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1035 mode.
1036
1037 @item -batch-silent
1038 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1039 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1040 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1041 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1042 for an interactive session.
1043
1044 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1045 messages, for example.
1046
1047 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1048 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1049
1050 @item -return-child-result
1051 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1052 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1053 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1054
1055 @itemize @bullet
1056 @item
1057 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1058 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1059 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1060 @item
1061 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1062 @item
1063 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1064 the exit code will be -1.
1065 @end itemize
1066
1067 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1068 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1069 interface.
1070
1071 @item -nowindows
1072 @itemx -nw
1073 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1074 @cindex @code{-nw}
1075 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1076 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1077 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1078
1079 @item -windows
1080 @itemx -w
1081 @cindex @code{--windows}
1082 @cindex @code{-w}
1083 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1084 used if possible.
1085
1086 @item -cd @var{directory}
1087 @cindex @code{--cd}
1088 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1089 instead of the current directory.
1090
1091 @item -fullname
1092 @itemx -f
1093 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1094 @cindex @code{-f}
1095 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1096 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1097 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1098 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1099 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1100 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1101 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1102 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1103 frame.
1104
1105 @item -epoch
1106 @cindex @code{--epoch}
1107 The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1108 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1109 routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1110 separate window.
1111
1112 @item -annotate @var{level}
1113 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1114 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1115 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1116 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1117 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1118 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1119 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1120 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1121 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1122
1123 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1124 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1125
1126 @item --args
1127 @cindex @code{--args}
1128 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1129 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1130 This option stops option processing.
1131
1132 @item -baud @var{bps}
1133 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1134 @cindex @code{--baud}
1135 @cindex @code{-b}
1136 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1137 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1138
1139 @item -l @var{timeout}
1140 @cindex @code{-l}
1141 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1142 for remote debugging.
1143
1144 @item -tty @var{device}
1145 @itemx -t @var{device}
1146 @cindex @code{--tty}
1147 @cindex @code{-t}
1148 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1149 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1150
1151 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1152 @item -tui
1153 @cindex @code{--tui}
1154 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1155 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1156 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1157 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Alternatively, the
1158 Text User Interface can be enabled by invoking the program
1159 @samp{@value{GDBTUI}}. Do not use this option if you run @value{GDBN} from
1160 Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1161
1162 @c @item -xdb
1163 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1164 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1165 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1166 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1167 @c systems.
1168
1169 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1170 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1171 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1172 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1173 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1174 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1175
1176 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1177 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1178 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1179 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1180 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1181 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1182
1183 @item -write
1184 @cindex @code{--write}
1185 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1186 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1187 (@pxref{Patching}).
1188
1189 @item -statistics
1190 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1191 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1192 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1193
1194 @item -version
1195 @cindex @code{--version}
1196 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1197 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1198
1199 @end table
1200
1201 @node Startup
1202 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1203 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1204
1205 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1206
1207 @enumerate
1208 @item
1209 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1210 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1211
1212 @item
1213 @cindex init file
1214 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1215 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1216 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1217 that file.
1218
1219 @item
1220 Reads the init file (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1221 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1222 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1223 that file.
1224
1225 @item
1226 Processes command line options and operands.
1227
1228 @item
1229 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1230 working directory. This is only done if the current directory is
1231 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1232 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1233 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1234 @value{GDBN}.
1235
1236 @item
1237 Reads command files specified by the @samp{-x} option. @xref{Command
1238 Files}, for more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1239
1240 @item
1241 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1242 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1243 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1244 @end enumerate
1245
1246 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1247 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1248 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1249 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1250 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1251 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1252
1253 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1254 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1255
1256 @cindex init file name
1257 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1258 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1259 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1260 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1261 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1262 ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1263 @file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1264 the file to the standard name.
1265
1266
1267 @node Quitting GDB
1268 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1269 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1270 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1271
1272 @table @code
1273 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1274 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1275 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1276 @itemx q
1277 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1278 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1279 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1280 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1281 error code.
1282 @end table
1283
1284 @cindex interrupt
1285 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1286 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1287 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1288 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1289 until a time when it is safe.
1290
1291 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1292 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1293 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1294
1295 @node Shell Commands
1296 @section Shell Commands
1297
1298 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1299 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1300 just use the @code{shell} command.
1301
1302 @table @code
1303 @kindex shell
1304 @cindex shell escape
1305 @item shell @var{command string}
1306 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1307 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1308 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1309 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1310 @end table
1311
1312 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1313 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1314 @value{GDBN}:
1315
1316 @table @code
1317 @kindex make
1318 @cindex calling make
1319 @item make @var{make-args}
1320 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1321 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1322 @end table
1323
1324 @node Logging Output
1325 @section Logging Output
1326 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1327 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1328
1329 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1330 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1331
1332 @table @code
1333 @kindex set logging
1334 @item set logging on
1335 Enable logging.
1336 @item set logging off
1337 Disable logging.
1338 @cindex logging file name
1339 @item set logging file @var{file}
1340 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1341 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1342 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1343 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1344 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1345 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1346 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1347 @kindex show logging
1348 @item show logging
1349 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1350 @end table
1351
1352 @node Commands
1353 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1354
1355 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1356 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1357 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1358 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1359 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1360
1361 @menu
1362 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1363 * Completion:: Command completion
1364 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1365 @end menu
1366
1367 @node Command Syntax
1368 @section Command Syntax
1369
1370 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1371 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1372 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1373 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1374 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1375 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1376
1377 @cindex abbreviation
1378 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1379 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1380 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1381 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1382 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1383 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1384 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1385
1386 @cindex repeating commands
1387 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1388 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1389 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1390 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1391 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1392 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1393 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1394
1395 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1396 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1397 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1398
1399 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1400 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1401 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1402 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1403 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1404
1405 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1406 @cindex comment
1407 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1408 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1409 Files,,Command Files}).
1410
1411 @cindex repeating command sequences
1412 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1413 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1414 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1415 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1416 for editing.
1417
1418 @node Completion
1419 @section Command Completion
1420
1421 @cindex completion
1422 @cindex word completion
1423 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1424 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1425 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1426 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1427
1428 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1429 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1430 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1431 enter it). For example, if you type
1432
1433 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1434 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1435 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1436 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1437 @smallexample
1438 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1439 @end smallexample
1440
1441 @noindent
1442 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1443 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1444
1445 @smallexample
1446 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1447 @end smallexample
1448
1449 @noindent
1450 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1451 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1452 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1453 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1454 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1455 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1456
1457 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1458 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1459 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1460 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1461 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1462 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1463 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1464 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1465 example:
1466
1467 @smallexample
1468 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1469 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1470 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1471 make_abs_section make_function_type
1472 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1473 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1474 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1475 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1476 @end smallexample
1477
1478 @noindent
1479 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1480 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1481 command.
1482
1483 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1484 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1485 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1486 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1487 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1488
1489 @cindex quotes in commands
1490 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1491 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1492 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1493 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1494 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1495 @value{GDBN} commands.
1496
1497 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1498 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1499 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1500 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1501 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1502 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1503 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1504 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1505 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1506 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1507 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1508
1509 @smallexample
1510 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1511 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1512 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1513 @end smallexample
1514
1515 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1516 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1517 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1518 place:
1519
1520 @smallexample
1521 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1522 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1523 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1524 @end smallexample
1525
1526 @noindent
1527 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1528 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1529 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1530
1531 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1532 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1533 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1534 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1535
1536 @cindex completion of structure field names
1537 @cindex structure field name completion
1538 @cindex completion of union field names
1539 @cindex union field name completion
1540 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1541 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1542 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1543 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1544 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1545 left-hand-side:
1546
1547 @smallexample
1548 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1549 magic to_delete to_fputs to_put to_rewind
1550 to_data to_flush to_isatty to_read to_write
1551 @end smallexample
1552
1553 @noindent
1554 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1555 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1556 follows:
1557
1558 @smallexample
1559 struct ui_file
1560 @{
1561 int *magic;
1562 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1563 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1564 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1565 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1566 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1567 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1568 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1569 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1570 void *to_data;
1571 @}
1572 @end smallexample
1573
1574
1575 @node Help
1576 @section Getting Help
1577 @cindex online documentation
1578 @kindex help
1579
1580 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1581 using the command @code{help}.
1582
1583 @table @code
1584 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1585 @item help
1586 @itemx h
1587 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1588 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1589
1590 @smallexample
1591 (@value{GDBP}) help
1592 List of classes of commands:
1593
1594 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1595 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1596 data -- Examining data
1597 files -- Specifying and examining files
1598 internals -- Maintenance commands
1599 obscure -- Obscure features
1600 running -- Running the program
1601 stack -- Examining the stack
1602 status -- Status inquiries
1603 support -- Support facilities
1604 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1605 stopping the program
1606 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1607
1608 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1609 commands in that class.
1610 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1611 documentation.
1612 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1613 (@value{GDBP})
1614 @end smallexample
1615 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1616
1617 @item help @var{class}
1618 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1619 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1620 help display for the class @code{status}:
1621
1622 @smallexample
1623 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1624 Status inquiries.
1625
1626 List of commands:
1627
1628 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1629 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1630 info -- Generic command for showing things
1631 about the program being debugged
1632 show -- Generic command for showing things
1633 about the debugger
1634
1635 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1636 documentation.
1637 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1638 (@value{GDBP})
1639 @end smallexample
1640
1641 @item help @var{command}
1642 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1643 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1644
1645 @kindex apropos
1646 @item apropos @var{args}
1647 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1648 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1649 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1650
1651 @smallexample
1652 apropos reload
1653 @end smallexample
1654
1655 @noindent
1656 results in:
1657
1658 @smallexample
1659 @c @group
1660 set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1661 multiple times in one run
1662 show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1663 multiple times in one run
1664 @c @end group
1665 @end smallexample
1666
1667 @kindex complete
1668 @item complete @var{args}
1669 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1670 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1671 command you want completed. For example:
1672
1673 @smallexample
1674 complete i
1675 @end smallexample
1676
1677 @noindent results in:
1678
1679 @smallexample
1680 @group
1681 if
1682 ignore
1683 info
1684 inspect
1685 @end group
1686 @end smallexample
1687
1688 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1689 @end table
1690
1691 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1692 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1693 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1694 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1695 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1696 all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1697
1698 @c @group
1699 @table @code
1700 @kindex info
1701 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1702 @item info
1703 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1704 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1705 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1706 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1707 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1708 @w{@code{help info}}.
1709
1710 @kindex set
1711 @item set
1712 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1713 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1714 @code{set prompt $}.
1715
1716 @kindex show
1717 @item show
1718 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1719 @value{GDBN} itself.
1720 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1721 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1722 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1723 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1724
1725 @kindex info set
1726 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1727 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1728 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1729 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1730 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1731 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1732 @end table
1733 @c @end group
1734
1735 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1736 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1737
1738 @table @code
1739 @kindex show version
1740 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1741 @item show version
1742 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1743 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1744 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1745 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1746 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1747 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1748 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1749 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1750 @value{GDBN}.
1751
1752 @kindex show copying
1753 @kindex info copying
1754 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1755 @item show copying
1756 @itemx info copying
1757 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1758
1759 @kindex show warranty
1760 @kindex info warranty
1761 @item show warranty
1762 @itemx info warranty
1763 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1764 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1765
1766 @end table
1767
1768 @node Running
1769 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1770
1771 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1772 debugging information when you compile it.
1773
1774 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1775 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1776 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1777 kill a child process.
1778
1779 @menu
1780 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1781 * Starting:: Starting your program
1782 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1783 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1784
1785 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1786 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1787 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1788 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1789
1790 * Inferiors:: Debugging multiple inferiors
1791 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1792 * Processes:: Debugging programs with multiple processes
1793 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1794 @end menu
1795
1796 @node Compilation
1797 @section Compiling for Debugging
1798
1799 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1800 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1801 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1802 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1803 and addresses in the executable code.
1804
1805 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1806 the compiler.
1807
1808 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1809 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, many
1810 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1811 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1812 executables containing debugging information.
1813
1814 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1815 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1816 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1817 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1818 in pushing your luck.
1819
1820 @cindex optimized code, debugging
1821 @cindex debugging optimized code
1822 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
1823 optimizer is rearranging your code; the debugger shows you what is
1824 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
1825 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
1826 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
1827 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
1828
1829 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
1830 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
1831 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
1832 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
1833 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
1834
1835 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1836 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1837 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1838
1839 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1840 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1841 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1842 the @option{-g} flag alone, because this information is rather large.
1843 Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
1844 provides macro information if you specify the options
1845 @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3}; the former option requests
1846 debugging information in the Dwarf 2 format, and the latter requests
1847 ``extra information''. In the future, we hope to find more compact
1848 ways to represent macro information, so that it can be included with
1849 @option{-g} alone.
1850
1851 @need 2000
1852 @node Starting
1853 @section Starting your Program
1854 @cindex starting
1855 @cindex running
1856
1857 @table @code
1858 @kindex run
1859 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1860 @item run
1861 @itemx r
1862 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1863 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1864 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1865 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1866 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1867
1868 @end table
1869
1870 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1871 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1872 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1873 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1874 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1875 message like this one:
1876
1877 @smallexample
1878 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1879 Try "help target" or "continue".
1880 @end smallexample
1881
1882 @noindent
1883 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1884 first (@pxref{load}).
1885
1886 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1887 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1888 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1889 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1890 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1891 divided into four categories:
1892
1893 @table @asis
1894 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1895 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1896 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1897 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1898 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1899 the arguments.
1900 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1901 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1902 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1903
1904 @item The @emph{environment.}
1905 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1906 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1907 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1908 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1909
1910 @item The @emph{working directory.}
1911 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1912 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1913 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1914
1915 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1916 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1917 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1918 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1919 set a different device for your program.
1920 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1921
1922 @cindex pipes
1923 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1924 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1925 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1926 wrong program.
1927 @end table
1928
1929 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1930 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
1931 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1932 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1933 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1934
1935 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1936 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1937 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1938 your current breakpoints.
1939
1940 @table @code
1941 @kindex start
1942 @item start
1943 @cindex run to main procedure
1944 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
1945 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
1946 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
1947 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
1948 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
1949 procedure, depending on the language used.
1950
1951 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
1952 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
1953 the @samp{run} command.
1954
1955 @cindex elaboration phase
1956 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
1957 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
1958 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
1959 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
1960 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
1961 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
1962 will remain to halt execution.
1963
1964 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
1965 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
1966 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
1967 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
1968 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
1969
1970 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
1971 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
1972 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
1973 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
1974 elaboration code before running your program.
1975
1976 @kindex set exec-wrapper
1977 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
1978 @itemx show exec-wrapper
1979 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
1980 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
1981 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
1982 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
1983 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
1984 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
1985 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
1986 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
1987
1988 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
1989 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
1990 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
1991 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
1992
1993 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
1994 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
1995 environment:
1996
1997 @smallexample
1998 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
1999 (@value{GDBP}) run
2000 @end smallexample
2001
2002 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2003 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2004
2005 @kindex set disable-randomization
2006 @item set disable-randomization
2007 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2008 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2009 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2010 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2011 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2012
2013 This feature is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux. You can get the same
2014 behavior using
2015
2016 @smallexample
2017 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2018 @end smallexample
2019
2020 @item set disable-randomization off
2021 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2022 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2023 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2024 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2025 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2026 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2027
2028 The virtual address space randomization is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2029 It protects the programs against some kinds of security attacks. In these
2030 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2031 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2032 a code at its expected addresses.
2033
2034 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2035 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2036 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2037 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2038 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2039 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2040 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2041 a randomly chosen address.
2042
2043 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2044 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2045 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2046 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2047 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2048
2049 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2050 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2051
2052 @item show disable-randomization
2053 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2054 the virtual address space of the started program.
2055
2056 @end table
2057
2058 @node Arguments
2059 @section Your Program's Arguments
2060
2061 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2062 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2063 @code{run} command.
2064 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2065 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2066 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2067 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2068 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2069
2070 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2071 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2072 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2073 the program, not by the shell.
2074
2075 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2076 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2077
2078 @table @code
2079 @kindex set args
2080 @item set args
2081 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2082 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2083 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2084 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2085 it again without arguments.
2086
2087 @kindex show args
2088 @item show args
2089 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2090 @end table
2091
2092 @node Environment
2093 @section Your Program's Environment
2094
2095 @cindex environment (of your program)
2096 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2097 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2098 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2099 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2100 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2101 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2102 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2103
2104 @table @code
2105 @kindex path
2106 @item path @var{directory}
2107 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2108 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2109 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2110 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2111 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2112 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2113 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2114
2115 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2116 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2117 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2118 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2119 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2120 @var{directory} to the search path.
2121 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2122 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2123
2124 @kindex show paths
2125 @item show paths
2126 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2127 environment variable).
2128
2129 @kindex show environment
2130 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2131 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2132 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2133 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2134 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2135
2136 @kindex set environment
2137 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2138 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2139 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2140 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2141 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2142 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2143 null value.
2144 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2145 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2146
2147 For example, this command:
2148
2149 @smallexample
2150 set env USER = foo
2151 @end smallexample
2152
2153 @noindent
2154 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2155 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2156 are not actually required.)
2157
2158 @kindex unset environment
2159 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2160 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2161 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2162 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2163 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2164 @end table
2165
2166 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2167 the shell indicated
2168 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2169 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2170 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2171 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2172 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2173 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2174 @file{.profile}.
2175
2176 @node Working Directory
2177 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2178
2179 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2180 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2181 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2182 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2183 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2184 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2185
2186 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2187 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2188 Specify Files}.
2189
2190 @table @code
2191 @kindex cd
2192 @cindex change working directory
2193 @item cd @var{directory}
2194 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2195
2196 @kindex pwd
2197 @item pwd
2198 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2199 @end table
2200
2201 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2202 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2203 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2204 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2205 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2206 current working directory of the debuggee.
2207
2208 @node Input/Output
2209 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2210
2211 @cindex redirection
2212 @cindex i/o
2213 @cindex terminal
2214 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2215 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2216 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2217 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2218 running your program.
2219
2220 @table @code
2221 @kindex info terminal
2222 @item info terminal
2223 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2224 program is using.
2225 @end table
2226
2227 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2228 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2229
2230 @smallexample
2231 run > outfile
2232 @end smallexample
2233
2234 @noindent
2235 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2236
2237 @kindex tty
2238 @cindex controlling terminal
2239 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2240 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2241 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2242 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2243 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2244
2245 @smallexample
2246 tty /dev/ttyb
2247 @end smallexample
2248
2249 @noindent
2250 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2251 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2252 that as their controlling terminal.
2253
2254 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2255 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2256 terminal.
2257
2258 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2259 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2260 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2261 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2262
2263 @cindex inferior tty
2264 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2265 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2266 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2267 program.
2268
2269 @table @code
2270 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2271 @kindex set inferior-tty
2272 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2273
2274 @item show inferior-tty
2275 @kindex show inferior-tty
2276 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2277 @end table
2278
2279 @node Attach
2280 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2281 @kindex attach
2282 @cindex attach
2283
2284 @table @code
2285 @item attach @var{process-id}
2286 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2287 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2288 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2289 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2290 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2291
2292 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2293 executing the command.
2294 @end table
2295
2296 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2297 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2298 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2299 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2300
2301 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2302 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2303 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2304 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2305 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2306 Specify Files}.
2307
2308 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2309 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2310 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2311 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2312 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2313 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2314 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2315
2316 @table @code
2317 @kindex detach
2318 @item detach
2319 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2320 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2321 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2322 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2323 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2324 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2325 executing the command.
2326 @end table
2327
2328 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2329 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2330 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2331 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2332 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2333 Messages}).
2334
2335 @node Kill Process
2336 @section Killing the Child Process
2337
2338 @table @code
2339 @kindex kill
2340 @item kill
2341 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2342 @end table
2343
2344 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2345 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2346 is running.
2347
2348 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2349 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2350 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2351 outside the debugger.
2352
2353 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2354 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2355 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2356 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2357 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2358 breakpoint settings).
2359
2360 @node Inferiors
2361 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors
2362
2363 Some @value{GDBN} targets are able to run multiple processes created
2364 from a single executable. This can happen, for instance, with an
2365 embedded system reporting back several processes via the remote
2366 protocol.
2367
2368 @cindex inferior
2369 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2370 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2371 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2372 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2373 may (in future) be retained after a process exits. Each run of an
2374 executable creates a new inferior, as does each attachment to an
2375 existing process. Inferiors have unique identifiers that are
2376 different from process ids, and may optionally be named as well.
2377 Usually each inferior will also have its own distinct address space,
2378 although some embedded targets may have several inferiors running in
2379 different parts of a single space.
2380
2381 Each inferior may in turn have multiple threads running in it.
2382
2383 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @code{info inferiors}:
2384
2385 @table @code
2386 @kindex info inferiors
2387 @item info inferiors
2388 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2389
2390 @kindex set print inferior-events
2391 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2392 @item set print inferior-events
2393 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2394 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2395 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2396 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2397 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2398 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2399
2400 @kindex show print inferior-events
2401 @item show print inferior-events
2402 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2403 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2404 @end table
2405
2406 @node Threads
2407 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2408
2409 @cindex threads of execution
2410 @cindex multiple threads
2411 @cindex switching threads
2412 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2413 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2414 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2415 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2416 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2417 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2418 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2419
2420 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2421 programs:
2422
2423 @itemize @bullet
2424 @item automatic notification of new threads
2425 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2426 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2427 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2428 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2429 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2430 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2431 messages on thread start and exit.
2432 @end itemize
2433
2434 @quotation
2435 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2436 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2437 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2438 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2439 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2440 like this:
2441
2442 @smallexample
2443 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2444 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2445 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2446 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2447 @end smallexample
2448 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2449 @c doesn't support threads"?
2450 @end quotation
2451
2452 @cindex focus of debugging
2453 @cindex current thread
2454 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2455 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2456 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2457 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2458 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2459
2460 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2461 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2462 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2463 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2464 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2465 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2466 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2467 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2468 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2469 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2470
2471 @smallexample
2472 [New Thread 46912507313328 (LWP 25582)]
2473 @end smallexample
2474
2475 @noindent
2476 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2477 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2478 further qualifier.
2479
2480 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2481 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2482 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2483 @c program?
2484 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2485 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2486 @c threads ab initio?
2487
2488 @cindex thread number
2489 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2490 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2491 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2492
2493 @table @code
2494 @kindex info threads
2495 @item info threads
2496 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2497 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2498
2499 @enumerate
2500 @item
2501 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2502
2503 @item
2504 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2505
2506 @item
2507 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2508 @end enumerate
2509
2510 @noindent
2511 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2512 indicates the current thread.
2513
2514 For example,
2515 @end table
2516 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2517
2518 @smallexample
2519 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2520 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2521 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2522 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2523 at threadtest.c:68
2524 @end smallexample
2525
2526 On HP-UX systems:
2527
2528 @cindex debugging multithreaded programs (on HP-UX)
2529 @cindex thread identifier (GDB), on HP-UX
2530 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2531 number---a small integer assigned in thread-creation order---with each
2532 thread in your program.
2533
2534 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message, on HP-UX
2535 @cindex thread identifier (system), on HP-UX
2536 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2537 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2538 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2539 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2540 both @value{GDBN}'s thread number and the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2541 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2542 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2543 HP-UX, you see
2544
2545 @smallexample
2546 [New thread 2 (system thread 26594)]
2547 @end smallexample
2548
2549 @noindent
2550 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread.
2551
2552 @table @code
2553 @kindex info threads (HP-UX)
2554 @item info threads
2555 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2556 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2557
2558 @enumerate
2559 @item the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2560
2561 @item the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2562
2563 @item the current stack frame summary for that thread
2564 @end enumerate
2565
2566 @noindent
2567 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2568 indicates the current thread.
2569
2570 For example,
2571 @end table
2572 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2573
2574 @smallexample
2575 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2576 * 3 system thread 26607 worker (wptr=0x7b09c318 "@@") \@*
2577 at quicksort.c:137
2578 2 system thread 26606 0x7b0030d8 in __ksleep () \@*
2579 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2580 1 system thread 27905 0x7b003498 in _brk () \@*
2581 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2582 @end smallexample
2583
2584 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2585 Solaris-specific command:
2586
2587 @table @code
2588 @item maint info sol-threads
2589 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2590 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2591 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2592 @end table
2593
2594 @table @code
2595 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2596 @item thread @var{threadno}
2597 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2598 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2599 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2600 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2601 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2602
2603 @smallexample
2604 @c FIXME!! This example made up; find a @value{GDBN} w/threads and get real one
2605 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2606 [Switching to process 35 thread 23]
2607 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2608 @end smallexample
2609
2610 @noindent
2611 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2612 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2613 threads.
2614
2615 @kindex thread apply
2616 @cindex apply command to several threads
2617 @item thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{command}
2618 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2619 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2620 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2621 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2622 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2623 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2624 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2625
2626 @kindex set print thread-events
2627 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2628 @item set print thread-events
2629 @itemx set print thread-events on
2630 @itemx set print thread-events off
2631 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2632 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2633 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2634 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2635 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2636
2637 @kindex show print thread-events
2638 @item show print thread-events
2639 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2640 have started and exited.
2641 @end table
2642
2643 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2644 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2645 programs with multiple threads.
2646
2647 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2648 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2649
2650 @node Processes
2651 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Processes
2652
2653 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2654 @cindex multiple processes
2655 @cindex processes, multiple
2656 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2657 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2658 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2659 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2660 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2661 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2662 will cause it to terminate.
2663
2664 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2665 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2666 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2667 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2668 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2669 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2670 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2671 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2672 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2673 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2674
2675 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2676 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2677 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2678 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2679
2680 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2681 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2682
2683 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2684 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2685
2686 @table @code
2687 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
2688 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2689 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2690 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2691 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2692
2693 @table @code
2694 @item parent
2695 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2696 unimpeded. This is the default.
2697
2698 @item child
2699 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2700 unimpeded.
2701
2702 @end table
2703
2704 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
2705 @item show follow-fork-mode
2706 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2707 @end table
2708
2709 @cindex debugging multiple processes
2710 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
2711 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
2712
2713 @table @code
2714 @kindex set detach-on-fork
2715 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
2716 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
2717 retain debugger control over them both.
2718
2719 @table @code
2720 @item on
2721 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
2722 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
2723 independently. This is the default.
2724
2725 @item off
2726 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2727 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
2728 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
2729 is held suspended.
2730
2731 @end table
2732
2733 @kindex show detach-on-fork
2734 @item show detach-on-fork
2735 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
2736 @end table
2737
2738 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then
2739 @value{GDBN} will retain control of all forked processes (including
2740 nested forks). You can list the forked processes under the control of
2741 @value{GDBN} by using the @w{@code{info forks}} command, and switch
2742 from one fork to another by using the @w{@code{fork}} command.
2743
2744 @table @code
2745 @kindex info forks
2746 @item info forks
2747 Print a list of all forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2748 The listing will include a fork id, a process id, and the current
2749 position (program counter) of the process.
2750
2751 @kindex fork @var{fork-id}
2752 @item fork @var{fork-id}
2753 Make fork number @var{fork-id} the current process. The argument
2754 @var{fork-id} is the internal fork number assigned by @value{GDBN},
2755 as shown in the first field of the @samp{info forks} display.
2756
2757 @kindex process @var{process-id}
2758 @item process @var{process-id}
2759 Make process number @var{process-id} the current process. The
2760 argument @var{process-id} must be one that is listed in the output of
2761 @samp{info forks}.
2762
2763 @end table
2764
2765 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
2766 from it by using the @w{@code{detach fork}} command (allowing it to
2767 run independently), or delete (and kill) it using the
2768 @w{@code{delete fork}} command.
2769
2770 @table @code
2771 @kindex detach fork @var{fork-id}
2772 @item detach fork @var{fork-id}
2773 Detach from the process identified by @value{GDBN} fork number
2774 @var{fork-id}, and remove it from the fork list. The process will be
2775 allowed to run independently.
2776
2777 @kindex delete fork @var{fork-id}
2778 @item delete fork @var{fork-id}
2779 Kill the process identified by @value{GDBN} fork number @var{fork-id},
2780 and remove it from the fork list.
2781
2782 @end table
2783
2784 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
2785 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
2786 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
2787 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
2788 the child process's @code{main}.
2789
2790 When a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you cannot debug the
2791 child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
2792
2793 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
2794 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent process,
2795 use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name as its
2796 argument.
2797
2798 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
2799 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
2800 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
2801
2802 @node Checkpoint/Restart
2803 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
2804
2805 @cindex checkpoint
2806 @cindex restart
2807 @cindex bookmark
2808 @cindex snapshot of a process
2809 @cindex rewind program state
2810
2811 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
2812 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
2813 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
2814 later.
2815
2816 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
2817 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
2818 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
2819 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
2820 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
2821
2822 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
2823 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
2824 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
2825 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
2826 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
2827 start again from there.
2828
2829 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
2830 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
2831
2832 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
2833
2834 @table @code
2835 @kindex checkpoint
2836 @item checkpoint
2837 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
2838 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
2839 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
2840
2841 @kindex info checkpoints
2842 @item info checkpoints
2843 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
2844 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
2845 listed:
2846
2847 @table @code
2848 @item Checkpoint ID
2849 @item Process ID
2850 @item Code Address
2851 @item Source line, or label
2852 @end table
2853
2854 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
2855 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
2856 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
2857 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
2858 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
2859 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
2860 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
2861
2862 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
2863 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
2864 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
2865 the debugger.
2866
2867 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
2868 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
2869 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
2870
2871 @end table
2872
2873 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
2874 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
2875 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
2876 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
2877 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
2878 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
2879 previously read data can be read again.
2880
2881 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
2882 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
2883 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
2884 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
2885 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
2886 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
2887
2888 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
2889 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
2890 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
2891 different execution path this time.
2892
2893 @cindex checkpoints and process id
2894 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
2895 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
2896 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
2897 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
2898 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
2899 potentially pose a problem.
2900
2901 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
2902
2903 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
2904 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
2905 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
2906 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
2907 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
2908 next.
2909
2910 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
2911 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
2912 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
2913 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
2914 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
2915
2916 @node Stopping
2917 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
2918
2919 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
2920 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
2921 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
2922
2923 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
2924 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
2925 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
2926 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
2927 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
2928 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
2929 explicitly request this information at any time.
2930
2931 @table @code
2932 @kindex info program
2933 @item info program
2934 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
2935 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
2936 @end table
2937
2938 @menu
2939 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
2940 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
2941 * Signals:: Signals
2942 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
2943 @end menu
2944
2945 @node Breakpoints
2946 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
2947
2948 @cindex breakpoints
2949 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
2950 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
2951 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
2952 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
2953 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
2954 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
2955 program.
2956
2957 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
2958 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
2959 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
2960 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
2961 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
2962 call).
2963
2964 @cindex watchpoints
2965 @cindex data breakpoints
2966 @cindex memory tracing
2967 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
2968 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
2969 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
2970 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
2971 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
2972 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
2973 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
2974 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
2975 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
2976 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
2977 same commands.
2978
2979 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
2980 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
2981 Automatic Display}.
2982
2983 @cindex catchpoints
2984 @cindex breakpoint on events
2985 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
2986 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
2987 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
2988 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
2989 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
2990 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
2991 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
2992
2993 @cindex breakpoint numbers
2994 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
2995 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
2996 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
2997 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
2998 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
2999 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3000 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3001 enable it again.
3002
3003 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3004 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3005 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3006 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3007 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3008 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3009 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3010
3011 @menu
3012 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3013 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3014 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3015 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3016 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3017 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3018 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3019 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3020 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3021 @end menu
3022
3023 @node Set Breaks
3024 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3025
3026 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3027 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3028 @c
3029 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3030
3031 @kindex break
3032 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3033 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3034 @cindex latest breakpoint
3035 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3036 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3037 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3038 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3039 convenience variables.
3040
3041 @table @code
3042 @item break @var{location}
3043 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3044 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3045 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3046 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3047 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3048
3049 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3050 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3051 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3052 that situation.
3053
3054 @item break
3055 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3056 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3057 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3058 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3059 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3060 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3061 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3062 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3063 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3064 inside loops.
3065
3066 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3067 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3068 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3069 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3070 existed when your program stopped.
3071
3072 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3073 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3074 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3075 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3076 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3077 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3078 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3079
3080 @kindex tbreak
3081 @item tbreak @var{args}
3082 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3083 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3084 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3085 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3086
3087 @kindex hbreak
3088 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3089 @item hbreak @var{args}
3090 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3091 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3092 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3093 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3094 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3095 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3096 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3097 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3098 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3099 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3100 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3101 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3102 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3103 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3104 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3105 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3106 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3107 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3108
3109 @kindex thbreak
3110 @item thbreak @var{args}
3111 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3112 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3113 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3114 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3115 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3116 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3117 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3118 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3119
3120 @kindex rbreak
3121 @cindex regular expression
3122 @cindex breakpoints in functions matching a regexp
3123 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3124 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3125 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3126 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3127 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3128 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3129 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3130 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3131
3132 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3133 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3134 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3135 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3136 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3137 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3138
3139 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3140 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3141 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3142 classes.
3143
3144 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3145 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3146 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3147
3148 @smallexample
3149 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3150 @end smallexample
3151
3152 @kindex info breakpoints
3153 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3154 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3155 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3156 @itemx info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3157 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3158 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3159 about the specified breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint). For
3160 each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3161
3162 @table @emph
3163 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3164 @item Type
3165 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3166 @item Disposition
3167 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3168 @item Enabled or Disabled
3169 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3170 that are not enabled.
3171 @item Address
3172 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3173 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3174 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3175 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3176 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3177 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3178 @item What
3179 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3180 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3181 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3182 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3183 @end table
3184
3185 @noindent
3186 If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
3187 the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
3188 are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is allowed to have a condition
3189 specified for it. The condition is not parsed for validity until a shared
3190 library is loaded that allows the pending breakpoint to resolve to a
3191 valid location.
3192
3193 @noindent
3194 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3195 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3196 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3197 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3198 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3199
3200 @noindent
3201 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3202 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3203 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3204 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3205 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3206 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3207 @end table
3208
3209 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3210 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3211 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3212 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3213
3214 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3215 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3216 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3217 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3218
3219 @itemize @bullet
3220 @item
3221 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3222 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3223
3224 @item
3225 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3226 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3227
3228 @item
3229 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3230 several places where that function is inlined.
3231 @end itemize
3232
3233 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3234 the relevant locations@footnote{
3235 As of this writing, multiple-location breakpoints work only if there's
3236 line number information for all the locations. This means that they
3237 will generally not work in system libraries, unless you have debug
3238 info with line numbers for them.}.
3239
3240 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3241 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3242 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3243 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3244 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3245 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3246 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3247
3248 For example:
3249
3250 @smallexample
3251 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3252 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3253 stop only if i==1
3254 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3255 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3256 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3257 @end smallexample
3258
3259 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3260 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3261 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3262 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3263 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3264 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3265 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3266 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3267 that belong to that breakpoint.
3268
3269 @cindex pending breakpoints
3270 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3271 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3272 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3273 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3274 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3275 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3276 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3277 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3278 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3279 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3280 is not yet resolved.
3281
3282 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3283 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3284 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3285 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3286 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3287 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3288
3289 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3290 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3291 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3292 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3293
3294 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3295 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3296 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3297
3298 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3299 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3300 address specification to an address:
3301
3302 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3303 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3304 @table @code
3305 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3306 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3307 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3308
3309 @item set breakpoint pending on
3310 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3311 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3312
3313 @item set breakpoint pending off
3314 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3315 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3316 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3317
3318 @item show breakpoint pending
3319 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3320 @end table
3321
3322 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3323 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3324 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3325
3326 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3327 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3328 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3329 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3330 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3331 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3332 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3333 breakpoints.
3334
3335 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3336
3337 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3338 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3339 @table @code
3340 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3341 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3342 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3343 breakpoint must be used.
3344
3345 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3346 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3347 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3348 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3349 @end table
3350
3351 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3352 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3353 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3354 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3355 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3356 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3357 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3358 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3359 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3360
3361 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3362 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3363 @table @code
3364 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3365 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3366 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3367 removed from the target when it stops.
3368
3369 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3370 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3371 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3372 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3373 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3374
3375 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3376 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3377 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3378 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3379 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3380 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3381 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3382 @end table
3383
3384 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3385 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3386 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3387 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3388 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3389 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3390 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3391 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3392
3393
3394 @node Set Watchpoints
3395 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3396
3397 @cindex setting watchpoints
3398 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3399 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3400 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3401 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3402 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3403
3404 @itemize @bullet
3405 @item
3406 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3407
3408 @item
3409 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3410 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3411 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3412
3413 @item
3414 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3415 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3416 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3417 @end itemize
3418
3419 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3420 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3421 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3422 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3423 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3424 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3425 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3426 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3427 the expression changes.
3428
3429 @cindex software watchpoints
3430 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3431 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3432 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3433 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3434 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3435 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3436 culprit.)
3437
3438 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3439 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3440 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3441
3442 @table @code
3443 @kindex watch
3444 @item watch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3445 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3446 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3447 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3448 to watch the value of a single variable:
3449
3450 @smallexample
3451 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3452 @end smallexample
3453
3454 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3455 clause, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3456 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3457 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3458 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3459 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3460
3461 @kindex rwatch
3462 @item rwatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3463 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3464 by the program.
3465
3466 @kindex awatch
3467 @item awatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3468 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3469 or written into by the program.
3470
3471 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3472 @item info watchpoints
3473 This command prints a list of watchpoints, breakpoints, and catchpoints;
3474 it is the same as @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3475 @end table
3476
3477 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3478 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3479 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3480 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3481 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3482 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3483
3484 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3485 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3486 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3487 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3488 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3489 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3490 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3491 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3492
3493 @table @code
3494 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3495 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3496 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3497
3498 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3499 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3500 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3501 @end table
3502
3503 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3504 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3505 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3506
3507 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3508
3509 @smallexample
3510 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3511 @end smallexample
3512
3513 @noindent
3514 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3515
3516 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3517 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3518 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3519 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3520 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3521 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3522 will print a message like this:
3523
3524 @smallexample
3525 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3526 @end smallexample
3527
3528 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3529 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3530 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3531 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3532 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3533 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3534 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3535 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3536
3537 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3538 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3539 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3540 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3541 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3542 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3543
3544 @smallexample
3545 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3546 @end smallexample
3547
3548 @noindent
3549 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3550
3551 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3552 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3553 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3554 expression with separately allocated resources.
3555
3556 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3557 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3558 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3559
3560 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3561 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3562 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3563 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3564 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
3565 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
3566 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
3567 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
3568 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
3569
3570 @cindex watchpoints and threads
3571 @cindex threads and watchpoints
3572 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
3573 watched expression from every thread.
3574
3575 @quotation
3576 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
3577 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
3578 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
3579 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
3580 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
3581 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
3582 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
3583 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
3584 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
3585 @end quotation
3586
3587 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
3588
3589 @node Set Catchpoints
3590 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
3591 @cindex catchpoints, setting
3592 @cindex exception handlers
3593 @cindex event handling
3594
3595 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
3596 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
3597 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
3598
3599 @table @code
3600 @kindex catch
3601 @item catch @var{event}
3602 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
3603 @table @code
3604 @item throw
3605 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
3606 The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
3607
3608 @item catch
3609 The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
3610
3611 @item exception
3612 @cindex Ada exception catching
3613 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
3614 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
3615 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
3616 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
3617 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
3618
3619 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
3620 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
3621 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
3622 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
3623 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
3624 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
3625 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
3626 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
3627
3628 @item exception unhandled
3629 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
3630
3631 @item assert
3632 A failed Ada assertion.
3633
3634 @item exec
3635 @cindex break on fork/exec
3636 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3637 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3638
3639 @item fork
3640 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3641 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3642
3643 @item vfork
3644 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3645 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3646
3647 @end table
3648
3649 @item tcatch @var{event}
3650 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
3651 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
3652
3653 @end table
3654
3655 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
3656
3657 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
3658 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
3659
3660 @itemize @bullet
3661 @item
3662 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
3663 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
3664 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
3665 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
3666 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
3667 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
3668 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
3669 disabled within interactive calls.
3670
3671 @item
3672 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
3673
3674 @item
3675 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
3676 @end itemize
3677
3678 @cindex raise exceptions
3679 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
3680 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
3681 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
3682 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
3683 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
3684 out where the exception was raised.
3685
3686 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
3687 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
3688 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
3689 which has the following ANSI C interface:
3690
3691 @smallexample
3692 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
3693 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
3694 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
3695 @end smallexample
3696
3697 @noindent
3698 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
3699 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
3700 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
3701
3702 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
3703 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
3704 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
3705 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
3706 raised.
3707
3708
3709 @node Delete Breaks
3710 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
3711
3712 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
3713 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
3714 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3715 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
3716 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
3717 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
3718
3719 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
3720 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
3721 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
3722 their breakpoint numbers.
3723
3724 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
3725 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
3726 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
3727
3728 @table @code
3729 @kindex clear
3730 @item clear
3731 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
3732 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
3733 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
3734 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
3735
3736 @item clear @var{location}
3737 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
3738 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
3739 most useful ones are listed below:
3740
3741 @table @code
3742 @item clear @var{function}
3743 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
3744 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
3745
3746 @item clear @var{linenum}
3747 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
3748 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
3749 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
3750 @end table
3751
3752 @cindex delete breakpoints
3753 @kindex delete
3754 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
3755 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3756 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
3757 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
3758 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
3759 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
3760 @end table
3761
3762 @node Disabling
3763 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
3764
3765 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
3766 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
3767 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
3768 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
3769 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
3770
3771 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
3772 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying one
3773 or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} or
3774 @code{info watch} to print a list of breakpoints, watchpoints, and
3775 catchpoints if you do not know which numbers to use.
3776
3777 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
3778 affects all of its locations.
3779
3780 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
3781 states of enablement:
3782
3783 @itemize @bullet
3784 @item
3785 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
3786 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
3787 @item
3788 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
3789 @item
3790 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
3791 disabled.
3792 @item
3793 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
3794 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
3795 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
3796 @end itemize
3797
3798 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
3799 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
3800
3801 @table @code
3802 @kindex disable
3803 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
3804 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3805 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
3806 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
3807 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
3808 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
3809 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
3810
3811 @kindex enable
3812 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3813 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
3814 become effective once again in stopping your program.
3815
3816 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
3817 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
3818 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
3819
3820 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
3821 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
3822 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
3823 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
3824 @end table
3825
3826 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
3827 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
3828 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
3829 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
3830 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
3831 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
3832 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
3833 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
3834 Stepping}.)
3835
3836 @node Conditions
3837 @subsection Break Conditions
3838 @cindex conditional breakpoints
3839 @cindex breakpoint conditions
3840
3841 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
3842 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
3843 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
3844 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
3845 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
3846 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
3847 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
3848 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
3849
3850 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
3851 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
3852 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
3853 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
3854 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
3855
3856 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
3857 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
3858 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
3859 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
3860 one.
3861
3862 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
3863 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
3864 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
3865 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
3866 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
3867 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
3868 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
3869 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
3870 conditions for the
3871 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
3872 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
3873
3874 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
3875 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
3876 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
3877 with the @code{condition} command.
3878
3879 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
3880 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
3881 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
3882 catchpoint.
3883
3884 @table @code
3885 @kindex condition
3886 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
3887 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
3888 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
3889 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
3890 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
3891 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
3892 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
3893 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
3894 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
3895 prints an error message:
3896
3897 @smallexample
3898 No symbol "foo" in current context.
3899 @end smallexample
3900
3901 @noindent
3902 @value{GDBN} does
3903 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
3904 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
3905 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
3906
3907 @item condition @var{bnum}
3908 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
3909 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
3910 @end table
3911
3912 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
3913 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
3914 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
3915 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
3916 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
3917 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
3918 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
3919 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
3920 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
3921 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
3922 your program reaches it.
3923
3924 @table @code
3925 @kindex ignore
3926 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
3927 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
3928 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
3929 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
3930 takes no action.
3931
3932 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
3933 a count of zero.
3934
3935 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
3936 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
3937 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
3938 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
3939
3940 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
3941 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
3942 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
3943
3944 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
3945 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
3946 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
3947 Variables}.
3948 @end table
3949
3950 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
3951
3952
3953 @node Break Commands
3954 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
3955
3956 @cindex breakpoint commands
3957 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
3958 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
3959 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
3960 enable other breakpoints.
3961
3962 @table @code
3963 @kindex commands
3964 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
3965 @item commands @r{[}@var{bnum}@r{]}
3966 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
3967 @itemx end
3968 Specify a list of commands for breakpoint number @var{bnum}. The commands
3969 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
3970 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
3971
3972 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
3973 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
3974
3975 With no @var{bnum} argument, @code{commands} refers to the last
3976 breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most
3977 recently encountered).
3978 @end table
3979
3980 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
3981 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
3982
3983 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
3984 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
3985 that resumes execution.
3986
3987 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
3988 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
3989 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
3990 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
3991 ambiguities about which list to execute.
3992
3993 @kindex silent
3994 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
3995 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
3996 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
3997 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
3998 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
3999 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4000
4001 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4002 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4003 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4004
4005 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4006 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4007
4008 @smallexample
4009 break foo if x>0
4010 commands
4011 silent
4012 printf "x is %d\n",x
4013 cont
4014 end
4015 @end smallexample
4016
4017 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4018 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4019 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4020 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4021 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4022 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4023 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4024
4025 @smallexample
4026 break 403
4027 commands
4028 silent
4029 set x = y + 4
4030 cont
4031 end
4032 @end smallexample
4033
4034 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4035 @node Error in Breakpoints
4036 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4037
4038 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4039 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4040
4041 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4042 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4043 @smallexample
4044 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4045 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4046 @end smallexample
4047
4048 @noindent
4049 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4050 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4051 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4052
4053 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4054 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4055
4056 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4057 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4058 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4059
4060 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4061 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4062 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4063 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4064
4065 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4066 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4067 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4068 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4069 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4070 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4071 first in the bundle.
4072
4073 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4074 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4075 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4076 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4077 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4078 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4079 is hit.
4080
4081 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4082 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4083
4084 @smallexample
4085 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4086 @end smallexample
4087
4088 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4089 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4090 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4091 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4092 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4093 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4094 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4095 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4096
4097 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4098 adjusted breakpoints:
4099
4100 @smallexample
4101 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4102 to 0x00010410.
4103 @end smallexample
4104
4105 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4106 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4107 frequently than expected.
4108
4109 @node Continuing and Stepping
4110 @section Continuing and Stepping
4111
4112 @cindex stepping
4113 @cindex continuing
4114 @cindex resuming execution
4115 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4116 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4117 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4118 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4119 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4120 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4121 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4122 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4123
4124 @table @code
4125 @kindex continue
4126 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4127 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4128 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4129 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4130 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4131 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4132 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4133 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4134 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4135 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4136
4137 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4138 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4139 @code{continue} is ignored.
4140
4141 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4142 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4143 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4144 @code{continue}.
4145 @end table
4146
4147 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4148 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4149 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4150 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4151
4152 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4153 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4154 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4155 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4156 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4157 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4158
4159 @table @code
4160 @kindex step
4161 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4162 @item step
4163 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4164 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4165 abbreviated @code{s}.
4166
4167 @quotation
4168 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4169 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4170 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4171 @c distinction here.
4172 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4173 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4174 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4175 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4176 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4177 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4178 below.
4179 @end quotation
4180
4181 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4182 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4183 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4184 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4185 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4186 called within the line.
4187
4188 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4189 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4190 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4191 on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4192 was any debugging information about the routine.
4193
4194 @item step @var{count}
4195 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4196 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4197 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4198
4199 @kindex next
4200 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4201 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4202 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4203 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4204 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4205 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4206 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4207 is abbreviated @code{n}.
4208
4209 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4210
4211
4212 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4213 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4214 @c
4215 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4216 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4217 @c function are executed without stopping.
4218
4219 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4220 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4221 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4222
4223 @kindex set step-mode
4224 @item set step-mode
4225 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4226 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4227 @itemx set step-mode on
4228 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
4229 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
4230 information rather than stepping over it.
4231
4232 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
4233 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
4234 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
4235
4236 @item set step-mode off
4237 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
4238 debug information. This is the default.
4239
4240 @item show step-mode
4241 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
4242 source line debug information.
4243
4244 @kindex finish
4245 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
4246 @item finish
4247 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
4248 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
4249 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
4250
4251 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
4252 ,Returning from a Function}).
4253
4254 @kindex until
4255 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
4256 @cindex run until specified location
4257 @item until
4258 @itemx u
4259 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
4260 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
4261 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
4262 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
4263 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
4264 than the address of the jump.
4265
4266 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
4267 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
4268 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
4269 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
4270 through the next iteration.
4271
4272 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
4273 stack frame.
4274
4275 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
4276 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
4277 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
4278 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
4279 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
4280
4281 @smallexample
4282 (@value{GDBP}) f
4283 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
4284 206 expand_input();
4285 (@value{GDBP}) until
4286 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
4287 @end smallexample
4288
4289 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
4290 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
4291 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
4292 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
4293 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
4294 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
4295 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
4296
4297 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
4298 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
4299 argument.
4300
4301 @item until @var{location}
4302 @itemx u @var{location}
4303 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
4304 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
4305 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
4306 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
4307 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
4308 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
4309 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
4310 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
4311 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
4312 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
4313 invocations have returned.
4314
4315 @smallexample
4316 94 int factorial (int value)
4317 95 @{
4318 96 if (value > 1) @{
4319 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
4320 98 @}
4321 99 return (value);
4322 100 @}
4323 @end smallexample
4324
4325
4326 @kindex advance @var{location}
4327 @itemx advance @var{location}
4328 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
4329 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
4330 @ref{Specify Location}.
4331 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
4332 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
4333 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
4334 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
4335
4336
4337 @kindex stepi
4338 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
4339 @item stepi
4340 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
4341 @itemx si
4342 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
4343
4344 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
4345 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
4346 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
4347 Display,, Automatic Display}.
4348
4349 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
4350
4351 @need 750
4352 @kindex nexti
4353 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
4354 @item nexti
4355 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
4356 @itemx ni
4357 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
4358 proceed until the function returns.
4359
4360 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
4361 @end table
4362
4363 @node Signals
4364 @section Signals
4365 @cindex signals
4366
4367 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
4368 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
4369 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
4370 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
4371 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
4372 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
4373 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
4374 requested an alarm).
4375
4376 @cindex fatal signals
4377 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
4378 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
4379 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
4380 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
4381 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
4382 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
4383
4384 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
4385 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
4386 signal.
4387
4388 @cindex handling signals
4389 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
4390 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
4391 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
4392 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
4393 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
4394
4395 @table @code
4396 @kindex info signals
4397 @kindex info handle
4398 @item info signals
4399 @itemx info handle
4400 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
4401 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
4402 the defined types of signals.
4403
4404 @item info signals @var{sig}
4405 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
4406
4407 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
4408
4409 @kindex handle
4410 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
4411 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
4412 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
4413 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
4414 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
4415 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
4416 say what change to make.
4417 @end table
4418
4419 @c @group
4420 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
4421 Their full names are:
4422
4423 @table @code
4424 @item nostop
4425 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
4426 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
4427
4428 @item stop
4429 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
4430 the @code{print} keyword as well.
4431
4432 @item print
4433 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
4434
4435 @item noprint
4436 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
4437 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
4438
4439 @item pass
4440 @itemx noignore
4441 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
4442 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
4443 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
4444
4445 @item nopass
4446 @itemx ignore
4447 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
4448 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
4449 @end table
4450 @c @end group
4451
4452 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
4453 program until you
4454 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
4455 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
4456 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
4457 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
4458 program sees that signal when you continue.
4459
4460 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
4461 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
4462 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
4463 erroneous signals.
4464
4465 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
4466 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
4467 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
4468 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
4469 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
4470 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
4471 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
4472 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
4473 Program a Signal}.
4474
4475 @cindex extra signal information
4476 @anchor{extra signal information}
4477
4478 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
4479 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
4480 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
4481 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
4482 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
4483 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
4484 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
4485 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
4486 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
4487 system header.
4488
4489 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
4490 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
4491
4492 @smallexample
4493 @group
4494 (@value{GDBP}) continue
4495 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
4496 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
4497 69 *(int *)p = 0;
4498 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
4499 type = struct @{
4500 int si_signo;
4501 int si_errno;
4502 int si_code;
4503 union @{
4504 int _pad[28];
4505 struct @{...@} _kill;
4506 struct @{...@} _timer;
4507 struct @{...@} _rt;
4508 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
4509 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
4510 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
4511 @} _sifields;
4512 @}
4513 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
4514 type = struct @{
4515 void *si_addr;
4516 @}
4517 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
4518 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
4519 @end group
4520 @end smallexample
4521
4522 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
4523
4524 @node Thread Stops
4525 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
4526
4527 @cindex stopped threads
4528 @cindex threads, stopped
4529
4530 @cindex continuing threads
4531 @cindex threads, continuing
4532
4533 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
4534 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
4535 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
4536 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
4537 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
4538 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
4539 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
4540 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
4541 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
4542
4543 @menu
4544 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
4545 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
4546 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
4547 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
4548 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
4549 @end menu
4550
4551 @node All-Stop Mode
4552 @subsection All-Stop Mode
4553
4554 @cindex all-stop mode
4555
4556 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
4557 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
4558 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
4559 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
4560 underfoot.
4561
4562 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
4563 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
4564 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
4565
4566 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
4567 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
4568 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
4569 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
4570 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
4571 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
4572 stops.
4573
4574 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
4575 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
4576 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
4577 first thread completes whatever you requested.
4578
4579 @cindex automatic thread selection
4580 @cindex switching threads automatically
4581 @cindex threads, automatic switching
4582 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
4583 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
4584 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
4585 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
4586 thread.
4587
4588 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
4589 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
4590
4591 @table @code
4592 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
4593 @cindex scheduler locking mode
4594 @cindex lock scheduler
4595 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
4596 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
4597 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
4598 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
4599 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
4600 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
4601 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
4602 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
4603 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
4604 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
4605 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
4606 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
4607
4608 @item show scheduler-locking
4609 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
4610 @end table
4611
4612 @node Non-Stop Mode
4613 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
4614
4615 @cindex non-stop mode
4616
4617 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
4618 @c with more details.
4619
4620 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
4621 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
4622 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
4623 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
4624 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
4625 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
4626
4627 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
4628 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
4629 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
4630 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
4631 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
4632 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
4633 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
4634 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
4635 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
4636 independently and simultaneously.
4637
4638 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
4639 or attach to your program:
4640
4641 @smallexample
4642 # Enable the async interface.
4643 set target-async 1
4644
4645 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
4646 set pagination off
4647
4648 # Finally, turn it on!
4649 set non-stop on
4650 @end smallexample
4651
4652 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
4653
4654 @table @code
4655 @kindex set non-stop
4656 @item set non-stop on
4657 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
4658 @item set non-stop off
4659 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
4660 @kindex show non-stop
4661 @item show non-stop
4662 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
4663 @end table
4664
4665 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
4666 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
4667 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
4668 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
4669 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
4670 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
4671 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
4672 default.
4673
4674 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
4675 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
4676 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
4677
4678 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
4679 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
4680 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
4681 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
4682 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
4683
4684 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
4685 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
4686 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
4687 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
4688 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
4689
4690 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
4691
4692 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
4693 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
4694 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
4695 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
4696 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
4697 previously current thread.
4698
4699 @node Background Execution
4700 @subsection Background Execution
4701
4702 @cindex foreground execution
4703 @cindex background execution
4704 @cindex asynchronous execution
4705 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
4706
4707 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
4708 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
4709 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
4710 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
4711 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
4712 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
4713
4714 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
4715 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
4716 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
4717 are:
4718
4719 @table @code
4720 @kindex run&
4721 @item run
4722 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
4723
4724 @item attach
4725 @kindex attach&
4726 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
4727
4728 @item step
4729 @kindex step&
4730 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
4731
4732 @item stepi
4733 @kindex stepi&
4734 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
4735
4736 @item next
4737 @kindex next&
4738 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
4739
4740 @item nexti
4741 @kindex nexti&
4742 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
4743
4744 @item continue
4745 @kindex continue&
4746 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
4747
4748 @item finish
4749 @kindex finish&
4750 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
4751
4752 @item until
4753 @kindex until&
4754 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
4755
4756 @end table
4757
4758 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
4759 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
4760 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
4761 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
4762 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
4763 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
4764
4765 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
4766 using the @code{interrupt} command.
4767
4768 @table @code
4769 @kindex interrupt
4770 @item interrupt
4771 @itemx interrupt -a
4772
4773 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
4774 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
4775 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
4776 use @code{interrupt -a}.
4777 @end table
4778
4779 You may need to explicitly enable async mode before you can use background
4780 execution commands, with the @code{set target-async 1} command. If the
4781 target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error message
4782 if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
4783
4784 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
4785 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
4786
4787 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
4788 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
4789 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
4790
4791 @table @code
4792 @cindex breakpoints and threads
4793 @cindex thread breakpoints
4794 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
4795 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
4796 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
4797 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
4798 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
4799 specify some source line.
4800
4801 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
4802 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
4803 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
4804 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
4805 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
4806
4807 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
4808 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
4809 program.
4810
4811 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
4812 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before the
4813 breakpoint condition, like this:
4814
4815 @smallexample
4816 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
4817 @end smallexample
4818
4819 @end table
4820
4821 @node Interrupted System Calls
4822 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
4823
4824 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
4825 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
4826 @cindex premature return from system calls
4827 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
4828 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
4829 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
4830 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
4831 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
4832 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
4833 stop execution.
4834
4835 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
4836 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
4837 style anyways.
4838
4839 For example, do not write code like this:
4840
4841 @smallexample
4842 sleep (10);
4843 @end smallexample
4844
4845 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
4846 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
4847
4848 Instead, write this:
4849
4850 @smallexample
4851 int unslept = 10;
4852 while (unslept > 0)
4853 unslept = sleep (unslept);
4854 @end smallexample
4855
4856 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
4857 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
4858 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
4859 @value{GDBN}.
4860
4861 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
4862 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
4863 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
4864 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
4865
4866
4867 @node Reverse Execution
4868 @chapter Running programs backward
4869 @cindex reverse execution
4870 @cindex running programs backward
4871
4872 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
4873 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
4874 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
4875 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
4876
4877 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
4878 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
4879 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
4880 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
4881 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
4882 all target environments can support reverse execution.
4883
4884 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
4885 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
4886 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
4887 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
4888 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
4889 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
4890 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
4891 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
4892 prior values@footnote{
4893 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
4894 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
4895 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
4896
4897 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
4898 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
4899 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
4900 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
4901 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
4902 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
4903 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
4904 }.
4905
4906 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
4907 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
4908
4909 @table @code
4910 @kindex reverse-continue
4911 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
4912 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4913 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4914 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
4915 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
4916 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
4917 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
4918
4919 @kindex reverse-step
4920 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
4921 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4922 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
4923 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
4924
4925 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
4926 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
4927 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
4928 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
4929 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
4930 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
4931
4932 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
4933 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
4934
4935 @kindex reverse-stepi
4936 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
4937 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4938 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
4939 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
4940 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
4941 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
4942 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
4943
4944 @kindex reverse-next
4945 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
4946 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4947 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
4948 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
4949 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
4950 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
4951 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
4952 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
4953 line of a function back to its return to its caller
4954 @footnote{Unles the code is too heavily optimized.}.
4955
4956 @kindex reverse-nexti
4957 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
4958 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4959 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
4960 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
4961 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
4962 another instruction, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
4963 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
4964 frame) is reached.
4965
4966 @kindex reverse-finish
4967 @item reverse-finish
4968 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
4969 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
4970 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
4971 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
4972
4973 @kindex set exec-direction
4974 @item set exec-direction
4975 Set the direction of target execution.
4976 @itemx set exec-direction reverse
4977 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
4978 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
4979 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
4980 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
4981 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
4982 @item set exec-direction forward
4983 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
4984 This is the default.
4985 @end table
4986
4987
4988 @node Stack
4989 @chapter Examining the Stack
4990
4991 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
4992 stopped and how it got there.
4993
4994 @cindex call stack
4995 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
4996 is generated.
4997 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
4998 the arguments of the call,
4999 and the local variables of the function being called.
5000 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
5001 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
5002 stack}.
5003
5004 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
5005 stack allow you to see all of this information.
5006
5007 @cindex selected frame
5008 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
5009 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
5010 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
5011 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
5012 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
5013 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5014
5015 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
5016 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
5017 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
5018
5019 @menu
5020 * Frames:: Stack frames
5021 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
5022 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
5023 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
5024
5025 @end menu
5026
5027 @node Frames
5028 @section Stack Frames
5029
5030 @cindex frame, definition
5031 @cindex stack frame
5032 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
5033 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
5034 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
5035 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
5036 which the function is executing.
5037
5038 @cindex initial frame
5039 @cindex outermost frame
5040 @cindex innermost frame
5041 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
5042 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
5043 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
5044 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
5045 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
5046 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
5047 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
5048 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
5049
5050 @cindex frame pointer
5051 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
5052 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
5053 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
5054 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
5055 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
5056 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
5057
5058 @cindex frame number
5059 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
5060 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
5061 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
5062 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
5063 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
5064
5065 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
5066 @c underflow problems.
5067 @cindex frameless execution
5068 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
5069 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
5070 @smallexample
5071 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
5072 @end smallexample
5073 generates functions without a frame.)
5074 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
5075 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
5076 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
5077 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
5078 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
5079 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
5080 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
5081
5082 @table @code
5083 @kindex frame@r{, command}
5084 @cindex current stack frame
5085 @item frame @var{args}
5086 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
5087 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
5088 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
5089 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
5090
5091 @kindex select-frame
5092 @cindex selecting frame silently
5093 @item select-frame
5094 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
5095 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
5096 @code{frame}.
5097 @end table
5098
5099 @node Backtrace
5100 @section Backtraces
5101
5102 @cindex traceback
5103 @cindex call stack traces
5104 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
5105 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
5106 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
5107 stack.
5108
5109 @table @code
5110 @kindex backtrace
5111 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
5112 @item backtrace
5113 @itemx bt
5114 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
5115 frames in the stack.
5116
5117 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
5118 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
5119
5120 @item backtrace @var{n}
5121 @itemx bt @var{n}
5122 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
5123
5124 @item backtrace -@var{n}
5125 @itemx bt -@var{n}
5126 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
5127
5128 @item backtrace full
5129 @itemx bt full
5130 @itemx bt full @var{n}
5131 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
5132 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
5133 number of frames to print, as described above.
5134 @end table
5135
5136 @kindex where
5137 @kindex info stack
5138 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
5139 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
5140
5141 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
5142 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
5143 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
5144 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
5145 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
5146 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
5147 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
5148 multi-threaded program.
5149
5150 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
5151 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
5152 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
5153 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
5154 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
5155 line number.
5156
5157 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
5158 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
5159
5160 @smallexample
5161 @group
5162 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5163 at builtin.c:993
5164 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600) at macro.c:242
5165 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
5166 at macro.c:71
5167 (More stack frames follow...)
5168 @end group
5169 @end smallexample
5170
5171 @noindent
5172 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
5173 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
5174 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
5175
5176 @cindex value optimized out, in backtrace
5177 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
5178 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
5179 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
5180 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
5181 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
5182 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
5183 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
5184 such a backtrace might look like:
5185
5186 @smallexample
5187 @group
5188 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5189 at builtin.c:993
5190 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<value optimized out>) at macro.c:242
5191 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<value optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
5192 at macro.c:71
5193 (More stack frames follow...)
5194 @end group
5195 @end smallexample
5196
5197 @noindent
5198 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
5199 shown as @samp{<value optimized out>}.
5200
5201 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
5202 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
5203 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
5204
5205 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
5206 @cindex program entry point
5207 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
5208 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
5209 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
5210 @code{main}@footnote{
5211 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
5212 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
5213 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
5214 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
5215 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
5216 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
5217
5218 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
5219 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
5220
5221 @table @code
5222 @item set backtrace past-main
5223 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
5224 @kindex set backtrace
5225 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
5226
5227 @item set backtrace past-main off
5228 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
5229 default.
5230
5231 @item show backtrace past-main
5232 @kindex show backtrace
5233 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
5234
5235 @item set backtrace past-entry
5236 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
5237 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
5238 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
5239 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
5240
5241 @item set backtrace past-entry off
5242 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
5243 application. This is the default.
5244
5245 @item show backtrace past-entry
5246 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
5247
5248 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
5249 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
5250 @cindex backtrace limit
5251 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
5252 unlimited.
5253
5254 @item show backtrace limit
5255 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
5256 @end table
5257
5258 @node Selection
5259 @section Selecting a Frame
5260
5261 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
5262 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
5263 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
5264 of the stack frame just selected.
5265
5266 @table @code
5267 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
5268 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
5269 @item frame @var{n}
5270 @itemx f @var{n}
5271 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
5272 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
5273 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
5274 @code{main}.
5275
5276 @item frame @var{addr}
5277 @itemx f @var{addr}
5278 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
5279 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
5280 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
5281 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
5282 switches between them.
5283
5284 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
5285 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
5286
5287 On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
5288 pointer and a program counter.
5289
5290 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
5291 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
5292
5293 @kindex up
5294 @item up @var{n}
5295 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5296 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
5297 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
5298
5299 @kindex down
5300 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
5301 @item down @var{n}
5302 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5303 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
5304 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
5305 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
5306 @end table
5307
5308 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
5309 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
5310 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
5311 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
5312
5313 @need 1000
5314 For example:
5315
5316 @smallexample
5317 @group
5318 (@value{GDBP}) up
5319 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
5320 at env.c:10
5321 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
5322 @end group
5323 @end smallexample
5324
5325 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
5326 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
5327 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
5328 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
5329 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
5330 for details.
5331
5332 @table @code
5333 @kindex down-silently
5334 @kindex up-silently
5335 @item up-silently @var{n}
5336 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
5337 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
5338 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
5339 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
5340 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
5341 distracting.
5342 @end table
5343
5344 @node Frame Info
5345 @section Information About a Frame
5346
5347 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
5348 stack frame.
5349
5350 @table @code
5351 @item frame
5352 @itemx f
5353 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
5354 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
5355 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
5356 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
5357 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5358
5359 @kindex info frame
5360 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
5361 @item info frame
5362 @itemx info f
5363 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
5364 including:
5365
5366 @itemize @bullet
5367 @item
5368 the address of the frame
5369 @item
5370 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
5371 @item
5372 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
5373 @item
5374 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
5375 @item
5376 the address of the frame's arguments
5377 @item
5378 the address of the frame's local variables
5379 @item
5380 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
5381 @item
5382 which registers were saved in the frame
5383 @end itemize
5384
5385 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
5386 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
5387 the usual conventions.
5388
5389 @item info frame @var{addr}
5390 @itemx info f @var{addr}
5391 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
5392 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
5393 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
5394 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
5395 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5396
5397 @kindex info args
5398 @item info args
5399 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
5400
5401 @item info locals
5402 @kindex info locals
5403 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
5404 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
5405 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
5406
5407 @kindex info catch
5408 @cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
5409 @cindex exception handlers, how to list
5410 @item info catch
5411 Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
5412 current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
5413 exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
5414 @code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
5415 @xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
5416
5417 @end table
5418
5419
5420 @node Source
5421 @chapter Examining Source Files
5422
5423 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
5424 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
5425 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
5426 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
5427 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
5428 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
5429 source files by explicit command.
5430
5431 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
5432 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
5433 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
5434
5435 @menu
5436 * List:: Printing source lines
5437 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
5438 * Edit:: Editing source files
5439 * Search:: Searching source files
5440 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
5441 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
5442 @end menu
5443
5444 @node List
5445 @section Printing Source Lines
5446
5447 @kindex list
5448 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
5449 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
5450 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
5451 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
5452 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
5453
5454 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
5455
5456 @table @code
5457 @item list @var{linenum}
5458 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
5459 current source file.
5460
5461 @item list @var{function}
5462 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
5463 @var{function}.
5464
5465 @item list
5466 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
5467 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
5468 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
5469 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
5470 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
5471
5472 @item list -
5473 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
5474 @end table
5475
5476 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
5477 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
5478 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
5479
5480 @table @code
5481 @kindex set listsize
5482 @item set listsize @var{count}
5483 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
5484 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
5485
5486 @kindex show listsize
5487 @item show listsize
5488 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
5489 @end table
5490
5491 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
5492 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
5493 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
5494 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
5495 each repetition moves up in the source file.
5496
5497 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
5498 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
5499 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
5500 to specify some source line.
5501
5502 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
5503
5504 @table @code
5505 @item list @var{linespec}
5506 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
5507
5508 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
5509 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
5510 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
5511 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
5512 the same source file as the first linespec.
5513
5514 @item list ,@var{last}
5515 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
5516
5517 @item list @var{first},
5518 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
5519
5520 @item list +
5521 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
5522
5523 @item list -
5524 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
5525
5526 @item list
5527 As described in the preceding table.
5528 @end table
5529
5530 @node Specify Location
5531 @section Specifying a Location
5532 @cindex specifying location
5533 @cindex linespec
5534
5535 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
5536 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
5537 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
5538 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
5539
5540 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
5541 @value{GDBN} understands:
5542
5543 @table @code
5544 @item @var{linenum}
5545 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
5546
5547 @item -@var{offset}
5548 @itemx +@var{offset}
5549 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
5550 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
5551 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
5552 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
5553 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
5554 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
5555 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
5556 linespec.
5557
5558 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
5559 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
5560
5561 @item @var{function}
5562 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
5563 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
5564
5565 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
5566 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
5567 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
5568 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
5569 functions in different source files.
5570
5571 @item *@var{address}
5572 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
5573 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
5574 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
5575 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
5576 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
5577 source files.
5578
5579 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
5580 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
5581 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
5582 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
5583 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
5584 of @var{address}:
5585
5586 @table @code
5587 @item @var{expression}
5588 Any expression valid in the current working language.
5589
5590 @item @var{funcaddr}
5591 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
5592 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
5593 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
5594 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
5595 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
5596 (although the Pascal form also works).
5597
5598 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
5599 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
5600
5601 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
5602 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
5603 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
5604 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
5605 functions with identical names in different source files.
5606 @end table
5607
5608 @end table
5609
5610
5611 @node Edit
5612 @section Editing Source Files
5613 @cindex editing source files
5614
5615 @kindex edit
5616 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
5617 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
5618 The editing program of your choice
5619 is invoked with the current line set to
5620 the active line in the program.
5621 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
5622 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
5623
5624 @table @code
5625 @item edit @var{location}
5626 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
5627 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
5628 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
5629 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
5630 command most commonly used:
5631
5632 @table @code
5633 @item edit @var{number}
5634 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
5635
5636 @item edit @var{function}
5637 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
5638 @end table
5639
5640 @end table
5641
5642 @subsection Choosing your Editor
5643 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
5644 @footnote{
5645 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
5646 following command-line syntax:
5647 @smallexample
5648 ex +@var{number} file
5649 @end smallexample
5650 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
5651 the file where to start editing.}.
5652 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
5653 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
5654 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
5655 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
5656 @smallexample
5657 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
5658 export EDITOR
5659 gdb @dots{}
5660 @end smallexample
5661 or in the @code{csh} shell,
5662 @smallexample
5663 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
5664 gdb @dots{}
5665 @end smallexample
5666
5667 @node Search
5668 @section Searching Source Files
5669 @cindex searching source files
5670
5671 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
5672 regular expression.
5673
5674 @table @code
5675 @kindex search
5676 @kindex forward-search
5677 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
5678 @itemx search @var{regexp}
5679 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
5680 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
5681 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
5682 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
5683 @code{fo}.
5684
5685 @kindex reverse-search
5686 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
5687 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
5688 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
5689 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
5690 this command as @code{rev}.
5691 @end table
5692
5693 @node Source Path
5694 @section Specifying Source Directories
5695
5696 @cindex source path
5697 @cindex directories for source files
5698 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
5699 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
5700 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
5701 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
5702 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
5703 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
5704 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
5705
5706 For example, suppose an executable references the file
5707 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
5708 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
5709 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
5710 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
5711 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
5712 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
5713 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
5714 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
5715 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
5716 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
5717
5718 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
5719 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
5720 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
5721 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
5722 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
5723 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
5724
5725 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
5726 source files.
5727
5728 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
5729 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
5730 each line is in the file.
5731
5732 @kindex directory
5733 @kindex dir
5734 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
5735 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
5736 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
5737
5738 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
5739 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
5740
5741 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
5742 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
5743 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
5744 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
5745 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
5746 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
5747 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
5748 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
5749 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
5750 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
5751 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
5752 name to look up the sources.
5753
5754 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
5755 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
5756 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
5757 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
5758 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
5759 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
5760 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
5761 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
5762
5763 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
5764 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
5765 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
5766 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
5767 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
5768 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
5769 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
5770
5771 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
5772 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
5773 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
5774 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
5775 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
5776 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
5777 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
5778 command.
5779
5780 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
5781 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
5782 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
5783 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
5784 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
5785 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
5786 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
5787
5788 @table @code
5789 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
5790 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
5791 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
5792 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
5793 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
5794 part of absolute file names) or
5795 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
5796 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
5797
5798 @kindex cdir
5799 @kindex cwd
5800 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
5801 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
5802 @cindex compilation directory
5803 @cindex current directory
5804 @cindex working directory
5805 @cindex directory, current
5806 @cindex directory, compilation
5807 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
5808 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
5809 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
5810 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
5811 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
5812 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
5813
5814 @item directory
5815 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
5816
5817 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
5818 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
5819
5820 @item show directories
5821 @kindex show directories
5822 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
5823
5824 @anchor{set substitute-path}
5825 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
5826 @kindex set substitute-path
5827 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
5828 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
5829 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
5830
5831 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
5832 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
5833
5834 @smallexample
5835 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
5836 @end smallexample
5837
5838 @noindent
5839 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
5840 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
5841 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
5842
5843 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
5844 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
5845 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
5846 the substitution.
5847
5848 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
5849
5850 @smallexample
5851 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
5852 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
5853 @end smallexample
5854
5855 @noindent
5856 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
5857 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
5858 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
5859 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
5860
5861
5862 @item unset substitute-path [path]
5863 @kindex unset substitute-path
5864 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
5865 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
5866 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
5867
5868 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
5869
5870 @item show substitute-path [path]
5871 @kindex show substitute-path
5872 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
5873 which would rewrite that path, if any.
5874
5875 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
5876 rules.
5877
5878 @end table
5879
5880 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
5881 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
5882 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
5883
5884 @enumerate
5885 @item
5886 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
5887
5888 @item
5889 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
5890 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
5891 directories in one command.
5892 @end enumerate
5893
5894 @node Machine Code
5895 @section Source and Machine Code
5896 @cindex source line and its code address
5897
5898 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
5899 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
5900 a range of addresses as machine instructions. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
5901 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
5902 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
5903 well as hex.
5904
5905 @table @code
5906 @kindex info line
5907 @item info line @var{linespec}
5908 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
5909 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
5910 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
5911 @end table
5912
5913 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
5914 the object code for the first line of function
5915 @code{m4_changequote}:
5916
5917 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
5918 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
5919 @smallexample
5920 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
5921 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
5922 @end smallexample
5923
5924 @noindent
5925 @cindex code address and its source line
5926 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
5927 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
5928 @smallexample
5929 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
5930 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
5931 @end smallexample
5932
5933 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
5934 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
5935 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
5936 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
5937 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
5938 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
5939 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
5940 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
5941 Variables}).
5942
5943 @table @code
5944 @kindex disassemble
5945 @cindex assembly instructions
5946 @cindex instructions, assembly
5947 @cindex machine instructions
5948 @cindex listing machine instructions
5949 @item disassemble
5950 @itemx disassemble /m
5951 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
5952 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
5953 the @code{/m} modifier.
5954 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
5955 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
5956 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
5957 surrounding this value. Two arguments specify a range of addresses
5958 (first inclusive, second exclusive) to dump.
5959 @end table
5960
5961 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
5962 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
5963
5964 @smallexample
5965 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4 0x32e4
5966 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
5967 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
5968 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
5969 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
5970 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
5971 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
5972 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
5973 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
5974 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
5975 End of assembler dump.
5976 @end smallexample
5977
5978 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86:
5979
5980 @smallexample
5981 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
5982 Dump of assembler code for function main:
5983 5 @{
5984 0x08048330 <main+0>: push %ebp
5985 0x08048331 <main+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
5986 0x08048333 <main+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
5987 0x08048336 <main+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
5988 0x08048339 <main+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
5989
5990 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
5991 0x0804833c <main+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
5992 0x08048343 <main+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
5993
5994 7 return 0;
5995 8 @}
5996 0x08048348 <main+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
5997 0x0804834d <main+29>: leave
5998 0x0804834e <main+30>: ret
5999
6000 End of assembler dump.
6001 @end smallexample
6002
6003 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
6004 mnemonics or other syntax.
6005
6006 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
6007 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
6008 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
6009 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
6010 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
6011
6012 @table @code
6013 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
6014 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
6015 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
6016 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
6017 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
6018 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
6019
6020 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
6021 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
6022 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
6023 assemblers for x86-based targets.
6024
6025 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
6026 @item show disassembly-flavor
6027 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
6028 @end table
6029
6030
6031 @node Data
6032 @chapter Examining Data
6033
6034 @cindex printing data
6035 @cindex examining data
6036 @kindex print
6037 @kindex inspect
6038 @c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
6039 @c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
6040 @c different window or something like that.
6041 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
6042 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
6043 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
6044 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
6045 Different Languages}).
6046
6047 @table @code
6048 @item print @var{expr}
6049 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
6050 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
6051 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
6052 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
6053 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
6054 Formats}.
6055
6056 @item print
6057 @itemx print /@var{f}
6058 @cindex reprint the last value
6059 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
6060 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
6061 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
6062 @end table
6063
6064 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
6065 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
6066 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6067
6068 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
6069 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
6070 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
6071 Table}.
6072
6073 @menu
6074 * Expressions:: Expressions
6075 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
6076 * Variables:: Program variables
6077 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
6078 * Output Formats:: Output formats
6079 * Memory:: Examining memory
6080 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
6081 * Print Settings:: Print settings
6082 * Value History:: Value history
6083 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
6084 * Registers:: Registers
6085 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
6086 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
6087 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
6088 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
6089 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
6090 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
6091 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
6092 character set than GDB does
6093 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
6094 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
6095 @end menu
6096
6097 @node Expressions
6098 @section Expressions
6099
6100 @cindex expressions
6101 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
6102 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
6103 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
6104 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
6105 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
6106 you compiled your program to include this information; see
6107 @ref{Compilation}.
6108
6109 @cindex arrays in expressions
6110 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
6111 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
6112 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
6113 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
6114 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
6115 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
6116
6117 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
6118 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
6119 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
6120 languages.
6121
6122 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
6123 expressions regardless of your programming language.
6124
6125 @cindex casts, in expressions
6126 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
6127 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
6128 at that address in memory.
6129 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
6130
6131 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
6132 to programming languages:
6133
6134 @table @code
6135 @item @@
6136 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
6137 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
6138
6139 @item ::
6140 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
6141 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
6142
6143 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
6144 @cindex type casting memory
6145 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
6146 @cindex casts, to view memory
6147 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
6148 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
6149 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
6150 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
6151 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
6152 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
6153 @end table
6154
6155 @node Ambiguous Expressions
6156 @section Ambiguous Expressions
6157 @cindex ambiguous expressions
6158
6159 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
6160 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
6161 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
6162 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
6163 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
6164 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
6165 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
6166
6167 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
6168 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
6169 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
6170 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
6171 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
6172 as well.
6173
6174 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
6175 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
6176 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
6177 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
6178 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
6179 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
6180 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
6181 choices.
6182
6183 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
6184 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
6185 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
6186
6187 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
6188 @smallexample
6189 @group
6190 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
6191 [0] cancel
6192 [1] all
6193 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
6194 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
6195 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
6196 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
6197 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
6198 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
6199 > 2 4 6
6200 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
6201 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
6202 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
6203 Multiple breakpoints were set.
6204 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
6205 breakpoints.
6206 (@value{GDBP})
6207 @end group
6208 @end smallexample
6209
6210 @table @code
6211 @kindex set multiple-symbols
6212 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
6213 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
6214
6215 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
6216 is ambiguous.
6217
6218 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
6219 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
6220 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
6221 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
6222 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
6223 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
6224 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
6225 in the use of the menu.
6226
6227 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
6228 when an ambiguity is detected.
6229
6230 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
6231 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
6232
6233 @kindex show multiple-symbols
6234 @item show multiple-symbols
6235 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
6236 @end table
6237
6238 @node Variables
6239 @section Program Variables
6240
6241 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
6242 in your program.
6243
6244 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
6245 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
6246
6247 @itemize @bullet
6248 @item
6249 global (or file-static)
6250 @end itemize
6251
6252 @noindent or
6253
6254 @itemize @bullet
6255 @item
6256 visible according to the scope rules of the
6257 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
6258 @end itemize
6259
6260 @noindent This means that in the function
6261
6262 @smallexample
6263 foo (a)
6264 int a;
6265 @{
6266 bar (a);
6267 @{
6268 int b = test ();
6269 bar (b);
6270 @}
6271 @}
6272 @end smallexample
6273
6274 @noindent
6275 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
6276 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
6277 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
6278 the block where @code{b} is declared.
6279
6280 @cindex variable name conflict
6281 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
6282 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
6283 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
6284 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
6285 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
6286 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
6287 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
6288
6289 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
6290 @ifnotinfo
6291 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
6292 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
6293 @end ifnotinfo
6294 @smallexample
6295 @var{file}::@var{variable}
6296 @var{function}::@var{variable}
6297 @end smallexample
6298
6299 @noindent
6300 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
6301 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
6302 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
6303 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
6304
6305 @smallexample
6306 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
6307 @end smallexample
6308
6309 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
6310 This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
6311 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
6312 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
6313 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
6314 @c conflict?? --mew
6315
6316 @cindex wrong values
6317 @cindex variable values, wrong
6318 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
6319 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
6320 @quotation
6321 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
6322 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
6323 scope, and just before exit.
6324 @end quotation
6325 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
6326 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
6327 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
6328 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
6329 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
6330 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
6331 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
6332 variable definitions may be gone.
6333
6334 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
6335 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
6336 when compiling.
6337
6338 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
6339 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
6340 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
6341 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
6342 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
6343 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
6344 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
6345
6346 @smallexample
6347 No symbol "foo" in current context.
6348 @end smallexample
6349
6350 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
6351 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
6352 formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler,
6353 usually supports the @option{-gstabs+} option. @option{-gstabs+}
6354 produces debug info in a format that is superior to formats such as
6355 COFF. You may be able to use DWARF 2 (@option{-gdwarf-2}), which is also
6356 an effective form for debug info. @xref{Debugging Options,,Options
6357 for Debugging Your Program or GCC, gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu}
6358 Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
6359 @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug info formats
6360 that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
6361
6362 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
6363 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
6364 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
6365 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
6366
6367 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
6368 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
6369 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
6370 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
6371 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
6372 For program code
6373
6374 @smallexample
6375 char var0[] = "A";
6376 signed char var1[] = "A";
6377 @end smallexample
6378
6379 You get during debugging
6380 @smallexample
6381 (gdb) print var0
6382 $1 = "A"
6383 (gdb) print var1
6384 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
6385 @end smallexample
6386
6387 @node Arrays
6388 @section Artificial Arrays
6389
6390 @cindex artificial array
6391 @cindex arrays
6392 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
6393 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
6394 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
6395 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
6396 program.
6397
6398 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
6399 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
6400 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
6401 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
6402 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
6403 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
6404 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
6405 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
6406 example. If a program says
6407
6408 @smallexample
6409 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
6410 @end smallexample
6411
6412 @noindent
6413 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
6414
6415 @smallexample
6416 p *array@@len
6417 @end smallexample
6418
6419 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
6420 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
6421 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
6422 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
6423 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
6424
6425 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
6426 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
6427 The value need not be in memory:
6428 @smallexample
6429 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
6430 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
6431 @end smallexample
6432
6433 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
6434 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
6435 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
6436 @smallexample
6437 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
6438 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
6439 @end smallexample
6440
6441 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
6442 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
6443 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
6444 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
6445 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6446 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
6447 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
6448 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
6449 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
6450 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
6451
6452 @smallexample
6453 set $i = 0
6454 p dtab[$i++]->fv
6455 @key{RET}
6456 @key{RET}
6457 @dots{}
6458 @end smallexample
6459
6460 @node Output Formats
6461 @section Output Formats
6462
6463 @cindex formatted output
6464 @cindex output formats
6465 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
6466 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
6467 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
6468 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
6469 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
6470
6471 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
6472 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
6473 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
6474 letters supported are:
6475
6476 @table @code
6477 @item x
6478 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
6479 hexadecimal.
6480
6481 @item d
6482 Print as integer in signed decimal.
6483
6484 @item u
6485 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
6486
6487 @item o
6488 Print as integer in octal.
6489
6490 @item t
6491 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
6492 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
6493 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
6494 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
6495
6496 @item a
6497 @cindex unknown address, locating
6498 @cindex locate address
6499 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
6500 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
6501 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
6502
6503 @smallexample
6504 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
6505 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
6506 @end smallexample
6507
6508 @noindent
6509 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
6510 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
6511
6512 @item c
6513 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
6514 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
6515 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
6516 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
6517
6518 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
6519 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
6520 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
6521 data.
6522
6523 @item f
6524 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
6525 using typical floating point syntax.
6526
6527 @item s
6528 @cindex printing strings
6529 @cindex printing byte arrays
6530 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
6531 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
6532 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
6533 natural types.
6534
6535 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
6536 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
6537 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
6538 array.
6539 @end table
6540
6541 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
6542
6543 @smallexample
6544 p/x $pc
6545 @end smallexample
6546
6547 @noindent
6548 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
6549 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
6550
6551 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
6552 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
6553 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
6554
6555 @node Memory
6556 @section Examining Memory
6557
6558 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
6559 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
6560
6561 @cindex examining memory
6562 @table @code
6563 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
6564 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
6565 @itemx x @var{addr}
6566 @itemx x
6567 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
6568 @end table
6569
6570 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
6571 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
6572 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
6573 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
6574 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
6575
6576 @table @r
6577 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
6578 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
6579 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
6580 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
6581 @c 4.1.2.
6582
6583 @item @var{f}, the display format
6584 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
6585 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
6586 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
6587 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
6588 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
6589
6590 @item @var{u}, the unit size
6591 The unit size is any of
6592
6593 @table @code
6594 @item b
6595 Bytes.
6596 @item h
6597 Halfwords (two bytes).
6598 @item w
6599 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
6600 @item g
6601 Giant words (eight bytes).
6602 @end table
6603
6604 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
6605 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. (For the @samp{s} and
6606 @samp{i} formats, the unit size is ignored and is normally not written.)
6607
6608 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
6609 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
6610 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
6611 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
6612 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
6613 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
6614 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
6615 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
6616 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
6617 a value from memory).
6618 @end table
6619
6620 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
6621 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
6622 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
6623 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
6624 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
6625
6626 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
6627 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
6628 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
6629 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
6630 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
6631
6632 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
6633 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
6634 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
6635 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
6636 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
6637 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
6638 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
6639 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
6640 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
6641
6642 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
6643 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
6644 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
6645 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
6646 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
6647 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
6648 for successive uses of @code{x}.
6649
6650 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
6651 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
6652 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
6653 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
6654 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
6655 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
6656 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
6657 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
6658 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
6659
6660 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
6661 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
6662 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
6663
6664 @cindex remote memory comparison
6665 @cindex verify remote memory image
6666 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
6667 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
6668 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
6669 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
6670 situations.
6671
6672 @table @code
6673 @kindex compare-sections
6674 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
6675 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
6676 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
6677 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
6678 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
6679 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
6680 remote request.
6681 @end table
6682
6683 @node Auto Display
6684 @section Automatic Display
6685 @cindex automatic display
6686 @cindex display of expressions
6687
6688 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
6689 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
6690 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
6691 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
6692 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
6693 The automatic display looks like this:
6694
6695 @smallexample
6696 2: foo = 38
6697 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
6698 @end smallexample
6699
6700 @noindent
6701 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
6702 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
6703 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
6704 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
6705 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
6706 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
6707
6708 @table @code
6709 @kindex display
6710 @item display @var{expr}
6711 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
6712 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
6713
6714 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
6715
6716 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
6717 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
6718 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
6719 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
6720 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
6721
6722 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
6723 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
6724 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
6725 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
6726 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6727 @end table
6728
6729 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
6730 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
6731 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
6732
6733 @table @code
6734 @kindex delete display
6735 @kindex undisplay
6736 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
6737 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6738 Remove item numbers @var{dnums} from the list of expressions to display.
6739
6740 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
6741 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
6742
6743 @kindex disable display
6744 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6745 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
6746 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
6747 enabled again later.
6748
6749 @kindex enable display
6750 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6751 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
6752 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
6753
6754 @item display
6755 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
6756 done when your program stops.
6757
6758 @kindex info display
6759 @item info display
6760 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
6761 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
6762 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
6763 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
6764 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
6765 @end table
6766
6767 @cindex display disabled out of scope
6768 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
6769 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
6770 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
6771 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
6772 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
6773 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
6774 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
6775 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
6776 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
6777 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
6778
6779 @node Print Settings
6780 @section Print Settings
6781
6782 @cindex format options
6783 @cindex print settings
6784 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
6785 and symbols are printed.
6786
6787 @noindent
6788 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
6789
6790 @table @code
6791 @kindex set print
6792 @item set print address
6793 @itemx set print address on
6794 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
6795 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
6796 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
6797 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
6798 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
6799 @code{set print address on}:
6800
6801 @smallexample
6802 @group
6803 (@value{GDBP}) f
6804 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
6805 at input.c:530
6806 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
6807 @end group
6808 @end smallexample
6809
6810 @item set print address off
6811 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
6812 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
6813
6814 @smallexample
6815 @group
6816 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
6817 (@value{GDBP}) f
6818 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
6819 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
6820 @end group
6821 @end smallexample
6822
6823 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
6824 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
6825 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
6826 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
6827
6828 @kindex show print
6829 @item show print address
6830 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
6831 @end table
6832
6833 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
6834 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
6835 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
6836 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
6837 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
6838 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
6839 it prints a symbolic address:
6840
6841 @table @code
6842 @item set print symbol-filename on
6843 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
6844 @cindex symbol, source file and line
6845 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
6846 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
6847
6848 @item set print symbol-filename off
6849 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
6850 default.
6851
6852 @item show print symbol-filename
6853 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
6854 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
6855 @end table
6856
6857 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
6858 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
6859 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
6860
6861 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
6862 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
6863
6864 @table @code
6865 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
6866 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
6867 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
6868 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
6869 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
6870 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
6871
6872 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
6873 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
6874 symbolic address.
6875 @end table
6876
6877 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
6878 @cindex pointer, finding referent
6879 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
6880 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
6881 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
6882 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
6883 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
6884 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
6885
6886 @smallexample
6887 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
6888 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
6889 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
6890 @end smallexample
6891
6892 @quotation
6893 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
6894 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
6895 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
6896 @end quotation
6897
6898 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
6899
6900 @table @code
6901 @item set print array
6902 @itemx set print array on
6903 @cindex pretty print arrays
6904 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
6905 but uses more space. The default is off.
6906
6907 @item set print array off
6908 Return to compressed format for arrays.
6909
6910 @item show print array
6911 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
6912 arrays.
6913
6914 @cindex print array indexes
6915 @item set print array-indexes
6916 @itemx set print array-indexes on
6917 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
6918 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
6919 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
6920
6921 @item set print array-indexes off
6922 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
6923
6924 @item show print array-indexes
6925 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
6926 arrays.
6927
6928 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
6929 @cindex number of array elements to print
6930 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
6931 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
6932 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
6933 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
6934 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
6935 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
6936 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
6937
6938 @item show print elements
6939 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
6940 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
6941
6942 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
6943 @cindex printing frame argument values
6944 @cindex print all frame argument values
6945 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
6946 @cindex do not print frame argument values
6947 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
6948 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
6949 values are:
6950
6951 @table @code
6952 @item all
6953 The values of all arguments are printed. This is the default.
6954
6955 @item scalars
6956 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
6957 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
6958 by @code{@dots{}}. Here is an example where only scalar arguments are shown:
6959
6960 @smallexample
6961 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
6962 at frame-args.c:23
6963 @end smallexample
6964
6965 @item none
6966 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
6967 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
6968
6969 @smallexample
6970 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
6971 at frame-args.c:23
6972 @end smallexample
6973 @end table
6974
6975 By default, all argument values are always printed. But this command
6976 can be useful in several cases. For instance, it can be used to reduce
6977 the amount of information printed in each frame, making the backtrace
6978 more readable. Also, this command can be used to improve performance
6979 when displaying Ada frames, because the computation of large arguments
6980 can sometimes be CPU-intensive, especiallly in large applications.
6981 Setting @code{print frame-arguments} to @code{scalars} or @code{none}
6982 avoids this computation, thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
6983
6984 @item show print frame-arguments
6985 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
6986
6987 @item set print repeats
6988 @cindex repeated array elements
6989 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
6990 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
6991 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
6992 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
6993 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
6994 themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
6995 be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
6996
6997 @item show print repeats
6998 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
6999 elements.
7000
7001 @item set print null-stop
7002 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
7003 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
7004 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
7005 contain only short strings.
7006 The default is off.
7007
7008 @item show print null-stop
7009 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
7010 @sc{null} character.
7011
7012 @item set print pretty on
7013 @cindex print structures in indented form
7014 @cindex indentation in structure display
7015 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
7016 per line, like this:
7017
7018 @smallexample
7019 @group
7020 $1 = @{
7021 next = 0x0,
7022 flags = @{
7023 sweet = 1,
7024 sour = 1
7025 @},
7026 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
7027 @}
7028 @end group
7029 @end smallexample
7030
7031 @item set print pretty off
7032 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
7033
7034 @smallexample
7035 @group
7036 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
7037 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
7038 @end group
7039 @end smallexample
7040
7041 @noindent
7042 This is the default format.
7043
7044 @item show print pretty
7045 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
7046
7047 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
7048 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
7049 @cindex octal escapes in strings
7050 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
7051 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
7052 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
7053 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
7054 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
7055
7056 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
7057 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
7058 international character sets, and is the default.
7059
7060 @item show print sevenbit-strings
7061 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
7062
7063 @item set print union on
7064 @cindex unions in structures, printing
7065 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
7066 and other unions. This is the default setting.
7067
7068 @item set print union off
7069 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
7070 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
7071 instead.
7072
7073 @item show print union
7074 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
7075 structures and other unions.
7076
7077 For example, given the declarations
7078
7079 @smallexample
7080 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
7081 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
7082 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
7083 Bug_forms;
7084
7085 struct thing @{
7086 Species it;
7087 union @{
7088 Tree_forms tree;
7089 Bug_forms bug;
7090 @} form;
7091 @};
7092
7093 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
7094 @end smallexample
7095
7096 @noindent
7097 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
7098
7099 @smallexample
7100 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
7101 @end smallexample
7102
7103 @noindent
7104 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
7105
7106 @smallexample
7107 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
7108 @end smallexample
7109
7110 @noindent
7111 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
7112 and in Pascal.
7113 @end table
7114
7115 @need 1000
7116 @noindent
7117 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
7118
7119 @table @code
7120 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
7121 @item set print demangle
7122 @itemx set print demangle on
7123 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
7124 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
7125 linkage. The default is on.
7126
7127 @item show print demangle
7128 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
7129
7130 @item set print asm-demangle
7131 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
7132 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
7133 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
7134 The default is off.
7135
7136 @item show print asm-demangle
7137 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
7138 or demangled form.
7139
7140 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
7141 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
7142 @kindex set demangle-style
7143 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
7144 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
7145 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
7146
7147 @table @code
7148 @item auto
7149 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
7150
7151 @item gnu
7152 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
7153 This is the default.
7154
7155 @item hp
7156 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
7157
7158 @item lucid
7159 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
7160
7161 @item arm
7162 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
7163 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
7164 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
7165 require further enhancement to permit that.
7166
7167 @end table
7168 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
7169
7170 @item show demangle-style
7171 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
7172
7173 @item set print object
7174 @itemx set print object on
7175 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
7176 @cindex display derived types
7177 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
7178 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
7179 the virtual function table.
7180
7181 @item set print object off
7182 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
7183 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
7184
7185 @item show print object
7186 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
7187
7188 @item set print static-members
7189 @itemx set print static-members on
7190 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
7191 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
7192
7193 @item set print static-members off
7194 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
7195
7196 @item show print static-members
7197 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
7198
7199 @item set print pascal_static-members
7200 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
7201 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
7202 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
7203 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
7204
7205 @item set print pascal_static-members off
7206 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
7207
7208 @item show print pascal_static-members
7209 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
7210
7211 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
7212 @item set print vtbl
7213 @itemx set print vtbl on
7214 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
7215 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
7216 @cindex VTBL display
7217 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
7218 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
7219 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
7220
7221 @item set print vtbl off
7222 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
7223
7224 @item show print vtbl
7225 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
7226 @end table
7227
7228 @node Value History
7229 @section Value History
7230
7231 @cindex value history
7232 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
7233 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
7234 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
7235 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
7236 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
7237 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
7238 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
7239 symbol table.
7240
7241 @cindex @code{$}
7242 @cindex @code{$$}
7243 @cindex history number
7244 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
7245 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
7246 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
7247 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
7248 history number.
7249
7250 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
7251 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
7252 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
7253 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
7254 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
7255 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
7256 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
7257
7258 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
7259 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
7260
7261 @smallexample
7262 p *$
7263 @end smallexample
7264
7265 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
7266 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
7267
7268 @smallexample
7269 p *$.next
7270 @end smallexample
7271
7272 @noindent
7273 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
7274 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
7275
7276 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
7277 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
7278
7279 @smallexample
7280 print x
7281 set x=5
7282 @end smallexample
7283
7284 @noindent
7285 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
7286 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
7287
7288 @table @code
7289 @kindex show values
7290 @item show values
7291 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
7292 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
7293 values} does not change the history.
7294
7295 @item show values @var{n}
7296 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
7297
7298 @item show values +
7299 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
7300 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
7301 @end table
7302
7303 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
7304 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
7305
7306 @node Convenience Vars
7307 @section Convenience Variables
7308
7309 @cindex convenience variables
7310 @cindex user-defined variables
7311 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
7312 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
7313 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
7314 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
7315 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
7316
7317 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
7318 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
7319 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7320 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
7321 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
7322
7323 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
7324 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
7325 For example:
7326
7327 @smallexample
7328 set $foo = *object_ptr
7329 @end smallexample
7330
7331 @noindent
7332 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
7333 @code{object_ptr}.
7334
7335 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
7336 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
7337 value with another assignment at any time.
7338
7339 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
7340 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
7341 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
7342 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
7343
7344 @table @code
7345 @kindex show convenience
7346 @cindex show all user variables
7347 @item show convenience
7348 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
7349 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
7350
7351 @kindex init-if-undefined
7352 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
7353 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
7354 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
7355 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
7356 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
7357 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
7358 override default values used in a command script.
7359
7360 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
7361 any side-effects do not occur.
7362 @end table
7363
7364 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
7365 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
7366 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
7367
7368 @smallexample
7369 set $i = 0
7370 print bar[$i++]->contents
7371 @end smallexample
7372
7373 @noindent
7374 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
7375
7376 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
7377 values likely to be useful.
7378
7379 @table @code
7380 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
7381 @item $_
7382 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
7383 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
7384 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
7385 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
7386 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
7387 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
7388 to the type of @code{$__}.
7389
7390 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
7391 @item $__
7392 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
7393 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
7394 to match the format in which the data was printed.
7395
7396 @item $_exitcode
7397 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
7398 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
7399 the program being debugged terminates.
7400
7401 @item $_siginfo
7402 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
7403 The variable @code{$_siginfo} is bound to extra signal information
7404 inspection (@pxref{extra signal information}).
7405 @end table
7406
7407 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
7408 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
7409 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
7410
7411 @node Registers
7412 @section Registers
7413
7414 @cindex registers
7415 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
7416 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
7417 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
7418 your machine.
7419
7420 @table @code
7421 @kindex info registers
7422 @item info registers
7423 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
7424 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
7425
7426 @kindex info all-registers
7427 @cindex floating point registers
7428 @item info all-registers
7429 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
7430 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
7431
7432 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
7433 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
7434 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
7435 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
7436 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
7437 @end table
7438
7439 @cindex stack pointer register
7440 @cindex program counter register
7441 @cindex process status register
7442 @cindex frame pointer register
7443 @cindex standard registers
7444 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
7445 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
7446 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
7447 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
7448 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
7449 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
7450 register that contains the processor status. For example,
7451 you could print the program counter in hex with
7452
7453 @smallexample
7454 p/x $pc
7455 @end smallexample
7456
7457 @noindent
7458 or print the instruction to be executed next with
7459
7460 @smallexample
7461 x/i $pc
7462 @end smallexample
7463
7464 @noindent
7465 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
7466 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
7467 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
7468 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
7469 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
7470 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
7471 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
7472
7473 @smallexample
7474 set $sp += 4
7475 @end smallexample
7476
7477 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
7478 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
7479 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
7480 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
7481 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
7482 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
7483 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
7484
7485 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
7486 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
7487 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
7488 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
7489 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
7490 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
7491 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
7492
7493 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
7494 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
7495 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
7496 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
7497 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
7498 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
7499 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
7500 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
7501 prints the data in both formats.
7502
7503 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
7504 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
7505 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
7506 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
7507 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
7508 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
7509 registers in @code{struct} notation:
7510
7511 @smallexample
7512 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
7513 $1 = @{
7514 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
7515 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
7516 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
7517 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
7518 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
7519 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
7520 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
7521 @}
7522 @end smallexample
7523
7524 @noindent
7525 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
7526 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
7527 value to a @code{struct} member:
7528
7529 @smallexample
7530 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
7531 @end smallexample
7532
7533 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
7534 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
7535 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
7536 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
7537 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
7538 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
7539
7540 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
7541 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
7542 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
7543 frame makes no difference.
7544
7545 @node Floating Point Hardware
7546 @section Floating Point Hardware
7547 @cindex floating point
7548
7549 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
7550 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
7551
7552 @table @code
7553 @kindex info float
7554 @item info float
7555 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
7556 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
7557 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
7558 the ARM and x86 machines.
7559 @end table
7560
7561 @node Vector Unit
7562 @section Vector Unit
7563 @cindex vector unit
7564
7565 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
7566 more information about the status of the vector unit.
7567
7568 @table @code
7569 @kindex info vector
7570 @item info vector
7571 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
7572 layout vary depending on the hardware.
7573 @end table
7574
7575 @node OS Information
7576 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
7577 @cindex OS information
7578
7579 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
7580 you debug your program.
7581
7582 @cindex @code{ptrace} system call
7583 @cindex @code{struct user} contents
7584 When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
7585 machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
7586 system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
7587 called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
7588 command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
7589 structure.
7590
7591 @table @code
7592 @item info udot
7593 @kindex info udot
7594 Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
7595 kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
7596 contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
7597 the @code{examine} command.
7598 @end table
7599
7600 @cindex auxiliary vector
7601 @cindex vector, auxiliary
7602 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
7603 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
7604 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
7605 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
7606 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
7607 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
7608 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
7609 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
7610 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
7611 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
7612 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
7613
7614 @table @code
7615 @kindex info auxv
7616 @item info auxv
7617 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
7618 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
7619 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
7620 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
7621 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
7622 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
7623 an unrecognized tag.
7624 @end table
7625
7626 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating-system-specific information
7627 and display it to user, without interpretation. For remote targets,
7628 this functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
7629 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
7630
7631 @table @code
7632 @kindex info os processes
7633 @item info os processes
7634 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
7635 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, and
7636 the command corresponding to the process.
7637 @end table
7638
7639 @node Memory Region Attributes
7640 @section Memory Region Attributes
7641 @cindex memory region attributes
7642
7643 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
7644 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
7645 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
7646 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
7647 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
7648 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
7649 user can override the fetched regions.
7650
7651 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
7652 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
7653 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
7654 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
7655 all memory.
7656
7657 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
7658 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
7659
7660 @table @code
7661 @kindex mem
7662 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
7663 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
7664 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
7665 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
7666 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
7667 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
7668
7669 @item mem auto
7670 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
7671 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
7672
7673 @kindex delete mem
7674 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7675 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
7676 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
7677
7678 @kindex disable mem
7679 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7680 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
7681 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
7682 It may be enabled again later.
7683
7684 @kindex enable mem
7685 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7686 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
7687
7688 @kindex info mem
7689 @item info mem
7690 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
7691 for each region:
7692
7693 @table @emph
7694 @item Memory Region Number
7695 @item Enabled or Disabled.
7696 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
7697 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
7698
7699 @item Lo Address
7700 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
7701
7702 @item Hi Address
7703 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
7704
7705 @item Attributes
7706 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
7707 @end table
7708 @end table
7709
7710
7711 @subsection Attributes
7712
7713 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
7714 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
7715 write accesses to a memory region.
7716
7717 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
7718 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
7719 etc.@: from accessing memory.
7720
7721 @table @code
7722 @item ro
7723 Memory is read only.
7724 @item wo
7725 Memory is write only.
7726 @item rw
7727 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
7728 @end table
7729
7730 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
7731 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
7732 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
7733 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
7734 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
7735
7736 @table @code
7737 @item 8
7738 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
7739 @item 16
7740 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
7741 @item 32
7742 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
7743 @item 64
7744 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
7745 @end table
7746
7747 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
7748 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
7749 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
7750 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
7751 @c
7752 @c @table @code
7753 @c @item hwbreak
7754 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
7755 @c @item swbreak (default)
7756 @c @end table
7757
7758 @subsubsection Data Cache
7759 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
7760 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
7761 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
7762 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
7763 registers.
7764
7765 @table @code
7766 @item cache
7767 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
7768 @item nocache
7769 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
7770 @end table
7771
7772 @subsection Memory Access Checking
7773 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
7774 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
7775 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
7776 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
7777
7778 @table @code
7779 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
7780 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
7781 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
7782 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
7783 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
7784 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
7785 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
7786 The default value is @code{on}.
7787 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
7788 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
7789 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
7790 @end table
7791
7792
7793 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
7794 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
7795 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
7796 @c
7797 @c @table @code
7798 @c @item verify
7799 @c @item noverify (default)
7800 @c @end table
7801
7802 @node Dump/Restore Files
7803 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
7804 @cindex dump/restore files
7805 @cindex append data to a file
7806 @cindex dump data to a file
7807 @cindex restore data from a file
7808
7809 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
7810 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
7811 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
7812 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
7813 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
7814 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
7815 files.
7816
7817 @table @code
7818
7819 @kindex dump
7820 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
7821 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
7822 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
7823 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
7824
7825 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
7826 @table @code
7827 @item binary
7828 Raw binary form.
7829 @item ihex
7830 Intel hex format.
7831 @item srec
7832 Motorola S-record format.
7833 @item tekhex
7834 Tektronix Hex format.
7835 @end table
7836
7837 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
7838 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
7839 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
7840 form.
7841
7842 @kindex append
7843 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
7844 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
7845 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
7846 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
7847 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
7848
7849 @kindex restore
7850 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
7851 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
7852 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
7853 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
7854 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
7855
7856 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
7857 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
7858 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
7859 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
7860 from that location.
7861
7862 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
7863 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
7864 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
7865 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
7866
7867 @end table
7868
7869 @node Core File Generation
7870 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
7871 @cindex dump core from inferior
7872
7873 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
7874 image of a running process and its process status (register values
7875 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
7876 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
7877 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
7878 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
7879 the post-mortem debugging mode.
7880
7881 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
7882 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
7883 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
7884
7885 @table @code
7886 @kindex gcore
7887 @kindex generate-core-file
7888 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
7889 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
7890 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
7891 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
7892 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
7893 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
7894
7895 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
7896 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
7897 @end table
7898
7899 @node Character Sets
7900 @section Character Sets
7901 @cindex character sets
7902 @cindex charset
7903 @cindex translating between character sets
7904 @cindex host character set
7905 @cindex target character set
7906
7907 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
7908 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
7909 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
7910 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
7911 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
7912 @dfn{target character set}.
7913
7914 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
7915 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
7916 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
7917 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
7918 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
7919 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
7920 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
7921 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
7922 character and string literals in expressions.
7923
7924 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
7925 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
7926 target-charset} command, described below.
7927
7928 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
7929 support:
7930
7931 @table @code
7932 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
7933 @kindex set target-charset
7934 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. We list the
7935 character set names @value{GDBN} recognizes below, but if you type
7936 @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} will
7937 list the target character sets it supports.
7938 @end table
7939
7940 @table @code
7941 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
7942 @kindex set host-charset
7943 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
7944
7945 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
7946 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
7947 @code{set host-charset} command.
7948
7949 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
7950 set. We list the character set names @value{GDBN} recognizes below, and
7951 indicate which can be host character sets, but if you type
7952 @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} will
7953 list the host character sets it supports.
7954
7955 @item set charset @var{charset}
7956 @kindex set charset
7957 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
7958 above, if you type @code{set charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
7959 @value{GDBN} will list the name of the character sets that can be used
7960 for both host and target.
7961
7962
7963 @item show charset
7964 @kindex show charset
7965 Show the names of the current host and target charsets.
7966
7967 @itemx show host-charset
7968 @kindex show host-charset
7969 Show the name of the current host charset.
7970
7971 @itemx show target-charset
7972 @kindex show target-charset
7973 Show the name of the current target charset.
7974
7975 @end table
7976
7977 @value{GDBN} currently includes support for the following character
7978 sets:
7979
7980 @table @code
7981
7982 @item ASCII
7983 @cindex ASCII character set
7984 Seven-bit U.S. @sc{ascii}. @value{GDBN} can use this as its host
7985 character set.
7986
7987 @item ISO-8859-1
7988 @cindex ISO 8859-1 character set
7989 @cindex ISO Latin 1 character set
7990 The ISO Latin 1 character set. This extends @sc{ascii} with accented
7991 characters needed for French, German, and Spanish. @value{GDBN} can use
7992 this as its host character set.
7993
7994 @item EBCDIC-US
7995 @itemx IBM1047
7996 @cindex EBCDIC character set
7997 @cindex IBM1047 character set
7998 Variants of the @sc{ebcdic} character set, used on some of IBM's
7999 mainframe operating systems. (@sc{gnu}/Linux on the S/390 uses U.S. @sc{ascii}.)
8000 @value{GDBN} cannot use these as its host character set.
8001
8002 @end table
8003
8004 Note that these are all single-byte character sets. More work inside
8005 @value{GDBN} is needed to support multi-byte or variable-width character
8006 encodings, like the UTF-8 and UCS-2 encodings of Unicode.
8007
8008 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
8009 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
8010 @file{charset-test.c}:
8011
8012 @smallexample
8013 #include <stdio.h>
8014
8015 char ascii_hello[]
8016 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
8017 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
8018 char ibm1047_hello[]
8019 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
8020 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
8021
8022 main ()
8023 @{
8024 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8025 @}
8026 @end smallexample
8027
8028 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
8029 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
8030 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
8031
8032 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
8033
8034 @smallexample
8035 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
8036 $ gdb -nw charset-test
8037 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
8038 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
8039 @dots{}
8040 (@value{GDBP})
8041 @end smallexample
8042
8043 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
8044 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
8045 strings:
8046
8047 @smallexample
8048 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8049 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
8050 (@value{GDBP})
8051 @end smallexample
8052
8053 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
8054 initial character set:
8055 @smallexample
8056 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
8057 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8058 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
8059 (@value{GDBP})
8060 @end smallexample
8061
8062 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
8063 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
8064 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
8065 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
8066 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
8067
8068 @smallexample
8069 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8070 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
8071 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8072 $2 = 72 'H'
8073 (@value{GDBP})
8074 @end smallexample
8075
8076 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
8077 literals you use in expressions:
8078
8079 @smallexample
8080 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8081 $3 = 43 '+'
8082 (@value{GDBP})
8083 @end smallexample
8084
8085 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
8086 character.
8087
8088 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
8089 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
8090 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
8091
8092 @smallexample
8093 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8094 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
8095 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8096 $5 = 200 '\310'
8097 (@value{GDBP})
8098 @end smallexample
8099
8100 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
8101 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
8102
8103 @smallexample
8104 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8105 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
8106 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8107 @end smallexample
8108
8109 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
8110 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
8111 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
8112 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
8113 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
8114
8115 @smallexample
8116 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
8117 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8118 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
8119 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
8120 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8121 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
8122 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8123 $7 = 72 '\110'
8124 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8125 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
8126 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8127 $9 = 200 'H'
8128 (@value{GDBP})
8129 @end smallexample
8130
8131 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
8132 string literals you use in expressions:
8133
8134 @smallexample
8135 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8136 $10 = 78 '+'
8137 (@value{GDBP})
8138 @end smallexample
8139
8140 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
8141 character.
8142
8143 @node Caching Remote Data
8144 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
8145 @cindex caching data of remote targets
8146
8147 @value{GDBN} can cache data exchanged between the debugger and a
8148 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
8149 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
8150 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately,
8151 @value{GDBN} does not currently know anything about volatile
8152 registers, and thus data caching will produce incorrect results when
8153 volatile registers are in use.
8154
8155 @table @code
8156 @kindex set remotecache
8157 @item set remotecache on
8158 @itemx set remotecache off
8159 Set caching state for remote targets. When @code{ON}, use data
8160 caching. By default, this option is @code{OFF}.
8161
8162 @kindex show remotecache
8163 @item show remotecache
8164 Show the current state of data caching for remote targets.
8165
8166 @kindex info dcache
8167 @item info dcache
8168 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
8169 information displayed includes: the dcache width and depth; and for
8170 each cache line, how many times it was referenced, and its data and
8171 state (invalid, dirty, valid). This command is useful for debugging
8172 the data cache operation.
8173 @end table
8174
8175 @node Searching Memory
8176 @section Search Memory
8177 @cindex searching memory
8178
8179 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
8180 @code{find} command.
8181
8182 @table @code
8183 @kindex find
8184 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8185 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8186 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
8187 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
8188 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
8189 @end table
8190
8191 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
8192 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
8193
8194 @table @r
8195 @item @var{s}, search query size
8196 The size of each search query value.
8197
8198 @table @code
8199 @item b
8200 bytes
8201 @item h
8202 halfwords (two bytes)
8203 @item w
8204 words (four bytes)
8205 @item g
8206 giant words (eight bytes)
8207 @end table
8208
8209 All values are interpreted in the current language.
8210 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
8211 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
8212
8213 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
8214 value's type in the current language.
8215 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
8216 pattern as a mixture of types.
8217 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
8218 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
8219 which is typically four bytes.
8220
8221 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
8222 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
8223 @end table
8224
8225 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
8226 (@code{"}).
8227 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
8228 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
8229
8230 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
8231 number of matches found.
8232
8233 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
8234 @samp{$_}.
8235 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
8236
8237 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
8238
8239 @smallexample
8240 void
8241 hello ()
8242 @{
8243 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
8244 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
8245 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
8246 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
8247 printf ("%s\n", hello);
8248 @}
8249 @end smallexample
8250
8251 @noindent
8252 you get during debugging:
8253
8254 @smallexample
8255 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
8256 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
8257 1 pattern found
8258 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
8259 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
8260 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
8261 2 patterns found
8262 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
8263 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
8264 1 pattern found
8265 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
8266 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
8267 1 pattern found
8268 (gdb) print $numfound
8269 $1 = 1
8270 (gdb) print $_
8271 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
8272 @end smallexample
8273
8274 @node Macros
8275 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
8276
8277 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
8278 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
8279 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
8280 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
8281 where it was defined.
8282
8283 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
8284 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
8285 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
8286 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
8287
8288 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
8289 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
8290 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
8291 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
8292 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
8293 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
8294 see @ref{List}.
8295
8296 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
8297 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
8298 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
8299
8300 @table @code
8301
8302 @kindex macro expand
8303 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
8304 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
8305 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
8306 @item macro expand @var{expression}
8307 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
8308 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
8309 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
8310 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
8311 it can be any string of tokens.
8312
8313 @kindex macro exp1
8314 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
8315 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
8316 @cindex expand macro once
8317 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
8318 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
8319 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
8320 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
8321 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
8322 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
8323 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
8324 can be any string of tokens.
8325
8326 @kindex info macro
8327 @cindex macro definition, showing
8328 @cindex definition, showing a macro's
8329 @item info macro @var{macro}
8330 Show the definition of the macro named @var{macro}, and describe the
8331 source location where that definition was established.
8332
8333 @kindex macro define
8334 @cindex user-defined macros
8335 @cindex defining macros interactively
8336 @cindex macros, user-defined
8337 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
8338 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
8339 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
8340 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
8341 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
8342 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
8343 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
8344 @var{arglist}.
8345
8346 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
8347 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
8348 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
8349 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
8350 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
8351
8352 @kindex macro undef
8353 @item macro undef @var{macro}
8354 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
8355 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
8356 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
8357 in the program being debugged.
8358
8359 @kindex macro list
8360 @item macro list
8361 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
8362 @end table
8363
8364 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
8365 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
8366 show our source files:
8367
8368 @smallexample
8369 $ cat sample.c
8370 #include <stdio.h>
8371 #include "sample.h"
8372
8373 #define M 42
8374 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8375
8376 main ()
8377 @{
8378 #define N 28
8379 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8380 #undef N
8381 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8382 #define N 1729
8383 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
8384 @}
8385 $ cat sample.h
8386 #define Q <
8387 $
8388 @end smallexample
8389
8390 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler, @value{NGCC}.
8391 We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3} flags to ensure the
8392 compiler includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
8393 information.
8394
8395 @smallexample
8396 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
8397 $
8398 @end smallexample
8399
8400 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
8401
8402 @smallexample
8403 $ gdb -nw sample
8404 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
8405 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
8406 GDB is free software, @dots{}
8407 (@value{GDBP})
8408 @end smallexample
8409
8410 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
8411 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
8412 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
8413
8414 @smallexample
8415 (@value{GDBP}) list main
8416 3
8417 4 #define M 42
8418 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8419 6
8420 7 main ()
8421 8 @{
8422 9 #define N 28
8423 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8424 11 #undef N
8425 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8426 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
8427 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
8428 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8429 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
8430 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
8431 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
8432 #define Q <
8433 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
8434 expands to: (42 + 1)
8435 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
8436 expands to: once (M + 1)
8437 (@value{GDBP})
8438 @end smallexample
8439
8440 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
8441 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
8442 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
8443 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
8444
8445 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
8446 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
8447
8448 @smallexample
8449 (@value{GDBP}) break main
8450 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
8451 (@value{GDBP}) run
8452 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
8453
8454 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
8455 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8456 (@value{GDBP})
8457 @end smallexample
8458
8459 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
8460
8461 @smallexample
8462 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8463 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
8464 #define N 28
8465 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
8466 expands to: 28 < 42
8467 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
8468 $1 = 1
8469 (@value{GDBP})
8470 @end smallexample
8471
8472 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
8473 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
8474 thereof) in force at each point:
8475
8476 @smallexample
8477 (@value{GDBP}) next
8478 Hello, world!
8479 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8480 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8481 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
8482 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
8483 (@value{GDBP}) next
8484 We're so creative.
8485 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
8486 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8487 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
8488 #define N 1729
8489 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
8490 expands to: 1729 < 42
8491 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
8492 $2 = 0
8493 (@value{GDBP})
8494 @end smallexample
8495
8496
8497 @node Tracepoints
8498 @chapter Tracepoints
8499 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
8500 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
8501
8502 @cindex tracepoints
8503 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
8504 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
8505 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
8506 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
8507 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
8508 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
8509 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
8510
8511 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
8512 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
8513 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
8514 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
8515 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
8516 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
8517 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
8518 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
8519 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
8520 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
8521 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
8522
8523 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
8524 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
8525 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
8526 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
8527 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
8528 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
8529 Packets}.
8530
8531 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
8532
8533 @menu
8534 * Set Tracepoints::
8535 * Analyze Collected Data::
8536 * Tracepoint Variables::
8537 @end menu
8538
8539 @node Set Tracepoints
8540 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
8541
8542 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
8543 tracepoints can be set. Like a breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), a
8544 tracepoint has a number assigned to it by @value{GDBN}. Like with
8545 breakpoints, tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from
8546 one. Many of the commands associated with tracepoints take the
8547 tracepoint number as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to
8548 work on.
8549
8550 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
8551 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
8552 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
8553 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
8554 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
8555 tracepoint was hit.
8556
8557 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
8558 conditions and actions.
8559
8560 @menu
8561 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
8562 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
8563 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
8564 * Tracepoint Actions::
8565 * Listing Tracepoints::
8566 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
8567 @end menu
8568
8569 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
8570 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
8571
8572 @table @code
8573 @cindex set tracepoint
8574 @kindex trace
8575 @item trace
8576 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
8577 Its argument can be a source line, a function name, or an address in
8578 the target program. @xref{Set Breaks}. The @code{trace} command
8579 defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the target program where the
8580 debugger will briefly stop, collect some data, and then allow the
8581 program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or changing its commands
8582 doesn't take effect until the next @code{tstart} command; thus, you
8583 cannot change the tracepoint attributes once a trace experiment is
8584 running.
8585
8586 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
8587
8588 @smallexample
8589 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
8590
8591 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
8592
8593 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
8594
8595 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
8596
8597 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
8598 @end smallexample
8599
8600 @noindent
8601 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
8602
8603 @vindex $tpnum
8604 @cindex last tracepoint number
8605 @cindex recent tracepoint number
8606 @cindex tracepoint number
8607 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
8608 of the most recently set tracepoint.
8609
8610 @kindex delete tracepoint
8611 @cindex tracepoint deletion
8612 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8613 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
8614 default is to delete all tracepoints.
8615
8616 Examples:
8617
8618 @smallexample
8619 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
8620
8621 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
8622 @end smallexample
8623
8624 @noindent
8625 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
8626 @end table
8627
8628 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
8629 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
8630
8631 @table @code
8632 @kindex disable tracepoint
8633 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8634 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
8635 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
8636 the next trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
8637 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
8638
8639 @kindex enable tracepoint
8640 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8641 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. The enabled
8642 tracepoints will become effective the next time a trace experiment is
8643 run.
8644 @end table
8645
8646 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
8647 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
8648
8649 @table @code
8650 @kindex passcount
8651 @cindex tracepoint pass count
8652 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
8653 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
8654 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
8655 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
8656 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
8657 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
8658 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
8659 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
8660 user.
8661
8662 Examples:
8663
8664 @smallexample
8665 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
8666 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
8667
8668 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
8669 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
8670 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
8671 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
8672 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
8673 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
8674 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
8675 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
8676 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
8677 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
8678 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
8679 @end smallexample
8680 @end table
8681
8682 @node Tracepoint Actions
8683 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
8684
8685 @table @code
8686 @kindex actions
8687 @cindex tracepoint actions
8688 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8689 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
8690 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
8691 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
8692 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
8693 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
8694 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
8695 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
8696 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect} and
8697 @code{while-stepping}.
8698
8699 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
8700 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
8701 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
8702
8703 @smallexample
8704 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
8705
8706 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
8707
8708 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
8709 @end smallexample
8710
8711 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
8712 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
8713 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
8714 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
8715 followed by the list of things to be collected while stepping. The
8716 @code{while-stepping} command is terminated by its own separate
8717 @code{end} command. Lastly, the action list is terminated by an
8718 @code{end} command.
8719
8720 @smallexample
8721 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
8722 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
8723 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
8724 > collect bar,baz
8725 > collect $regs
8726 > while-stepping 12
8727 > collect $fp, $sp
8728 > end
8729 end
8730 @end smallexample
8731
8732 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
8733 @item collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
8734 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
8735 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
8736 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
8737 special arguments are supported:
8738
8739 @table @code
8740 @item $regs
8741 collect all registers
8742
8743 @item $args
8744 collect all function arguments
8745
8746 @item $locals
8747 collect all local variables.
8748 @end table
8749
8750 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
8751 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
8752 arguments separated by commas: the effect is the same.
8753
8754 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
8755 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
8756
8757 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
8758 @item while-stepping @var{n}
8759 Perform @var{n} single-step traces after the tracepoint, collecting
8760 new data at each step. The @code{while-stepping} command is
8761 followed by the list of what to collect while stepping (followed by
8762 its own @code{end} command):
8763
8764 @smallexample
8765 > while-stepping 12
8766 > collect $regs, myglobal
8767 > end
8768 >
8769 @end smallexample
8770
8771 @noindent
8772 You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
8773 @code{stepping}.
8774 @end table
8775
8776 @node Listing Tracepoints
8777 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
8778
8779 @table @code
8780 @kindex info tracepoints
8781 @kindex info tp
8782 @cindex information about tracepoints
8783 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8784 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't specify
8785 a tracepoint number, displays information about all the tracepoints
8786 defined so far. For each tracepoint, the following information is
8787 shown:
8788
8789 @itemize @bullet
8790 @item
8791 its number
8792 @item
8793 whether it is enabled or disabled
8794 @item
8795 its address
8796 @item
8797 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
8798 @item
8799 its step count as given by the @code{while-stepping @var{n}} command
8800 @item
8801 where in the source files is the tracepoint set
8802 @item
8803 its action list as given by the @code{actions} command
8804 @end itemize
8805
8806 @smallexample
8807 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
8808 Num Enb Address PassC StepC What
8809 1 y 0x002117c4 0 0 <gdb_asm>
8810 2 y 0x0020dc64 0 0 in g_test at g_test.c:1375
8811 3 y 0x0020b1f4 0 0 in get_data at ../foo.c:41
8812 (@value{GDBP})
8813 @end smallexample
8814
8815 @noindent
8816 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
8817 @end table
8818
8819 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
8820 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
8821
8822 @table @code
8823 @kindex tstart
8824 @cindex start a new trace experiment
8825 @cindex collected data discarded
8826 @item tstart
8827 This command takes no arguments. It starts the trace experiment, and
8828 begins collecting data. This has the side effect of discarding all
8829 the data collected in the trace buffer during the previous trace
8830 experiment.
8831
8832 @kindex tstop
8833 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
8834 @item tstop
8835 This command takes no arguments. It ends the trace experiment, and
8836 stops collecting data.
8837
8838 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
8839 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
8840 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
8841
8842 @kindex tstatus
8843 @cindex status of trace data collection
8844 @cindex trace experiment, status of
8845 @item tstatus
8846 This command displays the status of the current trace data
8847 collection.
8848 @end table
8849
8850 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
8851
8852 @smallexample
8853 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
8854 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
8855 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
8856 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
8857 > while-stepping 11
8858 > collect $regs
8859 > end
8860 > end
8861 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
8862 [time passes @dots{}]
8863 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
8864 @end smallexample
8865
8866
8867 @node Analyze Collected Data
8868 @section Using the Collected Data
8869
8870 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
8871 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
8872 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
8873 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
8874 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
8875 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
8876 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
8877 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
8878 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
8879 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
8880 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
8881 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
8882 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
8883 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
8884 the buffer will fail.
8885
8886 @menu
8887 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
8888 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
8889 * save-tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
8890 @end menu
8891
8892 @node tfind
8893 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
8894
8895 @kindex tfind
8896 @cindex select trace snapshot
8897 @cindex find trace snapshot
8898 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
8899 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
8900 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
8901 snapshot is selected.
8902
8903 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
8904
8905 @table @code
8906 @item tfind start
8907 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
8908 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
8909
8910 @item tfind none
8911 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
8912
8913 @item tfind end
8914 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
8915
8916 @item tfind
8917 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
8918
8919 @item tfind -
8920 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
8921 retracing earlier steps.
8922
8923 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
8924 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
8925 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
8926 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
8927 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
8928
8929 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
8930 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
8931 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
8932 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
8933 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
8934
8935 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
8936 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
8937 addresses.
8938
8939 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
8940 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
8941 @var{addr2}. @c FIXME: Is the range inclusive or exclusive?
8942
8943 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
8944 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
8945 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
8946 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
8947 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
8948 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
8949 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
8950 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
8951 @end table
8952
8953 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
8954 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
8955 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
8956 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
8957 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
8958 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
8959 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
8960 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
8961 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
8962 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
8963 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
8964 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
8965 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
8966 tracepoint as the current one.
8967
8968 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
8969 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
8970 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
8971 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
8972 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
8973
8974 @smallexample
8975 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
8976 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
8977 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
8978 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
8979 > tfind
8980 > end
8981
8982 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
8983 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
8984 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
8985 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
8986 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
8987 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
8988 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
8989 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
8990 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
8991 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
8992 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
8993 @end smallexample
8994
8995 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
8996 the buffer:
8997
8998 @smallexample
8999 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
9000 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
9001 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
9002 > tfind line
9003 > end
9004
9005 Frame 0, X = 1
9006 Frame 7, X = 2
9007 Frame 13, X = 255
9008 @end smallexample
9009
9010 @node tdump
9011 @subsection @code{tdump}
9012 @kindex tdump
9013 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
9014 @cindex tracepoint data, display
9015
9016 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
9017 the current trace snapshot.
9018
9019 @smallexample
9020 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
9021 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
9022 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
9023 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
9024 > end
9025
9026 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
9027
9028 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
9029 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
9030 at gdb_test.c:444
9031 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
9032
9033 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
9034 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
9035 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
9036 d1 0x18 24
9037 d2 0x80 128
9038 d3 0x33 51
9039 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
9040 d5 0x22 34
9041 d6 0xe0 224
9042 d7 0x380035 3670069
9043 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
9044 a1 0x3000668 50333288
9045 a2 0x100 256
9046 a3 0x322000 3284992
9047 a4 0x3000698 50333336
9048 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
9049 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
9050 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
9051 ps 0x0 0
9052 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
9053 fpcontrol 0x0 0
9054 fpstatus 0x0 0
9055 fpiaddr 0x0 0
9056 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
9057 p1 = (void *) 0x11
9058 p2 = (void *) 0x22
9059 p3 = (void *) 0x33
9060 p4 = (void *) 0x44
9061 p5 = (void *) 0x55
9062 p6 = (void *) 0x66
9063 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
9064
9065 (@value{GDBP})
9066 @end smallexample
9067
9068 @node save-tracepoints
9069 @subsection @code{save-tracepoints @var{filename}}
9070 @kindex save-tracepoints
9071 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
9072
9073 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
9074 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
9075 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
9076 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
9077 Files}).
9078
9079 @node Tracepoint Variables
9080 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
9081 @cindex tracepoint variables
9082 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
9083
9084 @table @code
9085 @vindex $trace_frame
9086 @item (int) $trace_frame
9087 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
9088 snapshot is selected.
9089
9090 @vindex $tracepoint
9091 @item (int) $tracepoint
9092 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
9093
9094 @vindex $trace_line
9095 @item (int) $trace_line
9096 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
9097
9098 @vindex $trace_file
9099 @item (char []) $trace_file
9100 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
9101
9102 @vindex $trace_func
9103 @item (char []) $trace_func
9104 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
9105 @end table
9106
9107 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
9108 use @code{output} instead.
9109
9110 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
9111 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
9112 data.
9113
9114 @smallexample
9115 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
9116
9117 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
9118 > output $trace_file
9119 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
9120 > tfind
9121 > end
9122 @end smallexample
9123
9124 @node Overlays
9125 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
9126 @cindex overlays
9127
9128 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
9129 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
9130 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
9131 use overlays.
9132
9133 @menu
9134 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
9135 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
9136 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
9137 mapped by asking the inferior.
9138 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
9139 @end menu
9140
9141 @node How Overlays Work
9142 @section How Overlays Work
9143 @cindex mapped overlays
9144 @cindex unmapped overlays
9145 @cindex load address, overlay's
9146 @cindex mapped address
9147 @cindex overlay area
9148
9149 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
9150 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
9151 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
9152 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
9153 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
9154
9155 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
9156 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
9157 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
9158 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
9159 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
9160 largest overlay as well.
9161
9162 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
9163 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
9164 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
9165 there.
9166
9167 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
9168 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
9169 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
9170
9171 @smallexample
9172 @group
9173 Data Instruction Larger
9174 Address Space Address Space Address Space
9175 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
9176 | | | | | |
9177 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
9178 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
9179 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
9180 | and heap | | | | | |
9181 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
9182 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
9183 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
9184 | | | | | |
9185 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
9186 address | | | | | |
9187 | overlay | <-' | | |
9188 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
9189 | | <---. | | load address
9190 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
9191 | | | |
9192 +-----------+ | |
9193 +-----------+
9194 | |
9195 +-----------+
9196
9197 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
9198 @end group
9199 @end smallexample
9200
9201 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
9202 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
9203 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
9204 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
9205 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
9206 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
9207 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
9208 program and the overlay area.
9209
9210 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
9211 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
9212 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
9213 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
9214 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
9215 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
9216 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
9217
9218 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
9219 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
9220 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
9221
9222 @itemize @bullet
9223
9224 @item
9225 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
9226 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
9227 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
9228 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
9229
9230 @item
9231 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
9232 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
9233 your program's performance.
9234
9235 @item
9236 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
9237 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
9238 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
9239 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
9240 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
9241 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
9242 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
9243
9244 @item
9245 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
9246 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
9247 instruction and data spaces.
9248
9249 @end itemize
9250
9251 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
9252 improved in many ways:
9253
9254 @itemize @bullet
9255
9256 @item
9257 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
9258 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
9259 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
9260 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
9261 area in the usual way.
9262
9263 @item
9264 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
9265 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
9266
9267 @item
9268 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
9269 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
9270 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
9271 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
9272 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
9273 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
9274 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
9275
9276 @end itemize
9277
9278
9279 @node Overlay Commands
9280 @section Overlay Commands
9281
9282 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
9283 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
9284 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
9285 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
9286 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
9287 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
9288
9289 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
9290 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
9291
9292 @table @code
9293 @item overlay off
9294 @kindex overlay
9295 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
9296 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
9297 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
9298 overlay support is disabled.
9299
9300 @item overlay manual
9301 @cindex manual overlay debugging
9302 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
9303 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
9304 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
9305 commands described below.
9306
9307 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
9308 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
9309 @cindex map an overlay
9310 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
9311 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
9312 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
9313 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
9314 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
9315 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
9316
9317 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
9318 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
9319 @cindex unmap an overlay
9320 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
9321 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
9322 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
9323 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
9324
9325 @item overlay auto
9326 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
9327 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
9328 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
9329 Overlay Debugging}.
9330
9331 @item overlay load-target
9332 @itemx overlay load
9333 @cindex reloading the overlay table
9334 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
9335 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
9336 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
9337 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
9338 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
9339
9340 @item overlay list-overlays
9341 @itemx overlay list
9342 @cindex listing mapped overlays
9343 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
9344 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
9345
9346 @end table
9347
9348 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
9349 of the function the address falls in:
9350
9351 @smallexample
9352 (@value{GDBP}) print main
9353 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
9354 @end smallexample
9355 @noindent
9356 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
9357 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
9358 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
9359 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
9360
9361 @smallexample
9362 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
9363 No sections are mapped.
9364 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
9365 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
9366 @end smallexample
9367 @noindent
9368 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
9369 name normally:
9370
9371 @smallexample
9372 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
9373 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
9374 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
9375 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
9376 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
9377 @end smallexample
9378
9379 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
9380 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
9381 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
9382 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
9383 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
9384
9385 @itemize @bullet
9386 @item
9387 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
9388 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
9389 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
9390 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
9391 @item
9392 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
9393 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
9394 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
9395 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
9396 breakpoints properly.
9397 @end itemize
9398
9399
9400 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
9401 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
9402 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
9403
9404 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
9405 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
9406 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
9407 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
9408 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
9409 current state of the overlays.
9410
9411 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
9412 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
9413
9414 @table @asis
9415
9416 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
9417 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
9418
9419 @smallexample
9420 struct
9421 @{
9422 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
9423 unsigned long vma;
9424
9425 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
9426 unsigned long size;
9427
9428 /* The overlay's load address. */
9429 unsigned long lma;
9430
9431 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
9432 zero otherwise. */
9433 unsigned long mapped;
9434 @}
9435 @end smallexample
9436
9437 @item @code{_novlys}:
9438 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
9439 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
9440
9441 @end table
9442
9443 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
9444 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
9445 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
9446 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
9447 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
9448 currently mapped.
9449
9450 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
9451 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
9452 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
9453 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
9454 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
9455 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
9456 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
9457 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
9458 are not being executed.
9459
9460 @node Overlay Sample Program
9461 @section Overlay Sample Program
9462 @cindex overlay example program
9463
9464 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
9465 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
9466 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
9467 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
9468 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
9469 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
9470 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
9471
9472 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
9473 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
9474 suite. The program consists of the following files from
9475 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
9476
9477 @table @file
9478 @item overlays.c
9479 The main program file.
9480 @item ovlymgr.c
9481 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
9482 @item foo.c
9483 @itemx bar.c
9484 @itemx baz.c
9485 @itemx grbx.c
9486 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
9487 @item d10v.ld
9488 @itemx m32r.ld
9489 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
9490 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
9491 @end table
9492
9493 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
9494 cross-compiler like this:
9495
9496 @smallexample
9497 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
9498 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
9499 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
9500 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
9501 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
9502 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
9503 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
9504 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
9505 @end smallexample
9506
9507 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
9508 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
9509 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
9510
9511
9512 @node Languages
9513 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
9514 @cindex languages
9515
9516 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
9517 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
9518 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
9519 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
9520 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
9521 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
9522
9523 @cindex working language
9524 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
9525 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
9526 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
9527 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
9528 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
9529 language}.
9530
9531 @menu
9532 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
9533 * Show:: Displaying the language
9534 * Checks:: Type and range checks
9535 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
9536 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
9537 @end menu
9538
9539 @node Setting
9540 @section Switching Between Source Languages
9541
9542 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
9543 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
9544 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
9545 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
9546 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
9547 are printed, etc.
9548
9549 In addition to the working language, every source file that
9550 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
9551 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
9552 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
9553 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
9554 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
9555 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
9556 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
9557 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
9558 Displaying the Language}.
9559
9560 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
9561 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
9562 another language. In that case, make the
9563 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
9564 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
9565 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
9566
9567 @menu
9568 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
9569 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
9570 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
9571 @end menu
9572
9573 @node Filenames
9574 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
9575
9576 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
9577 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
9578
9579 @table @file
9580 @item .ada
9581 @itemx .ads
9582 @itemx .adb
9583 @itemx .a
9584 Ada source file.
9585
9586 @item .c
9587 C source file
9588
9589 @item .C
9590 @itemx .cc
9591 @itemx .cp
9592 @itemx .cpp
9593 @itemx .cxx
9594 @itemx .c++
9595 C@t{++} source file
9596
9597 @item .m
9598 Objective-C source file
9599
9600 @item .f
9601 @itemx .F
9602 Fortran source file
9603
9604 @item .mod
9605 Modula-2 source file
9606
9607 @item .s
9608 @itemx .S
9609 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
9610 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
9611 @end table
9612
9613 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
9614 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
9615
9616 @node Manually
9617 @subsection Setting the Working Language
9618
9619 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
9620 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
9621 your program.
9622
9623 @kindex set language
9624 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
9625 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
9626 a language, such as
9627 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
9628 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
9629
9630 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
9631 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
9632 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
9633 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
9634 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
9635 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
9636 command such as:
9637
9638 @smallexample
9639 print a = b + c
9640 @end smallexample
9641
9642 @noindent
9643 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
9644 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
9645 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
9646 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
9647
9648 @node Automatically
9649 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
9650
9651 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
9652 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
9653 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
9654 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
9655 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
9656 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
9657 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
9658 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
9659 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
9660
9661 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
9662 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
9663 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
9664 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
9665 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
9666
9667 @node Show
9668 @section Displaying the Language
9669
9670 The following commands help you find out which language is the
9671 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
9672
9673 @table @code
9674 @item show language
9675 @kindex show language
9676 Display the current working language. This is the
9677 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
9678 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
9679
9680 @item info frame
9681 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
9682 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
9683 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
9684 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
9685 information listed here.
9686
9687 @item info source
9688 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
9689 Display the source language of this source file.
9690 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
9691 information listed here.
9692 @end table
9693
9694 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
9695 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
9696 with a language explicitly:
9697
9698 @table @code
9699 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
9700 @kindex set extension-language
9701 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
9702 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
9703
9704 @item info extensions
9705 @kindex info extensions
9706 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
9707 @end table
9708
9709 @node Checks
9710 @section Type and Range Checking
9711
9712 @quotation
9713 @emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
9714 checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
9715 section documents the intended facilities.
9716 @end quotation
9717 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
9718
9719 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
9720 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
9721 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
9722 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
9723 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
9724 by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
9725 errors when your program is running.
9726
9727 @value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
9728 Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
9729 it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
9730 evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
9731 working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
9732 automatically based on your program's source language.
9733 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
9734 settings of supported languages.
9735
9736 @menu
9737 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
9738 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
9739 @end menu
9740
9741 @cindex type checking
9742 @cindex checks, type
9743 @node Type Checking
9744 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
9745
9746 Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
9747 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
9748 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
9749 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
9750
9751 @smallexample
9752 1 + 2 @result{} 3
9753 @exdent but
9754 @error{} 1 + 2.3
9755 @end smallexample
9756
9757 The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
9758 type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
9759
9760 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
9761 @value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
9762 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
9763 or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
9764 but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
9765 these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
9766 also issues a warning.
9767
9768 Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
9769 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
9770 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
9771 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
9772 with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
9773 the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
9774
9775 Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
9776 instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
9777 operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
9778 represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
9779 operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
9780 details on specific languages.
9781
9782 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
9783
9784 @kindex set check type
9785 @kindex show check type
9786 @table @code
9787 @item set check type auto
9788 Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
9789 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
9790 each language.
9791
9792 @item set check type on
9793 @itemx set check type off
9794 Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
9795 current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
9796 match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
9797 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
9798 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
9799
9800 @item set check type warn
9801 Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
9802 evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
9803 be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
9804 numbers and structures.
9805
9806 @item show type
9807 Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
9808 is setting it automatically.
9809 @end table
9810
9811 @cindex range checking
9812 @cindex checks, range
9813 @node Range Checking
9814 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
9815
9816 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
9817 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
9818 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
9819 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
9820 not exceed the bounds of the array.
9821
9822 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
9823 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
9824 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
9825 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
9826
9827 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
9828 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
9829 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
9830 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
9831 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
9832 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
9833
9834 @smallexample
9835 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
9836 @end smallexample
9837
9838 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
9839 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
9840 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
9841
9842 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
9843
9844 @kindex set check range
9845 @kindex show check range
9846 @table @code
9847 @item set check range auto
9848 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
9849 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
9850 each language.
9851
9852 @item set check range on
9853 @itemx set check range off
9854 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
9855 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
9856 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
9857 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
9858
9859 @item set check range warn
9860 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
9861 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
9862 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
9863 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
9864 systems).
9865
9866 @item show range
9867 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
9868 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
9869 @end table
9870
9871 @node Supported Languages
9872 @section Supported Languages
9873
9874 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, Pascal,
9875 assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
9876 @c This is false ...
9877 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
9878 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
9879 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
9880 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
9881 language.
9882
9883 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
9884 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
9885 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
9886 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
9887 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
9888 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
9889 language reference or tutorial.
9890
9891 @menu
9892 * C:: C and C@t{++}
9893 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
9894 * Fortran:: Fortran
9895 * Pascal:: Pascal
9896 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
9897 * Ada:: Ada
9898 @end menu
9899
9900 @node C
9901 @subsection C and C@t{++}
9902
9903 @cindex C and C@t{++}
9904 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
9905
9906 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
9907 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
9908 together.
9909
9910 @cindex C@t{++}
9911 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
9912 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
9913 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
9914 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
9915 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
9916 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
9917 compiler (@code{aCC}).
9918
9919 For best results when using @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, use the DWARF 2 debugging
9920 format; if it doesn't work on your system, try the stabs+ debugging
9921 format. You can select those formats explicitly with the @code{g++}
9922 command-line options @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-gstabs+}.
9923 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
9924 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
9925
9926 @menu
9927 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
9928 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
9929 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
9930 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
9931 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
9932 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
9933 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
9934 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
9935 @end menu
9936
9937 @node C Operators
9938 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
9939
9940 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
9941
9942 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
9943 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
9944 often defined on groups of types.
9945
9946 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
9947
9948 @itemize @bullet
9949
9950 @item
9951 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
9952 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
9953
9954 @item
9955 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
9956 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
9957
9958 @item
9959 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
9960
9961 @item
9962 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
9963
9964 @end itemize
9965
9966 @noindent
9967 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
9968 in order of increasing precedence:
9969
9970 @table @code
9971 @item ,
9972 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
9973 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
9974 expression being the last expression evaluated.
9975
9976 @item =
9977 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
9978 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
9979
9980 @item @var{op}=
9981 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
9982 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
9983 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
9984 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
9985 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
9986
9987 @item ?:
9988 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
9989 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
9990 integral type.
9991
9992 @item ||
9993 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
9994
9995 @item &&
9996 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
9997
9998 @item |
9999 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
10000
10001 @item ^
10002 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
10003
10004 @item &
10005 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
10006
10007 @item ==@r{, }!=
10008 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
10009 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
10010
10011 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
10012 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
10013 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
10014 and non-zero for true.
10015
10016 @item <<@r{, }>>
10017 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
10018
10019 @item @@
10020 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
10021
10022 @item +@r{, }-
10023 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
10024 pointer types.
10025
10026 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
10027 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
10028 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
10029 integral types.
10030
10031 @item ++@r{, }--
10032 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
10033 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
10034 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
10035 operation takes place.
10036
10037 @item *
10038 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
10039 @code{++}.
10040
10041 @item &
10042 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
10043
10044 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
10045 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
10046 to examine the address
10047 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
10048 stored.
10049
10050 @item -
10051 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
10052 precedence as @code{++}.
10053
10054 @item !
10055 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
10056 @code{++}.
10057
10058 @item ~
10059 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
10060 @code{++}.
10061
10062
10063 @item .@r{, }->
10064 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
10065 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
10066 pointer based on the stored type information.
10067 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
10068
10069 @item .*@r{, }->*
10070 Dereferences of pointers to members.
10071
10072 @item []
10073 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
10074 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
10075
10076 @item ()
10077 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
10078
10079 @item ::
10080 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
10081 and @code{class} types.
10082
10083 @item ::
10084 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
10085 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
10086 above.
10087 @end table
10088
10089 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
10090 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
10091 predefined meaning.
10092
10093 @node C Constants
10094 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
10095
10096 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
10097
10098 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
10099 following ways:
10100
10101 @itemize @bullet
10102 @item
10103 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
10104 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
10105 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
10106 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
10107 @code{long} value.
10108
10109 @item
10110 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
10111 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
10112 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
10113 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
10114 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
10115 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
10116 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
10117 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
10118 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
10119 constant.
10120
10121 @item
10122 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
10123 integral equivalents.
10124
10125 @item
10126 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
10127 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
10128 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
10129 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
10130 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
10131 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
10132 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
10133 @samp{\n} for newline.
10134
10135 @item
10136 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
10137 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
10138 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
10139 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
10140 characters.
10141
10142 @item
10143 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
10144 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
10145
10146 @item
10147 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
10148 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
10149 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
10150 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
10151 @end itemize
10152
10153 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
10154 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
10155
10156 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
10157 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
10158
10159 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
10160 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
10161 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
10162 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
10163 @quotation
10164 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use the
10165 proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently, @value{GDBN}
10166 works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled with
10167 @value{NGCC} 2.95.3 or with @value{NGCC} 3.1 or newer, using the options
10168 @option{-gdwarf-2} or @option{-gstabs+}. DWARF 2 is preferred over
10169 stabs+. Most configurations of @value{NGCC} emit either DWARF 2 or
10170 stabs+ as their default debug format, so you usually don't need to
10171 specify a debug format explicitly. Other compilers and/or debug formats
10172 are likely to work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug
10173 C@t{++} code.
10174 @end quotation
10175
10176 @enumerate
10177
10178 @cindex member functions
10179 @item
10180 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
10181
10182 @smallexample
10183 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
10184 @end smallexample
10185
10186 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
10187 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
10188 @item
10189 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
10190 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
10191 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
10192 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}.
10193
10194 @cindex call overloaded functions
10195 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
10196 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
10197 @item
10198 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
10199 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
10200 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
10201 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
10202 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
10203 default arguments.
10204
10205 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
10206 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
10207 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
10208 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
10209 number of function arguments.
10210
10211 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
10212 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
10213 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
10214
10215 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
10216 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
10217 @smallexample
10218 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
10219 @end smallexample
10220
10221 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
10222 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
10223
10224 @cindex reference declarations
10225 @item
10226 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
10227 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
10228 dereferenced.
10229
10230 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
10231 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
10232 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
10233 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
10234 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
10235
10236 @item
10237 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
10238 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
10239 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
10240 necessary, for example in an expression like
10241 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
10242 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
10243 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
10244 @end enumerate
10245
10246 In addition, when used with HP's C@t{++} compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
10247 calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
10248 objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
10249 invoking user-defined operators.
10250
10251 @node C Defaults
10252 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
10253
10254 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
10255
10256 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
10257 both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
10258 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
10259 selects the working language.
10260
10261 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
10262 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
10263 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
10264 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
10265 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
10266 for further details.
10267
10268 @c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
10269 @c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
10270 @c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
10271
10272 @node C Checks
10273 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
10274
10275 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
10276
10277 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
10278 is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
10279 considers two variables type equivalent if:
10280
10281 @itemize @bullet
10282 @item
10283 The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
10284 enumerated tag.
10285
10286 @item
10287 The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
10288 declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
10289
10290 @ignore
10291 @c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
10292 @c FIXME--beers?
10293 @item
10294 The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
10295 declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
10296 compilers.)
10297 @end ignore
10298 @end itemize
10299
10300 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
10301 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
10302 that is not itself an array.
10303
10304 @node Debugging C
10305 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
10306
10307 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
10308 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
10309 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
10310 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
10311
10312 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
10313 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
10314 ,Expressions}.
10315
10316 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
10317 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
10318
10319 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
10320
10321 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
10322 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
10323
10324 @table @code
10325 @cindex break in overloaded functions
10326 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
10327 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
10328 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
10329 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
10330 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
10331
10332 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
10333 @item rbreak @var{regex}
10334 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
10335 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
10336 classes.
10337 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
10338
10339 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
10340 @item catch throw
10341 @itemx catch catch
10342 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
10343 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
10344
10345 @cindex inheritance
10346 @item ptype @var{typename}
10347 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
10348 @var{typename}.
10349 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
10350
10351 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
10352 @item set print demangle
10353 @itemx show print demangle
10354 @itemx set print asm-demangle
10355 @itemx show print asm-demangle
10356 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
10357 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
10358 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10359
10360 @item set print object
10361 @itemx show print object
10362 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
10363 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10364
10365 @item set print vtbl
10366 @itemx show print vtbl
10367 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
10368 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10369 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10370 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10371
10372 @kindex set overload-resolution
10373 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
10374 @item set overload-resolution on
10375 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
10376 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
10377 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
10378 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
10379 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
10380 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
10381
10382 @item set overload-resolution off
10383 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
10384 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
10385 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
10386 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
10387 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
10388 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
10389 argument types.
10390
10391 @kindex show overload-resolution
10392 @item show overload-resolution
10393 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
10394
10395 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
10396 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
10397 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
10398 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
10399 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
10400 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
10401 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
10402 @end table
10403
10404 @node Decimal Floating Point
10405 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
10406 @cindex decimal floating point format
10407
10408 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
10409 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
10410 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
10411 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
10412
10413 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
10414 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
10415 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
10416 target.
10417
10418 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
10419 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
10420 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
10421
10422 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
10423 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
10424 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
10425
10426 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
10427 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers. See
10428 @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
10429
10430 @node Objective-C
10431 @subsection Objective-C
10432
10433 @cindex Objective-C
10434 This section provides information about some commands and command
10435 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
10436 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
10437 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
10438
10439 @menu
10440 * Method Names in Commands::
10441 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
10442 @end menu
10443
10444 @node Method Names in Commands
10445 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
10446
10447 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
10448 names as line specifications:
10449
10450 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
10451 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
10452 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
10453 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
10454 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
10455 @itemize
10456 @item @code{clear}
10457 @item @code{break}
10458 @item @code{info line}
10459 @item @code{jump}
10460 @item @code{list}
10461 @end itemize
10462
10463 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
10464
10465 @smallexample
10466 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
10467 @end smallexample
10468
10469 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
10470 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
10471 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
10472 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
10473 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
10474 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
10475 debugged, enter:
10476
10477 @smallexample
10478 break -[Fruit create]
10479 @end smallexample
10480
10481 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
10482 enter:
10483
10484 @smallexample
10485 list +[NSText initialize]
10486 @end smallexample
10487
10488 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
10489 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
10490 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
10491 is also possible to specify just a method name:
10492
10493 @smallexample
10494 break create
10495 @end smallexample
10496
10497 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
10498 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
10499 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
10500 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
10501 none apply.
10502
10503 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
10504 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
10505
10506 @smallexample
10507 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
10508 @end smallexample
10509
10510 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
10511 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
10512 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
10513 @kindex print-object
10514 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
10515
10516 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
10517
10518 @smallexample
10519 print -[@var{object} hash]
10520 @end smallexample
10521
10522 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
10523 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
10524 @noindent
10525 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
10526 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
10527 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
10528 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
10529 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
10530 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
10531
10532 @node Fortran
10533 @subsection Fortran
10534 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
10535
10536 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
10537 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
10538
10539 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
10540 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
10541 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
10542 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
10543 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
10544 underscore.
10545
10546 @menu
10547 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
10548 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
10549 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
10550 @end menu
10551
10552 @node Fortran Operators
10553 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
10554
10555 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
10556
10557 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
10558 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
10559 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
10560
10561 @table @code
10562 @item **
10563 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
10564 of the second one.
10565
10566 @item :
10567 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
10568 represent a section of array.
10569
10570 @item %
10571 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
10572 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
10573 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
10574 union type.
10575 @end table
10576
10577 @node Fortran Defaults
10578 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
10579
10580 @cindex Fortran Defaults
10581
10582 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
10583 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
10584 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
10585 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
10586
10587 @node Special Fortran Commands
10588 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
10589
10590 @cindex Special Fortran commands
10591
10592 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
10593 such as displaying common blocks.
10594
10595 @table @code
10596 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
10597 @kindex info common
10598 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
10599 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
10600 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
10601 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
10602 printed.
10603 @end table
10604
10605 @node Pascal
10606 @subsection Pascal
10607
10608 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
10609 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
10610 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
10611 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
10612 syntax.
10613
10614 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
10615 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
10616 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
10617
10618 @node Modula-2
10619 @subsection Modula-2
10620
10621 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
10622
10623 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
10624 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
10625 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
10626 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
10627 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
10628 table.
10629
10630 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
10631 @menu
10632 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
10633 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
10634 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
10635 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
10636 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
10637 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
10638 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
10639 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
10640 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
10641 @end menu
10642
10643 @node M2 Operators
10644 @subsubsection Operators
10645 @cindex Modula-2 operators
10646
10647 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
10648 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
10649 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
10650 following definitions hold:
10651
10652 @itemize @bullet
10653
10654 @item
10655 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
10656 their subranges.
10657
10658 @item
10659 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
10660
10661 @item
10662 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
10663
10664 @item
10665 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
10666 @var{type}}.
10667
10668 @item
10669 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
10670
10671 @item
10672 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
10673
10674 @item
10675 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
10676 @end itemize
10677
10678 @noindent
10679 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
10680 increasing precedence:
10681
10682 @table @code
10683 @item ,
10684 Function argument or array index separator.
10685
10686 @item :=
10687 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
10688 @var{value}.
10689
10690 @item <@r{, }>
10691 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
10692 types.
10693
10694 @item <=@r{, }>=
10695 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
10696 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
10697 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
10698
10699 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
10700 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
10701 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
10702 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
10703 comment character.
10704
10705 @item IN
10706 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
10707 Same precedence as @code{<}.
10708
10709 @item OR
10710 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
10711
10712 @item AND@r{, }&
10713 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
10714
10715 @item @@
10716 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
10717
10718 @item +@r{, }-
10719 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
10720 and difference on set types.
10721
10722 @item *
10723 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
10724 on set types.
10725
10726 @item /
10727 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
10728 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
10729
10730 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
10731 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
10732 precedence as @code{*}.
10733
10734 @item -
10735 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
10736
10737 @item ^
10738 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
10739
10740 @item NOT
10741 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
10742 @code{^}.
10743
10744 @item .
10745 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
10746 precedence as @code{^}.
10747
10748 @item []
10749 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
10750
10751 @item ()
10752 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
10753 as @code{^}.
10754
10755 @item ::@r{, }.
10756 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
10757 @end table
10758
10759 @quotation
10760 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
10761 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
10762 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
10763 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
10764 @end quotation
10765
10766
10767 @node Built-In Func/Proc
10768 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
10769 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
10770
10771 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
10772 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
10773
10774 @table @var
10775
10776 @item a
10777 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
10778
10779 @item c
10780 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
10781
10782 @item i
10783 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
10784
10785 @item m
10786 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
10787 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
10788 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
10789
10790 @item n
10791 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
10792
10793 @item r
10794 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
10795
10796 @item t
10797 represents a type.
10798
10799 @item v
10800 represents a variable.
10801
10802 @item x
10803 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
10804 explanation of the function for details.
10805 @end table
10806
10807 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
10808
10809 @table @code
10810 @item ABS(@var{n})
10811 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
10812
10813 @item CAP(@var{c})
10814 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
10815 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
10816
10817 @item CHR(@var{i})
10818 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
10819
10820 @item DEC(@var{v})
10821 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
10822
10823 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
10824 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
10825 new value.
10826
10827 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
10828 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
10829 set.
10830
10831 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
10832 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
10833
10834 @item HIGH(@var{a})
10835 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
10836
10837 @item INC(@var{v})
10838 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
10839
10840 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
10841 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
10842 new value.
10843
10844 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
10845 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
10846 there. Returns the new set.
10847
10848 @item MAX(@var{t})
10849 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
10850
10851 @item MIN(@var{t})
10852 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
10853
10854 @item ODD(@var{i})
10855 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
10856
10857 @item ORD(@var{x})
10858 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
10859 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
10860 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
10861 integral, character and enumerated types.
10862
10863 @item SIZE(@var{x})
10864 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
10865
10866 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
10867 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
10868
10869 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
10870 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
10871
10872 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
10873 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
10874 @end table
10875
10876 @quotation
10877 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
10878 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
10879 an error.
10880 @end quotation
10881
10882 @cindex Modula-2 constants
10883 @node M2 Constants
10884 @subsubsection Constants
10885
10886 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
10887 ways:
10888
10889 @itemize @bullet
10890
10891 @item
10892 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
10893 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
10894 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
10895 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
10896
10897 @item
10898 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
10899 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
10900 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
10901 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
10902 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
10903 digits.
10904
10905 @item
10906 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
10907 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
10908 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
10909 followed by a @samp{C}.
10910
10911 @item
10912 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
10913 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
10914 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
10915 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
10916 sequences.
10917
10918 @item
10919 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
10920
10921 @item
10922 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
10923 @code{FALSE}.
10924
10925 @item
10926 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
10927
10928 @item
10929 Set constants are not yet supported.
10930 @end itemize
10931
10932 @node M2 Types
10933 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
10934 @cindex Modula-2 types
10935
10936 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
10937 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
10938 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
10939 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
10940 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
10941 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
10942
10943 The first example contains the following section of code:
10944
10945 @smallexample
10946 VAR
10947 s: SET OF CHAR ;
10948 r: [20..40] ;
10949 @end smallexample
10950
10951 @noindent
10952 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
10953 @code{r} and @code{s}.
10954
10955 @smallexample
10956 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10957 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
10958 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10959 SET OF CHAR
10960 (@value{GDBP}) print r
10961 21
10962 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
10963 [20..40]
10964 @end smallexample
10965
10966 @noindent
10967 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
10968
10969 @smallexample
10970 VAR
10971 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
10972 @end smallexample
10973
10974 @noindent
10975 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
10976
10977 @smallexample
10978 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10979 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
10980 @end smallexample
10981
10982 @noindent
10983 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
10984 expressions using the debugger.
10985
10986 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
10987 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
10988
10989 @smallexample
10990 VAR
10991 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
10992 @end smallexample
10993
10994 @smallexample
10995 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10996 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
10997 @end smallexample
10998
10999 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
11000 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
11001 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
11002 above.
11003
11004 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
11005
11006 @smallexample
11007 TYPE
11008 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
11009 t = [blue..yellow] ;
11010 VAR
11011 s: t ;
11012 BEGIN
11013 s := blue ;
11014 @end smallexample
11015
11016 @noindent
11017 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
11018 and value of a variable.
11019
11020 @smallexample
11021 (@value{GDBP}) print s
11022 $1 = blue
11023 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
11024 type = [blue..yellow]
11025 @end smallexample
11026
11027 @noindent
11028 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
11029 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
11030 their @code{C} counterparts.
11031
11032 @smallexample
11033 VAR
11034 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
11035 BEGIN
11036 s[1] := 1 ;
11037 @end smallexample
11038
11039 @smallexample
11040 (@value{GDBP}) print s
11041 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
11042 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11043 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
11044 @end smallexample
11045
11046 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
11047 pointer types as shown in this example:
11048
11049 @smallexample
11050 VAR
11051 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
11052 BEGIN
11053 NEW(s) ;
11054 s^[1] := 1 ;
11055 @end smallexample
11056
11057 @noindent
11058 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
11059
11060 @smallexample
11061 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11062 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
11063 @end smallexample
11064
11065 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
11066 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
11067 types:
11068
11069 @smallexample
11070 TYPE
11071 foo = RECORD
11072 f1: CARDINAL ;
11073 f2: CHAR ;
11074 f3: myarray ;
11075 END ;
11076
11077 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
11078 myrange = [-2..2] ;
11079 VAR
11080 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
11081 @end smallexample
11082
11083 @noindent
11084 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
11085 below.
11086
11087 @smallexample
11088 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11089 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
11090 f1 : CARDINAL;
11091 f2 : CHAR;
11092 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
11093 END
11094 @end smallexample
11095
11096 @node M2 Defaults
11097 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
11098 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
11099
11100 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
11101 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
11102 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
11103 selected the working language.
11104
11105 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
11106 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
11107 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
11108 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
11109
11110 @node Deviations
11111 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
11112 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
11113
11114 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
11115 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
11116
11117 @itemize @bullet
11118 @item
11119 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
11120 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
11121 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
11122 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
11123 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
11124 returned a pointer.)
11125
11126 @item
11127 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
11128 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
11129 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
11130 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
11131
11132 @item
11133 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
11134 argument.
11135
11136 @item
11137 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
11138 @end itemize
11139
11140 @node M2 Checks
11141 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
11142 @cindex Modula-2 checks
11143
11144 @quotation
11145 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
11146 range checking.
11147 @end quotation
11148 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
11149
11150 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
11151
11152 @itemize @bullet
11153 @item
11154 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
11155 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
11156
11157 @item
11158 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
11159 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
11160 @end itemize
11161
11162 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
11163 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
11164
11165 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
11166 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
11167
11168 @node M2 Scope
11169 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
11170 @cindex scope
11171 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
11172 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
11173 @ifinfo
11174 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
11175 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
11176 @end ifinfo
11177 @ifnotinfo
11178 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
11179 @end ifnotinfo
11180
11181 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
11182 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
11183 similar syntax:
11184
11185 @smallexample
11186
11187 @var{module} . @var{id}
11188 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
11189 @end smallexample
11190
11191 @noindent
11192 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
11193 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
11194 identifier within your program, except another module.
11195
11196 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
11197 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
11198 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
11199 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
11200
11201 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
11202 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
11203 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
11204 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
11205 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
11206 @var{module}.
11207
11208 @node GDB/M2
11209 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
11210
11211 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
11212 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
11213 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
11214 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
11215 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
11216 analogue in Modula-2.
11217
11218 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
11219 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
11220 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
11221 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
11222 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
11223 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
11224
11225 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
11226 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
11227 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
11228
11229 @node Ada
11230 @subsection Ada
11231 @cindex Ada
11232
11233 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
11234 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
11235 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
11236 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
11237 to be difficult.
11238
11239
11240 @cindex expressions in Ada
11241 @menu
11242 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
11243 and semantics supported by Ada mode
11244 in @value{GDBN}.
11245 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
11246 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
11247 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
11248 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
11249 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
11250 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
11251 @end menu
11252
11253 @node Ada Mode Intro
11254 @subsubsection Introduction
11255 @cindex Ada mode, general
11256
11257 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
11258 syntax, with some extensions.
11259 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
11260
11261 @itemize @bullet
11262 @item
11263 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
11264 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
11265 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
11266 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
11267
11268 @item
11269 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
11270 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
11271
11272 @item
11273 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
11274 @end itemize
11275
11276 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
11277 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
11278 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
11279 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
11280 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
11281
11282 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
11283 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
11284 was translated from an Ada source file.
11285
11286 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
11287 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
11288 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
11289 middle (to allow based literals).
11290
11291 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
11292 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
11293 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
11294 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
11295 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
11296 functions to procedures elsewhere.
11297
11298 @node Omissions from Ada
11299 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
11300 @cindex Ada, omissions from
11301
11302 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
11303
11304 @itemize @bullet
11305 @item
11306 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
11307
11308 @itemize @minus
11309 @item
11310 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
11311 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
11312
11313 @item
11314 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
11315
11316 @item
11317 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
11318
11319 @item
11320 @t{'Tag}.
11321
11322 @item
11323 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
11324 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
11325
11326 @item
11327 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
11328 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
11329
11330 @item
11331 @t{'Address}.
11332 @end itemize
11333
11334 @item
11335 The names in
11336 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
11337 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
11338 not currently available.
11339
11340 @item
11341 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
11342 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
11343 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
11344 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
11345 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
11346 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
11347 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
11348 indeterminate values.
11349
11350 @item
11351 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
11352 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
11353 are not implemented.
11354
11355 @item
11356 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
11357 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
11358 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
11359 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
11360 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
11361
11362 @smallexample
11363 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
11364 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
11365 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
11366 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
11367 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
11368 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
11369 @end smallexample
11370
11371 Changing a
11372 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
11373 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
11374 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
11375 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
11376 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
11377 declared to have a type such as:
11378
11379 @smallexample
11380 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
11381 Id : Integer;
11382 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
11383 end record;
11384 @end smallexample
11385
11386 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
11387 assignments:
11388
11389 @smallexample
11390 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
11391 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
11392 @end smallexample
11393
11394 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
11395 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
11396 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
11397 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
11398 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
11399 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
11400 redundant component associations, although which component values are
11401 assigned in such cases is not defined.
11402
11403 @item
11404 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
11405
11406 @item
11407 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
11408 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
11409 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
11410 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
11411 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
11412 the proper resolution.
11413
11414 @item
11415 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
11416
11417 @item
11418 Entry calls are not implemented.
11419
11420 @item
11421 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
11422 formats are not supported.
11423
11424 @item
11425 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
11426
11427 @item
11428 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
11429 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
11430 context.
11431 Should your program
11432 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
11433 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
11434 @end itemize
11435
11436 @node Additions to Ada
11437 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
11438 @cindex Ada, deviations from
11439
11440 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
11441 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
11442
11443 @itemize @bullet
11444 @item
11445 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
11446 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
11447 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
11448 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
11449 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
11450 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
11451 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
11452 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
11453
11454 @item
11455 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
11456 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
11457 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
11458
11459 @item
11460 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
11461 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
11462
11463 @item
11464 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
11465 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
11466 @end itemize
11467
11468 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
11469 additions specific to Ada:
11470
11471 @itemize @bullet
11472 @item
11473 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
11474 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
11475
11476 @smallexample
11477 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
11478 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
11479 @end smallexample
11480
11481 @item
11482 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
11483 the value of its right-hand operand.
11484 This allows, for example,
11485 complex conditional breaks:
11486
11487 @smallexample
11488 (@value{GDBP}) break f
11489 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
11490 @end smallexample
11491
11492 @item
11493 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
11494 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
11495 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
11496 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
11497 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
11498 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
11499 in strings. For example,
11500 @smallexample
11501 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
11502 @end smallexample
11503 @noindent
11504 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
11505 after each period.
11506
11507 @item
11508 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
11509 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
11510 to write
11511
11512 @smallexample
11513 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
11514 @end smallexample
11515
11516 @item
11517 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
11518 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
11519 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
11520 of 3 might print as
11521
11522 @smallexample
11523 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
11524 @end smallexample
11525
11526 @noindent
11527 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
11528 clause.
11529
11530 @item
11531 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
11532 multi-character subsequence of
11533 their names (an exact match gets preference).
11534 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
11535 in place of @t{a'length}.
11536
11537 @item
11538 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
11539 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
11540 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
11541 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
11542 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
11543 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
11544 For example,
11545 @smallexample
11546 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
11547 @end smallexample
11548
11549 @item
11550 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
11551 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
11552 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
11553 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
11554 object.
11555
11556 @end itemize
11557
11558 @node Stopping Before Main Program
11559 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
11560
11561 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
11562 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
11563 before reaching the main procedure.
11564 As defined in the Ada Reference
11565 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
11566 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
11567 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
11568 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
11569
11570 @node Ada Tasks
11571 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
11572 @cindex Ada, tasking
11573
11574 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
11575 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
11576
11577 @table @code
11578 @kindex info tasks
11579 @item info tasks
11580 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
11581
11582
11583 @smallexample
11584 @iftex
11585 @leftskip=0.5cm
11586 @end iftex
11587 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11588 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11589 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11590 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
11591 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
11592 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Running c
11593
11594 @end smallexample
11595
11596 @noindent
11597 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
11598 task currently being inspected.
11599
11600 @table @asis
11601 @item ID
11602 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
11603
11604 @item TID
11605 The Ada task ID.
11606
11607 @item P-ID
11608 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
11609
11610 @item Pri
11611 The base priority of the task.
11612
11613 @item State
11614 Current state of the task.
11615
11616 @table @code
11617 @item Unactivated
11618 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
11619 executing.
11620
11621 @item Running
11622 The task currently running.
11623
11624 @item Runnable
11625 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
11626 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
11627
11628 @item Terminated
11629 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
11630 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
11631 terminated themselves.
11632
11633 @item Child Activation Wait
11634 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
11635
11636 @item Accept Statement
11637 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
11638
11639 @item Waiting on entry call
11640 The task is waiting on an entry call.
11641
11642 @item Async Select Wait
11643 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
11644 select statement.
11645
11646 @item Delay Sleep
11647 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
11648 alternative open.
11649
11650 @item Child Termination Wait
11651 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
11652 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
11653 waiting on a terminate Phase.
11654
11655 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
11656 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
11657 finish terminating.
11658
11659 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
11660 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
11661 @end table
11662
11663 @item Name
11664 Name of the task in the program.
11665
11666 @end table
11667
11668 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
11669 @item info task @var{taskno}
11670 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
11671 the following example:
11672 @smallexample
11673 @iftex
11674 @leftskip=0.5cm
11675 @end iftex
11676 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11677 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11678 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11679 * 2 807c468 1 15 Running task_1
11680 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
11681 Ada Task: 0x807c468
11682 Name: task_1
11683 Thread: 0x807f378
11684 Parent: 1 (main_task)
11685 Base Priority: 15
11686 State: Runnable
11687 @end smallexample
11688
11689 @item task
11690 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
11691 @cindex current Ada task ID
11692 This command prints the ID of the current task.
11693
11694 @smallexample
11695 @iftex
11696 @leftskip=0.5cm
11697 @end iftex
11698 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11699 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11700 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11701 * 2 807c458 1 15 Running t
11702 (@value{GDBP}) task
11703 [Current task is 2]
11704 @end smallexample
11705
11706 @item task @var{taskno}
11707 @cindex Ada task switching
11708 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
11709 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
11710 from the current task to the given task.
11711
11712 @smallexample
11713 @iftex
11714 @leftskip=0.5cm
11715 @end iftex
11716 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11717 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11718 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11719 * 2 807c458 1 15 Running t
11720 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
11721 [Switching to task 1]
11722 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
11723 (@value{GDBP}) bt
11724 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
11725 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
11726 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
11727 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
11728 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
11729 @end smallexample
11730
11731 @end table
11732
11733 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
11734 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
11735 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
11736
11737 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
11738 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
11739 the platform being used.
11740 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
11741 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
11742 as usual.
11743
11744 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
11745 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
11746 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
11747 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
11748 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
11749 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
11750
11751 @node Ada Glitches
11752 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
11753 @cindex Ada, problems
11754
11755 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
11756 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
11757 @value{GDBN},
11758 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
11759 and the GNU Ada compiler.
11760
11761 @itemize @bullet
11762 @item
11763 Currently, the debugger
11764 has insufficient information to determine whether certain pointers represent
11765 pointers to objects or the objects themselves.
11766 Thus, the user may have to tack an extra @code{.all} after an expression
11767 to get it printed properly.
11768
11769 @item
11770 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
11771 storage are invisible to the debugger.
11772
11773 @item
11774 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
11775 argument lists are treated as positional).
11776
11777 @item
11778 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
11779
11780 @item
11781 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
11782 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
11783 the host machine.
11784
11785 @item
11786 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
11787 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
11788 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
11789 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
11790 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
11791 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
11792 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
11793 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
11794 you can usually resolve the confusion
11795 by qualifying the problematic names with package
11796 @code{Standard} explicitly.
11797 @end itemize
11798
11799 @node Unsupported Languages
11800 @section Unsupported Languages
11801
11802 @cindex unsupported languages
11803 @cindex minimal language
11804 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
11805 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
11806 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
11807 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
11808 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
11809 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
11810
11811 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
11812 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
11813 language.
11814
11815 @node Symbols
11816 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
11817
11818 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
11819 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
11820 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
11821 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
11822 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
11823 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
11824 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
11825
11826 @cindex symbol names
11827 @cindex names of symbols
11828 @cindex quoting names
11829 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
11830 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
11831 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
11832 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
11833 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
11834 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
11835 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
11836 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
11837
11838 @smallexample
11839 p 'foo.c'::x
11840 @end smallexample
11841
11842 @noindent
11843 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
11844
11845 @table @code
11846 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
11847 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
11848 @kindex set case-sensitive
11849 @item set case-sensitive on
11850 @itemx set case-sensitive off
11851 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
11852 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
11853 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
11854 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
11855 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
11856 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
11857 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
11858 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
11859 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
11860 case-insensitive matches.
11861
11862 @kindex show case-sensitive
11863 @item show case-sensitive
11864 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
11865 lookups.
11866
11867 @kindex info address
11868 @cindex address of a symbol
11869 @item info address @var{symbol}
11870 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
11871 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
11872 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
11873 is always stored.
11874
11875 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
11876 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
11877 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
11878
11879 @kindex info symbol
11880 @cindex symbol from address
11881 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
11882 @item info symbol @var{addr}
11883 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
11884 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
11885 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
11886
11887 @smallexample
11888 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
11889 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
11890 @end smallexample
11891
11892 @noindent
11893 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
11894 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
11895
11896 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
11897 library containing the symbol is also printed:
11898
11899 @smallexample
11900 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
11901 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
11902 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
11903 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
11904 @end smallexample
11905
11906 @kindex whatis
11907 @item whatis [@var{arg}]
11908 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression or
11909 a data type. With no argument, print the data type of @code{$}, the
11910 last value in the value history. If @var{arg} is an expression, it is
11911 not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
11912 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place. If
11913 @var{arg} is a type name, it may be the name of a type or typedef, or
11914 for C code it may have the form @samp{class @var{class-name}},
11915 @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
11916 @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
11917 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
11918
11919 @kindex ptype
11920 @item ptype [@var{arg}]
11921 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
11922 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
11923 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
11924
11925 For example, for this variable declaration:
11926
11927 @smallexample
11928 struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
11929 @end smallexample
11930
11931 @noindent
11932 the two commands give this output:
11933
11934 @smallexample
11935 @group
11936 (@value{GDBP}) whatis v
11937 type = struct complex
11938 (@value{GDBP}) ptype v
11939 type = struct complex @{
11940 double real;
11941 double imag;
11942 @}
11943 @end group
11944 @end smallexample
11945
11946 @noindent
11947 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
11948 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
11949
11950 @cindex incomplete type
11951 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
11952 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
11953 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
11954 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
11955 given these declarations:
11956
11957 @smallexample
11958 struct foo;
11959 struct foo *fooptr;
11960 @end smallexample
11961
11962 @noindent
11963 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
11964
11965 @smallexample
11966 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
11967 $1 = <incomplete type>
11968 @end smallexample
11969
11970 @noindent
11971 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
11972 completely specified.
11973
11974 @kindex info types
11975 @item info types @var{regexp}
11976 @itemx info types
11977 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
11978 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
11979 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
11980 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
11981 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
11982 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
11983 name is @code{value}.
11984
11985 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
11986 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
11987 lists all source files where a type is defined.
11988
11989 @kindex info scope
11990 @cindex local variables
11991 @item info scope @var{location}
11992 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
11993 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
11994 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
11995 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
11996 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
11997
11998 @smallexample
11999 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
12000 Scope for command_line_handler:
12001 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
12002 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
12003 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
12004 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
12005 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
12006 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
12007 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
12008 @end smallexample
12009
12010 @noindent
12011 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
12012 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
12013 collect}.
12014
12015 @kindex info source
12016 @item info source
12017 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
12018 the function containing the current point of execution:
12019 @itemize @bullet
12020 @item
12021 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
12022 @item
12023 the directory it was compiled in,
12024 @item
12025 its length, in lines,
12026 @item
12027 which programming language it is written in,
12028 @item
12029 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
12030 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
12031 @item
12032 whether the debugging information includes information about
12033 preprocessor macros.
12034 @end itemize
12035
12036
12037 @kindex info sources
12038 @item info sources
12039 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
12040 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
12041 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
12042
12043 @kindex info functions
12044 @item info functions
12045 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
12046
12047 @item info functions @var{regexp}
12048 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
12049 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
12050 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
12051 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
12052 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
12053 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
12054 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
12055
12056 @kindex info variables
12057 @item info variables
12058 Print the names and data types of all variables that are declared
12059 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
12060
12061 @item info variables @var{regexp}
12062 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
12063 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
12064 @var{regexp}.
12065
12066 @kindex info classes
12067 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
12068 @item info classes
12069 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
12070 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
12071 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
12072 expression.
12073
12074 @kindex info selectors
12075 @item info selectors
12076 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
12077 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
12078 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
12079 expression.
12080
12081 @ignore
12082 This was never implemented.
12083 @kindex info methods
12084 @item info methods
12085 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
12086 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
12087 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
12088 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
12089 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
12090 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
12091 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
12092 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
12093 @end ignore
12094
12095 @cindex reloading symbols
12096 Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
12097 be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
12098 in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
12099 running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
12100 @value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
12101
12102 @table @code
12103 @kindex set symbol-reloading
12104 @item set symbol-reloading on
12105 Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
12106 object file with a particular name is seen again.
12107
12108 @item set symbol-reloading off
12109 Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
12110 same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
12111 running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
12112 should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
12113 may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
12114 several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
12115 name.
12116
12117 @kindex show symbol-reloading
12118 @item show symbol-reloading
12119 Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
12120 @end table
12121
12122 @cindex opaque data types
12123 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
12124 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
12125 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
12126 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
12127 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
12128 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
12129 another source file. The default is on.
12130
12131 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
12132 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
12133
12134 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
12135 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
12136 is printed as follows:
12137 @smallexample
12138 @{<no data fields>@}
12139 @end smallexample
12140
12141 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
12142 @item show opaque-type-resolution
12143 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
12144
12145 @kindex set print symbol-loading
12146 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
12147 @item set print symbol-loading
12148 @itemx set print symbol-loading on
12149 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
12150 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to enable or
12151 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbols.
12152 By default, these messages will be printed, and normally this is what
12153 you want. Disabling these messages is useful when debugging applications
12154 with lots of shared libraries where the quantity of output can be more
12155 annoying than useful.
12156
12157 @kindex show print symbol-loading
12158 @item show print symbol-loading
12159 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} loads symbols.
12160
12161 @kindex maint print symbols
12162 @cindex symbol dump
12163 @kindex maint print psymbols
12164 @cindex partial symbol dump
12165 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
12166 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
12167 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
12168 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
12169 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
12170 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
12171 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
12172 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
12173 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
12174 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
12175 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
12176 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
12177 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
12178 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
12179 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
12180 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
12181 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
12182
12183 @kindex maint info symtabs
12184 @kindex maint info psymtabs
12185 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
12186 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12187 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12188 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12189 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
12190 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
12191
12192 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
12193 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
12194 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
12195 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
12196 structure in more detail. For example:
12197
12198 @smallexample
12199 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
12200 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
12201 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
12202 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
12203 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
12204 readin no
12205 fullname (null)
12206 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
12207 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
12208 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
12209 dependencies (none)
12210 @}
12211 @}
12212 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
12213 (@value{GDBP})
12214 @end smallexample
12215 @noindent
12216 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
12217 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
12218 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
12219 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
12220 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
12221
12222 @smallexample
12223 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
12224 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
12225 line 1574.
12226 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
12227 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
12228 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
12229 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
12230 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
12231 dirname (null)
12232 fullname (null)
12233 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
12234 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
12235 debugformat DWARF 2
12236 @}
12237 @}
12238 (@value{GDBP})
12239 @end smallexample
12240 @end table
12241
12242
12243 @node Altering
12244 @chapter Altering Execution
12245
12246 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
12247 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
12248 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
12249 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
12250 program.
12251
12252 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
12253 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
12254 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
12255
12256 @menu
12257 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
12258 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
12259 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
12260 * Returning:: Returning from a function
12261 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
12262 * Patching:: Patching your program
12263 @end menu
12264
12265 @node Assignment
12266 @section Assignment to Variables
12267
12268 @cindex assignment
12269 @cindex setting variables
12270 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
12271 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
12272
12273 @smallexample
12274 print x=4
12275 @end smallexample
12276
12277 @noindent
12278 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
12279 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
12280 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
12281 information on operators in supported languages.
12282
12283 @kindex set variable
12284 @cindex variables, setting
12285 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
12286 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
12287 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
12288 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
12289 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
12290
12291 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
12292 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
12293 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
12294 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
12295 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
12296 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
12297 command @code{set width}:
12298
12299 @smallexample
12300 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
12301 type = double
12302 (@value{GDBP}) p width
12303 $4 = 13
12304 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
12305 Invalid syntax in expression.
12306 @end smallexample
12307
12308 @noindent
12309 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
12310 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
12311
12312 @smallexample
12313 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
12314 @end smallexample
12315
12316 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
12317 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
12318 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
12319 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
12320 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
12321 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
12322
12323 @smallexample
12324 @group
12325 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
12326 type = double
12327 (@value{GDBP}) p g
12328 $1 = 1
12329 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
12330 (@value{GDBP}) p g
12331 $2 = 1
12332 (@value{GDBP}) r
12333 The program being debugged has been started already.
12334 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
12335 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
12336 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
12337 Invalid bfd target.
12338 (@value{GDBP}) show g
12339 The current BFD target is "=4".
12340 @end group
12341 @end smallexample
12342
12343 @noindent
12344 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
12345 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
12346 @code{g}, use
12347
12348 @smallexample
12349 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
12350 @end smallexample
12351
12352 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
12353 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
12354 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
12355 same length or shorter.
12356 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
12357 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
12358
12359 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
12360 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
12361 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
12362 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
12363 and representation in memory), and
12364
12365 @smallexample
12366 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
12367 @end smallexample
12368
12369 @noindent
12370 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
12371
12372 @node Jumping
12373 @section Continuing at a Different Address
12374
12375 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
12376 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
12377 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
12378
12379 @table @code
12380 @kindex jump
12381 @item jump @var{linespec}
12382 @itemx jump @var{location}
12383 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
12384 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
12385 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
12386 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
12387 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
12388 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
12389
12390 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
12391 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
12392 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
12393 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
12394 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
12395 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
12396 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
12397 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
12398 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
12399 @end table
12400
12401 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
12402 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
12403 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
12404 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
12405 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
12406 example,
12407
12408 @smallexample
12409 set $pc = 0x485
12410 @end smallexample
12411
12412 @noindent
12413 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
12414 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
12415 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
12416
12417 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
12418 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
12419 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
12420 detail.
12421
12422 @c @group
12423 @node Signaling
12424 @section Giving your Program a Signal
12425 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
12426
12427 @table @code
12428 @kindex signal
12429 @item signal @var{signal}
12430 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
12431 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
12432 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
12433 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
12434
12435 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
12436 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
12437 a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
12438 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
12439 signal.
12440
12441 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
12442 after executing the command.
12443 @end table
12444 @c @end group
12445
12446 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
12447 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
12448 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
12449 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
12450 passes the signal directly to your program.
12451
12452
12453 @node Returning
12454 @section Returning from a Function
12455
12456 @table @code
12457 @cindex returning from a function
12458 @kindex return
12459 @item return
12460 @itemx return @var{expression}
12461 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
12462 command. If you give an
12463 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
12464 value.
12465 @end table
12466
12467 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
12468 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
12469 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
12470 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
12471
12472 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
12473 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
12474 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
12475 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
12476 of functions.
12477
12478 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
12479 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
12480 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
12481 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
12482 selected stack frame returns naturally.
12483
12484 @node Calling
12485 @section Calling Program Functions
12486
12487 @table @code
12488 @cindex calling functions
12489 @cindex inferior functions, calling
12490 @item print @var{expr}
12491 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
12492 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
12493 debugged.
12494
12495 @kindex call
12496 @item call @var{expr}
12497 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
12498 returned values.
12499
12500 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
12501 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
12502 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
12503 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
12504 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
12505 value history.
12506 @end table
12507
12508 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
12509 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
12510 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
12511 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
12512
12513 @table @code
12514 @item set unwindonsignal
12515 @kindex set unwindonsignal
12516 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
12517 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
12518 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
12519 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
12520 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
12521 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
12522 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
12523 received.
12524
12525 @item show unwindonsignal
12526 @kindex show unwindonsignal
12527 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
12528 @value{GDBN}.
12529 @end table
12530
12531 @cindex weak alias functions
12532 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
12533 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
12534 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
12535 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
12536 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
12537 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
12538 function instead.
12539
12540 @node Patching
12541 @section Patching Programs
12542
12543 @cindex patching binaries
12544 @cindex writing into executables
12545 @cindex writing into corefiles
12546
12547 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
12548 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
12549 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
12550 patching your program's binary.
12551
12552 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
12553 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
12554 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
12555 repairs.
12556
12557 @table @code
12558 @kindex set write
12559 @item set write on
12560 @itemx set write off
12561 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
12562 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
12563 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
12564
12565 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
12566 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
12567 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
12568
12569 @item show write
12570 @kindex show write
12571 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
12572 as well as reading.
12573 @end table
12574
12575 @node GDB Files
12576 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
12577
12578 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
12579 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
12580 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
12581 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
12582
12583 @menu
12584 * Files:: Commands to specify files
12585 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
12586 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
12587 @end menu
12588
12589 @node Files
12590 @section Commands to Specify Files
12591
12592 @cindex symbol table
12593 @cindex core dump file
12594
12595 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
12596 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
12597 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
12598 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
12599
12600 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
12601 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
12602 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
12603 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
12604 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
12605 new files are useful.
12606
12607 @table @code
12608 @cindex executable file
12609 @kindex file
12610 @item file @var{filename}
12611 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
12612 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
12613 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
12614 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
12615 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
12616 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
12617 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
12618 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
12619
12620 @cindex unlinked object files
12621 @cindex patching object files
12622 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
12623 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
12624 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
12625 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
12626 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
12627 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
12628 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
12629 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
12630
12631 @item file
12632 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
12633 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
12634
12635 @kindex exec-file
12636 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
12637 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
12638 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
12639 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
12640 discard information on the executable file.
12641
12642 @kindex symbol-file
12643 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
12644 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
12645 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
12646 table and program to run from the same file.
12647
12648 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
12649 program's symbol table.
12650
12651 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
12652 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
12653 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
12654 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
12655 @value{GDBN}.
12656
12657 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
12658 executing it once.
12659
12660 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
12661 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
12662 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
12663 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
12664 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
12665 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
12666 optimized code.
12667
12668 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
12669 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
12670 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
12671 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
12672 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
12673
12674 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
12675 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
12676 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
12677 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
12678 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
12679 Warnings and Messages}.)
12680
12681 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
12682 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
12683 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
12684 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
12685 in stabs format.
12686
12687 @kindex readnow
12688 @cindex reading symbols immediately
12689 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
12690 @item symbol-file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
12691 @itemx file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
12692 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
12693 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
12694 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
12695 entire symbol table available.
12696
12697 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
12698 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
12699 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
12700 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
12701 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
12702 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
12703 @c files.
12704
12705 @kindex core-file
12706 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
12707 @itemx core
12708 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
12709 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
12710 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
12711 executable file itself for other parts.
12712
12713 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
12714 to be used.
12715
12716 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
12717 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
12718 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
12719 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
12720 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
12721
12722 @kindex add-symbol-file
12723 @cindex dynamic linking
12724 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
12725 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
12726 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
12727 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
12728 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
12729 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
12730 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
12731 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
12732 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
12733 of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
12734 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
12735 @var{address} as an expression.
12736
12737 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
12738 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
12739 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
12740 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
12741 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
12742
12743 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
12744 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
12745 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
12746 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
12747 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
12748 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
12749 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
12750 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
12751 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
12752
12753 @itemize @bullet
12754 @item
12755 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
12756 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
12757 @item
12758 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
12759 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
12760 @item
12761 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
12762 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
12763 @end itemize
12764
12765 @noindent
12766 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
12767 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
12768 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
12769 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
12770 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
12771 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
12772 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
12773 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
12774 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
12775 way.
12776
12777 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
12778
12779 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
12780 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
12781 @cindex load symbols from memory
12782 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
12783 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
12784 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
12785 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
12786 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
12787 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
12788 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
12789 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
12790 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
12791
12792 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
12793 @kindex assf
12794 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
12795 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
12796 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
12797 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
12798 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
12799 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
12800 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
12801 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
12802 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
12803 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
12804
12805 @kindex section
12806 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
12807 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
12808 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
12809 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
12810 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
12811 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
12812 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
12813 their addresses.
12814
12815 @kindex info files
12816 @kindex info target
12817 @item info files
12818 @itemx info target
12819 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
12820 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
12821 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
12822 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
12823 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
12824 current ones.
12825
12826 @kindex maint info sections
12827 @item maint info sections
12828 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
12829 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
12830 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
12831 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
12832 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
12833 may be arbitrarily combined):
12834
12835 @table @code
12836 @item ALLOBJ
12837 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
12838 @item @var{sections}
12839 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
12840 @item @var{section-flags}
12841 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
12842 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
12843 @table @code
12844 @item ALLOC
12845 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
12846 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
12847 @item LOAD
12848 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
12849 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
12850 @item RELOC
12851 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
12852 @item READONLY
12853 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
12854 @item CODE
12855 Section contains executable code only.
12856 @item DATA
12857 Section contains data only (no executable code).
12858 @item ROM
12859 Section will reside in ROM.
12860 @item CONSTRUCTOR
12861 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
12862 @item HAS_CONTENTS
12863 Section is not empty.
12864 @item NEVER_LOAD
12865 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
12866 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
12867 A notification to the linker that the section contains
12868 COFF shared library information.
12869 @item IS_COMMON
12870 Section contains common symbols.
12871 @end table
12872 @end table
12873 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
12874 @cindex read-only sections
12875 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
12876 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
12877 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
12878 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
12879 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
12880 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
12881 enhancement to debugging performance.
12882
12883 The default is off.
12884
12885 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
12886 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
12887 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
12888 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
12889
12890 @item show trust-readonly-sections
12891 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
12892 @end table
12893
12894 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
12895 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
12896 name and remembers it that way.
12897
12898 @cindex shared libraries
12899 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
12900 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
12901 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
12902
12903 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
12904 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
12905
12906 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
12907 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
12908 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
12909 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
12910 debugging a core file).
12911
12912 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
12913 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
12914
12915 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
12916 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
12917 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
12918
12919 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
12920 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
12921 particularly large or there are many of them.
12922
12923 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
12924 commands:
12925
12926 @table @code
12927 @kindex set auto-solib-add
12928 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
12929 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
12930 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
12931 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
12932 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
12933 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
12934 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
12935
12936 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
12937 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
12938 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
12939 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
12940 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
12941 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
12942 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
12943 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
12944 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
12945
12946 @kindex show auto-solib-add
12947 @item show auto-solib-add
12948 Display the current autoloading mode.
12949 @end table
12950
12951 @cindex load shared library
12952 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
12953 command:
12954
12955 @table @code
12956 @kindex info sharedlibrary
12957 @kindex info share
12958 @item info share
12959 @itemx info sharedlibrary
12960 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded.
12961
12962 @kindex sharedlibrary
12963 @kindex share
12964 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
12965 @itemx share @var{regex}
12966 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
12967 Unix regular expression.
12968 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
12969 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
12970 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
12971 loaded.
12972
12973 @item nosharedlibrary
12974 @kindex nosharedlibrary
12975 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
12976 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
12977 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
12978 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
12979 discarded.
12980 @end table
12981
12982 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
12983 when any of shared library events happen. Use the @code{set
12984 stop-on-solib-events} command for this:
12985
12986 @table @code
12987 @item set stop-on-solib-events
12988 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
12989 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
12990 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
12991 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
12992 shared library.
12993
12994 @item show stop-on-solib-events
12995 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
12996 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
12997 library events happen.
12998 @end table
12999
13000 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
13001 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
13002 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
13003 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
13004 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
13005 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
13006 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
13007 not.
13008
13009 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
13010 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
13011 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
13012 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
13013 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
13014
13015 @table @code
13016 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
13017 @cindex system root, alternate
13018 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
13019 @kindex set sysroot
13020 @item set sysroot @var{path}
13021 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
13022 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
13023 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
13024 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
13025 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
13026 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
13027 under @var{path}.
13028
13029 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
13030 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
13031 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
13032 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
13033 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
13034 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
13035 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
13036 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
13037 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
13038
13039 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
13040 sysroot}.
13041
13042 @cindex default system root
13043 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
13044 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
13045 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
13046 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
13047 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
13048 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
13049 location.
13050
13051 @kindex show sysroot
13052 @item show sysroot
13053 Display the current shared library prefix.
13054
13055 @kindex set solib-search-path
13056 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
13057 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
13058 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
13059 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
13060 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
13061 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
13062 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
13063 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
13064 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
13065 of shared library symbols.
13066
13067 @kindex show solib-search-path
13068 @item show solib-search-path
13069 Display the current shared library search path.
13070 @end table
13071
13072
13073 @node Separate Debug Files
13074 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
13075 @cindex separate debugging information files
13076 @cindex debugging information in separate files
13077 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
13078 @cindex debugging information directory, global
13079 @cindex global debugging information directory
13080 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
13081 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
13082
13083 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
13084 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
13085 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
13086 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
13087 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
13088 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
13089 install only when they need to debug a problem.
13090
13091 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
13092 file:
13093
13094 @itemize @bullet
13095 @item
13096 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
13097 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
13098 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
13099 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
13100 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
13101 debug link specifies a CRC32 checksum for the debug file, which
13102 @value{GDBN} uses to validate that the executable and the debug file
13103 came from the same build.
13104
13105 @item
13106 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
13107 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
13108 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
13109 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
13110 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
13111 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
13112 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
13113 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
13114 below.
13115 @end itemize
13116
13117 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
13118 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
13119
13120 @itemize @bullet
13121 @item
13122 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
13123 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
13124 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under the global debug
13125 directory, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
13126 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
13127
13128 @item
13129 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
13130 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of the global debug directory for a file
13131 named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
13132 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
13133 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
13134 hex characters, not 10.)
13135 @end itemize
13136
13137 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
13138 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
13139 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
13140 @code{abcdef1234}. If the global debug directory is
13141 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
13142 debug information files, in the indicated order:
13143
13144 @itemize @minus
13145 @item
13146 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
13147 @item
13148 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
13149 @item
13150 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
13151 @item
13152 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
13153 @end itemize
13154
13155 You can set the global debugging info directory's name, and view the
13156 name @value{GDBN} is currently using.
13157
13158 @table @code
13159
13160 @kindex set debug-file-directory
13161 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directory}
13162 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
13163 information files to @var{directory}.
13164
13165 @kindex show debug-file-directory
13166 @item show debug-file-directory
13167 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
13168 information files.
13169
13170 @end table
13171
13172 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
13173 @cindex debug link sections
13174 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
13175 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
13176
13177 @itemize
13178 @item
13179 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
13180 a zero byte,
13181 @item
13182 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
13183 boundary within the section, and
13184 @item
13185 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
13186 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
13187 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
13188 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
13189 @end itemize
13190
13191 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
13192 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
13193 described above.
13194
13195 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
13196 @cindex build ID sections
13197 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
13198 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
13199 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
13200 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
13201 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
13202 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
13203 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
13204 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
13205 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
13206
13207 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
13208 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
13209 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
13210 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
13211 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
13212 in an ordinary executable.
13213
13214 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
13215 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
13216 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
13217 following commands:
13218
13219 @smallexample
13220 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
13221 @kbd{strip -g foo}
13222 @end smallexample
13223
13224 @noindent
13225 These commands remove the debugging
13226 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
13227 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
13228 two files:
13229
13230 @itemize @bullet
13231 @item
13232 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
13233 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
13234
13235 @smallexample
13236 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
13237 @end smallexample
13238
13239 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
13240 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
13241 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
13242 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
13243
13244 @item
13245 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
13246 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
13247 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
13248 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
13249 @end itemize
13250
13251 @noindent
13252
13253 Since there are many different ways to compute CRC's for the debug
13254 link (different polynomials, reversals, byte ordering, etc.), the
13255 simplest way to describe the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}
13256 sections is to give the complete code for a function that computes it:
13257
13258 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
13259 @smallexample
13260 unsigned long
13261 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
13262 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
13263 @{
13264 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
13265 @{
13266 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
13267 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
13268 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
13269 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
13270 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
13271 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
13272 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
13273 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
13274 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
13275 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
13276 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
13277 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
13278 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
13279 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
13280 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
13281 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
13282 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
13283 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
13284 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
13285 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
13286 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
13287 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
13288 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
13289 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
13290 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
13291 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
13292 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
13293 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
13294 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
13295 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
13296 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
13297 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
13298 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
13299 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
13300 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
13301 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
13302 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
13303 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
13304 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
13305 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
13306 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
13307 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
13308 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
13309 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
13310 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
13311 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
13312 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
13313 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
13314 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
13315 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
13316 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
13317 0x2d02ef8d
13318 @};
13319 unsigned char *end;
13320
13321 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
13322 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
13323 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
13324 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
13325 @}
13326 @end smallexample
13327
13328 @noindent
13329 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
13330
13331
13332 @node Symbol Errors
13333 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
13334
13335 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
13336 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
13337 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
13338 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
13339 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
13340 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
13341 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
13342 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
13343 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
13344 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
13345 Messages}).
13346
13347 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
13348
13349 @table @code
13350 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
13351
13352 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
13353 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
13354 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
13355 in its outer scope blocks.
13356
13357 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
13358 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
13359 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
13360 function.
13361
13362 @item block at @var{address} out of order
13363
13364 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
13365 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
13366 do so.
13367
13368 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
13369 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
13370 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
13371 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
13372 Messages}.)
13373
13374 @item bad block start address patched
13375
13376 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
13377 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
13378 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
13379
13380 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
13381 starting on the previous source line.
13382
13383 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
13384
13385 @cindex foo
13386 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
13387 larger than the size of the string table.
13388
13389 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
13390 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
13391 with this name.
13392
13393 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
13394
13395 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
13396 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
13397 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
13398
13399 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
13400 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
13401 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
13402 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
13403 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
13404 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
13405
13406 @item stub type has NULL name
13407
13408 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
13409
13410 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
13411 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
13412 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
13413 it.
13414
13415 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
13416
13417 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
13418
13419 @end table
13420
13421 @node Targets
13422 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
13423
13424 @cindex debugging target
13425 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
13426
13427 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
13428 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
13429 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
13430 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
13431 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
13432 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
13433 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
13434 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
13435
13436 @cindex target architecture
13437 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
13438 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
13439 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
13440 command.
13441
13442 @table @code
13443 @kindex set architecture
13444 @kindex show architecture
13445 @item set architecture @var{arch}
13446 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
13447 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
13448 supported architectures.
13449
13450 @item show architecture
13451 Show the current target architecture.
13452
13453 @item set processor
13454 @itemx processor
13455 @kindex set processor
13456 @kindex show processor
13457 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
13458 and @code{show architecture}.
13459 @end table
13460
13461 @menu
13462 * Active Targets:: Active targets
13463 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
13464 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
13465 @end menu
13466
13467 @node Active Targets
13468 @section Active Targets
13469
13470 @cindex stacking targets
13471 @cindex active targets
13472 @cindex multiple targets
13473
13474 There are three classes of targets: processes, core files, and
13475 executable files. @value{GDBN} can work concurrently on up to three
13476 active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for example)
13477 start a process and inspect its activity without abandoning your work on
13478 a core file.
13479
13480 For example, if you execute @samp{gdb a.out}, then the executable file
13481 @code{a.out} is the only active target. If you designate a core file as
13482 well---presumably from a prior run that crashed and coredumped---then
13483 @value{GDBN} has two active targets and uses them in tandem, looking
13484 first in the corefile target, then in the executable file, to satisfy
13485 requests for memory addresses. (Typically, these two classes of target
13486 are complementary, since core files contain only a program's
13487 read-write memory---variables and so on---plus machine status, while
13488 executable files contain only the program text and initialized data.)
13489
13490 When you type @code{run}, your executable file becomes an active process
13491 target as well. When a process target is active, all @value{GDBN}
13492 commands requesting memory addresses refer to that target; addresses in
13493 an active core file or executable file target are obscured while the
13494 process target is active.
13495
13496 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new
13497 core file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify
13498 Files}). To specify as a target a process that is already running, use
13499 the @code{attach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
13500 Process}).
13501
13502 @node Target Commands
13503 @section Commands for Managing Targets
13504
13505 @table @code
13506 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
13507 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
13508 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
13509 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
13510 protocol of the target machine.
13511
13512 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
13513 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
13514 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
13515
13516 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
13517 after executing the command.
13518
13519 @kindex help target
13520 @item help target
13521 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
13522 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
13523 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
13524
13525 @item help target @var{name}
13526 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
13527 select it.
13528
13529 @kindex set gnutarget
13530 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
13531 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
13532 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
13533 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
13534 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
13535 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
13536
13537 @quotation
13538 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
13539 you must know the actual BFD name.
13540 @end quotation
13541
13542 @noindent
13543 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
13544
13545 @kindex show gnutarget
13546 @item show gnutarget
13547 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
13548 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
13549 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
13550 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
13551 @end table
13552
13553 @cindex common targets
13554 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
13555 configuration):
13556
13557 @table @code
13558 @kindex target
13559 @item target exec @var{program}
13560 @cindex executable file target
13561 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
13562 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
13563
13564 @item target core @var{filename}
13565 @cindex core dump file target
13566 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
13567 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
13568
13569 @item target remote @var{medium}
13570 @cindex remote target
13571 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
13572 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
13573 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
13574
13575 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
13576 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
13577
13578 @smallexample
13579 target remote /dev/ttya
13580 @end smallexample
13581
13582 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
13583 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
13584 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
13585 clobbered by the download.
13586
13587 @item target sim
13588 @cindex built-in simulator target
13589 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
13590 In general,
13591 @smallexample
13592 target sim
13593 load
13594 run
13595 @end smallexample
13596 @noindent
13597 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
13598 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
13599 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
13600 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
13601 Processors}.
13602
13603 @end table
13604
13605 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
13606
13607 @table @code
13608
13609 @item target nrom @var{dev}
13610 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
13611 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
13612
13613 @end table
13614
13615 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
13616 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
13617
13618 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
13619 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
13620 various aspects of this process.
13621
13622 @table @code
13623
13624 @item set hash
13625 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
13626 @cindex hash mark while downloading
13627 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
13628 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
13629 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
13630 monitor.
13631
13632 @item show hash
13633 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
13634 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
13635
13636 @item set debug monitor
13637 @kindex set debug monitor
13638 @cindex display remote monitor communications
13639 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
13640 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
13641
13642 @item show debug monitor
13643 @kindex show debug monitor
13644 Show the current status of displaying communications between
13645 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
13646 @end table
13647
13648 @table @code
13649
13650 @kindex load @var{filename}
13651 @item load @var{filename}
13652 @anchor{load}
13653 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
13654 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
13655 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
13656 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
13657 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
13658 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
13659
13660 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
13661 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
13662 target is @dots{}}''
13663
13664 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
13665 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
13666 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
13667 specifies a fixed address.
13668 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
13669
13670 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
13671 load programs into flash memory.
13672
13673 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
13674 @end table
13675
13676 @node Byte Order
13677 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
13678
13679 @cindex choosing target byte order
13680 @cindex target byte order
13681
13682 Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
13683 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
13684 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
13685 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
13686 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
13687 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
13688
13689 @table @code
13690 @kindex set endian
13691 @item set endian big
13692 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
13693
13694 @item set endian little
13695 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
13696
13697 @item set endian auto
13698 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
13699 executable.
13700
13701 @item show endian
13702 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
13703
13704 @end table
13705
13706 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
13707 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
13708 target system.
13709
13710
13711 @node Remote Debugging
13712 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
13713 @cindex remote debugging
13714
13715 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
13716 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
13717 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
13718 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
13719 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
13720
13721 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
13722 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
13723 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
13724 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
13725 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
13726 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
13727
13728 Other remote targets may be available in your
13729 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
13730
13731 @menu
13732 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
13733 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
13734 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
13735 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
13736 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
13737 @end menu
13738
13739 @node Connecting
13740 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
13741
13742 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
13743 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
13744 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
13745 program as the first argument.
13746
13747 @cindex @code{target remote}
13748 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
13749 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
13750 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
13751 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
13752 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
13753 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
13754
13755 @table @code
13756
13757 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
13758 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
13759 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
13760 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
13761
13762 @smallexample
13763 target remote /dev/ttyb
13764 @end smallexample
13765
13766 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
13767 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
13768 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
13769 @code{target} command.
13770
13771 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
13772 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
13773 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
13774 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
13775 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
13776 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
13777 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
13778 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
13779 target.
13780
13781 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
13782 @code{manyfarms}:
13783
13784 @smallexample
13785 target remote manyfarms:2828
13786 @end smallexample
13787
13788 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
13789 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
13790 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
13791 port 1234 on your local machine:
13792
13793 @smallexample
13794 target remote :1234
13795 @end smallexample
13796 @noindent
13797
13798 Note that the colon is still required here.
13799
13800 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
13801 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
13802 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
13803 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
13804
13805 @smallexample
13806 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
13807 @end smallexample
13808
13809 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
13810 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
13811 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
13812 cause havoc with your debugging session.
13813
13814 @item target remote | @var{command}
13815 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
13816 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
13817 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
13818 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
13819 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
13820 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
13821 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
13822 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
13823
13824 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
13825 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
13826 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
13827
13828 @end table
13829
13830 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
13831 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
13832 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
13833 need to use @kbd{run}.
13834
13835 @cindex interrupting remote programs
13836 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
13837 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
13838 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
13839 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
13840 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
13841 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
13842
13843 @smallexample
13844 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
13845 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
13846 @end smallexample
13847
13848 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
13849 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
13850 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
13851 goes back to waiting.
13852
13853 @table @code
13854 @kindex detach (remote)
13855 @item detach
13856 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
13857 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
13858 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
13859 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
13860 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
13861
13862 @kindex disconnect
13863 @item disconnect
13864 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
13865 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
13866 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
13867 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
13868 another target.
13869
13870 @cindex send command to remote monitor
13871 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
13872 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
13873 @kindex monitor
13874 @item monitor @var{cmd}
13875 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
13876 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
13877 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
13878 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
13879 and implement.
13880 @end table
13881
13882 @node File Transfer
13883 @section Sending files to a remote system
13884 @cindex remote target, file transfer
13885 @cindex file transfer
13886 @cindex sending files to remote systems
13887
13888 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
13889 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
13890 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
13891 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
13892 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
13893 the only way to upload or download files.
13894
13895 Not all remote targets support these commands.
13896
13897 @table @code
13898 @kindex remote put
13899 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
13900 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
13901 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
13902
13903 @kindex remote get
13904 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
13905 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
13906 on the host system.
13907
13908 @kindex remote delete
13909 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
13910 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
13911
13912 @end table
13913
13914 @node Server
13915 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
13916
13917 @kindex gdbserver
13918 @cindex remote connection without stubs
13919 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
13920 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
13921 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
13922
13923 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
13924 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
13925 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
13926 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
13927 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
13928 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
13929 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
13930 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
13931 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
13932 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
13933 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
13934 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
13935 choice for debugging.
13936
13937 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
13938 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
13939 protocol.
13940
13941 @quotation
13942 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
13943 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
13944 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
13945 target system with the same privileges as the user running
13946 @code{gdbserver}.
13947 @end quotation
13948
13949 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
13950 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
13951
13952 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
13953 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
13954 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
13955 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
13956 system does all the symbol handling.
13957
13958 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
13959 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
13960 syntax is:
13961
13962 @smallexample
13963 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
13964 @end smallexample
13965
13966 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
13967 hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
13968 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
13969 @file{/dev/com1}:
13970
13971 @smallexample
13972 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
13973 @end smallexample
13974
13975 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
13976 with it.
13977
13978 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
13979
13980 @smallexample
13981 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
13982 @end smallexample
13983
13984 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
13985 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
13986 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
13987 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
13988 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
13989 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
13990 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
13991 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
13992 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
13993 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
13994 @code{target remote} command.
13995
13996 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
13997
13998 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
13999 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
14000
14001 @smallexample
14002 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
14003 @end smallexample
14004
14005 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
14006 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
14007
14008 @pindex pidof
14009 @cindex attach to a program by name
14010 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
14011 @code{pidof} utility:
14012
14013 @smallexample
14014 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
14015 @end smallexample
14016
14017 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
14018 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
14019 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
14020
14021 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
14022 @cindex gdbserver, multiple processes
14023 @cindex multiple processes with gdbserver
14024
14025 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
14026 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
14027 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
14028 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
14029
14030 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
14031 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
14032 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
14033 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
14034 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
14035 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
14036 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
14037 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
14038 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
14039
14040 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
14041 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
14042 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
14043 the program you want to debug.
14044
14045 @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit in multi-process mode.
14046 You can terminate it by using @code{monitor exit}
14047 (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
14048
14049 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
14050
14051 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
14052 status information about the debugging process. The
14053 @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
14054 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
14055 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
14056
14057 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
14058 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
14059 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
14060 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
14061
14062 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
14063 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
14064 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
14065 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
14066
14067 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
14068 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
14069 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
14070 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
14071
14072 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
14073 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
14074 environment:
14075
14076 @smallexample
14077 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
14078 @end smallexample
14079
14080 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
14081
14082 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
14083
14084 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
14085 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
14086 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
14087 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
14088
14089 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
14090 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
14091 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
14092 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
14093 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
14094 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
14095 programs.
14096
14097 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
14098 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
14099 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
14100 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
14101 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
14102 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
14103 already on the target.
14104
14105 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
14106 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
14107 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
14108
14109 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
14110 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
14111 Here are the available commands.
14112
14113 @table @code
14114 @item monitor help
14115 List the available monitor commands.
14116
14117 @item monitor set debug 0
14118 @itemx monitor set debug 1
14119 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
14120
14121 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
14122 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
14123 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
14124 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
14125
14126 @item monitor exit
14127 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
14128 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
14129 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
14130 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
14131 of a multi-process mode debug session.
14132
14133 @end table
14134
14135 @node Remote Configuration
14136 @section Remote Configuration
14137
14138 @kindex set remote
14139 @kindex show remote
14140 This section documents the configuration options available when
14141 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
14142 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
14143 system-call-allowed}.
14144
14145 @table @code
14146 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
14147 @cindex address size for remote targets
14148 @cindex bits in remote address
14149 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
14150 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
14151 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
14152 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
14153
14154 @item show remoteaddresssize
14155 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
14156
14157 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
14158 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
14159 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
14160 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
14161 remote targets.
14162
14163 @item show remotebaud
14164 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
14165
14166 @item set remotebreak
14167 @cindex interrupt remote programs
14168 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
14169 @anchor{set remotebreak}
14170 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
14171 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
14172 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
14173 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
14174 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
14175
14176 @item show remotebreak
14177 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
14178 interrupt the remote program.
14179
14180 @item set remoteflow on
14181 @itemx set remoteflow off
14182 @kindex set remoteflow
14183 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
14184 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
14185
14186 @item show remoteflow
14187 @kindex show remoteflow
14188 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
14189
14190 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
14191 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
14192 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
14193 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
14194 @code{ascii}.
14195
14196 @item show remotelogbase
14197 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
14198 protocol.
14199
14200 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
14201 @cindex record serial communications on file
14202 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
14203 default is not to record at all.
14204
14205 @item show remotelogfile.
14206 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
14207 serial communications.
14208
14209 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
14210 @cindex timeout for serial communications
14211 @cindex remote timeout
14212 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
14213 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
14214
14215 @item show remotetimeout
14216 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
14217 responses.
14218
14219 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
14220 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
14221 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
14222 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
14223 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
14224 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
14225 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
14226 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
14227
14228 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
14229 @itemx show remote exec-file
14230 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
14231 @cindex executable file, for remote target
14232 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
14233 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
14234 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
14235 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
14236
14237 @kindex set tcp
14238 @kindex show tcp
14239 @item set tcp auto-retry on
14240 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
14241 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
14242 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
14243 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
14244 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
14245 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
14246 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
14247 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
14248
14249 @item set tcp auto-retry off
14250 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
14251
14252 @item show tcp auto-retry
14253 Show the current auto-retry setting.
14254
14255 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
14256 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
14257 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
14258 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
14259 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
14260 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
14261 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
14262 value.
14263
14264 @item show tcp connect-timeout
14265 Show the current connection timeout setting.
14266 @end table
14267
14268 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
14269 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
14270 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
14271 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
14272 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
14273 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
14274 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
14275 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
14276 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
14277
14278 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
14279 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
14280 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
14281 @value{GDBN} developers.
14282
14283 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
14284 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
14285 are:
14286
14287 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
14288 @item Command Name
14289 @tab Remote Packet
14290 @tab Related Features
14291
14292 @item @code{fetch-register}
14293 @tab @code{p}
14294 @tab @code{info registers}
14295
14296 @item @code{set-register}
14297 @tab @code{P}
14298 @tab @code{set}
14299
14300 @item @code{binary-download}
14301 @tab @code{X}
14302 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
14303
14304 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
14305 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
14306 @tab @code{info auxv}
14307
14308 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
14309 @tab @code{qSymbol}
14310 @tab Detecting multiple threads
14311
14312 @item @code{attach}
14313 @tab @code{vAttach}
14314 @tab @code{attach}
14315
14316 @item @code{verbose-resume}
14317 @tab @code{vCont}
14318 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
14319
14320 @item @code{run}
14321 @tab @code{vRun}
14322 @tab @code{run}
14323
14324 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
14325 @tab @code{Z0}
14326 @tab @code{break}
14327
14328 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
14329 @tab @code{Z1}
14330 @tab @code{hbreak}
14331
14332 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
14333 @tab @code{Z2}
14334 @tab @code{watch}
14335
14336 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
14337 @tab @code{Z3}
14338 @tab @code{rwatch}
14339
14340 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
14341 @tab @code{Z4}
14342 @tab @code{awatch}
14343
14344 @item @code{target-features}
14345 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
14346 @tab @code{set architecture}
14347
14348 @item @code{library-info}
14349 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
14350 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
14351
14352 @item @code{memory-map}
14353 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
14354 @tab @code{info mem}
14355
14356 @item @code{read-spu-object}
14357 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
14358 @tab @code{info spu}
14359
14360 @item @code{write-spu-object}
14361 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
14362 @tab @code{info spu}
14363
14364 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
14365 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
14366 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
14367
14368 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
14369 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
14370 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
14371
14372 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
14373 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
14374 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
14375
14376 @item @code{search-memory}
14377 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
14378 @tab @code{find}
14379
14380 @item @code{supported-packets}
14381 @tab @code{qSupported}
14382 @tab Remote communications parameters
14383
14384 @item @code{pass-signals}
14385 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
14386 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
14387
14388 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
14389 @tab @code{vFile:close}
14390 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14391
14392 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
14393 @tab @code{vFile:open}
14394 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14395
14396 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
14397 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
14398 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14399
14400 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
14401 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
14402 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14403
14404 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
14405 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
14406 @tab @code{remote delete}
14407
14408 @item @code{noack-packet}
14409 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
14410 @tab Packet acknowledgment
14411
14412 @item @code{osdata}
14413 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
14414 @tab @code{info os}
14415 @end multitable
14416
14417 @node Remote Stub
14418 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
14419
14420 @cindex debugging stub, example
14421 @cindex remote stub, example
14422 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
14423 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
14424 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
14425 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
14426 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
14427 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
14428 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
14429 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
14430
14431 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
14432 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
14433 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
14434 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
14435 program, you need:
14436
14437 @enumerate
14438 @item
14439 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
14440 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
14441 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
14442
14443 @item
14444 A C subroutine library to support your program's
14445 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
14446
14447 @item
14448 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
14449 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
14450 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
14451 documentation.
14452 @end enumerate
14453
14454 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
14455 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
14456 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
14457
14458 @table @emph
14459 @item On the host,
14460 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
14461 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
14462 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
14463
14464 @item On the target,
14465 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
14466 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
14467 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
14468
14469 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
14470 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
14471 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
14472 @end table
14473
14474 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
14475 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
14476 @sc{sparc} boards.
14477
14478 @cindex remote serial stub list
14479 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
14480
14481 @table @code
14482
14483 @item i386-stub.c
14484 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
14485 @cindex Intel
14486 @cindex i386
14487 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
14488
14489 @item m68k-stub.c
14490 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
14491 @cindex Motorola 680x0
14492 @cindex m680x0
14493 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
14494
14495 @item sh-stub.c
14496 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
14497 @cindex Renesas
14498 @cindex SH
14499 For Renesas SH architectures.
14500
14501 @item sparc-stub.c
14502 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
14503 @cindex Sparc
14504 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
14505
14506 @item sparcl-stub.c
14507 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
14508 @cindex Fujitsu
14509 @cindex SparcLite
14510 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
14511
14512 @end table
14513
14514 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
14515 recently added stubs.
14516
14517 @menu
14518 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
14519 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
14520 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
14521 @end menu
14522
14523 @node Stub Contents
14524 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
14525
14526 @cindex remote serial stub
14527 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
14528 subroutines:
14529
14530 @table @code
14531 @item set_debug_traps
14532 @findex set_debug_traps
14533 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
14534 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
14535 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
14536 beginning of your program.
14537
14538 @item handle_exception
14539 @findex handle_exception
14540 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
14541 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
14542 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
14543 run when a trap is triggered.
14544
14545 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
14546 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
14547 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
14548 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
14549 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
14550 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
14551 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
14552 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
14553 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
14554 machine.
14555
14556 @item breakpoint
14557 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
14558 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
14559 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
14560 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
14561 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
14562 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
14563 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
14564 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
14565 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
14566 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
14567 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
14568
14569 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
14570 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
14571 start of your debugging session.
14572 @end table
14573
14574 @node Bootstrapping
14575 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
14576
14577 @cindex remote stub, support routines
14578 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
14579 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
14580 debugging target machine.
14581
14582 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
14583 serial port.
14584
14585 @table @code
14586 @item int getDebugChar()
14587 @findex getDebugChar
14588 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
14589 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
14590 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
14591
14592 @item void putDebugChar(int)
14593 @findex putDebugChar
14594 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
14595 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
14596 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
14597 @end table
14598
14599 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
14600 @cindex interrupting remote targets
14601 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
14602 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
14603 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
14604 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
14605 remote system to stop.
14606
14607 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
14608 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
14609 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
14610 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
14611
14612 Other routines you need to supply are:
14613
14614 @table @code
14615 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
14616 @findex exceptionHandler
14617 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
14618 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
14619 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
14620 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
14621 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
14622 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
14623 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
14624 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
14625 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
14626 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
14627 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
14628 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
14629 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
14630
14631 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
14632 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
14633 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
14634 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
14635 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
14636
14637 @item void flush_i_cache()
14638 @findex flush_i_cache
14639 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
14640 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
14641 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
14642
14643 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
14644 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
14645 @end table
14646
14647 @noindent
14648 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
14649
14650 @table @code
14651 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
14652 @findex memset
14653 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
14654 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
14655 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
14656 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
14657 @end table
14658
14659 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
14660 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
14661 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
14662 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
14663
14664
14665 @node Debug Session
14666 @subsection Putting it All Together
14667
14668 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
14669 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
14670 steps.
14671
14672 @enumerate
14673 @item
14674 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
14675 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
14676 @display
14677 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
14678 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
14679 @end display
14680
14681 @item
14682 Insert these lines near the top of your program:
14683
14684 @smallexample
14685 set_debug_traps();
14686 breakpoint();
14687 @end smallexample
14688
14689 @item
14690 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
14691 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
14692
14693 @smallexample
14694 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
14695 @end smallexample
14696
14697 @noindent
14698 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
14699 function in your program, that function is called when
14700 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
14701 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
14702 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
14703
14704 @item
14705 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
14706 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
14707
14708 @item
14709 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
14710 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
14711
14712 @item
14713 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
14714 @c document that. FIXME.
14715 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
14716 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
14717
14718 @item
14719 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
14720 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
14721
14722 @end enumerate
14723
14724 @node Configurations
14725 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
14726
14727 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
14728 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
14729 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
14730
14731 There are three major categories of configurations: native
14732 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
14733 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
14734 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
14735 are quite different from each other.
14736
14737 @menu
14738 * Native::
14739 * Embedded OS::
14740 * Embedded Processors::
14741 * Architectures::
14742 @end menu
14743
14744 @node Native
14745 @section Native
14746
14747 This section describes details specific to particular native
14748 configurations.
14749
14750 @menu
14751 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
14752 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
14753 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
14754 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
14755 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
14756 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
14757 * Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
14758 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
14759 @end menu
14760
14761 @node HP-UX
14762 @subsection HP-UX
14763
14764 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
14765 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
14766 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
14767
14768
14769 @node BSD libkvm Interface
14770 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
14771
14772 @cindex libkvm
14773 @cindex kernel memory image
14774 @cindex kernel crash dump
14775
14776 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
14777 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
14778 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
14779 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
14780 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
14781 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
14782 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
14783 @code{kvm} target:
14784
14785 @smallexample
14786 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
14787 @end smallexample
14788
14789 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
14790 argument:
14791
14792 @smallexample
14793 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
14794 @end smallexample
14795
14796 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
14797 available:
14798
14799 @table @code
14800 @kindex kvm
14801 @item kvm pcb
14802 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
14803
14804 @item kvm proc
14805 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
14806 modern FreeBSD systems.
14807 @end table
14808
14809 @node SVR4 Process Information
14810 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
14811 @cindex /proc
14812 @cindex examine process image
14813 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
14814
14815 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
14816 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
14817 process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
14818 for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
14819 proc} is available to report information about the process running
14820 your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
14821 proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
14822 This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
14823 Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
14824
14825 @table @code
14826 @kindex info proc
14827 @cindex process ID
14828 @item info proc
14829 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
14830 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
14831 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
14832 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
14833 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
14834 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
14835 executable file's absolute file name.
14836
14837 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
14838 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
14839 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
14840 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
14841 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
14842 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
14843
14844 @item info proc mappings
14845 @cindex memory address space mappings
14846 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
14847 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
14848 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
14849 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
14850 memory access rights to that range.
14851
14852 @item info proc stat
14853 @itemx info proc status
14854 @cindex process detailed status information
14855 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
14856 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
14857 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
14858 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
14859 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
14860 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
14861 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
14862
14863 @item info proc all
14864 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
14865 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
14866
14867 @ignore
14868 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
14869 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
14870 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
14871 @kindex info proc times
14872 @item info proc times
14873 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
14874 its children.
14875
14876 @kindex info proc id
14877 @item info proc id
14878 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
14879 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
14880 @end ignore
14881
14882 @item set procfs-trace
14883 @kindex set procfs-trace
14884 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
14885 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
14886
14887 @item show procfs-trace
14888 @kindex show procfs-trace
14889 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
14890
14891 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
14892 @kindex set procfs-file
14893 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
14894 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
14895 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
14896 standard output.
14897
14898 @item show procfs-file
14899 @kindex show procfs-file
14900 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
14901
14902 @item proc-trace-entry
14903 @itemx proc-trace-exit
14904 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
14905 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
14906 @kindex proc-trace-entry
14907 @kindex proc-trace-exit
14908 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
14909 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
14910 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
14911 from the @code{syscall} interface.
14912
14913 @item info pidlist
14914 @kindex info pidlist
14915 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
14916 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
14917 processes and all the threads within each process.
14918
14919 @item info meminfo
14920 @kindex info meminfo
14921 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
14922 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
14923 @end table
14924
14925 @node DJGPP Native
14926 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
14927 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
14928 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
14929 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
14930
14931 @cindex DPMI
14932 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
14933 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
14934 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
14935 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
14936
14937 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
14938 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
14939 subsection describes those commands.
14940
14941 @table @code
14942 @kindex info dos
14943 @item info dos
14944 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
14945 information about the target system and important OS structures.
14946
14947 @kindex sysinfo
14948 @cindex MS-DOS system info
14949 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
14950 @item info dos sysinfo
14951 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
14952 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
14953 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
14954
14955 @cindex GDT
14956 @cindex LDT
14957 @cindex IDT
14958 @cindex segment descriptor tables
14959 @cindex descriptor tables display
14960 @item info dos gdt
14961 @itemx info dos ldt
14962 @itemx info dos idt
14963 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
14964 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
14965 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
14966 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
14967 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
14968 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
14969 rights.
14970
14971 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
14972 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
14973 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
14974 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
14975 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
14976
14977 @cindex garbled pointers
14978 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
14979 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
14980 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
14981 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
14982 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
14983 debugged program's data segment:
14984
14985 @smallexample
14986 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
14987 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
14988 @end smallexample
14989
14990 @noindent
14991 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
14992 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
14993
14994 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
14995 @item info dos pde
14996 @itemx info dos pte
14997 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
14998 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
14999 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
15000 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
15001 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
15002 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
15003 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
15004 that is currently in use.
15005
15006 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
15007 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
15008 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
15009 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
15010 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
15011 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
15012 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
15013
15014 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
15015 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
15016 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
15017 controller.
15018
15019 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
15020
15021 @cindex physical address from linear address
15022 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
15023 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
15024 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
15025 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
15026 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
15027 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
15028 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
15029
15030 @smallexample
15031 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
15032 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
15033 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
15034 @end smallexample
15035
15036 @noindent
15037 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
15038 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
15039 attributes of that page.
15040
15041 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
15042 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
15043 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
15044 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
15045 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
15046 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
15047
15048 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
15049 transfer buffer:
15050
15051 @smallexample
15052 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
15053 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
15054 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
15055 @end smallexample
15056
15057 @noindent
15058 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
15059 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
15060 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
15061 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
15062 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
15063
15064 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
15065 @end table
15066
15067 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
15068 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
15069 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
15070 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
15071
15072 @table @code
15073 @kindex set com1base
15074 @kindex set com1irq
15075 @kindex set com2base
15076 @kindex set com2irq
15077 @kindex set com3base
15078 @kindex set com3irq
15079 @kindex set com4base
15080 @kindex set com4irq
15081 @item set com1base @var{addr}
15082 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
15083 port.
15084
15085 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
15086 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
15087 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
15088
15089 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
15090 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
15091 other 3 COM ports.
15092
15093 @kindex show com1base
15094 @kindex show com1irq
15095 @kindex show com2base
15096 @kindex show com2irq
15097 @kindex show com3base
15098 @kindex show com3irq
15099 @kindex show com4base
15100 @kindex show com4irq
15101 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
15102 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
15103 lines used by the COM ports.
15104
15105 @item info serial
15106 @kindex info serial
15107 @cindex DOS serial port status
15108 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
15109 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
15110 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
15111 counts of various errors encountered so far.
15112 @end table
15113
15114
15115 @node Cygwin Native
15116 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
15117 @cindex MS Windows debugging
15118 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
15119 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
15120
15121 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
15122 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information. There are various
15123 additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in this section.
15124 Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is described in
15125 @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
15126
15127 @table @code
15128 @kindex info w32
15129 @item info w32
15130 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
15131 information about the target system and important OS structures.
15132
15133 @item info w32 selector
15134 This command displays information returned by
15135 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
15136 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
15137 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
15138 Without argument, this command displays information
15139 about the six segment registers.
15140
15141 @kindex info dll
15142 @item info dll
15143 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
15144
15145 @kindex dll-symbols
15146 @item dll-symbols
15147 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
15148 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
15149
15150 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
15151 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
15152 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
15153 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
15154 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
15155 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
15156 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
15157 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
15158 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
15159 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
15160 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
15161
15162 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
15163 @item show cygwin-exceptions
15164 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
15165 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
15166
15167 @kindex set new-console
15168 @item set new-console @var{mode}
15169 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
15170 be started in a new console on next start.
15171 If @var{mode} is @code{off}i, the debuggee will
15172 be started in the same console as the debugger.
15173
15174 @kindex show new-console
15175 @item show new-console
15176 Displays whether a new console is used
15177 when the debuggee is started.
15178
15179 @kindex set new-group
15180 @item set new-group @var{mode}
15181 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
15182 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
15183 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
15184 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
15185
15186 @kindex show new-group
15187 @item show new-group
15188 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
15189
15190 @kindex set debugevents
15191 @item set debugevents
15192 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
15193 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
15194 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
15195 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
15196 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
15197
15198 @kindex set debugexec
15199 @item set debugexec
15200 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
15201 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
15202
15203 @kindex set debugexceptions
15204 @item set debugexceptions
15205 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
15206 debuggee seen by the debugger.
15207
15208 @kindex set debugmemory
15209 @item set debugmemory
15210 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
15211 and writes by the debugger.
15212
15213 @kindex set shell
15214 @item set shell
15215 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
15216 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
15217
15218 @kindex show shell
15219 @item show shell
15220 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
15221
15222 @end table
15223
15224 @menu
15225 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
15226 @end menu
15227
15228 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
15229 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
15230 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
15231 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
15232
15233 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
15234 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
15235 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
15236 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
15237 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
15238 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
15239 ``minimal symbols''.
15240
15241 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
15242 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
15243 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
15244 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
15245 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
15246 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
15247 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
15248 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
15249 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
15250 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
15251
15252 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
15253
15254 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
15255 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
15256 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
15257 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
15258 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
15259 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
15260 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
15261 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
15262 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
15263
15264 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
15265 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
15266 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
15267 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
15268 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
15269 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
15270
15271 @smallexample
15272 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
15273 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
15274
15275 Non-debugging symbols:
15276 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
15277 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
15278 @end smallexample
15279
15280 @smallexample
15281 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
15282 All functions matching regular expression "!":
15283
15284 Non-debugging symbols:
15285 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
15286 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
15287 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
15288 [etc...]
15289 @end smallexample
15290
15291 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
15292
15293 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
15294 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
15295 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
15296 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
15297 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
15298 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
15299 a function within a DLL without a running program.
15300
15301 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
15302 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
15303 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
15304 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
15305 problem:
15306
15307 @smallexample
15308 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
15309 $1 = 268572168
15310 @end smallexample
15311
15312 @smallexample
15313 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
15314 0x10021610: "\230y\""
15315 @end smallexample
15316
15317 And two possible solutions:
15318
15319 @smallexample
15320 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
15321 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
15322 @end smallexample
15323
15324 @smallexample
15325 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
15326 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
15327 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
15328 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
15329 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
15330 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
15331 @end smallexample
15332
15333 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
15334 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
15335 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
15336 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
15337 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
15338
15339 @smallexample
15340 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
15341 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
15342 @end smallexample
15343
15344 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
15345 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
15346 safe.
15347
15348 @node Hurd Native
15349 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
15350 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
15351
15352 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
15353 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
15354
15355 @table @code
15356 @item set signals
15357 @itemx set sigs
15358 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
15359 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
15360 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
15361 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
15362 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
15363 @code{signals}.
15364
15365 @item show signals
15366 @itemx show sigs
15367 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
15368 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
15369 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
15370
15371 @item set signal-thread
15372 @itemx set sigthread
15373 @kindex set signal-thread
15374 @kindex set sigthread
15375 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
15376 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
15377 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
15378 signal-thread}.
15379
15380 @item show signal-thread
15381 @itemx show sigthread
15382 @kindex show signal-thread
15383 @kindex show sigthread
15384 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
15385 delivered a signal.
15386
15387 @item set stopped
15388 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
15389 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
15390 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
15391 continued by delivering a signal to it.
15392
15393 @item show stopped
15394 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
15395 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
15396 stopped.
15397
15398 @item set exceptions
15399 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
15400 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
15401 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
15402 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
15403 trapping on.
15404
15405 @item show exceptions
15406 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
15407 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
15408
15409 @item set task pause
15410 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
15411 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
15412 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
15413 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
15414 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
15415 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
15416 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
15417 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
15418 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
15419
15420 @item show task pause
15421 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
15422 Show the current state of task suspension.
15423
15424 @item set task detach-suspend-count
15425 @cindex task suspend count
15426 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15427 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
15428 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
15429
15430 @item show task detach-suspend-count
15431 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
15432
15433 @item set task exception-port
15434 @itemx set task excp
15435 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15436 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
15437 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
15438 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
15439
15440 @item set noninvasive
15441 @cindex noninvasive task options
15442 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
15443 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
15444 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
15445 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
15446
15447 @item info send-rights
15448 @itemx info receive-rights
15449 @itemx info port-rights
15450 @itemx info port-sets
15451 @itemx info dead-names
15452 @itemx info ports
15453 @itemx info psets
15454 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15455 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15456 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15457 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15458 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15459 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
15460 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
15461 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
15462 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
15463
15464 @item set thread pause
15465 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
15466 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15467 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
15468 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
15469 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
15470 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
15471 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
15472 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
15473 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
15474 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
15475 only the current thread.
15476
15477 @item show thread pause
15478 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
15479 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
15480
15481 @item set thread run
15482 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
15483
15484 @item show thread run
15485 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
15486
15487 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
15488 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15489 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15490 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
15491 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
15492 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
15493 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
15494
15495 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
15496 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
15497 detaching.
15498
15499 @item set thread exception-port
15500 @itemx set thread excp
15501 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
15502 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
15503 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
15504
15505 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
15506 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
15507 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
15508 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
15509
15510 @item set thread default
15511 @itemx show thread default
15512 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15513 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
15514 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
15515 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
15516 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
15517 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
15518 the non-default commands.
15519 @end table
15520
15521
15522 @node Neutrino
15523 @subsection QNX Neutrino
15524 @cindex QNX Neutrino
15525
15526 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
15527 Neutrino target:
15528
15529 @table @code
15530 @item set debug nto-debug
15531 @kindex set debug nto-debug
15532 When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
15533 Neutrino support.
15534
15535 @item show debug nto-debug
15536 @kindex show debug nto-debug
15537 Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
15538 @end table
15539
15540 @node Darwin
15541 @subsection Darwin
15542 @cindex Darwin
15543
15544 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
15545
15546 @table @code
15547 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
15548 @kindex set debug darwin
15549 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
15550 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
15551
15552 @item show debug darwin
15553 @kindex show debug darwin
15554 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
15555
15556 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
15557 @kindex set debug mach-o
15558 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
15559 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
15560 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
15561 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
15562 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
15563 usage.
15564
15565 @item show debug mach-o
15566 @kindex show debug mach-o
15567 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
15568
15569 @item set mach-exceptions on
15570 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
15571 @kindex set mach-exceptions
15572 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
15573 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
15574 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
15575 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
15576
15577 @item show mach-exceptions
15578 @kindex show mach-exceptions
15579 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
15580 @end table
15581
15582
15583 @node Embedded OS
15584 @section Embedded Operating Systems
15585
15586 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
15587 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
15588 architectures.
15589
15590 @menu
15591 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
15592 @end menu
15593
15594 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
15595 various real-time operating systems.
15596
15597 @node VxWorks
15598 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
15599
15600 @cindex VxWorks
15601
15602 @table @code
15603
15604 @kindex target vxworks
15605 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
15606 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
15607 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
15608
15609 @end table
15610
15611 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
15612 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
15613
15614 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
15615 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
15616 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
15617 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
15618 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
15619 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
15620 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
15621
15622 @table @code
15623 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
15624 @kindex vxworks-timeout
15625 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
15626 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
15627 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
15628 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
15629 of a thin network line.
15630 @end table
15631
15632 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
15633 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
15634 procedures.
15635
15636 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
15637 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
15638 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
15639 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
15640 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
15641 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
15642 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
15643 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
15644 manual.
15645 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
15646
15647 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
15648 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
15649 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
15650 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
15651
15652 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
15653
15654 @smallexample
15655 (vxgdb)
15656 @end smallexample
15657
15658 @menu
15659 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
15660 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
15661 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
15662 @end menu
15663
15664 @node VxWorks Connection
15665 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
15666
15667 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
15668 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
15669
15670 @smallexample
15671 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
15672 @end smallexample
15673
15674 @need 750
15675 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
15676
15677 @smallexample
15678 Attaching remote machine across net...
15679 Connected to tt.
15680 @end smallexample
15681
15682 @need 1000
15683 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
15684 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
15685 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
15686 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
15687 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
15688
15689 @smallexample
15690 prog.o: No such file or directory.
15691 @end smallexample
15692
15693 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
15694 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
15695 command again.
15696
15697 @node VxWorks Download
15698 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
15699
15700 @cindex download to VxWorks
15701 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
15702 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
15703 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
15704 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
15705 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
15706 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
15707 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
15708 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
15709 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
15710 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
15711 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
15712 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
15713 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
15714 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
15715 program, type this on VxWorks:
15716
15717 @smallexample
15718 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
15719 @end smallexample
15720
15721 @noindent
15722 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
15723
15724 @smallexample
15725 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
15726 (vxgdb) load prog.o
15727 @end smallexample
15728
15729 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
15730
15731 @smallexample
15732 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
15733 @end smallexample
15734
15735 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
15736 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
15737 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
15738 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
15739 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
15740 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
15741 table.)
15742
15743 @node VxWorks Attach
15744 @subsubsection Running Tasks
15745
15746 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
15747 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
15748 follows:
15749
15750 @smallexample
15751 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
15752 @end smallexample
15753
15754 @noindent
15755 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
15756 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
15757 the time of attachment.
15758
15759 @node Embedded Processors
15760 @section Embedded Processors
15761
15762 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
15763 configurations.
15764
15765 @cindex send command to simulator
15766 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
15767 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
15768
15769 @table @code
15770 @item sim @var{command}
15771 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
15772 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
15773 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
15774 acceptable commands.
15775 @end table
15776
15777
15778 @menu
15779 * ARM:: ARM RDI
15780 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
15781 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
15782 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
15783 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
15784 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
15785 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
15786 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
15787 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
15788 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
15789 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
15790 * CRIS:: CRIS
15791 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
15792 @end menu
15793
15794 @node ARM
15795 @subsection ARM
15796 @cindex ARM RDI
15797
15798 @table @code
15799 @kindex target rdi
15800 @item target rdi @var{dev}
15801 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
15802 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
15803 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
15804
15805 @kindex target rdp
15806 @item target rdp @var{dev}
15807 ARM Demon monitor.
15808
15809 @end table
15810
15811 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
15812
15813 @table @code
15814 @item set arm disassembler
15815 @kindex set arm
15816 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
15817 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
15818
15819 @item show arm disassembler
15820 @kindex show arm
15821 Show the current disassembly style.
15822
15823 @item set arm apcs32
15824 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
15825 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
15826
15827 @item show arm apcs32
15828 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
15829
15830 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
15831 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
15832 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
15833
15834 @table @code
15835 @item auto
15836 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
15837 @item softfpa
15838 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
15839 processors.
15840 @item fpa
15841 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
15842 @item softvfp
15843 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
15844 @item vfp
15845 VFP co-processor.
15846 @end table
15847
15848 @item show arm fpu
15849 Show the current type of the FPU.
15850
15851 @item set arm abi
15852 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
15853
15854 @item show arm abi
15855 Show the currently used ABI.
15856
15857 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
15858 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
15859 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
15860 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
15861 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
15862 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
15863 register).
15864
15865 @item show arm fallback-mode
15866 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
15867
15868 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
15869 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
15870 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
15871 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
15872 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
15873
15874 @item show arm force-mode
15875 Show the current forced instruction mode.
15876
15877 @item set debug arm
15878 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
15879 target support subsystem.
15880
15881 @item show debug arm
15882 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
15883 @end table
15884
15885 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
15886 using the RDI interface:
15887
15888 @table @code
15889 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
15890 @kindex rdilogfile
15891 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
15892 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
15893 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
15894 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
15895 @file{rdi.log}.
15896
15897 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
15898 @kindex rdilogenable
15899 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
15900 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
15901 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
15902 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
15903 are logged to a file.
15904
15905 @item set rdiromatzero
15906 @kindex set rdiromatzero
15907 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
15908 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
15909 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
15910 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
15911 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
15912
15913 @item show rdiromatzero
15914 @kindex show rdiromatzero
15915 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
15916
15917 @item set rdiheartbeat
15918 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
15919 @cindex RDI heartbeat
15920 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
15921 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
15922 well as the Angel monitor.
15923
15924 @item show rdiheartbeat
15925 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
15926 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
15927 @end table
15928
15929
15930 @node M32R/D
15931 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
15932
15933 @table @code
15934 @kindex target m32r
15935 @item target m32r @var{dev}
15936 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
15937
15938 @kindex target m32rsdi
15939 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
15940 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
15941 @end table
15942
15943 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
15944
15945 @table @code
15946 @item set download-path @var{path}
15947 @kindex set download-path
15948 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
15949 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
15950
15951 @item show download-path
15952 @kindex show download-path
15953 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
15954
15955 @item set board-address @var{addr}
15956 @kindex set board-address
15957 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
15958 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
15959
15960 @item show board-address
15961 @kindex show board-address
15962 Show the current IP address of the target board.
15963
15964 @item set server-address @var{addr}
15965 @kindex set server-address
15966 @cindex download server address (M32R)
15967 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
15968 host machine.
15969
15970 @item show server-address
15971 @kindex show server-address
15972 Display the IP address of the download server.
15973
15974 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
15975 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
15976 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
15977 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
15978 executable file is uploaded.
15979
15980 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
15981 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
15982 Test the @code{upload} command.
15983 @end table
15984
15985 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
15986
15987 @table @code
15988 @item sdireset
15989 @kindex sdireset
15990 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
15991 This command resets the SDI connection.
15992
15993 @item sdistatus
15994 @kindex sdistatus
15995 This command shows the SDI connection status.
15996
15997 @item debug_chaos
15998 @kindex debug_chaos
15999 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
16000 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
16001
16002 @item use_debug_dma
16003 @kindex use_debug_dma
16004 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
16005
16006 @item use_mon_code
16007 @kindex use_mon_code
16008 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
16009
16010 @item use_ib_break
16011 @kindex use_ib_break
16012 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
16013
16014 @item use_dbt_break
16015 @kindex use_dbt_break
16016 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
16017 @end table
16018
16019 @node M68K
16020 @subsection M68k
16021
16022 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
16023 target command for the following ROM monitor.
16024
16025 @table @code
16026
16027 @kindex target dbug
16028 @item target dbug @var{dev}
16029 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
16030
16031 @end table
16032
16033 @node MIPS Embedded
16034 @subsection MIPS Embedded
16035
16036 @cindex MIPS boards
16037 @value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
16038 MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
16039 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
16040
16041 @need 1000
16042 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
16043
16044 @table @code
16045 @item target mips @var{port}
16046 @kindex target mips @var{port}
16047 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
16048 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
16049 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
16050 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
16051 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
16052 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
16053
16054 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
16055 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
16056 debugger:
16057
16058 @smallexample
16059 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
16060 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
16061 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
16062 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
16063 (@value{GDBP}) run
16064 @end smallexample
16065
16066 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
16067 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
16068 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
16069 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
16070 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
16071
16072 @item target pmon @var{port}
16073 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
16074 PMON ROM monitor.
16075
16076 @item target ddb @var{port}
16077 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
16078 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
16079
16080 @item target lsi @var{port}
16081 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
16082 LSI variant of PMON.
16083
16084 @kindex target r3900
16085 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
16086 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
16087
16088 @kindex target array
16089 @item target array @var{dev}
16090 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
16091
16092 @end table
16093
16094
16095 @noindent
16096 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
16097
16098 @table @code
16099 @item set mipsfpu double
16100 @itemx set mipsfpu single
16101 @itemx set mipsfpu none
16102 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
16103 @itemx show mipsfpu
16104 @kindex set mipsfpu
16105 @kindex show mipsfpu
16106 @cindex MIPS remote floating point
16107 @cindex floating point, MIPS remote
16108 If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
16109 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
16110 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
16111 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
16112 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
16113 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
16114 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
16115 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
16116 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
16117 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
16118 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
16119
16120 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
16121 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
16122 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
16123
16124 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
16125 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
16126
16127 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
16128 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
16129 @itemx show timeout
16130 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
16131 @cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
16132 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
16133 @kindex set timeout
16134 @kindex show timeout
16135 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
16136 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
16137 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
16138 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
16139 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
16140 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
16141 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
16142 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
16143 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
16144 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
16145
16146 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
16147 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
16148 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
16149 to run before stopping.
16150
16151 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
16152 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
16153 @cindex synchronize with remote MIPS target
16154 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
16155 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
16156 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
16157
16158 @item show syn-garbage-limit
16159 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
16160 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
16161 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
16162
16163 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
16164 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
16165 @cindex remote monitor prompt
16166 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
16167 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
16168 @table @asis
16169 @item pmon target
16170 @samp{PMON}
16171 @item ddb target
16172 @samp{NEC010}
16173 @item lsi target
16174 @samp{PMON>}
16175 @end table
16176
16177 @item show monitor-prompt
16178 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
16179 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
16180 remote monitor.
16181
16182 @item set monitor-warnings
16183 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
16184 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
16185 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
16186 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
16187 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
16188
16189 @item show monitor-warnings
16190 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
16191 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
16192
16193 @item pmon @var{command}
16194 @kindex pmon@r{, MIPS remote}
16195 @cindex send PMON command
16196 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
16197 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
16198 @end table
16199
16200 @node OpenRISC 1000
16201 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
16202 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
16203
16204 @cindex or1k boards
16205 See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
16206 about platform and commands.
16207
16208 @table @code
16209
16210 @kindex target jtag
16211 @item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
16212
16213 Connects to remote JTAG server.
16214 JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
16215 connected via parallel port to the board.
16216
16217 Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
16218
16219 @kindex or1ksim
16220 @item or1ksim @var{command}
16221 If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
16222 Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
16223
16224 @kindex info or1k spr
16225 @item info or1k spr
16226 Displays spr groups.
16227
16228 @item info or1k spr @var{group}
16229 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
16230 Displays register names in selected group.
16231
16232 @item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
16233 @itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
16234 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
16235 @itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
16236 Shows information about specified spr register.
16237
16238 @kindex spr
16239 @item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
16240 @itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
16241 @itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
16242 @itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
16243 Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
16244 @end table
16245
16246 Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
16247 It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
16248 program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
16249 triggers can be set using:
16250 @table @code
16251 @item $LEA/$LDATA
16252 Load effective address/data
16253 @item $SEA/$SDATA
16254 Store effective address/data
16255 @item $AEA/$ADATA
16256 Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
16257 @item $FETCH
16258 Fetch data
16259 @end table
16260
16261 When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
16262 @code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
16263
16264 @code{htrace} commands:
16265 @cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
16266 @table @code
16267 @kindex hwatch
16268 @item hwatch @var{conditional}
16269 Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
16270 or Data. For example:
16271
16272 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
16273
16274 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
16275
16276 @kindex htrace
16277 @item htrace info
16278 Display information about current HW trace configuration.
16279
16280 @item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
16281 Set starting criteria for HW trace.
16282
16283 @item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
16284 Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
16285
16286 @item htrace stop @var{conditional}
16287 Set HW trace stopping criteria.
16288
16289 @item htrace record [@var{data}]*
16290 Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
16291 triggered.
16292
16293 @item htrace enable
16294 @itemx htrace disable
16295 Enables/disables the HW trace.
16296
16297 @item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
16298 Clears currently recorded trace data.
16299
16300 If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
16301 will be written there.
16302
16303 @item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
16304 Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
16305
16306 @item htrace mode continuous
16307 Set continuous trace mode.
16308
16309 @item htrace mode suspend
16310 Set suspend trace mode.
16311
16312 @end table
16313
16314 @node PowerPC Embedded
16315 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
16316
16317 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
16318
16319 @table @code
16320 @kindex set powerpc
16321 @item set powerpc soft-float
16322 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
16323 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
16324 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
16325 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
16326
16327 @item set powerpc vector-abi
16328 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
16329 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
16330 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
16331 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
16332 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
16333 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
16334 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
16335
16336 @kindex target dink32
16337 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
16338 DINK32 ROM monitor.
16339
16340 @kindex target ppcbug
16341 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
16342 @kindex target ppcbug1
16343 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
16344 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
16345
16346 @kindex target sds
16347 @item target sds @var{dev}
16348 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
16349 @end table
16350
16351 @cindex SDS protocol
16352 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
16353 by @value{GDBN}:
16354
16355 @table @code
16356 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
16357 @kindex set sdstimeout
16358 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
16359 default is 2 seconds.
16360
16361 @item show sdstimeout
16362 @kindex show sdstimeout
16363 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
16364
16365 @item sds @var{command}
16366 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
16367 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
16368 @end table
16369
16370
16371 @node PA
16372 @subsection HP PA Embedded
16373
16374 @table @code
16375
16376 @kindex target op50n
16377 @item target op50n @var{dev}
16378 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
16379
16380 @kindex target w89k
16381 @item target w89k @var{dev}
16382 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
16383
16384 @end table
16385
16386 @node Sparclet
16387 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
16388
16389 @cindex Sparclet
16390
16391 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
16392 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
16393 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
16394 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
16395 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
16396
16397 @table @code
16398 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
16399 @kindex remotetimeout
16400 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
16401 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
16402 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
16403 @end table
16404
16405 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
16406 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
16407 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
16408 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
16409 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
16410
16411 @smallexample
16412 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
16413 @end smallexample
16414
16415 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
16416
16417 @smallexample
16418 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
16419 @end smallexample
16420
16421 @cindex running, on Sparclet
16422 Once you have set
16423 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
16424 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
16425 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
16426
16427 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
16428
16429 @smallexample
16430 (gdbslet)
16431 @end smallexample
16432
16433 @menu
16434 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
16435 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
16436 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
16437 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
16438 @end menu
16439
16440 @node Sparclet File
16441 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
16442
16443 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
16444
16445 @smallexample
16446 (gdbslet) file prog
16447 @end smallexample
16448
16449 @need 1000
16450 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
16451 @value{GDBN} locates
16452 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
16453 path.
16454 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
16455 files will be searched as well.
16456 @value{GDBN} locates
16457 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
16458 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
16459 If it fails
16460 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
16461
16462 @smallexample
16463 prog: No such file or directory.
16464 @end smallexample
16465
16466 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
16467 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
16468 @code{target} command again.
16469
16470 @node Sparclet Connection
16471 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
16472
16473 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
16474 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
16475
16476 @smallexample
16477 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
16478 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
16479 main () at ../prog.c:3
16480 @end smallexample
16481
16482 @need 750
16483 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
16484
16485 @smallexample
16486 Connected to ttya.
16487 @end smallexample
16488
16489 @node Sparclet Download
16490 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
16491
16492 @cindex download to Sparclet
16493 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
16494 you can use the @value{GDBN}
16495 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
16496 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
16497 command.
16498 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
16499 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
16500 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
16501 of each of the file's sections.
16502 For instance, if the program
16503 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
16504 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
16505
16506 @smallexample
16507 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
16508 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
16509 @end smallexample
16510
16511 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
16512 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
16513 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
16514
16515 @node Sparclet Execution
16516 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
16517
16518 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
16519 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
16520 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
16521 manual for the list of commands.
16522
16523 @smallexample
16524 (gdbslet) b main
16525 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
16526 (gdbslet) run
16527 Starting program: prog
16528 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
16529 3 char *symarg = 0;
16530 (gdbslet) step
16531 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
16532 (gdbslet)
16533 @end smallexample
16534
16535 @node Sparclite
16536 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
16537
16538 @table @code
16539
16540 @kindex target sparclite
16541 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
16542 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
16543 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
16544 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
16545 remote protocol.
16546
16547 @end table
16548
16549 @node Z8000
16550 @subsection Zilog Z8000
16551
16552 @cindex Z8000
16553 @cindex simulator, Z8000
16554 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
16555
16556 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
16557 a Z8000 simulator.
16558
16559 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
16560 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
16561 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
16562 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
16563
16564 @table @code
16565 @item target sim @var{args}
16566 @kindex sim
16567 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
16568 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
16569 options, specify them via @var{args}.
16570 @end table
16571
16572 @noindent
16573 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
16574 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
16575 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
16576 to run your program, and so on.
16577
16578 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
16579 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
16580 additional items of information as specially named registers:
16581
16582 @table @code
16583
16584 @item cycles
16585 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
16586
16587 @item insts
16588 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
16589
16590 @item time
16591 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
16592
16593 @end table
16594
16595 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
16596 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
16597 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
16598 simulated clock ticks.
16599
16600 @node AVR
16601 @subsection Atmel AVR
16602 @cindex AVR
16603
16604 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
16605 following AVR-specific commands:
16606
16607 @table @code
16608 @item info io_registers
16609 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
16610 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
16611 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
16612 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
16613 @end table
16614
16615 @node CRIS
16616 @subsection CRIS
16617 @cindex CRIS
16618
16619 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
16620 following CRIS-specific commands:
16621
16622 @table @code
16623 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
16624 @cindex CRIS version
16625 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
16626 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
16627 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
16628
16629 @item show cris-version
16630 Show the current CRIS version.
16631
16632 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
16633 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
16634 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
16635 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
16636 @code{R59}.
16637
16638 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
16639 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
16640
16641 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
16642 @cindex CRIS mode
16643 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
16644 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
16645 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
16646
16647 @item show cris-mode
16648 Show the current CRIS mode.
16649 @end table
16650
16651 @node Super-H
16652 @subsection Renesas Super-H
16653 @cindex Super-H
16654
16655 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
16656 commands:
16657
16658 @table @code
16659 @item regs
16660 @kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
16661 Show the values of all Super-H registers.
16662
16663 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
16664 @kindex set sh calling-convention
16665 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
16666 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
16667 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
16668 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
16669 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
16670 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
16671 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
16672 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
16673 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
16674 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
16675
16676 @item show sh calling-convention
16677 @kindex show sh calling-convention
16678 Show the current calling convention setting.
16679
16680 @end table
16681
16682
16683 @node Architectures
16684 @section Architectures
16685
16686 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
16687 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
16688
16689 @menu
16690 * i386::
16691 * A29K::
16692 * Alpha::
16693 * MIPS::
16694 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
16695 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
16696 * PowerPC::
16697 @end menu
16698
16699 @node i386
16700 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
16701
16702 @table @code
16703 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
16704 @kindex set struct-convention
16705 @cindex struct return convention
16706 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
16707 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
16708 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
16709 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
16710 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
16711 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
16712 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
16713 be returned in a register.
16714
16715 @item show struct-convention
16716 @kindex show struct-convention
16717 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
16718 from functions.
16719 @end table
16720
16721 @node A29K
16722 @subsection A29K
16723
16724 @table @code
16725
16726 @kindex set rstack_high_address
16727 @cindex AMD 29K register stack
16728 @cindex register stack, AMD29K
16729 @item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
16730 On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
16731 @dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
16732 extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
16733 stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
16734 memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
16735 this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
16736 the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
16737 address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
16738 hexadecimal.
16739
16740 @kindex show rstack_high_address
16741 @item show rstack_high_address
16742 Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
16743 processors.
16744
16745 @end table
16746
16747 @node Alpha
16748 @subsection Alpha
16749
16750 See the following section.
16751
16752 @node MIPS
16753 @subsection MIPS
16754
16755 @cindex stack on Alpha
16756 @cindex stack on MIPS
16757 @cindex Alpha stack
16758 @cindex MIPS stack
16759 Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
16760 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
16761 find the beginning of a function.
16762
16763 @cindex response time, MIPS debugging
16764 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
16765 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
16766 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
16767 commands:
16768
16769 @table @code
16770 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
16771 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
16772 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
16773 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
16774 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
16775 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
16776 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
16777 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
16778
16779 @item show heuristic-fence-post
16780 Display the current limit.
16781 @end table
16782
16783 @noindent
16784 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
16785 for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
16786
16787 Several MIPS-specific commands are available when debugging MIPS
16788 programs:
16789
16790 @table @code
16791 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
16792 @kindex set mips abi
16793 @cindex set ABI for MIPS
16794 Tell @value{GDBN} which MIPS ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
16795 values of @var{arg} are:
16796
16797 @table @samp
16798 @item auto
16799 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
16800 default).
16801 @item o32
16802 @item o64
16803 @item n32
16804 @item n64
16805 @item eabi32
16806 @item eabi64
16807 @item auto
16808 @end table
16809
16810 @item show mips abi
16811 @kindex show mips abi
16812 Show the MIPS ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
16813
16814 @item set mipsfpu
16815 @itemx show mipsfpu
16816 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
16817
16818 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
16819 @kindex set mips mask-address
16820 @cindex MIPS addresses, masking
16821 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
16822 MIPS addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
16823 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
16824 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
16825
16826 @item show mips mask-address
16827 @kindex show mips mask-address
16828 Show whether the upper 32 bits of MIPS addresses are masked off or
16829 not.
16830
16831 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16832 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16833 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit MIPS targets that
16834 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old MIPS 64 target
16835 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
16836 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
16837
16838 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16839 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16840 Show the current setting of compatibility with older MIPS 64 targets.
16841
16842 @item set debug mips
16843 @kindex set debug mips
16844 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the MIPS-specific
16845 target code in @value{GDBN}.
16846
16847 @item show debug mips
16848 @kindex show debug mips
16849 Show the current setting of MIPS debugging messages.
16850 @end table
16851
16852
16853 @node HPPA
16854 @subsection HPPA
16855 @cindex HPPA support
16856
16857 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
16858 following special commands:
16859
16860 @table @code
16861 @item set debug hppa
16862 @kindex set debug hppa
16863 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
16864 messages are to be displayed.
16865
16866 @item show debug hppa
16867 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
16868
16869 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
16870 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
16871 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
16872 given @var{address}.
16873
16874 @end table
16875
16876
16877 @node SPU
16878 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
16879 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
16880 @cindex SPU
16881
16882 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
16883 it provides the following special commands:
16884
16885 @table @code
16886 @item info spu event
16887 @kindex info spu
16888 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
16889 and pending event status.
16890
16891 @item info spu signal
16892 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
16893 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
16894 notification channels.
16895
16896 @item info spu mailbox
16897 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
16898 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
16899 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
16900
16901 @item info spu dma
16902 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
16903 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
16904 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
16905
16906 @item info spu proxydma
16907 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
16908 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
16909 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
16910
16911 @end table
16912
16913 @node PowerPC
16914 @subsection PowerPC
16915 @cindex PowerPC architecture
16916
16917 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
16918 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
16919 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
16920 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
16921 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
16922
16923 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
16924 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
16925 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
16926
16927 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
16928 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
16929
16930
16931 @node Controlling GDB
16932 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
16933
16934 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
16935 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
16936 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
16937 described here.
16938
16939 @menu
16940 * Prompt:: Prompt
16941 * Editing:: Command editing
16942 * Command History:: Command history
16943 * Screen Size:: Screen size
16944 * Numbers:: Numbers
16945 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
16946 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
16947 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
16948 @end menu
16949
16950 @node Prompt
16951 @section Prompt
16952
16953 @cindex prompt
16954
16955 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
16956 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
16957 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
16958 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
16959 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
16960 which one you are talking to.
16961
16962 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
16963 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
16964 or a prompt that does not.
16965
16966 @table @code
16967 @kindex set prompt
16968 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
16969 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
16970
16971 @kindex show prompt
16972 @item show prompt
16973 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
16974 @end table
16975
16976 @node Editing
16977 @section Command Editing
16978 @cindex readline
16979 @cindex command line editing
16980
16981 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
16982 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
16983 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
16984 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
16985 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
16986 debugging sessions.
16987
16988 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
16989 command @code{set}.
16990
16991 @table @code
16992 @kindex set editing
16993 @cindex editing
16994 @item set editing
16995 @itemx set editing on
16996 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
16997
16998 @item set editing off
16999 Disable command line editing.
17000
17001 @kindex show editing
17002 @item show editing
17003 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
17004 @end table
17005
17006 @xref{Command Line Editing}, for more details about the Readline
17007 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
17008 encouraged to read that chapter.
17009
17010 @node Command History
17011 @section Command History
17012 @cindex command history
17013
17014 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
17015 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
17016 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
17017 history facility.
17018
17019 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
17020 package, to provide the history facility. @xref{Using History
17021 Interactively}, for the detailed description of the History library.
17022
17023 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
17024 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
17025 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
17026 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
17027 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
17028 pressed on a line by itself.
17029
17030 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
17031 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
17032 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
17033 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
17034
17035 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
17036 history.
17037
17038 @table @code
17039 @cindex history substitution
17040 @cindex history file
17041 @kindex set history filename
17042 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
17043 @item set history filename @var{fname}
17044 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
17045 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
17046 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
17047 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
17048 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
17049 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
17050 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
17051 is not set.
17052
17053 @cindex save command history
17054 @kindex set history save
17055 @item set history save
17056 @itemx set history save on
17057 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
17058 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
17059
17060 @item set history save off
17061 Stop recording command history in a file.
17062
17063 @cindex history size
17064 @kindex set history size
17065 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
17066 @item set history size @var{size}
17067 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
17068 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
17069 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
17070 @end table
17071
17072 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
17073 @xref{Event Designators}, for more details.
17074
17075 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
17076 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
17077 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
17078 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
17079 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
17080 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
17081 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
17082 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
17083
17084 The commands to control history expansion are:
17085
17086 @table @code
17087 @item set history expansion on
17088 @itemx set history expansion
17089 @kindex set history expansion
17090 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
17091
17092 @item set history expansion off
17093 Disable history expansion.
17094
17095 @c @group
17096 @kindex show history
17097 @item show history
17098 @itemx show history filename
17099 @itemx show history save
17100 @itemx show history size
17101 @itemx show history expansion
17102 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
17103 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
17104 @c @end group
17105 @end table
17106
17107 @table @code
17108 @kindex show commands
17109 @cindex show last commands
17110 @cindex display command history
17111 @item show commands
17112 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
17113
17114 @item show commands @var{n}
17115 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
17116
17117 @item show commands +
17118 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
17119 @end table
17120
17121 @node Screen Size
17122 @section Screen Size
17123 @cindex size of screen
17124 @cindex pauses in output
17125
17126 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
17127 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
17128 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
17129 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
17130 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
17131 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
17132 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
17133 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
17134
17135 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
17136 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
17137 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
17138 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
17139 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
17140 width} commands:
17141
17142 @table @code
17143 @kindex set height
17144 @kindex set width
17145 @kindex show width
17146 @kindex show height
17147 @item set height @var{lpp}
17148 @itemx show height
17149 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
17150 @itemx show width
17151 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
17152 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
17153 commands display the current settings.
17154
17155 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
17156 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
17157 file or to an editor buffer.
17158
17159 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
17160 from wrapping its output.
17161
17162 @item set pagination on
17163 @itemx set pagination off
17164 @kindex set pagination
17165 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
17166 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}.
17167
17168 @item show pagination
17169 @kindex show pagination
17170 Show the current pagination mode.
17171 @end table
17172
17173 @node Numbers
17174 @section Numbers
17175 @cindex number representation
17176 @cindex entering numbers
17177
17178 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
17179 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
17180 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
17181 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
17182 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
17183 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
17184 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
17185 both input and output with the commands described below.
17186
17187 @table @code
17188 @kindex set input-radix
17189 @item set input-radix @var{base}
17190 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
17191 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
17192 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
17193 example, any of
17194
17195 @smallexample
17196 set input-radix 012
17197 set input-radix 10.
17198 set input-radix 0xa
17199 @end smallexample
17200
17201 @noindent
17202 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
17203 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
17204 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
17205 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
17206 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
17207 change the radix.
17208
17209 @kindex set output-radix
17210 @item set output-radix @var{base}
17211 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
17212 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
17213 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
17214
17215 @kindex show input-radix
17216 @item show input-radix
17217 Display the current default base for numeric input.
17218
17219 @kindex show output-radix
17220 @item show output-radix
17221 Display the current default base for numeric display.
17222
17223 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
17224 @itemx show radix
17225 @kindex set radix
17226 @kindex show radix
17227 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
17228 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
17229 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
17230 default value of 10.
17231
17232 @end table
17233
17234 @node ABI
17235 @section Configuring the Current ABI
17236
17237 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
17238 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
17239 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
17240 current ABI.
17241
17242 @cindex OS ABI
17243 @kindex set osabi
17244 @kindex show osabi
17245
17246 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
17247 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
17248 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
17249 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
17250 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
17251 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
17252 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
17253 platform provides.
17254
17255 @table @code
17256 @item show osabi
17257 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
17258
17259 @item set osabi
17260 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
17261
17262 @item set osabi @var{abi}
17263 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
17264 @end table
17265
17266 @cindex float promotion
17267
17268 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
17269 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
17270 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
17271 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
17272 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
17273 @code{double} and then passed.
17274
17275 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
17276 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
17277 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
17278
17279 @table @code
17280 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
17281 @item set coerce-float-to-double
17282 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
17283 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
17284 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
17285
17286 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
17287 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
17288 functions.
17289
17290 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
17291 @item show coerce-float-to-double
17292 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
17293 @end table
17294
17295 @kindex set cp-abi
17296 @kindex show cp-abi
17297 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
17298 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
17299 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
17300 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
17301 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
17302 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
17303 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
17304 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
17305 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
17306 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
17307 ``auto''.
17308
17309 @table @code
17310 @item show cp-abi
17311 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
17312
17313 @item set cp-abi
17314 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
17315
17316 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
17317 @itemx set cp-abi auto
17318 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
17319 @end table
17320
17321 @node Messages/Warnings
17322 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
17323
17324 @cindex verbose operation
17325 @cindex optional warnings
17326 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
17327 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
17328 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
17329 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
17330
17331 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
17332 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
17333 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
17334
17335 @table @code
17336 @kindex set verbose
17337 @item set verbose on
17338 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
17339
17340 @item set verbose off
17341 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
17342
17343 @kindex show verbose
17344 @item show verbose
17345 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
17346 @end table
17347
17348 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
17349 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
17350 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
17351 Symbol Files}).
17352
17353 @table @code
17354
17355 @kindex set complaints
17356 @item set complaints @var{limit}
17357 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
17358 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
17359 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
17360 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
17361
17362 @kindex show complaints
17363 @item show complaints
17364 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
17365
17366 @end table
17367
17368 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
17369 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
17370 you try to run a program which is already running:
17371
17372 @smallexample
17373 (@value{GDBP}) run
17374 The program being debugged has been started already.
17375 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
17376 @end smallexample
17377
17378 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
17379 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
17380
17381 @table @code
17382
17383 @kindex set confirm
17384 @cindex flinching
17385 @cindex confirmation
17386 @cindex stupid questions
17387 @item set confirm off
17388 Disables confirmation requests.
17389
17390 @item set confirm on
17391 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
17392
17393 @kindex show confirm
17394 @item show confirm
17395 Displays state of confirmation requests.
17396
17397 @end table
17398
17399 @cindex command tracing
17400 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
17401 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
17402 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
17403 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
17404
17405 @table @code
17406 @kindex set trace-commands
17407 @cindex command scripts, debugging
17408 @item set trace-commands on
17409 Enable command tracing.
17410 @item set trace-commands off
17411 Disable command tracing.
17412 @item show trace-commands
17413 Display the current state of command tracing.
17414 @end table
17415
17416 @node Debugging Output
17417 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
17418 @cindex optional debugging messages
17419
17420 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
17421 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
17422 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
17423 section documents those commands.
17424
17425 @table @code
17426 @kindex set exec-done-display
17427 @item set exec-done-display
17428 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
17429 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
17430 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
17431 @kindex show exec-done-display
17432 @item show exec-done-display
17433 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
17434 notification.
17435 @kindex set debug
17436 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
17437 @cindex architecture debugging info
17438 @item set debug arch
17439 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
17440 @kindex show debug
17441 @item show debug arch
17442 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
17443 @item set debug aix-thread
17444 @cindex AIX threads
17445 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
17446 module.
17447 @item show debug aix-thread
17448 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
17449 @item set debug dwarf2-die
17450 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
17451 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
17452 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
17453 A value of zero turns off the display.
17454 @item show debug dwarf2-die
17455 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
17456 @item set debug displaced
17457 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
17458 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
17459 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
17460 @item show debug displaced
17461 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
17462 related to displaced stepping.
17463 @item set debug event
17464 @cindex event debugging info
17465 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
17466 default is off.
17467 @item show debug event
17468 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
17469 info.
17470 @item set debug expression
17471 @cindex expression debugging info
17472 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
17473 expression parsing. The default is off.
17474 @item show debug expression
17475 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
17476 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
17477 @item set debug frame
17478 @cindex frame debugging info
17479 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
17480 default is off.
17481 @item show debug frame
17482 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
17483 info.
17484 @item set debug infrun
17485 @cindex inferior debugging info
17486 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
17487 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
17488 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
17489 @item show debug infrun
17490 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
17491 @item set debug lin-lwp
17492 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
17493 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
17494 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
17495 @item show debug lin-lwp
17496 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
17497 @item set debug lin-lwp-async
17498 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP async debug messages
17499 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
17500 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP async debug support.
17501 @item show debug lin-lwp-async
17502 Show the current state of Linux LWP async debugging messages.
17503 @item set debug observer
17504 @cindex observer debugging info
17505 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
17506 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
17507 @item show debug observer
17508 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
17509 @item set debug overload
17510 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
17511 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
17512 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
17513 is off.
17514 @item show debug overload
17515 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
17516 debugging info.
17517 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
17518 @cindex serial connections, debugging
17519 @cindex debug remote protocol
17520 @cindex remote protocol debugging
17521 @cindex display remote packets
17522 @item set debug remote
17523 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
17524 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
17525 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
17526 @item show debug remote
17527 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
17528 @item set debug serial
17529 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
17530 default is off.
17531 @item show debug serial
17532 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
17533 info.
17534 @item set debug solib-frv
17535 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
17536 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
17537 @item show debug solib-frv
17538 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
17539 messages.
17540 @item set debug target
17541 @cindex target debugging info
17542 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
17543 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
17544 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
17545 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
17546 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
17547 @item show debug target
17548 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
17549 info.
17550 @item set debug timestamp
17551 @cindex timestampping debugging info
17552 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
17553 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
17554 message.
17555 @item show debug timestamp
17556 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
17557 debugging info.
17558 @item set debugvarobj
17559 @cindex variable object debugging info
17560 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
17561 info. The default is off.
17562 @item show debugvarobj
17563 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
17564 debugging info.
17565 @item set debug xml
17566 @cindex XML parser debugging
17567 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
17568 @item show debug xml
17569 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
17570 @end table
17571
17572 @node Extending GDB
17573 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
17574 @cindex extending GDB
17575
17576 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for extension. The first is based
17577 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, and the second is based on the
17578 Python scripting language.
17579
17580 @menu
17581 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
17582 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
17583 @end menu
17584
17585 @node Sequences
17586 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
17587
17588 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
17589 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
17590 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
17591 files.
17592
17593 @menu
17594 * Define:: How to define your own commands
17595 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
17596 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
17597 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
17598 @end menu
17599
17600 @node Define
17601 @subsection User-defined Commands
17602
17603 @cindex user-defined command
17604 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
17605 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
17606 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
17607 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
17608 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
17609 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
17610
17611 @smallexample
17612 define adder
17613 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
17614 end
17615 @end smallexample
17616
17617 @noindent
17618 To execute the command use:
17619
17620 @smallexample
17621 adder 1 2 3
17622 @end smallexample
17623
17624 @noindent
17625 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
17626 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
17627 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
17628 functions calls.
17629
17630 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
17631 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
17632 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
17633 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
17634
17635 @smallexample
17636 define adder
17637 if $argc == 2
17638 print $arg0 + $arg1
17639 end
17640 if $argc == 3
17641 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
17642 end
17643 end
17644 @end smallexample
17645
17646 @table @code
17647
17648 @kindex define
17649 @item define @var{commandname}
17650 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
17651 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
17652 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
17653 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
17654 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
17655 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
17656
17657 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
17658 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
17659 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
17660
17661 @kindex document
17662 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
17663 @item document @var{commandname}
17664 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
17665 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
17666 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
17667 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
17668 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
17669 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
17670
17671 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
17672 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
17673 does not change the documentation.
17674
17675 @kindex dont-repeat
17676 @cindex don't repeat command
17677 @item dont-repeat
17678 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
17679 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
17680 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
17681
17682 @kindex help user-defined
17683 @item help user-defined
17684 List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
17685 (if any) for each.
17686
17687 @kindex show user
17688 @item show user
17689 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
17690 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
17691 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
17692 definitions for all user-defined commands.
17693
17694 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
17695 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
17696 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
17697 @item show max-user-call-depth
17698 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
17699 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
17700 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
17701 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
17702 @end table
17703
17704 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
17705 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
17706
17707 When user-defined commands are executed, the
17708 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
17709 stops execution of the user-defined command.
17710
17711 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
17712 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
17713 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
17714 messages when used in a user-defined command.
17715
17716 @node Hooks
17717 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
17718 @cindex command hooks
17719 @cindex hooks, for commands
17720 @cindex hooks, pre-command
17721
17722 @kindex hook
17723 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
17724 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
17725 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
17726 before that command.
17727
17728 @cindex hooks, post-command
17729 @kindex hookpost
17730 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
17731 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
17732 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
17733 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
17734 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
17735
17736 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
17737 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
17738
17739 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
17740 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
17741
17742 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
17743 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
17744 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
17745 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
17746 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
17747
17748 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
17749 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
17750 you could define:
17751
17752 @smallexample
17753 define hook-stop
17754 handle SIGALRM nopass
17755 end
17756
17757 define hook-run
17758 handle SIGALRM pass
17759 end
17760
17761 define hook-continue
17762 handle SIGALRM pass
17763 end
17764 @end smallexample
17765
17766 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
17767 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
17768 you could define:
17769
17770 @smallexample
17771 define hook-echo
17772 echo <<<---
17773 end
17774
17775 define hookpost-echo
17776 echo --->>>\n
17777 end
17778
17779 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
17780 <<<---Hello World--->>>
17781 (@value{GDBP})
17782
17783 @end smallexample
17784
17785 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
17786 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
17787 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
17788 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
17789 @c or not?
17790 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
17791 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
17792 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
17793
17794 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
17795 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
17796 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
17797
17798 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
17799 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
17800
17801 @node Command Files
17802 @subsection Command Files
17803
17804 @cindex command files
17805 @cindex scripting commands
17806 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
17807 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
17808 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
17809 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
17810 terminal.
17811
17812 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
17813 command:
17814
17815 @table @code
17816 @kindex source
17817 @cindex execute commands from a file
17818 @item source [@code{-v}] @var{filename}
17819 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
17820 @end table
17821
17822 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
17823 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
17824 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
17825 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
17826 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
17827
17828 @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename} in the current directory and then
17829 on the search path (specified with the @samp{directory} command).
17830
17831 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
17832 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
17833 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
17834
17835 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
17836 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
17837 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
17838 when called from command files.
17839
17840 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
17841 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
17842 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
17843 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
17844 the next command.
17845
17846 @smallexample
17847 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
17848 @end smallexample
17849
17850 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
17851 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
17852 would be directed to @file{log}.
17853
17854 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
17855 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
17856 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
17857 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
17858 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
17859 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
17860 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
17861 conditionally, etc.
17862
17863 @table @code
17864 @kindex if
17865 @kindex else
17866 @item if
17867 @itemx else
17868 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
17869 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
17870 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
17871 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
17872 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
17873 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
17874 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
17875
17876 @kindex while
17877 @item while
17878 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
17879 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
17880 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
17881 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
17882 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
17883 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
17884
17885 @kindex loop_break
17886 @item loop_break
17887 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
17888 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
17889 line.
17890
17891 @kindex loop_continue
17892 @item loop_continue
17893 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
17894 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
17895 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
17896 the controlling expression.
17897
17898 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
17899 @item end
17900 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
17901 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
17902 @end table
17903
17904
17905 @node Output
17906 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
17907
17908 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
17909 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
17910 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
17911 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
17912 want.
17913
17914 @table @code
17915 @kindex echo
17916 @item echo @var{text}
17917 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
17918 @c because it is not in ANSI.
17919 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
17920 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
17921 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
17922 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
17923 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
17924 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
17925 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
17926 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
17927 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
17928
17929 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
17930 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
17931
17932 @smallexample
17933 echo This is some text\n\
17934 which is continued\n\
17935 onto several lines.\n
17936 @end smallexample
17937
17938 produces the same output as
17939
17940 @smallexample
17941 echo This is some text\n
17942 echo which is continued\n
17943 echo onto several lines.\n
17944 @end smallexample
17945
17946 @kindex output
17947 @item output @var{expression}
17948 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
17949 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
17950 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
17951 on expressions.
17952
17953 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
17954 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
17955 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
17956 Formats}, for more information.
17957
17958 @kindex printf
17959 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
17960 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
17961 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
17962 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
17963 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
17964 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
17965 executing the code below:
17966
17967 @smallexample
17968 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
17969 @end smallexample
17970
17971 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
17972 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
17973 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
17974 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
17975 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
17976 printed.
17977
17978 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
17979
17980 @smallexample
17981 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
17982 @end smallexample
17983
17984 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
17985 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
17986 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
17987
17988 @itemize @bullet
17989 @item
17990 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
17991
17992 @item
17993 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
17994 width.
17995
17996 @item
17997 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
17998 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
17999
18000 @item
18001 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
18002 supported.
18003
18004 @item
18005 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
18006
18007 @item
18008 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
18009 @end itemize
18010
18011 @noindent
18012 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
18013 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
18014 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
18015 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
18016
18017 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
18018 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
18019 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
18020 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
18021 supported.
18022
18023 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
18024 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
18025 together with a floating point specifier.
18026 letters:
18027
18028 @itemize @bullet
18029 @item
18030 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
18031
18032 @item
18033 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
18034
18035 @item
18036 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
18037 @end itemize
18038
18039 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
18040 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
18041 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
18042
18043 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
18044 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
18045
18046 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
18047 @smallexample
18048 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
18049 @end smallexample
18050
18051 @end table
18052
18053 @node Python
18054 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
18055 @cindex python scripting
18056 @cindex scripting with python
18057
18058 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
18059 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
18060 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
18061
18062 @menu
18063 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
18064 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
18065 @end menu
18066
18067 @node Python Commands
18068 @subsection Python Commands
18069 @cindex python commands
18070 @cindex commands to access python
18071
18072 @value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
18073 and one related setting:
18074
18075 @table @code
18076 @kindex python
18077 @item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
18078 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
18079
18080 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
18081 argument as a Python command. For example:
18082
18083 @smallexample
18084 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
18085 23
18086 @end smallexample
18087
18088 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
18089 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
18090 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
18091 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
18092 containing @code{end}. For example:
18093
18094 @smallexample
18095 (@value{GDBP}) python
18096 Type python script
18097 End with a line saying just "end".
18098 >print 23
18099 >end
18100 23
18101 @end smallexample
18102
18103 @kindex maint set python print-stack
18104 @item maint set python print-stack
18105 By default, @value{GDBN} will print a stack trace when an error occurs
18106 in a Python script. This can be controlled using @code{maint set
18107 python print-stack}: if @code{on}, the default, then Python stack
18108 printing is enabled; if @code{off}, then Python stack printing is
18109 disabled.
18110 @end table
18111
18112 @node Python API
18113 @subsection Python API
18114 @cindex python api
18115 @cindex programming in python
18116
18117 @cindex python stdout
18118 @cindex python pagination
18119 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
18120 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
18121 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
18122 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
18123 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
18124
18125 @menu
18126 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
18127 * Exception Handling::
18128 * Values From Inferior::
18129 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
18130 @end menu
18131
18132 @node Basic Python
18133 @subsubsection Basic Python
18134
18135 @cindex python functions
18136 @cindex python module
18137 @cindex gdb module
18138 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
18139 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
18140 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
18141 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
18142
18143 @findex gdb.execute
18144 @defun execute command [from_tty]
18145 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
18146 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
18147 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
18148 If no exceptions occur, this function returns @code{None}.
18149
18150 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
18151 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
18152 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
18153 @end defun
18154
18155 @findex gdb.get_parameter
18156 @defun get_parameter parameter
18157 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
18158 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
18159 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
18160 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
18161
18162 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
18163 @code{RuntimeError}. Otherwise, the parameter's value is converted to
18164 a Python value of the appropriate type, and returned.
18165 @end defun
18166
18167 @findex gdb.history
18168 @defun history number
18169 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
18170 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
18171 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
18172 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
18173 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
18174 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @value{number}
18175 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{RuntimeError} exception will be
18176 raised.
18177
18178 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
18179 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
18180 @end defun
18181
18182 @findex gdb.write
18183 @defun write string
18184 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream.
18185 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
18186 call this function.
18187 @end defun
18188
18189 @findex gdb.flush
18190 @defun flush
18191 Flush @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream. Flushing
18192 @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically call this
18193 function.
18194 @end defun
18195
18196 @node Exception Handling
18197 @subsubsection Exception Handling
18198 @cindex python exceptions
18199 @cindex exceptions, python
18200
18201 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
18202 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
18203 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
18204 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
18205 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
18206 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
18207 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
18208
18209 @smallexample
18210 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
18211 Traceback (most recent call last):
18212 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
18213 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
18214 @end smallexample
18215
18216 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by Python
18217 code are converted to Python @code{RuntimeError} exceptions. User
18218 interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
18219 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt}
18220 exception. If you catch these exceptions in your Python code, your
18221 exception handler will see @code{RuntimeError} or
18222 @code{KeyboardInterrupt} as the exception type, the @value{GDBN} error
18223 message as its value, and the Python call stack backtrace at the
18224 Python statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
18225 traceback.
18226
18227 @node Values From Inferior
18228 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
18229 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
18230 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
18231
18232 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
18233 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
18234 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
18235 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
18236 fetching values when necessary.
18237
18238 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
18239 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
18240 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
18241
18242 @smallexample
18243 bar = some_val + 2
18244 @end smallexample
18245
18246 @noindent
18247 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
18248 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
18249
18250 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
18251 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
18252 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
18253 can access its @code{foo} element with:
18254
18255 @smallexample
18256 bar = some_val['foo']
18257 @end smallexample
18258
18259 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
18260
18261 For pointer data types, @code{gdb.Value} provides a method for
18262 dereferencing the pointer to obtain the object it points to.
18263
18264 @defmethod Value dereference
18265 This method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object whose contents is
18266 the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if @code{foo} is
18267 a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
18268
18269 @smallexample
18270 int *foo;
18271 @end smallexample
18272
18273 @noindent
18274 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
18275 @code{foo} points to like this:
18276
18277 @smallexample
18278 bar = foo.dereference ()
18279 @end smallexample
18280
18281 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
18282 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
18283 @end defmethod
18284
18285 @defmethod Value string @r{[}encoding @r{[}errors@r{]}@r{]}
18286 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
18287 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
18288 throw an exception.
18289
18290 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
18291 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
18292 language.
18293
18294 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
18295 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
18296 by a zero of the appropriate width.
18297
18298 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
18299 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
18300 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
18301 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
18302 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
18303 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
18304 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
18305 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
18306 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
18307
18308 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
18309 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
18310 @end defmethod
18311
18312 @node Commands In Python
18313 @subsubsection Commands In Python
18314
18315 @cindex commands in python
18316 @cindex python commands
18317 @tindex Command
18318 @tindex gdb.Command
18319 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
18320 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
18321 class, most commonly using a subclass.
18322
18323 @defmethod Command __init__ name @var{command-class} @r{[}@var{completer-class} @var{prefix}@r{]}
18324 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
18325 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
18326 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
18327
18328 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
18329 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
18330 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
18331 an exception is raised.
18332
18333 There is no support for multi-line commands.
18334
18335 @var{command-class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
18336 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
18337 new command in the help system.
18338
18339 @var{completer-class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
18340 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
18341 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
18342 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
18343 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
18344 error will occur when completion is attempted.
18345
18346 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
18347 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
18348 registered.
18349
18350 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
18351 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
18352 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
18353 not documented.'' is used.
18354 @end defmethod
18355
18356 @defmethod Command dont_repeat
18357 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
18358 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
18359 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
18360 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
18361 @end defmethod
18362
18363 @defmethod Command invoke argument from_tty
18364 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
18365
18366 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
18367 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
18368
18369 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
18370 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
18371 that the command came from elsewhere.
18372
18373 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
18374 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
18375 @end defmethod
18376
18377 @defmethod Command complete text word
18378 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
18379 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
18380 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings, and
18381 the @code{complete} command.
18382
18383 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
18384 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
18385 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
18386 using a word-breaking heuristic.
18387
18388 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
18389 @itemize @bullet
18390 @item
18391 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
18392 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
18393 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
18394 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
18395 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
18396 sequence are ignored.
18397
18398 @item
18399 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
18400 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
18401 function is invoked, and its result is used.
18402
18403 @item
18404 All other results are treated as though there were no available
18405 completions.
18406 @end itemize
18407 @end defmethod
18408
18409
18410 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
18411 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
18412 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
18413 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
18414 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
18415 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
18416
18417 @table @code
18418 @findex COMMAND_NONE
18419 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
18420 @item COMMAND_NONE
18421 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
18422 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
18423
18424 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
18425 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
18426 @item COMMAND_RUN
18427 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
18428 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
18429 Type @code{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
18430 commands in this category.
18431
18432 @findex COMMAND_DATA
18433 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
18434 @item COMMAND_VARS
18435 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
18436 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
18437 @code{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
18438 in this category.
18439
18440 @findex COMMAND_STACK
18441 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
18442 @item COMMAND_STACK
18443 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
18444 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
18445 category. Type @code{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
18446 list of commands in this category.
18447
18448 @findex COMMAND_FILES
18449 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
18450 @item COMMAND_FILES
18451 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
18452 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
18453 Type @code{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
18454 commands in this category.
18455
18456 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
18457 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
18458 @item COMMAND_SUPPORT
18459 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
18460 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
18461 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
18462 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
18463 @code{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
18464 commands in this category.
18465
18466 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
18467 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
18468 @item COMMAND_INFO
18469 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
18470 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
18471 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @code{help status} at the
18472 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
18473
18474 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
18475 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
18476 @item COMMAND_BREAKPOINT
18477 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
18478 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @code{help
18479 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
18480 this category.
18481
18482 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
18483 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
18484 @item COMMAND_TRACE
18485 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
18486 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
18487 @code{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
18488 commands in this category.
18489
18490 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
18491 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
18492 @item COMMAND_OBSCURE
18493 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
18494 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
18495 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @code{help
18496 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
18497 category.
18498
18499 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
18500 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
18501 @item COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
18502 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
18503 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
18504 Type @code{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
18505 commands in this category.
18506 @end table
18507
18508
18509 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
18510 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
18511 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
18512 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
18513
18514 @table @code
18515 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
18516 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
18517 @item COMPLETE_NONE
18518 This constant means that no completion should be done.
18519
18520 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
18521 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
18522 @item COMPLETE_FILENAME
18523 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
18524
18525 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
18526 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
18527 @item COMPLETE_LOCATION
18528 This constant means that location completion should be done.
18529 @xref{Specify Location}.
18530
18531 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
18532 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
18533 @item COMPLETE_COMMAND
18534 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
18535 command names.
18536
18537 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
18538 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
18539 @item COMPLETE_SYMBOL
18540 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
18541 as the source.
18542 @end table
18543
18544 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
18545 implemented in Python:
18546
18547 @smallexample
18548 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
18549 """Greet the whole world."""
18550
18551 def __init__ (self):
18552 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
18553
18554 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
18555 print "Hello, World!"
18556
18557 HelloWorld ()
18558 @end smallexample
18559
18560 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
18561 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
18562 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
18563 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
18564
18565 @node Interpreters
18566 @chapter Command Interpreters
18567 @cindex command interpreters
18568
18569 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
18570 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
18571 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
18572
18573 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
18574 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
18575 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
18576 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
18577
18578 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
18579 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
18580 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
18581 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
18582
18583 @table @code
18584 @item console
18585 @cindex console interpreter
18586 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
18587 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
18588 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
18589
18590 @item mi
18591 @cindex mi interpreter
18592 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
18593 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
18594 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
18595 Interface}.
18596
18597 @item mi2
18598 @cindex mi2 interpreter
18599 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
18600
18601 @item mi1
18602 @cindex mi1 interpreter
18603 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
18604
18605 @end table
18606
18607 @cindex invoke another interpreter
18608 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
18609 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
18610 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
18611 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
18612 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
18613 the IDE inoperable!
18614
18615 @kindex interpreter-exec
18616 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
18617 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
18618 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
18619 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
18620
18621 @smallexample
18622 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
18623 @end smallexample
18624
18625 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
18626 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
18627
18628 @node TUI
18629 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
18630 @cindex TUI
18631 @cindex Text User Interface
18632
18633 @menu
18634 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
18635 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
18636 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
18637 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
18638 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
18639 @end menu
18640
18641 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
18642 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
18643 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
18644 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
18645 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
18646 is available.
18647
18648 @pindex @value{GDBTUI}
18649 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
18650 either @samp{@value{GDBTUI}} or @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
18651 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
18652 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
18653 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
18654
18655 @node TUI Overview
18656 @section TUI Overview
18657
18658 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
18659
18660 @table @emph
18661 @item command
18662 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
18663 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
18664 managed using readline.
18665
18666 @item source
18667 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
18668 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
18669
18670 @item assembly
18671 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
18672
18673 @item register
18674 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
18675 when their values change.
18676 @end table
18677
18678 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
18679 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
18680 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
18681 indicates the breakpoint type:
18682
18683 @table @code
18684 @item B
18685 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
18686
18687 @item b
18688 Breakpoint which was never hit.
18689
18690 @item H
18691 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
18692
18693 @item h
18694 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
18695 @end table
18696
18697 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
18698
18699 @table @code
18700 @item +
18701 Breakpoint is enabled.
18702
18703 @item -
18704 Breakpoint is disabled.
18705 @end table
18706
18707 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
18708 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
18709 changes.
18710
18711 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
18712 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
18713 layouts:
18714
18715 @itemize @bullet
18716 @item
18717 source only,
18718
18719 @item
18720 assembly only,
18721
18722 @item
18723 source and assembly,
18724
18725 @item
18726 source and registers, or
18727
18728 @item
18729 assembly and registers.
18730 @end itemize
18731
18732 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
18733
18734 @table @emph
18735 @item target
18736 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
18737 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
18738
18739 @item process
18740 Gives the current process or thread number.
18741 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
18742
18743 @item function
18744 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
18745 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
18746 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
18747 the string @code{??} is displayed.
18748
18749 @item line
18750 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
18751 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
18752
18753 @item pc
18754 Indicates the current program counter address.
18755 @end table
18756
18757 @node TUI Keys
18758 @section TUI Key Bindings
18759 @cindex TUI key bindings
18760
18761 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
18762 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}). The following key bindings
18763 are installed for both TUI mode and the @value{GDBN} standard mode.
18764
18765 @table @kbd
18766 @kindex C-x C-a
18767 @item C-x C-a
18768 @kindex C-x a
18769 @itemx C-x a
18770 @kindex C-x A
18771 @itemx C-x A
18772 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
18773 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
18774 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
18775 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
18776 The screen is then refreshed.
18777
18778 @kindex C-x 1
18779 @item C-x 1
18780 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
18781 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
18782 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
18783
18784 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
18785
18786 @kindex C-x 2
18787 @item C-x 2
18788 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
18789 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
18790 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
18791 previous layout and the new one.
18792
18793 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
18794
18795 @kindex C-x o
18796 @item C-x o
18797 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
18798 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
18799 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
18800
18801 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
18802
18803 @kindex C-x s
18804 @item C-x s
18805 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
18806 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
18807 @end table
18808
18809 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
18810
18811 @table @asis
18812 @kindex PgUp
18813 @item @key{PgUp}
18814 Scroll the active window one page up.
18815
18816 @kindex PgDn
18817 @item @key{PgDn}
18818 Scroll the active window one page down.
18819
18820 @kindex Up
18821 @item @key{Up}
18822 Scroll the active window one line up.
18823
18824 @kindex Down
18825 @item @key{Down}
18826 Scroll the active window one line down.
18827
18828 @kindex Left
18829 @item @key{Left}
18830 Scroll the active window one column left.
18831
18832 @kindex Right
18833 @item @key{Right}
18834 Scroll the active window one column right.
18835
18836 @kindex C-L
18837 @item @kbd{C-L}
18838 Refresh the screen.
18839 @end table
18840
18841 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
18842 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
18843 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
18844 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
18845 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
18846
18847 @node TUI Single Key Mode
18848 @section TUI Single Key Mode
18849 @cindex TUI single key mode
18850
18851 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
18852 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
18853 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
18854
18855 @table @kbd
18856 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18857 @item c
18858 continue
18859
18860 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18861 @item d
18862 down
18863
18864 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18865 @item f
18866 finish
18867
18868 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18869 @item n
18870 next
18871
18872 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18873 @item q
18874 exit the SingleKey mode.
18875
18876 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18877 @item r
18878 run
18879
18880 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18881 @item s
18882 step
18883
18884 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18885 @item u
18886 up
18887
18888 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18889 @item v
18890 info locals
18891
18892 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18893 @item w
18894 where
18895 @end table
18896
18897 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
18898 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
18899 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
18900 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
18901 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
18902 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
18903
18904
18905 @node TUI Commands
18906 @section TUI-specific Commands
18907 @cindex TUI commands
18908
18909 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
18910 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
18911 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
18912 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
18913
18914 @table @code
18915 @item info win
18916 @kindex info win
18917 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
18918
18919 @item layout next
18920 @kindex layout
18921 Display the next layout.
18922
18923 @item layout prev
18924 Display the previous layout.
18925
18926 @item layout src
18927 Display the source window only.
18928
18929 @item layout asm
18930 Display the assembly window only.
18931
18932 @item layout split
18933 Display the source and assembly window.
18934
18935 @item layout regs
18936 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
18937
18938 @item focus next
18939 @kindex focus
18940 Make the next window active for scrolling.
18941
18942 @item focus prev
18943 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
18944
18945 @item focus src
18946 Make the source window active for scrolling.
18947
18948 @item focus asm
18949 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
18950
18951 @item focus regs
18952 Make the register window active for scrolling.
18953
18954 @item focus cmd
18955 Make the command window active for scrolling.
18956
18957 @item refresh
18958 @kindex refresh
18959 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
18960
18961 @item tui reg float
18962 @kindex tui reg
18963 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
18964
18965 @item tui reg general
18966 Show the general registers in the register window.
18967
18968 @item tui reg next
18969 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
18970 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
18971 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
18972 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
18973
18974 @item tui reg system
18975 Show the system registers in the register window.
18976
18977 @item update
18978 @kindex update
18979 Update the source window and the current execution point.
18980
18981 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
18982 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
18983 @kindex winheight
18984 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
18985 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
18986 decrease it.
18987
18988 @item tabset @var{nchars}
18989 @kindex tabset
18990 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
18991 @end table
18992
18993 @node TUI Configuration
18994 @section TUI Configuration Variables
18995 @cindex TUI configuration variables
18996
18997 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
18998
18999 @table @code
19000 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
19001 @kindex set tui border-kind
19002 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
19003 The possible values are the following:
19004 @table @code
19005 @item space
19006 Use a space character to draw the border.
19007
19008 @item ascii
19009 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
19010
19011 @item acs
19012 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
19013 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
19014 @end table
19015
19016 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
19017 @kindex set tui border-mode
19018 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
19019 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
19020 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
19021 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
19022 @table @code
19023 @item normal
19024 Use normal attributes to display the border.
19025
19026 @item standout
19027 Use standout mode.
19028
19029 @item reverse
19030 Use reverse video mode.
19031
19032 @item half
19033 Use half bright mode.
19034
19035 @item half-standout
19036 Use half bright and standout mode.
19037
19038 @item bold
19039 Use extra bright or bold mode.
19040
19041 @item bold-standout
19042 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
19043 @end table
19044 @end table
19045
19046 @node Emacs
19047 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
19048
19049 @cindex Emacs
19050 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
19051 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
19052 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
19053 @value{GDBN}.
19054
19055 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
19056 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
19057 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
19058 created Emacs buffer.
19059 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
19060
19061 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
19062 things:
19063
19064 @itemize @bullet
19065 @item
19066 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
19067 the GUD buffer.
19068
19069 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
19070 and output done by the program you are debugging.
19071
19072 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
19073 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
19074 in this way.
19075
19076 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
19077 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
19078 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
19079 stop.
19080
19081 @item
19082 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
19083
19084 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
19085 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
19086 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
19087 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
19088 and the source.
19089
19090 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
19091 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
19092 @end itemize
19093
19094 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
19095 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
19096 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
19097 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
19098
19099 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
19100 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
19101 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
19102 sets your current working directory to to the directory associated
19103 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
19104 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
19105 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
19106 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
19107 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
19108
19109 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
19110 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
19111 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
19112 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
19113
19114 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
19115 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
19116 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
19117 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
19118 one you want.
19119
19120 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
19121 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
19122
19123 @table @kbd
19124 @item C-h m
19125 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
19126
19127 @item C-c C-s
19128 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
19129 update the display window to show the current file and location.
19130
19131 @item C-c C-n
19132 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
19133 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
19134 to show the current file and location.
19135
19136 @item C-c C-i
19137 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
19138 display window accordingly.
19139
19140 @item C-c C-f
19141 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
19142 @code{finish} command.
19143
19144 @item C-c C-r
19145 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
19146 command.
19147
19148 @item C-c <
19149 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
19150 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
19151 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
19152
19153 @item C-c >
19154 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
19155 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
19156 @end table
19157
19158 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
19159 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
19160
19161 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
19162 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
19163 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
19164 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
19165 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
19166 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
19167 speedbar displays watch expressions.
19168
19169 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
19170 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
19171 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
19172 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
19173 frame.
19174
19175 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
19176 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
19177 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
19178 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
19179 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
19180 to correspond properly with the code.
19181
19182 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
19183 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
19184 Emacs Manual}).
19185
19186 @c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
19187 @c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
19188 @ignore
19189 @kindex Emacs Epoch environment
19190 @kindex Epoch
19191 @kindex inspect
19192
19193 Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
19194 called the @code{epoch}
19195 environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
19196 @code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
19197 each value is printed in its own window.
19198 @end ignore
19199
19200
19201 @node GDB/MI
19202 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
19203
19204 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
19205
19206 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
19207 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
19208 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
19209 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
19210 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
19211 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
19212
19213 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
19214 in the form of a reference manual.
19215
19216 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
19217 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
19218 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
19219
19220 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
19221
19222 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
19223 This chapter uses the following notation:
19224
19225 @itemize @bullet
19226 @item
19227 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
19228
19229 @item
19230 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
19231 it may or may not be given.
19232
19233 @item
19234 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
19235 may repeat zero or more times.
19236
19237 @item
19238 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
19239 may repeat one or more times.
19240
19241 @item
19242 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
19243 @end itemize
19244
19245 @ignore
19246 @heading Dependencies
19247 @end ignore
19248
19249 @menu
19250 * GDB/MI General Design::
19251 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
19252 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
19253 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
19254 * GDB/MI Output Records::
19255 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
19256 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
19257 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
19258 * GDB/MI Program Context::
19259 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
19260 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
19261 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
19262 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
19263 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
19264 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
19265 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
19266 * GDB/MI File Commands::
19267 @ignore
19268 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
19269 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
19270 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
19271 @end ignore
19272 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
19273 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
19274 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
19275 @end menu
19276
19277 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19278 @node GDB/MI General Design
19279 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
19280 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
19281
19282 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
19283 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
19284 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
19285 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
19286 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
19287 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
19288 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
19289 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
19290 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
19291 a command and reported as part of that command response.
19292
19293 The important examples of notifications are:
19294 @itemize @bullet
19295
19296 @item
19297 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
19298 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
19299 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
19300 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
19301 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
19302 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
19303 command itself was successfully executed.
19304
19305 @item
19306 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
19307 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
19308 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
19309 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
19310 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
19311 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
19312
19313 @item
19314 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
19315 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
19316 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
19317 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
19318 orthogonal frontend design.
19319
19320 @end itemize
19321
19322 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
19323 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
19324 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
19325 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
19326 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
19327 the user interface.
19328
19329 @subsection Context management
19330
19331 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
19332 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
19333 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
19334 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
19335 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
19336 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
19337 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
19338 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
19339 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
19340
19341 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
19342 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
19343 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
19344 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
19345 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
19346 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
19347 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
19348 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
19349 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
19350 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
19351 for thread and frame to operate on.
19352
19353 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
19354 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
19355 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
19356 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
19357 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
19358 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
19359 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
19360 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
19361 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
19362 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
19363
19364 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
19365 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
19366 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
19367 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
19368 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
19369 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
19370 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
19371 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
19372 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
19373 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
19374 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
19375 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
19376 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
19377 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
19378 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
19379 @samp{--frame} options.
19380
19381 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
19382
19383 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
19384 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
19385 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
19386 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
19387 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
19388 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
19389 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
19390 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
19391 @code{-list-target-features} command.
19392
19393 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
19394 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
19395 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
19396 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
19397 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
19398 are running.
19399
19400 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
19401 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
19402 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
19403 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
19404 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
19405 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
19406 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
19407 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
19408 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
19409 @samp{--thread} option).
19410
19411 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
19412 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
19413 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
19414 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
19415
19416 @subsection Thread groups
19417 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
19418 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
19419 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
19420 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
19421 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
19422
19423 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
19424 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
19425 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
19426 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
19427 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
19428 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
19429 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
19430 into processes.
19431
19432 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
19433 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
19434 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
19435 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
19436 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
19437 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
19438 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
19439 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
19440 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
19441 the members of specific thread group.
19442
19443 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
19444 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
19445 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
19446 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
19447 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
19448 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
19449 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
19450 after attaching to that thread group.
19451
19452 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19453 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
19454 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
19455
19456 @menu
19457 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
19458 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
19459 @end menu
19460
19461 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
19462 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
19463
19464 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
19465 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
19466 @table @code
19467 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
19468 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
19469
19470 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
19471 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
19472 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
19473
19474 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
19475 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
19476 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
19477
19478 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
19479 "any sequence of digits"
19480
19481 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
19482 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
19483
19484 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
19485 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
19486
19487 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
19488 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
19489
19490 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
19491 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
19492 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
19493
19494 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
19495 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
19496
19497 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
19498 @code{CR | CR-LF}
19499 @end table
19500
19501 @noindent
19502 Notes:
19503
19504 @itemize @bullet
19505 @item
19506 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
19507 output is described below.
19508
19509 @item
19510 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
19511 finishes.
19512
19513 @item
19514 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
19515 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
19516 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
19517 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
19518 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
19519 @end itemize
19520
19521 Pragmatics:
19522
19523 @itemize @bullet
19524 @item
19525 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
19526
19527 @item
19528 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
19529 @end itemize
19530
19531 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
19532 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
19533
19534 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
19535 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
19536 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
19537 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
19538 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
19539 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
19540
19541 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
19542 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
19543 @var{token}.
19544
19545 @table @code
19546 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
19547 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
19548
19549 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
19550 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
19551
19552 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
19553 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
19554
19555 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
19556 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
19557
19558 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
19559 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
19560
19561 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
19562 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
19563
19564 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
19565 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
19566
19567 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
19568 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
19569
19570 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
19571 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
19572
19573 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
19574 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
19575 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
19576
19577 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
19578 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
19579
19580 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
19581 @code{ @var{string} }
19582
19583 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
19584 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
19585
19586 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
19587 @code{@var{c-string}}
19588
19589 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
19590 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
19591
19592 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
19593 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
19594 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
19595
19596 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
19597 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
19598
19599 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
19600 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
19601
19602 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
19603 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
19604
19605 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
19606 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
19607
19608 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
19609 @code{CR | CR-LF}
19610
19611 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
19612 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
19613 @end table
19614
19615 @noindent
19616 Notes:
19617
19618 @itemize @bullet
19619 @item
19620 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
19621
19622 @item
19623 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
19624 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
19625 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
19626 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
19627 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
19628 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
19629 prior command.
19630
19631 @item
19632 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19633 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
19634 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
19635 prefixed by @samp{+}.
19636
19637 @item
19638 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19639 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
19640 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
19641 @samp{*}.
19642
19643 @item
19644 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19645 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
19646 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
19647 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
19648
19649 @item
19650 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19651 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
19652 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
19653 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
19654
19655 @item
19656 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19657 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
19658 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
19659
19660 @item
19661 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19662 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
19663 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
19664 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
19665
19666 @item
19667 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19668 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
19669 @var{values}.
19670
19671
19672 @end itemize
19673
19674 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
19675 details about the various output records.
19676
19677 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19678 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
19679 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
19680
19681 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
19682 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
19683
19684 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
19685 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
19686 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
19687 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
19688 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
19689 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
19690
19691 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
19692 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
19693 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
19694
19695 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19696 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
19697 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
19698 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
19699
19700 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
19701 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
19702
19703 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
19704 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
19705 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
19706 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
19707 might change.
19708
19709 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
19710 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
19711 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
19712 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
19713
19714 @itemize @bullet
19715 @item
19716 New MI commands may be added.
19717
19718 @item
19719 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
19720
19721 @item
19722 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
19723 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
19724
19725 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
19726 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
19727
19728 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
19729 @c resolve inconsistencies.
19730 @end itemize
19731
19732 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
19733 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
19734 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
19735 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
19736 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
19737
19738 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
19739 @c version?
19740
19741 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
19742 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
19743 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
19744 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
19745 @cindex mailing lists
19746
19747 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19748 @node GDB/MI Output Records
19749 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
19750
19751 @menu
19752 * GDB/MI Result Records::
19753 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
19754 * GDB/MI Async Records::
19755 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
19756 @end menu
19757
19758 @node GDB/MI Result Records
19759 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
19760
19761 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
19762 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
19763 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
19764 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
19765
19766 @table @code
19767 @findex ^done
19768 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
19769 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
19770 values.
19771
19772 @item "^running"
19773 @findex ^running
19774 @c Is this one correct? Should it be an out-of-band notification?
19775 The asynchronous operation was successfully started. The target is
19776 running.
19777
19778 @item "^connected"
19779 @findex ^connected
19780 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
19781
19782 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
19783 @findex ^error
19784 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
19785 error message.
19786
19787 @item "^exit"
19788 @findex ^exit
19789 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
19790
19791 @end table
19792
19793 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
19794 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
19795
19796 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
19797 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
19798 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
19799 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
19800 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
19801
19802 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
19803 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
19804 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
19805 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
19806 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
19807
19808 @table @code
19809 @item "~" @var{string-output}
19810 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
19811 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
19812
19813 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
19814 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
19815 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
19816 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
19817
19818 @item "&" @var{string-output}
19819 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
19820 internals.
19821 @end table
19822
19823 @node GDB/MI Async Records
19824 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
19825
19826 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
19827 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
19828 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
19829 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
19830 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
19831 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
19832
19833 The following is the list of possible async records:
19834
19835 @table @code
19836
19837 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
19838 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
19839 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
19840 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
19841 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
19842 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
19843 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
19844 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
19845 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
19846 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
19847
19848 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}"
19849 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
19850 following values:
19851
19852 @table @code
19853 @item breakpoint-hit
19854 A breakpoint was reached.
19855 @item watchpoint-trigger
19856 A watchpoint was triggered.
19857 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
19858 A read watchpoint was triggered.
19859 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
19860 An access watchpoint was triggered.
19861 @item function-finished
19862 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
19863 @item location-reached
19864 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
19865 @item watchpoint-scope
19866 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
19867 @item end-stepping-range
19868 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
19869 similar CLI command was accomplished.
19870 @item exited-signalled
19871 The inferior exited because of a signal.
19872 @item exited
19873 The inferior exited.
19874 @item exited-normally
19875 The inferior exited normally.
19876 @item signal-received
19877 A signal was received by the inferior.
19878 @end table
19879
19880 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
19881 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
19882 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
19883 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
19884 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
19885 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
19886 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
19887 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
19888 several threads in the list.
19889
19890 @item =thread-group-created,id="@var{id}"
19891 @itemx =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"
19892 A thread thread group either was attached to, or has exited/detached
19893 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
19894 thread group.
19895
19896 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
19897 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
19898 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
19899 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
19900 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
19901
19902 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
19903 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
19904 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
19905 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
19906 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
19907 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
19908 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
19909
19910 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
19911 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
19912 that thread.
19913
19914 @end table
19915
19916 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
19917 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
19918
19919 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
19920 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
19921 fields:
19922
19923 @table @code
19924 @item level
19925 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
19926 zero. This field is always present.
19927
19928 @item func
19929 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
19930 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
19931
19932 @item addr
19933 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
19934
19935 @item file
19936 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
19937 address. This field may be absent.
19938
19939 @item line
19940 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
19941 may be absent.
19942
19943 @item from
19944 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
19945 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
19946
19947 @end table
19948
19949
19950 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19951 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
19952 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
19953 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
19954
19955 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
19956 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
19957 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
19958 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
19959
19960 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
19961 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
19962
19963 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
19964
19965 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
19966 information of the breakpoint.
19967
19968 @smallexample
19969 -> -break-insert main
19970 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
19971 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
19972 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
19973 <- (gdb)
19974 @end smallexample
19975
19976 @subheading Program Execution
19977
19978 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
19979 reason that execution stopped.
19980
19981 @smallexample
19982 -> -exec-run
19983 <- ^running
19984 <- (gdb)
19985 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
19986 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
19987 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
19988 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
19989 <- (gdb)
19990 -> -exec-continue
19991 <- ^running
19992 <- (gdb)
19993 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
19994 <- (gdb)
19995 @end smallexample
19996
19997 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
19998
19999 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
20000
20001 @smallexample
20002 -> (gdb)
20003 <- -gdb-exit
20004 <- ^exit
20005 @end smallexample
20006
20007 @subheading A Bad Command
20008
20009 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
20010
20011 @smallexample
20012 -> -rubbish
20013 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
20014 <- (gdb)
20015 @end smallexample
20016
20017
20018 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20019 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
20020 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
20021
20022 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
20023 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
20024
20025 @subheading Motivation
20026
20027 The motivation for this collection of commands.
20028
20029 @subheading Introduction
20030
20031 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
20032
20033 @subheading Commands
20034
20035 For each command in the block, the following is described:
20036
20037 @subsubheading Synopsis
20038
20039 @smallexample
20040 -command @var{args}@dots{}
20041 @end smallexample
20042
20043 @subsubheading Result
20044
20045 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20046
20047 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
20048
20049 @subsubheading Example
20050
20051 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
20052 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
20053
20054
20055 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20056 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
20057 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
20058
20059 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
20060 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
20061 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
20062 breakpoints.
20063
20064 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
20065 @findex -break-after
20066
20067 @subsubheading Synopsis
20068
20069 @smallexample
20070 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
20071 @end smallexample
20072
20073 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
20074 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
20075 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
20076 @samp{-break-list} command below.
20077
20078 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20079
20080 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
20081
20082 @subsubheading Example
20083
20084 @smallexample
20085 (gdb)
20086 -break-insert main
20087 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
20088 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
20089 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
20090 (gdb)
20091 -break-after 1 3
20092 ~
20093 ^done
20094 (gdb)
20095 -break-list
20096 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
20097 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20098 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20099 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20100 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20101 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20102 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20103 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20104 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
20105 line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
20106 (gdb)
20107 @end smallexample
20108
20109 @ignore
20110 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
20111 @findex -break-catch
20112
20113 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
20114 @findex -break-commands
20115 @end ignore
20116
20117
20118 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
20119 @findex -break-condition
20120
20121 @subsubheading Synopsis
20122
20123 @smallexample
20124 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
20125 @end smallexample
20126
20127 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
20128 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
20129 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
20130 command below).
20131
20132 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20133
20134 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
20135
20136 @subsubheading Example
20137
20138 @smallexample
20139 (gdb)
20140 -break-condition 1 1
20141 ^done
20142 (gdb)
20143 -break-list
20144 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
20145 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20146 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20147 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20148 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20149 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20150 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20151 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20152 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
20153 line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
20154 (gdb)
20155 @end smallexample
20156
20157 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
20158 @findex -break-delete
20159
20160 @subsubheading Synopsis
20161
20162 @smallexample
20163 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
20164 @end smallexample
20165
20166 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
20167 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
20168
20169 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20170
20171 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
20172
20173 @subsubheading Example
20174
20175 @smallexample
20176 (gdb)
20177 -break-delete 1
20178 ^done
20179 (gdb)
20180 -break-list
20181 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
20182 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20183 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20184 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20185 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20186 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20187 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20188 body=[]@}
20189 (gdb)
20190 @end smallexample
20191
20192 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
20193 @findex -break-disable
20194
20195 @subsubheading Synopsis
20196
20197 @smallexample
20198 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
20199 @end smallexample
20200
20201 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
20202 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
20203
20204 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20205
20206 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
20207
20208 @subsubheading Example
20209
20210 @smallexample
20211 (gdb)
20212 -break-disable 2
20213 ^done
20214 (gdb)
20215 -break-list
20216 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
20217 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20218 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20219 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20220 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20221 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20222 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20223 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
20224 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
20225 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
20226 (gdb)
20227 @end smallexample
20228
20229 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
20230 @findex -break-enable
20231
20232 @subsubheading Synopsis
20233
20234 @smallexample
20235 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
20236 @end smallexample
20237
20238 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
20239
20240 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20241
20242 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
20243
20244 @subsubheading Example
20245
20246 @smallexample
20247 (gdb)
20248 -break-enable 2
20249 ^done
20250 (gdb)
20251 -break-list
20252 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
20253 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20254 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20255 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20256 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20257 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20258 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20259 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20260 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
20261 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
20262 (gdb)
20263 @end smallexample
20264
20265 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
20266 @findex -break-info
20267
20268 @subsubheading Synopsis
20269
20270 @smallexample
20271 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
20272 @end smallexample
20273
20274 @c REDUNDANT???
20275 Get information about a single breakpoint.
20276
20277 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20278
20279 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
20280
20281 @subsubheading Example
20282 N.A.
20283
20284 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
20285 @findex -break-insert
20286
20287 @subsubheading Synopsis
20288
20289 @smallexample
20290 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
20291 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
20292 [ -p @var{thread} ] [ @var{location} ]
20293 @end smallexample
20294
20295 @noindent
20296 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
20297
20298 @itemize @bullet
20299 @item function
20300 @c @item +offset
20301 @c @item -offset
20302 @c @item linenum
20303 @item filename:linenum
20304 @item filename:function
20305 @item *address
20306 @end itemize
20307
20308 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
20309
20310 @table @samp
20311 @item -t
20312 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
20313 @item -h
20314 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
20315 @item -c @var{condition}
20316 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
20317 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
20318 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
20319 @item -f
20320 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
20321 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
20322 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
20323 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
20324 cannot be parsed.
20325 @item -d
20326 Create a disabled breakpoint.
20327 @end table
20328
20329 @subsubheading Result
20330
20331 The result is in the form:
20332
20333 @smallexample
20334 ^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
20335 enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
20336 fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
20337 times="@var{times}"@}
20338 @end smallexample
20339
20340 @noindent
20341 where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
20342 @var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
20343 inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
20344 this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
20345 and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
20346 (always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
20347 which use the same output).
20348
20349 Note: this format is open to change.
20350 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
20351
20352 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20353
20354 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
20355 @samp{hbreak}, @samp{thbreak}, and @samp{rbreak}.
20356
20357 @subsubheading Example
20358
20359 @smallexample
20360 (gdb)
20361 -break-insert main
20362 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
20363 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
20364 (gdb)
20365 -break-insert -t foo
20366 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
20367 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
20368 (gdb)
20369 -break-list
20370 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
20371 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20372 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20373 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20374 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20375 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20376 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20377 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20378 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
20379 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
20380 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
20381 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
20382 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
20383 (gdb)
20384 -break-insert -r foo.*
20385 ~int foo(int, int);
20386 ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
20387 "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
20388 (gdb)
20389 @end smallexample
20390
20391 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
20392 @findex -break-list
20393
20394 @subsubheading Synopsis
20395
20396 @smallexample
20397 -break-list
20398 @end smallexample
20399
20400 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
20401
20402 @table @samp
20403 @item Number
20404 number of the breakpoint
20405 @item Type
20406 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
20407 @item Disposition
20408 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
20409 or @samp{nokeep}
20410 @item Enabled
20411 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
20412 @item Address
20413 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
20414 @item What
20415 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
20416 name, line number
20417 @item Times
20418 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
20419 @end table
20420
20421 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
20422 @code{body} field is an empty list.
20423
20424 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20425
20426 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
20427
20428 @subsubheading Example
20429
20430 @smallexample
20431 (gdb)
20432 -break-list
20433 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
20434 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20435 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20436 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20437 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20438 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20439 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20440 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20441 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
20442 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20443 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
20444 line="13",times="0"@}]@}
20445 (gdb)
20446 @end smallexample
20447
20448 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
20449
20450 @smallexample
20451 (gdb)
20452 -break-list
20453 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
20454 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20455 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20456 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20457 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20458 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20459 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20460 body=[]@}
20461 (gdb)
20462 @end smallexample
20463
20464 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
20465 @findex -break-watch
20466
20467 @subsubheading Synopsis
20468
20469 @smallexample
20470 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
20471 @end smallexample
20472
20473 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
20474 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
20475 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
20476 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
20477 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
20478 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
20479 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
20480 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
20481
20482 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
20483 breakpoints inserted.
20484
20485 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20486
20487 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
20488 @samp{rwatch}.
20489
20490 @subsubheading Example
20491
20492 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
20493
20494 @smallexample
20495 (gdb)
20496 -break-watch x
20497 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
20498 (gdb)
20499 -exec-continue
20500 ^running
20501 (gdb)
20502 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
20503 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
20504 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
20505 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
20506 (gdb)
20507 @end smallexample
20508
20509 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
20510 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
20511 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
20512
20513 @smallexample
20514 (gdb)
20515 -break-watch C
20516 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
20517 (gdb)
20518 -exec-continue
20519 ^running
20520 (gdb)
20521 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
20522 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
20523 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
20524 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20525 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
20526 (gdb)
20527 -exec-continue
20528 ^running
20529 (gdb)
20530 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
20531 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
20532 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
20533 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20534 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
20535 (gdb)
20536 @end smallexample
20537
20538 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
20539 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
20540 deleted.
20541
20542 @smallexample
20543 (gdb)
20544 -break-watch C
20545 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
20546 (gdb)
20547 -break-list
20548 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
20549 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20550 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20551 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20552 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20553 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20554 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20555 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20556 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
20557 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20558 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
20559 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
20560 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
20561 (gdb)
20562 -exec-continue
20563 ^running
20564 (gdb)
20565 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
20566 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
20567 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
20568 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20569 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
20570 (gdb)
20571 -break-list
20572 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
20573 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20574 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20575 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20576 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20577 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20578 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20579 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20580 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
20581 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20582 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
20583 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
20584 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
20585 (gdb)
20586 -exec-continue
20587 ^running
20588 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
20589 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
20590 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
20591 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20592 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
20593 (gdb)
20594 -break-list
20595 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
20596 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20597 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20598 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20599 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20600 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20601 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20602 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20603 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
20604 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20605 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
20606 times="1"@}]@}
20607 (gdb)
20608 @end smallexample
20609
20610 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20611 @node GDB/MI Program Context
20612 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
20613
20614 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
20615 @findex -exec-arguments
20616
20617
20618 @subsubheading Synopsis
20619
20620 @smallexample
20621 -exec-arguments @var{args}
20622 @end smallexample
20623
20624 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
20625 @samp{-exec-run}.
20626
20627 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20628
20629 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
20630
20631 @subsubheading Example
20632
20633 @smallexample
20634 (gdb)
20635 -exec-arguments -v word
20636 ^done
20637 (gdb)
20638 @end smallexample
20639
20640
20641 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
20642 @findex -exec-show-arguments
20643
20644 @subsubheading Synopsis
20645
20646 @smallexample
20647 -exec-show-arguments
20648 @end smallexample
20649
20650 Print the arguments of the program.
20651
20652 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20653
20654 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
20655
20656 @subsubheading Example
20657 N.A.
20658
20659
20660 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
20661 @findex -environment-cd
20662
20663 @subsubheading Synopsis
20664
20665 @smallexample
20666 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
20667 @end smallexample
20668
20669 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
20670
20671 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20672
20673 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
20674
20675 @subsubheading Example
20676
20677 @smallexample
20678 (gdb)
20679 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
20680 ^done
20681 (gdb)
20682 @end smallexample
20683
20684
20685 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
20686 @findex -environment-directory
20687
20688 @subsubheading Synopsis
20689
20690 @smallexample
20691 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
20692 @end smallexample
20693
20694 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
20695 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
20696 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
20697 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
20698 occurs as normal.
20699 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
20700 multiple directories in a single command
20701 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
20702 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
20703 If blanks are needed as
20704 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
20705 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
20706 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
20707 character must not be used
20708 in any directory name.
20709 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
20710
20711 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20712
20713 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
20714
20715 @subsubheading Example
20716
20717 @smallexample
20718 (gdb)
20719 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
20720 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
20721 (gdb)
20722 -environment-directory ""
20723 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
20724 (gdb)
20725 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
20726 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
20727 (gdb)
20728 -environment-directory -r
20729 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
20730 (gdb)
20731 @end smallexample
20732
20733
20734 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
20735 @findex -environment-path
20736
20737 @subsubheading Synopsis
20738
20739 @smallexample
20740 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
20741 @end smallexample
20742
20743 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
20744 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
20745 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
20746 supplied in addition to the
20747 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
20748 occurs as normal.
20749 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
20750 multiple directories in a single command
20751 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
20752 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
20753 If blanks are needed as
20754 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
20755 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
20756 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
20757 character must not be used
20758 in any directory name.
20759 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
20760
20761
20762 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20763
20764 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
20765
20766 @subsubheading Example
20767
20768 @smallexample
20769 (gdb)
20770 -environment-path
20771 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
20772 (gdb)
20773 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
20774 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
20775 (gdb)
20776 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
20777 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
20778 (gdb)
20779 @end smallexample
20780
20781
20782 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
20783 @findex -environment-pwd
20784
20785 @subsubheading Synopsis
20786
20787 @smallexample
20788 -environment-pwd
20789 @end smallexample
20790
20791 Show the current working directory.
20792
20793 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20794
20795 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
20796
20797 @subsubheading Example
20798
20799 @smallexample
20800 (gdb)
20801 -environment-pwd
20802 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
20803 (gdb)
20804 @end smallexample
20805
20806 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20807 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
20808 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
20809
20810
20811 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
20812 @findex -thread-info
20813
20814 @subsubheading Synopsis
20815
20816 @smallexample
20817 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
20818 @end smallexample
20819
20820 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
20821 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
20822 threads. When printing information about all threads,
20823 also reports the current thread.
20824
20825 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20826
20827 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
20828 about all threads.
20829
20830 @subsubheading Example
20831
20832 @smallexample
20833 -thread-info
20834 ^done,threads=[
20835 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
20836 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
20837 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
20838 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
20839 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}],
20840 current-thread-id="1"
20841 (gdb)
20842 @end smallexample
20843
20844 The @samp{state} field may have the following values:
20845
20846 @table @code
20847 @item stopped
20848 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
20849 threads.
20850
20851 @item running
20852 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
20853 threads.
20854
20855 @end table
20856
20857 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
20858 @findex -thread-list-ids
20859
20860 @subsubheading Synopsis
20861
20862 @smallexample
20863 -thread-list-ids
20864 @end smallexample
20865
20866 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
20867 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
20868
20869 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
20870 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
20871
20872 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20873
20874 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
20875
20876 @subsubheading Example
20877
20878 @smallexample
20879 (gdb)
20880 -thread-list-ids
20881 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
20882 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
20883 (gdb)
20884 @end smallexample
20885
20886
20887 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
20888 @findex -thread-select
20889
20890 @subsubheading Synopsis
20891
20892 @smallexample
20893 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
20894 @end smallexample
20895
20896 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
20897 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
20898
20899 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
20900 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
20901
20902 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20903
20904 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
20905
20906 @subsubheading Example
20907
20908 @smallexample
20909 (gdb)
20910 -exec-next
20911 ^running
20912 (gdb)
20913 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
20914 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
20915 (gdb)
20916 -thread-list-ids
20917 ^done,
20918 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
20919 number-of-threads="3"
20920 (gdb)
20921 -thread-select 3
20922 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
20923 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
20924 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
20925 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
20926 (gdb)
20927 @end smallexample
20928
20929 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20930 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
20931 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
20932
20933 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
20934 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
20935 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
20936 other cases.
20937
20938 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
20939 @findex -exec-continue
20940
20941 @subsubheading Synopsis
20942
20943 @smallexample
20944 -exec-continue [--all|--thread-group N]
20945 @end smallexample
20946
20947 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until a breakpoint is
20948 encountered, or until the inferior exits. In all-stop mode
20949 (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads,
20950 depending on the value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. In
20951 non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), if the @samp{--all} is not
20952 specified, only the thread specified with the @samp{--thread} option
20953 (or current thread, if no @samp{--thread} is provided) is resumed. If
20954 @samp{--all} is specified, all threads will be resumed. The
20955 @samp{--all} option is ignored in all-stop mode. If the
20956 @samp{--thread-group} options is specified, then all threads in that
20957 thread group are resumed.
20958
20959 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20960
20961 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
20962
20963 @subsubheading Example
20964
20965 @smallexample
20966 -exec-continue
20967 ^running
20968 (gdb)
20969 @@Hello world
20970 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
20971 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
20972 line="13"@}
20973 (gdb)
20974 @end smallexample
20975
20976
20977 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
20978 @findex -exec-finish
20979
20980 @subsubheading Synopsis
20981
20982 @smallexample
20983 -exec-finish
20984 @end smallexample
20985
20986 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
20987 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
20988
20989 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20990
20991 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
20992
20993 @subsubheading Example
20994
20995 Function returning @code{void}.
20996
20997 @smallexample
20998 -exec-finish
20999 ^running
21000 (gdb)
21001 @@hello from foo
21002 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
21003 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
21004 (gdb)
21005 @end smallexample
21006
21007 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
21008 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
21009 value itself.
21010
21011 @smallexample
21012 -exec-finish
21013 ^running
21014 (gdb)
21015 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
21016 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
21017 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21018 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
21019 (gdb)
21020 @end smallexample
21021
21022
21023 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
21024 @findex -exec-interrupt
21025
21026 @subsubheading Synopsis
21027
21028 @smallexample
21029 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
21030 @end smallexample
21031
21032 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
21033 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
21034 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
21035 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
21036 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
21037
21038 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
21039 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
21040 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
21041 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
21042
21043 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
21044 All threads will be interrupted if the @samp{--all} option is
21045 specified. If the @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, all
21046 threads in that group will be interrupted.
21047
21048 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21049
21050 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
21051
21052 @subsubheading Example
21053
21054 @smallexample
21055 (gdb)
21056 111-exec-continue
21057 111^running
21058
21059 (gdb)
21060 222-exec-interrupt
21061 222^done
21062 (gdb)
21063 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
21064 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
21065 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
21066 (gdb)
21067
21068 (gdb)
21069 -exec-interrupt
21070 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
21071 (gdb)
21072 @end smallexample
21073
21074
21075 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
21076 @findex -exec-next
21077
21078 @subsubheading Synopsis
21079
21080 @smallexample
21081 -exec-next
21082 @end smallexample
21083
21084 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
21085 of the next source line is reached.
21086
21087 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21088
21089 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
21090
21091 @subsubheading Example
21092
21093 @smallexample
21094 -exec-next
21095 ^running
21096 (gdb)
21097 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
21098 (gdb)
21099 @end smallexample
21100
21101
21102 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
21103 @findex -exec-next-instruction
21104
21105 @subsubheading Synopsis
21106
21107 @smallexample
21108 -exec-next-instruction
21109 @end smallexample
21110
21111 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
21112 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
21113 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
21114 printed as well.
21115
21116 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21117
21118 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
21119
21120 @subsubheading Example
21121
21122 @smallexample
21123 (gdb)
21124 -exec-next-instruction
21125 ^running
21126
21127 (gdb)
21128 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
21129 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
21130 (gdb)
21131 @end smallexample
21132
21133
21134 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
21135 @findex -exec-return
21136
21137 @subsubheading Synopsis
21138
21139 @smallexample
21140 -exec-return
21141 @end smallexample
21142
21143 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
21144 Displays the new current frame.
21145
21146 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21147
21148 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
21149
21150 @subsubheading Example
21151
21152 @smallexample
21153 (gdb)
21154 200-break-insert callee4
21155 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
21156 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
21157 (gdb)
21158 000-exec-run
21159 000^running
21160 (gdb)
21161 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
21162 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
21163 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21164 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
21165 (gdb)
21166 205-break-delete
21167 205^done
21168 (gdb)
21169 111-exec-return
21170 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
21171 args=[@{name="strarg",
21172 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
21173 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21174 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
21175 (gdb)
21176 @end smallexample
21177
21178
21179 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
21180 @findex -exec-run
21181
21182 @subsubheading Synopsis
21183
21184 @smallexample
21185 -exec-run
21186 @end smallexample
21187
21188 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
21189 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
21190 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
21191 the program has exited exceptionally.
21192
21193 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21194
21195 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
21196
21197 @subsubheading Examples
21198
21199 @smallexample
21200 (gdb)
21201 -break-insert main
21202 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
21203 (gdb)
21204 -exec-run
21205 ^running
21206 (gdb)
21207 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
21208 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
21209 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
21210 (gdb)
21211 @end smallexample
21212
21213 @noindent
21214 Program exited normally:
21215
21216 @smallexample
21217 (gdb)
21218 -exec-run
21219 ^running
21220 (gdb)
21221 x = 55
21222 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
21223 (gdb)
21224 @end smallexample
21225
21226 @noindent
21227 Program exited exceptionally:
21228
21229 @smallexample
21230 (gdb)
21231 -exec-run
21232 ^running
21233 (gdb)
21234 x = 55
21235 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
21236 (gdb)
21237 @end smallexample
21238
21239 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
21240 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
21241
21242 @smallexample
21243 (gdb)
21244 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
21245 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
21246 @end smallexample
21247
21248
21249 @c @subheading -exec-signal
21250
21251
21252 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
21253 @findex -exec-step
21254
21255 @subsubheading Synopsis
21256
21257 @smallexample
21258 -exec-step
21259 @end smallexample
21260
21261 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
21262 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
21263 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
21264 function.
21265
21266 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21267
21268 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
21269
21270 @subsubheading Example
21271
21272 Stepping into a function:
21273
21274 @smallexample
21275 -exec-step
21276 ^running
21277 (gdb)
21278 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
21279 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
21280 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
21281 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
21282 (gdb)
21283 @end smallexample
21284
21285 Regular stepping:
21286
21287 @smallexample
21288 -exec-step
21289 ^running
21290 (gdb)
21291 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
21292 (gdb)
21293 @end smallexample
21294
21295
21296 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
21297 @findex -exec-step-instruction
21298
21299 @subsubheading Synopsis
21300
21301 @smallexample
21302 -exec-step-instruction
21303 @end smallexample
21304
21305 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. The
21306 output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on whether
21307 we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the former
21308 case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed as
21309 well.
21310
21311 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21312
21313 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
21314
21315 @subsubheading Example
21316
21317 @smallexample
21318 (gdb)
21319 -exec-step-instruction
21320 ^running
21321
21322 (gdb)
21323 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
21324 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
21325 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
21326 (gdb)
21327 -exec-step-instruction
21328 ^running
21329
21330 (gdb)
21331 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
21332 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
21333 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
21334 (gdb)
21335 @end smallexample
21336
21337
21338 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
21339 @findex -exec-until
21340
21341 @subsubheading Synopsis
21342
21343 @smallexample
21344 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
21345 @end smallexample
21346
21347 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
21348 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
21349 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
21350 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
21351
21352 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21353
21354 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
21355
21356 @subsubheading Example
21357
21358 @smallexample
21359 (gdb)
21360 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
21361 ^running
21362 (gdb)
21363 x = 55
21364 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
21365 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
21366 (gdb)
21367 @end smallexample
21368
21369 @ignore
21370 @subheading -file-clear
21371 Is this going away????
21372 @end ignore
21373
21374 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21375 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
21376 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
21377
21378
21379 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
21380 @findex -stack-info-frame
21381
21382 @subsubheading Synopsis
21383
21384 @smallexample
21385 -stack-info-frame
21386 @end smallexample
21387
21388 Get info on the selected frame.
21389
21390 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21391
21392 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
21393 (without arguments).
21394
21395 @subsubheading Example
21396
21397 @smallexample
21398 (gdb)
21399 -stack-info-frame
21400 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
21401 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21402 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
21403 (gdb)
21404 @end smallexample
21405
21406 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
21407 @findex -stack-info-depth
21408
21409 @subsubheading Synopsis
21410
21411 @smallexample
21412 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
21413 @end smallexample
21414
21415 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
21416 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
21417
21418 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21419
21420 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
21421
21422 @subsubheading Example
21423
21424 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
21425
21426 @smallexample
21427 (gdb)
21428 -stack-info-depth
21429 ^done,depth="12"
21430 (gdb)
21431 -stack-info-depth 4
21432 ^done,depth="4"
21433 (gdb)
21434 -stack-info-depth 12
21435 ^done,depth="12"
21436 (gdb)
21437 -stack-info-depth 11
21438 ^done,depth="11"
21439 (gdb)
21440 -stack-info-depth 13
21441 ^done,depth="12"
21442 (gdb)
21443 @end smallexample
21444
21445 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
21446 @findex -stack-list-arguments
21447
21448 @subsubheading Synopsis
21449
21450 @smallexample
21451 -stack-list-arguments @var{show-values}
21452 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
21453 @end smallexample
21454
21455 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
21456 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
21457 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
21458 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
21459 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
21460 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
21461 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
21462 which case only existing frames will be returned.
21463
21464 The @var{show-values} argument must have a value of 0 or 1. A value of
21465 0 means that only the names of the arguments are listed, a value of 1
21466 means that both names and values of the arguments are printed.
21467
21468 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21469
21470 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
21471 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
21472 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
21473
21474 @subsubheading Example
21475
21476 @smallexample
21477 (gdb)
21478 -stack-list-frames
21479 ^done,
21480 stack=[
21481 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
21482 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21483 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
21484 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
21485 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21486 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
21487 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
21488 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21489 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
21490 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
21491 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21492 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
21493 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
21494 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21495 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
21496 (gdb)
21497 -stack-list-arguments 0
21498 ^done,
21499 stack-args=[
21500 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
21501 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
21502 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
21503 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
21504 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
21505 (gdb)
21506 -stack-list-arguments 1
21507 ^done,
21508 stack-args=[
21509 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
21510 frame=@{level="1",
21511 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
21512 frame=@{level="2",args=[
21513 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
21514 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
21515 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
21516 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
21517 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
21518 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
21519 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
21520 (gdb)
21521 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
21522 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
21523 (gdb)
21524 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
21525 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
21526 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
21527 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
21528 (gdb)
21529 @end smallexample
21530
21531 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
21532
21533
21534 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
21535 @findex -stack-list-frames
21536
21537 @subsubheading Synopsis
21538
21539 @smallexample
21540 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
21541 @end smallexample
21542
21543 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
21544 following info:
21545
21546 @table @samp
21547 @item @var{level}
21548 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
21549 @item @var{addr}
21550 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
21551 @item @var{func}
21552 Function name.
21553 @item @var{file}
21554 File name of the source file where the function lives.
21555 @item @var{line}
21556 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
21557 @end table
21558
21559 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
21560 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
21561 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
21562 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
21563 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
21564 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
21565 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
21566
21567 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21568
21569 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
21570
21571 @subsubheading Example
21572
21573 Full stack backtrace:
21574
21575 @smallexample
21576 (gdb)
21577 -stack-list-frames
21578 ^done,stack=
21579 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
21580 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
21581 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21582 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21583 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21584 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21585 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21586 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21587 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21588 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21589 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21590 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21591 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21592 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21593 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21594 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21595 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21596 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21597 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21598 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21599 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21600 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21601 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
21602 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
21603 (gdb)
21604 @end smallexample
21605
21606 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
21607
21608 @smallexample
21609 (gdb)
21610 -stack-list-frames 3 5
21611 ^done,stack=
21612 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21613 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21614 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21615 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21616 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21617 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
21618 (gdb)
21619 @end smallexample
21620
21621 Show a single frame:
21622
21623 @smallexample
21624 (gdb)
21625 -stack-list-frames 3 3
21626 ^done,stack=
21627 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21628 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
21629 (gdb)
21630 @end smallexample
21631
21632
21633 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
21634 @findex -stack-list-locals
21635
21636 @subsubheading Synopsis
21637
21638 @smallexample
21639 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
21640 @end smallexample
21641
21642 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
21643 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
21644 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
21645 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
21646 type and value for simple data types and the name and type for arrays,
21647 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
21648 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
21649 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
21650 more detail.
21651
21652 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21653
21654 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
21655
21656 @subsubheading Example
21657
21658 @smallexample
21659 (gdb)
21660 -stack-list-locals 0
21661 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
21662 (gdb)
21663 -stack-list-locals --all-values
21664 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
21665 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
21666 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
21667 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
21668 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
21669 (gdb)
21670 @end smallexample
21671
21672
21673 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
21674 @findex -stack-select-frame
21675
21676 @subsubheading Synopsis
21677
21678 @smallexample
21679 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
21680 @end smallexample
21681
21682 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
21683 the stack.
21684
21685 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
21686 option to every command.
21687
21688 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21689
21690 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
21691 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
21692
21693 @subsubheading Example
21694
21695 @smallexample
21696 (gdb)
21697 -stack-select-frame 2
21698 ^done
21699 (gdb)
21700 @end smallexample
21701
21702 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21703 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
21704 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
21705
21706 @ignore
21707
21708 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
21709
21710 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
21711 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
21712 used by @code{Insight}.
21713
21714 The two main reasons for that are:
21715
21716 @enumerate 1
21717 @item
21718 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
21719
21720 @item
21721 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
21722 now).
21723 @end enumerate
21724
21725 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
21726 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
21727 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
21728 hints about their use.
21729
21730 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
21731 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
21732 least, the following operations:
21733
21734 @itemize @bullet
21735 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
21736 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
21737 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
21738 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
21739 @end itemize
21740
21741 @end ignore
21742
21743 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
21744
21745 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
21746
21747 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
21748 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
21749 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
21750 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
21751 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
21752 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
21753 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
21754 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
21755 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
21756 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
21757 object, or to change display format.
21758
21759 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
21760 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
21761 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
21762 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
21763 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
21764 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
21765 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
21766 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
21767 child will be created.
21768
21769 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
21770 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
21771 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
21772 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
21773 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
21774
21775 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
21776 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
21777 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
21778 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
21779 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
21780 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
21781 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
21782 variables that frontend has created.
21783
21784 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
21785 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
21786 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
21787 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
21788 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
21789 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
21790 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
21791 implicitly updated.
21792
21793 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
21794 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
21795 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
21796 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
21797 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
21798 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
21799 frame. Consider this example:
21800
21801 @smallexample
21802 void do_work(...)
21803 @{
21804 struct work_state state;
21805
21806 if (...)
21807 do_work(...);
21808 @}
21809 @end smallexample
21810
21811 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
21812 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the the variable
21813 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
21814 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
21815 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
21816
21817 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
21818 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
21819 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
21820 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
21821 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
21822 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
21823
21824 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
21825 access this functionality:
21826
21827 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
21828 @item @strong{Operation}
21829 @tab @strong{Description}
21830
21831 @item @code{-var-create}
21832 @tab create a variable object
21833 @item @code{-var-delete}
21834 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
21835 @item @code{-var-set-format}
21836 @tab set the display format of this variable
21837 @item @code{-var-show-format}
21838 @tab show the display format of this variable
21839 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
21840 @tab tells how many children this object has
21841 @item @code{-var-list-children}
21842 @tab return a list of the object's children
21843 @item @code{-var-info-type}
21844 @tab show the type of this variable object
21845 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
21846 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
21847 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
21848 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
21849 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
21850 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
21851 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
21852 @tab get the value of this variable
21853 @item @code{-var-assign}
21854 @tab set the value of this variable
21855 @item @code{-var-update}
21856 @tab update the variable and its children
21857 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
21858 @tab set frozeness attribute
21859 @end multitable
21860
21861 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
21862 how it can be used.
21863
21864 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
21865
21866 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
21867 @findex -var-create
21868
21869 @subsubheading Synopsis
21870
21871 @smallexample
21872 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
21873 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
21874 @end smallexample
21875
21876 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
21877 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
21878 register.
21879
21880 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
21881 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
21882 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
21883 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
21884 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
21885
21886 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
21887 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
21888 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
21889 object must be created.
21890
21891 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
21892 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
21893
21894 @itemize @bullet
21895 @item
21896 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
21897
21898 @item
21899 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
21900
21901 @item
21902 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
21903 @end itemize
21904
21905 @subsubheading Result
21906
21907 This operation returns the name, number of children and the type of the
21908 object created. Type is returned as a string as the ones generated by
21909 the @value{GDBN} CLI. If a fixed variable object is bound to a
21910 specific thread, the thread is is also printed:
21911
21912 @smallexample
21913 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}"
21914 @end smallexample
21915
21916
21917 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
21918 @findex -var-delete
21919
21920 @subsubheading Synopsis
21921
21922 @smallexample
21923 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
21924 @end smallexample
21925
21926 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
21927 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
21928
21929 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
21930
21931
21932 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
21933 @findex -var-set-format
21934
21935 @subsubheading Synopsis
21936
21937 @smallexample
21938 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
21939 @end smallexample
21940
21941 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
21942 @var{format-spec}.
21943
21944 @anchor{-var-set-format}
21945 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
21946
21947 @smallexample
21948 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
21949 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
21950 @end smallexample
21951
21952 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
21953 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
21954 for pointers, etc.).
21955
21956 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
21957 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
21958
21959 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
21960 @findex -var-show-format
21961
21962 @subsubheading Synopsis
21963
21964 @smallexample
21965 -var-show-format @var{name}
21966 @end smallexample
21967
21968 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
21969
21970 @smallexample
21971 @var{format} @expansion{}
21972 @var{format-spec}
21973 @end smallexample
21974
21975
21976 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
21977 @findex -var-info-num-children
21978
21979 @subsubheading Synopsis
21980
21981 @smallexample
21982 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
21983 @end smallexample
21984
21985 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
21986
21987 @smallexample
21988 numchild=@var{n}
21989 @end smallexample
21990
21991
21992 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
21993 @findex -var-list-children
21994
21995 @subsubheading Synopsis
21996
21997 @smallexample
21998 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name}
21999 @end smallexample
22000 @anchor{-var-list-children}
22001
22002 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
22003 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
22004 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value for of 0 or
22005 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
22006 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
22007 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
22008 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
22009 and unions.
22010
22011 @subsubheading Example
22012
22013 @smallexample
22014 (gdb)
22015 -var-list-children n
22016 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[@{name=@var{name},
22017 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
22018 (gdb)
22019 -var-list-children --all-values n
22020 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[@{name=@var{name},
22021 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
22022 @end smallexample
22023
22024
22025 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
22026 @findex -var-info-type
22027
22028 @subsubheading Synopsis
22029
22030 @smallexample
22031 -var-info-type @var{name}
22032 @end smallexample
22033
22034 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
22035 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
22036 @value{GDBN} CLI:
22037
22038 @smallexample
22039 type=@var{typename}
22040 @end smallexample
22041
22042
22043 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
22044 @findex -var-info-expression
22045
22046 @subsubheading Synopsis
22047
22048 @smallexample
22049 -var-info-expression @var{name}
22050 @end smallexample
22051
22052 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
22053 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
22054 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
22055
22056 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
22057 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
22058
22059 @smallexample
22060 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
22061 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
22062 @end smallexample
22063
22064 @noindent
22065 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
22066
22067 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
22068 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
22069 is of limited use.
22070
22071 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
22072 @findex -var-info-path-expression
22073
22074 @subsubheading Synopsis
22075
22076 @smallexample
22077 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
22078 @end smallexample
22079
22080 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
22081 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
22082 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
22083 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
22084 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
22085 watchpoint from a variable object.
22086
22087 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
22088 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
22089 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
22090 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
22091 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
22092 @smallexample
22093 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
22094 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
22095 @end smallexample
22096
22097 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
22098 @findex -var-show-attributes
22099
22100 @subsubheading Synopsis
22101
22102 @smallexample
22103 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
22104 @end smallexample
22105
22106 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
22107
22108 @smallexample
22109 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
22110 @end smallexample
22111
22112 @noindent
22113 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
22114
22115 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
22116 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
22117
22118 @subsubheading Synopsis
22119
22120 @smallexample
22121 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
22122 @end smallexample
22123
22124 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
22125 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
22126 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
22127 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
22128 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
22129 the current display format will be used. The current display format
22130 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
22131
22132 @smallexample
22133 value=@var{value}
22134 @end smallexample
22135
22136 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
22137 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
22138
22139 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
22140 @findex -var-assign
22141
22142 @subsubheading Synopsis
22143
22144 @smallexample
22145 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
22146 @end smallexample
22147
22148 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
22149 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
22150 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
22151 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
22152
22153 @subsubheading Example
22154
22155 @smallexample
22156 (gdb)
22157 -var-assign var1 3
22158 ^done,value="3"
22159 (gdb)
22160 -var-update *
22161 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
22162 (gdb)
22163 @end smallexample
22164
22165 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
22166 @findex -var-update
22167
22168 @subsubheading Synopsis
22169
22170 @smallexample
22171 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
22172 @end smallexample
22173
22174 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
22175 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
22176 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
22177 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
22178 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
22179 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
22180 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
22181 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
22182 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
22183 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
22184 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
22185 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
22186 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
22187
22188 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
22189 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
22190 diagnostic.
22191
22192 @subsubheading Example
22193
22194 @smallexample
22195 (gdb)
22196 -var-assign var1 3
22197 ^done,value="3"
22198 (gdb)
22199 -var-update --all-values var1
22200 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
22201 type_changed="false"@}]
22202 (gdb)
22203 @end smallexample
22204
22205 @anchor{-var-update}
22206 The field in_scope may take three values:
22207
22208 @table @code
22209 @item "true"
22210 The variable object's current value is valid.
22211
22212 @item "false"
22213 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
22214 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
22215 scope.
22216
22217 @item "invalid"
22218 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
22219 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
22220 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
22221 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
22222 objects.
22223 @end table
22224
22225 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
22226 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
22227
22228 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
22229 @findex -var-set-frozen
22230 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
22231
22232 @subsubheading Synopsis
22233
22234 @smallexample
22235 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
22236 @end smallexample
22237
22238 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
22239 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
22240 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
22241 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
22242 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
22243 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
22244 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
22245 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
22246 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
22247 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
22248 @code{-var-update} does.
22249
22250 @subsubheading Example
22251
22252 @smallexample
22253 (gdb)
22254 -var-set-frozen V 1
22255 ^done
22256 (gdb)
22257 @end smallexample
22258
22259
22260 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22261 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
22262 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
22263
22264 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
22265 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
22266 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
22267 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
22268
22269 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
22270 @c @subheading -data-assign
22271 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
22272 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
22273 @c set variable
22274 @c @subsubheading Example
22275 @c N.A.
22276
22277 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
22278 @findex -data-disassemble
22279
22280 @subsubheading Synopsis
22281
22282 @smallexample
22283 -data-disassemble
22284 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
22285 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
22286 -- @var{mode}
22287 @end smallexample
22288
22289 @noindent
22290 Where:
22291
22292 @table @samp
22293 @item @var{start-addr}
22294 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
22295 @item @var{end-addr}
22296 is the end address
22297 @item @var{filename}
22298 is the name of the file to disassemble
22299 @item @var{linenum}
22300 is the line number to disassemble around
22301 @item @var{lines}
22302 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
22303 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
22304 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
22305 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
22306 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
22307 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
22308 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
22309 are displayed.
22310 @item @var{mode}
22311 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly) or 1 (meaning mixed source and
22312 disassembly).
22313 @end table
22314
22315 @subsubheading Result
22316
22317 The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
22318
22319 @itemize @bullet
22320 @item Address
22321 @item Func-name
22322 @item Offset
22323 @item Instruction
22324 @end itemize
22325
22326 Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
22327 directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
22328
22329 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22330
22331 There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
22332
22333 @subsubheading Example
22334
22335 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
22336
22337 @smallexample
22338 (gdb)
22339 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
22340 ^done,
22341 asm_insns=[
22342 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
22343 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
22344 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
22345 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
22346 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
22347 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
22348 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
22349 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
22350 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
22351 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
22352 (gdb)
22353 @end smallexample
22354
22355 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
22356 @code{main}.
22357
22358 @smallexample
22359 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
22360 ^done,asm_insns=[
22361 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
22362 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
22363 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
22364 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
22365 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
22366 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
22367 [@dots{}]
22368 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
22369 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
22370 (gdb)
22371 @end smallexample
22372
22373 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
22374
22375 @smallexample
22376 (gdb)
22377 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
22378 ^done,asm_insns=[
22379 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
22380 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
22381 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
22382 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
22383 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
22384 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
22385 (gdb)
22386 @end smallexample
22387
22388 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
22389
22390 @smallexample
22391 (gdb)
22392 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
22393 ^done,asm_insns=[
22394 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
22395 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
22396 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
22397 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
22398 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
22399 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
22400 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
22401 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
22402 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
22403 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
22404 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
22405 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
22406 (gdb)
22407 @end smallexample
22408
22409
22410 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
22411 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
22412
22413 @subsubheading Synopsis
22414
22415 @smallexample
22416 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
22417 @end smallexample
22418
22419 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
22420 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
22421 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
22422
22423 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22424
22425 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
22426 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
22427 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
22428
22429 @subsubheading Example
22430
22431 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
22432 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
22433 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
22434 output.
22435
22436 @smallexample
22437 211-data-evaluate-expression A
22438 211^done,value="1"
22439 (gdb)
22440 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
22441 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
22442 (gdb)
22443 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
22444 411^done,value="4"
22445 (gdb)
22446 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
22447 511^done,value="4"
22448 (gdb)
22449 @end smallexample
22450
22451
22452 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
22453 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
22454
22455 @subsubheading Synopsis
22456
22457 @smallexample
22458 -data-list-changed-registers
22459 @end smallexample
22460
22461 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
22462
22463 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22464
22465 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
22466 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
22467
22468 @subsubheading Example
22469
22470 On a PPC MBX board:
22471
22472 @smallexample
22473 (gdb)
22474 -exec-continue
22475 ^running
22476
22477 (gdb)
22478 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
22479 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
22480 line="5"@}
22481 (gdb)
22482 -data-list-changed-registers
22483 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
22484 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
22485 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
22486 (gdb)
22487 @end smallexample
22488
22489
22490 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
22491 @findex -data-list-register-names
22492
22493 @subsubheading Synopsis
22494
22495 @smallexample
22496 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
22497 @end smallexample
22498
22499 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
22500 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
22501 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
22502 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
22503 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
22504 include empty register names.
22505
22506 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22507
22508 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
22509 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
22510 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
22511
22512 @subsubheading Example
22513
22514 For the PPC MBX board:
22515 @smallexample
22516 (gdb)
22517 -data-list-register-names
22518 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
22519 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
22520 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
22521 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
22522 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
22523 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
22524 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
22525 (gdb)
22526 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
22527 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
22528 (gdb)
22529 @end smallexample
22530
22531 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
22532 @findex -data-list-register-values
22533
22534 @subsubheading Synopsis
22535
22536 @smallexample
22537 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
22538 @end smallexample
22539
22540 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
22541 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
22542 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
22543 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
22544
22545 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
22546
22547 @table @code
22548 @item x
22549 Hexadecimal
22550 @item o
22551 Octal
22552 @item t
22553 Binary
22554 @item d
22555 Decimal
22556 @item r
22557 Raw
22558 @item N
22559 Natural
22560 @end table
22561
22562 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22563
22564 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
22565 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
22566
22567 @subsubheading Example
22568
22569 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
22570 don't appear in the actual output):
22571
22572 @smallexample
22573 (gdb)
22574 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
22575 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
22576 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
22577 (gdb)
22578 -data-list-register-values x
22579 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
22580 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
22581 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
22582 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
22583 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
22584 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
22585 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
22586 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
22587 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
22588 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
22589 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
22590 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
22591 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
22592 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
22593 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
22594 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
22595 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
22596 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
22597 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
22598 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
22599 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
22600 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
22601 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
22602 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
22603 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
22604 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
22605 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
22606 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
22607 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
22608 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
22609 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
22610 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
22611 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
22612 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
22613 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
22614 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
22615 (gdb)
22616 @end smallexample
22617
22618
22619 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
22620 @findex -data-read-memory
22621
22622 @subsubheading Synopsis
22623
22624 @smallexample
22625 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
22626 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
22627 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
22628 @end smallexample
22629
22630 @noindent
22631 where:
22632
22633 @table @samp
22634 @item @var{address}
22635 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
22636 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
22637 quoted using the C convention.
22638
22639 @item @var{word-format}
22640 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
22641 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
22642 ,Output Formats}).
22643
22644 @item @var{word-size}
22645 The size of each memory word in bytes.
22646
22647 @item @var{nr-rows}
22648 The number of rows in the output table.
22649
22650 @item @var{nr-cols}
22651 The number of columns in the output table.
22652
22653 @item @var{aschar}
22654 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
22655 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
22656 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
22657 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
22658
22659 @item @var{byte-offset}
22660 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
22661 @end table
22662
22663 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
22664 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
22665 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
22666 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
22667 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
22668 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
22669 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
22670 @samp{addr}.
22671
22672 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
22673 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
22674 @samp{prev-page}.
22675
22676 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22677
22678 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
22679 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
22680
22681 @subsubheading Example
22682
22683 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
22684 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
22685 word. Display each word in hex.
22686
22687 @smallexample
22688 (gdb)
22689 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
22690 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
22691 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
22692 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
22693 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
22694 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
22695 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
22696 (gdb)
22697 @end smallexample
22698
22699 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
22700 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
22701
22702 @smallexample
22703 (gdb)
22704 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
22705 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
22706 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
22707 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
22708 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
22709 (gdb)
22710 @end smallexample
22711
22712 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
22713 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
22714 used as the non-printable character.
22715
22716 @smallexample
22717 (gdb)
22718 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
22719 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
22720 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
22721 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
22722 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
22723 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
22724 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
22725 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
22726 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
22727 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
22728 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
22729 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
22730 (gdb)
22731 @end smallexample
22732
22733 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22734 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
22735 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
22736
22737 The tracepoint commands are not yet implemented.
22738
22739 @c @subheading -trace-actions
22740
22741 @c @subheading -trace-delete
22742
22743 @c @subheading -trace-disable
22744
22745 @c @subheading -trace-dump
22746
22747 @c @subheading -trace-enable
22748
22749 @c @subheading -trace-exists
22750
22751 @c @subheading -trace-find
22752
22753 @c @subheading -trace-frame-number
22754
22755 @c @subheading -trace-info
22756
22757 @c @subheading -trace-insert
22758
22759 @c @subheading -trace-list
22760
22761 @c @subheading -trace-pass-count
22762
22763 @c @subheading -trace-save
22764
22765 @c @subheading -trace-start
22766
22767 @c @subheading -trace-stop
22768
22769
22770 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22771 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
22772 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
22773
22774
22775 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
22776 @findex -symbol-info-address
22777
22778 @subsubheading Synopsis
22779
22780 @smallexample
22781 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
22782 @end smallexample
22783
22784 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
22785
22786 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22787
22788 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
22789
22790 @subsubheading Example
22791 N.A.
22792
22793
22794 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
22795 @findex -symbol-info-file
22796
22797 @subsubheading Synopsis
22798
22799 @smallexample
22800 -symbol-info-file
22801 @end smallexample
22802
22803 Show the file for the symbol.
22804
22805 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22806
22807 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
22808 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
22809
22810 @subsubheading Example
22811 N.A.
22812
22813
22814 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
22815 @findex -symbol-info-function
22816
22817 @subsubheading Synopsis
22818
22819 @smallexample
22820 -symbol-info-function
22821 @end smallexample
22822
22823 Show which function the symbol lives in.
22824
22825 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22826
22827 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
22828
22829 @subsubheading Example
22830 N.A.
22831
22832
22833 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
22834 @findex -symbol-info-line
22835
22836 @subsubheading Synopsis
22837
22838 @smallexample
22839 -symbol-info-line
22840 @end smallexample
22841
22842 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
22843
22844 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22845
22846 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
22847 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
22848
22849 @subsubheading Example
22850 N.A.
22851
22852
22853 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
22854 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
22855
22856 @subsubheading Synopsis
22857
22858 @smallexample
22859 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
22860 @end smallexample
22861
22862 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
22863
22864 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22865
22866 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
22867
22868 @subsubheading Example
22869 N.A.
22870
22871
22872 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
22873 @findex -symbol-list-functions
22874
22875 @subsubheading Synopsis
22876
22877 @smallexample
22878 -symbol-list-functions
22879 @end smallexample
22880
22881 List the functions in the executable.
22882
22883 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22884
22885 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
22886 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
22887
22888 @subsubheading Example
22889 N.A.
22890
22891
22892 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
22893 @findex -symbol-list-lines
22894
22895 @subsubheading Synopsis
22896
22897 @smallexample
22898 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
22899 @end smallexample
22900
22901 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
22902 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
22903 ascending PC order.
22904
22905 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22906
22907 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
22908
22909 @subsubheading Example
22910 @smallexample
22911 (gdb)
22912 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
22913 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
22914 (gdb)
22915 @end smallexample
22916
22917
22918 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
22919 @findex -symbol-list-types
22920
22921 @subsubheading Synopsis
22922
22923 @smallexample
22924 -symbol-list-types
22925 @end smallexample
22926
22927 List all the type names.
22928
22929 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22930
22931 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
22932 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
22933
22934 @subsubheading Example
22935 N.A.
22936
22937
22938 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
22939 @findex -symbol-list-variables
22940
22941 @subsubheading Synopsis
22942
22943 @smallexample
22944 -symbol-list-variables
22945 @end smallexample
22946
22947 List all the global and static variable names.
22948
22949 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22950
22951 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
22952
22953 @subsubheading Example
22954 N.A.
22955
22956
22957 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
22958 @findex -symbol-locate
22959
22960 @subsubheading Synopsis
22961
22962 @smallexample
22963 -symbol-locate
22964 @end smallexample
22965
22966 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22967
22968 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
22969
22970 @subsubheading Example
22971 N.A.
22972
22973
22974 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
22975 @findex -symbol-type
22976
22977 @subsubheading Synopsis
22978
22979 @smallexample
22980 -symbol-type @var{variable}
22981 @end smallexample
22982
22983 Show type of @var{variable}.
22984
22985 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22986
22987 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
22988 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
22989
22990 @subsubheading Example
22991 N.A.
22992
22993
22994 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22995 @node GDB/MI File Commands
22996 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
22997
22998 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
22999 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
23000
23001 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
23002 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
23003
23004 @subsubheading Synopsis
23005
23006 @smallexample
23007 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
23008 @end smallexample
23009
23010 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
23011 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
23012 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
23013 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
23014 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
23015 notification.
23016
23017 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23018
23019 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
23020
23021 @subsubheading Example
23022
23023 @smallexample
23024 (gdb)
23025 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
23026 ^done
23027 (gdb)
23028 @end smallexample
23029
23030
23031 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
23032 @findex -file-exec-file
23033
23034 @subsubheading Synopsis
23035
23036 @smallexample
23037 -file-exec-file @var{file}
23038 @end smallexample
23039
23040 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
23041 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
23042 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
23043 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
23044 notification.
23045
23046 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23047
23048 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
23049
23050 @subsubheading Example
23051
23052 @smallexample
23053 (gdb)
23054 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
23055 ^done
23056 (gdb)
23057 @end smallexample
23058
23059
23060 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
23061 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
23062
23063 @subsubheading Synopsis
23064
23065 @smallexample
23066 -file-list-exec-sections
23067 @end smallexample
23068
23069 List the sections of the current executable file.
23070
23071 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23072
23073 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
23074 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
23075 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
23076
23077 @subsubheading Example
23078 N.A.
23079
23080
23081 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
23082 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
23083
23084 @subsubheading Synopsis
23085
23086 @smallexample
23087 -file-list-exec-source-file
23088 @end smallexample
23089
23090 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
23091 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
23092 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
23093 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
23094
23095 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23096
23097 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
23098
23099 @subsubheading Example
23100
23101 @smallexample
23102 (gdb)
23103 123-file-list-exec-source-file
23104 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
23105 (gdb)
23106 @end smallexample
23107
23108
23109 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
23110 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
23111
23112 @subsubheading Synopsis
23113
23114 @smallexample
23115 -file-list-exec-source-files
23116 @end smallexample
23117
23118 List the source files for the current executable.
23119
23120 It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
23121 the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
23122
23123 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23124
23125 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
23126 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
23127
23128 @subsubheading Example
23129 @smallexample
23130 (gdb)
23131 -file-list-exec-source-files
23132 ^done,files=[
23133 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
23134 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
23135 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
23136 (gdb)
23137 @end smallexample
23138
23139 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
23140 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
23141
23142 @subsubheading Synopsis
23143
23144 @smallexample
23145 -file-list-shared-libraries
23146 @end smallexample
23147
23148 List the shared libraries in the program.
23149
23150 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23151
23152 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
23153
23154 @subsubheading Example
23155 N.A.
23156
23157
23158 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
23159 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
23160
23161 @subsubheading Synopsis
23162
23163 @smallexample
23164 -file-list-symbol-files
23165 @end smallexample
23166
23167 List symbol files.
23168
23169 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23170
23171 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
23172
23173 @subsubheading Example
23174 N.A.
23175
23176
23177 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
23178 @findex -file-symbol-file
23179
23180 @subsubheading Synopsis
23181
23182 @smallexample
23183 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
23184 @end smallexample
23185
23186 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
23187 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
23188 produced, except for a completion notification.
23189
23190 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23191
23192 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
23193
23194 @subsubheading Example
23195
23196 @smallexample
23197 (gdb)
23198 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
23199 ^done
23200 (gdb)
23201 @end smallexample
23202
23203 @ignore
23204 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23205 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
23206 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
23207
23208 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
23209
23210 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
23211
23212 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
23213
23214 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
23215
23216 @c @subheading -overlay-map
23217
23218 @c @subheading -overlay-off
23219
23220 @c @subheading -overlay-on
23221
23222 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
23223
23224 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23225 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
23226 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
23227
23228 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
23229
23230 @c @subheading -signal-handle
23231
23232 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
23233
23234 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
23235 @end ignore
23236
23237
23238 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23239 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
23240 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
23241
23242
23243 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
23244 @findex -target-attach
23245
23246 @subsubheading Synopsis
23247
23248 @smallexample
23249 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
23250 @end smallexample
23251
23252 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
23253 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
23254 group, the id previously returned by
23255 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
23256
23257 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23258
23259 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
23260
23261 @subsubheading Example
23262 @smallexample
23263 (gdb)
23264 -target-attach 34
23265 =thread-created,id="1"
23266 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
23267 ^done
23268 (gdb)
23269 @end smallexample
23270
23271 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
23272 @findex -target-compare-sections
23273
23274 @subsubheading Synopsis
23275
23276 @smallexample
23277 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
23278 @end smallexample
23279
23280 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
23281 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
23282
23283 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23284
23285 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
23286
23287 @subsubheading Example
23288 N.A.
23289
23290
23291 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
23292 @findex -target-detach
23293
23294 @subsubheading Synopsis
23295
23296 @smallexample
23297 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
23298 @end smallexample
23299
23300 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
23301 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
23302 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
23303
23304 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23305
23306 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
23307
23308 @subsubheading Example
23309
23310 @smallexample
23311 (gdb)
23312 -target-detach
23313 ^done
23314 (gdb)
23315 @end smallexample
23316
23317
23318 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
23319 @findex -target-disconnect
23320
23321 @subsubheading Synopsis
23322
23323 @smallexample
23324 -target-disconnect
23325 @end smallexample
23326
23327 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
23328 generally not resumed.
23329
23330 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23331
23332 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
23333
23334 @subsubheading Example
23335
23336 @smallexample
23337 (gdb)
23338 -target-disconnect
23339 ^done
23340 (gdb)
23341 @end smallexample
23342
23343
23344 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
23345 @findex -target-download
23346
23347 @subsubheading Synopsis
23348
23349 @smallexample
23350 -target-download
23351 @end smallexample
23352
23353 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
23354 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
23355
23356 @table @samp
23357 @item section
23358 The name of the section.
23359 @item section-sent
23360 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
23361 @item section-size
23362 The size of the section.
23363 @item total-sent
23364 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
23365 @item total-size
23366 The size of the overall executable to download.
23367 @end table
23368
23369 @noindent
23370 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
23371 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
23372
23373 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
23374 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
23375
23376 @table @samp
23377 @item section
23378 The name of the section.
23379 @item section-size
23380 The size of the section.
23381 @item total-size
23382 The size of the overall executable to download.
23383 @end table
23384
23385 @noindent
23386 At the end, a summary is printed.
23387
23388 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23389
23390 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
23391
23392 @subsubheading Example
23393
23394 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
23395 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
23396
23397 @smallexample
23398 (gdb)
23399 -target-download
23400 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
23401 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
23402 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
23403 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
23404 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
23405 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
23406 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
23407 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
23408 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
23409 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
23410 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
23411 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
23412 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
23413 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
23414 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
23415 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
23416 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
23417 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
23418 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
23419 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
23420 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
23421 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
23422 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
23423 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
23424 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
23425 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
23426 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
23427 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
23428 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
23429 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
23430 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
23431 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
23432 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
23433 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
23434 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
23435 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
23436 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
23437 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
23438 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
23439 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
23440 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
23441 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
23442 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
23443 write-rate="429"
23444 (gdb)
23445 @end smallexample
23446
23447
23448 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
23449 @findex -target-exec-status
23450
23451 @subsubheading Synopsis
23452
23453 @smallexample
23454 -target-exec-status
23455 @end smallexample
23456
23457 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
23458 not, for instance).
23459
23460 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23461
23462 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
23463
23464 @subsubheading Example
23465 N.A.
23466
23467
23468 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
23469 @findex -target-list-available-targets
23470
23471 @subsubheading Synopsis
23472
23473 @smallexample
23474 -target-list-available-targets
23475 @end smallexample
23476
23477 List the possible targets to connect to.
23478
23479 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23480
23481 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
23482
23483 @subsubheading Example
23484 N.A.
23485
23486
23487 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
23488 @findex -target-list-current-targets
23489
23490 @subsubheading Synopsis
23491
23492 @smallexample
23493 -target-list-current-targets
23494 @end smallexample
23495
23496 Describe the current target.
23497
23498 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23499
23500 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
23501 other things).
23502
23503 @subsubheading Example
23504 N.A.
23505
23506
23507 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
23508 @findex -target-list-parameters
23509
23510 @subsubheading Synopsis
23511
23512 @smallexample
23513 -target-list-parameters
23514 @end smallexample
23515
23516 @c ????
23517
23518 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23519
23520 No equivalent.
23521
23522 @subsubheading Example
23523 N.A.
23524
23525
23526 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
23527 @findex -target-select
23528
23529 @subsubheading Synopsis
23530
23531 @smallexample
23532 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
23533 @end smallexample
23534
23535 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
23536
23537 @table @samp
23538 @item @var{type}
23539 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
23540 @item @var{parameters}
23541 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
23542 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
23543 @end table
23544
23545 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
23546 which the target program is, in the following form:
23547
23548 @smallexample
23549 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
23550 args=[@var{arg list}]
23551 @end smallexample
23552
23553 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23554
23555 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
23556
23557 @subsubheading Example
23558
23559 @smallexample
23560 (gdb)
23561 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
23562 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
23563 (gdb)
23564 @end smallexample
23565
23566 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23567 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
23568 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
23569
23570
23571 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
23572 @findex -target-file-put
23573
23574 @subsubheading Synopsis
23575
23576 @smallexample
23577 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
23578 @end smallexample
23579
23580 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
23581 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
23582
23583 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23584
23585 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
23586
23587 @subsubheading Example
23588
23589 @smallexample
23590 (gdb)
23591 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
23592 ^done
23593 (gdb)
23594 @end smallexample
23595
23596
23597 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
23598 @findex -target-file-get
23599
23600 @subsubheading Synopsis
23601
23602 @smallexample
23603 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
23604 @end smallexample
23605
23606 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
23607 on the host system.
23608
23609 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23610
23611 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
23612
23613 @subsubheading Example
23614
23615 @smallexample
23616 (gdb)
23617 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
23618 ^done
23619 (gdb)
23620 @end smallexample
23621
23622
23623 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
23624 @findex -target-file-delete
23625
23626 @subsubheading Synopsis
23627
23628 @smallexample
23629 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
23630 @end smallexample
23631
23632 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
23633
23634 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23635
23636 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
23637
23638 @subsubheading Example
23639
23640 @smallexample
23641 (gdb)
23642 -target-file-delete remotefile
23643 ^done
23644 (gdb)
23645 @end smallexample
23646
23647
23648 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23649 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
23650 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
23651
23652 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
23653
23654 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
23655 @findex -gdb-exit
23656
23657 @subsubheading Synopsis
23658
23659 @smallexample
23660 -gdb-exit
23661 @end smallexample
23662
23663 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
23664
23665 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23666
23667 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
23668
23669 @subsubheading Example
23670
23671 @smallexample
23672 (gdb)
23673 -gdb-exit
23674 ^exit
23675 @end smallexample
23676
23677
23678 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
23679 @findex -exec-abort
23680
23681 @subsubheading Synopsis
23682
23683 @smallexample
23684 -exec-abort
23685 @end smallexample
23686
23687 Kill the inferior running program.
23688
23689 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23690
23691 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
23692
23693 @subsubheading Example
23694 N.A.
23695
23696
23697 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
23698 @findex -gdb-set
23699
23700 @subsubheading Synopsis
23701
23702 @smallexample
23703 -gdb-set
23704 @end smallexample
23705
23706 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
23707 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
23708
23709 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23710
23711 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
23712
23713 @subsubheading Example
23714
23715 @smallexample
23716 (gdb)
23717 -gdb-set $foo=3
23718 ^done
23719 (gdb)
23720 @end smallexample
23721
23722
23723 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
23724 @findex -gdb-show
23725
23726 @subsubheading Synopsis
23727
23728 @smallexample
23729 -gdb-show
23730 @end smallexample
23731
23732 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
23733
23734 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23735
23736 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
23737
23738 @subsubheading Example
23739
23740 @smallexample
23741 (gdb)
23742 -gdb-show annotate
23743 ^done,value="0"
23744 (gdb)
23745 @end smallexample
23746
23747 @c @subheading -gdb-source
23748
23749
23750 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
23751 @findex -gdb-version
23752
23753 @subsubheading Synopsis
23754
23755 @smallexample
23756 -gdb-version
23757 @end smallexample
23758
23759 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
23760
23761 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23762
23763 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
23764 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
23765
23766 @subsubheading Example
23767
23768 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
23769 @c box in TeX.
23770 @smallexample
23771 (gdb)
23772 -gdb-version
23773 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
23774 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
23775 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
23776 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
23777 ~ certain conditions.
23778 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
23779 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
23780 ~ details.
23781 ~This GDB was configured as
23782 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
23783 ^done
23784 (gdb)
23785 @end smallexample
23786
23787 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
23788 @findex -list-features
23789
23790 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
23791 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
23792 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
23793 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
23794 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
23795 startup.
23796
23797 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
23798 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
23799 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
23800 is given below.
23801
23802 Example output:
23803
23804 @smallexample
23805 (gdb) -list-features
23806 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
23807 @end smallexample
23808
23809 The current list of features is:
23810
23811 @table @samp
23812 @item frozen-varobjs
23813 Indicates presence of the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
23814 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
23815 of @code{-varobj-create}.
23816 @item pending-breakpoints
23817 Indicates presence of the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert} command.
23818 @item thread-info
23819 Indicates presence of the @code{-thread-info} command.
23820
23821 @end table
23822
23823 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
23824 @findex -list-target-features
23825
23826 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
23827 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
23828 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
23829 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
23830 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
23831 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
23832 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
23833 Example output:
23834
23835 @smallexample
23836 (gdb) -list-features
23837 ^done,result=["async"]
23838 @end smallexample
23839
23840 The current list of features is:
23841
23842 @table @samp
23843 @item async
23844 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
23845 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
23846 while the target is running.
23847
23848 @end table
23849
23850 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
23851 @findex -list-thread-groups
23852
23853 @subheading Synopsis
23854
23855 @smallexample
23856 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ @var{group} ]
23857 @end smallexample
23858
23859 When used without the @var{group} parameter, lists top-level thread
23860 groups that are being debugged. When used with the @var{group}
23861 parameter, the children of the specified group are listed. The
23862 children can be either threads, or other groups. At present,
23863 @value{GDBN} will not report both threads and groups as children at
23864 the same time, but it may change in future.
23865
23866 With the @samp{--available} option, instead of reporting groups that
23867 are been debugged, GDB will report all thread groups available on the
23868 target. Using the @samp{--available} option together with @var{group}
23869 is not allowed.
23870
23871 @subheading Example
23872
23873 @smallexample
23874 @value{GDBP}
23875 -list-thread-groups
23876 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
23877 -list-thread-groups 17
23878 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
23879 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
23880 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
23881 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
23882 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
23883 @end smallexample
23884
23885 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
23886 @findex -interpreter-exec
23887
23888 @subheading Synopsis
23889
23890 @smallexample
23891 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
23892 @end smallexample
23893 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
23894
23895 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
23896
23897 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
23898
23899 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
23900
23901 @subheading Example
23902
23903 @smallexample
23904 (gdb)
23905 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
23906 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
23907 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
23908 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
23909 ^done
23910 (gdb)
23911 @end smallexample
23912
23913 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
23914 @findex -inferior-tty-set
23915
23916 @subheading Synopsis
23917
23918 @smallexample
23919 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
23920 @end smallexample
23921
23922 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
23923
23924 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
23925
23926 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
23927
23928 @subheading Example
23929
23930 @smallexample
23931 (gdb)
23932 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
23933 ^done
23934 (gdb)
23935 @end smallexample
23936
23937 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
23938 @findex -inferior-tty-show
23939
23940 @subheading Synopsis
23941
23942 @smallexample
23943 -inferior-tty-show
23944 @end smallexample
23945
23946 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
23947
23948 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
23949
23950 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
23951
23952 @subheading Example
23953
23954 @smallexample
23955 (gdb)
23956 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
23957 ^done
23958 (gdb)
23959 -inferior-tty-show
23960 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
23961 (gdb)
23962 @end smallexample
23963
23964 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
23965 @findex -enable-timings
23966
23967 @subheading Synopsis
23968
23969 @smallexample
23970 -enable-timings [yes | no]
23971 @end smallexample
23972
23973 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
23974 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
23975 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
23976 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
23977
23978 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
23979
23980 No equivalent.
23981
23982 @subheading Example
23983
23984 @smallexample
23985 (gdb)
23986 -enable-timings
23987 ^done
23988 (gdb)
23989 -break-insert main
23990 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
23991 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
23992 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
23993 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
23994 (gdb)
23995 -enable-timings no
23996 ^done
23997 (gdb)
23998 -exec-run
23999 ^running
24000 (gdb)
24001 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
24002 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
24003 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
24004 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
24005 (gdb)
24006 @end smallexample
24007
24008 @node Annotations
24009 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
24010
24011 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
24012 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
24013 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
24014 relatively high level.
24015
24016 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
24017 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
24018
24019 @ignore
24020 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
24021 @end ignore
24022
24023 @menu
24024 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
24025 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
24026 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
24027 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
24028 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
24029 * Annotations for Running::
24030 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
24031 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
24032 @end menu
24033
24034 @node Annotations Overview
24035 @section What is an Annotation?
24036 @cindex annotations
24037
24038 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
24039 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
24040 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
24041 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
24042 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
24043 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
24044 cannot contain newline characters.
24045
24046 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
24047 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
24048 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
24049 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
24050 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
24051 means those three characters as output.
24052
24053 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
24054 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
24055 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
24056 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
24057 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
24058 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
24059 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
24060 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
24061 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
24062
24063 @table @code
24064 @kindex set annotate
24065 @item set annotate @var{level}
24066 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
24067 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
24068
24069 @item show annotate
24070 @kindex show annotate
24071 Show the current annotation level.
24072 @end table
24073
24074 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
24075
24076 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
24077
24078 @smallexample
24079 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
24080 GNU gdb 6.0
24081 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
24082 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
24083 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
24084 under certain conditions.
24085 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
24086 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
24087 for details.
24088 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
24089
24090 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
24091 (@value{GDBP})
24092 ^Z^Zprompt
24093 @kbd{quit}
24094
24095 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
24096 $
24097 @end smallexample
24098
24099 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
24100 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
24101 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
24102 output from @value{GDBN}.
24103
24104 @node Server Prefix
24105 @section The Server Prefix
24106 @cindex server prefix
24107
24108 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
24109 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
24110 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
24111 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
24112 a transparent manner.
24113
24114 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
24115 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
24116 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
24117
24118 @node Prompting
24119 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
24120
24121 @cindex annotations for prompts
24122 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
24123 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
24124 over, etc.
24125
24126 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
24127 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
24128 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
24129 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
24130 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
24131 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
24132 features the following annotations:
24133
24134 @smallexample
24135 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
24136 ^Z^Zprompt
24137 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
24138 @end smallexample
24139
24140 The input types are
24141
24142 @table @code
24143 @findex pre-prompt annotation
24144 @findex prompt annotation
24145 @findex post-prompt annotation
24146 @item prompt
24147 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
24148
24149 @findex pre-commands annotation
24150 @findex commands annotation
24151 @findex post-commands annotation
24152 @item commands
24153 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
24154 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
24155
24156 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
24157 @findex overload-choice annotation
24158 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
24159 @item overload-choice
24160 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
24161
24162 @findex pre-query annotation
24163 @findex query annotation
24164 @findex post-query annotation
24165 @item query
24166 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
24167
24168 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
24169 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
24170 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
24171 @item prompt-for-continue
24172 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
24173 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
24174 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
24175 presence of annotations.
24176 @end table
24177
24178 @node Errors
24179 @section Errors
24180 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
24181
24182 @findex quit annotation
24183 @smallexample
24184 ^Z^Zquit
24185 @end smallexample
24186
24187 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
24188
24189 @findex error annotation
24190 @smallexample
24191 ^Z^Zerror
24192 @end smallexample
24193
24194 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
24195
24196 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
24197 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
24198 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
24199 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
24200 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
24201 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
24202 to the top level.
24203
24204 @findex error-begin annotation
24205 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
24206
24207 @smallexample
24208 ^Z^Zerror-begin
24209 @end smallexample
24210
24211 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
24212 message.
24213
24214 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
24215 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
24216 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
24217
24218 @node Invalidation
24219 @section Invalidation Notices
24220
24221 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
24222 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
24223 changed.
24224
24225 @table @code
24226 @findex frames-invalid annotation
24227 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
24228
24229 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
24230 have changed.
24231
24232 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
24233 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
24234
24235 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
24236 deleted a breakpoint.
24237 @end table
24238
24239 @node Annotations for Running
24240 @section Running the Program
24241 @cindex annotations for running programs
24242
24243 @findex starting annotation
24244 @findex stopping annotation
24245 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
24246 @code{step} or @code{continue},
24247
24248 @smallexample
24249 ^Z^Zstarting
24250 @end smallexample
24251
24252 is output. When the program stops,
24253
24254 @smallexample
24255 ^Z^Zstopped
24256 @end smallexample
24257
24258 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
24259 annotations describe how the program stopped.
24260
24261 @table @code
24262 @findex exited annotation
24263 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
24264 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
24265 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
24266
24267 @findex signalled annotation
24268 @findex signal-name annotation
24269 @findex signal-name-end annotation
24270 @findex signal-string annotation
24271 @findex signal-string-end annotation
24272 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
24273 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
24274 annotation continues:
24275
24276 @smallexample
24277 @var{intro-text}
24278 ^Z^Zsignal-name
24279 @var{name}
24280 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
24281 @var{middle-text}
24282 ^Z^Zsignal-string
24283 @var{string}
24284 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
24285 @var{end-text}
24286 @end smallexample
24287
24288 @noindent
24289 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
24290 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
24291 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
24292 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
24293 user's benefit and have no particular format.
24294
24295 @findex signal annotation
24296 @item ^Z^Zsignal
24297 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
24298 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
24299 terminated with it.
24300
24301 @findex breakpoint annotation
24302 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
24303 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
24304
24305 @findex watchpoint annotation
24306 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
24307 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
24308 @end table
24309
24310 @node Source Annotations
24311 @section Displaying Source
24312 @cindex annotations for source display
24313
24314 @findex source annotation
24315 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
24316
24317 @smallexample
24318 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
24319 @end smallexample
24320
24321 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
24322 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
24323 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
24324 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
24325 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
24326 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
24327 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
24328 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
24329 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
24330 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
24331 depend on the language).
24332
24333 @node GDB Bugs
24334 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
24335 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
24336 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
24337
24338 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
24339
24340 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
24341 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
24342 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
24343 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
24344
24345 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
24346 information that enables us to fix the bug.
24347
24348 @menu
24349 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
24350 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
24351 @end menu
24352
24353 @node Bug Criteria
24354 @section Have You Found a Bug?
24355 @cindex bug criteria
24356
24357 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
24358
24359 @itemize @bullet
24360 @cindex fatal signal
24361 @cindex debugger crash
24362 @cindex crash of debugger
24363 @item
24364 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
24365 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
24366
24367 @cindex error on valid input
24368 @item
24369 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
24370 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
24371 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
24372
24373 @cindex invalid input
24374 @item
24375 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
24376 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
24377 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
24378 for traditional practice''.
24379
24380 @item
24381 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
24382 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
24383 @end itemize
24384
24385 @node Bug Reporting
24386 @section How to Report Bugs
24387 @cindex bug reports
24388 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
24389
24390 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
24391 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
24392 contact that organization first.
24393
24394 You can find contact information for many support companies and
24395 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
24396 distribution.
24397 @c should add a web page ref...
24398
24399 @ifset BUGURL
24400 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
24401 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
24402 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
24403 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
24404 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
24405 be used.
24406
24407 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
24408 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
24409 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
24410 @samp{bug-gdb}.
24411
24412 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
24413 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
24414 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
24415 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
24416 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
24417 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
24418 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
24419 bug reports to the mailing list.
24420 @end ifset
24421 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
24422 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
24423 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
24424 @end ifclear
24425 @end ifset
24426
24427 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
24428 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
24429 fact or leave it out, state it!
24430
24431 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
24432 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
24433 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
24434 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
24435 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
24436 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
24437 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
24438 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
24439 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
24440
24441 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
24442 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
24443 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
24444 self-contained.
24445
24446 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
24447 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
24448 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
24449 bugs properly.
24450
24451 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
24452
24453 @itemize @bullet
24454 @item
24455 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
24456 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
24457 version}.
24458
24459 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
24460 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
24461
24462 @item
24463 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
24464 version number.
24465
24466 @item
24467 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
24468 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
24469
24470 @item
24471 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
24472 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
24473 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
24474 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
24475 those compilers.
24476
24477 @item
24478 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
24479 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
24480 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
24481 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
24482
24483 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
24484 and then we might not encounter the bug.
24485
24486 @item
24487 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
24488 reproduce the bug.
24489
24490 @item
24491 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
24492 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
24493
24494 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
24495 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
24496 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
24497 a chance to make a mistake.
24498
24499 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
24500 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
24501 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
24502 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
24503 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
24504 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
24505 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
24506 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
24507
24508 @pindex script
24509 @cindex recording a session script
24510 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
24511 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
24512 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
24513 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
24514
24515 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
24516 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
24517
24518 @item
24519 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
24520 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
24521 it by context, not by line number.
24522
24523 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
24524 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
24525
24526 @end itemize
24527
24528 Here are some things that are not necessary:
24529
24530 @itemize @bullet
24531 @item
24532 A description of the envelope of the bug.
24533
24534 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
24535 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
24536 changes will not affect it.
24537
24538 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
24539 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
24540 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
24541 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
24542
24543 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
24544 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
24545 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
24546 less time, and so on.
24547
24548 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
24549 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
24550
24551 @item
24552 A patch for the bug.
24553
24554 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
24555 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
24556 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
24557 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
24558
24559 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
24560 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
24561 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
24562 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
24563
24564 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
24565 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
24566 help us to understand.
24567
24568 @item
24569 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
24570
24571 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
24572 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
24573 @end itemize
24574
24575 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
24576 @c and consists of the two following files:
24577 @c rluser.texinfo
24578 @c inc-hist.texinfo
24579 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
24580 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
24581 @include rluser.texi
24582 @include inc-hist.texinfo
24583
24584
24585 @node Formatting Documentation
24586 @appendix Formatting Documentation
24587
24588 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
24589 @cindex reference card
24590 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
24591 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
24592 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
24593 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
24594 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
24595 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
24596
24597 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
24598 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
24599
24600 @smallexample
24601 make refcard.dvi
24602 @end smallexample
24603
24604 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
24605 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
24606 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
24607 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
24608 your @sc{dvi} output program.
24609
24610 @cindex documentation
24611
24612 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
24613 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
24614 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
24615 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
24616 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
24617 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
24618
24619 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
24620 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
24621 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
24622 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
24623 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
24624 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
24625 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
24626 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
24627
24628 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
24629 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
24630 @code{makeinfo}.
24631
24632 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
24633 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
24634 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
24635
24636 @smallexample
24637 cd gdb
24638 make gdb.info
24639 @end smallexample
24640
24641 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
24642 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
24643 Texinfo definitions file.
24644
24645 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
24646 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
24647 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
24648 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
24649 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
24650 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
24651 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
24652
24653 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
24654 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
24655 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
24656 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
24657 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
24658 directory.
24659
24660 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
24661 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
24662 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
24663 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
24664
24665 @smallexample
24666 make gdb.dvi
24667 @end smallexample
24668
24669 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
24670
24671 @node Installing GDB
24672 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
24673 @cindex installation
24674
24675 @menu
24676 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
24677 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
24678 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
24679 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
24680 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
24681 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
24682 @end menu
24683
24684 @node Requirements
24685 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
24686 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
24687
24688 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
24689 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
24690
24691 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
24692 @table @asis
24693 @item ISO C90 compiler
24694 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
24695 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
24696
24697 @end table
24698
24699 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
24700 @table @asis
24701 @item Expat
24702 @anchor{Expat}
24703 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
24704 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
24705 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
24706 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
24707 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
24708 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
24709
24710 Expat is used for:
24711
24712 @itemize @bullet
24713 @item
24714 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
24715 @item
24716 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
24717 @item
24718 Remote shared library lists (@pxref{Library List Format})
24719 @item
24720 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
24721 @end itemize
24722
24723 @item zlib
24724 @cindex compressed debug sections
24725 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
24726 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
24727 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
24728 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
24729 information in such binaries.
24730
24731 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
24732 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
24733 @url{http://zlib.net}.
24734
24735 @end table
24736
24737 @node Running Configure
24738 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
24739 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
24740 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
24741 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
24742 build the @code{gdb} program.
24743 @iftex
24744 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
24745 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
24746 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
24747 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
24748 @end iftex
24749
24750 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
24751 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
24752 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
24753
24754 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
24755 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
24756
24757 @table @code
24758 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
24759 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
24760
24761 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
24762 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
24763
24764 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
24765 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
24766
24767 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
24768 @sc{gnu} include files
24769
24770 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
24771 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
24772
24773 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
24774 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
24775
24776 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
24777 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
24778
24779 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
24780 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
24781
24782 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
24783 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
24784 @end table
24785
24786 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
24787 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
24788 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
24789
24790 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
24791 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
24792 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
24793 argument.
24794
24795 For example:
24796
24797 @smallexample
24798 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
24799 ./configure @var{host}
24800 make
24801 @end smallexample
24802
24803 @noindent
24804 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
24805 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
24806 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
24807 correct value by examining your system.)
24808
24809 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
24810 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
24811 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
24812 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
24813
24814 @need 750
24815 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
24816 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
24817 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
24818
24819 @smallexample
24820 sh configure @var{host}
24821 @end smallexample
24822
24823 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
24824 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
24825 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
24826 @file{configure}
24827 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
24828 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
24829
24830 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
24831 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
24832 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
24833 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
24834 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
24835 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
24836 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
24837 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
24838 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
24839
24840 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
24841 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
24842 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
24843 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
24844 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
24845
24846 @node Separate Objdir
24847 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
24848
24849 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
24850 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
24851 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
24852 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
24853 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
24854 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
24855 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
24856 program specified there.
24857
24858 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
24859 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
24860 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
24861 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
24862 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
24863 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
24864
24865 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
24866 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
24867
24868 @smallexample
24869 @group
24870 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
24871 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
24872 cd ../gdb-sun4
24873 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
24874 make
24875 @end group
24876 @end smallexample
24877
24878 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
24879 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
24880 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
24881 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
24882 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
24883 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
24884
24885 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
24886 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
24887 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
24888 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
24889 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
24890
24891 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
24892 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
24893 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
24894 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
24895 You specify a cross-debugging target by
24896 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
24897
24898 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
24899 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
24900 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
24901
24902 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
24903 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
24904 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
24905 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
24906 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
24907
24908 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
24909 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
24910 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
24911 with each other.
24912
24913 @node Config Names
24914 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
24915
24916 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
24917 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
24918 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
24919 of information in the following pattern:
24920
24921 @smallexample
24922 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
24923 @end smallexample
24924
24925 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
24926 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
24927 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
24928
24929 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
24930 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
24931 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
24932 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
24933 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
24934 abbreviations---for example:
24935
24936 @smallexample
24937 % sh config.sub i386-linux
24938 i386-pc-linux-gnu
24939 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
24940 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
24941 % sh config.sub hp9k700
24942 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
24943 % sh config.sub sun4
24944 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
24945 % sh config.sub sun3
24946 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
24947 % sh config.sub i986v
24948 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
24949 @end smallexample
24950
24951 @noindent
24952 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
24953 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
24954
24955 @node Configure Options
24956 @section @file{configure} Options
24957
24958 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
24959 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
24960 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
24961 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
24962
24963 @smallexample
24964 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
24965 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
24966 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
24967 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
24968 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
24969 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
24970 @var{host}
24971 @end smallexample
24972
24973 @noindent
24974 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
24975 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
24976 @samp{--}.
24977
24978 @table @code
24979 @item --help
24980 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
24981
24982 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
24983 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
24984 @file{@var{dir}}.
24985
24986 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
24987 Configure the source to install programs under directory
24988 @file{@var{dir}}.
24989
24990 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
24991 @need 2000
24992 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
24993 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
24994 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
24995 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
24996 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
24997 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
24998 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
24999 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
25000 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
25001 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
25002 @var{dirname}.
25003
25004 @item --norecursion
25005 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
25006 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
25007
25008 @item --target=@var{target}
25009 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
25010 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
25011 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
25012
25013 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
25014
25015 @item @var{host} @dots{}
25016 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
25017
25018 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
25019 @end table
25020
25021 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
25022 needed for special purposes only.
25023
25024 @node System-wide configuration
25025 @section System-wide configuration and settings
25026 @cindex system-wide init file
25027
25028 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
25029 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
25030 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
25031
25032 Here is the corresponding configure option:
25033
25034 @table @code
25035 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
25036 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
25037 @var{file}.
25038 @end table
25039
25040 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
25041 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
25042
25043 @itemize @bullet
25044 @item
25045 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
25046 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
25047 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
25048 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
25049 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
25050 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
25051
25052 @item
25053 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
25054 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
25055 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
25056 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
25057 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
25058 @end itemize
25059
25060 @node Maintenance Commands
25061 @appendix Maintenance Commands
25062 @cindex maintenance commands
25063 @cindex internal commands
25064
25065 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
25066 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
25067 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
25068 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
25069 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
25070
25071 @table @code
25072 @kindex maint agent
25073 @item maint agent @var{expression}
25074 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
25075 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
25076 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
25077
25078 @kindex maint info breakpoints
25079 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
25080 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
25081 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
25082 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
25083 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
25084 is shown:
25085
25086 @table @code
25087 @item breakpoint
25088 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
25089
25090 @item watchpoint
25091 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
25092
25093 @item longjmp
25094 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
25095 @code{longjmp} calls.
25096
25097 @item longjmp resume
25098 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
25099
25100 @item until
25101 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
25102
25103 @item finish
25104 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
25105
25106 @item shlib events
25107 Shared library events.
25108
25109 @end table
25110
25111 @kindex set displaced-stepping
25112 @kindex show displaced-stepping
25113 @cindex displaced stepping support
25114 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
25115 @item set displaced-stepping
25116 @itemx show displaced-stepping
25117 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
25118 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
25119 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
25120 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
25121 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
25122
25123 @table @code
25124 @item set displaced-stepping on
25125 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
25126 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
25127
25128 @item set displaced-stepping off
25129 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
25130 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
25131
25132 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
25133 @item set displaced-stepping auto
25134 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
25135 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
25136 architecture supports displaced stepping.
25137 @end table
25138
25139 @kindex maint check-symtabs
25140 @item maint check-symtabs
25141 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
25142
25143 @kindex maint cplus first_component
25144 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
25145 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
25146
25147 @kindex maint cplus namespace
25148 @item maint cplus namespace
25149 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
25150
25151 @kindex maint demangle
25152 @item maint demangle @var{name}
25153 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
25154
25155 @kindex maint deprecate
25156 @kindex maint undeprecate
25157 @cindex deprecated commands
25158 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
25159 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
25160 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
25161 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
25162 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
25163 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
25164 the replacement as part of the warning.
25165
25166 @kindex maint dump-me
25167 @item maint dump-me
25168 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
25169 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
25170 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
25171 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
25172
25173 @kindex maint internal-error
25174 @kindex maint internal-warning
25175 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
25176 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
25177 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
25178 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
25179 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
25180 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
25181 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
25182 @value{GDBN} session.
25183
25184 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
25185 used as the text of the error or warning message.
25186
25187 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
25188
25189 @smallexample
25190 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
25191 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
25192 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
25193 debugging may prove unreliable.
25194 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
25195 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
25196 (@value{GDBP})
25197 @end smallexample
25198
25199 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
25200 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
25201
25202 @kindex maint set internal-error
25203 @kindex maint show internal-error
25204 @kindex maint set internal-warning
25205 @kindex maint show internal-warning
25206 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
25207 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
25208 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
25209 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
25210 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
25211 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
25212 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
25213 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
25214 described in the table below.
25215
25216 @table @samp
25217 @item quit
25218 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
25219 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
25220
25221 @item corefile
25222 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
25223 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
25224 @end table
25225
25226 @kindex maint packet
25227 @item maint packet @var{text}
25228 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
25229 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
25230 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
25231 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
25232 checksum.
25233
25234 @kindex maint print architecture
25235 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
25236 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
25237 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
25238
25239 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
25240 @item maint print c-tdesc
25241 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
25242 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
25243 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
25244
25245 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
25246 @item maint print dummy-frames
25247 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
25248
25249 @smallexample
25250 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
25251 @dots{}
25252 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
25253 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
25254 58 return (a + b);
25255 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
25256 @dots{}
25257 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
25258 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
25259 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
25260 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
25261 (@value{GDBP})
25262 @end smallexample
25263
25264 Takes an optional file parameter.
25265
25266 @kindex maint print registers
25267 @kindex maint print raw-registers
25268 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
25269 @kindex maint print register-groups
25270 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
25271 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
25272 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
25273 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
25274 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
25275
25276 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
25277 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print cooked-registers}
25278 includes the (cooked) value of all registers; and the command
25279 @code{maint print register-groups} includes the groups that each
25280 register is a member of. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
25281 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
25282
25283 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
25284 write the information.
25285
25286 @kindex maint print reggroups
25287 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
25288 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
25289 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
25290 information.
25291
25292 The register groups info looks like this:
25293
25294 @smallexample
25295 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
25296 Group Type
25297 general user
25298 float user
25299 all user
25300 vector user
25301 system user
25302 save internal
25303 restore internal
25304 @end smallexample
25305
25306 @kindex flushregs
25307 @item flushregs
25308 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
25309
25310 @kindex maint print objfiles
25311 @cindex info for known object files
25312 @item maint print objfiles
25313 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
25314 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
25315 and symtabs.
25316
25317 @kindex maint print statistics
25318 @cindex bcache statistics
25319 @item maint print statistics
25320 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
25321 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
25322 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
25323 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
25324 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
25325 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
25326 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
25327 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
25328 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
25329 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
25330 lengths.
25331
25332 @kindex maint print target-stack
25333 @cindex target stack description
25334 @item maint print target-stack
25335 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
25336 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
25337 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
25338 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
25339 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
25340 address.
25341
25342 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
25343 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
25344
25345 @kindex maint print type
25346 @cindex type chain of a data type
25347 @item maint print type @var{expr}
25348 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
25349 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
25350 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
25351 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
25352 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
25353
25354 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
25355 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
25356 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
25357 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
25358 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
25359
25360 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
25361 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
25362 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
25363 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
25364 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
25365 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
25366 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
25367 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
25368 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
25369
25370 @kindex maint set profile
25371 @kindex maint show profile
25372 @cindex profiling GDB
25373 @item maint set profile
25374 @itemx maint show profile
25375 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
25376
25377 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
25378 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
25379 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
25380 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
25381 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
25382 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
25383 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
25384
25385 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
25386 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
25387
25388 @kindex maint set linux-async
25389 @kindex maint show linux-async
25390 @cindex asynchronous support
25391 @item maint set linux-async
25392 @itemx maint show linux-async
25393 Control the GNU/Linux native asynchronous support
25394 (@pxref{Background Execution}) of @value{GDBN}.
25395
25396 GNU/Linux native asynchronous support will be disabled until you use
25397 the @samp{maint set linux-async} command to enable it.
25398
25399 @kindex maint set remote-async
25400 @kindex maint show remote-async
25401 @cindex asynchronous support
25402 @item maint set remote-async
25403 @itemx maint show remote-async
25404 Control the remote asynchronous support
25405 (@pxref{Background Execution}) of @value{GDBN}.
25406
25407 Remote asynchronous support will be disabled until you use
25408 the @samp{maint set remote-async} command to enable it.
25409
25410 @kindex maint show-debug-regs
25411 @cindex x86 hardware debug registers
25412 @item maint show-debug-regs
25413 Control whether to show variables that mirror the x86 hardware debug
25414 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
25415 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
25416 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
25417 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
25418
25419 @kindex maint space
25420 @cindex memory used by commands
25421 @item maint space
25422 Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
25423 nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
25424 took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
25425 by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
25426 switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
25427
25428 @kindex maint time
25429 @cindex time of command execution
25430 @item maint time
25431 Control whether to display the execution time for each command. If
25432 set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
25433 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
25434 The time is not printed for the commands that run the target, since
25435 there's no mechanism currently to compute how much time was spend
25436 by @value{GDBN} and how much time was spend by the program been debugged.
25437 it's not possibly currently
25438 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
25439 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
25440
25441 @kindex maint translate-address
25442 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
25443 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
25444 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
25445 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
25446 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
25447 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
25448 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
25449
25450 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
25451 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
25452 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
25453
25454 @end table
25455
25456 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
25457 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
25458
25459 @table @code
25460 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
25461 @kindex set watchdog
25462 @cindex watchdog timer
25463 @cindex timeout for commands
25464 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
25465 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
25466 reports and error and the command is aborted.
25467
25468 @item show watchdog
25469 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
25470 @end table
25471
25472 @node Remote Protocol
25473 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
25474
25475 @menu
25476 * Overview::
25477 * Packets::
25478 * Stop Reply Packets::
25479 * General Query Packets::
25480 * Register Packet Format::
25481 * Tracepoint Packets::
25482 * Host I/O Packets::
25483 * Interrupts::
25484 * Notification Packets::
25485 * Remote Non-Stop::
25486 * Packet Acknowledgment::
25487 * Examples::
25488 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
25489 * Library List Format::
25490 * Memory Map Format::
25491 @end menu
25492
25493 @node Overview
25494 @section Overview
25495
25496 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
25497 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
25498 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
25499 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
25500
25501 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
25502 transmitted and received data, respectively.
25503
25504 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
25505 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
25506 @cindex remote serial protocol
25507 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
25508 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
25509 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
25510 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
25511 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
25512
25513 @smallexample
25514 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
25515 @end smallexample
25516 @noindent
25517
25518 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
25519 @noindent
25520 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
25521 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
25522 eight bit unsigned checksum).
25523
25524 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
25525 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
25526
25527 @smallexample
25528 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
25529 @end smallexample
25530
25531 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
25532 @noindent
25533 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
25534 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
25535 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
25536
25537 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
25538 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
25539 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
25540 retransmission):
25541
25542 @smallexample
25543 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
25544 <- @code{+}
25545 @end smallexample
25546 @noindent
25547
25548 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
25549 once a connection is established.
25550 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
25551
25552 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
25553 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
25554 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
25555 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
25556 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
25557 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
25558 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
25559
25560 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
25561 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
25562 exceptions).
25563
25564 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
25565 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
25566 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
25567 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
25568
25569 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
25570 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
25571 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
25572
25573 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
25574 @anchor{Binary Data}
25575 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
25576 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
25577 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
25578 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
25579 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
25580 binary data.
25581
25582 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
25583 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
25584 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
25585 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
25586 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
25587 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
25588 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
25589 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
25590 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
25591 (described next).
25592
25593 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
25594 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
25595 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
25596 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
25597 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
25598 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
25599 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
25600 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
25601 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
25602 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
25603 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
25604 3}} more times.
25605
25606 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
25607 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
25608 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
25609 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
25610 @samp{0*"00}.
25611
25612 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
25613 error number. That number is not well defined.
25614
25615 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
25616 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
25617 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
25618 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
25619 on that response.
25620
25621 A stub is required to support the @samp{g}, @samp{G}, @samp{m}, @samp{M},
25622 @samp{c}, and @samp{s} @var{command}s. All other @var{command}s are
25623 optional.
25624
25625 @node Packets
25626 @section Packets
25627
25628 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
25629 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
25630 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
25631 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
25632
25633 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
25634 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
25635 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
25636 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
25637 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
25638 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
25639 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
25640 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
25641 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
25642 @var{baz}.
25643
25644 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
25645 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
25646 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
25647 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
25648 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
25649 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
25650 pick any thread.
25651
25652 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
25653 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
25654 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
25655 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
25656 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
25657 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
25658 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
25659 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
25660 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
25661 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
25662 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
25663 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
25664 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
25665
25666 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
25667 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
25668 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
25669 more information.
25670
25671 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
25672 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
25673
25674 Here are the packet descriptions.
25675
25676 @table @samp
25677
25678 @item !
25679 @cindex @samp{!} packet
25680 @anchor{extended mode}
25681 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
25682 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
25683 debugged.
25684
25685 Reply:
25686 @table @samp
25687 @item OK
25688 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
25689 @end table
25690
25691 @item ?
25692 @cindex @samp{?} packet
25693 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
25694 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
25695 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
25696
25697 Reply:
25698 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25699
25700 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
25701 @cindex @samp{A} packet
25702 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
25703 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
25704 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
25705
25706 Reply:
25707 @table @samp
25708 @item OK
25709 The arguments were set.
25710 @item E @var{NN}
25711 An error occurred.
25712 @end table
25713
25714 @item b @var{baud}
25715 @cindex @samp{b} packet
25716 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
25717 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
25718
25719 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
25720 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
25721 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
25722
25723 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
25724 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
25725 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
25726 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
25727 of view, nothing actually happened.}
25728
25729 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
25730 @cindex @samp{B} packet
25731 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
25732 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
25733
25734 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
25735 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
25736
25737 @item bc
25738 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
25739 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
25740 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
25741
25742 Reply:
25743 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25744
25745 @item bs
25746 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
25747 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
25748 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
25749
25750 Reply:
25751 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25752
25753 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
25754 @cindex @samp{c} packet
25755 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
25756 resume at current address.
25757
25758 Reply:
25759 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25760
25761 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
25762 @cindex @samp{C} packet
25763 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
25764 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
25765
25766 Reply:
25767 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25768
25769 @item d
25770 @cindex @samp{d} packet
25771 Toggle debug flag.
25772
25773 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
25774 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
25775
25776 @item D
25777 @itemx D;@var{pid}
25778 @cindex @samp{D} packet
25779 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
25780 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
25781 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
25782
25783 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
25784 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
25785 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
25786 big-endian hex string.
25787
25788 Reply:
25789 @table @samp
25790 @item OK
25791 for success
25792 @item E @var{NN}
25793 for an error
25794 @end table
25795
25796 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
25797 @cindex @samp{F} packet
25798 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
25799 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
25800 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
25801
25802 @item g
25803 @anchor{read registers packet}
25804 @cindex @samp{g} packet
25805 Read general registers.
25806
25807 Reply:
25808 @table @samp
25809 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
25810 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
25811 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
25812 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
25813 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
25814 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
25815 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
25816 @item E @var{NN}
25817 for an error.
25818 @end table
25819
25820 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
25821 @cindex @samp{G} packet
25822 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
25823 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
25824
25825 Reply:
25826 @table @samp
25827 @item OK
25828 for success
25829 @item E @var{NN}
25830 for an error
25831 @end table
25832
25833 @item H @var{c} @var{thread-id}
25834 @cindex @samp{H} packet
25835 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
25836 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{c} depends on the operation to be performed: it
25837 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations, @samp{g} for other
25838 operations. The thread designator @var{thread-id} has the format and
25839 interpretation described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
25840
25841 Reply:
25842 @table @samp
25843 @item OK
25844 for success
25845 @item E @var{NN}
25846 for an error
25847 @end table
25848
25849 @c FIXME: JTC:
25850 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
25851 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
25852 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
25853 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
25854 @c described. For example:
25855 @c
25856 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
25857 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
25858 @c otherwise returns current registers.
25859 @c
25860 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
25861 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
25862 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
25863
25864 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
25865 @anchor{cycle step packet}
25866 @cindex @samp{i} packet
25867 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
25868 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
25869 step starting at that address.
25870
25871 @item I
25872 @cindex @samp{I} packet
25873 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
25874 step packet}.
25875
25876 @item k
25877 @cindex @samp{k} packet
25878 Kill request.
25879
25880 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
25881 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
25882 thread?)}.
25883
25884 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
25885 @cindex @samp{m} packet
25886 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
25887 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
25888
25889 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
25890 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
25891 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
25892 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
25893 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
25894 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
25895 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
25896 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
25897
25898 Reply:
25899 @table @samp
25900 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
25901 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
25902 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
25903 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
25904 @item E @var{NN}
25905 @var{NN} is errno
25906 @end table
25907
25908 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
25909 @cindex @samp{M} packet
25910 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
25911 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
25912 hexadecimal number.
25913
25914 Reply:
25915 @table @samp
25916 @item OK
25917 for success
25918 @item E @var{NN}
25919 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
25920 written).
25921 @end table
25922
25923 @item p @var{n}
25924 @cindex @samp{p} packet
25925 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
25926 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
25927 register value is encoded.
25928
25929 Reply:
25930 @table @samp
25931 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
25932 the register's value
25933 @item E @var{NN}
25934 for an error
25935 @item
25936 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
25937 @end table
25938
25939 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
25940 @anchor{write register packet}
25941 @cindex @samp{P} packet
25942 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
25943 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
25944 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
25945
25946 Reply:
25947 @table @samp
25948 @item OK
25949 for success
25950 @item E @var{NN}
25951 for an error
25952 @end table
25953
25954 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
25955 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
25956 @cindex @samp{q} packet
25957 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
25958 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
25959 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
25960
25961 @item r
25962 @cindex @samp{r} packet
25963 Reset the entire system.
25964
25965 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
25966
25967 @item R @var{XX}
25968 @cindex @samp{R} packet
25969 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
25970 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
25971
25972 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
25973
25974 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
25975 @cindex @samp{s} packet
25976 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
25977 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
25978
25979 Reply:
25980 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25981
25982 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
25983 @anchor{step with signal packet}
25984 @cindex @samp{S} packet
25985 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
25986 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
25987
25988 Reply:
25989 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25990
25991 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
25992 @cindex @samp{t} packet
25993 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
25994 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
25995 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
25996
25997 @item T @var{thread-id}
25998 @cindex @samp{T} packet
25999 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
26000
26001 Reply:
26002 @table @samp
26003 @item OK
26004 thread is still alive
26005 @item E @var{NN}
26006 thread is dead
26007 @end table
26008
26009 @item v
26010 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
26011 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
26012
26013 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
26014 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
26015 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
26016 The process ID is a
26017 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
26018 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
26019 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
26020
26021 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
26022 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
26023 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
26024 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
26025 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
26026 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
26027 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
26028 @c stopping or restarting threads.
26029
26030 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
26031
26032 Reply:
26033 @table @samp
26034 @item E @var{nn}
26035 for an error
26036 @item @r{Any stop packet}
26037 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
26038 @item OK
26039 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
26040 @end table
26041
26042 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
26043 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
26044 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
26045 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
26046 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
26047 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
26048 in their current state in non-stop mode.
26049 Specifying multiple
26050 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
26051 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
26052
26053 Currently supported actions are:
26054
26055 @table @samp
26056 @item c
26057 Continue.
26058 @item C @var{sig}
26059 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
26060 @item s
26061 Step.
26062 @item S @var{sig}
26063 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
26064 @item t
26065 Stop.
26066 @item T @var{sig}
26067 Stop with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
26068 @end table
26069
26070 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
26071 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
26072 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
26073
26074 The @samp{t} and @samp{T} actions are only relevant in non-stop mode
26075 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
26076 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
26077 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
26078 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
26079 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
26080 as an implementation detail.
26081
26082 Reply:
26083 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
26084
26085 @item vCont?
26086 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
26087 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
26088
26089 Reply:
26090 @table @samp
26091 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
26092 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
26093 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
26094 @item
26095 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
26096 @end table
26097
26098 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
26099 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
26100 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
26101 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
26102
26103 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
26104 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
26105 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
26106 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
26107 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
26108 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
26109 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
26110 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
26111 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
26112 packet is received.
26113
26114 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
26115 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
26116 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
26117 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
26118 @var{thread-id}.
26119
26120 Reply:
26121 @table @samp
26122 @item OK
26123 for success
26124 @item E @var{NN}
26125 for an error
26126 @end table
26127
26128 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
26129 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
26130 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
26131 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
26132 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
26133 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
26134 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
26135 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
26136 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
26137 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
26138 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
26139 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
26140
26141
26142 Reply:
26143 @table @samp
26144 @item OK
26145 for success
26146 @item E.memtype
26147 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
26148 @item E @var{NN}
26149 for an error
26150 @end table
26151
26152 @item vFlashDone
26153 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
26154 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
26155 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
26156 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
26157 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
26158 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
26159 request is completed.
26160
26161 @item vKill;@var{pid}
26162 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
26163 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
26164 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
26165 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
26166 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
26167
26168 Reply:
26169 @table @samp
26170 @item E @var{nn}
26171 for an error
26172 @item OK
26173 for success
26174 @end table
26175
26176 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
26177 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
26178 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
26179 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
26180 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
26181 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
26182 state.
26183
26184 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
26185
26186 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
26187
26188 Reply:
26189 @table @samp
26190 @item E @var{nn}
26191 for an error
26192 @item @r{Any stop packet}
26193 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
26194 @end table
26195
26196 @item vStopped
26197 @anchor{vStopped packet}
26198 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
26199
26200 In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
26201 reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
26202
26203 Reply:
26204 @table @samp
26205 @item @r{Any stop packet}
26206 if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
26207 @item OK
26208 if there are no unreported stop events
26209 @end table
26210
26211 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
26212 @anchor{X packet}
26213 @cindex @samp{X} packet
26214 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
26215 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
26216 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
26217
26218 Reply:
26219 @table @samp
26220 @item OK
26221 for success
26222 @item E @var{NN}
26223 for an error
26224 @end table
26225
26226 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{length}
26227 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{length}
26228 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
26229 @cindex @samp{z} packet
26230 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
26231 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
26232 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} and covering the next
26233 @var{length} bytes.
26234
26235 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
26236 separately.
26237
26238 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
26239 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
26240 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
26241 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
26242 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
26243 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
26244
26245 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{length}
26246 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{length}
26247 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
26248 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
26249 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
26250 @var{addr} of size @var{length}.
26251
26252 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
26253 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
26254 @var{length} is used by targets that indicates the size of the
26255 breakpoint (in bytes) that should be inserted (e.g., the @sc{arm} and
26256 @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint).
26257
26258 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
26259 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
26260 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
26261 target, is not defined.}
26262
26263 Reply:
26264 @table @samp
26265 @item OK
26266 success
26267 @item
26268 not supported
26269 @item E @var{NN}
26270 for an error
26271 @end table
26272
26273 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{length}
26274 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{length}
26275 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
26276 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
26277 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
26278 address @var{addr} of size @var{length}.
26279
26280 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
26281 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory.
26282
26283 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
26284 movement.}
26285
26286 Reply:
26287 @table @samp
26288 @item OK
26289 success
26290 @item
26291 not supported
26292 @item E @var{NN}
26293 for an error
26294 @end table
26295
26296 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{length}
26297 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{length}
26298 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
26299 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
26300 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint.
26301
26302 Reply:
26303 @table @samp
26304 @item OK
26305 success
26306 @item
26307 not supported
26308 @item E @var{NN}
26309 for an error
26310 @end table
26311
26312 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{length}
26313 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{length}
26314 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
26315 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
26316 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint.
26317
26318 Reply:
26319 @table @samp
26320 @item OK
26321 success
26322 @item
26323 not supported
26324 @item E @var{NN}
26325 for an error
26326 @end table
26327
26328 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{length}
26329 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{length}
26330 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
26331 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
26332 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint.
26333
26334 Reply:
26335 @table @samp
26336 @item OK
26337 success
26338 @item
26339 not supported
26340 @item E @var{NN}
26341 for an error
26342 @end table
26343
26344 @end table
26345
26346 @node Stop Reply Packets
26347 @section Stop Reply Packets
26348 @cindex stop reply packets
26349
26350 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
26351 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
26352 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
26353 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
26354 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
26355 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
26356 @value{GDBN} source code.
26357
26358 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
26359 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
26360 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
26361 components.
26362
26363 @table @samp
26364
26365 @item S @var{AA}
26366 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
26367 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
26368 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
26369
26370 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
26371 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
26372 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
26373 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
26374 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
26375 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
26376 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
26377 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
26378
26379 @itemize @bullet
26380 @item
26381 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
26382 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
26383 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
26384 two-digit hex number.
26385
26386 @item
26387 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
26388 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
26389
26390 @item
26391 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
26392 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
26393 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
26394 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
26395
26396 @item
26397 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
26398 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
26399 future.
26400 @end itemize
26401
26402 The currently defined stop reasons are:
26403
26404 @table @samp
26405 @item watch
26406 @itemx rwatch
26407 @itemx awatch
26408 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
26409 hex.
26410
26411 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
26412 @item library
26413 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
26414 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
26415 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
26416
26417 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
26418 @item replaylog
26419 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
26420 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
26421 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
26422 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
26423 for more information.
26424
26425
26426 @end table
26427
26428 @item W @var{AA}
26429 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
26430 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
26431 applicable to certain targets.
26432
26433 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
26434 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
26435 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
26436 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
26437
26438 @item X @var{AA}
26439 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
26440 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
26441
26442 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
26443 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
26444 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
26445 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
26446
26447 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
26448 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
26449 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
26450 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
26451 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
26452
26453 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
26454 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
26455 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
26456 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
26457 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
26458 system calls.
26459
26460 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
26461 this very system call.
26462
26463 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
26464 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
26465 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
26466 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
26467 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
26468 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
26469
26470 @end table
26471
26472 @node General Query Packets
26473 @section General Query Packets
26474 @cindex remote query requests
26475
26476 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
26477 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
26478 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
26479 sending information to and from the stub.
26480
26481 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
26482 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
26483 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
26484 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
26485 conventions:
26486
26487 @itemize @bullet
26488 @item
26489 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
26490 @item
26491 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
26492 letter.
26493 @item
26494 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
26495 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
26496 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
26497 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
26498 @end itemize
26499
26500 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
26501 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
26502 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
26503 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
26504 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
26505 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
26506 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
26507 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
26508 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
26509 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
26510 packet.}.
26511
26512 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
26513 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
26514 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
26515 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
26516 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
26517
26518 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
26519
26520 @table @samp
26521
26522 @item qC
26523 @cindex current thread, remote request
26524 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
26525 Return the current thread ID.
26526
26527 Reply:
26528 @table @samp
26529 @item QC @var{thread-id}
26530 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
26531 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
26532 @item @r{(anything else)}
26533 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
26534 @end table
26535
26536 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
26537 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
26538 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
26539 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory.
26540 Reply:
26541 @table @samp
26542 @item E @var{NN}
26543 An error (such as memory fault)
26544 @item C @var{crc32}
26545 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
26546 @end table
26547
26548 @item qfThreadInfo
26549 @itemx qsThreadInfo
26550 @cindex list active threads, remote request
26551 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
26552 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
26553 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
26554 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
26555 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
26556 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
26557 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
26558 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
26559
26560 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
26561
26562 Reply:
26563 @table @samp
26564 @item m @var{thread-id}
26565 A single thread ID
26566 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
26567 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
26568 @item l
26569 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
26570 @end table
26571
26572 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
26573 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
26574 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
26575 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
26576 with @samp{l} (lower-case el, for @dfn{last}).
26577 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
26578 fields.
26579
26580 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
26581 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
26582 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
26583 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
26584 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
26585
26586 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
26587 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
26588
26589 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
26590 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
26591 information associated with the variable.)
26592
26593 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
26594 the load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
26595 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
26596 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
26597 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
26598 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
26599
26600 Reply:
26601 @table @samp
26602 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
26603 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
26604 local storage requested.
26605
26606 @item E @var{nn}
26607 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
26608
26609 @item
26610 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
26611 @end table
26612
26613 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
26614 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
26615 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
26616 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
26617 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
26618 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
26619 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
26620
26621 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
26622
26623 Reply:
26624 @table @samp
26625 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
26626 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
26627 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
26628 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
26629 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
26630 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
26631 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
26632 @end table
26633
26634 @item qOffsets
26635 @cindex section offsets, remote request
26636 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
26637 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
26638 image.
26639
26640 Reply:
26641 @table @samp
26642 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
26643 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
26644 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
26645 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
26646 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
26647 segments by the supplied offsets.
26648
26649 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
26650 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
26651 to the @code{Bss} section.}
26652
26653 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
26654 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
26655 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
26656 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
26657 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
26658 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
26659 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
26660 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
26661 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
26662 @end table
26663
26664 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
26665 @cindex thread information, remote request
26666 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
26667 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
26668 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
26669 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
26670
26671 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
26672 (see below).
26673
26674 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
26675
26676 @item QNonStop:1
26677 @item QNonStop:0
26678 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
26679 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
26680 @anchor{QNonStop}
26681 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
26682 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
26683
26684 Reply:
26685 @table @samp
26686 @item OK
26687 The request succeeded.
26688
26689 @item E @var{nn}
26690 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
26691
26692 @item
26693 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
26694 the stub.
26695 @end table
26696
26697 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26698 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26699 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
26700 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
26701
26702 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
26703 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
26704 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
26705 @anchor{QPassSignals}
26706 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
26707 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
26708 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
26709 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
26710 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
26711 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
26712 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
26713 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
26714 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
26715
26716 Reply:
26717 @table @samp
26718 @item OK
26719 The request succeeded.
26720
26721 @item E @var{nn}
26722 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
26723
26724 @item
26725 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
26726 the stub.
26727 @end table
26728
26729 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
26730 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
26731 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26732 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26733
26734 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
26735 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
26736 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
26737 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
26738 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
26739 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
26740 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
26741 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
26742 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
26743
26744 Reply:
26745 @table @samp
26746 @item OK
26747 A command response with no output.
26748 @item @var{OUTPUT}
26749 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
26750 @item E @var{NN}
26751 Indicate a badly formed request.
26752 @item
26753 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
26754 @end table
26755
26756 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
26757 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
26758 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
26759 packets.)
26760
26761 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
26762 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
26763 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
26764 @anchor{qSearch memory}
26765 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
26766 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
26767 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
26768
26769 Reply:
26770 @table @samp
26771 @item 0
26772 The pattern was not found.
26773 @item 1,address
26774 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
26775 @item E @var{NN}
26776 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
26777 @item
26778 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
26779 @end table
26780
26781 @item QStartNoAckMode
26782 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
26783 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
26784 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
26785 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
26786
26787 Reply:
26788 @table @samp
26789 @item OK
26790 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
26791 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
26792 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
26793 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
26794 @item
26795 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
26796 @end table
26797
26798 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
26799 @cindex supported packets, remote query
26800 @cindex features of the remote protocol
26801 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
26802 @anchor{qSupported}
26803 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
26804 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
26805 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
26806 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
26807 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
26808 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
26809 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
26810 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
26811 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
26812 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
26813 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
26814 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
26815 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
26816 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
26817
26818 Reply:
26819 @table @samp
26820 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
26821 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
26822 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
26823 possible forms).
26824 @item
26825 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
26826 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
26827 @end table
26828
26829 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
26830 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
26831 are:
26832
26833 @table @samp
26834 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
26835 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
26836 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
26837 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
26838 @item @var{name}+
26839 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
26840 need an associated value.
26841 @item @var{name}-
26842 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
26843 @item @var{name}?
26844 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
26845 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
26846 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
26847 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
26848 @end table
26849
26850 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
26851 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
26852 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
26853 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
26854 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
26855
26856 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
26857 are defined:
26858
26859 @table @samp
26860 @item multiprocess
26861 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
26862 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
26863 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
26864 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
26865 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
26866 @end table
26867
26868 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
26869 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
26870 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
26871 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
26872 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
26873 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
26874 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
26875 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
26876 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
26877 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
26878 all the features it supports.
26879
26880 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
26881 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
26882
26883 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
26884 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
26885 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
26886 form response.
26887
26888 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
26889 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
26890 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
26891 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
26892
26893 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
26894 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
26895 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
26896 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
26897 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
26898
26899 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
26900
26901 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
26902 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
26903 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
26904 @item Feature Name
26905 @tab Value Required
26906 @tab Default
26907 @tab Probe Allowed
26908
26909 @item @samp{PacketSize}
26910 @tab Yes
26911 @tab @samp{-}
26912 @tab No
26913
26914 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
26915 @tab No
26916 @tab @samp{-}
26917 @tab Yes
26918
26919 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
26920 @tab No
26921 @tab @samp{-}
26922 @tab Yes
26923
26924 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
26925 @tab No
26926 @tab @samp{-}
26927 @tab Yes
26928
26929 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
26930 @tab No
26931 @tab @samp{-}
26932 @tab Yes
26933
26934 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
26935 @tab No
26936 @tab @samp{-}
26937 @tab Yes
26938
26939 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
26940 @tab No
26941 @tab @samp{-}
26942 @tab Yes
26943
26944 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
26945 @tab No
26946 @tab @samp{-}
26947 @tab Yes
26948
26949 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
26950 @tab No
26951 @tab @samp{-}
26952 @tab Yes
26953
26954 @item @samp{QNonStop}
26955 @tab No
26956 @tab @samp{-}
26957 @tab Yes
26958
26959 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
26960 @tab No
26961 @tab @samp{-}
26962 @tab Yes
26963
26964 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
26965 @tab No
26966 @tab @samp{-}
26967 @tab Yes
26968
26969 @item @samp{multiprocess}
26970 @tab No
26971 @tab @samp{-}
26972 @tab No
26973
26974 @end multitable
26975
26976 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
26977
26978 @table @samp
26979 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
26980 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
26981 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
26982 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
26983 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
26984 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
26985 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
26986 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
26987 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
26988 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
26989
26990 @item qXfer:auxv:read
26991 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
26992 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
26993
26994 @item qXfer:features:read
26995 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
26996 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
26997
26998 @item qXfer:libraries:read
26999 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
27000 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
27001
27002 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
27003 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
27004 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
27005
27006 @item qXfer:spu:read
27007 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
27008 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
27009
27010 @item qXfer:spu:write
27011 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
27012 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
27013
27014 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
27015 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
27016 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
27017
27018 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
27019 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
27020 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
27021
27022 @item QNonStop
27023 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
27024 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
27025
27026 @item QPassSignals
27027 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
27028 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
27029
27030 @item QStartNoAckMode
27031 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
27032 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
27033
27034 @item multiprocess
27035 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
27036 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
27037 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
27038 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
27039 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
27040 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
27041 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
27042 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
27043 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
27044 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
27045 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
27046
27047 @item qXfer:osdata:read
27048 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
27049 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
27050
27051 @end table
27052
27053 @item qSymbol::
27054 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
27055 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
27056 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
27057 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
27058
27059 Reply:
27060 @table @samp
27061 @item OK
27062 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
27063 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
27064 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
27065 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
27066 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
27067 below.
27068 @end table
27069
27070 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
27071 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
27072
27073 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
27074 target has previously requested.
27075
27076 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
27077 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
27078 will be empty.
27079
27080 Reply:
27081 @table @samp
27082 @item OK
27083 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
27084 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
27085 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
27086 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
27087 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
27088 @end table
27089
27090 @item QTDP
27091 @itemx QTFrame
27092 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
27093
27094 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
27095 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
27096 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
27097 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
27098 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
27099 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
27100 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
27101 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
27102 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
27103 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
27104 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
27105
27106 Reply:
27107 @table @samp
27108 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
27109 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
27110 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
27111 the thread's attributes.
27112 @end table
27113
27114 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
27115 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
27116 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
27117 packets.)
27118
27119 @item QTStart
27120 @itemx QTStop
27121 @itemx QTinit
27122 @itemx QTro
27123 @itemx qTStatus
27124 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
27125
27126 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
27127 @cindex read special object, remote request
27128 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
27129 @anchor{qXfer read}
27130 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
27131 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
27132 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
27133 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
27134 additional details about what data to access.
27135
27136 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
27137 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
27138 formats, listed below.
27139
27140 @table @samp
27141 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
27142 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
27143 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
27144 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
27145
27146 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
27147 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
27148
27149 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
27150 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
27151 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
27152 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
27153 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
27154
27155 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
27156 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
27157
27158 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
27159 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
27160 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
27161 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
27162 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
27163
27164 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
27165 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
27166 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
27167
27168 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
27169 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
27170
27171 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
27172 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
27173 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
27174 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
27175 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
27176
27177 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
27178 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
27179
27180 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
27181 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
27182 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
27183 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
27184 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
27185
27186 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
27187 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
27188 (@pxref{qSupported}).
27189
27190 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
27191 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
27192 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
27193 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
27194 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
27195 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
27196 in that context to be accessed.
27197
27198 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
27199 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
27200 (@pxref{qSupported}).
27201
27202 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
27203 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
27204 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
27205 @xref{Operating System Information}.
27206
27207 @end table
27208
27209 Reply:
27210 @table @samp
27211 @item m @var{data}
27212 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
27213 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
27214 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
27215 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
27216 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
27217 request.
27218
27219 @item l @var{data}
27220 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
27221 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
27222 than the @var{length} in the request.
27223
27224 @item l
27225 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
27226 There is no more data to be read.
27227
27228 @item E00
27229 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
27230
27231 @item E @var{nn}
27232 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
27233 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
27234
27235 @item
27236 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
27237 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
27238 @end table
27239
27240 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
27241 @cindex write data into object, remote request
27242 @anchor{qXfer write}
27243 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
27244 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
27245 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
27246 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
27247 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
27248 to access.
27249
27250 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
27251 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
27252 formats, listed below.
27253
27254 @table @samp
27255 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
27256 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
27257 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
27258 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
27259 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
27260
27261 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
27262 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
27263 (@pxref{qSupported}).
27264
27265 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
27266 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
27267 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
27268 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
27269 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
27270 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
27271 in that context to be accessed.
27272
27273 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
27274 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
27275 @end table
27276
27277 Reply:
27278 @table @samp
27279 @item @var{nn}
27280 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
27281 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
27282
27283 @item E00
27284 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
27285
27286 @item E @var{nn}
27287 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
27288 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
27289
27290 @item
27291 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
27292 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
27293 @end table
27294
27295 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
27296 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
27297 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
27298 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
27299 must respond with an empty packet.
27300
27301 @end table
27302
27303 @node Register Packet Format
27304 @section Register Packet Format
27305
27306 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
27307 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
27308 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
27309 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
27310 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
27311 most-significant - least-significant.
27312
27313 @table @r
27314
27315 @item MIPS32
27316
27317 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
27318 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
27319 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
27320
27321 @item MIPS64
27322
27323 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
27324 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
27325 as @code{MIPS32}.
27326
27327 @end table
27328
27329 @node Tracepoint Packets
27330 @section Tracepoint Packets
27331 @cindex tracepoint packets
27332 @cindex packets, tracepoint
27333
27334 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
27335 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
27336
27337 @table @samp
27338
27339 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}@r{[}-@r{]}
27340 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
27341 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
27342 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
27343 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If the trailing @samp{-} is
27344 present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this
27345 tracepoint's actions.
27346
27347 Replies:
27348 @table @samp
27349 @item OK
27350 The packet was understood and carried out.
27351 @item
27352 The packet was not recognized.
27353 @end table
27354
27355 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
27356 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
27357 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
27358 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
27359 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
27360 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
27361 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
27362
27363 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
27364 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
27365 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
27366 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
27367 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
27368 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
27369 tracepoint actions.
27370
27371 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
27372 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
27373 following forms:
27374
27375 @table @samp
27376
27377 @item R @var{mask}
27378 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
27379 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
27380 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
27381 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
27382 not fit in a 32-bit word.
27383
27384 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
27385 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
27386 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
27387 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
27388 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
27389 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
27390 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
27391
27392 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
27393 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
27394 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
27395 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
27396 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
27397 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
27398 packet).
27399
27400 @end table
27401
27402 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
27403 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
27404 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
27405 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
27406 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
27407 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
27408 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
27409 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
27410
27411 Replies:
27412 @table @samp
27413 @item OK
27414 The packet was understood and carried out.
27415 @item
27416 The packet was not recognized.
27417 @end table
27418
27419 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
27420 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
27421 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
27422 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
27423
27424 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
27425 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
27426 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
27427 one of the following forms:
27428
27429 @table @samp
27430 @item F @var{f}
27431 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
27432 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
27433 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
27434
27435 @item T @var{t}
27436 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
27437 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
27438
27439 @end table
27440
27441 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
27442 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
27443 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
27444 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
27445
27446 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
27447 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
27448 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
27449 is a hexadecimal number.
27450
27451 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
27452 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
27453 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
27454 and @var{end} (exclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
27455 numbers.
27456
27457 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
27458 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
27459 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses.
27460
27461 @item QTStart
27462 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from tracepoint
27463 hits in the trace frame buffer.
27464
27465 @item QTStop
27466 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
27467
27468 @item QTinit
27469 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
27470
27471 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
27472 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
27473 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
27474 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
27475
27476 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
27477 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
27478 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
27479 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
27480
27481 @item qTStatus
27482 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
27483
27484 Replies:
27485 @table @samp
27486 @item T0
27487 There is no trace experiment running.
27488 @item T1
27489 There is a trace experiment running.
27490 @end table
27491
27492 @end table
27493
27494
27495 @node Host I/O Packets
27496 @section Host I/O Packets
27497 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
27498 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
27499
27500 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
27501 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
27502 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
27503 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
27504 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
27505 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
27506 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
27507 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
27508 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
27509 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
27510
27511 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
27512 its arguments. They have this format:
27513
27514 @table @samp
27515
27516 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
27517 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
27518 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
27519 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
27520 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
27521 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
27522 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
27523 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
27524 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
27525
27526 @end table
27527
27528 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
27529
27530 @table @samp
27531
27532 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
27533 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
27534 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
27535 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
27536 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
27537 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
27538 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
27539 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
27540 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
27541 @var{attachment}.
27542
27543 @item
27544 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
27545
27546 @end table
27547
27548 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
27549
27550 @table @samp
27551 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
27552 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
27553 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
27554 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
27555 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
27556 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
27557 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
27558
27559 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
27560 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
27561 -1 if an error occurs.
27562
27563 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
27564 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
27565 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
27566 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
27567 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
27568 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
27569 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
27570 @var{count} was zero.
27571
27572 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
27573 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
27574 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
27575 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
27576 some characters were escaped.
27577
27578 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
27579 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
27580 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
27581 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
27582 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
27583 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
27584 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
27585 error occurred.
27586
27587 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
27588 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
27589 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
27590
27591 @end table
27592
27593 @node Interrupts
27594 @section Interrupts
27595 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
27596
27597 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
27598 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C} or a @code{BREAK},
27599 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{remotebreak}
27600 setting (@pxref{set remotebreak}).
27601
27602 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
27603 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
27604 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
27605 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
27606 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
27607
27608 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
27609 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
27610 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
27611 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
27612 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
27613 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
27614 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
27615 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
27616
27617 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
27618 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
27619 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
27620 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
27621 currently-executing threads and processes.
27622 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
27623 running program, it should send one of the stop
27624 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
27625 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
27626 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
27627 Interrupts received while the
27628 program is stopped are discarded.
27629
27630 @node Notification Packets
27631 @section Notification Packets
27632 @cindex notification packets
27633 @cindex packets, notification
27634
27635 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
27636 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
27637 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
27638 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
27639 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
27640 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
27641 is not a problem.
27642
27643 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
27644 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
27645 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
27646 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
27647 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
27648 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
27649 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
27650
27651 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
27652 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
27653
27654 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
27655 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
27656 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
27657 not they understand it.
27658
27659 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
27660 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
27661 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
27662 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
27663 recipients.
27664
27665 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
27666 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
27667 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
27668 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
27669 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
27670
27671 The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
27672 defined:
27673
27674 @table @samp
27675 @item Stop: @var{reply}
27676 Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
27677 The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
27678 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
27679 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
27680 @value{GDBN}.
27681 @end table
27682
27683 @node Remote Non-Stop
27684 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
27685
27686 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
27687 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
27688 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
27689 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
27690
27691 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
27692 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
27693 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
27694 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
27695 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
27696 probe the target state after a mode change.
27697
27698 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
27699 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
27700 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
27701 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
27702 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
27703 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
27704 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
27705 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
27706 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
27707 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
27708 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
27709
27710 Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
27711 additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
27712 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
27713 synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
27714 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
27715 the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
27716 if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
27717 ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
27718 finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
27719 sending any queued stop events.
27720
27721 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
27722 notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
27723 @value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
27724 @value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
27725 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
27726 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
27727 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
27728
27729 After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
27730 acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
27731 as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
27732 is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
27733 send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
27734 process normally.
27735
27736 Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
27737 stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
27738 normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
27739 @samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
27740 permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
27741 should process normally.
27742
27743 If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
27744 additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
27745 response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
27746 send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
27747 notification, and the process shall be repeated.
27748
27749 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
27750 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
27751 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
27752 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
27753 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
27754 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
27755 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
27756 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
27757 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
27758 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
27759 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
27760 @samp{OK}.
27761
27762 @node Packet Acknowledgment
27763 @section Packet Acknowledgment
27764
27765 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
27766 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
27767 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
27768 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
27769 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
27770 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
27771 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
27772
27773 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
27774 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
27775 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
27776 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
27777 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
27778
27779 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
27780 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
27781 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
27782 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
27783
27784 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
27785 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
27786 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
27787 @pxref{qSupported}.
27788 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
27789 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
27790 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
27791 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
27792 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
27793 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
27794 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
27795
27796 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
27797 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
27798 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
27799 connection.
27800 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
27801 new connection is established,
27802 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
27803 for the current connection, once disabled.
27804
27805 @node Examples
27806 @section Examples
27807
27808 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
27809 does not get any direct output:
27810
27811 @smallexample
27812 -> @code{R00}
27813 <- @code{+}
27814 @emph{target restarts}
27815 -> @code{?}
27816 <- @code{+}
27817 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
27818 -> @code{+}
27819 @end smallexample
27820
27821 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
27822
27823 @smallexample
27824 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
27825 <- @code{+}
27826 -> @code{s}
27827 <- @code{+}
27828 @emph{time passes}
27829 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
27830 -> @code{+}
27831 -> @code{g}
27832 <- @code{+}
27833 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
27834 -> @code{+}
27835 @end smallexample
27836
27837 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
27838 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
27839 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
27840
27841 @menu
27842 * File-I/O Overview::
27843 * Protocol Basics::
27844 * The F Request Packet::
27845 * The F Reply Packet::
27846 * The Ctrl-C Message::
27847 * Console I/O::
27848 * List of Supported Calls::
27849 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
27850 * Constants::
27851 * File-I/O Examples::
27852 @end menu
27853
27854 @node File-I/O Overview
27855 @subsection File-I/O Overview
27856 @cindex file-i/o overview
27857
27858 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
27859 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
27860 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
27861 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
27862 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
27863 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
27864
27865 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
27866 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
27867 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
27868 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
27869 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
27870
27871 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
27872 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
27873 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
27874 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
27875 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
27876 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
27877 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
27878
27879 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
27880 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
27881 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
27882 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
27883 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
27884
27885 @smallexample
27886 (@value{GDBP}) continue
27887 <- target requests 'system call X'
27888 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
27889 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
27890 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
27891 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
27892 @end smallexample
27893
27894 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
27895 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
27896 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
27897 system are not supported by this protocol.
27898
27899 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
27900
27901 @node Protocol Basics
27902 @subsection Protocol Basics
27903 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
27904
27905 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
27906 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
27907 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
27908 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
27909 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
27910 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
27911 to call the appropriate host system call:
27912
27913 @itemize @bullet
27914 @item
27915 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
27916
27917 @item
27918 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
27919 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
27920 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
27921 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
27922
27923 @end itemize
27924
27925 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
27926
27927 @itemize @bullet
27928 @item
27929 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
27930 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
27931 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
27932 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
27933 packet.
27934
27935 @item
27936 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
27937 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
27938
27939 @item
27940 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
27941
27942 @item
27943 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
27944
27945 @item
27946 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
27947 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
27948 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
27949 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
27950 packet.
27951
27952 @end itemize
27953
27954 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
27955 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
27956
27957 @itemize @bullet
27958 @item
27959 Return value.
27960
27961 @item
27962 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
27963
27964 @item
27965 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
27966
27967 @end itemize
27968
27969 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
27970 the latest continue or step action.
27971
27972 @node The F Request Packet
27973 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
27974 @cindex file-i/o request packet
27975 @cindex @code{F} request packet
27976
27977 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
27978
27979 @table @samp
27980 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
27981
27982 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
27983 This is just the name of the function.
27984
27985 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
27986 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
27987 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
27988 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
27989 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
27990 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
27991 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
27992
27993 @end table
27994
27995
27996
27997 @node The F Reply Packet
27998 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
27999 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
28000 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
28001
28002 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
28003
28004 @table @samp
28005
28006 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
28007
28008 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
28009
28010 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
28011 representation.
28012 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
28013
28014 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
28015 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
28016 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
28017
28018 @smallexample
28019 F0,0,C
28020 @end smallexample
28021
28022 @noindent
28023 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
28024
28025 @smallexample
28026 F-1,4,C
28027 @end smallexample
28028
28029 @noindent
28030 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
28031
28032 @end table
28033
28034
28035 @node The Ctrl-C Message
28036 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
28037 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
28038
28039 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
28040 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
28041 the target should behave as if it had
28042 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
28043 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
28044 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
28045 packet.
28046
28047 It's important for the target to know in which
28048 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
28049
28050 @itemize @bullet
28051 @item
28052 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
28053
28054 @item
28055 The system call on the host has been finished.
28056
28057 @end itemize
28058
28059 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
28060 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
28061 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
28062 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
28063 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
28064 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
28065
28066 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
28067 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
28068 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
28069 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
28070 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
28071 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
28072 or the full action has been completed.
28073
28074 @node Console I/O
28075 @subsection Console I/O
28076 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
28077
28078 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
28079 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
28080 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
28081 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
28082 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
28083 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
28084 conditions is met:
28085
28086 @itemize @bullet
28087 @item
28088 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
28089 @code{read}
28090 system call is treated as finished.
28091
28092 @item
28093 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
28094 newline.
28095
28096 @item
28097 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
28098 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
28099
28100 @end itemize
28101
28102 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
28103 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
28104 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
28105 is stopped at the user's request.
28106
28107
28108 @node List of Supported Calls
28109 @subsection List of Supported Calls
28110 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
28111
28112 @menu
28113 * open::
28114 * close::
28115 * read::
28116 * write::
28117 * lseek::
28118 * rename::
28119 * unlink::
28120 * stat/fstat::
28121 * gettimeofday::
28122 * isatty::
28123 * system::
28124 @end menu
28125
28126 @node open
28127 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
28128 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
28129
28130 @table @asis
28131 @item Synopsis:
28132 @smallexample
28133 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
28134 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
28135 @end smallexample
28136
28137 @item Request:
28138 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
28139
28140 @noindent
28141 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
28142
28143 @table @code
28144 @item O_CREAT
28145 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
28146 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
28147 are concerned.
28148
28149 @item O_EXCL
28150 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
28151 an error and open() fails.
28152
28153 @item O_TRUNC
28154 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
28155 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
28156 truncated to zero length.
28157
28158 @item O_APPEND
28159 The file is opened in append mode.
28160
28161 @item O_RDONLY
28162 The file is opened for reading only.
28163
28164 @item O_WRONLY
28165 The file is opened for writing only.
28166
28167 @item O_RDWR
28168 The file is opened for reading and writing.
28169 @end table
28170
28171 @noindent
28172 Other bits are silently ignored.
28173
28174
28175 @noindent
28176 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
28177
28178 @table @code
28179 @item S_IRUSR
28180 User has read permission.
28181
28182 @item S_IWUSR
28183 User has write permission.
28184
28185 @item S_IRGRP
28186 Group has read permission.
28187
28188 @item S_IWGRP
28189 Group has write permission.
28190
28191 @item S_IROTH
28192 Others have read permission.
28193
28194 @item S_IWOTH
28195 Others have write permission.
28196 @end table
28197
28198 @noindent
28199 Other bits are silently ignored.
28200
28201
28202 @item Return value:
28203 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
28204 occurred.
28205
28206 @item Errors:
28207
28208 @table @code
28209 @item EEXIST
28210 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
28211
28212 @item EISDIR
28213 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
28214
28215 @item EACCES
28216 The requested access is not allowed.
28217
28218 @item ENAMETOOLONG
28219 @var{pathname} was too long.
28220
28221 @item ENOENT
28222 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
28223
28224 @item ENODEV
28225 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
28226
28227 @item EROFS
28228 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
28229 write access was requested.
28230
28231 @item EFAULT
28232 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
28233
28234 @item ENOSPC
28235 No space on device to create the file.
28236
28237 @item EMFILE
28238 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
28239
28240 @item ENFILE
28241 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
28242 has been reached.
28243
28244 @item EINTR
28245 The call was interrupted by the user.
28246 @end table
28247
28248 @end table
28249
28250 @node close
28251 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
28252 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
28253
28254 @table @asis
28255 @item Synopsis:
28256 @smallexample
28257 int close(int fd);
28258 @end smallexample
28259
28260 @item Request:
28261 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
28262
28263 @item Return value:
28264 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
28265
28266 @item Errors:
28267
28268 @table @code
28269 @item EBADF
28270 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
28271
28272 @item EINTR
28273 The call was interrupted by the user.
28274 @end table
28275
28276 @end table
28277
28278 @node read
28279 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
28280 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
28281
28282 @table @asis
28283 @item Synopsis:
28284 @smallexample
28285 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
28286 @end smallexample
28287
28288 @item Request:
28289 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
28290
28291 @item Return value:
28292 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
28293 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
28294 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
28295
28296 @item Errors:
28297
28298 @table @code
28299 @item EBADF
28300 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
28301 reading.
28302
28303 @item EFAULT
28304 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
28305
28306 @item EINTR
28307 The call was interrupted by the user.
28308 @end table
28309
28310 @end table
28311
28312 @node write
28313 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
28314 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
28315
28316 @table @asis
28317 @item Synopsis:
28318 @smallexample
28319 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
28320 @end smallexample
28321
28322 @item Request:
28323 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
28324
28325 @item Return value:
28326 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
28327 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
28328 is returned.
28329
28330 @item Errors:
28331
28332 @table @code
28333 @item EBADF
28334 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
28335 writing.
28336
28337 @item EFAULT
28338 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
28339
28340 @item EFBIG
28341 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
28342 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
28343
28344 @item ENOSPC
28345 No space on device to write the data.
28346
28347 @item EINTR
28348 The call was interrupted by the user.
28349 @end table
28350
28351 @end table
28352
28353 @node lseek
28354 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
28355 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
28356
28357 @table @asis
28358 @item Synopsis:
28359 @smallexample
28360 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
28361 @end smallexample
28362
28363 @item Request:
28364 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
28365
28366 @var{flag} is one of:
28367
28368 @table @code
28369 @item SEEK_SET
28370 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
28371
28372 @item SEEK_CUR
28373 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
28374 bytes.
28375
28376 @item SEEK_END
28377 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
28378 bytes.
28379 @end table
28380
28381 @item Return value:
28382 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
28383 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
28384 value of -1 is returned.
28385
28386 @item Errors:
28387
28388 @table @code
28389 @item EBADF
28390 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
28391
28392 @item ESPIPE
28393 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
28394
28395 @item EINVAL
28396 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
28397
28398 @item EINTR
28399 The call was interrupted by the user.
28400 @end table
28401
28402 @end table
28403
28404 @node rename
28405 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
28406 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
28407
28408 @table @asis
28409 @item Synopsis:
28410 @smallexample
28411 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
28412 @end smallexample
28413
28414 @item Request:
28415 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
28416
28417 @item Return value:
28418 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
28419
28420 @item Errors:
28421
28422 @table @code
28423 @item EISDIR
28424 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
28425 directory.
28426
28427 @item EEXIST
28428 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
28429
28430 @item EBUSY
28431 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
28432 process.
28433
28434 @item EINVAL
28435 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
28436 of itself.
28437
28438 @item ENOTDIR
28439 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
28440 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
28441 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
28442
28443 @item EFAULT
28444 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
28445
28446 @item EACCES
28447 No access to the file or the path of the file.
28448
28449 @item ENAMETOOLONG
28450
28451 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
28452
28453 @item ENOENT
28454 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
28455
28456 @item EROFS
28457 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
28458
28459 @item ENOSPC
28460 The device containing the file has no room for the new
28461 directory entry.
28462
28463 @item EINTR
28464 The call was interrupted by the user.
28465 @end table
28466
28467 @end table
28468
28469 @node unlink
28470 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
28471 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
28472
28473 @table @asis
28474 @item Synopsis:
28475 @smallexample
28476 int unlink(const char *pathname);
28477 @end smallexample
28478
28479 @item Request:
28480 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
28481
28482 @item Return value:
28483 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
28484
28485 @item Errors:
28486
28487 @table @code
28488 @item EACCES
28489 No access to the file or the path of the file.
28490
28491 @item EPERM
28492 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
28493
28494 @item EBUSY
28495 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
28496 being used by another process.
28497
28498 @item EFAULT
28499 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
28500
28501 @item ENAMETOOLONG
28502 @var{pathname} was too long.
28503
28504 @item ENOENT
28505 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
28506
28507 @item ENOTDIR
28508 A component of the path is not a directory.
28509
28510 @item EROFS
28511 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
28512
28513 @item EINTR
28514 The call was interrupted by the user.
28515 @end table
28516
28517 @end table
28518
28519 @node stat/fstat
28520 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
28521 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
28522 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
28523
28524 @table @asis
28525 @item Synopsis:
28526 @smallexample
28527 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
28528 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
28529 @end smallexample
28530
28531 @item Request:
28532 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
28533 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
28534
28535 @item Return value:
28536 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
28537
28538 @item Errors:
28539
28540 @table @code
28541 @item EBADF
28542 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
28543
28544 @item ENOENT
28545 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
28546 path is an empty string.
28547
28548 @item ENOTDIR
28549 A component of the path is not a directory.
28550
28551 @item EFAULT
28552 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
28553
28554 @item EACCES
28555 No access to the file or the path of the file.
28556
28557 @item ENAMETOOLONG
28558 @var{pathname} was too long.
28559
28560 @item EINTR
28561 The call was interrupted by the user.
28562 @end table
28563
28564 @end table
28565
28566 @node gettimeofday
28567 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
28568 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
28569
28570 @table @asis
28571 @item Synopsis:
28572 @smallexample
28573 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
28574 @end smallexample
28575
28576 @item Request:
28577 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
28578
28579 @item Return value:
28580 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
28581
28582 @item Errors:
28583
28584 @table @code
28585 @item EINVAL
28586 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
28587
28588 @item EFAULT
28589 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
28590 @end table
28591
28592 @end table
28593
28594 @node isatty
28595 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
28596 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
28597
28598 @table @asis
28599 @item Synopsis:
28600 @smallexample
28601 int isatty(int fd);
28602 @end smallexample
28603
28604 @item Request:
28605 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
28606
28607 @item Return value:
28608 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
28609
28610 @item Errors:
28611
28612 @table @code
28613 @item EINTR
28614 The call was interrupted by the user.
28615 @end table
28616
28617 @end table
28618
28619 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
28620 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
28621 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
28622 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
28623 needed.
28624
28625
28626 @node system
28627 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
28628 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
28629
28630 @table @asis
28631 @item Synopsis:
28632 @smallexample
28633 int system(const char *command);
28634 @end smallexample
28635
28636 @item Request:
28637 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
28638
28639 @item Return value:
28640 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
28641 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
28642 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
28643 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
28644 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
28645 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
28646 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
28647
28648 @item Errors:
28649
28650 @table @code
28651 @item EINTR
28652 The call was interrupted by the user.
28653 @end table
28654
28655 @end table
28656
28657 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
28658 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
28659 the host is simplified before it's returned
28660 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
28661 is discarded, and the return value consists
28662 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
28663
28664 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
28665 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
28666 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
28667
28668 @table @code
28669 @item set remote system-call-allowed
28670 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
28671 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
28672 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
28673
28674 @item show remote system-call-allowed
28675 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
28676 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
28677 protocol.
28678 @end table
28679
28680 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
28681 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
28682 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
28683
28684 @menu
28685 * Integral Datatypes::
28686 * Pointer Values::
28687 * Memory Transfer::
28688 * struct stat::
28689 * struct timeval::
28690 @end menu
28691
28692 @node Integral Datatypes
28693 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
28694 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
28695
28696 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
28697 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
28698 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
28699
28700 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
28701 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
28702
28703 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
28704
28705 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
28706 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
28707
28708 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
28709
28710 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
28711 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
28712 byte order.
28713
28714 @node Pointer Values
28715 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
28716 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
28717
28718 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
28719 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
28720 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
28721 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
28722
28723 @smallexample
28724 @code{1aaf/12}
28725 @end smallexample
28726
28727 @noindent
28728 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
28729 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
28730 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
28731 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
28732
28733 @smallexample
28734 @code{123456/d}
28735 @end smallexample
28736
28737 @node Memory Transfer
28738 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
28739 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
28740
28741 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
28742 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
28743 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
28744 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
28745 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
28746 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
28747 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
28748
28749
28750 @node struct stat
28751 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
28752 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
28753
28754 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
28755 is defined as follows:
28756
28757 @smallexample
28758 struct stat @{
28759 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
28760 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
28761 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
28762 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
28763 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
28764 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
28765 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
28766 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
28767 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
28768 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
28769 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
28770 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
28771 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
28772 @};
28773 @end smallexample
28774
28775 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
28776 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
28777 structure is of size 64 bytes.
28778
28779 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
28780 range of values.
28781
28782 @table @code
28783
28784 @item st_dev
28785 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
28786
28787 @item st_ino
28788 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
28789
28790 @item st_mode
28791 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
28792 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
28793
28794 @item st_uid
28795 @itemx st_gid
28796 @itemx st_rdev
28797 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
28798
28799 @item st_atime
28800 @itemx st_mtime
28801 @itemx st_ctime
28802 These values have a host and file system dependent
28803 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
28804 support exact timing values.
28805 @end table
28806
28807 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
28808 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
28809 continuing.
28810
28811 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
28812 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
28813 get truncated on the target.
28814
28815 @node struct timeval
28816 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
28817 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
28818
28819 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
28820 is defined as follows:
28821
28822 @smallexample
28823 struct timeval @{
28824 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
28825 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
28826 @};
28827 @end smallexample
28828
28829 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
28830 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
28831 structure is of size 8 bytes.
28832
28833 @node Constants
28834 @subsection Constants
28835 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
28836
28837 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
28838 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
28839 values before and after the call as needed.
28840
28841 @menu
28842 * Open Flags::
28843 * mode_t Values::
28844 * Errno Values::
28845 * Lseek Flags::
28846 * Limits::
28847 @end menu
28848
28849 @node Open Flags
28850 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
28851 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
28852
28853 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
28854
28855 @smallexample
28856 O_RDONLY 0x0
28857 O_WRONLY 0x1
28858 O_RDWR 0x2
28859 O_APPEND 0x8
28860 O_CREAT 0x200
28861 O_TRUNC 0x400
28862 O_EXCL 0x800
28863 @end smallexample
28864
28865 @node mode_t Values
28866 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
28867 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
28868
28869 All values are given in octal representation.
28870
28871 @smallexample
28872 S_IFREG 0100000
28873 S_IFDIR 040000
28874 S_IRUSR 0400
28875 S_IWUSR 0200
28876 S_IXUSR 0100
28877 S_IRGRP 040
28878 S_IWGRP 020
28879 S_IXGRP 010
28880 S_IROTH 04
28881 S_IWOTH 02
28882 S_IXOTH 01
28883 @end smallexample
28884
28885 @node Errno Values
28886 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
28887 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
28888
28889 All values are given in decimal representation.
28890
28891 @smallexample
28892 EPERM 1
28893 ENOENT 2
28894 EINTR 4
28895 EBADF 9
28896 EACCES 13
28897 EFAULT 14
28898 EBUSY 16
28899 EEXIST 17
28900 ENODEV 19
28901 ENOTDIR 20
28902 EISDIR 21
28903 EINVAL 22
28904 ENFILE 23
28905 EMFILE 24
28906 EFBIG 27
28907 ENOSPC 28
28908 ESPIPE 29
28909 EROFS 30
28910 ENAMETOOLONG 91
28911 EUNKNOWN 9999
28912 @end smallexample
28913
28914 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
28915 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
28916
28917 @node Lseek Flags
28918 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
28919 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
28920
28921 @smallexample
28922 SEEK_SET 0
28923 SEEK_CUR 1
28924 SEEK_END 2
28925 @end smallexample
28926
28927 @node Limits
28928 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
28929 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
28930
28931 All values are given in decimal representation.
28932
28933 @smallexample
28934 INT_MIN -2147483648
28935 INT_MAX 2147483647
28936 UINT_MAX 4294967295
28937 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
28938 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
28939 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
28940 @end smallexample
28941
28942 @node File-I/O Examples
28943 @subsection File-I/O Examples
28944 @cindex file-i/o examples
28945
28946 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
28947 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
28948
28949 @smallexample
28950 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
28951 @emph{request memory read from target}
28952 -> @code{m1234,6}
28953 <- XXXXXX
28954 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
28955 -> @code{F6}
28956 @end smallexample
28957
28958 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
28959 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
28960
28961 @smallexample
28962 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
28963 @emph{request memory write to target}
28964 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
28965 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
28966 -> @code{F6}
28967 @end smallexample
28968
28969 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
28970 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
28971
28972 @smallexample
28973 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
28974 -> @code{F-1,9}
28975 @end smallexample
28976
28977 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
28978 host is called:
28979
28980 @smallexample
28981 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
28982 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
28983 <- @code{T02}
28984 @end smallexample
28985
28986 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
28987 host is called:
28988
28989 @smallexample
28990 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
28991 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
28992 <- @code{T02}
28993 @end smallexample
28994
28995 @node Library List Format
28996 @section Library List Format
28997 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
28998
28999 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
29000 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
29001 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
29002 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
29003 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
29004 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
29005 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
29006 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
29007 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
29008 are loaded.
29009
29010 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
29011 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
29012 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
29013 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
29014
29015 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
29016 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
29017 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
29018 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
29019 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
29020 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
29021
29022 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
29023 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
29024
29025 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
29026 offset, looks like this:
29027
29028 @smallexample
29029 <library-list>
29030 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
29031 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
29032 </library>
29033 </library-list>
29034 @end smallexample
29035
29036 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
29037 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
29038
29039 @smallexample
29040 <library-list>
29041 <library name="sharedlib.o">
29042 <section address="0x10000000"/>
29043 <section address="0x20000000"/>
29044 <section address="0x30000000"/>
29045 </library>
29046 </library-list>
29047 @end smallexample
29048
29049 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
29050
29051 @smallexample
29052 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
29053 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
29054 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
29055 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
29056 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
29057 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
29058 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
29059 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
29060 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
29061 @end smallexample
29062
29063 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
29064 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
29065 section for each library.
29066
29067 @node Memory Map Format
29068 @section Memory Map Format
29069 @cindex memory map format
29070
29071 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
29072 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
29073 memory map.
29074
29075 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
29076 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
29077 lists memory regions.
29078
29079 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
29080 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
29081
29082 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
29083
29084 @smallexample
29085 <?xml version="1.0"?>
29086 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
29087 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
29088 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
29089 <memory-map>
29090 region...
29091 </memory-map>
29092 @end smallexample
29093
29094 Each region can be either:
29095
29096 @itemize
29097
29098 @item
29099 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
29100 bytes from there:
29101
29102 @smallexample
29103 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
29104 @end smallexample
29105
29106
29107 @item
29108 A region of read-only memory:
29109
29110 @smallexample
29111 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
29112 @end smallexample
29113
29114
29115 @item
29116 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
29117 bytes in length:
29118
29119 @smallexample
29120 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
29121 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
29122 </memory>
29123 @end smallexample
29124
29125 @end itemize
29126
29127 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
29128 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
29129 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
29130
29131 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
29132
29133 @smallexample
29134 <!-- ................................................... -->
29135 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
29136 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
29137 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
29138 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
29139 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
29140 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
29141 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
29142 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
29143 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
29144 and its type, or device. -->
29145 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
29146 start CDATA #REQUIRED
29147 length CDATA #REQUIRED
29148 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
29149 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
29150 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
29151 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
29152 @end smallexample
29153
29154 @include agentexpr.texi
29155
29156 @node Target Descriptions
29157 @appendix Target Descriptions
29158 @cindex target descriptions
29159
29160 @strong{Warning:} target descriptions are still under active development,
29161 and the contents and format may change between @value{GDBN} releases.
29162 The format is expected to stabilize in the future.
29163
29164 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
29165 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
29166 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
29167 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or MIPS, for example ---
29168 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
29169 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
29170 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
29171
29172 @itemize @bullet
29173 @item
29174 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
29175 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
29176 @item
29177 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
29178 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
29179 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
29180 @item
29181 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
29182 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
29183 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
29184 @end itemize
29185
29186 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
29187 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
29188 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
29189 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
29190 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
29191
29192 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
29193 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
29194
29195 @menu
29196 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
29197 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
29198 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
29199 descriptions.
29200 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
29201 @end menu
29202
29203 @node Retrieving Descriptions
29204 @section Retrieving Descriptions
29205
29206 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
29207 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
29208 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
29209 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
29210 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
29211 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
29212 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
29213 Format}.
29214
29215 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
29216 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
29217 specify a file are:
29218
29219 @table @code
29220 @cindex set tdesc filename
29221 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
29222 Read the target description from @var{path}.
29223
29224 @cindex unset tdesc filename
29225 @item unset tdesc filename
29226 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
29227 will use the description supplied by the current target.
29228
29229 @cindex show tdesc filename
29230 @item show tdesc filename
29231 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
29232 @end table
29233
29234
29235 @node Target Description Format
29236 @section Target Description Format
29237 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
29238
29239 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
29240 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
29241 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
29242 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
29243 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
29244 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
29245 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
29246
29247 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
29248 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
29249 sets. @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
29250 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
29251
29252 Here is a simple target description:
29253
29254 @smallexample
29255 <target version="1.0">
29256 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
29257 </target>
29258 @end smallexample
29259
29260 @noindent
29261 This minimal description only says that the target uses
29262 the x86-64 architecture.
29263
29264 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
29265 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
29266 are explained further below.
29267
29268 @smallexample
29269 <?xml version="1.0"?>
29270 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
29271 <target version="1.0">
29272 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
29273 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
29274 </target>
29275 @end smallexample
29276
29277 @noindent
29278 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
29279 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
29280 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
29281 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
29282 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
29283 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
29284 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
29285 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
29286 the version mismatch.
29287
29288 @subsection Inclusion
29289 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
29290 @cindex XInclude
29291 @ifnotinfo
29292 @cindex <xi:include>
29293 @end ifnotinfo
29294
29295 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
29296 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
29297 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
29298 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
29299 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
29300
29301 @smallexample
29302 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
29303 @end smallexample
29304
29305 @noindent
29306 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
29307 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
29308 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
29309 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
29310 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
29311 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
29312 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
29313 original description.
29314
29315 @subsection Architecture
29316 @cindex <architecture>
29317
29318 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
29319
29320 @smallexample
29321 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
29322 @end smallexample
29323
29324 @var{arch} is an architecture name from the same selection
29325 accepted by @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a
29326 Debugging Target}).
29327
29328 @subsection Features
29329 @cindex <feature>
29330
29331 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
29332 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
29333 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
29334 has this form:
29335
29336 @smallexample
29337 <feature name="@var{name}">
29338 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
29339 @var{reg}@dots{}
29340 </feature>
29341 @end smallexample
29342
29343 @noindent
29344 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
29345 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
29346 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
29347 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
29348
29349 @subsection Types
29350
29351 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
29352 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
29353 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
29354 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
29355 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
29356
29357 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
29358 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
29359 Types must be defined before they are used.
29360
29361 @cindex <vector>
29362 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
29363 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
29364 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
29365 @var{count}:
29366
29367 @smallexample
29368 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
29369 @end smallexample
29370
29371 @cindex <union>
29372 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
29373 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
29374 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
29375 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
29376
29377 @smallexample
29378 <union id="@var{id}">
29379 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
29380 @dots{}
29381 </union>
29382 @end smallexample
29383
29384 @subsection Registers
29385 @cindex <reg>
29386
29387 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
29388
29389 @smallexample
29390 <reg name="@var{name}"
29391 bitsize="@var{size}"
29392 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
29393 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
29394 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
29395 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
29396 @end smallexample
29397
29398 @noindent
29399 The components are as follows:
29400
29401 @table @var
29402
29403 @item name
29404 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
29405
29406 @item bitsize
29407 The register's size, in bits.
29408
29409 @item regnum
29410 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
29411 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
29412 a preceeding feature); the first register in the target description
29413 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
29414 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
29415 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
29416 in order of increasing register number.
29417
29418 @item save-restore
29419 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
29420 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
29421 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
29422 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
29423 ABI.
29424
29425 @item type
29426 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
29427 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
29428 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
29429 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
29430 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
29431 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
29432
29433 @item group
29434 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
29435 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
29436 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
29437 in @code{info registers}.
29438
29439 @end table
29440
29441 @node Predefined Target Types
29442 @section Predefined Target Types
29443 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
29444
29445 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
29446 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
29447 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
29448 types. The currently supported types are:
29449
29450 @table @code
29451
29452 @item int8
29453 @itemx int16
29454 @itemx int32
29455 @itemx int64
29456 @itemx int128
29457 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
29458
29459 @item uint8
29460 @itemx uint16
29461 @itemx uint32
29462 @itemx uint64
29463 @itemx uint128
29464 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
29465
29466 @item code_ptr
29467 @itemx data_ptr
29468 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
29469 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
29470 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
29471 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
29472 may be marked as data pointers.
29473
29474 @item ieee_single
29475 Single precision IEEE floating point.
29476
29477 @item ieee_double
29478 Double precision IEEE floating point.
29479
29480 @item arm_fpa_ext
29481 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
29482
29483 @end table
29484
29485 @node Standard Target Features
29486 @section Standard Target Features
29487 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
29488
29489 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
29490 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
29491 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
29492 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
29493 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
29494 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
29495 can recognize them.
29496
29497 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
29498 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
29499 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
29500 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
29501 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
29502 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
29503 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
29504 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
29505
29506 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
29507 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
29508 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
29509
29510 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
29511 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
29512 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
29513 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
29514
29515 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
29516 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
29517 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
29518
29519 @menu
29520 * ARM Features::
29521 * MIPS Features::
29522 * M68K Features::
29523 * PowerPC Features::
29524 @end menu
29525
29526
29527 @node ARM Features
29528 @subsection ARM Features
29529 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
29530
29531 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for ARM targets.
29532 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
29533 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
29534
29535 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
29536 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
29537
29538 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
29539 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
29540 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
29541 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
29542
29543 @node MIPS Features
29544 @subsection MIPS Features
29545 @cindex target descriptions, MIPS features
29546
29547 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for MIPS targets.
29548 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
29549 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
29550 on the target.
29551
29552 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
29553 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
29554 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
29555
29556 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
29557 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
29558 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
29559 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
29560
29561 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
29562 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
29563 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
29564
29565 @node M68K Features
29566 @subsection M68K Features
29567 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
29568
29569 @table @code
29570 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
29571 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
29572 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
29573 One of those features must be always present.
29574 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
29575 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
29576 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
29577 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
29578
29579 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
29580 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
29581 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
29582 @samp{fpiaddr}.
29583 @end table
29584
29585 @node PowerPC Features
29586 @subsection PowerPC Features
29587 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
29588
29589 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
29590 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
29591 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
29592 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
29593
29594 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
29595 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
29596
29597 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
29598 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
29599 and @samp{vrsave}.
29600
29601 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
29602 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
29603 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
29604 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
29605 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
29606 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
29607
29608 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
29609 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
29610 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
29611 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
29612 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
29613 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
29614 user.
29615
29616 @node Operating System Information
29617 @appendix Operating System Information
29618 @cindex operating system information
29619
29620 @menu
29621 * Process list::
29622 @end menu
29623
29624 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
29625 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
29626 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
29627 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
29628 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
29629 on a different aspect of target.
29630
29631 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
29632 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
29633 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
29634 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
29635
29636 @node Process list
29637 @appendixsection Process list
29638 @cindex operating system information, process list
29639
29640 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
29641 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
29642 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
29643 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
29644
29645 An example document is:
29646
29647 @smallexample
29648 <?xml version="1.0"?>
29649 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
29650 <osdata type="processes">
29651 <item>
29652 <column name="pid">1</column>
29653 <column name="user">root</column>
29654 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
29655 </item>
29656 </osdata>
29657 @end smallexample
29658
29659 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
29660 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
29661 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
29662 displayed by @value{GDBN}. Target may provide additional columns,
29663 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
29664
29665 @include gpl.texi
29666
29667 @raisesections
29668 @include fdl.texi
29669 @lowersections
29670
29671 @node Index
29672 @unnumbered Index
29673
29674 @printindex cp
29675
29676 @tex
29677 % I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
29678 % meantime:
29679 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
29680 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
29681 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
29682 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
29683 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
29684 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
29685 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
29686 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
29687 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
29688 \page\colophon
29689 % Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.
29690 @end tex
29691
29692 @bye