gdb/
[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
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 @ifinfo
47 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
48
49
50 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
51 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
52 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
53 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
54 @end ifset
55 Version @value{GDBVN}.
56
57 Copyright (C) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998,@*
58 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006@*
59 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
60
61 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
62 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or
63 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
64 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
65 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
66 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
67
68 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
69 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
70 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
71 @end ifinfo
72
73 @titlepage
74 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
75 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
76 @sp 1
77 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
78 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
79 @sp 1
80 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
81 @end ifset
82 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
83 @page
84 @tex
85 {\parskip=0pt
86 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
87 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
88 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
89 }
90 @end tex
91
92 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
93 Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995,
94 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006
95 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
96 @sp 2
97 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
98 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
99 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
100 ISBN 1-882114-77-9 @*
101
102 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
103 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or
104 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
105 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
106 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
107 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
108
109 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
110 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
111 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
112 @page
113 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
114 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
115 software in general. We will miss him.
116 @end titlepage
117 @page
118
119 @ifnottex
120 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
121
122 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
123
124 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
125
126 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
127 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
128 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
129 @end ifset
130 Version @value{GDBVN}.
131
132 Copyright (C) 1988-2006 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
133
134 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
135 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
136 software in general. We will miss him.
137
138 @menu
139 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
140 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
141
142 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
143 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
144 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
145 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
146 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
147 * Stack:: Examining the stack
148 * Source:: Examining source files
149 * Data:: Examining data
150 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
151 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
152 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
153
154 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
155
156 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
157 * Altering:: Altering execution
158 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
159 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
160 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
161 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
162 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
163 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
164 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
165 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
166 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
167 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
168 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
169
170 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
171
172 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
173 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
174 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
175 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
176 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
177 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
178 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
179 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
180 @value{GDBN}
181 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
182 the operating system
183 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
184 how you can copy and share GDB
185 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
186 * Index:: Index
187 @end menu
188
189 @end ifnottex
190
191 @contents
192
193 @node Summary
194 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
195
196 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
197 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
198 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
199
200 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
201 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
202
203 @itemize @bullet
204 @item
205 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
206
207 @item
208 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
209
210 @item
211 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
212
213 @item
214 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
215 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
216 @end itemize
217
218 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
219 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
220 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
221
222 @cindex Modula-2
223 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
224 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
225
226 @cindex Pascal
227 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
228 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
229 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
230 syntax.
231
232 @cindex Fortran
233 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
234 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
235 underscore.
236
237 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
238 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
239
240 @menu
241 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
242 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
243 @end menu
244
245 @node Free Software
246 @unnumberedsec Free Software
247
248 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
249 General Public License
250 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
251 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
252 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
253 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
254 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
255 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
256
257 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
258 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
259 from anyone else.
260
261 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
262
263 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
264 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
265 include with the free software. Many of our most important
266 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
267 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
268 when an important free software package does not come with a free
269 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
270 gaps today.
271
272 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
273 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
274 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
275 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
276 them from the free software world.
277
278 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
279 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
280 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
281 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
282 contract to make it non-free.
283
284 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
285 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
286 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
287 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
288 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
289 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
290 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
291
292 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
293 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
294 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
295 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
296
297 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
298 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
299 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
300 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
301 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
302 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
303 community.
304
305 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
306 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
307 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
308 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
309 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
310 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
311 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
312 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
313 of the manual.
314
315 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
316 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
317 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
318 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
319 manual to replace it.
320
321 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
322 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
323 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
324 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
325 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
326 the free software community.
327
328 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
329 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
330 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
331 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
332 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
333 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
334 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
335 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
336 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
337
338 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
339 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
340 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
341 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
342 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
343 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
344 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
345 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
346
347 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
348 published by other publishers, at
349 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
350
351 @node Contributors
352 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
353
354 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
355 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
356 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
357 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
358 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
359 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
360 blow-by-blow account.
361
362 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
363
364 @quotation
365 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
366 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
367 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
368 @end quotation
369
370 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
371 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
372 releases:
373 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
374 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
375 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
376 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
377 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
378 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
379 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
380 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
381 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
382
383 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
384 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
385
386 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
387 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
388 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
389 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
390 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
391
392 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
393 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
394 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
395
396 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
397 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
398
399 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
400
401 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
402 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
403 support.
404 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
405 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
406 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
407 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
408 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
409 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
410 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
411 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
412 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
413 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
414 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
415 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
416 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
417 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
418 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
419 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
420
421 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
422
423 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
424 libraries.
425
426 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
427 about several machine instruction sets.
428
429 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
430 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
431 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
432 and RDI targets, respectively.
433
434 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
435 command-line editing and command history.
436
437 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
438 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
439
440 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
441 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
442 symbols.
443
444 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
445 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
446
447 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
448
449 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
450 processors.
451
452 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
453
454 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
455
456 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
457
458 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
459 watchpoints.
460
461 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
462
463 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
464
465 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
466 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
467
468 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
469 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
470 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
471 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
472 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
473 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
474 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
475
476 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
477 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
478
479 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
480 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
481 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
482 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
483 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
484 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
485 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
486 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
487 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
488 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
489 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
490 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
491 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
492 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
493 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
494
495 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
496 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
497
498 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
499 Hat.
500
501 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
502 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
503 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
504 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
505 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
506 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
507
508 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
509 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
510 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
511 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
512 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
513 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
514 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
515 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
516 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
517 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
518 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
519 Weigand.
520
521 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
522 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
523 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
524 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
525
526 @node Sample Session
527 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
528
529 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
530 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
531 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
532
533 @iftex
534 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
535 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
536 @end iftex
537
538 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
539 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
540
541 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
542 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
543 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
544 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
545 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
546 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
547 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
548 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
549 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
550
551 @smallexample
552 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
553 $ @b{./m4}
554 @b{define(foo,0000)}
555
556 @b{foo}
557 0000
558 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
559
560 @b{bar}
561 0000
562 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
563
564 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
565 @b{baz}
566 @b{Ctrl-d}
567 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
568 @end smallexample
569
570 @noindent
571 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
572
573 @smallexample
574 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
575 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
576 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
577 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
578 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
579 the conditions.
580 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
581 for details.
582
583 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
584 (@value{GDBP})
585 @end smallexample
586
587 @noindent
588 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
589 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
590 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
591 that examples fit in this manual.
592
593 @smallexample
594 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
595 @end smallexample
596
597 @noindent
598 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
599 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
600 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
601 @code{break} command.
602
603 @smallexample
604 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
605 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
606 @end smallexample
607
608 @noindent
609 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
610 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
611 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
612
613 @smallexample
614 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
615 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
616 @b{define(foo,0000)}
617
618 @b{foo}
619 0000
620 @end smallexample
621
622 @noindent
623 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
624 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
625 context where it stops.
626
627 @smallexample
628 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
629
630 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
631 at builtin.c:879
632 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
633 @end smallexample
634
635 @noindent
636 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
637 the next line of the current function.
638
639 @smallexample
640 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
641 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
642 : nil,
643 @end smallexample
644
645 @noindent
646 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
647 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
648 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
649 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
650
651 @smallexample
652 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
653 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
654 at input.c:530
655 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
656 @end smallexample
657
658 @noindent
659 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
660 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
661 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
662 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
663 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
664 stack frame for each active subroutine.
665
666 @smallexample
667 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
668 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
669 at input.c:530
670 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
671 at builtin.c:882
672 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
673 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
674 at macro.c:71
675 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
676 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
677 @end smallexample
678
679 @noindent
680 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
681 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
682 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
683
684 @smallexample
685 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
686 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
687 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
688 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
689 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
690 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
691 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
692 : xstrdup(rq);
693 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
694 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
695 @end smallexample
696
697 @noindent
698 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
699 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
700 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
701 (@code{print}) to see their values.
702
703 @smallexample
704 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
705 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
706 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
707 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
708 @end smallexample
709
710 @noindent
711 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
712 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
713 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
714
715 @smallexample
716 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
717 533 xfree(rquote);
718 534
719 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
720 : xstrdup (lq);
721 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
722 : xstrdup (rq);
723 537
724 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
725 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
726 540 @}
727 541
728 542 void
729 @end smallexample
730
731 @noindent
732 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
733 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
734
735 @smallexample
736 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
737 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
738 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
739 540 @}
740 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
741 $3 = 9
742 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
743 $4 = 7
744 @end smallexample
745
746 @noindent
747 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
748 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
749 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
750 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
751 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
752 assignments.
753
754 @smallexample
755 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
756 $5 = 7
757 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
758 $6 = 9
759 @end smallexample
760
761 @noindent
762 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
763 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
764 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
765 example that caused trouble initially:
766
767 @smallexample
768 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
769 Continuing.
770
771 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
772
773 baz
774 0000
775 @end smallexample
776
777 @noindent
778 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
779 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
780 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
781
782 @smallexample
783 @b{Ctrl-d}
784 Program exited normally.
785 @end smallexample
786
787 @noindent
788 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
789 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
790 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
791
792 @smallexample
793 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
794 @end smallexample
795
796 @node Invocation
797 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
798
799 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
800 The essentials are:
801 @itemize @bullet
802 @item
803 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
804 @item
805 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
806 @end itemize
807
808 @menu
809 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
810 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
811 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
812 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
813 @end menu
814
815 @node Invoking GDB
816 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
817
818 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
819 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
820
821 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
822 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
823
824 The command-line options described here are designed
825 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
826 options may effectively be unavailable.
827
828 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
829 specifying an executable program:
830
831 @smallexample
832 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
833 @end smallexample
834
835 @noindent
836 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
837 specified:
838
839 @smallexample
840 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
841 @end smallexample
842
843 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
844 to debug a running process:
845
846 @smallexample
847 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
848 @end smallexample
849
850 @noindent
851 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
852 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
853
854 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
855 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
856 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
857 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
858 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
859
860 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
861 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
862 option processing.
863 @smallexample
864 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
865 @end smallexample
866 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
867 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
868
869 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
870 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
871
872 @smallexample
873 @value{GDBP} -silent
874 @end smallexample
875
876 @noindent
877 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
878 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
879
880 @noindent
881 Type
882
883 @smallexample
884 @value{GDBP} -help
885 @end smallexample
886
887 @noindent
888 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
889 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
890
891 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
892 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
893 @samp{-x} option is used.
894
895
896 @menu
897 * File Options:: Choosing files
898 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
899 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
900 @end menu
901
902 @node File Options
903 @subsection Choosing Files
904
905 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
906 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
907 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
908 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
909 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
910 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
911 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
912 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
913 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
914 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
915 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
916 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
917 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
918
919 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
920 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
921 argument and ignore it.
922
923 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
924 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
925 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
926 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
927 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
928
929 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
930 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
931 @c it.
932
933 @table @code
934 @item -symbols @var{file}
935 @itemx -s @var{file}
936 @cindex @code{--symbols}
937 @cindex @code{-s}
938 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
939
940 @item -exec @var{file}
941 @itemx -e @var{file}
942 @cindex @code{--exec}
943 @cindex @code{-e}
944 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
945 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
946
947 @item -se @var{file}
948 @cindex @code{--se}
949 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
950 file.
951
952 @item -core @var{file}
953 @itemx -c @var{file}
954 @cindex @code{--core}
955 @cindex @code{-c}
956 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
957
958 @item -pid @var{number}
959 @itemx -p @var{number}
960 @cindex @code{--pid}
961 @cindex @code{-p}
962 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
963
964 @item -command @var{file}
965 @itemx -x @var{file}
966 @cindex @code{--command}
967 @cindex @code{-x}
968 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}. @xref{Command
969 Files,, Command files}.
970
971 @item -eval-command @var{command}
972 @itemx -ex @var{command}
973 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
974 @cindex @code{-ex}
975 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
976
977 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
978 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
979
980 @smallexample
981 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
982 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
983 @end smallexample
984
985 @item -directory @var{directory}
986 @itemx -d @var{directory}
987 @cindex @code{--directory}
988 @cindex @code{-d}
989 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
990
991 @item -r
992 @itemx -readnow
993 @cindex @code{--readnow}
994 @cindex @code{-r}
995 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
996 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
997 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
998
999 @end table
1000
1001 @node Mode Options
1002 @subsection Choosing Modes
1003
1004 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1005 batch mode or quiet mode.
1006
1007 @table @code
1008 @item -nx
1009 @itemx -n
1010 @cindex @code{--nx}
1011 @cindex @code{-n}
1012 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1013 @value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1014 options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1015 Files}.
1016
1017 @item -quiet
1018 @itemx -silent
1019 @itemx -q
1020 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1021 @cindex @code{--silent}
1022 @cindex @code{-q}
1023 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1024 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1025
1026 @item -batch
1027 @cindex @code{--batch}
1028 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1029 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1030 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1031 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1032 in the command files.
1033
1034 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1035 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1036 make this more useful, the message
1037
1038 @smallexample
1039 Program exited normally.
1040 @end smallexample
1041
1042 @noindent
1043 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1044 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1045 mode.
1046
1047 @item -batch-silent
1048 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1049 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1050 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1051 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1052 for an interactive session.
1053
1054 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1055 messages, for example.
1056
1057 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1058 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1059
1060 @item -return-child-result
1061 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1062 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1063 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1064
1065 @itemize @bullet
1066 @item
1067 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1068 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1069 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1070 @item
1071 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1072 @item
1073 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1074 the exit code will be -1.
1075 @end itemize
1076
1077 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1078 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1079 interface.
1080
1081 @item -nowindows
1082 @itemx -nw
1083 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1084 @cindex @code{-nw}
1085 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1086 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1087 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1088
1089 @item -windows
1090 @itemx -w
1091 @cindex @code{--windows}
1092 @cindex @code{-w}
1093 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1094 used if possible.
1095
1096 @item -cd @var{directory}
1097 @cindex @code{--cd}
1098 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1099 instead of the current directory.
1100
1101 @item -fullname
1102 @itemx -f
1103 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1104 @cindex @code{-f}
1105 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1106 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1107 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1108 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1109 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1110 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1111 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1112 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1113 frame.
1114
1115 @item -epoch
1116 @cindex @code{--epoch}
1117 The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1118 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1119 routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1120 separate window.
1121
1122 @item -annotate @var{level}
1123 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1124 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1125 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1126 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1127 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1128 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1129 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1130 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1131 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1132
1133 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1134 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1135
1136 @item --args
1137 @cindex @code{--args}
1138 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1139 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1140 This option stops option processing.
1141
1142 @item -baud @var{bps}
1143 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1144 @cindex @code{--baud}
1145 @cindex @code{-b}
1146 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1147 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1148
1149 @item -l @var{timeout}
1150 @cindex @code{-l}
1151 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1152 for remote debugging.
1153
1154 @item -tty @var{device}
1155 @itemx -t @var{device}
1156 @cindex @code{--tty}
1157 @cindex @code{-t}
1158 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1159 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1160
1161 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1162 @item -tui
1163 @cindex @code{--tui}
1164 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1165 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1166 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1167 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Alternatively, the
1168 Text User Interface can be enabled by invoking the program
1169 @samp{@value{GDBTUI}}. Do not use this option if you run @value{GDBN} from
1170 Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1171
1172 @c @item -xdb
1173 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1174 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1175 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1176 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1177 @c systems.
1178
1179 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1180 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1181 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1182 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1183 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1184 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1185
1186 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1187 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1188 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1189 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1190 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1191 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1192
1193 @item -write
1194 @cindex @code{--write}
1195 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1196 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1197 (@pxref{Patching}).
1198
1199 @item -statistics
1200 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1201 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1202 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1203
1204 @item -version
1205 @cindex @code{--version}
1206 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1207 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1208
1209 @end table
1210
1211 @node Startup
1212 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1213 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1214
1215 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1216
1217 @enumerate
1218 @item
1219 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1220 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1221
1222 @item
1223 @cindex init file
1224 Reads the @dfn{init file} (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1225 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1226 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1227 that file.
1228
1229 @item
1230 Processes command line options and operands.
1231
1232 @item
1233 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1234 working directory. This is only done if the current directory is
1235 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1236 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1237 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1238 @value{GDBN}.
1239
1240 @item
1241 Reads command files specified by the @samp{-x} option. @xref{Command
1242 Files}, for more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1243
1244 @item
1245 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1246 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1247 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1248 @end enumerate
1249
1250 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1251 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1252 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1253 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1254 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1255 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1256
1257 @cindex init file name
1258 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1259 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1260 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1261 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1262 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1263 ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1264 @file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1265 the file to the standard name.
1266
1267
1268 @node Quitting GDB
1269 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1270 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1271 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1272
1273 @table @code
1274 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1275 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1276 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1277 @itemx q
1278 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1279 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1280 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1281 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1282 error code.
1283 @end table
1284
1285 @cindex interrupt
1286 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1287 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1288 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1289 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1290 until a time when it is safe.
1291
1292 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1293 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1294 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1295
1296 @node Shell Commands
1297 @section Shell Commands
1298
1299 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1300 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1301 just use the @code{shell} command.
1302
1303 @table @code
1304 @kindex shell
1305 @cindex shell escape
1306 @item shell @var{command string}
1307 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1308 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1309 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1310 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1311 @end table
1312
1313 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1314 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1315 @value{GDBN}:
1316
1317 @table @code
1318 @kindex make
1319 @cindex calling make
1320 @item make @var{make-args}
1321 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1322 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1323 @end table
1324
1325 @node Logging Output
1326 @section Logging Output
1327 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1328 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1329
1330 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1331 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1332
1333 @table @code
1334 @kindex set logging
1335 @item set logging on
1336 Enable logging.
1337 @item set logging off
1338 Disable logging.
1339 @cindex logging file name
1340 @item set logging file @var{file}
1341 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1342 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1343 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1344 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1345 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1346 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1347 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1348 @kindex show logging
1349 @item show logging
1350 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1351 @end table
1352
1353 @node Commands
1354 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1355
1356 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1357 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1358 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1359 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1360 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1361
1362 @menu
1363 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1364 * Completion:: Command completion
1365 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1366 @end menu
1367
1368 @node Command Syntax
1369 @section Command Syntax
1370
1371 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1372 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1373 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1374 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1375 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1376 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1377
1378 @cindex abbreviation
1379 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1380 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1381 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1382 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1383 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1384 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1385 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1386
1387 @cindex repeating commands
1388 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1389 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1390 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1391 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1392 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1393 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1394 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1395
1396 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1397 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1398 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1399
1400 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1401 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1402 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1403 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1404 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1405
1406 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1407 @cindex comment
1408 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1409 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1410 Files,,Command Files}).
1411
1412 @cindex repeating command sequences
1413 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1414 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1415 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1416 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1417 for editing.
1418
1419 @node Completion
1420 @section Command Completion
1421
1422 @cindex completion
1423 @cindex word completion
1424 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1425 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1426 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1427 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1428
1429 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1430 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1431 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1432 enter it). For example, if you type
1433
1434 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1435 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1436 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1437 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1438 @smallexample
1439 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1440 @end smallexample
1441
1442 @noindent
1443 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1444 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1445
1446 @smallexample
1447 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1448 @end smallexample
1449
1450 @noindent
1451 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1452 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1453 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1454 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1455 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1456 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1457
1458 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1459 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1460 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1461 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1462 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1463 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1464 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1465 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1466 example:
1467
1468 @smallexample
1469 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1470 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1471 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1472 make_abs_section make_function_type
1473 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1474 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1475 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1476 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1477 @end smallexample
1478
1479 @noindent
1480 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1481 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1482 command.
1483
1484 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1485 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1486 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1487 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1488 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1489
1490 @cindex quotes in commands
1491 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1492 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1493 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1494 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1495 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1496 @value{GDBN} commands.
1497
1498 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1499 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1500 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1501 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1502 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1503 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1504 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1505 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1506 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1507 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1508 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1509
1510 @smallexample
1511 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1512 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1513 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1514 @end smallexample
1515
1516 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1517 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1518 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1519 place:
1520
1521 @smallexample
1522 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1523 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1524 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1525 @end smallexample
1526
1527 @noindent
1528 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1529 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1530 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1531
1532 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1533 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1534 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1535 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1536
1537 @cindex completion of structure field names
1538 @cindex structure field name completion
1539 @cindex completion of union field names
1540 @cindex union field name completion
1541 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1542 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1543 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1544 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1545 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1546 left-hand-side:
1547
1548 @smallexample
1549 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1550 magic to_delete to_fputs to_put to_rewind
1551 to_data to_flush to_isatty to_read to_write
1552 @end smallexample
1553
1554 @noindent
1555 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1556 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1557 follows:
1558
1559 @smallexample
1560 struct ui_file
1561 @{
1562 int *magic;
1563 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1564 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1565 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1566 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1567 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1568 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1569 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1570 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1571 void *to_data;
1572 @}
1573 @end smallexample
1574
1575
1576 @node Help
1577 @section Getting Help
1578 @cindex online documentation
1579 @kindex help
1580
1581 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1582 using the command @code{help}.
1583
1584 @table @code
1585 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1586 @item help
1587 @itemx h
1588 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1589 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1590
1591 @smallexample
1592 (@value{GDBP}) help
1593 List of classes of commands:
1594
1595 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1596 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1597 data -- Examining data
1598 files -- Specifying and examining files
1599 internals -- Maintenance commands
1600 obscure -- Obscure features
1601 running -- Running the program
1602 stack -- Examining the stack
1603 status -- Status inquiries
1604 support -- Support facilities
1605 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1606 stopping the program
1607 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1608
1609 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1610 commands in that class.
1611 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1612 documentation.
1613 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1614 (@value{GDBP})
1615 @end smallexample
1616 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1617
1618 @item help @var{class}
1619 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1620 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1621 help display for the class @code{status}:
1622
1623 @smallexample
1624 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1625 Status inquiries.
1626
1627 List of commands:
1628
1629 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1630 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1631 info -- Generic command for showing things
1632 about the program being debugged
1633 show -- Generic command for showing things
1634 about the debugger
1635
1636 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1637 documentation.
1638 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1639 (@value{GDBP})
1640 @end smallexample
1641
1642 @item help @var{command}
1643 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1644 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1645
1646 @kindex apropos
1647 @item apropos @var{args}
1648 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1649 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1650 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1651
1652 @smallexample
1653 apropos reload
1654 @end smallexample
1655
1656 @noindent
1657 results in:
1658
1659 @smallexample
1660 @c @group
1661 set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1662 multiple times in one run
1663 show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1664 multiple times in one run
1665 @c @end group
1666 @end smallexample
1667
1668 @kindex complete
1669 @item complete @var{args}
1670 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1671 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1672 command you want completed. For example:
1673
1674 @smallexample
1675 complete i
1676 @end smallexample
1677
1678 @noindent results in:
1679
1680 @smallexample
1681 @group
1682 if
1683 ignore
1684 info
1685 inspect
1686 @end group
1687 @end smallexample
1688
1689 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1690 @end table
1691
1692 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1693 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1694 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1695 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1696 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1697 all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1698
1699 @c @group
1700 @table @code
1701 @kindex info
1702 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1703 @item info
1704 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1705 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1706 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1707 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1708 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1709 @w{@code{help info}}.
1710
1711 @kindex set
1712 @item set
1713 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1714 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1715 @code{set prompt $}.
1716
1717 @kindex show
1718 @item show
1719 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1720 @value{GDBN} itself.
1721 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1722 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1723 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1724 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1725
1726 @kindex info set
1727 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1728 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1729 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1730 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1731 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1732 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1733 @end table
1734 @c @end group
1735
1736 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1737 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1738
1739 @table @code
1740 @kindex show version
1741 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1742 @item show version
1743 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1744 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1745 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1746 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1747 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1748 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1749 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1750 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1751 @value{GDBN}.
1752
1753 @kindex show copying
1754 @kindex info copying
1755 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1756 @item show copying
1757 @itemx info copying
1758 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1759
1760 @kindex show warranty
1761 @kindex info warranty
1762 @item show warranty
1763 @itemx info warranty
1764 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1765 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1766
1767 @end table
1768
1769 @node Running
1770 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1771
1772 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1773 debugging information when you compile it.
1774
1775 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1776 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1777 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1778 kill a child process.
1779
1780 @menu
1781 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1782 * Starting:: Starting your program
1783 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1784 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1785
1786 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1787 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1788 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1789 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1790
1791 * Inferiors:: Debugging multiple inferiors
1792 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1793 * Processes:: Debugging programs with multiple processes
1794 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1795 @end menu
1796
1797 @node Compilation
1798 @section Compiling for Debugging
1799
1800 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1801 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1802 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1803 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1804 and addresses in the executable code.
1805
1806 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1807 the compiler.
1808
1809 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1810 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, many
1811 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1812 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1813 executables containing debugging information.
1814
1815 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1816 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1817 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1818 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1819 in pushing your luck.
1820
1821 @cindex optimized code, debugging
1822 @cindex debugging optimized code
1823 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
1824 optimizer is rearranging your code; the debugger shows you what is
1825 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
1826 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
1827 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
1828 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
1829
1830 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
1831 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
1832 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
1833 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
1834 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
1835
1836 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1837 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1838 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1839
1840 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1841 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1842 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1843 the @option{-g} flag alone, because this information is rather large.
1844 Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
1845 provides macro information if you specify the options
1846 @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3}; the former option requests
1847 debugging information in the Dwarf 2 format, and the latter requests
1848 ``extra information''. In the future, we hope to find more compact
1849 ways to represent macro information, so that it can be included with
1850 @option{-g} alone.
1851
1852 @need 2000
1853 @node Starting
1854 @section Starting your Program
1855 @cindex starting
1856 @cindex running
1857
1858 @table @code
1859 @kindex run
1860 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1861 @item run
1862 @itemx r
1863 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1864 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1865 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1866 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1867 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1868
1869 @end table
1870
1871 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1872 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1873 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1874 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1875 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1876 message like this one:
1877
1878 @smallexample
1879 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1880 Try "help target" or "continue".
1881 @end smallexample
1882
1883 @noindent
1884 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1885 first (@pxref{load}).
1886
1887 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1888 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1889 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1890 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1891 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1892 divided into four categories:
1893
1894 @table @asis
1895 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1896 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1897 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1898 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1899 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1900 the arguments.
1901 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1902 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1903 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1904
1905 @item The @emph{environment.}
1906 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1907 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1908 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1909 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1910
1911 @item The @emph{working directory.}
1912 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1913 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1914 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1915
1916 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1917 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1918 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1919 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1920 set a different device for your program.
1921 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1922
1923 @cindex pipes
1924 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1925 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1926 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1927 wrong program.
1928 @end table
1929
1930 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1931 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
1932 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1933 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1934 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1935
1936 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1937 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1938 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1939 your current breakpoints.
1940
1941 @table @code
1942 @kindex start
1943 @item start
1944 @cindex run to main procedure
1945 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
1946 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
1947 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
1948 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
1949 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
1950 procedure, depending on the language used.
1951
1952 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
1953 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
1954 the @samp{run} command.
1955
1956 @cindex elaboration phase
1957 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
1958 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
1959 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
1960 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
1961 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
1962 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
1963 will remain to halt execution.
1964
1965 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
1966 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
1967 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
1968 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
1969 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
1970
1971 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
1972 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
1973 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
1974 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
1975 elaboration code before running your program.
1976
1977 @kindex set exec-wrapper
1978 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
1979 @itemx show exec-wrapper
1980 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
1981 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
1982 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
1983 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
1984 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
1985 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
1986 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
1987 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
1988
1989 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
1990 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
1991 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
1992 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
1993
1994 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
1995 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
1996 environment:
1997
1998 @smallexample
1999 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
2000 (@value{GDBP}) run
2001 @end smallexample
2002
2003 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2004 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2005
2006 @kindex set disable-randomization
2007 @item set disable-randomization
2008 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2009 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2010 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2011 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2012 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2013
2014 This feature is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux. You can get the same
2015 behavior using
2016
2017 @smallexample
2018 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2019 @end smallexample
2020
2021 @item set disable-randomization off
2022 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2023 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2024 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2025 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2026 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2027 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2028
2029 The virtual address space randomization is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2030 It protects the programs against some kinds of security attacks. In these
2031 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2032 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2033 a code at its expected addresses.
2034
2035 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2036 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2037 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2038 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2039 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2040 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2041 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2042 a randomly chosen address.
2043
2044 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2045 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2046 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2047 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2048 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2049
2050 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2051 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2052
2053 @item show disable-randomization
2054 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2055 the virtual address space of the started program.
2056
2057 @end table
2058
2059 @node Arguments
2060 @section Your Program's Arguments
2061
2062 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2063 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2064 @code{run} command.
2065 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2066 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2067 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2068 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2069 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2070
2071 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2072 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2073 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2074 the program, not by the shell.
2075
2076 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2077 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2078
2079 @table @code
2080 @kindex set args
2081 @item set args
2082 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2083 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2084 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2085 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2086 it again without arguments.
2087
2088 @kindex show args
2089 @item show args
2090 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2091 @end table
2092
2093 @node Environment
2094 @section Your Program's Environment
2095
2096 @cindex environment (of your program)
2097 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2098 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2099 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2100 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2101 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2102 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2103 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2104
2105 @table @code
2106 @kindex path
2107 @item path @var{directory}
2108 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2109 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2110 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2111 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2112 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2113 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2114 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2115
2116 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2117 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2118 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2119 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2120 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2121 @var{directory} to the search path.
2122 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2123 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2124
2125 @kindex show paths
2126 @item show paths
2127 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2128 environment variable).
2129
2130 @kindex show environment
2131 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2132 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2133 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2134 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2135 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2136
2137 @kindex set environment
2138 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2139 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2140 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2141 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2142 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2143 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2144 null value.
2145 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2146 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2147
2148 For example, this command:
2149
2150 @smallexample
2151 set env USER = foo
2152 @end smallexample
2153
2154 @noindent
2155 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2156 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2157 are not actually required.)
2158
2159 @kindex unset environment
2160 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2161 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2162 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2163 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2164 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2165 @end table
2166
2167 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2168 the shell indicated
2169 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2170 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2171 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2172 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2173 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2174 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2175 @file{.profile}.
2176
2177 @node Working Directory
2178 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2179
2180 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2181 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2182 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2183 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2184 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2185 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2186
2187 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2188 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2189 Specify Files}.
2190
2191 @table @code
2192 @kindex cd
2193 @cindex change working directory
2194 @item cd @var{directory}
2195 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2196
2197 @kindex pwd
2198 @item pwd
2199 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2200 @end table
2201
2202 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2203 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2204 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2205 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2206 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2207 current working directory of the debuggee.
2208
2209 @node Input/Output
2210 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2211
2212 @cindex redirection
2213 @cindex i/o
2214 @cindex terminal
2215 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2216 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2217 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2218 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2219 running your program.
2220
2221 @table @code
2222 @kindex info terminal
2223 @item info terminal
2224 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2225 program is using.
2226 @end table
2227
2228 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2229 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2230
2231 @smallexample
2232 run > outfile
2233 @end smallexample
2234
2235 @noindent
2236 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2237
2238 @kindex tty
2239 @cindex controlling terminal
2240 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2241 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2242 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2243 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2244 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2245
2246 @smallexample
2247 tty /dev/ttyb
2248 @end smallexample
2249
2250 @noindent
2251 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2252 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2253 that as their controlling terminal.
2254
2255 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2256 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2257 terminal.
2258
2259 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2260 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2261 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2262 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2263
2264 @cindex inferior tty
2265 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2266 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2267 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2268 program.
2269
2270 @table @code
2271 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2272 @kindex set inferior-tty
2273 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2274
2275 @item show inferior-tty
2276 @kindex show inferior-tty
2277 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2278 @end table
2279
2280 @node Attach
2281 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2282 @kindex attach
2283 @cindex attach
2284
2285 @table @code
2286 @item attach @var{process-id}
2287 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2288 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2289 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2290 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2291 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2292
2293 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2294 executing the command.
2295 @end table
2296
2297 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2298 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2299 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2300 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2301
2302 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2303 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2304 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2305 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2306 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2307 Specify Files}.
2308
2309 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2310 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2311 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2312 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2313 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2314 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2315 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2316
2317 @table @code
2318 @kindex detach
2319 @item detach
2320 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2321 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2322 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2323 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2324 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2325 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2326 executing the command.
2327 @end table
2328
2329 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2330 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2331 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2332 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2333 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2334 Messages}).
2335
2336 @node Kill Process
2337 @section Killing the Child Process
2338
2339 @table @code
2340 @kindex kill
2341 @item kill
2342 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2343 @end table
2344
2345 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2346 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2347 is running.
2348
2349 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2350 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2351 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2352 outside the debugger.
2353
2354 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2355 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2356 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2357 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2358 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2359 breakpoint settings).
2360
2361 @node Inferiors
2362 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors
2363
2364 Some @value{GDBN} targets are able to run multiple processes created
2365 from a single executable. This can happen, for instance, with an
2366 embedded system reporting back several processes via the remote
2367 protocol.
2368
2369 @cindex inferior
2370 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2371 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2372 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2373 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2374 may (in future) be retained after a process exits. Each run of an
2375 executable creates a new inferior, as does each attachment to an
2376 existing process. Inferiors have unique identifiers that are
2377 different from process ids, and may optionally be named as well.
2378 Usually each inferior will also have its own distinct address space,
2379 although some embedded targets may have several inferiors running in
2380 different parts of a single space.
2381
2382 Each inferior may in turn have multiple threads running in it.
2383
2384 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @code{info inferiors}:
2385
2386 @table @code
2387 @kindex info inferiors
2388 @item info inferiors
2389 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2390
2391 @kindex set print inferior-events
2392 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2393 @item set print inferior-events
2394 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2395 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2396 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2397 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2398 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2399 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2400
2401 @kindex show print inferior-events
2402 @item show print inferior-events
2403 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2404 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2405 @end table
2406
2407 @node Threads
2408 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2409
2410 @cindex threads of execution
2411 @cindex multiple threads
2412 @cindex switching threads
2413 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2414 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2415 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2416 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2417 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2418 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2419 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2420
2421 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2422 programs:
2423
2424 @itemize @bullet
2425 @item automatic notification of new threads
2426 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2427 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2428 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2429 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2430 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2431 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2432 messages on thread start and exit.
2433 @end itemize
2434
2435 @quotation
2436 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2437 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2438 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2439 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2440 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2441 like this:
2442
2443 @smallexample
2444 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2445 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2446 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2447 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2448 @end smallexample
2449 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2450 @c doesn't support threads"?
2451 @end quotation
2452
2453 @cindex focus of debugging
2454 @cindex current thread
2455 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2456 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2457 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2458 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2459 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2460
2461 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2462 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2463 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2464 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2465 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2466 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2467 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2468 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2469 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2470 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2471
2472 @smallexample
2473 [New Thread 46912507313328 (LWP 25582)]
2474 @end smallexample
2475
2476 @noindent
2477 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2478 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2479 further qualifier.
2480
2481 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2482 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2483 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2484 @c program?
2485 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2486 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2487 @c threads ab initio?
2488
2489 @cindex thread number
2490 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2491 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2492 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2493
2494 @table @code
2495 @kindex info threads
2496 @item info threads
2497 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2498 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2499
2500 @enumerate
2501 @item
2502 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2503
2504 @item
2505 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2506
2507 @item
2508 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2509 @end enumerate
2510
2511 @noindent
2512 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2513 indicates the current thread.
2514
2515 For example,
2516 @end table
2517 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2518
2519 @smallexample
2520 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2521 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2522 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2523 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2524 at threadtest.c:68
2525 @end smallexample
2526
2527 On HP-UX systems:
2528
2529 @cindex debugging multithreaded programs (on HP-UX)
2530 @cindex thread identifier (GDB), on HP-UX
2531 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2532 number---a small integer assigned in thread-creation order---with each
2533 thread in your program.
2534
2535 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message, on HP-UX
2536 @cindex thread identifier (system), on HP-UX
2537 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2538 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2539 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2540 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2541 both @value{GDBN}'s thread number and the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2542 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2543 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2544 HP-UX, you see
2545
2546 @smallexample
2547 [New thread 2 (system thread 26594)]
2548 @end smallexample
2549
2550 @noindent
2551 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread.
2552
2553 @table @code
2554 @kindex info threads (HP-UX)
2555 @item info threads
2556 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2557 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2558
2559 @enumerate
2560 @item the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2561
2562 @item the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2563
2564 @item the current stack frame summary for that thread
2565 @end enumerate
2566
2567 @noindent
2568 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2569 indicates the current thread.
2570
2571 For example,
2572 @end table
2573 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2574
2575 @smallexample
2576 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2577 * 3 system thread 26607 worker (wptr=0x7b09c318 "@@") \@*
2578 at quicksort.c:137
2579 2 system thread 26606 0x7b0030d8 in __ksleep () \@*
2580 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2581 1 system thread 27905 0x7b003498 in _brk () \@*
2582 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2583 @end smallexample
2584
2585 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2586 Solaris-specific command:
2587
2588 @table @code
2589 @item maint info sol-threads
2590 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2591 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2592 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2593 @end table
2594
2595 @table @code
2596 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2597 @item thread @var{threadno}
2598 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2599 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2600 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2601 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2602 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2603
2604 @smallexample
2605 @c FIXME!! This example made up; find a @value{GDBN} w/threads and get real one
2606 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2607 [Switching to process 35 thread 23]
2608 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2609 @end smallexample
2610
2611 @noindent
2612 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2613 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2614 threads.
2615
2616 @kindex thread apply
2617 @cindex apply command to several threads
2618 @item thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{command}
2619 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2620 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2621 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2622 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2623 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2624 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2625 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2626
2627 @kindex set print thread-events
2628 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2629 @item set print thread-events
2630 @itemx set print thread-events on
2631 @itemx set print thread-events off
2632 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2633 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2634 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2635 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2636 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2637
2638 @kindex show print thread-events
2639 @item show print thread-events
2640 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2641 have started and exited.
2642 @end table
2643
2644 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2645 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2646 programs with multiple threads.
2647
2648 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2649 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2650
2651 @node Processes
2652 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Processes
2653
2654 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2655 @cindex multiple processes
2656 @cindex processes, multiple
2657 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2658 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2659 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2660 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2661 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2662 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2663 will cause it to terminate.
2664
2665 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2666 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2667 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2668 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2669 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2670 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2671 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2672 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2673 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2674 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2675
2676 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2677 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2678 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2679 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2680
2681 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2682 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2683
2684 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2685 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2686
2687 @table @code
2688 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
2689 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2690 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2691 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2692 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2693
2694 @table @code
2695 @item parent
2696 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2697 unimpeded. This is the default.
2698
2699 @item child
2700 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2701 unimpeded.
2702
2703 @end table
2704
2705 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
2706 @item show follow-fork-mode
2707 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2708 @end table
2709
2710 @cindex debugging multiple processes
2711 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
2712 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
2713
2714 @table @code
2715 @kindex set detach-on-fork
2716 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
2717 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
2718 retain debugger control over them both.
2719
2720 @table @code
2721 @item on
2722 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
2723 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
2724 independently. This is the default.
2725
2726 @item off
2727 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2728 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
2729 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
2730 is held suspended.
2731
2732 @end table
2733
2734 @kindex show detach-on-fork
2735 @item show detach-on-fork
2736 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
2737 @end table
2738
2739 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then
2740 @value{GDBN} will retain control of all forked processes (including
2741 nested forks). You can list the forked processes under the control of
2742 @value{GDBN} by using the @w{@code{info forks}} command, and switch
2743 from one fork to another by using the @w{@code{fork}} command.
2744
2745 @table @code
2746 @kindex info forks
2747 @item info forks
2748 Print a list of all forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2749 The listing will include a fork id, a process id, and the current
2750 position (program counter) of the process.
2751
2752 @kindex fork @var{fork-id}
2753 @item fork @var{fork-id}
2754 Make fork number @var{fork-id} the current process. The argument
2755 @var{fork-id} is the internal fork number assigned by @value{GDBN},
2756 as shown in the first field of the @samp{info forks} display.
2757
2758 @kindex process @var{process-id}
2759 @item process @var{process-id}
2760 Make process number @var{process-id} the current process. The
2761 argument @var{process-id} must be one that is listed in the output of
2762 @samp{info forks}.
2763
2764 @end table
2765
2766 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
2767 from it by using the @w{@code{detach fork}} command (allowing it to
2768 run independently), or delete (and kill) it using the
2769 @w{@code{delete fork}} command.
2770
2771 @table @code
2772 @kindex detach fork @var{fork-id}
2773 @item detach fork @var{fork-id}
2774 Detach from the process identified by @value{GDBN} fork number
2775 @var{fork-id}, and remove it from the fork list. The process will be
2776 allowed to run independently.
2777
2778 @kindex delete fork @var{fork-id}
2779 @item delete fork @var{fork-id}
2780 Kill the process identified by @value{GDBN} fork number @var{fork-id},
2781 and remove it from the fork list.
2782
2783 @end table
2784
2785 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
2786 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
2787 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
2788 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
2789 the child process's @code{main}.
2790
2791 When a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you cannot debug the
2792 child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
2793
2794 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
2795 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent process,
2796 use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name as its
2797 argument.
2798
2799 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
2800 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
2801 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
2802
2803 @node Checkpoint/Restart
2804 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
2805
2806 @cindex checkpoint
2807 @cindex restart
2808 @cindex bookmark
2809 @cindex snapshot of a process
2810 @cindex rewind program state
2811
2812 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
2813 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
2814 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
2815 later.
2816
2817 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
2818 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
2819 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
2820 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
2821 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
2822
2823 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
2824 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
2825 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
2826 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
2827 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
2828 start again from there.
2829
2830 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
2831 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
2832
2833 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
2834
2835 @table @code
2836 @kindex checkpoint
2837 @item checkpoint
2838 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
2839 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
2840 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
2841
2842 @kindex info checkpoints
2843 @item info checkpoints
2844 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
2845 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
2846 listed:
2847
2848 @table @code
2849 @item Checkpoint ID
2850 @item Process ID
2851 @item Code Address
2852 @item Source line, or label
2853 @end table
2854
2855 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
2856 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
2857 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
2858 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
2859 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
2860 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
2861 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
2862
2863 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
2864 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
2865 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
2866 the debugger.
2867
2868 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
2869 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
2870 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
2871
2872 @end table
2873
2874 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
2875 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
2876 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
2877 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
2878 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
2879 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
2880 previously read data can be read again.
2881
2882 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
2883 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
2884 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
2885 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
2886 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
2887 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
2888
2889 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
2890 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
2891 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
2892 different execution path this time.
2893
2894 @cindex checkpoints and process id
2895 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
2896 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
2897 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
2898 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
2899 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
2900 potentially pose a problem.
2901
2902 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
2903
2904 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
2905 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
2906 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
2907 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
2908 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
2909 next.
2910
2911 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
2912 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
2913 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
2914 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
2915 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
2916
2917 @node Stopping
2918 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
2919
2920 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
2921 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
2922 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
2923
2924 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
2925 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
2926 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
2927 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
2928 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
2929 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
2930 explicitly request this information at any time.
2931
2932 @table @code
2933 @kindex info program
2934 @item info program
2935 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
2936 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
2937 @end table
2938
2939 @menu
2940 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
2941 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
2942 * Signals:: Signals
2943 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
2944 @end menu
2945
2946 @node Breakpoints
2947 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
2948
2949 @cindex breakpoints
2950 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
2951 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
2952 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
2953 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
2954 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
2955 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
2956 program.
2957
2958 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
2959 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
2960 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
2961 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
2962 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
2963 call).
2964
2965 @cindex watchpoints
2966 @cindex data breakpoints
2967 @cindex memory tracing
2968 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
2969 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
2970 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
2971 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
2972 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
2973 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
2974 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
2975 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
2976 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
2977 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
2978 same commands.
2979
2980 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
2981 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
2982 Automatic Display}.
2983
2984 @cindex catchpoints
2985 @cindex breakpoint on events
2986 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
2987 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
2988 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
2989 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
2990 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
2991 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
2992 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
2993
2994 @cindex breakpoint numbers
2995 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
2996 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
2997 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
2998 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
2999 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3000 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3001 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3002 enable it again.
3003
3004 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3005 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3006 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3007 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3008 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3009 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3010 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3011
3012 @menu
3013 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3014 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3015 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3016 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3017 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3018 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3019 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3020 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3021 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3022 @end menu
3023
3024 @node Set Breaks
3025 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3026
3027 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3028 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3029 @c
3030 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3031
3032 @kindex break
3033 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3034 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3035 @cindex latest breakpoint
3036 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3037 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3038 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3039 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3040 convenience variables.
3041
3042 @table @code
3043 @item break @var{location}
3044 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3045 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3046 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3047 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3048 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3049
3050 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3051 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3052 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3053 that situation.
3054
3055 @item break
3056 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3057 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3058 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3059 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3060 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3061 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3062 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3063 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3064 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3065 inside loops.
3066
3067 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3068 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3069 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3070 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3071 existed when your program stopped.
3072
3073 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3074 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3075 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3076 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3077 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3078 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3079 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3080
3081 @kindex tbreak
3082 @item tbreak @var{args}
3083 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3084 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3085 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3086 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3087
3088 @kindex hbreak
3089 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3090 @item hbreak @var{args}
3091 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3092 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3093 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3094 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3095 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3096 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3097 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3098 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3099 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3100 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3101 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3102 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3103 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3104 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3105 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3106 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3107 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3108 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3109
3110 @kindex thbreak
3111 @item thbreak @var{args}
3112 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3113 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3114 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3115 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3116 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3117 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3118 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3119 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3120
3121 @kindex rbreak
3122 @cindex regular expression
3123 @cindex breakpoints in functions matching a regexp
3124 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3125 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3126 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3127 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3128 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3129 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3130 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3131 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3132
3133 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3134 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3135 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3136 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3137 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3138 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3139
3140 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3141 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3142 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3143 classes.
3144
3145 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3146 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3147 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3148
3149 @smallexample
3150 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3151 @end smallexample
3152
3153 @kindex info breakpoints
3154 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3155 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3156 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3157 @itemx info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3158 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3159 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3160 about the specified breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint). For
3161 each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3162
3163 @table @emph
3164 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3165 @item Type
3166 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3167 @item Disposition
3168 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3169 @item Enabled or Disabled
3170 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3171 that are not enabled.
3172 @item Address
3173 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3174 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3175 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3176 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3177 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3178 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3179 @item What
3180 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3181 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3182 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3183 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3184 @end table
3185
3186 @noindent
3187 If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
3188 the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
3189 are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is allowed to have a condition
3190 specified for it. The condition is not parsed for validity until a shared
3191 library is loaded that allows the pending breakpoint to resolve to a
3192 valid location.
3193
3194 @noindent
3195 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3196 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3197 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3198 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3199 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3200
3201 @noindent
3202 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3203 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3204 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3205 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3206 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3207 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3208 @end table
3209
3210 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3211 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3212 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3213 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3214
3215 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3216 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3217 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3218 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3219
3220 @itemize @bullet
3221 @item
3222 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3223 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3224
3225 @item
3226 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3227 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3228
3229 @item
3230 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3231 several places where that function is inlined.
3232 @end itemize
3233
3234 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3235 the relevant locations@footnote{
3236 As of this writing, multiple-location breakpoints work only if there's
3237 line number information for all the locations. This means that they
3238 will generally not work in system libraries, unless you have debug
3239 info with line numbers for them.}.
3240
3241 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3242 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3243 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3244 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3245 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3246 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3247 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3248
3249 For example:
3250
3251 @smallexample
3252 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3253 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3254 stop only if i==1
3255 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3256 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3257 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3258 @end smallexample
3259
3260 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3261 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3262 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3263 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3264 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3265 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3266 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3267 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3268 that belong to that breakpoint.
3269
3270 @cindex pending breakpoints
3271 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3272 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3273 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3274 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3275 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3276 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3277 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3278 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3279 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3280 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3281 is not yet resolved.
3282
3283 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3284 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3285 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3286 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3287 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3288 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3289
3290 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3291 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3292 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3293 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3294
3295 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3296 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3297 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3298
3299 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3300 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3301 address specification to an address:
3302
3303 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3304 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3305 @table @code
3306 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3307 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3308 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3309
3310 @item set breakpoint pending on
3311 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3312 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3313
3314 @item set breakpoint pending off
3315 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3316 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3317 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3318
3319 @item show breakpoint pending
3320 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3321 @end table
3322
3323 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3324 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3325 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3326
3327 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3328 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3329 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3330 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3331 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3332 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3333 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3334 breakpoints.
3335
3336 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3337
3338 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3339 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3340 @table @code
3341 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3342 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3343 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3344 breakpoint must be used.
3345
3346 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3347 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3348 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3349 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3350 @end table
3351
3352 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3353 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3354 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3355 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3356 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3357 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3358 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3359 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3360 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3361
3362 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3363 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3364 @table @code
3365 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3366 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3367 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3368 removed from the target when it stops.
3369
3370 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3371 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3372 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3373 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3374 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3375
3376 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3377 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3378 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3379 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3380 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3381 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3382 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3383 @end table
3384
3385 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3386 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3387 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3388 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3389 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3390 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3391 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3392 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3393
3394
3395 @node Set Watchpoints
3396 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3397
3398 @cindex setting watchpoints
3399 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3400 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3401 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3402 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3403 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3404
3405 @itemize @bullet
3406 @item
3407 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3408
3409 @item
3410 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3411 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3412 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3413
3414 @item
3415 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3416 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3417 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3418 @end itemize
3419
3420 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3421 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3422 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3423 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3424 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3425 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3426 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3427 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3428 the expression changes.
3429
3430 @cindex software watchpoints
3431 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3432 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3433 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3434 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3435 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3436 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3437 culprit.)
3438
3439 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3440 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3441 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3442
3443 @table @code
3444 @kindex watch
3445 @item watch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3446 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3447 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3448 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3449 to watch the value of a single variable:
3450
3451 @smallexample
3452 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3453 @end smallexample
3454
3455 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3456 clause, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3457 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3458 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3459 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3460 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3461
3462 @kindex rwatch
3463 @item rwatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3464 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3465 by the program.
3466
3467 @kindex awatch
3468 @item awatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3469 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3470 or written into by the program.
3471
3472 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3473 @item info watchpoints
3474 This command prints a list of watchpoints, breakpoints, and catchpoints;
3475 it is the same as @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3476 @end table
3477
3478 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3479 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3480 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3481 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3482 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3483 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3484
3485 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3486 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3487 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3488 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3489 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3490 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3491 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3492 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3493
3494 @table @code
3495 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3496 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3497 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3498
3499 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3500 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3501 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3502 @end table
3503
3504 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3505 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3506 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3507
3508 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3509
3510 @smallexample
3511 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3512 @end smallexample
3513
3514 @noindent
3515 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3516
3517 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3518 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3519 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3520 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3521 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3522 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3523 will print a message like this:
3524
3525 @smallexample
3526 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3527 @end smallexample
3528
3529 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3530 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3531 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3532 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3533 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3534 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3535 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3536 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3537
3538 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3539 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3540 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3541 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3542 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3543 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3544
3545 @smallexample
3546 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3547 @end smallexample
3548
3549 @noindent
3550 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3551
3552 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3553 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3554 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3555 expression with separately allocated resources.
3556
3557 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3558 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3559 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3560
3561 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3562 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3563 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3564 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3565 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
3566 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
3567 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
3568 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
3569 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
3570
3571 @cindex watchpoints and threads
3572 @cindex threads and watchpoints
3573 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
3574 watched expression from every thread.
3575
3576 @quotation
3577 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
3578 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
3579 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
3580 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
3581 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
3582 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
3583 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
3584 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
3585 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
3586 @end quotation
3587
3588 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
3589
3590 @node Set Catchpoints
3591 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
3592 @cindex catchpoints, setting
3593 @cindex exception handlers
3594 @cindex event handling
3595
3596 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
3597 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
3598 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
3599
3600 @table @code
3601 @kindex catch
3602 @item catch @var{event}
3603 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
3604 @table @code
3605 @item throw
3606 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
3607 The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
3608
3609 @item catch
3610 The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
3611
3612 @item exception
3613 @cindex Ada exception catching
3614 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
3615 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
3616 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
3617 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
3618 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
3619
3620 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
3621 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
3622 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
3623 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
3624 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
3625 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
3626 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
3627 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
3628
3629 @item exception unhandled
3630 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
3631
3632 @item assert
3633 A failed Ada assertion.
3634
3635 @item exec
3636 @cindex break on fork/exec
3637 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3638 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3639
3640 @item fork
3641 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3642 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3643
3644 @item vfork
3645 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3646 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3647
3648 @end table
3649
3650 @item tcatch @var{event}
3651 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
3652 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
3653
3654 @end table
3655
3656 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
3657
3658 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
3659 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
3660
3661 @itemize @bullet
3662 @item
3663 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
3664 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
3665 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
3666 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
3667 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
3668 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
3669 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
3670 disabled within interactive calls.
3671
3672 @item
3673 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
3674
3675 @item
3676 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
3677 @end itemize
3678
3679 @cindex raise exceptions
3680 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
3681 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
3682 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
3683 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
3684 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
3685 out where the exception was raised.
3686
3687 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
3688 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
3689 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
3690 which has the following ANSI C interface:
3691
3692 @smallexample
3693 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
3694 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
3695 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
3696 @end smallexample
3697
3698 @noindent
3699 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
3700 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
3701 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
3702
3703 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
3704 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
3705 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
3706 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
3707 raised.
3708
3709
3710 @node Delete Breaks
3711 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
3712
3713 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
3714 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
3715 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3716 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
3717 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
3718 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
3719
3720 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
3721 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
3722 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
3723 their breakpoint numbers.
3724
3725 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
3726 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
3727 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
3728
3729 @table @code
3730 @kindex clear
3731 @item clear
3732 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
3733 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
3734 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
3735 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
3736
3737 @item clear @var{location}
3738 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
3739 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
3740 most useful ones are listed below:
3741
3742 @table @code
3743 @item clear @var{function}
3744 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
3745 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
3746
3747 @item clear @var{linenum}
3748 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
3749 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
3750 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
3751 @end table
3752
3753 @cindex delete breakpoints
3754 @kindex delete
3755 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
3756 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3757 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
3758 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
3759 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
3760 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
3761 @end table
3762
3763 @node Disabling
3764 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
3765
3766 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
3767 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
3768 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
3769 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
3770 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
3771
3772 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
3773 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying one
3774 or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} or
3775 @code{info watch} to print a list of breakpoints, watchpoints, and
3776 catchpoints if you do not know which numbers to use.
3777
3778 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
3779 affects all of its locations.
3780
3781 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
3782 states of enablement:
3783
3784 @itemize @bullet
3785 @item
3786 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
3787 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
3788 @item
3789 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
3790 @item
3791 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
3792 disabled.
3793 @item
3794 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
3795 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
3796 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
3797 @end itemize
3798
3799 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
3800 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
3801
3802 @table @code
3803 @kindex disable
3804 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
3805 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3806 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
3807 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
3808 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
3809 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
3810 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
3811
3812 @kindex enable
3813 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3814 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
3815 become effective once again in stopping your program.
3816
3817 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
3818 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
3819 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
3820
3821 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
3822 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
3823 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
3824 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
3825 @end table
3826
3827 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
3828 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
3829 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
3830 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
3831 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
3832 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
3833 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
3834 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
3835 Stepping}.)
3836
3837 @node Conditions
3838 @subsection Break Conditions
3839 @cindex conditional breakpoints
3840 @cindex breakpoint conditions
3841
3842 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
3843 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
3844 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
3845 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
3846 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
3847 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
3848 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
3849 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
3850
3851 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
3852 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
3853 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
3854 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
3855 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
3856
3857 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
3858 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
3859 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
3860 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
3861 one.
3862
3863 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
3864 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
3865 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
3866 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
3867 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
3868 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
3869 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
3870 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
3871 conditions for the
3872 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
3873 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
3874
3875 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
3876 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
3877 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
3878 with the @code{condition} command.
3879
3880 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
3881 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
3882 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
3883 catchpoint.
3884
3885 @table @code
3886 @kindex condition
3887 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
3888 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
3889 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
3890 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
3891 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
3892 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
3893 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
3894 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
3895 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
3896 prints an error message:
3897
3898 @smallexample
3899 No symbol "foo" in current context.
3900 @end smallexample
3901
3902 @noindent
3903 @value{GDBN} does
3904 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
3905 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
3906 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
3907
3908 @item condition @var{bnum}
3909 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
3910 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
3911 @end table
3912
3913 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
3914 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
3915 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
3916 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
3917 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
3918 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
3919 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
3920 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
3921 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
3922 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
3923 your program reaches it.
3924
3925 @table @code
3926 @kindex ignore
3927 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
3928 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
3929 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
3930 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
3931 takes no action.
3932
3933 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
3934 a count of zero.
3935
3936 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
3937 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
3938 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
3939 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
3940
3941 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
3942 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
3943 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
3944
3945 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
3946 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
3947 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
3948 Variables}.
3949 @end table
3950
3951 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
3952
3953
3954 @node Break Commands
3955 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
3956
3957 @cindex breakpoint commands
3958 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
3959 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
3960 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
3961 enable other breakpoints.
3962
3963 @table @code
3964 @kindex commands
3965 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
3966 @item commands @r{[}@var{bnum}@r{]}
3967 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
3968 @itemx end
3969 Specify a list of commands for breakpoint number @var{bnum}. The commands
3970 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
3971 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
3972
3973 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
3974 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
3975
3976 With no @var{bnum} argument, @code{commands} refers to the last
3977 breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most
3978 recently encountered).
3979 @end table
3980
3981 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
3982 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
3983
3984 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
3985 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
3986 that resumes execution.
3987
3988 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
3989 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
3990 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
3991 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
3992 ambiguities about which list to execute.
3993
3994 @kindex silent
3995 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
3996 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
3997 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
3998 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
3999 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4000 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4001
4002 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4003 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4004 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4005
4006 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4007 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4008
4009 @smallexample
4010 break foo if x>0
4011 commands
4012 silent
4013 printf "x is %d\n",x
4014 cont
4015 end
4016 @end smallexample
4017
4018 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4019 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4020 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4021 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4022 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4023 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4024 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4025
4026 @smallexample
4027 break 403
4028 commands
4029 silent
4030 set x = y + 4
4031 cont
4032 end
4033 @end smallexample
4034
4035 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4036 @node Error in Breakpoints
4037 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4038
4039 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4040 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4041
4042 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4043 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4044 @smallexample
4045 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4046 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4047 @end smallexample
4048
4049 @noindent
4050 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4051 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4052 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4053
4054 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4055 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4056
4057 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4058 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4059 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4060
4061 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4062 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4063 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4064 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4065
4066 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4067 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4068 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4069 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4070 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4071 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4072 first in the bundle.
4073
4074 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4075 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4076 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4077 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4078 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4079 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4080 is hit.
4081
4082 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4083 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4084
4085 @smallexample
4086 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4087 @end smallexample
4088
4089 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4090 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4091 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4092 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4093 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4094 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4095 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4096 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4097
4098 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4099 adjusted breakpoints:
4100
4101 @smallexample
4102 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4103 to 0x00010410.
4104 @end smallexample
4105
4106 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4107 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4108 frequently than expected.
4109
4110 @node Continuing and Stepping
4111 @section Continuing and Stepping
4112
4113 @cindex stepping
4114 @cindex continuing
4115 @cindex resuming execution
4116 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4117 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4118 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4119 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4120 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4121 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4122 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4123 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4124
4125 @table @code
4126 @kindex continue
4127 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4128 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4129 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4130 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4131 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4132 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4133 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4134 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4135 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4136 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4137
4138 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4139 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4140 @code{continue} is ignored.
4141
4142 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4143 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4144 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4145 @code{continue}.
4146 @end table
4147
4148 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4149 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4150 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4151 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4152
4153 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4154 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4155 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4156 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4157 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4158 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4159
4160 @table @code
4161 @kindex step
4162 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4163 @item step
4164 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4165 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4166 abbreviated @code{s}.
4167
4168 @quotation
4169 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4170 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4171 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4172 @c distinction here.
4173 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4174 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4175 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4176 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4177 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4178 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4179 below.
4180 @end quotation
4181
4182 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4183 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4184 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4185 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4186 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4187 called within the line.
4188
4189 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4190 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4191 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4192 on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4193 was any debugging information about the routine.
4194
4195 @item step @var{count}
4196 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4197 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4198 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4199
4200 @kindex next
4201 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4202 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4203 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4204 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4205 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4206 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4207 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4208 is abbreviated @code{n}.
4209
4210 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4211
4212
4213 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4214 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4215 @c
4216 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4217 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4218 @c function are executed without stopping.
4219
4220 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4221 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4222 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4223
4224 @kindex set step-mode
4225 @item set step-mode
4226 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4227 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4228 @itemx set step-mode on
4229 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
4230 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
4231 information rather than stepping over it.
4232
4233 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
4234 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
4235 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
4236
4237 @item set step-mode off
4238 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
4239 debug information. This is the default.
4240
4241 @item show step-mode
4242 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
4243 source line debug information.
4244
4245 @kindex finish
4246 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
4247 @item finish
4248 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
4249 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
4250 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
4251
4252 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
4253 ,Returning from a Function}).
4254
4255 @kindex until
4256 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
4257 @cindex run until specified location
4258 @item until
4259 @itemx u
4260 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
4261 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
4262 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
4263 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
4264 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
4265 than the address of the jump.
4266
4267 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
4268 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
4269 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
4270 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
4271 through the next iteration.
4272
4273 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
4274 stack frame.
4275
4276 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
4277 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
4278 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
4279 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
4280 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
4281
4282 @smallexample
4283 (@value{GDBP}) f
4284 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
4285 206 expand_input();
4286 (@value{GDBP}) until
4287 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
4288 @end smallexample
4289
4290 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
4291 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
4292 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
4293 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
4294 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
4295 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
4296 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
4297
4298 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
4299 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
4300 argument.
4301
4302 @item until @var{location}
4303 @itemx u @var{location}
4304 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
4305 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
4306 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
4307 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
4308 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
4309 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
4310 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
4311 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
4312 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
4313 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
4314 invocations have returned.
4315
4316 @smallexample
4317 94 int factorial (int value)
4318 95 @{
4319 96 if (value > 1) @{
4320 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
4321 98 @}
4322 99 return (value);
4323 100 @}
4324 @end smallexample
4325
4326
4327 @kindex advance @var{location}
4328 @itemx advance @var{location}
4329 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
4330 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
4331 @ref{Specify Location}.
4332 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
4333 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
4334 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
4335 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
4336
4337
4338 @kindex stepi
4339 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
4340 @item stepi
4341 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
4342 @itemx si
4343 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
4344
4345 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
4346 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
4347 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
4348 Display,, Automatic Display}.
4349
4350 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
4351
4352 @need 750
4353 @kindex nexti
4354 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
4355 @item nexti
4356 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
4357 @itemx ni
4358 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
4359 proceed until the function returns.
4360
4361 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
4362 @end table
4363
4364 @node Signals
4365 @section Signals
4366 @cindex signals
4367
4368 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
4369 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
4370 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
4371 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
4372 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
4373 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
4374 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
4375 requested an alarm).
4376
4377 @cindex fatal signals
4378 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
4379 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
4380 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
4381 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
4382 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
4383 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
4384
4385 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
4386 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
4387 signal.
4388
4389 @cindex handling signals
4390 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
4391 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
4392 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
4393 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
4394 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
4395
4396 @table @code
4397 @kindex info signals
4398 @kindex info handle
4399 @item info signals
4400 @itemx info handle
4401 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
4402 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
4403 the defined types of signals.
4404
4405 @item info signals @var{sig}
4406 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
4407
4408 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
4409
4410 @kindex handle
4411 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
4412 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
4413 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
4414 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
4415 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
4416 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
4417 say what change to make.
4418 @end table
4419
4420 @c @group
4421 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
4422 Their full names are:
4423
4424 @table @code
4425 @item nostop
4426 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
4427 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
4428
4429 @item stop
4430 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
4431 the @code{print} keyword as well.
4432
4433 @item print
4434 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
4435
4436 @item noprint
4437 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
4438 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
4439
4440 @item pass
4441 @itemx noignore
4442 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
4443 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
4444 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
4445
4446 @item nopass
4447 @itemx ignore
4448 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
4449 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
4450 @end table
4451 @c @end group
4452
4453 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
4454 program until you
4455 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
4456 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
4457 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
4458 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
4459 program sees that signal when you continue.
4460
4461 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
4462 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
4463 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
4464 erroneous signals.
4465
4466 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
4467 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
4468 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
4469 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
4470 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
4471 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
4472 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
4473 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
4474 Program a Signal}.
4475
4476 @node Thread Stops
4477 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
4478
4479 @cindex stopped threads
4480 @cindex threads, stopped
4481
4482 @cindex continuing threads
4483 @cindex threads, continuing
4484
4485 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
4486 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
4487 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
4488 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
4489 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
4490 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
4491 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
4492 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
4493 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
4494
4495 @menu
4496 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
4497 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
4498 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
4499 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
4500 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
4501 @end menu
4502
4503 @node All-Stop Mode
4504 @subsection All-Stop Mode
4505
4506 @cindex all-stop mode
4507
4508 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
4509 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
4510 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
4511 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
4512 underfoot.
4513
4514 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
4515 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
4516 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
4517
4518 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
4519 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
4520 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
4521 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
4522 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
4523 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
4524 stops.
4525
4526 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
4527 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
4528 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
4529 first thread completes whatever you requested.
4530
4531 @cindex automatic thread selection
4532 @cindex switching threads automatically
4533 @cindex threads, automatic switching
4534 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
4535 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
4536 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
4537 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
4538 thread.
4539
4540 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
4541 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
4542
4543 @table @code
4544 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
4545 @cindex scheduler locking mode
4546 @cindex lock scheduler
4547 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
4548 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
4549 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
4550 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
4551 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
4552 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
4553 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
4554 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
4555 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
4556 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
4557 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
4558 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
4559
4560 @item show scheduler-locking
4561 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
4562 @end table
4563
4564 @node Non-Stop Mode
4565 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
4566
4567 @cindex non-stop mode
4568
4569 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
4570 @c with more details.
4571
4572 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
4573 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
4574 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
4575 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
4576 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
4577 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
4578
4579 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
4580 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
4581 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
4582 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
4583 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
4584 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
4585 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
4586 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
4587 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
4588 independently and simultaneously.
4589
4590 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
4591 or attach to your program:
4592
4593 @smallexample
4594 # Enable the async interface.
4595 set target-async 1
4596
4597 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
4598 set pagination off
4599
4600 # Finally, turn it on!
4601 set non-stop on
4602 @end smallexample
4603
4604 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
4605
4606 @table @code
4607 @kindex set non-stop
4608 @item set non-stop on
4609 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
4610 @item set non-stop off
4611 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
4612 @kindex show non-stop
4613 @item show non-stop
4614 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
4615 @end table
4616
4617 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
4618 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
4619 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
4620 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
4621 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
4622 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
4623 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
4624 default.
4625
4626 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
4627 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
4628 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
4629
4630 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
4631 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
4632 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
4633 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
4634 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
4635
4636 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
4637 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
4638 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
4639 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
4640 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
4641
4642 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
4643
4644 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
4645 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
4646 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
4647 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
4648 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
4649 previously current thread.
4650
4651 @node Background Execution
4652 @subsection Background Execution
4653
4654 @cindex foreground execution
4655 @cindex background execution
4656 @cindex asynchronous execution
4657 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
4658
4659 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
4660 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
4661 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
4662 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
4663 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
4664 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
4665
4666 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
4667 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
4668 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
4669 are:
4670
4671 @table @code
4672 @kindex run&
4673 @item run
4674 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
4675
4676 @item attach
4677 @kindex attach&
4678 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
4679
4680 @item step
4681 @kindex step&
4682 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
4683
4684 @item stepi
4685 @kindex stepi&
4686 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
4687
4688 @item next
4689 @kindex next&
4690 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
4691
4692 @item continue
4693 @kindex continue&
4694 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
4695
4696 @item finish
4697 @kindex finish&
4698 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
4699
4700 @item until
4701 @kindex until&
4702 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
4703
4704 @end table
4705
4706 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
4707 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
4708 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
4709 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
4710 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
4711 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
4712
4713 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
4714 using the @code{interrupt} command.
4715
4716 @table @code
4717 @kindex interrupt
4718 @item interrupt
4719 @itemx interrupt -a
4720
4721 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
4722 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
4723 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
4724 use @code{interrupt -a}.
4725 @end table
4726
4727 You may need to explicitly enable async mode before you can use background
4728 execution commands, with the @code{set target-async 1} command. If the
4729 target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error message
4730 if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
4731
4732 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
4733 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
4734
4735 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
4736 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
4737 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
4738
4739 @table @code
4740 @cindex breakpoints and threads
4741 @cindex thread breakpoints
4742 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
4743 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
4744 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
4745 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
4746 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
4747 specify some source line.
4748
4749 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
4750 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
4751 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
4752 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
4753 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
4754
4755 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
4756 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
4757 program.
4758
4759 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
4760 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before the
4761 breakpoint condition, like this:
4762
4763 @smallexample
4764 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
4765 @end smallexample
4766
4767 @end table
4768
4769 @node Interrupted System Calls
4770 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
4771
4772 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
4773 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
4774 @cindex premature return from system calls
4775 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
4776 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
4777 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
4778 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
4779 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
4780 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
4781 stop execution.
4782
4783 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
4784 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
4785 style anyways.
4786
4787 For example, do not write code like this:
4788
4789 @smallexample
4790 sleep (10);
4791 @end smallexample
4792
4793 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
4794 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
4795
4796 Instead, write this:
4797
4798 @smallexample
4799 int unslept = 10;
4800 while (unslept > 0)
4801 unslept = sleep (unslept);
4802 @end smallexample
4803
4804 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
4805 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
4806 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
4807 @value{GDBN}.
4808
4809 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
4810 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
4811 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
4812 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
4813
4814
4815 @node Reverse Execution
4816 @chapter Running programs backward
4817 @cindex reverse execution
4818 @cindex running programs backward
4819
4820 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
4821 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
4822 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
4823 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
4824
4825 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
4826 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
4827 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
4828 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
4829 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
4830 all target environments can support reverse execution.
4831
4832 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
4833 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
4834 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
4835 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
4836 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
4837 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
4838 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
4839 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
4840 prior values@footnote{
4841 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
4842 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
4843 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
4844
4845 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
4846 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
4847 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
4848 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
4849 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
4850 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
4851 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
4852 }.
4853
4854 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
4855 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
4856
4857 @table @code
4858 @kindex reverse-continue
4859 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
4860 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4861 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4862 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
4863 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
4864 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
4865 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
4866
4867 @kindex reverse-step
4868 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
4869 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4870 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
4871 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
4872
4873 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
4874 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
4875 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
4876 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
4877 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
4878 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
4879
4880 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
4881 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
4882
4883 @kindex reverse-stepi
4884 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
4885 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4886 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
4887 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
4888 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
4889 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
4890 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
4891
4892 @kindex reverse-next
4893 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
4894 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4895 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
4896 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
4897 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
4898 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
4899 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
4900 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
4901 line of a function back to its return to its caller
4902 @footnote{Unles the code is too heavily optimized.}.
4903
4904 @kindex reverse-nexti
4905 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
4906 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4907 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
4908 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
4909 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
4910 another instruction, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
4911 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
4912 frame) is reached.
4913
4914 @kindex reverse-finish
4915 @item reverse-finish
4916 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
4917 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
4918 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
4919 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
4920
4921 @kindex set exec-direction
4922 @item set exec-direction
4923 Set the direction of target execution.
4924 @itemx set exec-direction reverse
4925 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
4926 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
4927 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
4928 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
4929 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
4930 @item set exec-direction forward
4931 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
4932 This is the default.
4933 @end table
4934
4935
4936 @node Stack
4937 @chapter Examining the Stack
4938
4939 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
4940 stopped and how it got there.
4941
4942 @cindex call stack
4943 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
4944 is generated.
4945 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
4946 the arguments of the call,
4947 and the local variables of the function being called.
4948 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
4949 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
4950 stack}.
4951
4952 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
4953 stack allow you to see all of this information.
4954
4955 @cindex selected frame
4956 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
4957 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
4958 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
4959 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
4960 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
4961 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
4962
4963 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
4964 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
4965 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
4966
4967 @menu
4968 * Frames:: Stack frames
4969 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
4970 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
4971 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
4972
4973 @end menu
4974
4975 @node Frames
4976 @section Stack Frames
4977
4978 @cindex frame, definition
4979 @cindex stack frame
4980 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
4981 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
4982 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
4983 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
4984 which the function is executing.
4985
4986 @cindex initial frame
4987 @cindex outermost frame
4988 @cindex innermost frame
4989 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
4990 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
4991 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
4992 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
4993 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
4994 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
4995 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
4996 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
4997
4998 @cindex frame pointer
4999 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
5000 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
5001 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
5002 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
5003 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
5004 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
5005
5006 @cindex frame number
5007 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
5008 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
5009 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
5010 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
5011 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
5012
5013 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
5014 @c underflow problems.
5015 @cindex frameless execution
5016 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
5017 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
5018 @smallexample
5019 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
5020 @end smallexample
5021 generates functions without a frame.)
5022 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
5023 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
5024 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
5025 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
5026 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
5027 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
5028 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
5029
5030 @table @code
5031 @kindex frame@r{, command}
5032 @cindex current stack frame
5033 @item frame @var{args}
5034 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
5035 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
5036 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
5037 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
5038
5039 @kindex select-frame
5040 @cindex selecting frame silently
5041 @item select-frame
5042 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
5043 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
5044 @code{frame}.
5045 @end table
5046
5047 @node Backtrace
5048 @section Backtraces
5049
5050 @cindex traceback
5051 @cindex call stack traces
5052 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
5053 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
5054 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
5055 stack.
5056
5057 @table @code
5058 @kindex backtrace
5059 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
5060 @item backtrace
5061 @itemx bt
5062 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
5063 frames in the stack.
5064
5065 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
5066 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
5067
5068 @item backtrace @var{n}
5069 @itemx bt @var{n}
5070 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
5071
5072 @item backtrace -@var{n}
5073 @itemx bt -@var{n}
5074 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
5075
5076 @item backtrace full
5077 @itemx bt full
5078 @itemx bt full @var{n}
5079 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
5080 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
5081 number of frames to print, as described above.
5082 @end table
5083
5084 @kindex where
5085 @kindex info stack
5086 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
5087 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
5088
5089 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
5090 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
5091 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
5092 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
5093 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
5094 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
5095 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
5096 multi-threaded program.
5097
5098 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
5099 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
5100 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
5101 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
5102 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
5103 line number.
5104
5105 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
5106 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
5107
5108 @smallexample
5109 @group
5110 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5111 at builtin.c:993
5112 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600) at macro.c:242
5113 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
5114 at macro.c:71
5115 (More stack frames follow...)
5116 @end group
5117 @end smallexample
5118
5119 @noindent
5120 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
5121 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
5122 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
5123
5124 @cindex value optimized out, in backtrace
5125 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
5126 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
5127 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
5128 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
5129 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
5130 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
5131 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
5132 such a backtrace might look like:
5133
5134 @smallexample
5135 @group
5136 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5137 at builtin.c:993
5138 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<value optimized out>) at macro.c:242
5139 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<value optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
5140 at macro.c:71
5141 (More stack frames follow...)
5142 @end group
5143 @end smallexample
5144
5145 @noindent
5146 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
5147 shown as @samp{<value optimized out>}.
5148
5149 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
5150 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
5151 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
5152
5153 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
5154 @cindex program entry point
5155 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
5156 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
5157 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
5158 @code{main}@footnote{
5159 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
5160 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
5161 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
5162 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
5163 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
5164 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
5165
5166 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
5167 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
5168
5169 @table @code
5170 @item set backtrace past-main
5171 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
5172 @kindex set backtrace
5173 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
5174
5175 @item set backtrace past-main off
5176 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
5177 default.
5178
5179 @item show backtrace past-main
5180 @kindex show backtrace
5181 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
5182
5183 @item set backtrace past-entry
5184 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
5185 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
5186 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
5187 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
5188
5189 @item set backtrace past-entry off
5190 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
5191 application. This is the default.
5192
5193 @item show backtrace past-entry
5194 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
5195
5196 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
5197 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
5198 @cindex backtrace limit
5199 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
5200 unlimited.
5201
5202 @item show backtrace limit
5203 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
5204 @end table
5205
5206 @node Selection
5207 @section Selecting a Frame
5208
5209 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
5210 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
5211 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
5212 of the stack frame just selected.
5213
5214 @table @code
5215 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
5216 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
5217 @item frame @var{n}
5218 @itemx f @var{n}
5219 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
5220 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
5221 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
5222 @code{main}.
5223
5224 @item frame @var{addr}
5225 @itemx f @var{addr}
5226 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
5227 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
5228 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
5229 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
5230 switches between them.
5231
5232 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
5233 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
5234
5235 On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
5236 pointer and a program counter.
5237
5238 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
5239 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
5240
5241 @kindex up
5242 @item up @var{n}
5243 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5244 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
5245 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
5246
5247 @kindex down
5248 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
5249 @item down @var{n}
5250 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5251 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
5252 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
5253 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
5254 @end table
5255
5256 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
5257 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
5258 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
5259 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
5260
5261 @need 1000
5262 For example:
5263
5264 @smallexample
5265 @group
5266 (@value{GDBP}) up
5267 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
5268 at env.c:10
5269 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
5270 @end group
5271 @end smallexample
5272
5273 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
5274 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
5275 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
5276 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
5277 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
5278 for details.
5279
5280 @table @code
5281 @kindex down-silently
5282 @kindex up-silently
5283 @item up-silently @var{n}
5284 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
5285 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
5286 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
5287 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
5288 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
5289 distracting.
5290 @end table
5291
5292 @node Frame Info
5293 @section Information About a Frame
5294
5295 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
5296 stack frame.
5297
5298 @table @code
5299 @item frame
5300 @itemx f
5301 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
5302 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
5303 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
5304 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
5305 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5306
5307 @kindex info frame
5308 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
5309 @item info frame
5310 @itemx info f
5311 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
5312 including:
5313
5314 @itemize @bullet
5315 @item
5316 the address of the frame
5317 @item
5318 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
5319 @item
5320 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
5321 @item
5322 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
5323 @item
5324 the address of the frame's arguments
5325 @item
5326 the address of the frame's local variables
5327 @item
5328 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
5329 @item
5330 which registers were saved in the frame
5331 @end itemize
5332
5333 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
5334 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
5335 the usual conventions.
5336
5337 @item info frame @var{addr}
5338 @itemx info f @var{addr}
5339 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
5340 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
5341 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
5342 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
5343 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5344
5345 @kindex info args
5346 @item info args
5347 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
5348
5349 @item info locals
5350 @kindex info locals
5351 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
5352 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
5353 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
5354
5355 @kindex info catch
5356 @cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
5357 @cindex exception handlers, how to list
5358 @item info catch
5359 Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
5360 current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
5361 exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
5362 @code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
5363 @xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
5364
5365 @end table
5366
5367
5368 @node Source
5369 @chapter Examining Source Files
5370
5371 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
5372 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
5373 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
5374 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
5375 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
5376 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
5377 source files by explicit command.
5378
5379 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
5380 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
5381 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
5382
5383 @menu
5384 * List:: Printing source lines
5385 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
5386 * Edit:: Editing source files
5387 * Search:: Searching source files
5388 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
5389 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
5390 @end menu
5391
5392 @node List
5393 @section Printing Source Lines
5394
5395 @kindex list
5396 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
5397 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
5398 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
5399 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
5400 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
5401
5402 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
5403
5404 @table @code
5405 @item list @var{linenum}
5406 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
5407 current source file.
5408
5409 @item list @var{function}
5410 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
5411 @var{function}.
5412
5413 @item list
5414 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
5415 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
5416 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
5417 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
5418 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
5419
5420 @item list -
5421 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
5422 @end table
5423
5424 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
5425 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
5426 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
5427
5428 @table @code
5429 @kindex set listsize
5430 @item set listsize @var{count}
5431 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
5432 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
5433
5434 @kindex show listsize
5435 @item show listsize
5436 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
5437 @end table
5438
5439 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
5440 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
5441 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
5442 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
5443 each repetition moves up in the source file.
5444
5445 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
5446 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
5447 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
5448 to specify some source line.
5449
5450 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
5451
5452 @table @code
5453 @item list @var{linespec}
5454 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
5455
5456 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
5457 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
5458 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
5459 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
5460 the same source file as the first linespec.
5461
5462 @item list ,@var{last}
5463 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
5464
5465 @item list @var{first},
5466 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
5467
5468 @item list +
5469 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
5470
5471 @item list -
5472 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
5473
5474 @item list
5475 As described in the preceding table.
5476 @end table
5477
5478 @node Specify Location
5479 @section Specifying a Location
5480 @cindex specifying location
5481 @cindex linespec
5482
5483 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
5484 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
5485 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
5486 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
5487
5488 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
5489 @value{GDBN} understands:
5490
5491 @table @code
5492 @item @var{linenum}
5493 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
5494
5495 @item -@var{offset}
5496 @itemx +@var{offset}
5497 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
5498 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
5499 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
5500 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
5501 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
5502 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
5503 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
5504 linespec.
5505
5506 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
5507 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
5508
5509 @item @var{function}
5510 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
5511 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
5512
5513 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
5514 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
5515 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
5516 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
5517 functions in different source files.
5518
5519 @item *@var{address}
5520 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
5521 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
5522 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
5523 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
5524 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
5525 source files.
5526
5527 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
5528 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
5529 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
5530 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
5531 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
5532 of @var{address}:
5533
5534 @table @code
5535 @item @var{expression}
5536 Any expression valid in the current working language.
5537
5538 @item @var{funcaddr}
5539 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
5540 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
5541 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
5542 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
5543 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
5544 (although the Pascal form also works).
5545
5546 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
5547 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
5548
5549 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
5550 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
5551 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
5552 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
5553 functions with identical names in different source files.
5554 @end table
5555
5556 @end table
5557
5558
5559 @node Edit
5560 @section Editing Source Files
5561 @cindex editing source files
5562
5563 @kindex edit
5564 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
5565 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
5566 The editing program of your choice
5567 is invoked with the current line set to
5568 the active line in the program.
5569 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
5570 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
5571
5572 @table @code
5573 @item edit @var{location}
5574 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
5575 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
5576 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
5577 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
5578 command most commonly used:
5579
5580 @table @code
5581 @item edit @var{number}
5582 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
5583
5584 @item edit @var{function}
5585 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
5586 @end table
5587
5588 @end table
5589
5590 @subsection Choosing your Editor
5591 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
5592 @footnote{
5593 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
5594 following command-line syntax:
5595 @smallexample
5596 ex +@var{number} file
5597 @end smallexample
5598 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
5599 the file where to start editing.}.
5600 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
5601 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
5602 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
5603 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
5604 @smallexample
5605 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
5606 export EDITOR
5607 gdb @dots{}
5608 @end smallexample
5609 or in the @code{csh} shell,
5610 @smallexample
5611 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
5612 gdb @dots{}
5613 @end smallexample
5614
5615 @node Search
5616 @section Searching Source Files
5617 @cindex searching source files
5618
5619 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
5620 regular expression.
5621
5622 @table @code
5623 @kindex search
5624 @kindex forward-search
5625 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
5626 @itemx search @var{regexp}
5627 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
5628 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
5629 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
5630 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
5631 @code{fo}.
5632
5633 @kindex reverse-search
5634 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
5635 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
5636 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
5637 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
5638 this command as @code{rev}.
5639 @end table
5640
5641 @node Source Path
5642 @section Specifying Source Directories
5643
5644 @cindex source path
5645 @cindex directories for source files
5646 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
5647 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
5648 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
5649 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
5650 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
5651 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
5652 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
5653
5654 For example, suppose an executable references the file
5655 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
5656 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
5657 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
5658 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
5659 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
5660 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
5661 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
5662 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
5663 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
5664 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
5665
5666 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
5667 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
5668 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
5669 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
5670 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
5671 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
5672
5673 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
5674 source files.
5675
5676 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
5677 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
5678 each line is in the file.
5679
5680 @kindex directory
5681 @kindex dir
5682 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
5683 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
5684 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
5685
5686 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
5687 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
5688
5689 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
5690 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
5691 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
5692 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
5693 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
5694 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
5695 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
5696 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
5697 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
5698 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
5699 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
5700 name to look up the sources.
5701
5702 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
5703 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
5704 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
5705 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
5706 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
5707 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
5708 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
5709 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
5710
5711 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
5712 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
5713 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
5714 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
5715 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
5716 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
5717 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
5718
5719 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
5720 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
5721 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
5722 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
5723 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
5724 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
5725 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
5726 command.
5727
5728 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
5729 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
5730 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
5731 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
5732 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
5733 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
5734 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
5735
5736 @table @code
5737 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
5738 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
5739 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
5740 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
5741 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
5742 part of absolute file names) or
5743 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
5744 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
5745
5746 @kindex cdir
5747 @kindex cwd
5748 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
5749 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
5750 @cindex compilation directory
5751 @cindex current directory
5752 @cindex working directory
5753 @cindex directory, current
5754 @cindex directory, compilation
5755 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
5756 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
5757 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
5758 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
5759 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
5760 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
5761
5762 @item directory
5763 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
5764
5765 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
5766 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
5767
5768 @item show directories
5769 @kindex show directories
5770 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
5771
5772 @anchor{set substitute-path}
5773 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
5774 @kindex set substitute-path
5775 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
5776 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
5777 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
5778
5779 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
5780 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
5781
5782 @smallexample
5783 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
5784 @end smallexample
5785
5786 @noindent
5787 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
5788 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
5789 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
5790
5791 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
5792 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
5793 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
5794 the substitution.
5795
5796 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
5797
5798 @smallexample
5799 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
5800 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
5801 @end smallexample
5802
5803 @noindent
5804 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
5805 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
5806 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
5807 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
5808
5809
5810 @item unset substitute-path [path]
5811 @kindex unset substitute-path
5812 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
5813 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
5814 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
5815
5816 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
5817
5818 @item show substitute-path [path]
5819 @kindex show substitute-path
5820 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
5821 which would rewrite that path, if any.
5822
5823 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
5824 rules.
5825
5826 @end table
5827
5828 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
5829 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
5830 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
5831
5832 @enumerate
5833 @item
5834 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
5835
5836 @item
5837 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
5838 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
5839 directories in one command.
5840 @end enumerate
5841
5842 @node Machine Code
5843 @section Source and Machine Code
5844 @cindex source line and its code address
5845
5846 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
5847 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
5848 a range of addresses as machine instructions. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
5849 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
5850 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
5851 well as hex.
5852
5853 @table @code
5854 @kindex info line
5855 @item info line @var{linespec}
5856 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
5857 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
5858 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
5859 @end table
5860
5861 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
5862 the object code for the first line of function
5863 @code{m4_changequote}:
5864
5865 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
5866 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
5867 @smallexample
5868 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
5869 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
5870 @end smallexample
5871
5872 @noindent
5873 @cindex code address and its source line
5874 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
5875 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
5876 @smallexample
5877 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
5878 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
5879 @end smallexample
5880
5881 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
5882 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
5883 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
5884 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
5885 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
5886 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
5887 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
5888 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
5889 Variables}).
5890
5891 @table @code
5892 @kindex disassemble
5893 @cindex assembly instructions
5894 @cindex instructions, assembly
5895 @cindex machine instructions
5896 @cindex listing machine instructions
5897 @item disassemble
5898 @itemx disassemble /m
5899 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
5900 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
5901 the @code{/m} modifier.
5902 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
5903 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
5904 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
5905 surrounding this value. Two arguments specify a range of addresses
5906 (first inclusive, second exclusive) to dump.
5907 @end table
5908
5909 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
5910 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
5911
5912 @smallexample
5913 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4 0x32e4
5914 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
5915 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
5916 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
5917 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
5918 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
5919 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
5920 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
5921 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
5922 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
5923 End of assembler dump.
5924 @end smallexample
5925
5926 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86:
5927
5928 @smallexample
5929 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
5930 Dump of assembler code for function main:
5931 5 @{
5932 0x08048330 <main+0>: push %ebp
5933 0x08048331 <main+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
5934 0x08048333 <main+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
5935 0x08048336 <main+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
5936 0x08048339 <main+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
5937
5938 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
5939 0x0804833c <main+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
5940 0x08048343 <main+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
5941
5942 7 return 0;
5943 8 @}
5944 0x08048348 <main+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
5945 0x0804834d <main+29>: leave
5946 0x0804834e <main+30>: ret
5947
5948 End of assembler dump.
5949 @end smallexample
5950
5951 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
5952 mnemonics or other syntax.
5953
5954 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
5955 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
5956 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
5957 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
5958 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
5959
5960 @table @code
5961 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
5962 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
5963 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
5964 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
5965 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
5966 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
5967
5968 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
5969 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
5970 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
5971 assemblers for x86-based targets.
5972
5973 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
5974 @item show disassembly-flavor
5975 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
5976 @end table
5977
5978
5979 @node Data
5980 @chapter Examining Data
5981
5982 @cindex printing data
5983 @cindex examining data
5984 @kindex print
5985 @kindex inspect
5986 @c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
5987 @c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
5988 @c different window or something like that.
5989 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
5990 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
5991 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
5992 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
5993 Different Languages}).
5994
5995 @table @code
5996 @item print @var{expr}
5997 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
5998 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
5999 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
6000 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
6001 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
6002 Formats}.
6003
6004 @item print
6005 @itemx print /@var{f}
6006 @cindex reprint the last value
6007 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
6008 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
6009 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
6010 @end table
6011
6012 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
6013 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
6014 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6015
6016 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
6017 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
6018 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
6019 Table}.
6020
6021 @menu
6022 * Expressions:: Expressions
6023 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
6024 * Variables:: Program variables
6025 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
6026 * Output Formats:: Output formats
6027 * Memory:: Examining memory
6028 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
6029 * Print Settings:: Print settings
6030 * Value History:: Value history
6031 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
6032 * Registers:: Registers
6033 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
6034 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
6035 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
6036 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
6037 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
6038 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
6039 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
6040 character set than GDB does
6041 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
6042 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
6043 @end menu
6044
6045 @node Expressions
6046 @section Expressions
6047
6048 @cindex expressions
6049 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
6050 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
6051 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
6052 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
6053 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
6054 you compiled your program to include this information; see
6055 @ref{Compilation}.
6056
6057 @cindex arrays in expressions
6058 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
6059 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
6060 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
6061 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
6062 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
6063 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
6064
6065 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
6066 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
6067 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
6068 languages.
6069
6070 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
6071 expressions regardless of your programming language.
6072
6073 @cindex casts, in expressions
6074 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
6075 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
6076 at that address in memory.
6077 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
6078
6079 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
6080 to programming languages:
6081
6082 @table @code
6083 @item @@
6084 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
6085 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
6086
6087 @item ::
6088 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
6089 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
6090
6091 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
6092 @cindex type casting memory
6093 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
6094 @cindex casts, to view memory
6095 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
6096 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
6097 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
6098 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
6099 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
6100 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
6101 @end table
6102
6103 @node Ambiguous Expressions
6104 @section Ambiguous Expressions
6105 @cindex ambiguous expressions
6106
6107 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
6108 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
6109 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
6110 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
6111 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
6112 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
6113 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
6114
6115 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
6116 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
6117 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
6118 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
6119 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
6120 as well.
6121
6122 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
6123 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
6124 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
6125 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
6126 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
6127 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
6128 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
6129 choices.
6130
6131 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
6132 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
6133 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
6134
6135 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
6136 @smallexample
6137 @group
6138 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
6139 [0] cancel
6140 [1] all
6141 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
6142 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
6143 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
6144 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
6145 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
6146 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
6147 > 2 4 6
6148 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
6149 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
6150 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
6151 Multiple breakpoints were set.
6152 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
6153 breakpoints.
6154 (@value{GDBP})
6155 @end group
6156 @end smallexample
6157
6158 @table @code
6159 @kindex set multiple-symbols
6160 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
6161 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
6162
6163 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
6164 is ambiguous.
6165
6166 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
6167 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
6168 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
6169 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
6170 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
6171 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
6172 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
6173 in the use of the menu.
6174
6175 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
6176 when an ambiguity is detected.
6177
6178 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
6179 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
6180
6181 @kindex show multiple-symbols
6182 @item show multiple-symbols
6183 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
6184 @end table
6185
6186 @node Variables
6187 @section Program Variables
6188
6189 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
6190 in your program.
6191
6192 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
6193 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
6194
6195 @itemize @bullet
6196 @item
6197 global (or file-static)
6198 @end itemize
6199
6200 @noindent or
6201
6202 @itemize @bullet
6203 @item
6204 visible according to the scope rules of the
6205 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
6206 @end itemize
6207
6208 @noindent This means that in the function
6209
6210 @smallexample
6211 foo (a)
6212 int a;
6213 @{
6214 bar (a);
6215 @{
6216 int b = test ();
6217 bar (b);
6218 @}
6219 @}
6220 @end smallexample
6221
6222 @noindent
6223 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
6224 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
6225 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
6226 the block where @code{b} is declared.
6227
6228 @cindex variable name conflict
6229 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
6230 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
6231 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
6232 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
6233 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
6234 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
6235 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
6236
6237 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
6238 @ifnotinfo
6239 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
6240 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
6241 @end ifnotinfo
6242 @smallexample
6243 @var{file}::@var{variable}
6244 @var{function}::@var{variable}
6245 @end smallexample
6246
6247 @noindent
6248 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
6249 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
6250 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
6251 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
6252
6253 @smallexample
6254 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
6255 @end smallexample
6256
6257 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
6258 This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
6259 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
6260 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
6261 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
6262 @c conflict?? --mew
6263
6264 @cindex wrong values
6265 @cindex variable values, wrong
6266 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
6267 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
6268 @quotation
6269 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
6270 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
6271 scope, and just before exit.
6272 @end quotation
6273 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
6274 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
6275 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
6276 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
6277 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
6278 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
6279 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
6280 variable definitions may be gone.
6281
6282 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
6283 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
6284 when compiling.
6285
6286 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
6287 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
6288 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
6289 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
6290 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
6291 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
6292 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
6293
6294 @smallexample
6295 No symbol "foo" in current context.
6296 @end smallexample
6297
6298 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
6299 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
6300 formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler,
6301 usually supports the @option{-gstabs+} option. @option{-gstabs+}
6302 produces debug info in a format that is superior to formats such as
6303 COFF. You may be able to use DWARF 2 (@option{-gdwarf-2}), which is also
6304 an effective form for debug info. @xref{Debugging Options,,Options
6305 for Debugging Your Program or GCC, gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu}
6306 Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
6307 @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug info formats
6308 that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
6309
6310 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
6311 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
6312 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
6313 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
6314
6315 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
6316 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
6317 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
6318 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
6319 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
6320 For program code
6321
6322 @smallexample
6323 char var0[] = "A";
6324 signed char var1[] = "A";
6325 @end smallexample
6326
6327 You get during debugging
6328 @smallexample
6329 (gdb) print var0
6330 $1 = "A"
6331 (gdb) print var1
6332 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
6333 @end smallexample
6334
6335 @node Arrays
6336 @section Artificial Arrays
6337
6338 @cindex artificial array
6339 @cindex arrays
6340 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
6341 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
6342 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
6343 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
6344 program.
6345
6346 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
6347 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
6348 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
6349 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
6350 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
6351 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
6352 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
6353 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
6354 example. If a program says
6355
6356 @smallexample
6357 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
6358 @end smallexample
6359
6360 @noindent
6361 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
6362
6363 @smallexample
6364 p *array@@len
6365 @end smallexample
6366
6367 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
6368 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
6369 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
6370 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
6371 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
6372
6373 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
6374 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
6375 The value need not be in memory:
6376 @smallexample
6377 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
6378 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
6379 @end smallexample
6380
6381 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
6382 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
6383 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
6384 @smallexample
6385 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
6386 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
6387 @end smallexample
6388
6389 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
6390 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
6391 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
6392 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
6393 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6394 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
6395 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
6396 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
6397 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
6398 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
6399
6400 @smallexample
6401 set $i = 0
6402 p dtab[$i++]->fv
6403 @key{RET}
6404 @key{RET}
6405 @dots{}
6406 @end smallexample
6407
6408 @node Output Formats
6409 @section Output Formats
6410
6411 @cindex formatted output
6412 @cindex output formats
6413 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
6414 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
6415 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
6416 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
6417 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
6418
6419 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
6420 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
6421 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
6422 letters supported are:
6423
6424 @table @code
6425 @item x
6426 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
6427 hexadecimal.
6428
6429 @item d
6430 Print as integer in signed decimal.
6431
6432 @item u
6433 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
6434
6435 @item o
6436 Print as integer in octal.
6437
6438 @item t
6439 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
6440 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
6441 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
6442 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
6443
6444 @item a
6445 @cindex unknown address, locating
6446 @cindex locate address
6447 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
6448 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
6449 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
6450
6451 @smallexample
6452 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
6453 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
6454 @end smallexample
6455
6456 @noindent
6457 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
6458 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
6459
6460 @item c
6461 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
6462 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
6463 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
6464 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
6465
6466 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
6467 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
6468 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
6469 data.
6470
6471 @item f
6472 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
6473 using typical floating point syntax.
6474
6475 @item s
6476 @cindex printing strings
6477 @cindex printing byte arrays
6478 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
6479 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
6480 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
6481 natural types.
6482
6483 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
6484 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
6485 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
6486 array.
6487 @end table
6488
6489 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
6490
6491 @smallexample
6492 p/x $pc
6493 @end smallexample
6494
6495 @noindent
6496 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
6497 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
6498
6499 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
6500 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
6501 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
6502
6503 @node Memory
6504 @section Examining Memory
6505
6506 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
6507 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
6508
6509 @cindex examining memory
6510 @table @code
6511 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
6512 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
6513 @itemx x @var{addr}
6514 @itemx x
6515 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
6516 @end table
6517
6518 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
6519 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
6520 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
6521 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
6522 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
6523
6524 @table @r
6525 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
6526 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
6527 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
6528 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
6529 @c 4.1.2.
6530
6531 @item @var{f}, the display format
6532 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
6533 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
6534 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
6535 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
6536 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
6537
6538 @item @var{u}, the unit size
6539 The unit size is any of
6540
6541 @table @code
6542 @item b
6543 Bytes.
6544 @item h
6545 Halfwords (two bytes).
6546 @item w
6547 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
6548 @item g
6549 Giant words (eight bytes).
6550 @end table
6551
6552 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
6553 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. (For the @samp{s} and
6554 @samp{i} formats, the unit size is ignored and is normally not written.)
6555
6556 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
6557 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
6558 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
6559 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
6560 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
6561 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
6562 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
6563 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
6564 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
6565 a value from memory).
6566 @end table
6567
6568 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
6569 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
6570 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
6571 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
6572 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
6573
6574 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
6575 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
6576 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
6577 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
6578 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
6579
6580 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
6581 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
6582 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
6583 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
6584 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
6585 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
6586 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
6587 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
6588 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
6589
6590 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
6591 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
6592 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
6593 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
6594 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
6595 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
6596 for successive uses of @code{x}.
6597
6598 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
6599 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
6600 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
6601 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
6602 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
6603 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
6604 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
6605 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
6606 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
6607
6608 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
6609 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
6610 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
6611
6612 @cindex remote memory comparison
6613 @cindex verify remote memory image
6614 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
6615 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
6616 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
6617 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
6618 situations.
6619
6620 @table @code
6621 @kindex compare-sections
6622 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
6623 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
6624 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
6625 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
6626 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
6627 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
6628 remote request.
6629 @end table
6630
6631 @node Auto Display
6632 @section Automatic Display
6633 @cindex automatic display
6634 @cindex display of expressions
6635
6636 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
6637 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
6638 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
6639 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
6640 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
6641 The automatic display looks like this:
6642
6643 @smallexample
6644 2: foo = 38
6645 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
6646 @end smallexample
6647
6648 @noindent
6649 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
6650 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
6651 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
6652 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
6653 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
6654 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
6655
6656 @table @code
6657 @kindex display
6658 @item display @var{expr}
6659 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
6660 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
6661
6662 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
6663
6664 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
6665 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
6666 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
6667 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
6668 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
6669
6670 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
6671 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
6672 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
6673 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
6674 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6675 @end table
6676
6677 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
6678 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
6679 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
6680
6681 @table @code
6682 @kindex delete display
6683 @kindex undisplay
6684 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
6685 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6686 Remove item numbers @var{dnums} from the list of expressions to display.
6687
6688 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
6689 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
6690
6691 @kindex disable display
6692 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6693 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
6694 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
6695 enabled again later.
6696
6697 @kindex enable display
6698 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6699 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
6700 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
6701
6702 @item display
6703 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
6704 done when your program stops.
6705
6706 @kindex info display
6707 @item info display
6708 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
6709 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
6710 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
6711 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
6712 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
6713 @end table
6714
6715 @cindex display disabled out of scope
6716 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
6717 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
6718 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
6719 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
6720 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
6721 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
6722 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
6723 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
6724 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
6725 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
6726
6727 @node Print Settings
6728 @section Print Settings
6729
6730 @cindex format options
6731 @cindex print settings
6732 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
6733 and symbols are printed.
6734
6735 @noindent
6736 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
6737
6738 @table @code
6739 @kindex set print
6740 @item set print address
6741 @itemx set print address on
6742 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
6743 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
6744 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
6745 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
6746 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
6747 @code{set print address on}:
6748
6749 @smallexample
6750 @group
6751 (@value{GDBP}) f
6752 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
6753 at input.c:530
6754 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
6755 @end group
6756 @end smallexample
6757
6758 @item set print address off
6759 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
6760 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
6761
6762 @smallexample
6763 @group
6764 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
6765 (@value{GDBP}) f
6766 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
6767 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
6768 @end group
6769 @end smallexample
6770
6771 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
6772 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
6773 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
6774 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
6775
6776 @kindex show print
6777 @item show print address
6778 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
6779 @end table
6780
6781 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
6782 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
6783 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
6784 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
6785 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
6786 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
6787 it prints a symbolic address:
6788
6789 @table @code
6790 @item set print symbol-filename on
6791 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
6792 @cindex symbol, source file and line
6793 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
6794 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
6795
6796 @item set print symbol-filename off
6797 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
6798 default.
6799
6800 @item show print symbol-filename
6801 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
6802 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
6803 @end table
6804
6805 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
6806 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
6807 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
6808
6809 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
6810 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
6811
6812 @table @code
6813 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
6814 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
6815 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
6816 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
6817 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
6818 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
6819
6820 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
6821 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
6822 symbolic address.
6823 @end table
6824
6825 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
6826 @cindex pointer, finding referent
6827 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
6828 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
6829 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
6830 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
6831 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
6832 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
6833
6834 @smallexample
6835 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
6836 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
6837 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
6838 @end smallexample
6839
6840 @quotation
6841 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
6842 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
6843 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
6844 @end quotation
6845
6846 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
6847
6848 @table @code
6849 @item set print array
6850 @itemx set print array on
6851 @cindex pretty print arrays
6852 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
6853 but uses more space. The default is off.
6854
6855 @item set print array off
6856 Return to compressed format for arrays.
6857
6858 @item show print array
6859 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
6860 arrays.
6861
6862 @cindex print array indexes
6863 @item set print array-indexes
6864 @itemx set print array-indexes on
6865 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
6866 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
6867 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
6868
6869 @item set print array-indexes off
6870 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
6871
6872 @item show print array-indexes
6873 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
6874 arrays.
6875
6876 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
6877 @cindex number of array elements to print
6878 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
6879 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
6880 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
6881 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
6882 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
6883 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
6884 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
6885
6886 @item show print elements
6887 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
6888 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
6889
6890 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
6891 @cindex printing frame argument values
6892 @cindex print all frame argument values
6893 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
6894 @cindex do not print frame argument values
6895 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
6896 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
6897 values are:
6898
6899 @table @code
6900 @item all
6901 The values of all arguments are printed. This is the default.
6902
6903 @item scalars
6904 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
6905 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
6906 by @code{@dots{}}. Here is an example where only scalar arguments are shown:
6907
6908 @smallexample
6909 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
6910 at frame-args.c:23
6911 @end smallexample
6912
6913 @item none
6914 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
6915 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
6916
6917 @smallexample
6918 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
6919 at frame-args.c:23
6920 @end smallexample
6921 @end table
6922
6923 By default, all argument values are always printed. But this command
6924 can be useful in several cases. For instance, it can be used to reduce
6925 the amount of information printed in each frame, making the backtrace
6926 more readable. Also, this command can be used to improve performance
6927 when displaying Ada frames, because the computation of large arguments
6928 can sometimes be CPU-intensive, especiallly in large applications.
6929 Setting @code{print frame-arguments} to @code{scalars} or @code{none}
6930 avoids this computation, thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
6931
6932 @item show print frame-arguments
6933 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
6934
6935 @item set print repeats
6936 @cindex repeated array elements
6937 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
6938 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
6939 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
6940 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
6941 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
6942 themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
6943 be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
6944
6945 @item show print repeats
6946 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
6947 elements.
6948
6949 @item set print null-stop
6950 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
6951 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
6952 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
6953 contain only short strings.
6954 The default is off.
6955
6956 @item show print null-stop
6957 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
6958 @sc{null} character.
6959
6960 @item set print pretty on
6961 @cindex print structures in indented form
6962 @cindex indentation in structure display
6963 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
6964 per line, like this:
6965
6966 @smallexample
6967 @group
6968 $1 = @{
6969 next = 0x0,
6970 flags = @{
6971 sweet = 1,
6972 sour = 1
6973 @},
6974 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
6975 @}
6976 @end group
6977 @end smallexample
6978
6979 @item set print pretty off
6980 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
6981
6982 @smallexample
6983 @group
6984 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
6985 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
6986 @end group
6987 @end smallexample
6988
6989 @noindent
6990 This is the default format.
6991
6992 @item show print pretty
6993 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
6994
6995 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
6996 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
6997 @cindex octal escapes in strings
6998 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
6999 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
7000 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
7001 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
7002 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
7003
7004 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
7005 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
7006 international character sets, and is the default.
7007
7008 @item show print sevenbit-strings
7009 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
7010
7011 @item set print union on
7012 @cindex unions in structures, printing
7013 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
7014 and other unions. This is the default setting.
7015
7016 @item set print union off
7017 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
7018 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
7019 instead.
7020
7021 @item show print union
7022 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
7023 structures and other unions.
7024
7025 For example, given the declarations
7026
7027 @smallexample
7028 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
7029 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
7030 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
7031 Bug_forms;
7032
7033 struct thing @{
7034 Species it;
7035 union @{
7036 Tree_forms tree;
7037 Bug_forms bug;
7038 @} form;
7039 @};
7040
7041 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
7042 @end smallexample
7043
7044 @noindent
7045 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
7046
7047 @smallexample
7048 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
7049 @end smallexample
7050
7051 @noindent
7052 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
7053
7054 @smallexample
7055 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
7056 @end smallexample
7057
7058 @noindent
7059 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
7060 and in Pascal.
7061 @end table
7062
7063 @need 1000
7064 @noindent
7065 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
7066
7067 @table @code
7068 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
7069 @item set print demangle
7070 @itemx set print demangle on
7071 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
7072 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
7073 linkage. The default is on.
7074
7075 @item show print demangle
7076 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
7077
7078 @item set print asm-demangle
7079 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
7080 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
7081 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
7082 The default is off.
7083
7084 @item show print asm-demangle
7085 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
7086 or demangled form.
7087
7088 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
7089 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
7090 @kindex set demangle-style
7091 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
7092 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
7093 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
7094
7095 @table @code
7096 @item auto
7097 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
7098
7099 @item gnu
7100 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
7101 This is the default.
7102
7103 @item hp
7104 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
7105
7106 @item lucid
7107 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
7108
7109 @item arm
7110 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
7111 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
7112 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
7113 require further enhancement to permit that.
7114
7115 @end table
7116 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
7117
7118 @item show demangle-style
7119 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
7120
7121 @item set print object
7122 @itemx set print object on
7123 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
7124 @cindex display derived types
7125 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
7126 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
7127 the virtual function table.
7128
7129 @item set print object off
7130 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
7131 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
7132
7133 @item show print object
7134 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
7135
7136 @item set print static-members
7137 @itemx set print static-members on
7138 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
7139 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
7140
7141 @item set print static-members off
7142 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
7143
7144 @item show print static-members
7145 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
7146
7147 @item set print pascal_static-members
7148 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
7149 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
7150 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
7151 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
7152
7153 @item set print pascal_static-members off
7154 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
7155
7156 @item show print pascal_static-members
7157 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
7158
7159 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
7160 @item set print vtbl
7161 @itemx set print vtbl on
7162 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
7163 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
7164 @cindex VTBL display
7165 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
7166 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
7167 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
7168
7169 @item set print vtbl off
7170 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
7171
7172 @item show print vtbl
7173 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
7174 @end table
7175
7176 @node Value History
7177 @section Value History
7178
7179 @cindex value history
7180 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
7181 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
7182 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
7183 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
7184 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
7185 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
7186 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
7187 symbol table.
7188
7189 @cindex @code{$}
7190 @cindex @code{$$}
7191 @cindex history number
7192 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
7193 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
7194 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
7195 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
7196 history number.
7197
7198 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
7199 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
7200 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
7201 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
7202 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
7203 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
7204 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
7205
7206 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
7207 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
7208
7209 @smallexample
7210 p *$
7211 @end smallexample
7212
7213 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
7214 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
7215
7216 @smallexample
7217 p *$.next
7218 @end smallexample
7219
7220 @noindent
7221 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
7222 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
7223
7224 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
7225 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
7226
7227 @smallexample
7228 print x
7229 set x=5
7230 @end smallexample
7231
7232 @noindent
7233 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
7234 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
7235
7236 @table @code
7237 @kindex show values
7238 @item show values
7239 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
7240 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
7241 values} does not change the history.
7242
7243 @item show values @var{n}
7244 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
7245
7246 @item show values +
7247 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
7248 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
7249 @end table
7250
7251 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
7252 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
7253
7254 @node Convenience Vars
7255 @section Convenience Variables
7256
7257 @cindex convenience variables
7258 @cindex user-defined variables
7259 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
7260 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
7261 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
7262 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
7263 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
7264
7265 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
7266 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
7267 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7268 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
7269 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
7270
7271 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
7272 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
7273 For example:
7274
7275 @smallexample
7276 set $foo = *object_ptr
7277 @end smallexample
7278
7279 @noindent
7280 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
7281 @code{object_ptr}.
7282
7283 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
7284 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
7285 value with another assignment at any time.
7286
7287 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
7288 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
7289 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
7290 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
7291
7292 @table @code
7293 @kindex show convenience
7294 @cindex show all user variables
7295 @item show convenience
7296 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
7297 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
7298
7299 @kindex init-if-undefined
7300 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
7301 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
7302 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
7303 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
7304 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
7305 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
7306 override default values used in a command script.
7307
7308 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
7309 any side-effects do not occur.
7310 @end table
7311
7312 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
7313 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
7314 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
7315
7316 @smallexample
7317 set $i = 0
7318 print bar[$i++]->contents
7319 @end smallexample
7320
7321 @noindent
7322 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
7323
7324 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
7325 values likely to be useful.
7326
7327 @table @code
7328 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
7329 @item $_
7330 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
7331 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
7332 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
7333 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
7334 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
7335 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
7336 to the type of @code{$__}.
7337
7338 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
7339 @item $__
7340 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
7341 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
7342 to match the format in which the data was printed.
7343
7344 @item $_exitcode
7345 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
7346 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
7347 the program being debugged terminates.
7348 @end table
7349
7350 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
7351 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
7352 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
7353
7354 @node Registers
7355 @section Registers
7356
7357 @cindex registers
7358 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
7359 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
7360 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
7361 your machine.
7362
7363 @table @code
7364 @kindex info registers
7365 @item info registers
7366 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
7367 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
7368
7369 @kindex info all-registers
7370 @cindex floating point registers
7371 @item info all-registers
7372 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
7373 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
7374
7375 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
7376 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
7377 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
7378 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
7379 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
7380 @end table
7381
7382 @cindex stack pointer register
7383 @cindex program counter register
7384 @cindex process status register
7385 @cindex frame pointer register
7386 @cindex standard registers
7387 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
7388 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
7389 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
7390 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
7391 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
7392 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
7393 register that contains the processor status. For example,
7394 you could print the program counter in hex with
7395
7396 @smallexample
7397 p/x $pc
7398 @end smallexample
7399
7400 @noindent
7401 or print the instruction to be executed next with
7402
7403 @smallexample
7404 x/i $pc
7405 @end smallexample
7406
7407 @noindent
7408 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
7409 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
7410 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
7411 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
7412 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
7413 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
7414 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
7415
7416 @smallexample
7417 set $sp += 4
7418 @end smallexample
7419
7420 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
7421 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
7422 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
7423 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
7424 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
7425 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
7426 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
7427
7428 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
7429 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
7430 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
7431 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
7432 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
7433 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
7434 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
7435
7436 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
7437 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
7438 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
7439 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
7440 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
7441 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
7442 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
7443 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
7444 prints the data in both formats.
7445
7446 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
7447 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
7448 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
7449 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
7450 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
7451 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
7452 registers in @code{struct} notation:
7453
7454 @smallexample
7455 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
7456 $1 = @{
7457 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
7458 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
7459 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
7460 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
7461 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
7462 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
7463 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
7464 @}
7465 @end smallexample
7466
7467 @noindent
7468 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
7469 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
7470 value to a @code{struct} member:
7471
7472 @smallexample
7473 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
7474 @end smallexample
7475
7476 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
7477 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
7478 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
7479 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
7480 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
7481 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
7482
7483 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
7484 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
7485 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
7486 frame makes no difference.
7487
7488 @node Floating Point Hardware
7489 @section Floating Point Hardware
7490 @cindex floating point
7491
7492 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
7493 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
7494
7495 @table @code
7496 @kindex info float
7497 @item info float
7498 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
7499 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
7500 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
7501 the ARM and x86 machines.
7502 @end table
7503
7504 @node Vector Unit
7505 @section Vector Unit
7506 @cindex vector unit
7507
7508 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
7509 more information about the status of the vector unit.
7510
7511 @table @code
7512 @kindex info vector
7513 @item info vector
7514 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
7515 layout vary depending on the hardware.
7516 @end table
7517
7518 @node OS Information
7519 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
7520 @cindex OS information
7521
7522 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
7523 you debug your program.
7524
7525 @cindex @code{ptrace} system call
7526 @cindex @code{struct user} contents
7527 When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
7528 machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
7529 system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
7530 called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
7531 command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
7532 structure.
7533
7534 @table @code
7535 @item info udot
7536 @kindex info udot
7537 Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
7538 kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
7539 contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
7540 the @code{examine} command.
7541 @end table
7542
7543 @cindex auxiliary vector
7544 @cindex vector, auxiliary
7545 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
7546 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
7547 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
7548 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
7549 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
7550 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
7551 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
7552 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
7553 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
7554 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
7555 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
7556
7557 @table @code
7558 @kindex info auxv
7559 @item info auxv
7560 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
7561 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
7562 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
7563 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
7564 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
7565 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
7566 an unrecognized tag.
7567 @end table
7568
7569 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating-system-specific information
7570 and display it to user, without interpretation. For remote targets,
7571 this functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
7572 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
7573
7574 @table @code
7575 @kindex info os processes
7576 @item info os processes
7577 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
7578 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, and
7579 the command corresponding to the process.
7580 @end table
7581
7582 @node Memory Region Attributes
7583 @section Memory Region Attributes
7584 @cindex memory region attributes
7585
7586 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
7587 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
7588 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
7589 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
7590 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
7591 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
7592 user can override the fetched regions.
7593
7594 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
7595 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
7596 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
7597 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
7598 all memory.
7599
7600 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
7601 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
7602
7603 @table @code
7604 @kindex mem
7605 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
7606 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
7607 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
7608 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
7609 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
7610 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
7611
7612 @item mem auto
7613 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
7614 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
7615
7616 @kindex delete mem
7617 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7618 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
7619 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
7620
7621 @kindex disable mem
7622 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7623 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
7624 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
7625 It may be enabled again later.
7626
7627 @kindex enable mem
7628 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7629 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
7630
7631 @kindex info mem
7632 @item info mem
7633 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
7634 for each region:
7635
7636 @table @emph
7637 @item Memory Region Number
7638 @item Enabled or Disabled.
7639 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
7640 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
7641
7642 @item Lo Address
7643 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
7644
7645 @item Hi Address
7646 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
7647
7648 @item Attributes
7649 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
7650 @end table
7651 @end table
7652
7653
7654 @subsection Attributes
7655
7656 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
7657 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
7658 write accesses to a memory region.
7659
7660 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
7661 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
7662 etc.@: from accessing memory.
7663
7664 @table @code
7665 @item ro
7666 Memory is read only.
7667 @item wo
7668 Memory is write only.
7669 @item rw
7670 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
7671 @end table
7672
7673 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
7674 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
7675 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
7676 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
7677 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
7678
7679 @table @code
7680 @item 8
7681 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
7682 @item 16
7683 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
7684 @item 32
7685 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
7686 @item 64
7687 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
7688 @end table
7689
7690 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
7691 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
7692 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
7693 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
7694 @c
7695 @c @table @code
7696 @c @item hwbreak
7697 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
7698 @c @item swbreak (default)
7699 @c @end table
7700
7701 @subsubsection Data Cache
7702 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
7703 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
7704 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
7705 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
7706 registers.
7707
7708 @table @code
7709 @item cache
7710 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
7711 @item nocache
7712 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
7713 @end table
7714
7715 @subsection Memory Access Checking
7716 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
7717 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
7718 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
7719 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
7720
7721 @table @code
7722 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
7723 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
7724 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
7725 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
7726 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
7727 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
7728 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
7729 The default value is @code{on}.
7730 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
7731 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
7732 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
7733 @end table
7734
7735
7736 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
7737 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
7738 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
7739 @c
7740 @c @table @code
7741 @c @item verify
7742 @c @item noverify (default)
7743 @c @end table
7744
7745 @node Dump/Restore Files
7746 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
7747 @cindex dump/restore files
7748 @cindex append data to a file
7749 @cindex dump data to a file
7750 @cindex restore data from a file
7751
7752 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
7753 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
7754 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
7755 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
7756 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
7757 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
7758 files.
7759
7760 @table @code
7761
7762 @kindex dump
7763 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
7764 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
7765 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
7766 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
7767
7768 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
7769 @table @code
7770 @item binary
7771 Raw binary form.
7772 @item ihex
7773 Intel hex format.
7774 @item srec
7775 Motorola S-record format.
7776 @item tekhex
7777 Tektronix Hex format.
7778 @end table
7779
7780 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
7781 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
7782 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
7783 form.
7784
7785 @kindex append
7786 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
7787 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
7788 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
7789 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
7790 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
7791
7792 @kindex restore
7793 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
7794 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
7795 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
7796 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
7797 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
7798
7799 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
7800 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
7801 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
7802 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
7803 from that location.
7804
7805 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
7806 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
7807 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
7808 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
7809
7810 @end table
7811
7812 @node Core File Generation
7813 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
7814 @cindex dump core from inferior
7815
7816 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
7817 image of a running process and its process status (register values
7818 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
7819 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
7820 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
7821 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
7822 the post-mortem debugging mode.
7823
7824 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
7825 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
7826 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
7827
7828 @table @code
7829 @kindex gcore
7830 @kindex generate-core-file
7831 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
7832 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
7833 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
7834 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
7835 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
7836 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
7837
7838 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
7839 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
7840 @end table
7841
7842 @node Character Sets
7843 @section Character Sets
7844 @cindex character sets
7845 @cindex charset
7846 @cindex translating between character sets
7847 @cindex host character set
7848 @cindex target character set
7849
7850 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
7851 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
7852 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
7853 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
7854 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
7855 @dfn{target character set}.
7856
7857 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
7858 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
7859 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
7860 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
7861 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
7862 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
7863 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
7864 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
7865 character and string literals in expressions.
7866
7867 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
7868 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
7869 target-charset} command, described below.
7870
7871 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
7872 support:
7873
7874 @table @code
7875 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
7876 @kindex set target-charset
7877 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. We list the
7878 character set names @value{GDBN} recognizes below, but if you type
7879 @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} will
7880 list the target character sets it supports.
7881 @end table
7882
7883 @table @code
7884 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
7885 @kindex set host-charset
7886 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
7887
7888 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
7889 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
7890 @code{set host-charset} command.
7891
7892 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
7893 set. We list the character set names @value{GDBN} recognizes below, and
7894 indicate which can be host character sets, but if you type
7895 @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} will
7896 list the host character sets it supports.
7897
7898 @item set charset @var{charset}
7899 @kindex set charset
7900 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
7901 above, if you type @code{set charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
7902 @value{GDBN} will list the name of the character sets that can be used
7903 for both host and target.
7904
7905
7906 @item show charset
7907 @kindex show charset
7908 Show the names of the current host and target charsets.
7909
7910 @itemx show host-charset
7911 @kindex show host-charset
7912 Show the name of the current host charset.
7913
7914 @itemx show target-charset
7915 @kindex show target-charset
7916 Show the name of the current target charset.
7917
7918 @end table
7919
7920 @value{GDBN} currently includes support for the following character
7921 sets:
7922
7923 @table @code
7924
7925 @item ASCII
7926 @cindex ASCII character set
7927 Seven-bit U.S. @sc{ascii}. @value{GDBN} can use this as its host
7928 character set.
7929
7930 @item ISO-8859-1
7931 @cindex ISO 8859-1 character set
7932 @cindex ISO Latin 1 character set
7933 The ISO Latin 1 character set. This extends @sc{ascii} with accented
7934 characters needed for French, German, and Spanish. @value{GDBN} can use
7935 this as its host character set.
7936
7937 @item EBCDIC-US
7938 @itemx IBM1047
7939 @cindex EBCDIC character set
7940 @cindex IBM1047 character set
7941 Variants of the @sc{ebcdic} character set, used on some of IBM's
7942 mainframe operating systems. (@sc{gnu}/Linux on the S/390 uses U.S. @sc{ascii}.)
7943 @value{GDBN} cannot use these as its host character set.
7944
7945 @end table
7946
7947 Note that these are all single-byte character sets. More work inside
7948 @value{GDBN} is needed to support multi-byte or variable-width character
7949 encodings, like the UTF-8 and UCS-2 encodings of Unicode.
7950
7951 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
7952 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
7953 @file{charset-test.c}:
7954
7955 @smallexample
7956 #include <stdio.h>
7957
7958 char ascii_hello[]
7959 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
7960 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
7961 char ibm1047_hello[]
7962 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
7963 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
7964
7965 main ()
7966 @{
7967 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
7968 @}
7969 @end smallexample
7970
7971 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
7972 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
7973 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
7974
7975 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
7976
7977 @smallexample
7978 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
7979 $ gdb -nw charset-test
7980 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
7981 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
7982 @dots{}
7983 (@value{GDBP})
7984 @end smallexample
7985
7986 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
7987 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
7988 strings:
7989
7990 @smallexample
7991 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
7992 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
7993 (@value{GDBP})
7994 @end smallexample
7995
7996 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
7997 initial character set:
7998 @smallexample
7999 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
8000 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8001 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
8002 (@value{GDBP})
8003 @end smallexample
8004
8005 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
8006 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
8007 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
8008 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
8009 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
8010
8011 @smallexample
8012 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8013 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
8014 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8015 $2 = 72 'H'
8016 (@value{GDBP})
8017 @end smallexample
8018
8019 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
8020 literals you use in expressions:
8021
8022 @smallexample
8023 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8024 $3 = 43 '+'
8025 (@value{GDBP})
8026 @end smallexample
8027
8028 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
8029 character.
8030
8031 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
8032 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
8033 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
8034
8035 @smallexample
8036 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8037 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
8038 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8039 $5 = 200 '\310'
8040 (@value{GDBP})
8041 @end smallexample
8042
8043 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
8044 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
8045
8046 @smallexample
8047 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8048 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
8049 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8050 @end smallexample
8051
8052 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
8053 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
8054 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
8055 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
8056 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
8057
8058 @smallexample
8059 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
8060 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8061 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
8062 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
8063 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8064 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
8065 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8066 $7 = 72 '\110'
8067 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8068 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
8069 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8070 $9 = 200 'H'
8071 (@value{GDBP})
8072 @end smallexample
8073
8074 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
8075 string literals you use in expressions:
8076
8077 @smallexample
8078 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8079 $10 = 78 '+'
8080 (@value{GDBP})
8081 @end smallexample
8082
8083 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
8084 character.
8085
8086 @node Caching Remote Data
8087 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
8088 @cindex caching data of remote targets
8089
8090 @value{GDBN} can cache data exchanged between the debugger and a
8091 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
8092 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
8093 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately,
8094 @value{GDBN} does not currently know anything about volatile
8095 registers, and thus data caching will produce incorrect results when
8096 volatile registers are in use.
8097
8098 @table @code
8099 @kindex set remotecache
8100 @item set remotecache on
8101 @itemx set remotecache off
8102 Set caching state for remote targets. When @code{ON}, use data
8103 caching. By default, this option is @code{OFF}.
8104
8105 @kindex show remotecache
8106 @item show remotecache
8107 Show the current state of data caching for remote targets.
8108
8109 @kindex info dcache
8110 @item info dcache
8111 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
8112 information displayed includes: the dcache width and depth; and for
8113 each cache line, how many times it was referenced, and its data and
8114 state (invalid, dirty, valid). This command is useful for debugging
8115 the data cache operation.
8116 @end table
8117
8118 @node Searching Memory
8119 @section Search Memory
8120 @cindex searching memory
8121
8122 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
8123 @code{find} command.
8124
8125 @table @code
8126 @kindex find
8127 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8128 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8129 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
8130 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
8131 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
8132 @end table
8133
8134 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
8135 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
8136
8137 @table @r
8138 @item @var{s}, search query size
8139 The size of each search query value.
8140
8141 @table @code
8142 @item b
8143 bytes
8144 @item h
8145 halfwords (two bytes)
8146 @item w
8147 words (four bytes)
8148 @item g
8149 giant words (eight bytes)
8150 @end table
8151
8152 All values are interpreted in the current language.
8153 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
8154 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
8155
8156 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
8157 value's type in the current language.
8158 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
8159 pattern as a mixture of types.
8160 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
8161 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
8162 which is typically four bytes.
8163
8164 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
8165 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
8166 @end table
8167
8168 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
8169 (@code{"}).
8170 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
8171 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
8172
8173 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
8174 number of matches found.
8175
8176 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
8177 @samp{$_}.
8178 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
8179
8180 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
8181
8182 @smallexample
8183 void
8184 hello ()
8185 @{
8186 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
8187 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
8188 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
8189 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
8190 printf ("%s\n", hello);
8191 @}
8192 @end smallexample
8193
8194 @noindent
8195 you get during debugging:
8196
8197 @smallexample
8198 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
8199 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
8200 1 pattern found
8201 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
8202 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
8203 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
8204 2 patterns found
8205 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
8206 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
8207 1 pattern found
8208 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
8209 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
8210 1 pattern found
8211 (gdb) print $numfound
8212 $1 = 1
8213 (gdb) print $_
8214 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
8215 @end smallexample
8216
8217 @node Macros
8218 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
8219
8220 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
8221 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
8222 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
8223 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
8224 where it was defined.
8225
8226 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
8227 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
8228 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
8229 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
8230
8231 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
8232 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
8233 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
8234 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
8235 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
8236 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
8237 see @ref{List}.
8238
8239 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
8240 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
8241 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
8242
8243 @table @code
8244
8245 @kindex macro expand
8246 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
8247 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
8248 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
8249 @item macro expand @var{expression}
8250 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
8251 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
8252 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
8253 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
8254 it can be any string of tokens.
8255
8256 @kindex macro exp1
8257 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
8258 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
8259 @cindex expand macro once
8260 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
8261 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
8262 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
8263 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
8264 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
8265 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
8266 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
8267 can be any string of tokens.
8268
8269 @kindex info macro
8270 @cindex macro definition, showing
8271 @cindex definition, showing a macro's
8272 @item info macro @var{macro}
8273 Show the definition of the macro named @var{macro}, and describe the
8274 source location where that definition was established.
8275
8276 @kindex macro define
8277 @cindex user-defined macros
8278 @cindex defining macros interactively
8279 @cindex macros, user-defined
8280 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
8281 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
8282 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
8283 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
8284 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
8285 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
8286 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
8287 @var{arglist}.
8288
8289 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
8290 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
8291 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
8292 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
8293 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
8294
8295 @kindex macro undef
8296 @item macro undef @var{macro}
8297 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
8298 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
8299 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
8300 in the program being debugged.
8301
8302 @kindex macro list
8303 @item macro list
8304 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
8305 @end table
8306
8307 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
8308 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
8309 show our source files:
8310
8311 @smallexample
8312 $ cat sample.c
8313 #include <stdio.h>
8314 #include "sample.h"
8315
8316 #define M 42
8317 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8318
8319 main ()
8320 @{
8321 #define N 28
8322 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8323 #undef N
8324 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8325 #define N 1729
8326 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
8327 @}
8328 $ cat sample.h
8329 #define Q <
8330 $
8331 @end smallexample
8332
8333 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler, @value{NGCC}.
8334 We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3} flags to ensure the
8335 compiler includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
8336 information.
8337
8338 @smallexample
8339 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
8340 $
8341 @end smallexample
8342
8343 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
8344
8345 @smallexample
8346 $ gdb -nw sample
8347 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
8348 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
8349 GDB is free software, @dots{}
8350 (@value{GDBP})
8351 @end smallexample
8352
8353 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
8354 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
8355 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
8356
8357 @smallexample
8358 (@value{GDBP}) list main
8359 3
8360 4 #define M 42
8361 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8362 6
8363 7 main ()
8364 8 @{
8365 9 #define N 28
8366 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8367 11 #undef N
8368 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8369 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
8370 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
8371 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8372 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
8373 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
8374 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
8375 #define Q <
8376 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
8377 expands to: (42 + 1)
8378 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
8379 expands to: once (M + 1)
8380 (@value{GDBP})
8381 @end smallexample
8382
8383 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
8384 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
8385 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
8386 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
8387
8388 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
8389 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
8390
8391 @smallexample
8392 (@value{GDBP}) break main
8393 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
8394 (@value{GDBP}) run
8395 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
8396
8397 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
8398 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8399 (@value{GDBP})
8400 @end smallexample
8401
8402 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
8403
8404 @smallexample
8405 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8406 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
8407 #define N 28
8408 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
8409 expands to: 28 < 42
8410 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
8411 $1 = 1
8412 (@value{GDBP})
8413 @end smallexample
8414
8415 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
8416 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
8417 thereof) in force at each point:
8418
8419 @smallexample
8420 (@value{GDBP}) next
8421 Hello, world!
8422 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8423 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8424 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
8425 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
8426 (@value{GDBP}) next
8427 We're so creative.
8428 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
8429 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8430 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
8431 #define N 1729
8432 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
8433 expands to: 1729 < 42
8434 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
8435 $2 = 0
8436 (@value{GDBP})
8437 @end smallexample
8438
8439
8440 @node Tracepoints
8441 @chapter Tracepoints
8442 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
8443 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
8444
8445 @cindex tracepoints
8446 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
8447 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
8448 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
8449 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
8450 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
8451 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
8452 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
8453
8454 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
8455 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
8456 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
8457 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
8458 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
8459 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
8460 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
8461 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
8462 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
8463 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
8464 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
8465
8466 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
8467 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
8468 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
8469 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
8470 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
8471 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
8472 Packets}.
8473
8474 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
8475
8476 @menu
8477 * Set Tracepoints::
8478 * Analyze Collected Data::
8479 * Tracepoint Variables::
8480 @end menu
8481
8482 @node Set Tracepoints
8483 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
8484
8485 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
8486 tracepoints can be set. Like a breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), a
8487 tracepoint has a number assigned to it by @value{GDBN}. Like with
8488 breakpoints, tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from
8489 one. Many of the commands associated with tracepoints take the
8490 tracepoint number as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to
8491 work on.
8492
8493 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
8494 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
8495 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
8496 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
8497 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
8498 tracepoint was hit.
8499
8500 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
8501 conditions and actions.
8502
8503 @menu
8504 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
8505 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
8506 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
8507 * Tracepoint Actions::
8508 * Listing Tracepoints::
8509 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
8510 @end menu
8511
8512 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
8513 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
8514
8515 @table @code
8516 @cindex set tracepoint
8517 @kindex trace
8518 @item trace
8519 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
8520 Its argument can be a source line, a function name, or an address in
8521 the target program. @xref{Set Breaks}. The @code{trace} command
8522 defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the target program where the
8523 debugger will briefly stop, collect some data, and then allow the
8524 program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or changing its commands
8525 doesn't take effect until the next @code{tstart} command; thus, you
8526 cannot change the tracepoint attributes once a trace experiment is
8527 running.
8528
8529 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
8530
8531 @smallexample
8532 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
8533
8534 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
8535
8536 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
8537
8538 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
8539
8540 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
8541 @end smallexample
8542
8543 @noindent
8544 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
8545
8546 @vindex $tpnum
8547 @cindex last tracepoint number
8548 @cindex recent tracepoint number
8549 @cindex tracepoint number
8550 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
8551 of the most recently set tracepoint.
8552
8553 @kindex delete tracepoint
8554 @cindex tracepoint deletion
8555 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8556 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
8557 default is to delete all tracepoints.
8558
8559 Examples:
8560
8561 @smallexample
8562 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
8563
8564 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
8565 @end smallexample
8566
8567 @noindent
8568 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
8569 @end table
8570
8571 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
8572 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
8573
8574 @table @code
8575 @kindex disable tracepoint
8576 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8577 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
8578 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
8579 the next trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
8580 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
8581
8582 @kindex enable tracepoint
8583 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8584 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. The enabled
8585 tracepoints will become effective the next time a trace experiment is
8586 run.
8587 @end table
8588
8589 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
8590 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
8591
8592 @table @code
8593 @kindex passcount
8594 @cindex tracepoint pass count
8595 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
8596 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
8597 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
8598 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
8599 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
8600 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
8601 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
8602 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
8603 user.
8604
8605 Examples:
8606
8607 @smallexample
8608 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
8609 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
8610
8611 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
8612 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
8613 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
8614 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
8615 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
8616 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
8617 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
8618 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
8619 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
8620 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
8621 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
8622 @end smallexample
8623 @end table
8624
8625 @node Tracepoint Actions
8626 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
8627
8628 @table @code
8629 @kindex actions
8630 @cindex tracepoint actions
8631 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8632 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
8633 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
8634 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
8635 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
8636 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
8637 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
8638 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
8639 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect} and
8640 @code{while-stepping}.
8641
8642 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
8643 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
8644 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
8645
8646 @smallexample
8647 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
8648
8649 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
8650
8651 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
8652 @end smallexample
8653
8654 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
8655 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
8656 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
8657 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
8658 followed by the list of things to be collected while stepping. The
8659 @code{while-stepping} command is terminated by its own separate
8660 @code{end} command. Lastly, the action list is terminated by an
8661 @code{end} command.
8662
8663 @smallexample
8664 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
8665 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
8666 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
8667 > collect bar,baz
8668 > collect $regs
8669 > while-stepping 12
8670 > collect $fp, $sp
8671 > end
8672 end
8673 @end smallexample
8674
8675 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
8676 @item collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
8677 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
8678 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
8679 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
8680 special arguments are supported:
8681
8682 @table @code
8683 @item $regs
8684 collect all registers
8685
8686 @item $args
8687 collect all function arguments
8688
8689 @item $locals
8690 collect all local variables.
8691 @end table
8692
8693 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
8694 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
8695 arguments separated by commas: the effect is the same.
8696
8697 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
8698 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
8699
8700 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
8701 @item while-stepping @var{n}
8702 Perform @var{n} single-step traces after the tracepoint, collecting
8703 new data at each step. The @code{while-stepping} command is
8704 followed by the list of what to collect while stepping (followed by
8705 its own @code{end} command):
8706
8707 @smallexample
8708 > while-stepping 12
8709 > collect $regs, myglobal
8710 > end
8711 >
8712 @end smallexample
8713
8714 @noindent
8715 You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
8716 @code{stepping}.
8717 @end table
8718
8719 @node Listing Tracepoints
8720 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
8721
8722 @table @code
8723 @kindex info tracepoints
8724 @kindex info tp
8725 @cindex information about tracepoints
8726 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8727 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't specify
8728 a tracepoint number, displays information about all the tracepoints
8729 defined so far. For each tracepoint, the following information is
8730 shown:
8731
8732 @itemize @bullet
8733 @item
8734 its number
8735 @item
8736 whether it is enabled or disabled
8737 @item
8738 its address
8739 @item
8740 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
8741 @item
8742 its step count as given by the @code{while-stepping @var{n}} command
8743 @item
8744 where in the source files is the tracepoint set
8745 @item
8746 its action list as given by the @code{actions} command
8747 @end itemize
8748
8749 @smallexample
8750 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
8751 Num Enb Address PassC StepC What
8752 1 y 0x002117c4 0 0 <gdb_asm>
8753 2 y 0x0020dc64 0 0 in g_test at g_test.c:1375
8754 3 y 0x0020b1f4 0 0 in get_data at ../foo.c:41
8755 (@value{GDBP})
8756 @end smallexample
8757
8758 @noindent
8759 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
8760 @end table
8761
8762 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
8763 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
8764
8765 @table @code
8766 @kindex tstart
8767 @cindex start a new trace experiment
8768 @cindex collected data discarded
8769 @item tstart
8770 This command takes no arguments. It starts the trace experiment, and
8771 begins collecting data. This has the side effect of discarding all
8772 the data collected in the trace buffer during the previous trace
8773 experiment.
8774
8775 @kindex tstop
8776 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
8777 @item tstop
8778 This command takes no arguments. It ends the trace experiment, and
8779 stops collecting data.
8780
8781 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
8782 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
8783 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
8784
8785 @kindex tstatus
8786 @cindex status of trace data collection
8787 @cindex trace experiment, status of
8788 @item tstatus
8789 This command displays the status of the current trace data
8790 collection.
8791 @end table
8792
8793 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
8794
8795 @smallexample
8796 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
8797 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
8798 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
8799 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
8800 > while-stepping 11
8801 > collect $regs
8802 > end
8803 > end
8804 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
8805 [time passes @dots{}]
8806 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
8807 @end smallexample
8808
8809
8810 @node Analyze Collected Data
8811 @section Using the Collected Data
8812
8813 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
8814 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
8815 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
8816 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
8817 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
8818 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
8819 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
8820 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
8821 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
8822 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
8823 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
8824 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
8825 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
8826 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
8827 the buffer will fail.
8828
8829 @menu
8830 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
8831 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
8832 * save-tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
8833 @end menu
8834
8835 @node tfind
8836 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
8837
8838 @kindex tfind
8839 @cindex select trace snapshot
8840 @cindex find trace snapshot
8841 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
8842 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
8843 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
8844 snapshot is selected.
8845
8846 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
8847
8848 @table @code
8849 @item tfind start
8850 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
8851 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
8852
8853 @item tfind none
8854 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
8855
8856 @item tfind end
8857 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
8858
8859 @item tfind
8860 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
8861
8862 @item tfind -
8863 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
8864 retracing earlier steps.
8865
8866 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
8867 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
8868 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
8869 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
8870 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
8871
8872 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
8873 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
8874 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
8875 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
8876 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
8877
8878 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
8879 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
8880 addresses.
8881
8882 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
8883 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
8884 @var{addr2}. @c FIXME: Is the range inclusive or exclusive?
8885
8886 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
8887 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
8888 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
8889 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
8890 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
8891 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
8892 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
8893 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
8894 @end table
8895
8896 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
8897 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
8898 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
8899 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
8900 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
8901 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
8902 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
8903 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
8904 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
8905 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
8906 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
8907 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
8908 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
8909 tracepoint as the current one.
8910
8911 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
8912 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
8913 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
8914 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
8915 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
8916
8917 @smallexample
8918 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
8919 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
8920 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
8921 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
8922 > tfind
8923 > end
8924
8925 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
8926 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
8927 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
8928 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
8929 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
8930 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
8931 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
8932 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
8933 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
8934 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
8935 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
8936 @end smallexample
8937
8938 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
8939 the buffer:
8940
8941 @smallexample
8942 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
8943 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
8944 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
8945 > tfind line
8946 > end
8947
8948 Frame 0, X = 1
8949 Frame 7, X = 2
8950 Frame 13, X = 255
8951 @end smallexample
8952
8953 @node tdump
8954 @subsection @code{tdump}
8955 @kindex tdump
8956 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
8957 @cindex tracepoint data, display
8958
8959 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
8960 the current trace snapshot.
8961
8962 @smallexample
8963 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
8964 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
8965 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
8966 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
8967 > end
8968
8969 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
8970
8971 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
8972 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
8973 at gdb_test.c:444
8974 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
8975
8976 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
8977 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
8978 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
8979 d1 0x18 24
8980 d2 0x80 128
8981 d3 0x33 51
8982 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
8983 d5 0x22 34
8984 d6 0xe0 224
8985 d7 0x380035 3670069
8986 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
8987 a1 0x3000668 50333288
8988 a2 0x100 256
8989 a3 0x322000 3284992
8990 a4 0x3000698 50333336
8991 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
8992 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
8993 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
8994 ps 0x0 0
8995 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
8996 fpcontrol 0x0 0
8997 fpstatus 0x0 0
8998 fpiaddr 0x0 0
8999 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
9000 p1 = (void *) 0x11
9001 p2 = (void *) 0x22
9002 p3 = (void *) 0x33
9003 p4 = (void *) 0x44
9004 p5 = (void *) 0x55
9005 p6 = (void *) 0x66
9006 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
9007
9008 (@value{GDBP})
9009 @end smallexample
9010
9011 @node save-tracepoints
9012 @subsection @code{save-tracepoints @var{filename}}
9013 @kindex save-tracepoints
9014 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
9015
9016 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
9017 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
9018 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
9019 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
9020 Files}).
9021
9022 @node Tracepoint Variables
9023 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
9024 @cindex tracepoint variables
9025 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
9026
9027 @table @code
9028 @vindex $trace_frame
9029 @item (int) $trace_frame
9030 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
9031 snapshot is selected.
9032
9033 @vindex $tracepoint
9034 @item (int) $tracepoint
9035 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
9036
9037 @vindex $trace_line
9038 @item (int) $trace_line
9039 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
9040
9041 @vindex $trace_file
9042 @item (char []) $trace_file
9043 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
9044
9045 @vindex $trace_func
9046 @item (char []) $trace_func
9047 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
9048 @end table
9049
9050 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
9051 use @code{output} instead.
9052
9053 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
9054 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
9055 data.
9056
9057 @smallexample
9058 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
9059
9060 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
9061 > output $trace_file
9062 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
9063 > tfind
9064 > end
9065 @end smallexample
9066
9067 @node Overlays
9068 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
9069 @cindex overlays
9070
9071 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
9072 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
9073 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
9074 use overlays.
9075
9076 @menu
9077 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
9078 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
9079 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
9080 mapped by asking the inferior.
9081 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
9082 @end menu
9083
9084 @node How Overlays Work
9085 @section How Overlays Work
9086 @cindex mapped overlays
9087 @cindex unmapped overlays
9088 @cindex load address, overlay's
9089 @cindex mapped address
9090 @cindex overlay area
9091
9092 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
9093 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
9094 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
9095 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
9096 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
9097
9098 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
9099 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
9100 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
9101 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
9102 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
9103 largest overlay as well.
9104
9105 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
9106 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
9107 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
9108 there.
9109
9110 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
9111 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
9112 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
9113
9114 @smallexample
9115 @group
9116 Data Instruction Larger
9117 Address Space Address Space Address Space
9118 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
9119 | | | | | |
9120 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
9121 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
9122 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
9123 | and heap | | | | | |
9124 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
9125 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
9126 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
9127 | | | | | |
9128 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
9129 address | | | | | |
9130 | overlay | <-' | | |
9131 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
9132 | | <---. | | load address
9133 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
9134 | | | |
9135 +-----------+ | |
9136 +-----------+
9137 | |
9138 +-----------+
9139
9140 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
9141 @end group
9142 @end smallexample
9143
9144 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
9145 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
9146 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
9147 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
9148 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
9149 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
9150 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
9151 program and the overlay area.
9152
9153 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
9154 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
9155 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
9156 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
9157 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
9158 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
9159 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
9160
9161 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
9162 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
9163 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
9164
9165 @itemize @bullet
9166
9167 @item
9168 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
9169 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
9170 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
9171 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
9172
9173 @item
9174 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
9175 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
9176 your program's performance.
9177
9178 @item
9179 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
9180 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
9181 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
9182 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
9183 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
9184 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
9185 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
9186
9187 @item
9188 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
9189 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
9190 instruction and data spaces.
9191
9192 @end itemize
9193
9194 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
9195 improved in many ways:
9196
9197 @itemize @bullet
9198
9199 @item
9200 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
9201 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
9202 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
9203 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
9204 area in the usual way.
9205
9206 @item
9207 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
9208 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
9209
9210 @item
9211 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
9212 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
9213 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
9214 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
9215 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
9216 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
9217 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
9218
9219 @end itemize
9220
9221
9222 @node Overlay Commands
9223 @section Overlay Commands
9224
9225 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
9226 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
9227 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
9228 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
9229 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
9230 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
9231
9232 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
9233 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
9234
9235 @table @code
9236 @item overlay off
9237 @kindex overlay
9238 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
9239 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
9240 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
9241 overlay support is disabled.
9242
9243 @item overlay manual
9244 @cindex manual overlay debugging
9245 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
9246 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
9247 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
9248 commands described below.
9249
9250 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
9251 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
9252 @cindex map an overlay
9253 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
9254 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
9255 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
9256 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
9257 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
9258 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
9259
9260 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
9261 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
9262 @cindex unmap an overlay
9263 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
9264 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
9265 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
9266 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
9267
9268 @item overlay auto
9269 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
9270 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
9271 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
9272 Overlay Debugging}.
9273
9274 @item overlay load-target
9275 @itemx overlay load
9276 @cindex reloading the overlay table
9277 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
9278 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
9279 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
9280 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
9281 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
9282
9283 @item overlay list-overlays
9284 @itemx overlay list
9285 @cindex listing mapped overlays
9286 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
9287 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
9288
9289 @end table
9290
9291 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
9292 of the function the address falls in:
9293
9294 @smallexample
9295 (@value{GDBP}) print main
9296 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
9297 @end smallexample
9298 @noindent
9299 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
9300 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
9301 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
9302 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
9303
9304 @smallexample
9305 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
9306 No sections are mapped.
9307 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
9308 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
9309 @end smallexample
9310 @noindent
9311 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
9312 name normally:
9313
9314 @smallexample
9315 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
9316 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
9317 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
9318 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
9319 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
9320 @end smallexample
9321
9322 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
9323 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
9324 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
9325 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
9326 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
9327
9328 @itemize @bullet
9329 @item
9330 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
9331 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
9332 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
9333 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
9334 @item
9335 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
9336 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
9337 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
9338 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
9339 breakpoints properly.
9340 @end itemize
9341
9342
9343 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
9344 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
9345 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
9346
9347 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
9348 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
9349 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
9350 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
9351 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
9352 current state of the overlays.
9353
9354 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
9355 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
9356
9357 @table @asis
9358
9359 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
9360 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
9361
9362 @smallexample
9363 struct
9364 @{
9365 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
9366 unsigned long vma;
9367
9368 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
9369 unsigned long size;
9370
9371 /* The overlay's load address. */
9372 unsigned long lma;
9373
9374 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
9375 zero otherwise. */
9376 unsigned long mapped;
9377 @}
9378 @end smallexample
9379
9380 @item @code{_novlys}:
9381 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
9382 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
9383
9384 @end table
9385
9386 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
9387 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
9388 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
9389 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
9390 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
9391 currently mapped.
9392
9393 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
9394 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
9395 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
9396 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
9397 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
9398 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
9399 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
9400 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
9401 are not being executed.
9402
9403 @node Overlay Sample Program
9404 @section Overlay Sample Program
9405 @cindex overlay example program
9406
9407 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
9408 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
9409 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
9410 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
9411 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
9412 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
9413 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
9414
9415 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
9416 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
9417 suite. The program consists of the following files from
9418 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
9419
9420 @table @file
9421 @item overlays.c
9422 The main program file.
9423 @item ovlymgr.c
9424 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
9425 @item foo.c
9426 @itemx bar.c
9427 @itemx baz.c
9428 @itemx grbx.c
9429 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
9430 @item d10v.ld
9431 @itemx m32r.ld
9432 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
9433 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
9434 @end table
9435
9436 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
9437 cross-compiler like this:
9438
9439 @smallexample
9440 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
9441 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
9442 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
9443 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
9444 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
9445 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
9446 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
9447 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
9448 @end smallexample
9449
9450 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
9451 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
9452 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
9453
9454
9455 @node Languages
9456 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
9457 @cindex languages
9458
9459 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
9460 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
9461 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
9462 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
9463 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
9464 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
9465
9466 @cindex working language
9467 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
9468 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
9469 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
9470 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
9471 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
9472 language}.
9473
9474 @menu
9475 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
9476 * Show:: Displaying the language
9477 * Checks:: Type and range checks
9478 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
9479 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
9480 @end menu
9481
9482 @node Setting
9483 @section Switching Between Source Languages
9484
9485 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
9486 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
9487 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
9488 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
9489 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
9490 are printed, etc.
9491
9492 In addition to the working language, every source file that
9493 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
9494 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
9495 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
9496 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
9497 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
9498 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
9499 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
9500 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
9501 Displaying the Language}.
9502
9503 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
9504 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
9505 another language. In that case, make the
9506 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
9507 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
9508 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
9509
9510 @menu
9511 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
9512 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
9513 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
9514 @end menu
9515
9516 @node Filenames
9517 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
9518
9519 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
9520 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
9521
9522 @table @file
9523 @item .ada
9524 @itemx .ads
9525 @itemx .adb
9526 @itemx .a
9527 Ada source file.
9528
9529 @item .c
9530 C source file
9531
9532 @item .C
9533 @itemx .cc
9534 @itemx .cp
9535 @itemx .cpp
9536 @itemx .cxx
9537 @itemx .c++
9538 C@t{++} source file
9539
9540 @item .m
9541 Objective-C source file
9542
9543 @item .f
9544 @itemx .F
9545 Fortran source file
9546
9547 @item .mod
9548 Modula-2 source file
9549
9550 @item .s
9551 @itemx .S
9552 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
9553 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
9554 @end table
9555
9556 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
9557 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
9558
9559 @node Manually
9560 @subsection Setting the Working Language
9561
9562 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
9563 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
9564 your program.
9565
9566 @kindex set language
9567 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
9568 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
9569 a language, such as
9570 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
9571 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
9572
9573 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
9574 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
9575 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
9576 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
9577 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
9578 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
9579 command such as:
9580
9581 @smallexample
9582 print a = b + c
9583 @end smallexample
9584
9585 @noindent
9586 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
9587 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
9588 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
9589 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
9590
9591 @node Automatically
9592 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
9593
9594 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
9595 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
9596 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
9597 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
9598 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
9599 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
9600 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
9601 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
9602 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
9603
9604 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
9605 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
9606 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
9607 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
9608 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
9609
9610 @node Show
9611 @section Displaying the Language
9612
9613 The following commands help you find out which language is the
9614 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
9615
9616 @table @code
9617 @item show language
9618 @kindex show language
9619 Display the current working language. This is the
9620 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
9621 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
9622
9623 @item info frame
9624 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
9625 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
9626 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
9627 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
9628 information listed here.
9629
9630 @item info source
9631 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
9632 Display the source language of this source file.
9633 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
9634 information listed here.
9635 @end table
9636
9637 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
9638 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
9639 with a language explicitly:
9640
9641 @table @code
9642 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
9643 @kindex set extension-language
9644 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
9645 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
9646
9647 @item info extensions
9648 @kindex info extensions
9649 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
9650 @end table
9651
9652 @node Checks
9653 @section Type and Range Checking
9654
9655 @quotation
9656 @emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
9657 checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
9658 section documents the intended facilities.
9659 @end quotation
9660 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
9661
9662 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
9663 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
9664 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
9665 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
9666 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
9667 by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
9668 errors when your program is running.
9669
9670 @value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
9671 Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
9672 it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
9673 evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
9674 working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
9675 automatically based on your program's source language.
9676 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
9677 settings of supported languages.
9678
9679 @menu
9680 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
9681 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
9682 @end menu
9683
9684 @cindex type checking
9685 @cindex checks, type
9686 @node Type Checking
9687 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
9688
9689 Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
9690 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
9691 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
9692 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
9693
9694 @smallexample
9695 1 + 2 @result{} 3
9696 @exdent but
9697 @error{} 1 + 2.3
9698 @end smallexample
9699
9700 The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
9701 type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
9702
9703 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
9704 @value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
9705 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
9706 or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
9707 but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
9708 these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
9709 also issues a warning.
9710
9711 Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
9712 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
9713 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
9714 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
9715 with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
9716 the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
9717
9718 Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
9719 instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
9720 operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
9721 represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
9722 operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
9723 details on specific languages.
9724
9725 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
9726
9727 @kindex set check type
9728 @kindex show check type
9729 @table @code
9730 @item set check type auto
9731 Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
9732 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
9733 each language.
9734
9735 @item set check type on
9736 @itemx set check type off
9737 Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
9738 current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
9739 match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
9740 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
9741 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
9742
9743 @item set check type warn
9744 Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
9745 evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
9746 be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
9747 numbers and structures.
9748
9749 @item show type
9750 Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
9751 is setting it automatically.
9752 @end table
9753
9754 @cindex range checking
9755 @cindex checks, range
9756 @node Range Checking
9757 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
9758
9759 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
9760 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
9761 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
9762 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
9763 not exceed the bounds of the array.
9764
9765 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
9766 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
9767 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
9768 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
9769
9770 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
9771 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
9772 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
9773 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
9774 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
9775 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
9776
9777 @smallexample
9778 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
9779 @end smallexample
9780
9781 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
9782 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
9783 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
9784
9785 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
9786
9787 @kindex set check range
9788 @kindex show check range
9789 @table @code
9790 @item set check range auto
9791 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
9792 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
9793 each language.
9794
9795 @item set check range on
9796 @itemx set check range off
9797 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
9798 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
9799 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
9800 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
9801
9802 @item set check range warn
9803 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
9804 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
9805 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
9806 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
9807 systems).
9808
9809 @item show range
9810 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
9811 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
9812 @end table
9813
9814 @node Supported Languages
9815 @section Supported Languages
9816
9817 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, Pascal,
9818 assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
9819 @c This is false ...
9820 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
9821 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
9822 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
9823 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
9824 language.
9825
9826 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
9827 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
9828 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
9829 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
9830 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
9831 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
9832 language reference or tutorial.
9833
9834 @menu
9835 * C:: C and C@t{++}
9836 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
9837 * Fortran:: Fortran
9838 * Pascal:: Pascal
9839 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
9840 * Ada:: Ada
9841 @end menu
9842
9843 @node C
9844 @subsection C and C@t{++}
9845
9846 @cindex C and C@t{++}
9847 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
9848
9849 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
9850 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
9851 together.
9852
9853 @cindex C@t{++}
9854 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
9855 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
9856 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
9857 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
9858 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
9859 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
9860 compiler (@code{aCC}).
9861
9862 For best results when using @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, use the DWARF 2 debugging
9863 format; if it doesn't work on your system, try the stabs+ debugging
9864 format. You can select those formats explicitly with the @code{g++}
9865 command-line options @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-gstabs+}.
9866 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
9867 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
9868
9869 @menu
9870 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
9871 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
9872 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
9873 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
9874 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
9875 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
9876 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
9877 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
9878 @end menu
9879
9880 @node C Operators
9881 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
9882
9883 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
9884
9885 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
9886 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
9887 often defined on groups of types.
9888
9889 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
9890
9891 @itemize @bullet
9892
9893 @item
9894 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
9895 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
9896
9897 @item
9898 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
9899 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
9900
9901 @item
9902 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
9903
9904 @item
9905 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
9906
9907 @end itemize
9908
9909 @noindent
9910 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
9911 in order of increasing precedence:
9912
9913 @table @code
9914 @item ,
9915 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
9916 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
9917 expression being the last expression evaluated.
9918
9919 @item =
9920 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
9921 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
9922
9923 @item @var{op}=
9924 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
9925 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
9926 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
9927 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
9928 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
9929
9930 @item ?:
9931 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
9932 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
9933 integral type.
9934
9935 @item ||
9936 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
9937
9938 @item &&
9939 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
9940
9941 @item |
9942 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
9943
9944 @item ^
9945 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
9946
9947 @item &
9948 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
9949
9950 @item ==@r{, }!=
9951 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
9952 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
9953
9954 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
9955 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
9956 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
9957 and non-zero for true.
9958
9959 @item <<@r{, }>>
9960 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
9961
9962 @item @@
9963 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
9964
9965 @item +@r{, }-
9966 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
9967 pointer types.
9968
9969 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
9970 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
9971 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
9972 integral types.
9973
9974 @item ++@r{, }--
9975 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
9976 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
9977 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
9978 operation takes place.
9979
9980 @item *
9981 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
9982 @code{++}.
9983
9984 @item &
9985 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
9986
9987 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
9988 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
9989 to examine the address
9990 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
9991 stored.
9992
9993 @item -
9994 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
9995 precedence as @code{++}.
9996
9997 @item !
9998 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
9999 @code{++}.
10000
10001 @item ~
10002 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
10003 @code{++}.
10004
10005
10006 @item .@r{, }->
10007 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
10008 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
10009 pointer based on the stored type information.
10010 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
10011
10012 @item .*@r{, }->*
10013 Dereferences of pointers to members.
10014
10015 @item []
10016 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
10017 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
10018
10019 @item ()
10020 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
10021
10022 @item ::
10023 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
10024 and @code{class} types.
10025
10026 @item ::
10027 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
10028 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
10029 above.
10030 @end table
10031
10032 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
10033 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
10034 predefined meaning.
10035
10036 @node C Constants
10037 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
10038
10039 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
10040
10041 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
10042 following ways:
10043
10044 @itemize @bullet
10045 @item
10046 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
10047 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
10048 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
10049 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
10050 @code{long} value.
10051
10052 @item
10053 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
10054 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
10055 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
10056 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
10057 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
10058 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
10059 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
10060 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
10061 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
10062 constant.
10063
10064 @item
10065 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
10066 integral equivalents.
10067
10068 @item
10069 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
10070 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
10071 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
10072 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
10073 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
10074 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
10075 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
10076 @samp{\n} for newline.
10077
10078 @item
10079 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
10080 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
10081 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
10082 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
10083 characters.
10084
10085 @item
10086 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
10087 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
10088
10089 @item
10090 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
10091 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
10092 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
10093 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
10094 @end itemize
10095
10096 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
10097 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
10098
10099 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
10100 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
10101
10102 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
10103 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
10104 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
10105 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
10106 @quotation
10107 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use the
10108 proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently, @value{GDBN}
10109 works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled with
10110 @value{NGCC} 2.95.3 or with @value{NGCC} 3.1 or newer, using the options
10111 @option{-gdwarf-2} or @option{-gstabs+}. DWARF 2 is preferred over
10112 stabs+. Most configurations of @value{NGCC} emit either DWARF 2 or
10113 stabs+ as their default debug format, so you usually don't need to
10114 specify a debug format explicitly. Other compilers and/or debug formats
10115 are likely to work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug
10116 C@t{++} code.
10117 @end quotation
10118
10119 @enumerate
10120
10121 @cindex member functions
10122 @item
10123 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
10124
10125 @smallexample
10126 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
10127 @end smallexample
10128
10129 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
10130 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
10131 @item
10132 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
10133 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
10134 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
10135 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}.
10136
10137 @cindex call overloaded functions
10138 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
10139 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
10140 @item
10141 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
10142 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
10143 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
10144 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
10145 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
10146 default arguments.
10147
10148 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
10149 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
10150 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
10151 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
10152 number of function arguments.
10153
10154 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
10155 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
10156 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
10157
10158 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
10159 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
10160 @smallexample
10161 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
10162 @end smallexample
10163
10164 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
10165 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
10166
10167 @cindex reference declarations
10168 @item
10169 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
10170 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
10171 dereferenced.
10172
10173 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
10174 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
10175 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
10176 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
10177 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
10178
10179 @item
10180 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
10181 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
10182 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
10183 necessary, for example in an expression like
10184 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
10185 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
10186 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
10187 @end enumerate
10188
10189 In addition, when used with HP's C@t{++} compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
10190 calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
10191 objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
10192 invoking user-defined operators.
10193
10194 @node C Defaults
10195 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
10196
10197 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
10198
10199 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
10200 both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
10201 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
10202 selects the working language.
10203
10204 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
10205 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
10206 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
10207 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
10208 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
10209 for further details.
10210
10211 @c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
10212 @c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
10213 @c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
10214
10215 @node C Checks
10216 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
10217
10218 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
10219
10220 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
10221 is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
10222 considers two variables type equivalent if:
10223
10224 @itemize @bullet
10225 @item
10226 The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
10227 enumerated tag.
10228
10229 @item
10230 The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
10231 declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
10232
10233 @ignore
10234 @c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
10235 @c FIXME--beers?
10236 @item
10237 The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
10238 declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
10239 compilers.)
10240 @end ignore
10241 @end itemize
10242
10243 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
10244 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
10245 that is not itself an array.
10246
10247 @node Debugging C
10248 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
10249
10250 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
10251 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
10252 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
10253 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
10254
10255 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
10256 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
10257 ,Expressions}.
10258
10259 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
10260 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
10261
10262 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
10263
10264 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
10265 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
10266
10267 @table @code
10268 @cindex break in overloaded functions
10269 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
10270 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
10271 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
10272 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
10273 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
10274
10275 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
10276 @item rbreak @var{regex}
10277 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
10278 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
10279 classes.
10280 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
10281
10282 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
10283 @item catch throw
10284 @itemx catch catch
10285 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
10286 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
10287
10288 @cindex inheritance
10289 @item ptype @var{typename}
10290 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
10291 @var{typename}.
10292 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
10293
10294 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
10295 @item set print demangle
10296 @itemx show print demangle
10297 @itemx set print asm-demangle
10298 @itemx show print asm-demangle
10299 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
10300 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
10301 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10302
10303 @item set print object
10304 @itemx show print object
10305 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
10306 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10307
10308 @item set print vtbl
10309 @itemx show print vtbl
10310 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
10311 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10312 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10313 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10314
10315 @kindex set overload-resolution
10316 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
10317 @item set overload-resolution on
10318 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
10319 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
10320 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
10321 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
10322 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
10323 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
10324
10325 @item set overload-resolution off
10326 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
10327 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
10328 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
10329 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
10330 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
10331 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
10332 argument types.
10333
10334 @kindex show overload-resolution
10335 @item show overload-resolution
10336 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
10337
10338 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
10339 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
10340 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
10341 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
10342 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
10343 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
10344 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
10345 @end table
10346
10347 @node Decimal Floating Point
10348 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
10349 @cindex decimal floating point format
10350
10351 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
10352 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
10353 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
10354 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
10355
10356 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
10357 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
10358 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
10359 target.
10360
10361 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
10362 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
10363 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
10364
10365 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
10366 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
10367 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
10368
10369 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
10370 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers. See
10371 @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
10372
10373 @node Objective-C
10374 @subsection Objective-C
10375
10376 @cindex Objective-C
10377 This section provides information about some commands and command
10378 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
10379 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
10380 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
10381
10382 @menu
10383 * Method Names in Commands::
10384 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
10385 @end menu
10386
10387 @node Method Names in Commands
10388 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
10389
10390 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
10391 names as line specifications:
10392
10393 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
10394 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
10395 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
10396 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
10397 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
10398 @itemize
10399 @item @code{clear}
10400 @item @code{break}
10401 @item @code{info line}
10402 @item @code{jump}
10403 @item @code{list}
10404 @end itemize
10405
10406 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
10407
10408 @smallexample
10409 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
10410 @end smallexample
10411
10412 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
10413 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
10414 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
10415 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
10416 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
10417 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
10418 debugged, enter:
10419
10420 @smallexample
10421 break -[Fruit create]
10422 @end smallexample
10423
10424 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
10425 enter:
10426
10427 @smallexample
10428 list +[NSText initialize]
10429 @end smallexample
10430
10431 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
10432 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
10433 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
10434 is also possible to specify just a method name:
10435
10436 @smallexample
10437 break create
10438 @end smallexample
10439
10440 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
10441 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
10442 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
10443 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
10444 none apply.
10445
10446 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
10447 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
10448
10449 @smallexample
10450 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
10451 @end smallexample
10452
10453 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
10454 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
10455 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
10456 @kindex print-object
10457 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
10458
10459 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
10460
10461 @smallexample
10462 print -[@var{object} hash]
10463 @end smallexample
10464
10465 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
10466 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
10467 @noindent
10468 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
10469 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
10470 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
10471 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
10472 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
10473 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
10474
10475 @node Fortran
10476 @subsection Fortran
10477 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
10478
10479 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
10480 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
10481
10482 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
10483 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
10484 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
10485 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
10486 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
10487 underscore.
10488
10489 @menu
10490 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
10491 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
10492 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
10493 @end menu
10494
10495 @node Fortran Operators
10496 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
10497
10498 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
10499
10500 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
10501 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
10502 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
10503
10504 @table @code
10505 @item **
10506 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
10507 of the second one.
10508
10509 @item :
10510 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
10511 represent a section of array.
10512
10513 @item %
10514 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
10515 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
10516 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
10517 union type.
10518 @end table
10519
10520 @node Fortran Defaults
10521 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
10522
10523 @cindex Fortran Defaults
10524
10525 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
10526 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
10527 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
10528 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
10529
10530 @node Special Fortran Commands
10531 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
10532
10533 @cindex Special Fortran commands
10534
10535 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
10536 such as displaying common blocks.
10537
10538 @table @code
10539 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
10540 @kindex info common
10541 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
10542 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
10543 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
10544 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
10545 printed.
10546 @end table
10547
10548 @node Pascal
10549 @subsection Pascal
10550
10551 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
10552 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
10553 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
10554 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
10555 syntax.
10556
10557 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
10558 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
10559 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
10560
10561 @node Modula-2
10562 @subsection Modula-2
10563
10564 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
10565
10566 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
10567 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
10568 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
10569 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
10570 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
10571 table.
10572
10573 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
10574 @menu
10575 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
10576 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
10577 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
10578 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
10579 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
10580 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
10581 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
10582 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
10583 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
10584 @end menu
10585
10586 @node M2 Operators
10587 @subsubsection Operators
10588 @cindex Modula-2 operators
10589
10590 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
10591 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
10592 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
10593 following definitions hold:
10594
10595 @itemize @bullet
10596
10597 @item
10598 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
10599 their subranges.
10600
10601 @item
10602 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
10603
10604 @item
10605 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
10606
10607 @item
10608 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
10609 @var{type}}.
10610
10611 @item
10612 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
10613
10614 @item
10615 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
10616
10617 @item
10618 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
10619 @end itemize
10620
10621 @noindent
10622 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
10623 increasing precedence:
10624
10625 @table @code
10626 @item ,
10627 Function argument or array index separator.
10628
10629 @item :=
10630 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
10631 @var{value}.
10632
10633 @item <@r{, }>
10634 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
10635 types.
10636
10637 @item <=@r{, }>=
10638 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
10639 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
10640 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
10641
10642 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
10643 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
10644 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
10645 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
10646 comment character.
10647
10648 @item IN
10649 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
10650 Same precedence as @code{<}.
10651
10652 @item OR
10653 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
10654
10655 @item AND@r{, }&
10656 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
10657
10658 @item @@
10659 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
10660
10661 @item +@r{, }-
10662 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
10663 and difference on set types.
10664
10665 @item *
10666 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
10667 on set types.
10668
10669 @item /
10670 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
10671 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
10672
10673 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
10674 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
10675 precedence as @code{*}.
10676
10677 @item -
10678 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
10679
10680 @item ^
10681 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
10682
10683 @item NOT
10684 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
10685 @code{^}.
10686
10687 @item .
10688 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
10689 precedence as @code{^}.
10690
10691 @item []
10692 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
10693
10694 @item ()
10695 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
10696 as @code{^}.
10697
10698 @item ::@r{, }.
10699 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
10700 @end table
10701
10702 @quotation
10703 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
10704 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
10705 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
10706 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
10707 @end quotation
10708
10709
10710 @node Built-In Func/Proc
10711 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
10712 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
10713
10714 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
10715 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
10716
10717 @table @var
10718
10719 @item a
10720 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
10721
10722 @item c
10723 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
10724
10725 @item i
10726 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
10727
10728 @item m
10729 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
10730 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
10731 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
10732
10733 @item n
10734 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
10735
10736 @item r
10737 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
10738
10739 @item t
10740 represents a type.
10741
10742 @item v
10743 represents a variable.
10744
10745 @item x
10746 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
10747 explanation of the function for details.
10748 @end table
10749
10750 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
10751
10752 @table @code
10753 @item ABS(@var{n})
10754 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
10755
10756 @item CAP(@var{c})
10757 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
10758 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
10759
10760 @item CHR(@var{i})
10761 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
10762
10763 @item DEC(@var{v})
10764 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
10765
10766 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
10767 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
10768 new value.
10769
10770 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
10771 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
10772 set.
10773
10774 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
10775 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
10776
10777 @item HIGH(@var{a})
10778 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
10779
10780 @item INC(@var{v})
10781 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
10782
10783 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
10784 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
10785 new value.
10786
10787 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
10788 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
10789 there. Returns the new set.
10790
10791 @item MAX(@var{t})
10792 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
10793
10794 @item MIN(@var{t})
10795 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
10796
10797 @item ODD(@var{i})
10798 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
10799
10800 @item ORD(@var{x})
10801 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
10802 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
10803 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
10804 integral, character and enumerated types.
10805
10806 @item SIZE(@var{x})
10807 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
10808
10809 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
10810 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
10811
10812 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
10813 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
10814
10815 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
10816 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
10817 @end table
10818
10819 @quotation
10820 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
10821 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
10822 an error.
10823 @end quotation
10824
10825 @cindex Modula-2 constants
10826 @node M2 Constants
10827 @subsubsection Constants
10828
10829 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
10830 ways:
10831
10832 @itemize @bullet
10833
10834 @item
10835 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
10836 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
10837 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
10838 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
10839
10840 @item
10841 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
10842 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
10843 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
10844 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
10845 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
10846 digits.
10847
10848 @item
10849 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
10850 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
10851 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
10852 followed by a @samp{C}.
10853
10854 @item
10855 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
10856 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
10857 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
10858 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
10859 sequences.
10860
10861 @item
10862 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
10863
10864 @item
10865 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
10866 @code{FALSE}.
10867
10868 @item
10869 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
10870
10871 @item
10872 Set constants are not yet supported.
10873 @end itemize
10874
10875 @node M2 Types
10876 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
10877 @cindex Modula-2 types
10878
10879 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
10880 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
10881 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
10882 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
10883 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
10884 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
10885
10886 The first example contains the following section of code:
10887
10888 @smallexample
10889 VAR
10890 s: SET OF CHAR ;
10891 r: [20..40] ;
10892 @end smallexample
10893
10894 @noindent
10895 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
10896 @code{r} and @code{s}.
10897
10898 @smallexample
10899 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10900 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
10901 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10902 SET OF CHAR
10903 (@value{GDBP}) print r
10904 21
10905 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
10906 [20..40]
10907 @end smallexample
10908
10909 @noindent
10910 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
10911
10912 @smallexample
10913 VAR
10914 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
10915 @end smallexample
10916
10917 @noindent
10918 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
10919
10920 @smallexample
10921 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10922 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
10923 @end smallexample
10924
10925 @noindent
10926 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
10927 expressions using the debugger.
10928
10929 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
10930 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
10931
10932 @smallexample
10933 VAR
10934 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
10935 @end smallexample
10936
10937 @smallexample
10938 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10939 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
10940 @end smallexample
10941
10942 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
10943 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
10944 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
10945 above.
10946
10947 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
10948
10949 @smallexample
10950 TYPE
10951 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
10952 t = [blue..yellow] ;
10953 VAR
10954 s: t ;
10955 BEGIN
10956 s := blue ;
10957 @end smallexample
10958
10959 @noindent
10960 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
10961 and value of a variable.
10962
10963 @smallexample
10964 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10965 $1 = blue
10966 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
10967 type = [blue..yellow]
10968 @end smallexample
10969
10970 @noindent
10971 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
10972 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
10973 their @code{C} counterparts.
10974
10975 @smallexample
10976 VAR
10977 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
10978 BEGIN
10979 s[1] := 1 ;
10980 @end smallexample
10981
10982 @smallexample
10983 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10984 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
10985 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10986 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
10987 @end smallexample
10988
10989 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
10990 pointer types as shown in this example:
10991
10992 @smallexample
10993 VAR
10994 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
10995 BEGIN
10996 NEW(s) ;
10997 s^[1] := 1 ;
10998 @end smallexample
10999
11000 @noindent
11001 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
11002
11003 @smallexample
11004 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11005 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
11006 @end smallexample
11007
11008 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
11009 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
11010 types:
11011
11012 @smallexample
11013 TYPE
11014 foo = RECORD
11015 f1: CARDINAL ;
11016 f2: CHAR ;
11017 f3: myarray ;
11018 END ;
11019
11020 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
11021 myrange = [-2..2] ;
11022 VAR
11023 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
11024 @end smallexample
11025
11026 @noindent
11027 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
11028 below.
11029
11030 @smallexample
11031 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11032 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
11033 f1 : CARDINAL;
11034 f2 : CHAR;
11035 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
11036 END
11037 @end smallexample
11038
11039 @node M2 Defaults
11040 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
11041 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
11042
11043 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
11044 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
11045 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
11046 selected the working language.
11047
11048 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
11049 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
11050 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
11051 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
11052
11053 @node Deviations
11054 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
11055 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
11056
11057 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
11058 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
11059
11060 @itemize @bullet
11061 @item
11062 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
11063 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
11064 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
11065 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
11066 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
11067 returned a pointer.)
11068
11069 @item
11070 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
11071 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
11072 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
11073 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
11074
11075 @item
11076 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
11077 argument.
11078
11079 @item
11080 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
11081 @end itemize
11082
11083 @node M2 Checks
11084 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
11085 @cindex Modula-2 checks
11086
11087 @quotation
11088 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
11089 range checking.
11090 @end quotation
11091 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
11092
11093 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
11094
11095 @itemize @bullet
11096 @item
11097 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
11098 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
11099
11100 @item
11101 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
11102 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
11103 @end itemize
11104
11105 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
11106 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
11107
11108 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
11109 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
11110
11111 @node M2 Scope
11112 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
11113 @cindex scope
11114 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
11115 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
11116 @ifinfo
11117 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
11118 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
11119 @end ifinfo
11120 @iftex
11121 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
11122 @end iftex
11123
11124 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
11125 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
11126 similar syntax:
11127
11128 @smallexample
11129
11130 @var{module} . @var{id}
11131 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
11132 @end smallexample
11133
11134 @noindent
11135 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
11136 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
11137 identifier within your program, except another module.
11138
11139 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
11140 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
11141 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
11142 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
11143
11144 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
11145 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
11146 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
11147 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
11148 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
11149 @var{module}.
11150
11151 @node GDB/M2
11152 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
11153
11154 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
11155 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
11156 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
11157 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
11158 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
11159 analogue in Modula-2.
11160
11161 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
11162 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
11163 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
11164 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
11165 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
11166 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
11167
11168 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
11169 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
11170 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
11171
11172 @node Ada
11173 @subsection Ada
11174 @cindex Ada
11175
11176 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
11177 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
11178 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
11179 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
11180 to be difficult.
11181
11182
11183 @cindex expressions in Ada
11184 @menu
11185 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
11186 and semantics supported by Ada mode
11187 in @value{GDBN}.
11188 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
11189 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
11190 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
11191 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
11192 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
11193 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
11194 @end menu
11195
11196 @node Ada Mode Intro
11197 @subsubsection Introduction
11198 @cindex Ada mode, general
11199
11200 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
11201 syntax, with some extensions.
11202 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
11203
11204 @itemize @bullet
11205 @item
11206 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
11207 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
11208 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
11209 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
11210
11211 @item
11212 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
11213 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
11214
11215 @item
11216 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
11217 @end itemize
11218
11219 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
11220 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
11221 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
11222 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
11223 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
11224
11225 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
11226 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
11227 was translated from an Ada source file.
11228
11229 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
11230 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
11231 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
11232 middle (to allow based literals).
11233
11234 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
11235 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
11236 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
11237 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
11238 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
11239 functions to procedures elsewhere.
11240
11241 @node Omissions from Ada
11242 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
11243 @cindex Ada, omissions from
11244
11245 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
11246
11247 @itemize @bullet
11248 @item
11249 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
11250
11251 @itemize @minus
11252 @item
11253 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
11254 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
11255
11256 @item
11257 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
11258
11259 @item
11260 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
11261
11262 @item
11263 @t{'Tag}.
11264
11265 @item
11266 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
11267 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
11268
11269 @item
11270 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
11271 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
11272
11273 @item
11274 @t{'Address}.
11275 @end itemize
11276
11277 @item
11278 The names in
11279 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
11280 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
11281 not currently available.
11282
11283 @item
11284 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
11285 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
11286 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
11287 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
11288 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
11289 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
11290 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
11291 indeterminate values.
11292
11293 @item
11294 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
11295 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
11296 are not implemented.
11297
11298 @item
11299 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
11300 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
11301 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
11302 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
11303 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
11304
11305 @smallexample
11306 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
11307 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
11308 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
11309 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
11310 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
11311 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
11312 @end smallexample
11313
11314 Changing a
11315 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
11316 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
11317 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
11318 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
11319 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
11320 declared to have a type such as:
11321
11322 @smallexample
11323 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
11324 Id : Integer;
11325 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
11326 end record;
11327 @end smallexample
11328
11329 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
11330 assignments:
11331
11332 @smallexample
11333 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
11334 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
11335 @end smallexample
11336
11337 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
11338 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
11339 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
11340 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
11341 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
11342 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
11343 redundant component associations, although which component values are
11344 assigned in such cases is not defined.
11345
11346 @item
11347 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
11348
11349 @item
11350 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
11351 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
11352 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
11353 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
11354 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
11355 the proper resolution.
11356
11357 @item
11358 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
11359
11360 @item
11361 Entry calls are not implemented.
11362
11363 @item
11364 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
11365 formats are not supported.
11366
11367 @item
11368 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
11369
11370 @item
11371 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
11372 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
11373 context.
11374 Should your program
11375 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
11376 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
11377 @end itemize
11378
11379 @node Additions to Ada
11380 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
11381 @cindex Ada, deviations from
11382
11383 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
11384 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
11385
11386 @itemize @bullet
11387 @item
11388 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
11389 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
11390 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
11391 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
11392 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
11393 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
11394 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
11395 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
11396
11397 @item
11398 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
11399 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
11400 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
11401
11402 @item
11403 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
11404 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
11405
11406 @item
11407 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
11408 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
11409 @end itemize
11410
11411 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
11412 additions specific to Ada:
11413
11414 @itemize @bullet
11415 @item
11416 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
11417 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
11418
11419 @smallexample
11420 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
11421 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
11422 @end smallexample
11423
11424 @item
11425 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
11426 the value of its right-hand operand.
11427 This allows, for example,
11428 complex conditional breaks:
11429
11430 @smallexample
11431 (@value{GDBP}) break f
11432 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
11433 @end smallexample
11434
11435 @item
11436 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
11437 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
11438 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
11439 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
11440 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
11441 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
11442 in strings. For example,
11443 @smallexample
11444 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
11445 @end smallexample
11446 @noindent
11447 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
11448 after each period.
11449
11450 @item
11451 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
11452 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
11453 to write
11454
11455 @smallexample
11456 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
11457 @end smallexample
11458
11459 @item
11460 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
11461 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
11462 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
11463 of 3 might print as
11464
11465 @smallexample
11466 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
11467 @end smallexample
11468
11469 @noindent
11470 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
11471 clause.
11472
11473 @item
11474 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
11475 multi-character subsequence of
11476 their names (an exact match gets preference).
11477 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
11478 in place of @t{a'length}.
11479
11480 @item
11481 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
11482 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
11483 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
11484 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
11485 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
11486 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
11487 For example,
11488 @smallexample
11489 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
11490 @end smallexample
11491
11492 @item
11493 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
11494 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
11495 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
11496 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
11497 object.
11498
11499 @end itemize
11500
11501 @node Stopping Before Main Program
11502 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
11503
11504 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
11505 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
11506 before reaching the main procedure.
11507 As defined in the Ada Reference
11508 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
11509 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
11510 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
11511 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
11512
11513 @node Ada Tasks
11514 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
11515 @cindex Ada, tasking
11516
11517 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
11518 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
11519
11520 @table @code
11521 @kindex info tasks
11522 @item info tasks
11523 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
11524
11525
11526 @smallexample
11527 @iftex
11528 @leftskip=0.5cm
11529 @end iftex
11530 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11531 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11532 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11533 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
11534 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
11535 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Running c
11536
11537 @end smallexample
11538
11539 @noindent
11540 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
11541 task currently being inspected.
11542
11543 @table @asis
11544 @item ID
11545 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
11546
11547 @item TID
11548 The Ada task ID.
11549
11550 @item P-ID
11551 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
11552
11553 @item Pri
11554 The base priority of the task.
11555
11556 @item State
11557 Current state of the task.
11558
11559 @table @code
11560 @item Unactivated
11561 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
11562 executing.
11563
11564 @item Running
11565 The task currently running.
11566
11567 @item Runnable
11568 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
11569 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
11570
11571 @item Terminated
11572 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
11573 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
11574 terminated themselves.
11575
11576 @item Child Activation Wait
11577 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
11578
11579 @item Accept Statement
11580 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
11581
11582 @item Waiting on entry call
11583 The task is waiting on an entry call.
11584
11585 @item Async Select Wait
11586 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
11587 select statement.
11588
11589 @item Delay Sleep
11590 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
11591 alternative open.
11592
11593 @item Child Termination Wait
11594 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
11595 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
11596 waiting on a terminate Phase.
11597
11598 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
11599 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
11600 finish terminating.
11601
11602 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
11603 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
11604 @end table
11605
11606 @item Name
11607 Name of the task in the program.
11608
11609 @end table
11610
11611 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
11612 @item info task @var{taskno}
11613 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
11614 the following example:
11615 @smallexample
11616 @iftex
11617 @leftskip=0.5cm
11618 @end iftex
11619 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11620 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11621 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11622 * 2 807c468 1 15 Running task_1
11623 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
11624 Ada Task: 0x807c468
11625 Name: task_1
11626 Thread: 0x807f378
11627 Parent: 1 (main_task)
11628 Base Priority: 15
11629 State: Runnable
11630 @end smallexample
11631
11632 @item task
11633 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
11634 @cindex current Ada task ID
11635 This command prints the ID of the current task.
11636
11637 @smallexample
11638 @iftex
11639 @leftskip=0.5cm
11640 @end iftex
11641 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11642 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11643 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11644 * 2 807c458 1 15 Running t
11645 (@value{GDBP}) task
11646 [Current task is 2]
11647 @end smallexample
11648
11649 @item task @var{taskno}
11650 @cindex Ada task switching
11651 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
11652 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
11653 from the current task to the given task.
11654
11655 @smallexample
11656 @iftex
11657 @leftskip=0.5cm
11658 @end iftex
11659 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
11660 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
11661 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
11662 * 2 807c458 1 15 Running t
11663 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
11664 [Switching to task 1]
11665 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
11666 (@value{GDBP}) bt
11667 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
11668 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
11669 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
11670 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
11671 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
11672 @end smallexample
11673
11674 @end table
11675
11676 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
11677 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
11678 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
11679
11680 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
11681 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
11682 the platform being used.
11683 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
11684 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
11685 as usual.
11686
11687 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
11688 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
11689 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
11690 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
11691 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
11692 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
11693
11694 @node Ada Glitches
11695 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
11696 @cindex Ada, problems
11697
11698 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
11699 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
11700 @value{GDBN},
11701 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
11702 and the GNU Ada compiler.
11703
11704 @itemize @bullet
11705 @item
11706 Currently, the debugger
11707 has insufficient information to determine whether certain pointers represent
11708 pointers to objects or the objects themselves.
11709 Thus, the user may have to tack an extra @code{.all} after an expression
11710 to get it printed properly.
11711
11712 @item
11713 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
11714 storage are invisible to the debugger.
11715
11716 @item
11717 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
11718 argument lists are treated as positional).
11719
11720 @item
11721 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
11722
11723 @item
11724 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
11725 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
11726 the host machine.
11727
11728 @item
11729 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
11730 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
11731 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
11732 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
11733 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
11734 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
11735 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
11736 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
11737 you can usually resolve the confusion
11738 by qualifying the problematic names with package
11739 @code{Standard} explicitly.
11740 @end itemize
11741
11742 @node Unsupported Languages
11743 @section Unsupported Languages
11744
11745 @cindex unsupported languages
11746 @cindex minimal language
11747 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
11748 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
11749 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
11750 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
11751 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
11752 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
11753
11754 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
11755 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
11756 language.
11757
11758 @node Symbols
11759 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
11760
11761 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
11762 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
11763 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
11764 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
11765 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
11766 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
11767 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
11768
11769 @cindex symbol names
11770 @cindex names of symbols
11771 @cindex quoting names
11772 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
11773 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
11774 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
11775 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
11776 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
11777 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
11778 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
11779 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
11780
11781 @smallexample
11782 p 'foo.c'::x
11783 @end smallexample
11784
11785 @noindent
11786 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
11787
11788 @table @code
11789 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
11790 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
11791 @kindex set case-sensitive
11792 @item set case-sensitive on
11793 @itemx set case-sensitive off
11794 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
11795 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
11796 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
11797 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
11798 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
11799 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
11800 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
11801 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
11802 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
11803 case-insensitive matches.
11804
11805 @kindex show case-sensitive
11806 @item show case-sensitive
11807 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
11808 lookups.
11809
11810 @kindex info address
11811 @cindex address of a symbol
11812 @item info address @var{symbol}
11813 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
11814 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
11815 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
11816 is always stored.
11817
11818 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
11819 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
11820 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
11821
11822 @kindex info symbol
11823 @cindex symbol from address
11824 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
11825 @item info symbol @var{addr}
11826 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
11827 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
11828 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
11829
11830 @smallexample
11831 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
11832 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
11833 @end smallexample
11834
11835 @noindent
11836 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
11837 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
11838
11839 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
11840 library containing the symbol is also printed:
11841
11842 @smallexample
11843 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
11844 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
11845 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
11846 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
11847 @end smallexample
11848
11849 @kindex whatis
11850 @item whatis [@var{arg}]
11851 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression or
11852 a data type. With no argument, print the data type of @code{$}, the
11853 last value in the value history. If @var{arg} is an expression, it is
11854 not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
11855 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place. If
11856 @var{arg} is a type name, it may be the name of a type or typedef, or
11857 for C code it may have the form @samp{class @var{class-name}},
11858 @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
11859 @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
11860 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
11861
11862 @kindex ptype
11863 @item ptype [@var{arg}]
11864 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
11865 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
11866 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
11867
11868 For example, for this variable declaration:
11869
11870 @smallexample
11871 struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
11872 @end smallexample
11873
11874 @noindent
11875 the two commands give this output:
11876
11877 @smallexample
11878 @group
11879 (@value{GDBP}) whatis v
11880 type = struct complex
11881 (@value{GDBP}) ptype v
11882 type = struct complex @{
11883 double real;
11884 double imag;
11885 @}
11886 @end group
11887 @end smallexample
11888
11889 @noindent
11890 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
11891 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
11892
11893 @cindex incomplete type
11894 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
11895 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
11896 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
11897 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
11898 given these declarations:
11899
11900 @smallexample
11901 struct foo;
11902 struct foo *fooptr;
11903 @end smallexample
11904
11905 @noindent
11906 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
11907
11908 @smallexample
11909 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
11910 $1 = <incomplete type>
11911 @end smallexample
11912
11913 @noindent
11914 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
11915 completely specified.
11916
11917 @kindex info types
11918 @item info types @var{regexp}
11919 @itemx info types
11920 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
11921 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
11922 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
11923 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
11924 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
11925 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
11926 name is @code{value}.
11927
11928 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
11929 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
11930 lists all source files where a type is defined.
11931
11932 @kindex info scope
11933 @cindex local variables
11934 @item info scope @var{location}
11935 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
11936 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
11937 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
11938 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
11939 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
11940
11941 @smallexample
11942 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
11943 Scope for command_line_handler:
11944 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
11945 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
11946 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
11947 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
11948 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
11949 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
11950 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
11951 @end smallexample
11952
11953 @noindent
11954 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
11955 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
11956 collect}.
11957
11958 @kindex info source
11959 @item info source
11960 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
11961 the function containing the current point of execution:
11962 @itemize @bullet
11963 @item
11964 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
11965 @item
11966 the directory it was compiled in,
11967 @item
11968 its length, in lines,
11969 @item
11970 which programming language it is written in,
11971 @item
11972 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
11973 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
11974 @item
11975 whether the debugging information includes information about
11976 preprocessor macros.
11977 @end itemize
11978
11979
11980 @kindex info sources
11981 @item info sources
11982 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
11983 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
11984 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
11985
11986 @kindex info functions
11987 @item info functions
11988 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
11989
11990 @item info functions @var{regexp}
11991 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
11992 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
11993 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
11994 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
11995 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
11996 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
11997 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
11998
11999 @kindex info variables
12000 @item info variables
12001 Print the names and data types of all variables that are declared
12002 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
12003
12004 @item info variables @var{regexp}
12005 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
12006 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
12007 @var{regexp}.
12008
12009 @kindex info classes
12010 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
12011 @item info classes
12012 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
12013 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
12014 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
12015 expression.
12016
12017 @kindex info selectors
12018 @item info selectors
12019 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
12020 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
12021 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
12022 expression.
12023
12024 @ignore
12025 This was never implemented.
12026 @kindex info methods
12027 @item info methods
12028 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
12029 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
12030 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
12031 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
12032 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
12033 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
12034 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
12035 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
12036 @end ignore
12037
12038 @cindex reloading symbols
12039 Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
12040 be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
12041 in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
12042 running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
12043 @value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
12044
12045 @table @code
12046 @kindex set symbol-reloading
12047 @item set symbol-reloading on
12048 Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
12049 object file with a particular name is seen again.
12050
12051 @item set symbol-reloading off
12052 Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
12053 same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
12054 running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
12055 should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
12056 may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
12057 several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
12058 name.
12059
12060 @kindex show symbol-reloading
12061 @item show symbol-reloading
12062 Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
12063 @end table
12064
12065 @cindex opaque data types
12066 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
12067 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
12068 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
12069 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
12070 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
12071 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
12072 another source file. The default is on.
12073
12074 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
12075 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
12076
12077 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
12078 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
12079 is printed as follows:
12080 @smallexample
12081 @{<no data fields>@}
12082 @end smallexample
12083
12084 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
12085 @item show opaque-type-resolution
12086 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
12087
12088 @kindex set print symbol-loading
12089 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
12090 @item set print symbol-loading
12091 @itemx set print symbol-loading on
12092 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
12093 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to enable or
12094 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbols.
12095 By default, these messages will be printed, and normally this is what
12096 you want. Disabling these messages is useful when debugging applications
12097 with lots of shared libraries where the quantity of output can be more
12098 annoying than useful.
12099
12100 @kindex show print symbol-loading
12101 @item show print symbol-loading
12102 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} loads symbols.
12103
12104 @kindex maint print symbols
12105 @cindex symbol dump
12106 @kindex maint print psymbols
12107 @cindex partial symbol dump
12108 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
12109 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
12110 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
12111 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
12112 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
12113 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
12114 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
12115 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
12116 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
12117 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
12118 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
12119 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
12120 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
12121 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
12122 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
12123 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
12124 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
12125
12126 @kindex maint info symtabs
12127 @kindex maint info psymtabs
12128 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
12129 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12130 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12131 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12132 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
12133 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
12134
12135 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
12136 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
12137 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
12138 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
12139 structure in more detail. For example:
12140
12141 @smallexample
12142 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
12143 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
12144 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
12145 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
12146 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
12147 readin no
12148 fullname (null)
12149 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
12150 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
12151 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
12152 dependencies (none)
12153 @}
12154 @}
12155 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
12156 (@value{GDBP})
12157 @end smallexample
12158 @noindent
12159 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
12160 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
12161 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
12162 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
12163 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
12164
12165 @smallexample
12166 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
12167 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
12168 line 1574.
12169 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
12170 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
12171 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
12172 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
12173 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
12174 dirname (null)
12175 fullname (null)
12176 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
12177 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
12178 debugformat DWARF 2
12179 @}
12180 @}
12181 (@value{GDBP})
12182 @end smallexample
12183 @end table
12184
12185
12186 @node Altering
12187 @chapter Altering Execution
12188
12189 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
12190 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
12191 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
12192 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
12193 program.
12194
12195 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
12196 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
12197 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
12198
12199 @menu
12200 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
12201 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
12202 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
12203 * Returning:: Returning from a function
12204 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
12205 * Patching:: Patching your program
12206 @end menu
12207
12208 @node Assignment
12209 @section Assignment to Variables
12210
12211 @cindex assignment
12212 @cindex setting variables
12213 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
12214 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
12215
12216 @smallexample
12217 print x=4
12218 @end smallexample
12219
12220 @noindent
12221 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
12222 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
12223 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
12224 information on operators in supported languages.
12225
12226 @kindex set variable
12227 @cindex variables, setting
12228 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
12229 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
12230 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
12231 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
12232 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
12233
12234 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
12235 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
12236 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
12237 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
12238 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
12239 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
12240 command @code{set width}:
12241
12242 @smallexample
12243 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
12244 type = double
12245 (@value{GDBP}) p width
12246 $4 = 13
12247 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
12248 Invalid syntax in expression.
12249 @end smallexample
12250
12251 @noindent
12252 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
12253 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
12254
12255 @smallexample
12256 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
12257 @end smallexample
12258
12259 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
12260 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
12261 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
12262 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
12263 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
12264 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
12265
12266 @smallexample
12267 @group
12268 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
12269 type = double
12270 (@value{GDBP}) p g
12271 $1 = 1
12272 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
12273 (@value{GDBP}) p g
12274 $2 = 1
12275 (@value{GDBP}) r
12276 The program being debugged has been started already.
12277 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
12278 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
12279 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
12280 Invalid bfd target.
12281 (@value{GDBP}) show g
12282 The current BFD target is "=4".
12283 @end group
12284 @end smallexample
12285
12286 @noindent
12287 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
12288 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
12289 @code{g}, use
12290
12291 @smallexample
12292 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
12293 @end smallexample
12294
12295 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
12296 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
12297 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
12298 same length or shorter.
12299 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
12300 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
12301
12302 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
12303 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
12304 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
12305 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
12306 and representation in memory), and
12307
12308 @smallexample
12309 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
12310 @end smallexample
12311
12312 @noindent
12313 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
12314
12315 @node Jumping
12316 @section Continuing at a Different Address
12317
12318 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
12319 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
12320 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
12321
12322 @table @code
12323 @kindex jump
12324 @item jump @var{linespec}
12325 @itemx jump @var{location}
12326 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
12327 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
12328 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
12329 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
12330 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
12331 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
12332
12333 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
12334 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
12335 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
12336 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
12337 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
12338 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
12339 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
12340 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
12341 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
12342 @end table
12343
12344 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
12345 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
12346 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
12347 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
12348 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
12349 example,
12350
12351 @smallexample
12352 set $pc = 0x485
12353 @end smallexample
12354
12355 @noindent
12356 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
12357 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
12358 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
12359
12360 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
12361 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
12362 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
12363 detail.
12364
12365 @c @group
12366 @node Signaling
12367 @section Giving your Program a Signal
12368 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
12369
12370 @table @code
12371 @kindex signal
12372 @item signal @var{signal}
12373 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
12374 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
12375 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
12376 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
12377
12378 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
12379 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
12380 a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
12381 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
12382 signal.
12383
12384 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
12385 after executing the command.
12386 @end table
12387 @c @end group
12388
12389 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
12390 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
12391 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
12392 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
12393 passes the signal directly to your program.
12394
12395
12396 @node Returning
12397 @section Returning from a Function
12398
12399 @table @code
12400 @cindex returning from a function
12401 @kindex return
12402 @item return
12403 @itemx return @var{expression}
12404 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
12405 command. If you give an
12406 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
12407 value.
12408 @end table
12409
12410 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
12411 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
12412 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
12413 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
12414
12415 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
12416 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
12417 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
12418 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
12419 of functions.
12420
12421 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
12422 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
12423 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
12424 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
12425 selected stack frame returns naturally.
12426
12427 @node Calling
12428 @section Calling Program Functions
12429
12430 @table @code
12431 @cindex calling functions
12432 @cindex inferior functions, calling
12433 @item print @var{expr}
12434 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
12435 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
12436 debugged.
12437
12438 @kindex call
12439 @item call @var{expr}
12440 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
12441 returned values.
12442
12443 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
12444 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
12445 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
12446 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
12447 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
12448 value history.
12449 @end table
12450
12451 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
12452 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
12453 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
12454 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
12455
12456 @table @code
12457 @item set unwindonsignal
12458 @kindex set unwindonsignal
12459 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
12460 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
12461 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
12462 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
12463 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
12464 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
12465 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
12466 received.
12467
12468 @item show unwindonsignal
12469 @kindex show unwindonsignal
12470 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
12471 @value{GDBN}.
12472 @end table
12473
12474 @cindex weak alias functions
12475 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
12476 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
12477 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
12478 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
12479 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
12480 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
12481 function instead.
12482
12483 @node Patching
12484 @section Patching Programs
12485
12486 @cindex patching binaries
12487 @cindex writing into executables
12488 @cindex writing into corefiles
12489
12490 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
12491 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
12492 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
12493 patching your program's binary.
12494
12495 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
12496 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
12497 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
12498 repairs.
12499
12500 @table @code
12501 @kindex set write
12502 @item set write on
12503 @itemx set write off
12504 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
12505 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
12506 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
12507
12508 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
12509 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
12510 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
12511
12512 @item show write
12513 @kindex show write
12514 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
12515 as well as reading.
12516 @end table
12517
12518 @node GDB Files
12519 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
12520
12521 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
12522 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
12523 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
12524 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
12525
12526 @menu
12527 * Files:: Commands to specify files
12528 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
12529 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
12530 @end menu
12531
12532 @node Files
12533 @section Commands to Specify Files
12534
12535 @cindex symbol table
12536 @cindex core dump file
12537
12538 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
12539 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
12540 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
12541 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
12542
12543 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
12544 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
12545 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
12546 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
12547 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
12548 new files are useful.
12549
12550 @table @code
12551 @cindex executable file
12552 @kindex file
12553 @item file @var{filename}
12554 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
12555 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
12556 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
12557 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
12558 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
12559 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
12560 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
12561 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
12562
12563 @cindex unlinked object files
12564 @cindex patching object files
12565 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
12566 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
12567 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
12568 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
12569 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
12570 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
12571 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
12572 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
12573
12574 @item file
12575 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
12576 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
12577
12578 @kindex exec-file
12579 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
12580 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
12581 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
12582 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
12583 discard information on the executable file.
12584
12585 @kindex symbol-file
12586 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
12587 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
12588 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
12589 table and program to run from the same file.
12590
12591 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
12592 program's symbol table.
12593
12594 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
12595 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
12596 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
12597 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
12598 @value{GDBN}.
12599
12600 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
12601 executing it once.
12602
12603 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
12604 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
12605 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
12606 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
12607 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
12608 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
12609 optimized code.
12610
12611 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
12612 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
12613 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
12614 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
12615 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
12616
12617 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
12618 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
12619 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
12620 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
12621 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
12622 Warnings and Messages}.)
12623
12624 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
12625 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
12626 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
12627 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
12628 in stabs format.
12629
12630 @kindex readnow
12631 @cindex reading symbols immediately
12632 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
12633 @item symbol-file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
12634 @itemx file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
12635 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
12636 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
12637 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
12638 entire symbol table available.
12639
12640 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
12641 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
12642 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
12643 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
12644 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
12645 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
12646 @c files.
12647
12648 @kindex core-file
12649 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
12650 @itemx core
12651 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
12652 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
12653 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
12654 executable file itself for other parts.
12655
12656 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
12657 to be used.
12658
12659 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
12660 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
12661 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
12662 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
12663 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
12664
12665 @kindex add-symbol-file
12666 @cindex dynamic linking
12667 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
12668 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
12669 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
12670 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
12671 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
12672 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
12673 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
12674 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
12675 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
12676 of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
12677 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
12678 @var{address} as an expression.
12679
12680 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
12681 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
12682 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
12683 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
12684 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
12685
12686 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
12687 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
12688 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
12689 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
12690 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
12691 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
12692 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
12693 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
12694 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
12695
12696 @itemize @bullet
12697 @item
12698 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
12699 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
12700 @item
12701 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
12702 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
12703 @item
12704 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
12705 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
12706 @end itemize
12707
12708 @noindent
12709 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
12710 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
12711 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
12712 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
12713 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
12714 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
12715 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
12716 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
12717 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
12718 way.
12719
12720 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
12721
12722 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
12723 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
12724 @cindex load symbols from memory
12725 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
12726 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
12727 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
12728 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
12729 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
12730 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
12731 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
12732 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
12733 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
12734
12735 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
12736 @kindex assf
12737 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
12738 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
12739 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
12740 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
12741 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
12742 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
12743 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
12744 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
12745 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
12746 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
12747
12748 @kindex section
12749 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
12750 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
12751 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
12752 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
12753 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
12754 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
12755 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
12756 their addresses.
12757
12758 @kindex info files
12759 @kindex info target
12760 @item info files
12761 @itemx info target
12762 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
12763 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
12764 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
12765 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
12766 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
12767 current ones.
12768
12769 @kindex maint info sections
12770 @item maint info sections
12771 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
12772 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
12773 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
12774 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
12775 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
12776 may be arbitrarily combined):
12777
12778 @table @code
12779 @item ALLOBJ
12780 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
12781 @item @var{sections}
12782 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
12783 @item @var{section-flags}
12784 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
12785 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
12786 @table @code
12787 @item ALLOC
12788 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
12789 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
12790 @item LOAD
12791 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
12792 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
12793 @item RELOC
12794 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
12795 @item READONLY
12796 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
12797 @item CODE
12798 Section contains executable code only.
12799 @item DATA
12800 Section contains data only (no executable code).
12801 @item ROM
12802 Section will reside in ROM.
12803 @item CONSTRUCTOR
12804 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
12805 @item HAS_CONTENTS
12806 Section is not empty.
12807 @item NEVER_LOAD
12808 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
12809 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
12810 A notification to the linker that the section contains
12811 COFF shared library information.
12812 @item IS_COMMON
12813 Section contains common symbols.
12814 @end table
12815 @end table
12816 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
12817 @cindex read-only sections
12818 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
12819 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
12820 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
12821 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
12822 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
12823 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
12824 enhancement to debugging performance.
12825
12826 The default is off.
12827
12828 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
12829 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
12830 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
12831 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
12832
12833 @item show trust-readonly-sections
12834 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
12835 @end table
12836
12837 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
12838 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
12839 name and remembers it that way.
12840
12841 @cindex shared libraries
12842 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
12843 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
12844 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
12845
12846 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
12847 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
12848
12849 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
12850 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
12851 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
12852 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
12853 debugging a core file).
12854
12855 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
12856 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
12857
12858 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
12859 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
12860 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
12861
12862 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
12863 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
12864 particularly large or there are many of them.
12865
12866 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
12867 commands:
12868
12869 @table @code
12870 @kindex set auto-solib-add
12871 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
12872 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
12873 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
12874 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
12875 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
12876 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
12877 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
12878
12879 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
12880 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
12881 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
12882 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
12883 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
12884 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
12885 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
12886 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
12887 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
12888
12889 @kindex show auto-solib-add
12890 @item show auto-solib-add
12891 Display the current autoloading mode.
12892 @end table
12893
12894 @cindex load shared library
12895 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
12896 command:
12897
12898 @table @code
12899 @kindex info sharedlibrary
12900 @kindex info share
12901 @item info share
12902 @itemx info sharedlibrary
12903 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded.
12904
12905 @kindex sharedlibrary
12906 @kindex share
12907 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
12908 @itemx share @var{regex}
12909 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
12910 Unix regular expression.
12911 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
12912 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
12913 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
12914 loaded.
12915
12916 @item nosharedlibrary
12917 @kindex nosharedlibrary
12918 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
12919 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
12920 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
12921 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
12922 discarded.
12923 @end table
12924
12925 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
12926 when any of shared library events happen. Use the @code{set
12927 stop-on-solib-events} command for this:
12928
12929 @table @code
12930 @item set stop-on-solib-events
12931 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
12932 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
12933 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
12934 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
12935 shared library.
12936
12937 @item show stop-on-solib-events
12938 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
12939 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
12940 library events happen.
12941 @end table
12942
12943 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
12944 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
12945 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
12946 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
12947 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
12948 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
12949 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
12950 not.
12951
12952 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
12953 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
12954 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
12955 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
12956 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
12957
12958 @table @code
12959 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
12960 @cindex system root, alternate
12961 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
12962 @kindex set sysroot
12963 @item set sysroot @var{path}
12964 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
12965 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
12966 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
12967 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
12968 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
12969 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
12970 under @var{path}.
12971
12972 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
12973 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
12974 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
12975 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
12976 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
12977 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
12978 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
12979 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
12980 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
12981
12982 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
12983 sysroot}.
12984
12985 @cindex default system root
12986 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
12987 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
12988 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
12989 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
12990 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
12991 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
12992 location.
12993
12994 @kindex show sysroot
12995 @item show sysroot
12996 Display the current shared library prefix.
12997
12998 @kindex set solib-search-path
12999 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
13000 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
13001 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
13002 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
13003 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
13004 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
13005 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
13006 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
13007 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
13008 of shared library symbols.
13009
13010 @kindex show solib-search-path
13011 @item show solib-search-path
13012 Display the current shared library search path.
13013 @end table
13014
13015
13016 @node Separate Debug Files
13017 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
13018 @cindex separate debugging information files
13019 @cindex debugging information in separate files
13020 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
13021 @cindex debugging information directory, global
13022 @cindex global debugging information directory
13023 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
13024 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
13025
13026 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
13027 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
13028 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
13029 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
13030 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
13031 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
13032 install only when they need to debug a problem.
13033
13034 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
13035 file:
13036
13037 @itemize @bullet
13038 @item
13039 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
13040 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
13041 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
13042 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
13043 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
13044 debug link specifies a CRC32 checksum for the debug file, which
13045 @value{GDBN} uses to validate that the executable and the debug file
13046 came from the same build.
13047
13048 @item
13049 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
13050 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
13051 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
13052 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
13053 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
13054 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
13055 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
13056 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
13057 below.
13058 @end itemize
13059
13060 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
13061 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
13062
13063 @itemize @bullet
13064 @item
13065 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
13066 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
13067 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under the global debug
13068 directory, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
13069 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
13070
13071 @item
13072 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
13073 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of the global debug directory for a file
13074 named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
13075 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
13076 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
13077 hex characters, not 10.)
13078 @end itemize
13079
13080 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
13081 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
13082 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
13083 @code{abcdef1234}. If the global debug directory is
13084 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
13085 debug information files, in the indicated order:
13086
13087 @itemize @minus
13088 @item
13089 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
13090 @item
13091 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
13092 @item
13093 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
13094 @item
13095 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
13096 @end itemize
13097
13098 You can set the global debugging info directory's name, and view the
13099 name @value{GDBN} is currently using.
13100
13101 @table @code
13102
13103 @kindex set debug-file-directory
13104 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directory}
13105 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
13106 information files to @var{directory}.
13107
13108 @kindex show debug-file-directory
13109 @item show debug-file-directory
13110 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
13111 information files.
13112
13113 @end table
13114
13115 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
13116 @cindex debug link sections
13117 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
13118 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
13119
13120 @itemize
13121 @item
13122 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
13123 a zero byte,
13124 @item
13125 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
13126 boundary within the section, and
13127 @item
13128 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
13129 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
13130 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
13131 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
13132 @end itemize
13133
13134 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
13135 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
13136 described above.
13137
13138 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
13139 @cindex build ID sections
13140 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
13141 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
13142 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
13143 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
13144 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
13145 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
13146 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
13147 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
13148 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
13149
13150 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
13151 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
13152 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
13153 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
13154 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
13155 in an ordinary executable.
13156
13157 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
13158 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
13159 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
13160 following commands:
13161
13162 @smallexample
13163 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
13164 @kbd{strip -g foo}
13165 @end smallexample
13166
13167 @noindent
13168 These commands remove the debugging
13169 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
13170 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
13171 two files:
13172
13173 @itemize @bullet
13174 @item
13175 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
13176 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
13177
13178 @smallexample
13179 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
13180 @end smallexample
13181
13182 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
13183 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
13184 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
13185 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
13186
13187 @item
13188 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
13189 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
13190 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
13191 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
13192 @end itemize
13193
13194 @noindent
13195
13196 Since there are many different ways to compute CRC's for the debug
13197 link (different polynomials, reversals, byte ordering, etc.), the
13198 simplest way to describe the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}
13199 sections is to give the complete code for a function that computes it:
13200
13201 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
13202 @smallexample
13203 unsigned long
13204 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
13205 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
13206 @{
13207 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
13208 @{
13209 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
13210 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
13211 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
13212 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
13213 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
13214 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
13215 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
13216 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
13217 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
13218 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
13219 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
13220 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
13221 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
13222 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
13223 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
13224 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
13225 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
13226 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
13227 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
13228 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
13229 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
13230 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
13231 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
13232 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
13233 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
13234 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
13235 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
13236 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
13237 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
13238 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
13239 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
13240 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
13241 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
13242 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
13243 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
13244 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
13245 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
13246 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
13247 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
13248 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
13249 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
13250 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
13251 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
13252 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
13253 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
13254 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
13255 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
13256 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
13257 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
13258 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
13259 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
13260 0x2d02ef8d
13261 @};
13262 unsigned char *end;
13263
13264 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
13265 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
13266 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
13267 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
13268 @}
13269 @end smallexample
13270
13271 @noindent
13272 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
13273
13274
13275 @node Symbol Errors
13276 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
13277
13278 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
13279 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
13280 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
13281 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
13282 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
13283 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
13284 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
13285 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
13286 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
13287 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
13288 Messages}).
13289
13290 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
13291
13292 @table @code
13293 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
13294
13295 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
13296 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
13297 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
13298 in its outer scope blocks.
13299
13300 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
13301 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
13302 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
13303 function.
13304
13305 @item block at @var{address} out of order
13306
13307 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
13308 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
13309 do so.
13310
13311 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
13312 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
13313 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
13314 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
13315 Messages}.)
13316
13317 @item bad block start address patched
13318
13319 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
13320 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
13321 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
13322
13323 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
13324 starting on the previous source line.
13325
13326 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
13327
13328 @cindex foo
13329 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
13330 larger than the size of the string table.
13331
13332 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
13333 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
13334 with this name.
13335
13336 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
13337
13338 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
13339 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
13340 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
13341
13342 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
13343 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
13344 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
13345 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
13346 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
13347 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
13348
13349 @item stub type has NULL name
13350
13351 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
13352
13353 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
13354 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
13355 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
13356 it.
13357
13358 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
13359
13360 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
13361
13362 @end table
13363
13364 @node Targets
13365 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
13366
13367 @cindex debugging target
13368 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
13369
13370 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
13371 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
13372 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
13373 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
13374 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
13375 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
13376 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
13377 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
13378
13379 @cindex target architecture
13380 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
13381 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
13382 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
13383 command.
13384
13385 @table @code
13386 @kindex set architecture
13387 @kindex show architecture
13388 @item set architecture @var{arch}
13389 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
13390 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
13391 supported architectures.
13392
13393 @item show architecture
13394 Show the current target architecture.
13395
13396 @item set processor
13397 @itemx processor
13398 @kindex set processor
13399 @kindex show processor
13400 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
13401 and @code{show architecture}.
13402 @end table
13403
13404 @menu
13405 * Active Targets:: Active targets
13406 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
13407 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
13408 @end menu
13409
13410 @node Active Targets
13411 @section Active Targets
13412
13413 @cindex stacking targets
13414 @cindex active targets
13415 @cindex multiple targets
13416
13417 There are three classes of targets: processes, core files, and
13418 executable files. @value{GDBN} can work concurrently on up to three
13419 active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for example)
13420 start a process and inspect its activity without abandoning your work on
13421 a core file.
13422
13423 For example, if you execute @samp{gdb a.out}, then the executable file
13424 @code{a.out} is the only active target. If you designate a core file as
13425 well---presumably from a prior run that crashed and coredumped---then
13426 @value{GDBN} has two active targets and uses them in tandem, looking
13427 first in the corefile target, then in the executable file, to satisfy
13428 requests for memory addresses. (Typically, these two classes of target
13429 are complementary, since core files contain only a program's
13430 read-write memory---variables and so on---plus machine status, while
13431 executable files contain only the program text and initialized data.)
13432
13433 When you type @code{run}, your executable file becomes an active process
13434 target as well. When a process target is active, all @value{GDBN}
13435 commands requesting memory addresses refer to that target; addresses in
13436 an active core file or executable file target are obscured while the
13437 process target is active.
13438
13439 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new
13440 core file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify
13441 Files}). To specify as a target a process that is already running, use
13442 the @code{attach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
13443 Process}).
13444
13445 @node Target Commands
13446 @section Commands for Managing Targets
13447
13448 @table @code
13449 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
13450 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
13451 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
13452 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
13453 protocol of the target machine.
13454
13455 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
13456 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
13457 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
13458
13459 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
13460 after executing the command.
13461
13462 @kindex help target
13463 @item help target
13464 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
13465 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
13466 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
13467
13468 @item help target @var{name}
13469 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
13470 select it.
13471
13472 @kindex set gnutarget
13473 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
13474 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
13475 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
13476 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
13477 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
13478 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
13479
13480 @quotation
13481 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
13482 you must know the actual BFD name.
13483 @end quotation
13484
13485 @noindent
13486 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
13487
13488 @kindex show gnutarget
13489 @item show gnutarget
13490 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
13491 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
13492 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
13493 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
13494 @end table
13495
13496 @cindex common targets
13497 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
13498 configuration):
13499
13500 @table @code
13501 @kindex target
13502 @item target exec @var{program}
13503 @cindex executable file target
13504 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
13505 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
13506
13507 @item target core @var{filename}
13508 @cindex core dump file target
13509 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
13510 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
13511
13512 @item target remote @var{medium}
13513 @cindex remote target
13514 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
13515 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
13516 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
13517
13518 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
13519 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
13520
13521 @smallexample
13522 target remote /dev/ttya
13523 @end smallexample
13524
13525 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
13526 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
13527 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
13528 clobbered by the download.
13529
13530 @item target sim
13531 @cindex built-in simulator target
13532 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
13533 In general,
13534 @smallexample
13535 target sim
13536 load
13537 run
13538 @end smallexample
13539 @noindent
13540 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
13541 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
13542 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
13543 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
13544 Processors}.
13545
13546 @end table
13547
13548 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
13549
13550 @table @code
13551
13552 @item target nrom @var{dev}
13553 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
13554 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
13555
13556 @end table
13557
13558 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
13559 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
13560
13561 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
13562 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
13563 various aspects of this process.
13564
13565 @table @code
13566
13567 @item set hash
13568 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
13569 @cindex hash mark while downloading
13570 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
13571 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
13572 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
13573 monitor.
13574
13575 @item show hash
13576 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
13577 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
13578
13579 @item set debug monitor
13580 @kindex set debug monitor
13581 @cindex display remote monitor communications
13582 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
13583 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
13584
13585 @item show debug monitor
13586 @kindex show debug monitor
13587 Show the current status of displaying communications between
13588 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
13589 @end table
13590
13591 @table @code
13592
13593 @kindex load @var{filename}
13594 @item load @var{filename}
13595 @anchor{load}
13596 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
13597 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
13598 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
13599 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
13600 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
13601 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
13602
13603 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
13604 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
13605 target is @dots{}}''
13606
13607 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
13608 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
13609 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
13610 specifies a fixed address.
13611 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
13612
13613 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
13614 load programs into flash memory.
13615
13616 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
13617 @end table
13618
13619 @node Byte Order
13620 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
13621
13622 @cindex choosing target byte order
13623 @cindex target byte order
13624
13625 Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
13626 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
13627 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
13628 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
13629 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
13630 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
13631
13632 @table @code
13633 @kindex set endian
13634 @item set endian big
13635 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
13636
13637 @item set endian little
13638 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
13639
13640 @item set endian auto
13641 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
13642 executable.
13643
13644 @item show endian
13645 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
13646
13647 @end table
13648
13649 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
13650 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
13651 target system.
13652
13653
13654 @node Remote Debugging
13655 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
13656 @cindex remote debugging
13657
13658 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
13659 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
13660 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
13661 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
13662 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
13663
13664 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
13665 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
13666 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
13667 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
13668 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
13669 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
13670
13671 Other remote targets may be available in your
13672 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
13673
13674 @menu
13675 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
13676 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
13677 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
13678 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
13679 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
13680 @end menu
13681
13682 @node Connecting
13683 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
13684
13685 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
13686 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
13687 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
13688 program as the first argument.
13689
13690 @cindex @code{target remote}
13691 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
13692 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
13693 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
13694 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
13695 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
13696 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
13697
13698 @table @code
13699
13700 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
13701 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
13702 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
13703 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
13704
13705 @smallexample
13706 target remote /dev/ttyb
13707 @end smallexample
13708
13709 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
13710 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
13711 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
13712 @code{target} command.
13713
13714 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
13715 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
13716 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
13717 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
13718 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
13719 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
13720 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
13721 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
13722 target.
13723
13724 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
13725 @code{manyfarms}:
13726
13727 @smallexample
13728 target remote manyfarms:2828
13729 @end smallexample
13730
13731 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
13732 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
13733 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
13734 port 1234 on your local machine:
13735
13736 @smallexample
13737 target remote :1234
13738 @end smallexample
13739 @noindent
13740
13741 Note that the colon is still required here.
13742
13743 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
13744 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
13745 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
13746 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
13747
13748 @smallexample
13749 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
13750 @end smallexample
13751
13752 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
13753 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
13754 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
13755 cause havoc with your debugging session.
13756
13757 @item target remote | @var{command}
13758 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
13759 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
13760 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
13761 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
13762 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
13763 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
13764 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
13765 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
13766
13767 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
13768 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
13769 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
13770
13771 @end table
13772
13773 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
13774 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
13775 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
13776 need to use @kbd{run}.
13777
13778 @cindex interrupting remote programs
13779 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
13780 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
13781 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
13782 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
13783 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
13784 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
13785
13786 @smallexample
13787 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
13788 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
13789 @end smallexample
13790
13791 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
13792 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
13793 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
13794 goes back to waiting.
13795
13796 @table @code
13797 @kindex detach (remote)
13798 @item detach
13799 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
13800 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
13801 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
13802 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
13803 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
13804
13805 @kindex disconnect
13806 @item disconnect
13807 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
13808 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
13809 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
13810 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
13811 another target.
13812
13813 @cindex send command to remote monitor
13814 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
13815 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
13816 @kindex monitor
13817 @item monitor @var{cmd}
13818 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
13819 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
13820 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
13821 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
13822 and implement.
13823 @end table
13824
13825 @node File Transfer
13826 @section Sending files to a remote system
13827 @cindex remote target, file transfer
13828 @cindex file transfer
13829 @cindex sending files to remote systems
13830
13831 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
13832 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
13833 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
13834 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
13835 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
13836 the only way to upload or download files.
13837
13838 Not all remote targets support these commands.
13839
13840 @table @code
13841 @kindex remote put
13842 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
13843 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
13844 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
13845
13846 @kindex remote get
13847 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
13848 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
13849 on the host system.
13850
13851 @kindex remote delete
13852 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
13853 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
13854
13855 @end table
13856
13857 @node Server
13858 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
13859
13860 @kindex gdbserver
13861 @cindex remote connection without stubs
13862 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
13863 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
13864 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
13865
13866 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
13867 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
13868 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
13869 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
13870 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
13871 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
13872 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
13873 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
13874 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
13875 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
13876 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
13877 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
13878 choice for debugging.
13879
13880 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
13881 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
13882 protocol.
13883
13884 @quotation
13885 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
13886 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
13887 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
13888 target system with the same privileges as the user running
13889 @code{gdbserver}.
13890 @end quotation
13891
13892 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
13893 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
13894
13895 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
13896 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
13897 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
13898 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
13899 system does all the symbol handling.
13900
13901 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
13902 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
13903 syntax is:
13904
13905 @smallexample
13906 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
13907 @end smallexample
13908
13909 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
13910 hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
13911 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
13912 @file{/dev/com1}:
13913
13914 @smallexample
13915 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
13916 @end smallexample
13917
13918 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
13919 with it.
13920
13921 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
13922
13923 @smallexample
13924 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
13925 @end smallexample
13926
13927 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
13928 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
13929 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
13930 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
13931 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
13932 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
13933 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
13934 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
13935 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
13936 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
13937 @code{target remote} command.
13938
13939 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
13940
13941 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
13942 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
13943
13944 @smallexample
13945 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
13946 @end smallexample
13947
13948 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
13949 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
13950
13951 @pindex pidof
13952 @cindex attach to a program by name
13953 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
13954 @code{pidof} utility:
13955
13956 @smallexample
13957 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
13958 @end smallexample
13959
13960 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
13961 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
13962 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
13963
13964 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
13965 @cindex gdbserver, multiple processes
13966 @cindex multiple processes with gdbserver
13967
13968 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
13969 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
13970 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
13971 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
13972
13973 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
13974 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
13975 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
13976 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
13977 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
13978 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
13979 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
13980 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
13981 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
13982
13983 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
13984 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
13985 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
13986 the program you want to debug.
13987
13988 @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit in multi-process mode.
13989 You can terminate it by using @code{monitor exit}
13990 (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
13991
13992 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
13993
13994 You can include @option{--debug} on the @code{gdbserver} command line.
13995 @code{gdbserver} will display extra status information about the debugging
13996 process. This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and
13997 for bug reports to the developers.
13998
13999 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
14000 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
14001 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
14002 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
14003
14004 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
14005 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
14006 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
14007 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
14008
14009 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
14010 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
14011 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
14012 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
14013
14014 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
14015 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
14016 environment:
14017
14018 @smallexample
14019 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
14020 @end smallexample
14021
14022 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
14023
14024 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
14025
14026 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
14027 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
14028 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
14029 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
14030
14031 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
14032 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
14033 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
14034 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
14035 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
14036 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
14037 programs.
14038
14039 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
14040 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
14041 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
14042 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
14043 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
14044 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
14045 already on the target.
14046
14047 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
14048 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
14049 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
14050
14051 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
14052 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
14053 Here are the available commands.
14054
14055 @table @code
14056 @item monitor help
14057 List the available monitor commands.
14058
14059 @item monitor set debug 0
14060 @itemx monitor set debug 1
14061 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
14062
14063 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
14064 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
14065 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
14066 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
14067
14068 @item monitor exit
14069 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
14070 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
14071 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
14072 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
14073 of a multi-process mode debug session.
14074
14075 @end table
14076
14077 @node Remote Configuration
14078 @section Remote Configuration
14079
14080 @kindex set remote
14081 @kindex show remote
14082 This section documents the configuration options available when
14083 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
14084 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
14085 system-call-allowed}.
14086
14087 @table @code
14088 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
14089 @cindex address size for remote targets
14090 @cindex bits in remote address
14091 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
14092 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
14093 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
14094 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
14095
14096 @item show remoteaddresssize
14097 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
14098
14099 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
14100 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
14101 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
14102 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
14103 remote targets.
14104
14105 @item show remotebaud
14106 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
14107
14108 @item set remotebreak
14109 @cindex interrupt remote programs
14110 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
14111 @anchor{set remotebreak}
14112 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
14113 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
14114 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
14115 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
14116 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
14117
14118 @item show remotebreak
14119 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
14120 interrupt the remote program.
14121
14122 @item set remoteflow on
14123 @itemx set remoteflow off
14124 @kindex set remoteflow
14125 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
14126 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
14127
14128 @item show remoteflow
14129 @kindex show remoteflow
14130 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
14131
14132 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
14133 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
14134 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
14135 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
14136 @code{ascii}.
14137
14138 @item show remotelogbase
14139 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
14140 protocol.
14141
14142 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
14143 @cindex record serial communications on file
14144 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
14145 default is not to record at all.
14146
14147 @item show remotelogfile.
14148 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
14149 serial communications.
14150
14151 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
14152 @cindex timeout for serial communications
14153 @cindex remote timeout
14154 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
14155 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
14156
14157 @item show remotetimeout
14158 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
14159 responses.
14160
14161 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
14162 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
14163 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
14164 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
14165 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
14166 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
14167 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
14168 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
14169
14170 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
14171 @itemx show remote exec-file
14172 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
14173 @cindex executable file, for remote target
14174 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
14175 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
14176 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
14177 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
14178
14179 @kindex set tcp
14180 @kindex show tcp
14181 @item set tcp auto-retry on
14182 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
14183 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
14184 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
14185 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
14186 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
14187 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
14188 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
14189 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
14190
14191 @item set tcp auto-retry off
14192 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
14193
14194 @item show tcp auto-retry
14195 Show the current auto-retry setting.
14196
14197 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
14198 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
14199 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
14200 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
14201 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
14202 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
14203 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
14204 value.
14205
14206 @item show tcp connect-timeout
14207 Show the current connection timeout setting.
14208 @end table
14209
14210 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
14211 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
14212 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
14213 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
14214 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
14215 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
14216 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
14217 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
14218 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
14219
14220 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
14221 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
14222 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
14223 @value{GDBN} developers.
14224
14225 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
14226 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
14227 are:
14228
14229 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
14230 @item Command Name
14231 @tab Remote Packet
14232 @tab Related Features
14233
14234 @item @code{fetch-register}
14235 @tab @code{p}
14236 @tab @code{info registers}
14237
14238 @item @code{set-register}
14239 @tab @code{P}
14240 @tab @code{set}
14241
14242 @item @code{binary-download}
14243 @tab @code{X}
14244 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
14245
14246 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
14247 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
14248 @tab @code{info auxv}
14249
14250 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
14251 @tab @code{qSymbol}
14252 @tab Detecting multiple threads
14253
14254 @item @code{attach}
14255 @tab @code{vAttach}
14256 @tab @code{attach}
14257
14258 @item @code{verbose-resume}
14259 @tab @code{vCont}
14260 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
14261
14262 @item @code{run}
14263 @tab @code{vRun}
14264 @tab @code{run}
14265
14266 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
14267 @tab @code{Z0}
14268 @tab @code{break}
14269
14270 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
14271 @tab @code{Z1}
14272 @tab @code{hbreak}
14273
14274 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
14275 @tab @code{Z2}
14276 @tab @code{watch}
14277
14278 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
14279 @tab @code{Z3}
14280 @tab @code{rwatch}
14281
14282 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
14283 @tab @code{Z4}
14284 @tab @code{awatch}
14285
14286 @item @code{target-features}
14287 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
14288 @tab @code{set architecture}
14289
14290 @item @code{library-info}
14291 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
14292 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
14293
14294 @item @code{memory-map}
14295 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
14296 @tab @code{info mem}
14297
14298 @item @code{read-spu-object}
14299 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
14300 @tab @code{info spu}
14301
14302 @item @code{write-spu-object}
14303 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
14304 @tab @code{info spu}
14305
14306 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
14307 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
14308 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
14309
14310 @item @code{search-memory}
14311 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
14312 @tab @code{find}
14313
14314 @item @code{supported-packets}
14315 @tab @code{qSupported}
14316 @tab Remote communications parameters
14317
14318 @item @code{pass-signals}
14319 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
14320 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
14321
14322 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
14323 @tab @code{vFile:close}
14324 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14325
14326 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
14327 @tab @code{vFile:open}
14328 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14329
14330 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
14331 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
14332 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14333
14334 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
14335 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
14336 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
14337
14338 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
14339 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
14340 @tab @code{remote delete}
14341
14342 @item @code{noack-packet}
14343 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
14344 @tab Packet acknowledgment
14345
14346 @item @code{osdata}
14347 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
14348 @tab @code{info os}
14349 @end multitable
14350
14351 @node Remote Stub
14352 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
14353
14354 @cindex debugging stub, example
14355 @cindex remote stub, example
14356 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
14357 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
14358 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
14359 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
14360 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
14361 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
14362 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
14363 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
14364
14365 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
14366 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
14367 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
14368 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
14369 program, you need:
14370
14371 @enumerate
14372 @item
14373 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
14374 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
14375 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
14376
14377 @item
14378 A C subroutine library to support your program's
14379 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
14380
14381 @item
14382 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
14383 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
14384 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
14385 documentation.
14386 @end enumerate
14387
14388 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
14389 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
14390 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
14391
14392 @table @emph
14393 @item On the host,
14394 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
14395 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
14396 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
14397
14398 @item On the target,
14399 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
14400 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
14401 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
14402
14403 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
14404 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
14405 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
14406 @end table
14407
14408 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
14409 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
14410 @sc{sparc} boards.
14411
14412 @cindex remote serial stub list
14413 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
14414
14415 @table @code
14416
14417 @item i386-stub.c
14418 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
14419 @cindex Intel
14420 @cindex i386
14421 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
14422
14423 @item m68k-stub.c
14424 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
14425 @cindex Motorola 680x0
14426 @cindex m680x0
14427 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
14428
14429 @item sh-stub.c
14430 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
14431 @cindex Renesas
14432 @cindex SH
14433 For Renesas SH architectures.
14434
14435 @item sparc-stub.c
14436 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
14437 @cindex Sparc
14438 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
14439
14440 @item sparcl-stub.c
14441 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
14442 @cindex Fujitsu
14443 @cindex SparcLite
14444 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
14445
14446 @end table
14447
14448 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
14449 recently added stubs.
14450
14451 @menu
14452 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
14453 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
14454 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
14455 @end menu
14456
14457 @node Stub Contents
14458 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
14459
14460 @cindex remote serial stub
14461 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
14462 subroutines:
14463
14464 @table @code
14465 @item set_debug_traps
14466 @findex set_debug_traps
14467 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
14468 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
14469 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
14470 beginning of your program.
14471
14472 @item handle_exception
14473 @findex handle_exception
14474 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
14475 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
14476 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
14477 run when a trap is triggered.
14478
14479 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
14480 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
14481 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
14482 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
14483 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
14484 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
14485 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
14486 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
14487 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
14488 machine.
14489
14490 @item breakpoint
14491 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
14492 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
14493 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
14494 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
14495 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
14496 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
14497 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
14498 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
14499 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
14500 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
14501 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
14502
14503 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
14504 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
14505 start of your debugging session.
14506 @end table
14507
14508 @node Bootstrapping
14509 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
14510
14511 @cindex remote stub, support routines
14512 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
14513 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
14514 debugging target machine.
14515
14516 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
14517 serial port.
14518
14519 @table @code
14520 @item int getDebugChar()
14521 @findex getDebugChar
14522 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
14523 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
14524 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
14525
14526 @item void putDebugChar(int)
14527 @findex putDebugChar
14528 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
14529 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
14530 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
14531 @end table
14532
14533 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
14534 @cindex interrupting remote targets
14535 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
14536 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
14537 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
14538 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
14539 remote system to stop.
14540
14541 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
14542 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
14543 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
14544 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
14545
14546 Other routines you need to supply are:
14547
14548 @table @code
14549 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
14550 @findex exceptionHandler
14551 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
14552 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
14553 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
14554 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
14555 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
14556 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
14557 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
14558 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
14559 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
14560 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
14561 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
14562 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
14563 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
14564
14565 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
14566 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
14567 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
14568 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
14569 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
14570
14571 @item void flush_i_cache()
14572 @findex flush_i_cache
14573 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
14574 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
14575 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
14576
14577 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
14578 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
14579 @end table
14580
14581 @noindent
14582 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
14583
14584 @table @code
14585 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
14586 @findex memset
14587 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
14588 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
14589 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
14590 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
14591 @end table
14592
14593 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
14594 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
14595 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
14596 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
14597
14598
14599 @node Debug Session
14600 @subsection Putting it All Together
14601
14602 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
14603 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
14604 steps.
14605
14606 @enumerate
14607 @item
14608 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
14609 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
14610 @display
14611 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
14612 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
14613 @end display
14614
14615 @item
14616 Insert these lines near the top of your program:
14617
14618 @smallexample
14619 set_debug_traps();
14620 breakpoint();
14621 @end smallexample
14622
14623 @item
14624 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
14625 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
14626
14627 @smallexample
14628 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
14629 @end smallexample
14630
14631 @noindent
14632 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
14633 function in your program, that function is called when
14634 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
14635 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
14636 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
14637
14638 @item
14639 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
14640 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
14641
14642 @item
14643 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
14644 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
14645
14646 @item
14647 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
14648 @c document that. FIXME.
14649 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
14650 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
14651
14652 @item
14653 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
14654 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
14655
14656 @end enumerate
14657
14658 @node Configurations
14659 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
14660
14661 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
14662 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
14663 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
14664
14665 There are three major categories of configurations: native
14666 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
14667 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
14668 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
14669 are quite different from each other.
14670
14671 @menu
14672 * Native::
14673 * Embedded OS::
14674 * Embedded Processors::
14675 * Architectures::
14676 @end menu
14677
14678 @node Native
14679 @section Native
14680
14681 This section describes details specific to particular native
14682 configurations.
14683
14684 @menu
14685 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
14686 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
14687 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
14688 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
14689 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
14690 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
14691 * Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
14692 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
14693 @end menu
14694
14695 @node HP-UX
14696 @subsection HP-UX
14697
14698 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
14699 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
14700 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
14701
14702
14703 @node BSD libkvm Interface
14704 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
14705
14706 @cindex libkvm
14707 @cindex kernel memory image
14708 @cindex kernel crash dump
14709
14710 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
14711 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
14712 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
14713 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
14714 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
14715 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
14716 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
14717 @code{kvm} target:
14718
14719 @smallexample
14720 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
14721 @end smallexample
14722
14723 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
14724 argument:
14725
14726 @smallexample
14727 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
14728 @end smallexample
14729
14730 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
14731 available:
14732
14733 @table @code
14734 @kindex kvm
14735 @item kvm pcb
14736 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
14737
14738 @item kvm proc
14739 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
14740 modern FreeBSD systems.
14741 @end table
14742
14743 @node SVR4 Process Information
14744 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
14745 @cindex /proc
14746 @cindex examine process image
14747 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
14748
14749 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
14750 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
14751 process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
14752 for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
14753 proc} is available to report information about the process running
14754 your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
14755 proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
14756 This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
14757 Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
14758
14759 @table @code
14760 @kindex info proc
14761 @cindex process ID
14762 @item info proc
14763 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
14764 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
14765 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
14766 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
14767 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
14768 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
14769 executable file's absolute file name.
14770
14771 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
14772 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
14773 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
14774 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
14775 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
14776 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
14777
14778 @item info proc mappings
14779 @cindex memory address space mappings
14780 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
14781 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
14782 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
14783 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
14784 memory access rights to that range.
14785
14786 @item info proc stat
14787 @itemx info proc status
14788 @cindex process detailed status information
14789 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
14790 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
14791 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
14792 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
14793 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
14794 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
14795 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
14796
14797 @item info proc all
14798 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
14799 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
14800
14801 @ignore
14802 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
14803 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
14804 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
14805 @kindex info proc times
14806 @item info proc times
14807 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
14808 its children.
14809
14810 @kindex info proc id
14811 @item info proc id
14812 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
14813 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
14814 @end ignore
14815
14816 @item set procfs-trace
14817 @kindex set procfs-trace
14818 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
14819 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
14820
14821 @item show procfs-trace
14822 @kindex show procfs-trace
14823 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
14824
14825 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
14826 @kindex set procfs-file
14827 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
14828 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
14829 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
14830 standard output.
14831
14832 @item show procfs-file
14833 @kindex show procfs-file
14834 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
14835
14836 @item proc-trace-entry
14837 @itemx proc-trace-exit
14838 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
14839 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
14840 @kindex proc-trace-entry
14841 @kindex proc-trace-exit
14842 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
14843 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
14844 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
14845 from the @code{syscall} interface.
14846
14847 @item info pidlist
14848 @kindex info pidlist
14849 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
14850 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
14851 processes and all the threads within each process.
14852
14853 @item info meminfo
14854 @kindex info meminfo
14855 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
14856 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
14857 @end table
14858
14859 @node DJGPP Native
14860 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
14861 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
14862 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
14863 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
14864
14865 @cindex DPMI
14866 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
14867 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
14868 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
14869 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
14870
14871 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
14872 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
14873 subsection describes those commands.
14874
14875 @table @code
14876 @kindex info dos
14877 @item info dos
14878 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
14879 information about the target system and important OS structures.
14880
14881 @kindex sysinfo
14882 @cindex MS-DOS system info
14883 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
14884 @item info dos sysinfo
14885 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
14886 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
14887 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
14888
14889 @cindex GDT
14890 @cindex LDT
14891 @cindex IDT
14892 @cindex segment descriptor tables
14893 @cindex descriptor tables display
14894 @item info dos gdt
14895 @itemx info dos ldt
14896 @itemx info dos idt
14897 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
14898 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
14899 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
14900 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
14901 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
14902 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
14903 rights.
14904
14905 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
14906 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
14907 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
14908 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
14909 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
14910
14911 @cindex garbled pointers
14912 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
14913 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
14914 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
14915 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
14916 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
14917 debugged program's data segment:
14918
14919 @smallexample
14920 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
14921 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
14922 @end smallexample
14923
14924 @noindent
14925 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
14926 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
14927
14928 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
14929 @item info dos pde
14930 @itemx info dos pte
14931 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
14932 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
14933 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
14934 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
14935 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
14936 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
14937 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
14938 that is currently in use.
14939
14940 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
14941 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
14942 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
14943 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
14944 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
14945 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
14946 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
14947
14948 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
14949 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
14950 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
14951 controller.
14952
14953 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
14954
14955 @cindex physical address from linear address
14956 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
14957 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
14958 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
14959 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
14960 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
14961 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
14962 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
14963
14964 @smallexample
14965 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
14966 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
14967 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
14968 @end smallexample
14969
14970 @noindent
14971 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
14972 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
14973 attributes of that page.
14974
14975 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
14976 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
14977 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
14978 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
14979 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
14980 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
14981
14982 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
14983 transfer buffer:
14984
14985 @smallexample
14986 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
14987 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
14988 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
14989 @end smallexample
14990
14991 @noindent
14992 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
14993 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
14994 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
14995 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
14996 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
14997
14998 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
14999 @end table
15000
15001 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
15002 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
15003 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
15004 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
15005
15006 @table @code
15007 @kindex set com1base
15008 @kindex set com1irq
15009 @kindex set com2base
15010 @kindex set com2irq
15011 @kindex set com3base
15012 @kindex set com3irq
15013 @kindex set com4base
15014 @kindex set com4irq
15015 @item set com1base @var{addr}
15016 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
15017 port.
15018
15019 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
15020 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
15021 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
15022
15023 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
15024 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
15025 other 3 COM ports.
15026
15027 @kindex show com1base
15028 @kindex show com1irq
15029 @kindex show com2base
15030 @kindex show com2irq
15031 @kindex show com3base
15032 @kindex show com3irq
15033 @kindex show com4base
15034 @kindex show com4irq
15035 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
15036 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
15037 lines used by the COM ports.
15038
15039 @item info serial
15040 @kindex info serial
15041 @cindex DOS serial port status
15042 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
15043 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
15044 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
15045 counts of various errors encountered so far.
15046 @end table
15047
15048
15049 @node Cygwin Native
15050 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
15051 @cindex MS Windows debugging
15052 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
15053 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
15054
15055 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
15056 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information. There are various
15057 additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in this section.
15058 Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is described in
15059 @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
15060
15061 @table @code
15062 @kindex info w32
15063 @item info w32
15064 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
15065 information about the target system and important OS structures.
15066
15067 @item info w32 selector
15068 This command displays information returned by
15069 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
15070 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
15071 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
15072 Without argument, this command displays information
15073 about the six segment registers.
15074
15075 @kindex info dll
15076 @item info dll
15077 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
15078
15079 @kindex dll-symbols
15080 @item dll-symbols
15081 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
15082 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
15083
15084 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
15085 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
15086 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
15087 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
15088 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
15089 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
15090 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
15091 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
15092 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
15093 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
15094 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
15095
15096 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
15097 @item show cygwin-exceptions
15098 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
15099 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
15100
15101 @kindex set new-console
15102 @item set new-console @var{mode}
15103 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
15104 be started in a new console on next start.
15105 If @var{mode} is @code{off}i, the debuggee will
15106 be started in the same console as the debugger.
15107
15108 @kindex show new-console
15109 @item show new-console
15110 Displays whether a new console is used
15111 when the debuggee is started.
15112
15113 @kindex set new-group
15114 @item set new-group @var{mode}
15115 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
15116 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
15117 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
15118 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
15119
15120 @kindex show new-group
15121 @item show new-group
15122 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
15123
15124 @kindex set debugevents
15125 @item set debugevents
15126 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
15127 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
15128 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
15129 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
15130 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
15131
15132 @kindex set debugexec
15133 @item set debugexec
15134 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
15135 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
15136
15137 @kindex set debugexceptions
15138 @item set debugexceptions
15139 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
15140 debuggee seen by the debugger.
15141
15142 @kindex set debugmemory
15143 @item set debugmemory
15144 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
15145 and writes by the debugger.
15146
15147 @kindex set shell
15148 @item set shell
15149 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
15150 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
15151
15152 @kindex show shell
15153 @item show shell
15154 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
15155
15156 @end table
15157
15158 @menu
15159 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
15160 @end menu
15161
15162 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
15163 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
15164 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
15165 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
15166
15167 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
15168 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
15169 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
15170 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
15171 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
15172 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
15173 ``minimal symbols''.
15174
15175 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
15176 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
15177 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
15178 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
15179 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
15180 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
15181 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
15182 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
15183 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
15184 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
15185
15186 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
15187
15188 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
15189 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
15190 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
15191 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
15192 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
15193 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
15194 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
15195 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
15196 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
15197
15198 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
15199 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
15200 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
15201 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
15202 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
15203 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
15204
15205 @smallexample
15206 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
15207 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
15208
15209 Non-debugging symbols:
15210 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
15211 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
15212 @end smallexample
15213
15214 @smallexample
15215 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
15216 All functions matching regular expression "!":
15217
15218 Non-debugging symbols:
15219 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
15220 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
15221 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
15222 [etc...]
15223 @end smallexample
15224
15225 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
15226
15227 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
15228 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
15229 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
15230 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
15231 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
15232 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
15233 a function within a DLL without a running program.
15234
15235 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
15236 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
15237 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
15238 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
15239 problem:
15240
15241 @smallexample
15242 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
15243 $1 = 268572168
15244 @end smallexample
15245
15246 @smallexample
15247 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
15248 0x10021610: "\230y\""
15249 @end smallexample
15250
15251 And two possible solutions:
15252
15253 @smallexample
15254 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
15255 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
15256 @end smallexample
15257
15258 @smallexample
15259 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
15260 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
15261 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
15262 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
15263 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
15264 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
15265 @end smallexample
15266
15267 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
15268 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
15269 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
15270 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
15271 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
15272
15273 @smallexample
15274 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
15275 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
15276 @end smallexample
15277
15278 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
15279 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
15280 safe.
15281
15282 @node Hurd Native
15283 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
15284 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
15285
15286 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
15287 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
15288
15289 @table @code
15290 @item set signals
15291 @itemx set sigs
15292 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
15293 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
15294 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
15295 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
15296 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
15297 @code{signals}.
15298
15299 @item show signals
15300 @itemx show sigs
15301 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
15302 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
15303 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
15304
15305 @item set signal-thread
15306 @itemx set sigthread
15307 @kindex set signal-thread
15308 @kindex set sigthread
15309 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
15310 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
15311 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
15312 signal-thread}.
15313
15314 @item show signal-thread
15315 @itemx show sigthread
15316 @kindex show signal-thread
15317 @kindex show sigthread
15318 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
15319 delivered a signal.
15320
15321 @item set stopped
15322 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
15323 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
15324 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
15325 continued by delivering a signal to it.
15326
15327 @item show stopped
15328 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
15329 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
15330 stopped.
15331
15332 @item set exceptions
15333 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
15334 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
15335 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
15336 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
15337 trapping on.
15338
15339 @item show exceptions
15340 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
15341 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
15342
15343 @item set task pause
15344 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
15345 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
15346 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
15347 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
15348 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
15349 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
15350 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
15351 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
15352 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
15353
15354 @item show task pause
15355 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
15356 Show the current state of task suspension.
15357
15358 @item set task detach-suspend-count
15359 @cindex task suspend count
15360 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15361 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
15362 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
15363
15364 @item show task detach-suspend-count
15365 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
15366
15367 @item set task exception-port
15368 @itemx set task excp
15369 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15370 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
15371 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
15372 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
15373
15374 @item set noninvasive
15375 @cindex noninvasive task options
15376 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
15377 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
15378 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
15379 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
15380
15381 @item info send-rights
15382 @itemx info receive-rights
15383 @itemx info port-rights
15384 @itemx info port-sets
15385 @itemx info dead-names
15386 @itemx info ports
15387 @itemx info psets
15388 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15389 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15390 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15391 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15392 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15393 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
15394 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
15395 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
15396 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
15397
15398 @item set thread pause
15399 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
15400 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15401 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
15402 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
15403 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
15404 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
15405 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
15406 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
15407 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
15408 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
15409 only the current thread.
15410
15411 @item show thread pause
15412 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
15413 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
15414
15415 @item set thread run
15416 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
15417
15418 @item show thread run
15419 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
15420
15421 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
15422 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15423 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15424 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
15425 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
15426 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
15427 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
15428
15429 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
15430 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
15431 detaching.
15432
15433 @item set thread exception-port
15434 @itemx set thread excp
15435 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
15436 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
15437 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
15438
15439 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
15440 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
15441 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
15442 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
15443
15444 @item set thread default
15445 @itemx show thread default
15446 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15447 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
15448 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
15449 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
15450 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
15451 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
15452 the non-default commands.
15453 @end table
15454
15455
15456 @node Neutrino
15457 @subsection QNX Neutrino
15458 @cindex QNX Neutrino
15459
15460 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
15461 Neutrino target:
15462
15463 @table @code
15464 @item set debug nto-debug
15465 @kindex set debug nto-debug
15466 When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
15467 Neutrino support.
15468
15469 @item show debug nto-debug
15470 @kindex show debug nto-debug
15471 Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
15472 @end table
15473
15474 @node Darwin
15475 @subsection Darwin
15476 @cindex Darwin
15477
15478 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
15479
15480 @table @code
15481 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
15482 @kindex set debug darwin
15483 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
15484 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
15485
15486 @item show debug darwin
15487 @kindex show debug darwin
15488 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
15489
15490 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
15491 @kindex set debug mach-o
15492 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
15493 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
15494 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
15495 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
15496 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
15497 usage.
15498
15499 @item show debug mach-o
15500 @kindex show debug mach-o
15501 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
15502
15503 @item set mach-exceptions on
15504 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
15505 @kindex set mach-exceptions
15506 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
15507 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
15508 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
15509 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
15510
15511 @item show mach-exceptions
15512 @kindex show mach-exceptions
15513 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
15514 @end table
15515
15516
15517 @node Embedded OS
15518 @section Embedded Operating Systems
15519
15520 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
15521 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
15522 architectures.
15523
15524 @menu
15525 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
15526 @end menu
15527
15528 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
15529 various real-time operating systems.
15530
15531 @node VxWorks
15532 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
15533
15534 @cindex VxWorks
15535
15536 @table @code
15537
15538 @kindex target vxworks
15539 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
15540 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
15541 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
15542
15543 @end table
15544
15545 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
15546 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
15547
15548 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
15549 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
15550 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
15551 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
15552 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
15553 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
15554 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
15555
15556 @table @code
15557 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
15558 @kindex vxworks-timeout
15559 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
15560 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
15561 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
15562 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
15563 of a thin network line.
15564 @end table
15565
15566 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
15567 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
15568 procedures.
15569
15570 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
15571 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
15572 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
15573 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
15574 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
15575 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
15576 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
15577 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
15578 manual.
15579 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
15580
15581 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
15582 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
15583 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
15584 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
15585
15586 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
15587
15588 @smallexample
15589 (vxgdb)
15590 @end smallexample
15591
15592 @menu
15593 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
15594 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
15595 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
15596 @end menu
15597
15598 @node VxWorks Connection
15599 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
15600
15601 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
15602 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
15603
15604 @smallexample
15605 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
15606 @end smallexample
15607
15608 @need 750
15609 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
15610
15611 @smallexample
15612 Attaching remote machine across net...
15613 Connected to tt.
15614 @end smallexample
15615
15616 @need 1000
15617 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
15618 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
15619 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
15620 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
15621 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
15622
15623 @smallexample
15624 prog.o: No such file or directory.
15625 @end smallexample
15626
15627 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
15628 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
15629 command again.
15630
15631 @node VxWorks Download
15632 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
15633
15634 @cindex download to VxWorks
15635 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
15636 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
15637 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
15638 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
15639 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
15640 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
15641 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
15642 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
15643 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
15644 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
15645 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
15646 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
15647 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
15648 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
15649 program, type this on VxWorks:
15650
15651 @smallexample
15652 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
15653 @end smallexample
15654
15655 @noindent
15656 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
15657
15658 @smallexample
15659 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
15660 (vxgdb) load prog.o
15661 @end smallexample
15662
15663 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
15664
15665 @smallexample
15666 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
15667 @end smallexample
15668
15669 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
15670 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
15671 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
15672 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
15673 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
15674 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
15675 table.)
15676
15677 @node VxWorks Attach
15678 @subsubsection Running Tasks
15679
15680 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
15681 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
15682 follows:
15683
15684 @smallexample
15685 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
15686 @end smallexample
15687
15688 @noindent
15689 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
15690 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
15691 the time of attachment.
15692
15693 @node Embedded Processors
15694 @section Embedded Processors
15695
15696 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
15697 configurations.
15698
15699 @cindex send command to simulator
15700 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
15701 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
15702
15703 @table @code
15704 @item sim @var{command}
15705 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
15706 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
15707 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
15708 acceptable commands.
15709 @end table
15710
15711
15712 @menu
15713 * ARM:: ARM RDI
15714 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
15715 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
15716 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
15717 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
15718 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
15719 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
15720 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
15721 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
15722 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
15723 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
15724 * CRIS:: CRIS
15725 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
15726 @end menu
15727
15728 @node ARM
15729 @subsection ARM
15730 @cindex ARM RDI
15731
15732 @table @code
15733 @kindex target rdi
15734 @item target rdi @var{dev}
15735 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
15736 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
15737 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
15738
15739 @kindex target rdp
15740 @item target rdp @var{dev}
15741 ARM Demon monitor.
15742
15743 @end table
15744
15745 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
15746
15747 @table @code
15748 @item set arm disassembler
15749 @kindex set arm
15750 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
15751 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
15752
15753 @item show arm disassembler
15754 @kindex show arm
15755 Show the current disassembly style.
15756
15757 @item set arm apcs32
15758 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
15759 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
15760
15761 @item show arm apcs32
15762 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
15763
15764 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
15765 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
15766 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
15767
15768 @table @code
15769 @item auto
15770 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
15771 @item softfpa
15772 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
15773 processors.
15774 @item fpa
15775 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
15776 @item softvfp
15777 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
15778 @item vfp
15779 VFP co-processor.
15780 @end table
15781
15782 @item show arm fpu
15783 Show the current type of the FPU.
15784
15785 @item set arm abi
15786 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
15787
15788 @item show arm abi
15789 Show the currently used ABI.
15790
15791 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
15792 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
15793 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
15794 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
15795 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
15796 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
15797 register).
15798
15799 @item show arm fallback-mode
15800 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
15801
15802 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
15803 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
15804 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
15805 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
15806 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
15807
15808 @item show arm force-mode
15809 Show the current forced instruction mode.
15810
15811 @item set debug arm
15812 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
15813 target support subsystem.
15814
15815 @item show debug arm
15816 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
15817 @end table
15818
15819 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
15820 using the RDI interface:
15821
15822 @table @code
15823 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
15824 @kindex rdilogfile
15825 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
15826 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
15827 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
15828 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
15829 @file{rdi.log}.
15830
15831 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
15832 @kindex rdilogenable
15833 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
15834 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
15835 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
15836 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
15837 are logged to a file.
15838
15839 @item set rdiromatzero
15840 @kindex set rdiromatzero
15841 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
15842 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
15843 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
15844 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
15845 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
15846
15847 @item show rdiromatzero
15848 @kindex show rdiromatzero
15849 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
15850
15851 @item set rdiheartbeat
15852 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
15853 @cindex RDI heartbeat
15854 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
15855 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
15856 well as the Angel monitor.
15857
15858 @item show rdiheartbeat
15859 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
15860 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
15861 @end table
15862
15863
15864 @node M32R/D
15865 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
15866
15867 @table @code
15868 @kindex target m32r
15869 @item target m32r @var{dev}
15870 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
15871
15872 @kindex target m32rsdi
15873 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
15874 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
15875 @end table
15876
15877 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
15878
15879 @table @code
15880 @item set download-path @var{path}
15881 @kindex set download-path
15882 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
15883 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
15884
15885 @item show download-path
15886 @kindex show download-path
15887 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
15888
15889 @item set board-address @var{addr}
15890 @kindex set board-address
15891 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
15892 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
15893
15894 @item show board-address
15895 @kindex show board-address
15896 Show the current IP address of the target board.
15897
15898 @item set server-address @var{addr}
15899 @kindex set server-address
15900 @cindex download server address (M32R)
15901 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
15902 host machine.
15903
15904 @item show server-address
15905 @kindex show server-address
15906 Display the IP address of the download server.
15907
15908 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
15909 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
15910 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
15911 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
15912 executable file is uploaded.
15913
15914 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
15915 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
15916 Test the @code{upload} command.
15917 @end table
15918
15919 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
15920
15921 @table @code
15922 @item sdireset
15923 @kindex sdireset
15924 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
15925 This command resets the SDI connection.
15926
15927 @item sdistatus
15928 @kindex sdistatus
15929 This command shows the SDI connection status.
15930
15931 @item debug_chaos
15932 @kindex debug_chaos
15933 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
15934 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
15935
15936 @item use_debug_dma
15937 @kindex use_debug_dma
15938 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
15939
15940 @item use_mon_code
15941 @kindex use_mon_code
15942 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
15943
15944 @item use_ib_break
15945 @kindex use_ib_break
15946 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
15947
15948 @item use_dbt_break
15949 @kindex use_dbt_break
15950 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
15951 @end table
15952
15953 @node M68K
15954 @subsection M68k
15955
15956 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
15957 target command for the following ROM monitor.
15958
15959 @table @code
15960
15961 @kindex target dbug
15962 @item target dbug @var{dev}
15963 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
15964
15965 @end table
15966
15967 @node MIPS Embedded
15968 @subsection MIPS Embedded
15969
15970 @cindex MIPS boards
15971 @value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
15972 MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
15973 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
15974
15975 @need 1000
15976 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
15977
15978 @table @code
15979 @item target mips @var{port}
15980 @kindex target mips @var{port}
15981 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
15982 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
15983 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
15984 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
15985 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
15986 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
15987
15988 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
15989 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
15990 debugger:
15991
15992 @smallexample
15993 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
15994 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
15995 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
15996 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
15997 (@value{GDBP}) run
15998 @end smallexample
15999
16000 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
16001 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
16002 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
16003 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
16004 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
16005
16006 @item target pmon @var{port}
16007 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
16008 PMON ROM monitor.
16009
16010 @item target ddb @var{port}
16011 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
16012 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
16013
16014 @item target lsi @var{port}
16015 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
16016 LSI variant of PMON.
16017
16018 @kindex target r3900
16019 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
16020 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
16021
16022 @kindex target array
16023 @item target array @var{dev}
16024 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
16025
16026 @end table
16027
16028
16029 @noindent
16030 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
16031
16032 @table @code
16033 @item set mipsfpu double
16034 @itemx set mipsfpu single
16035 @itemx set mipsfpu none
16036 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
16037 @itemx show mipsfpu
16038 @kindex set mipsfpu
16039 @kindex show mipsfpu
16040 @cindex MIPS remote floating point
16041 @cindex floating point, MIPS remote
16042 If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
16043 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
16044 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
16045 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
16046 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
16047 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
16048 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
16049 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
16050 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
16051 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
16052 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
16053
16054 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
16055 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
16056 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
16057
16058 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
16059 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
16060
16061 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
16062 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
16063 @itemx show timeout
16064 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
16065 @cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
16066 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
16067 @kindex set timeout
16068 @kindex show timeout
16069 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
16070 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
16071 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
16072 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
16073 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
16074 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
16075 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
16076 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
16077 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
16078 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
16079
16080 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
16081 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
16082 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
16083 to run before stopping.
16084
16085 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
16086 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
16087 @cindex synchronize with remote MIPS target
16088 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
16089 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
16090 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
16091
16092 @item show syn-garbage-limit
16093 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
16094 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
16095 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
16096
16097 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
16098 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
16099 @cindex remote monitor prompt
16100 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
16101 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
16102 @table @asis
16103 @item pmon target
16104 @samp{PMON}
16105 @item ddb target
16106 @samp{NEC010}
16107 @item lsi target
16108 @samp{PMON>}
16109 @end table
16110
16111 @item show monitor-prompt
16112 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
16113 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
16114 remote monitor.
16115
16116 @item set monitor-warnings
16117 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
16118 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
16119 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
16120 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
16121 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
16122
16123 @item show monitor-warnings
16124 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
16125 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
16126
16127 @item pmon @var{command}
16128 @kindex pmon@r{, MIPS remote}
16129 @cindex send PMON command
16130 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
16131 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
16132 @end table
16133
16134 @node OpenRISC 1000
16135 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
16136 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
16137
16138 @cindex or1k boards
16139 See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
16140 about platform and commands.
16141
16142 @table @code
16143
16144 @kindex target jtag
16145 @item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
16146
16147 Connects to remote JTAG server.
16148 JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
16149 connected via parallel port to the board.
16150
16151 Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
16152
16153 @kindex or1ksim
16154 @item or1ksim @var{command}
16155 If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
16156 Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
16157
16158 @kindex info or1k spr
16159 @item info or1k spr
16160 Displays spr groups.
16161
16162 @item info or1k spr @var{group}
16163 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
16164 Displays register names in selected group.
16165
16166 @item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
16167 @itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
16168 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
16169 @itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
16170 Shows information about specified spr register.
16171
16172 @kindex spr
16173 @item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
16174 @itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
16175 @itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
16176 @itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
16177 Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
16178 @end table
16179
16180 Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
16181 It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
16182 program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
16183 triggers can be set using:
16184 @table @code
16185 @item $LEA/$LDATA
16186 Load effective address/data
16187 @item $SEA/$SDATA
16188 Store effective address/data
16189 @item $AEA/$ADATA
16190 Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
16191 @item $FETCH
16192 Fetch data
16193 @end table
16194
16195 When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
16196 @code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
16197
16198 @code{htrace} commands:
16199 @cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
16200 @table @code
16201 @kindex hwatch
16202 @item hwatch @var{conditional}
16203 Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
16204 or Data. For example:
16205
16206 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
16207
16208 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
16209
16210 @kindex htrace
16211 @item htrace info
16212 Display information about current HW trace configuration.
16213
16214 @item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
16215 Set starting criteria for HW trace.
16216
16217 @item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
16218 Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
16219
16220 @item htrace stop @var{conditional}
16221 Set HW trace stopping criteria.
16222
16223 @item htrace record [@var{data}]*
16224 Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
16225 triggered.
16226
16227 @item htrace enable
16228 @itemx htrace disable
16229 Enables/disables the HW trace.
16230
16231 @item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
16232 Clears currently recorded trace data.
16233
16234 If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
16235 will be written there.
16236
16237 @item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
16238 Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
16239
16240 @item htrace mode continuous
16241 Set continuous trace mode.
16242
16243 @item htrace mode suspend
16244 Set suspend trace mode.
16245
16246 @end table
16247
16248 @node PowerPC Embedded
16249 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
16250
16251 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
16252
16253 @table @code
16254 @kindex set powerpc
16255 @item set powerpc soft-float
16256 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
16257 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
16258 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
16259 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
16260
16261 @item set powerpc vector-abi
16262 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
16263 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
16264 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
16265 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
16266 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
16267 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
16268 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
16269
16270 @kindex target dink32
16271 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
16272 DINK32 ROM monitor.
16273
16274 @kindex target ppcbug
16275 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
16276 @kindex target ppcbug1
16277 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
16278 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
16279
16280 @kindex target sds
16281 @item target sds @var{dev}
16282 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
16283 @end table
16284
16285 @cindex SDS protocol
16286 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
16287 by @value{GDBN}:
16288
16289 @table @code
16290 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
16291 @kindex set sdstimeout
16292 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
16293 default is 2 seconds.
16294
16295 @item show sdstimeout
16296 @kindex show sdstimeout
16297 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
16298
16299 @item sds @var{command}
16300 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
16301 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
16302 @end table
16303
16304
16305 @node PA
16306 @subsection HP PA Embedded
16307
16308 @table @code
16309
16310 @kindex target op50n
16311 @item target op50n @var{dev}
16312 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
16313
16314 @kindex target w89k
16315 @item target w89k @var{dev}
16316 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
16317
16318 @end table
16319
16320 @node Sparclet
16321 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
16322
16323 @cindex Sparclet
16324
16325 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
16326 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
16327 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
16328 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
16329 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
16330
16331 @table @code
16332 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
16333 @kindex remotetimeout
16334 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
16335 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
16336 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
16337 @end table
16338
16339 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
16340 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
16341 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
16342 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
16343 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
16344
16345 @smallexample
16346 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
16347 @end smallexample
16348
16349 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
16350
16351 @smallexample
16352 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
16353 @end smallexample
16354
16355 @cindex running, on Sparclet
16356 Once you have set
16357 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
16358 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
16359 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
16360
16361 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
16362
16363 @smallexample
16364 (gdbslet)
16365 @end smallexample
16366
16367 @menu
16368 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
16369 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
16370 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
16371 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
16372 @end menu
16373
16374 @node Sparclet File
16375 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
16376
16377 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
16378
16379 @smallexample
16380 (gdbslet) file prog
16381 @end smallexample
16382
16383 @need 1000
16384 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
16385 @value{GDBN} locates
16386 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
16387 path.
16388 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
16389 files will be searched as well.
16390 @value{GDBN} locates
16391 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
16392 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
16393 If it fails
16394 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
16395
16396 @smallexample
16397 prog: No such file or directory.
16398 @end smallexample
16399
16400 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
16401 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
16402 @code{target} command again.
16403
16404 @node Sparclet Connection
16405 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
16406
16407 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
16408 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
16409
16410 @smallexample
16411 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
16412 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
16413 main () at ../prog.c:3
16414 @end smallexample
16415
16416 @need 750
16417 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
16418
16419 @smallexample
16420 Connected to ttya.
16421 @end smallexample
16422
16423 @node Sparclet Download
16424 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
16425
16426 @cindex download to Sparclet
16427 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
16428 you can use the @value{GDBN}
16429 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
16430 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
16431 command.
16432 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
16433 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
16434 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
16435 of each of the file's sections.
16436 For instance, if the program
16437 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
16438 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
16439
16440 @smallexample
16441 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
16442 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
16443 @end smallexample
16444
16445 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
16446 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
16447 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
16448
16449 @node Sparclet Execution
16450 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
16451
16452 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
16453 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
16454 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
16455 manual for the list of commands.
16456
16457 @smallexample
16458 (gdbslet) b main
16459 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
16460 (gdbslet) run
16461 Starting program: prog
16462 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
16463 3 char *symarg = 0;
16464 (gdbslet) step
16465 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
16466 (gdbslet)
16467 @end smallexample
16468
16469 @node Sparclite
16470 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
16471
16472 @table @code
16473
16474 @kindex target sparclite
16475 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
16476 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
16477 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
16478 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
16479 remote protocol.
16480
16481 @end table
16482
16483 @node Z8000
16484 @subsection Zilog Z8000
16485
16486 @cindex Z8000
16487 @cindex simulator, Z8000
16488 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
16489
16490 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
16491 a Z8000 simulator.
16492
16493 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
16494 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
16495 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
16496 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
16497
16498 @table @code
16499 @item target sim @var{args}
16500 @kindex sim
16501 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
16502 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
16503 options, specify them via @var{args}.
16504 @end table
16505
16506 @noindent
16507 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
16508 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
16509 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
16510 to run your program, and so on.
16511
16512 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
16513 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
16514 additional items of information as specially named registers:
16515
16516 @table @code
16517
16518 @item cycles
16519 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
16520
16521 @item insts
16522 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
16523
16524 @item time
16525 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
16526
16527 @end table
16528
16529 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
16530 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
16531 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
16532 simulated clock ticks.
16533
16534 @node AVR
16535 @subsection Atmel AVR
16536 @cindex AVR
16537
16538 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
16539 following AVR-specific commands:
16540
16541 @table @code
16542 @item info io_registers
16543 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
16544 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
16545 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
16546 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
16547 @end table
16548
16549 @node CRIS
16550 @subsection CRIS
16551 @cindex CRIS
16552
16553 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
16554 following CRIS-specific commands:
16555
16556 @table @code
16557 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
16558 @cindex CRIS version
16559 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
16560 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
16561 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
16562
16563 @item show cris-version
16564 Show the current CRIS version.
16565
16566 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
16567 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
16568 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
16569 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
16570 @code{R59}.
16571
16572 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
16573 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
16574
16575 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
16576 @cindex CRIS mode
16577 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
16578 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
16579 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
16580
16581 @item show cris-mode
16582 Show the current CRIS mode.
16583 @end table
16584
16585 @node Super-H
16586 @subsection Renesas Super-H
16587 @cindex Super-H
16588
16589 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
16590 commands:
16591
16592 @table @code
16593 @item regs
16594 @kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
16595 Show the values of all Super-H registers.
16596
16597 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
16598 @kindex set sh calling-convention
16599 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
16600 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
16601 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
16602 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
16603 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
16604 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
16605 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
16606 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
16607 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
16608 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
16609
16610 @item show sh calling-convention
16611 @kindex show sh calling-convention
16612 Show the current calling convention setting.
16613
16614 @end table
16615
16616
16617 @node Architectures
16618 @section Architectures
16619
16620 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
16621 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
16622
16623 @menu
16624 * i386::
16625 * A29K::
16626 * Alpha::
16627 * MIPS::
16628 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
16629 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
16630 * PowerPC::
16631 @end menu
16632
16633 @node i386
16634 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
16635
16636 @table @code
16637 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
16638 @kindex set struct-convention
16639 @cindex struct return convention
16640 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
16641 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
16642 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
16643 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
16644 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
16645 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
16646 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
16647 be returned in a register.
16648
16649 @item show struct-convention
16650 @kindex show struct-convention
16651 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
16652 from functions.
16653 @end table
16654
16655 @node A29K
16656 @subsection A29K
16657
16658 @table @code
16659
16660 @kindex set rstack_high_address
16661 @cindex AMD 29K register stack
16662 @cindex register stack, AMD29K
16663 @item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
16664 On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
16665 @dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
16666 extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
16667 stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
16668 memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
16669 this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
16670 the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
16671 address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
16672 hexadecimal.
16673
16674 @kindex show rstack_high_address
16675 @item show rstack_high_address
16676 Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
16677 processors.
16678
16679 @end table
16680
16681 @node Alpha
16682 @subsection Alpha
16683
16684 See the following section.
16685
16686 @node MIPS
16687 @subsection MIPS
16688
16689 @cindex stack on Alpha
16690 @cindex stack on MIPS
16691 @cindex Alpha stack
16692 @cindex MIPS stack
16693 Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
16694 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
16695 find the beginning of a function.
16696
16697 @cindex response time, MIPS debugging
16698 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
16699 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
16700 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
16701 commands:
16702
16703 @table @code
16704 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
16705 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
16706 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
16707 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
16708 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
16709 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
16710 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
16711 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
16712
16713 @item show heuristic-fence-post
16714 Display the current limit.
16715 @end table
16716
16717 @noindent
16718 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
16719 for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
16720
16721 Several MIPS-specific commands are available when debugging MIPS
16722 programs:
16723
16724 @table @code
16725 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
16726 @kindex set mips abi
16727 @cindex set ABI for MIPS
16728 Tell @value{GDBN} which MIPS ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
16729 values of @var{arg} are:
16730
16731 @table @samp
16732 @item auto
16733 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
16734 default).
16735 @item o32
16736 @item o64
16737 @item n32
16738 @item n64
16739 @item eabi32
16740 @item eabi64
16741 @item auto
16742 @end table
16743
16744 @item show mips abi
16745 @kindex show mips abi
16746 Show the MIPS ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
16747
16748 @item set mipsfpu
16749 @itemx show mipsfpu
16750 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
16751
16752 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
16753 @kindex set mips mask-address
16754 @cindex MIPS addresses, masking
16755 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
16756 MIPS addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
16757 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
16758 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
16759
16760 @item show mips mask-address
16761 @kindex show mips mask-address
16762 Show whether the upper 32 bits of MIPS addresses are masked off or
16763 not.
16764
16765 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16766 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16767 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit MIPS targets that
16768 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old MIPS 64 target
16769 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
16770 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
16771
16772 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16773 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16774 Show the current setting of compatibility with older MIPS 64 targets.
16775
16776 @item set debug mips
16777 @kindex set debug mips
16778 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the MIPS-specific
16779 target code in @value{GDBN}.
16780
16781 @item show debug mips
16782 @kindex show debug mips
16783 Show the current setting of MIPS debugging messages.
16784 @end table
16785
16786
16787 @node HPPA
16788 @subsection HPPA
16789 @cindex HPPA support
16790
16791 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
16792 following special commands:
16793
16794 @table @code
16795 @item set debug hppa
16796 @kindex set debug hppa
16797 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
16798 messages are to be displayed.
16799
16800 @item show debug hppa
16801 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
16802
16803 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
16804 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
16805 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
16806 given @var{address}.
16807
16808 @end table
16809
16810
16811 @node SPU
16812 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
16813 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
16814 @cindex SPU
16815
16816 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
16817 it provides the following special commands:
16818
16819 @table @code
16820 @item info spu event
16821 @kindex info spu
16822 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
16823 and pending event status.
16824
16825 @item info spu signal
16826 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
16827 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
16828 notification channels.
16829
16830 @item info spu mailbox
16831 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
16832 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
16833 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
16834
16835 @item info spu dma
16836 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
16837 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
16838 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
16839
16840 @item info spu proxydma
16841 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
16842 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
16843 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
16844
16845 @end table
16846
16847 @node PowerPC
16848 @subsection PowerPC
16849 @cindex PowerPC architecture
16850
16851 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
16852 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
16853 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
16854 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
16855 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
16856
16857 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
16858 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
16859 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
16860
16861 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
16862 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
16863
16864
16865 @node Controlling GDB
16866 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
16867
16868 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
16869 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
16870 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
16871 described here.
16872
16873 @menu
16874 * Prompt:: Prompt
16875 * Editing:: Command editing
16876 * Command History:: Command history
16877 * Screen Size:: Screen size
16878 * Numbers:: Numbers
16879 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
16880 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
16881 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
16882 @end menu
16883
16884 @node Prompt
16885 @section Prompt
16886
16887 @cindex prompt
16888
16889 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
16890 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
16891 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
16892 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
16893 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
16894 which one you are talking to.
16895
16896 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
16897 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
16898 or a prompt that does not.
16899
16900 @table @code
16901 @kindex set prompt
16902 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
16903 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
16904
16905 @kindex show prompt
16906 @item show prompt
16907 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
16908 @end table
16909
16910 @node Editing
16911 @section Command Editing
16912 @cindex readline
16913 @cindex command line editing
16914
16915 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
16916 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
16917 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
16918 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
16919 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
16920 debugging sessions.
16921
16922 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
16923 command @code{set}.
16924
16925 @table @code
16926 @kindex set editing
16927 @cindex editing
16928 @item set editing
16929 @itemx set editing on
16930 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
16931
16932 @item set editing off
16933 Disable command line editing.
16934
16935 @kindex show editing
16936 @item show editing
16937 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
16938 @end table
16939
16940 @xref{Command Line Editing}, for more details about the Readline
16941 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
16942 encouraged to read that chapter.
16943
16944 @node Command History
16945 @section Command History
16946 @cindex command history
16947
16948 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
16949 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
16950 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
16951 history facility.
16952
16953 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
16954 package, to provide the history facility. @xref{Using History
16955 Interactively}, for the detailed description of the History library.
16956
16957 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
16958 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
16959 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
16960 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
16961 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
16962 pressed on a line by itself.
16963
16964 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
16965 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
16966 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
16967 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
16968
16969 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
16970 history.
16971
16972 @table @code
16973 @cindex history substitution
16974 @cindex history file
16975 @kindex set history filename
16976 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
16977 @item set history filename @var{fname}
16978 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
16979 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
16980 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
16981 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
16982 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
16983 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
16984 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
16985 is not set.
16986
16987 @cindex save command history
16988 @kindex set history save
16989 @item set history save
16990 @itemx set history save on
16991 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
16992 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
16993
16994 @item set history save off
16995 Stop recording command history in a file.
16996
16997 @cindex history size
16998 @kindex set history size
16999 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
17000 @item set history size @var{size}
17001 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
17002 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
17003 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
17004 @end table
17005
17006 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
17007 @xref{Event Designators}, for more details.
17008
17009 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
17010 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
17011 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
17012 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
17013 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
17014 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
17015 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
17016 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
17017
17018 The commands to control history expansion are:
17019
17020 @table @code
17021 @item set history expansion on
17022 @itemx set history expansion
17023 @kindex set history expansion
17024 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
17025
17026 @item set history expansion off
17027 Disable history expansion.
17028
17029 @c @group
17030 @kindex show history
17031 @item show history
17032 @itemx show history filename
17033 @itemx show history save
17034 @itemx show history size
17035 @itemx show history expansion
17036 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
17037 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
17038 @c @end group
17039 @end table
17040
17041 @table @code
17042 @kindex show commands
17043 @cindex show last commands
17044 @cindex display command history
17045 @item show commands
17046 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
17047
17048 @item show commands @var{n}
17049 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
17050
17051 @item show commands +
17052 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
17053 @end table
17054
17055 @node Screen Size
17056 @section Screen Size
17057 @cindex size of screen
17058 @cindex pauses in output
17059
17060 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
17061 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
17062 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
17063 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
17064 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
17065 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
17066 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
17067 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
17068
17069 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
17070 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
17071 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
17072 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
17073 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
17074 width} commands:
17075
17076 @table @code
17077 @kindex set height
17078 @kindex set width
17079 @kindex show width
17080 @kindex show height
17081 @item set height @var{lpp}
17082 @itemx show height
17083 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
17084 @itemx show width
17085 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
17086 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
17087 commands display the current settings.
17088
17089 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
17090 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
17091 file or to an editor buffer.
17092
17093 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
17094 from wrapping its output.
17095
17096 @item set pagination on
17097 @itemx set pagination off
17098 @kindex set pagination
17099 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
17100 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}.
17101
17102 @item show pagination
17103 @kindex show pagination
17104 Show the current pagination mode.
17105 @end table
17106
17107 @node Numbers
17108 @section Numbers
17109 @cindex number representation
17110 @cindex entering numbers
17111
17112 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
17113 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
17114 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
17115 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
17116 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
17117 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
17118 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
17119 both input and output with the commands described below.
17120
17121 @table @code
17122 @kindex set input-radix
17123 @item set input-radix @var{base}
17124 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
17125 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
17126 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
17127 example, any of
17128
17129 @smallexample
17130 set input-radix 012
17131 set input-radix 10.
17132 set input-radix 0xa
17133 @end smallexample
17134
17135 @noindent
17136 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
17137 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
17138 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
17139 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
17140 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
17141 change the radix.
17142
17143 @kindex set output-radix
17144 @item set output-radix @var{base}
17145 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
17146 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
17147 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
17148
17149 @kindex show input-radix
17150 @item show input-radix
17151 Display the current default base for numeric input.
17152
17153 @kindex show output-radix
17154 @item show output-radix
17155 Display the current default base for numeric display.
17156
17157 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
17158 @itemx show radix
17159 @kindex set radix
17160 @kindex show radix
17161 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
17162 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
17163 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
17164 default value of 10.
17165
17166 @end table
17167
17168 @node ABI
17169 @section Configuring the Current ABI
17170
17171 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
17172 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
17173 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
17174 current ABI.
17175
17176 @cindex OS ABI
17177 @kindex set osabi
17178 @kindex show osabi
17179
17180 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
17181 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
17182 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
17183 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
17184 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
17185 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
17186 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
17187 platform provides.
17188
17189 @table @code
17190 @item show osabi
17191 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
17192
17193 @item set osabi
17194 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
17195
17196 @item set osabi @var{abi}
17197 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
17198 @end table
17199
17200 @cindex float promotion
17201
17202 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
17203 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
17204 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
17205 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
17206 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
17207 @code{double} and then passed.
17208
17209 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
17210 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
17211 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
17212
17213 @table @code
17214 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
17215 @item set coerce-float-to-double
17216 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
17217 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
17218 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
17219
17220 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
17221 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
17222 functions.
17223
17224 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
17225 @item show coerce-float-to-double
17226 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
17227 @end table
17228
17229 @kindex set cp-abi
17230 @kindex show cp-abi
17231 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
17232 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
17233 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
17234 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
17235 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
17236 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
17237 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
17238 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
17239 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
17240 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
17241 ``auto''.
17242
17243 @table @code
17244 @item show cp-abi
17245 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
17246
17247 @item set cp-abi
17248 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
17249
17250 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
17251 @itemx set cp-abi auto
17252 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
17253 @end table
17254
17255 @node Messages/Warnings
17256 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
17257
17258 @cindex verbose operation
17259 @cindex optional warnings
17260 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
17261 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
17262 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
17263 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
17264
17265 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
17266 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
17267 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
17268
17269 @table @code
17270 @kindex set verbose
17271 @item set verbose on
17272 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
17273
17274 @item set verbose off
17275 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
17276
17277 @kindex show verbose
17278 @item show verbose
17279 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
17280 @end table
17281
17282 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
17283 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
17284 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
17285 Symbol Files}).
17286
17287 @table @code
17288
17289 @kindex set complaints
17290 @item set complaints @var{limit}
17291 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
17292 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
17293 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
17294 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
17295
17296 @kindex show complaints
17297 @item show complaints
17298 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
17299
17300 @end table
17301
17302 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
17303 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
17304 you try to run a program which is already running:
17305
17306 @smallexample
17307 (@value{GDBP}) run
17308 The program being debugged has been started already.
17309 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
17310 @end smallexample
17311
17312 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
17313 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
17314
17315 @table @code
17316
17317 @kindex set confirm
17318 @cindex flinching
17319 @cindex confirmation
17320 @cindex stupid questions
17321 @item set confirm off
17322 Disables confirmation requests.
17323
17324 @item set confirm on
17325 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
17326
17327 @kindex show confirm
17328 @item show confirm
17329 Displays state of confirmation requests.
17330
17331 @end table
17332
17333 @cindex command tracing
17334 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
17335 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
17336 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
17337 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
17338
17339 @table @code
17340 @kindex set trace-commands
17341 @cindex command scripts, debugging
17342 @item set trace-commands on
17343 Enable command tracing.
17344 @item set trace-commands off
17345 Disable command tracing.
17346 @item show trace-commands
17347 Display the current state of command tracing.
17348 @end table
17349
17350 @node Debugging Output
17351 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
17352 @cindex optional debugging messages
17353
17354 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
17355 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
17356 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
17357 section documents those commands.
17358
17359 @table @code
17360 @kindex set exec-done-display
17361 @item set exec-done-display
17362 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
17363 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
17364 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
17365 @kindex show exec-done-display
17366 @item show exec-done-display
17367 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
17368 notification.
17369 @kindex set debug
17370 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
17371 @cindex architecture debugging info
17372 @item set debug arch
17373 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
17374 @kindex show debug
17375 @item show debug arch
17376 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
17377 @item set debug aix-thread
17378 @cindex AIX threads
17379 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
17380 module.
17381 @item show debug aix-thread
17382 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
17383 @item set debug dwarf2-die
17384 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
17385 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
17386 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
17387 A value of zero turns off the display.
17388 @item show debug dwarf2-die
17389 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
17390 @item set debug displaced
17391 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
17392 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
17393 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
17394 @item show debug displaced
17395 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
17396 related to displaced stepping.
17397 @item set debug event
17398 @cindex event debugging info
17399 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
17400 default is off.
17401 @item show debug event
17402 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
17403 info.
17404 @item set debug expression
17405 @cindex expression debugging info
17406 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
17407 expression parsing. The default is off.
17408 @item show debug expression
17409 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
17410 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
17411 @item set debug frame
17412 @cindex frame debugging info
17413 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
17414 default is off.
17415 @item show debug frame
17416 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
17417 info.
17418 @item set debug infrun
17419 @cindex inferior debugging info
17420 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
17421 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
17422 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
17423 @item show debug infrun
17424 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
17425 @item set debug lin-lwp
17426 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
17427 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
17428 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
17429 @item show debug lin-lwp
17430 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
17431 @item set debug lin-lwp-async
17432 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP async debug messages
17433 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
17434 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP async debug support.
17435 @item show debug lin-lwp-async
17436 Show the current state of Linux LWP async debugging messages.
17437 @item set debug observer
17438 @cindex observer debugging info
17439 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
17440 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
17441 @item show debug observer
17442 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
17443 @item set debug overload
17444 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
17445 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
17446 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
17447 is off.
17448 @item show debug overload
17449 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
17450 debugging info.
17451 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
17452 @cindex serial connections, debugging
17453 @cindex debug remote protocol
17454 @cindex remote protocol debugging
17455 @cindex display remote packets
17456 @item set debug remote
17457 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
17458 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
17459 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
17460 @item show debug remote
17461 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
17462 @item set debug serial
17463 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
17464 default is off.
17465 @item show debug serial
17466 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
17467 info.
17468 @item set debug solib-frv
17469 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
17470 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
17471 @item show debug solib-frv
17472 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
17473 messages.
17474 @item set debug target
17475 @cindex target debugging info
17476 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
17477 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
17478 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
17479 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
17480 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
17481 @item show debug target
17482 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
17483 info.
17484 @item set debug timestamp
17485 @cindex timestampping debugging info
17486 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
17487 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
17488 message.
17489 @item show debug timestamp
17490 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
17491 debugging info.
17492 @item set debugvarobj
17493 @cindex variable object debugging info
17494 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
17495 info. The default is off.
17496 @item show debugvarobj
17497 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
17498 debugging info.
17499 @item set debug xml
17500 @cindex XML parser debugging
17501 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
17502 @item show debug xml
17503 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
17504 @end table
17505
17506 @node Extending GDB
17507 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
17508 @cindex extending GDB
17509
17510 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for extension. The first is based
17511 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, and the second is based on the
17512 Python scripting language.
17513
17514 @menu
17515 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
17516 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
17517 @end menu
17518
17519 @node Sequences
17520 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
17521
17522 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
17523 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
17524 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
17525 files.
17526
17527 @menu
17528 * Define:: How to define your own commands
17529 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
17530 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
17531 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
17532 @end menu
17533
17534 @node Define
17535 @subsection User-defined Commands
17536
17537 @cindex user-defined command
17538 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
17539 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
17540 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
17541 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
17542 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
17543 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
17544
17545 @smallexample
17546 define adder
17547 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
17548 end
17549 @end smallexample
17550
17551 @noindent
17552 To execute the command use:
17553
17554 @smallexample
17555 adder 1 2 3
17556 @end smallexample
17557
17558 @noindent
17559 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
17560 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
17561 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
17562 functions calls.
17563
17564 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
17565 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
17566 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
17567 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
17568
17569 @smallexample
17570 define adder
17571 if $argc == 2
17572 print $arg0 + $arg1
17573 end
17574 if $argc == 3
17575 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
17576 end
17577 end
17578 @end smallexample
17579
17580 @table @code
17581
17582 @kindex define
17583 @item define @var{commandname}
17584 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
17585 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
17586
17587 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
17588 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
17589 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
17590
17591 @kindex document
17592 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
17593 @item document @var{commandname}
17594 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
17595 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
17596 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
17597 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
17598 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
17599 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
17600
17601 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
17602 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
17603 does not change the documentation.
17604
17605 @kindex dont-repeat
17606 @cindex don't repeat command
17607 @item dont-repeat
17608 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
17609 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
17610 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
17611
17612 @kindex help user-defined
17613 @item help user-defined
17614 List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
17615 (if any) for each.
17616
17617 @kindex show user
17618 @item show user
17619 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
17620 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
17621 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
17622 definitions for all user-defined commands.
17623
17624 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
17625 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
17626 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
17627 @item show max-user-call-depth
17628 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
17629 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
17630 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
17631 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
17632 @end table
17633
17634 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
17635 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
17636
17637 When user-defined commands are executed, the
17638 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
17639 stops execution of the user-defined command.
17640
17641 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
17642 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
17643 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
17644 messages when used in a user-defined command.
17645
17646 @node Hooks
17647 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
17648 @cindex command hooks
17649 @cindex hooks, for commands
17650 @cindex hooks, pre-command
17651
17652 @kindex hook
17653 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
17654 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
17655 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
17656 before that command.
17657
17658 @cindex hooks, post-command
17659 @kindex hookpost
17660 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
17661 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
17662 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
17663 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
17664 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
17665
17666 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
17667 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
17668
17669 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
17670 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
17671
17672 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
17673 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
17674 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
17675 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
17676 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
17677
17678 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
17679 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
17680 you could define:
17681
17682 @smallexample
17683 define hook-stop
17684 handle SIGALRM nopass
17685 end
17686
17687 define hook-run
17688 handle SIGALRM pass
17689 end
17690
17691 define hook-continue
17692 handle SIGALRM pass
17693 end
17694 @end smallexample
17695
17696 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
17697 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
17698 you could define:
17699
17700 @smallexample
17701 define hook-echo
17702 echo <<<---
17703 end
17704
17705 define hookpost-echo
17706 echo --->>>\n
17707 end
17708
17709 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
17710 <<<---Hello World--->>>
17711 (@value{GDBP})
17712
17713 @end smallexample
17714
17715 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
17716 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
17717 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
17718 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
17719 @c or not?
17720 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
17721 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
17722 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
17723
17724 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
17725 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
17726
17727 @node Command Files
17728 @subsection Command Files
17729
17730 @cindex command files
17731 @cindex scripting commands
17732 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
17733 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
17734 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
17735 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
17736 terminal.
17737
17738 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
17739 command:
17740
17741 @table @code
17742 @kindex source
17743 @cindex execute commands from a file
17744 @item source [@code{-v}] @var{filename}
17745 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
17746 @end table
17747
17748 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
17749 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
17750 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
17751 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
17752 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
17753
17754 @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename} in the current directory and then
17755 on the search path (specified with the @samp{directory} command).
17756
17757 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
17758 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
17759 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
17760
17761 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
17762 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
17763 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
17764 when called from command files.
17765
17766 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
17767 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
17768 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
17769 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
17770 the next command.
17771
17772 @smallexample
17773 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
17774 @end smallexample
17775
17776 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
17777 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
17778 would be directed to @file{log}.
17779
17780 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
17781 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
17782 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
17783 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
17784 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
17785 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
17786 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
17787 conditionally, etc.
17788
17789 @table @code
17790 @kindex if
17791 @kindex else
17792 @item if
17793 @itemx else
17794 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
17795 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
17796 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
17797 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
17798 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
17799 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
17800 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
17801
17802 @kindex while
17803 @item while
17804 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
17805 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
17806 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
17807 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
17808 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
17809 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
17810
17811 @kindex loop_break
17812 @item loop_break
17813 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
17814 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
17815 line.
17816
17817 @kindex loop_continue
17818 @item loop_continue
17819 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
17820 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
17821 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
17822 the controlling expression.
17823
17824 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
17825 @item end
17826 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
17827 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
17828 @end table
17829
17830
17831 @node Output
17832 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
17833
17834 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
17835 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
17836 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
17837 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
17838 want.
17839
17840 @table @code
17841 @kindex echo
17842 @item echo @var{text}
17843 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
17844 @c because it is not in ANSI.
17845 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
17846 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
17847 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
17848 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
17849 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
17850 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
17851 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
17852 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
17853 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
17854
17855 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
17856 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
17857
17858 @smallexample
17859 echo This is some text\n\
17860 which is continued\n\
17861 onto several lines.\n
17862 @end smallexample
17863
17864 produces the same output as
17865
17866 @smallexample
17867 echo This is some text\n
17868 echo which is continued\n
17869 echo onto several lines.\n
17870 @end smallexample
17871
17872 @kindex output
17873 @item output @var{expression}
17874 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
17875 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
17876 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
17877 on expressions.
17878
17879 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
17880 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
17881 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
17882 Formats}, for more information.
17883
17884 @kindex printf
17885 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
17886 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
17887 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
17888 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
17889 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
17890 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
17891 executing the code below:
17892
17893 @smallexample
17894 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
17895 @end smallexample
17896
17897 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
17898 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
17899 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
17900 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
17901 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
17902 printed.
17903
17904 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
17905
17906 @smallexample
17907 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
17908 @end smallexample
17909
17910 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
17911 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
17912 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
17913
17914 @itemize @bullet
17915 @item
17916 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
17917
17918 @item
17919 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
17920 width.
17921
17922 @item
17923 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
17924 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
17925
17926 @item
17927 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
17928 supported.
17929
17930 @item
17931 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
17932
17933 @item
17934 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
17935 @end itemize
17936
17937 @noindent
17938 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
17939 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
17940 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
17941 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
17942
17943 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
17944 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
17945 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
17946 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
17947 supported.
17948
17949 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
17950 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
17951 together with a floating point specifier.
17952 letters:
17953
17954 @itemize @bullet
17955 @item
17956 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
17957
17958 @item
17959 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
17960
17961 @item
17962 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
17963 @end itemize
17964
17965 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
17966 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
17967 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
17968
17969 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
17970 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
17971
17972 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
17973 @smallexample
17974 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
17975 @end smallexample
17976
17977 @end table
17978
17979 @node Python
17980 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
17981 @cindex python scripting
17982 @cindex scripting with python
17983
17984 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
17985 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
17986 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
17987
17988 @menu
17989 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
17990 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
17991 @end menu
17992
17993 @node Python Commands
17994 @subsection Python Commands
17995 @cindex python commands
17996 @cindex commands to access python
17997
17998 @value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
17999 and one related setting:
18000
18001 @table @code
18002 @kindex python
18003 @item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
18004 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
18005
18006 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
18007 argument as a Python command. For example:
18008
18009 @smallexample
18010 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
18011 23
18012 @end smallexample
18013
18014 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
18015 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
18016 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
18017 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
18018 containing @code{end}. For example:
18019
18020 @smallexample
18021 (@value{GDBP}) python
18022 Type python script
18023 End with a line saying just "end".
18024 >print 23
18025 >end
18026 23
18027 @end smallexample
18028
18029 @kindex maint set python print-stack
18030 @item maint set python print-stack
18031 By default, @value{GDBN} will print a stack trace when an error occurs
18032 in a Python script. This can be controlled using @code{maint set
18033 python print-stack}: if @code{on}, the default, then Python stack
18034 printing is enabled; if @code{off}, then Python stack printing is
18035 disabled.
18036 @end table
18037
18038 @node Python API
18039 @subsection Python API
18040 @cindex python api
18041 @cindex programming in python
18042
18043 @cindex python stdout
18044 @cindex python pagination
18045 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
18046 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
18047 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
18048 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
18049 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
18050
18051 @menu
18052 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
18053 * Exception Handling::
18054 * Values From Inferior::
18055 @end menu
18056
18057 @node Basic Python
18058 @subsubsection Basic Python
18059
18060 @cindex python functions
18061 @cindex python module
18062 @cindex gdb module
18063 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
18064 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
18065 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
18066 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
18067
18068 @findex gdb.execute
18069 @defun execute command
18070 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
18071 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
18072 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
18073 If no exceptions occur, this function returns @code{None}.
18074 @end defun
18075
18076 @findex gdb.get_parameter
18077 @defun get_parameter parameter
18078 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
18079 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
18080 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
18081 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
18082
18083 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
18084 @code{RuntimeError}. Otherwise, the parameter's value is converted to
18085 a Python value of the appropriate type, and returned.
18086 @end defun
18087
18088 @findex gdb.write
18089 @defun write string
18090 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream.
18091 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
18092 call this function.
18093 @end defun
18094
18095 @findex gdb.flush
18096 @defun flush
18097 Flush @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream. Flushing
18098 @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically call this
18099 function.
18100 @end defun
18101
18102 @node Exception Handling
18103 @subsubsection Exception Handling
18104 @cindex python exceptions
18105 @cindex exceptions, python
18106
18107 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
18108 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
18109 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
18110 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
18111 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
18112 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
18113 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
18114
18115 @smallexample
18116 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
18117 Traceback (most recent call last):
18118 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
18119 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
18120 @end smallexample
18121
18122 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by Python
18123 code are converted to Python @code{RuntimeError} exceptions. User
18124 interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
18125 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt}
18126 exception. If you catch these exceptions in your Python code, your
18127 exception handler will see @code{RuntimeError} or
18128 @code{KeyboardInterrupt} as the exception type, the @value{GDBN} error
18129 message as its value, and the Python call stack backtrace at the
18130 Python statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
18131 traceback.
18132
18133 @node Values From Inferior
18134 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
18135 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
18136 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
18137
18138 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
18139 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
18140 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
18141 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
18142 fetching values when necessary.
18143
18144 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
18145 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
18146 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
18147
18148 @smallexample
18149 bar = some_val + 2
18150 @end smallexample
18151
18152 @noindent
18153 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
18154 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
18155
18156 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
18157 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
18158 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
18159 can access its @code{foo} element with:
18160
18161 @smallexample
18162 bar = some_val['foo']
18163 @end smallexample
18164
18165 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
18166
18167 For pointer data types, @code{gdb.Value} provides a method for
18168 dereferencing the pointer to obtain the object it points to.
18169
18170 @defmethod Value dereference
18171 This method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object whose contents is
18172 the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if @code{foo} is
18173 a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
18174
18175 @smallexample
18176 int *foo;
18177 @end smallexample
18178
18179 @noindent
18180 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
18181 @code{foo} points to like this:
18182
18183 @smallexample
18184 bar = foo.dereference ()
18185 @end smallexample
18186
18187 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
18188 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
18189 @end defmethod
18190
18191 @node Interpreters
18192 @chapter Command Interpreters
18193 @cindex command interpreters
18194
18195 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
18196 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
18197 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
18198
18199 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
18200 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
18201 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
18202 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
18203
18204 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
18205 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
18206 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
18207 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
18208
18209 @table @code
18210 @item console
18211 @cindex console interpreter
18212 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
18213 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
18214 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
18215
18216 @item mi
18217 @cindex mi interpreter
18218 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
18219 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
18220 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
18221 Interface}.
18222
18223 @item mi2
18224 @cindex mi2 interpreter
18225 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
18226
18227 @item mi1
18228 @cindex mi1 interpreter
18229 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
18230
18231 @end table
18232
18233 @cindex invoke another interpreter
18234 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
18235 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
18236 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
18237 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
18238 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
18239 the IDE inoperable!
18240
18241 @kindex interpreter-exec
18242 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
18243 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
18244 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
18245 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
18246
18247 @smallexample
18248 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
18249 @end smallexample
18250
18251 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
18252 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
18253
18254 @node TUI
18255 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
18256 @cindex TUI
18257 @cindex Text User Interface
18258
18259 @menu
18260 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
18261 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
18262 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
18263 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
18264 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
18265 @end menu
18266
18267 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
18268 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
18269 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
18270 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
18271 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
18272 is available.
18273
18274 @pindex @value{GDBTUI}
18275 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
18276 either @samp{@value{GDBTUI}} or @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
18277 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
18278 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
18279 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
18280
18281 @node TUI Overview
18282 @section TUI Overview
18283
18284 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
18285
18286 @table @emph
18287 @item command
18288 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
18289 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
18290 managed using readline.
18291
18292 @item source
18293 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
18294 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
18295
18296 @item assembly
18297 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
18298
18299 @item register
18300 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
18301 when their values change.
18302 @end table
18303
18304 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
18305 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
18306 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
18307 indicates the breakpoint type:
18308
18309 @table @code
18310 @item B
18311 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
18312
18313 @item b
18314 Breakpoint which was never hit.
18315
18316 @item H
18317 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
18318
18319 @item h
18320 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
18321 @end table
18322
18323 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
18324
18325 @table @code
18326 @item +
18327 Breakpoint is enabled.
18328
18329 @item -
18330 Breakpoint is disabled.
18331 @end table
18332
18333 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
18334 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
18335 changes.
18336
18337 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
18338 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
18339 layouts:
18340
18341 @itemize @bullet
18342 @item
18343 source only,
18344
18345 @item
18346 assembly only,
18347
18348 @item
18349 source and assembly,
18350
18351 @item
18352 source and registers, or
18353
18354 @item
18355 assembly and registers.
18356 @end itemize
18357
18358 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
18359
18360 @table @emph
18361 @item target
18362 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
18363 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
18364
18365 @item process
18366 Gives the current process or thread number.
18367 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
18368
18369 @item function
18370 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
18371 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
18372 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
18373 the string @code{??} is displayed.
18374
18375 @item line
18376 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
18377 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
18378
18379 @item pc
18380 Indicates the current program counter address.
18381 @end table
18382
18383 @node TUI Keys
18384 @section TUI Key Bindings
18385 @cindex TUI key bindings
18386
18387 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
18388 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}). The following key bindings
18389 are installed for both TUI mode and the @value{GDBN} standard mode.
18390
18391 @table @kbd
18392 @kindex C-x C-a
18393 @item C-x C-a
18394 @kindex C-x a
18395 @itemx C-x a
18396 @kindex C-x A
18397 @itemx C-x A
18398 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
18399 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
18400 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
18401 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
18402 The screen is then refreshed.
18403
18404 @kindex C-x 1
18405 @item C-x 1
18406 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
18407 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
18408 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
18409
18410 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
18411
18412 @kindex C-x 2
18413 @item C-x 2
18414 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
18415 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
18416 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
18417 previous layout and the new one.
18418
18419 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
18420
18421 @kindex C-x o
18422 @item C-x o
18423 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
18424 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
18425 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
18426
18427 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
18428
18429 @kindex C-x s
18430 @item C-x s
18431 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
18432 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
18433 @end table
18434
18435 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
18436
18437 @table @asis
18438 @kindex PgUp
18439 @item @key{PgUp}
18440 Scroll the active window one page up.
18441
18442 @kindex PgDn
18443 @item @key{PgDn}
18444 Scroll the active window one page down.
18445
18446 @kindex Up
18447 @item @key{Up}
18448 Scroll the active window one line up.
18449
18450 @kindex Down
18451 @item @key{Down}
18452 Scroll the active window one line down.
18453
18454 @kindex Left
18455 @item @key{Left}
18456 Scroll the active window one column left.
18457
18458 @kindex Right
18459 @item @key{Right}
18460 Scroll the active window one column right.
18461
18462 @kindex C-L
18463 @item @kbd{C-L}
18464 Refresh the screen.
18465 @end table
18466
18467 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
18468 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
18469 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
18470 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
18471 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
18472
18473 @node TUI Single Key Mode
18474 @section TUI Single Key Mode
18475 @cindex TUI single key mode
18476
18477 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
18478 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
18479 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
18480
18481 @table @kbd
18482 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18483 @item c
18484 continue
18485
18486 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18487 @item d
18488 down
18489
18490 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18491 @item f
18492 finish
18493
18494 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18495 @item n
18496 next
18497
18498 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18499 @item q
18500 exit the SingleKey mode.
18501
18502 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18503 @item r
18504 run
18505
18506 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18507 @item s
18508 step
18509
18510 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18511 @item u
18512 up
18513
18514 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18515 @item v
18516 info locals
18517
18518 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18519 @item w
18520 where
18521 @end table
18522
18523 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
18524 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
18525 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
18526 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
18527 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
18528 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
18529
18530
18531 @node TUI Commands
18532 @section TUI-specific Commands
18533 @cindex TUI commands
18534
18535 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
18536 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
18537 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
18538 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
18539
18540 @table @code
18541 @item info win
18542 @kindex info win
18543 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
18544
18545 @item layout next
18546 @kindex layout
18547 Display the next layout.
18548
18549 @item layout prev
18550 Display the previous layout.
18551
18552 @item layout src
18553 Display the source window only.
18554
18555 @item layout asm
18556 Display the assembly window only.
18557
18558 @item layout split
18559 Display the source and assembly window.
18560
18561 @item layout regs
18562 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
18563
18564 @item focus next
18565 @kindex focus
18566 Make the next window active for scrolling.
18567
18568 @item focus prev
18569 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
18570
18571 @item focus src
18572 Make the source window active for scrolling.
18573
18574 @item focus asm
18575 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
18576
18577 @item focus regs
18578 Make the register window active for scrolling.
18579
18580 @item focus cmd
18581 Make the command window active for scrolling.
18582
18583 @item refresh
18584 @kindex refresh
18585 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
18586
18587 @item tui reg float
18588 @kindex tui reg
18589 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
18590
18591 @item tui reg general
18592 Show the general registers in the register window.
18593
18594 @item tui reg next
18595 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
18596 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
18597 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
18598 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
18599
18600 @item tui reg system
18601 Show the system registers in the register window.
18602
18603 @item update
18604 @kindex update
18605 Update the source window and the current execution point.
18606
18607 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
18608 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
18609 @kindex winheight
18610 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
18611 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
18612 decrease it.
18613
18614 @item tabset @var{nchars}
18615 @kindex tabset
18616 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
18617 @end table
18618
18619 @node TUI Configuration
18620 @section TUI Configuration Variables
18621 @cindex TUI configuration variables
18622
18623 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
18624
18625 @table @code
18626 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
18627 @kindex set tui border-kind
18628 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
18629 The possible values are the following:
18630 @table @code
18631 @item space
18632 Use a space character to draw the border.
18633
18634 @item ascii
18635 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
18636
18637 @item acs
18638 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
18639 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
18640 @end table
18641
18642 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
18643 @kindex set tui border-mode
18644 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
18645 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
18646 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
18647 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
18648 @table @code
18649 @item normal
18650 Use normal attributes to display the border.
18651
18652 @item standout
18653 Use standout mode.
18654
18655 @item reverse
18656 Use reverse video mode.
18657
18658 @item half
18659 Use half bright mode.
18660
18661 @item half-standout
18662 Use half bright and standout mode.
18663
18664 @item bold
18665 Use extra bright or bold mode.
18666
18667 @item bold-standout
18668 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
18669 @end table
18670 @end table
18671
18672 @node Emacs
18673 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
18674
18675 @cindex Emacs
18676 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
18677 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
18678 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
18679 @value{GDBN}.
18680
18681 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
18682 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
18683 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
18684 created Emacs buffer.
18685 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
18686
18687 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
18688 things:
18689
18690 @itemize @bullet
18691 @item
18692 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
18693 the GUD buffer.
18694
18695 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
18696 and output done by the program you are debugging.
18697
18698 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
18699 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
18700 in this way.
18701
18702 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
18703 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
18704 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
18705 stop.
18706
18707 @item
18708 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
18709
18710 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
18711 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
18712 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
18713 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
18714 and the source.
18715
18716 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
18717 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
18718 @end itemize
18719
18720 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
18721 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
18722 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
18723 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
18724
18725 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
18726 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
18727 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
18728 sets your current working directory to to the directory associated
18729 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
18730 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
18731 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
18732 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
18733 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
18734
18735 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
18736 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
18737 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
18738 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
18739
18740 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
18741 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
18742 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
18743 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
18744 one you want.
18745
18746 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
18747 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
18748
18749 @table @kbd
18750 @item C-h m
18751 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
18752
18753 @item C-c C-s
18754 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
18755 update the display window to show the current file and location.
18756
18757 @item C-c C-n
18758 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
18759 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
18760 to show the current file and location.
18761
18762 @item C-c C-i
18763 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
18764 display window accordingly.
18765
18766 @item C-c C-f
18767 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
18768 @code{finish} command.
18769
18770 @item C-c C-r
18771 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
18772 command.
18773
18774 @item C-c <
18775 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
18776 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
18777 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
18778
18779 @item C-c >
18780 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
18781 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
18782 @end table
18783
18784 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
18785 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
18786
18787 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
18788 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
18789 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
18790 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
18791 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
18792 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
18793 speedbar displays watch expressions.
18794
18795 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
18796 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
18797 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
18798 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
18799 frame.
18800
18801 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
18802 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
18803 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
18804 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
18805 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
18806 to correspond properly with the code.
18807
18808 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
18809 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
18810 Emacs Manual}).
18811
18812 @c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
18813 @c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
18814 @ignore
18815 @kindex Emacs Epoch environment
18816 @kindex Epoch
18817 @kindex inspect
18818
18819 Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
18820 called the @code{epoch}
18821 environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
18822 @code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
18823 each value is printed in its own window.
18824 @end ignore
18825
18826
18827 @node GDB/MI
18828 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
18829
18830 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
18831
18832 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
18833 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
18834 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
18835 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
18836 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
18837 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
18838
18839 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
18840 in the form of a reference manual.
18841
18842 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
18843 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
18844 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
18845
18846 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
18847
18848 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
18849 This chapter uses the following notation:
18850
18851 @itemize @bullet
18852 @item
18853 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
18854
18855 @item
18856 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
18857 it may or may not be given.
18858
18859 @item
18860 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
18861 may repeat zero or more times.
18862
18863 @item
18864 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
18865 may repeat one or more times.
18866
18867 @item
18868 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
18869 @end itemize
18870
18871 @ignore
18872 @heading Dependencies
18873 @end ignore
18874
18875 @menu
18876 * GDB/MI General Design::
18877 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
18878 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
18879 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
18880 * GDB/MI Output Records::
18881 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
18882 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
18883 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
18884 * GDB/MI Program Context::
18885 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
18886 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
18887 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
18888 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
18889 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
18890 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
18891 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
18892 * GDB/MI File Commands::
18893 @ignore
18894 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
18895 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
18896 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
18897 @end ignore
18898 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
18899 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
18900 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
18901 @end menu
18902
18903 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
18904 @node GDB/MI General Design
18905 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
18906 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
18907
18908 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
18909 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
18910 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
18911 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
18912 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
18913 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
18914 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
18915 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
18916 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
18917 a command and reported as part of that command response.
18918
18919 The important examples of notifications are:
18920 @itemize @bullet
18921
18922 @item
18923 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
18924 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
18925 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
18926 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
18927 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
18928 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
18929 command itself was successfully executed.
18930
18931 @item
18932 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
18933 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
18934 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
18935 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
18936 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
18937 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
18938
18939 @item
18940 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
18941 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
18942 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
18943 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
18944 orthogonal frontend design.
18945
18946 @end itemize
18947
18948 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
18949 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
18950 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
18951 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
18952 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
18953 the user interface.
18954
18955 @subsection Context management
18956
18957 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
18958 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
18959 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
18960 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
18961 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
18962 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
18963 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
18964 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
18965 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
18966
18967 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
18968 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
18969 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
18970 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
18971 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
18972 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
18973 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
18974 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
18975 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
18976 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
18977 for thread and frame to operate on.
18978
18979 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
18980 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
18981 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
18982 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
18983 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
18984 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
18985 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
18986 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
18987 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
18988 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
18989
18990 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
18991 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
18992 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
18993 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
18994 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
18995 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
18996 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
18997 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
18998 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
18999 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
19000 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
19001 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
19002 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
19003 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
19004 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
19005 @samp{--frame} options.
19006
19007 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
19008
19009 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
19010 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
19011 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
19012 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
19013 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
19014 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
19015 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
19016 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
19017 @code{-list-target-features} command.
19018
19019 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
19020 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
19021 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
19022 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
19023 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
19024 are running.
19025
19026 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
19027 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
19028 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
19029 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
19030 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
19031 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
19032 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
19033 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
19034 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
19035 @samp{--thread} option).
19036
19037 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
19038 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
19039 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
19040 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
19041
19042 @subsection Thread groups
19043 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
19044 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
19045 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
19046 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
19047 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
19048
19049 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
19050 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
19051 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
19052 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
19053 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
19054 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
19055 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
19056 into processes.
19057
19058 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
19059 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
19060 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
19061 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
19062 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
19063 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
19064 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
19065 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
19066 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
19067 the members of specific thread group.
19068
19069 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
19070 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
19071 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
19072 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
19073 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
19074 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
19075 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
19076 after attaching to that thread group.
19077
19078 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19079 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
19080 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
19081
19082 @menu
19083 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
19084 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
19085 @end menu
19086
19087 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
19088 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
19089
19090 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
19091 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
19092 @table @code
19093 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
19094 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
19095
19096 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
19097 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
19098 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
19099
19100 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
19101 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
19102 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
19103
19104 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
19105 "any sequence of digits"
19106
19107 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
19108 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
19109
19110 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
19111 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
19112
19113 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
19114 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
19115
19116 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
19117 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
19118 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
19119
19120 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
19121 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
19122
19123 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
19124 @code{CR | CR-LF}
19125 @end table
19126
19127 @noindent
19128 Notes:
19129
19130 @itemize @bullet
19131 @item
19132 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
19133 output is described below.
19134
19135 @item
19136 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
19137 finishes.
19138
19139 @item
19140 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
19141 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
19142 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
19143 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
19144 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
19145 @end itemize
19146
19147 Pragmatics:
19148
19149 @itemize @bullet
19150 @item
19151 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
19152
19153 @item
19154 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
19155 @end itemize
19156
19157 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
19158 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
19159
19160 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
19161 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
19162 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
19163 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
19164 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
19165 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
19166
19167 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
19168 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
19169 @var{token}.
19170
19171 @table @code
19172 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
19173 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
19174
19175 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
19176 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
19177
19178 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
19179 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
19180
19181 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
19182 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
19183
19184 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
19185 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
19186
19187 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
19188 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
19189
19190 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
19191 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
19192
19193 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
19194 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
19195
19196 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
19197 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
19198
19199 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
19200 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
19201 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
19202
19203 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
19204 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
19205
19206 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
19207 @code{ @var{string} }
19208
19209 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
19210 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
19211
19212 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
19213 @code{@var{c-string}}
19214
19215 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
19216 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
19217
19218 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
19219 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
19220 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
19221
19222 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
19223 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
19224
19225 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
19226 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
19227
19228 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
19229 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
19230
19231 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
19232 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
19233
19234 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
19235 @code{CR | CR-LF}
19236
19237 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
19238 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
19239 @end table
19240
19241 @noindent
19242 Notes:
19243
19244 @itemize @bullet
19245 @item
19246 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
19247
19248 @item
19249 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
19250 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
19251 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
19252 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
19253 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
19254 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
19255 prior command.
19256
19257 @item
19258 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19259 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
19260 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
19261 prefixed by @samp{+}.
19262
19263 @item
19264 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19265 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
19266 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
19267 @samp{*}.
19268
19269 @item
19270 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19271 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
19272 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
19273 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
19274
19275 @item
19276 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19277 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
19278 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
19279 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
19280
19281 @item
19282 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19283 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
19284 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
19285
19286 @item
19287 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19288 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
19289 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
19290 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
19291
19292 @item
19293 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
19294 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
19295 @var{values}.
19296
19297
19298 @end itemize
19299
19300 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
19301 details about the various output records.
19302
19303 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19304 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
19305 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
19306
19307 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
19308 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
19309
19310 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
19311 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
19312 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
19313 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
19314 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
19315 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
19316
19317 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
19318 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
19319 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
19320
19321 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19322 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
19323 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
19324 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
19325
19326 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
19327 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
19328
19329 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
19330 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
19331 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
19332 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
19333 might change.
19334
19335 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
19336 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
19337 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
19338 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
19339
19340 @itemize @bullet
19341 @item
19342 New MI commands may be added.
19343
19344 @item
19345 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
19346
19347 @item
19348 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
19349 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
19350
19351 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
19352 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
19353
19354 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
19355 @c resolve inconsistencies.
19356 @end itemize
19357
19358 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
19359 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
19360 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
19361 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
19362 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
19363
19364 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
19365 @c version?
19366
19367 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
19368 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
19369 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
19370 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
19371 @cindex mailing lists
19372
19373 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19374 @node GDB/MI Output Records
19375 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
19376
19377 @menu
19378 * GDB/MI Result Records::
19379 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
19380 * GDB/MI Async Records::
19381 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
19382 @end menu
19383
19384 @node GDB/MI Result Records
19385 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
19386
19387 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
19388 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
19389 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
19390 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
19391
19392 @table @code
19393 @findex ^done
19394 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
19395 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
19396 values.
19397
19398 @item "^running"
19399 @findex ^running
19400 @c Is this one correct? Should it be an out-of-band notification?
19401 The asynchronous operation was successfully started. The target is
19402 running.
19403
19404 @item "^connected"
19405 @findex ^connected
19406 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
19407
19408 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
19409 @findex ^error
19410 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
19411 error message.
19412
19413 @item "^exit"
19414 @findex ^exit
19415 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
19416
19417 @end table
19418
19419 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
19420 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
19421
19422 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
19423 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
19424 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
19425 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
19426 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
19427
19428 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
19429 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
19430 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
19431 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
19432 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
19433
19434 @table @code
19435 @item "~" @var{string-output}
19436 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
19437 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
19438
19439 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
19440 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
19441 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
19442 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
19443
19444 @item "&" @var{string-output}
19445 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
19446 internals.
19447 @end table
19448
19449 @node GDB/MI Async Records
19450 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
19451
19452 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
19453 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
19454 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
19455 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
19456 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
19457 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
19458
19459 The following is the list of possible async records:
19460
19461 @table @code
19462
19463 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
19464 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
19465 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
19466 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
19467 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
19468 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
19469 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
19470 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
19471 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
19472 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
19473
19474 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}"
19475 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
19476 following values:
19477
19478 @table @code
19479 @item breakpoint-hit
19480 A breakpoint was reached.
19481 @item watchpoint-trigger
19482 A watchpoint was triggered.
19483 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
19484 A read watchpoint was triggered.
19485 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
19486 An access watchpoint was triggered.
19487 @item function-finished
19488 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
19489 @item location-reached
19490 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
19491 @item watchpoint-scope
19492 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
19493 @item end-stepping-range
19494 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
19495 similar CLI command was accomplished.
19496 @item exited-signalled
19497 The inferior exited because of a signal.
19498 @item exited
19499 The inferior exited.
19500 @item exited-normally
19501 The inferior exited normally.
19502 @item signal-received
19503 A signal was received by the inferior.
19504 @end table
19505
19506 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
19507 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
19508 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
19509 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
19510 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
19511 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
19512 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
19513 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
19514 several threads in the list.
19515
19516 @item =thread-group-created,id="@var{id}"
19517 @itemx =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"
19518 A thread thread group either was attached to, or has exited/detached
19519 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
19520 thread group.
19521
19522 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
19523 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
19524 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
19525 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
19526 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
19527
19528 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
19529 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
19530 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
19531 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
19532 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
19533 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
19534 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
19535
19536 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
19537 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
19538 that thread.
19539
19540 @end table
19541
19542 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
19543 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
19544
19545 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
19546 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
19547 fields:
19548
19549 @table @code
19550 @item level
19551 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
19552 zero. This field is always present.
19553
19554 @item func
19555 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
19556 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
19557
19558 @item addr
19559 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
19560
19561 @item file
19562 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
19563 address. This field may be absent.
19564
19565 @item line
19566 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
19567 may be absent.
19568
19569 @item from
19570 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
19571 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
19572
19573 @end table
19574
19575
19576 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19577 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
19578 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
19579 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
19580
19581 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
19582 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
19583 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
19584 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
19585
19586 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
19587 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
19588
19589 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
19590
19591 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
19592 information of the breakpoint.
19593
19594 @smallexample
19595 -> -break-insert main
19596 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
19597 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
19598 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
19599 <- (gdb)
19600 @end smallexample
19601
19602 @subheading Program Execution
19603
19604 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
19605 reason that execution stopped.
19606
19607 @smallexample
19608 -> -exec-run
19609 <- ^running
19610 <- (gdb)
19611 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
19612 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
19613 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
19614 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
19615 <- (gdb)
19616 -> -exec-continue
19617 <- ^running
19618 <- (gdb)
19619 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
19620 <- (gdb)
19621 @end smallexample
19622
19623 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
19624
19625 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
19626
19627 @smallexample
19628 -> (gdb)
19629 <- -gdb-exit
19630 <- ^exit
19631 @end smallexample
19632
19633 @subheading A Bad Command
19634
19635 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
19636
19637 @smallexample
19638 -> -rubbish
19639 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
19640 <- (gdb)
19641 @end smallexample
19642
19643
19644 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19645 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
19646 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
19647
19648 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
19649 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
19650
19651 @subheading Motivation
19652
19653 The motivation for this collection of commands.
19654
19655 @subheading Introduction
19656
19657 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
19658
19659 @subheading Commands
19660
19661 For each command in the block, the following is described:
19662
19663 @subsubheading Synopsis
19664
19665 @smallexample
19666 -command @var{args}@dots{}
19667 @end smallexample
19668
19669 @subsubheading Result
19670
19671 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19672
19673 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
19674
19675 @subsubheading Example
19676
19677 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
19678 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
19679
19680
19681 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19682 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
19683 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
19684
19685 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
19686 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
19687 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
19688 breakpoints.
19689
19690 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
19691 @findex -break-after
19692
19693 @subsubheading Synopsis
19694
19695 @smallexample
19696 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
19697 @end smallexample
19698
19699 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
19700 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
19701 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
19702 @samp{-break-list} command below.
19703
19704 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19705
19706 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
19707
19708 @subsubheading Example
19709
19710 @smallexample
19711 (gdb)
19712 -break-insert main
19713 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
19714 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
19715 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
19716 (gdb)
19717 -break-after 1 3
19718 ~
19719 ^done
19720 (gdb)
19721 -break-list
19722 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
19723 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19724 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19725 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19726 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19727 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19728 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19729 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19730 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
19731 line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
19732 (gdb)
19733 @end smallexample
19734
19735 @ignore
19736 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
19737 @findex -break-catch
19738
19739 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
19740 @findex -break-commands
19741 @end ignore
19742
19743
19744 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
19745 @findex -break-condition
19746
19747 @subsubheading Synopsis
19748
19749 @smallexample
19750 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
19751 @end smallexample
19752
19753 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
19754 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
19755 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
19756 command below).
19757
19758 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19759
19760 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
19761
19762 @subsubheading Example
19763
19764 @smallexample
19765 (gdb)
19766 -break-condition 1 1
19767 ^done
19768 (gdb)
19769 -break-list
19770 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
19771 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19772 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19773 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19774 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19775 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19776 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19777 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19778 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
19779 line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
19780 (gdb)
19781 @end smallexample
19782
19783 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
19784 @findex -break-delete
19785
19786 @subsubheading Synopsis
19787
19788 @smallexample
19789 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
19790 @end smallexample
19791
19792 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
19793 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
19794
19795 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19796
19797 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
19798
19799 @subsubheading Example
19800
19801 @smallexample
19802 (gdb)
19803 -break-delete 1
19804 ^done
19805 (gdb)
19806 -break-list
19807 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
19808 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19809 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19810 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19811 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19812 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19813 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19814 body=[]@}
19815 (gdb)
19816 @end smallexample
19817
19818 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
19819 @findex -break-disable
19820
19821 @subsubheading Synopsis
19822
19823 @smallexample
19824 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
19825 @end smallexample
19826
19827 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
19828 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
19829
19830 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19831
19832 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
19833
19834 @subsubheading Example
19835
19836 @smallexample
19837 (gdb)
19838 -break-disable 2
19839 ^done
19840 (gdb)
19841 -break-list
19842 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
19843 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19844 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19845 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19846 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19847 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19848 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19849 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
19850 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
19851 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
19852 (gdb)
19853 @end smallexample
19854
19855 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
19856 @findex -break-enable
19857
19858 @subsubheading Synopsis
19859
19860 @smallexample
19861 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
19862 @end smallexample
19863
19864 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
19865
19866 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19867
19868 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
19869
19870 @subsubheading Example
19871
19872 @smallexample
19873 (gdb)
19874 -break-enable 2
19875 ^done
19876 (gdb)
19877 -break-list
19878 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
19879 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19880 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19881 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19882 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19883 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19884 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19885 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19886 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
19887 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
19888 (gdb)
19889 @end smallexample
19890
19891 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
19892 @findex -break-info
19893
19894 @subsubheading Synopsis
19895
19896 @smallexample
19897 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
19898 @end smallexample
19899
19900 @c REDUNDANT???
19901 Get information about a single breakpoint.
19902
19903 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19904
19905 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
19906
19907 @subsubheading Example
19908 N.A.
19909
19910 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
19911 @findex -break-insert
19912
19913 @subsubheading Synopsis
19914
19915 @smallexample
19916 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ]
19917 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
19918 [ -p @var{thread} ] [ @var{location} ]
19919 @end smallexample
19920
19921 @noindent
19922 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
19923
19924 @itemize @bullet
19925 @item function
19926 @c @item +offset
19927 @c @item -offset
19928 @c @item linenum
19929 @item filename:linenum
19930 @item filename:function
19931 @item *address
19932 @end itemize
19933
19934 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
19935
19936 @table @samp
19937 @item -t
19938 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
19939 @item -h
19940 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
19941 @item -c @var{condition}
19942 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
19943 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
19944 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
19945 @item -f
19946 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
19947 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
19948 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
19949 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
19950 cannot be parsed.
19951 @end table
19952
19953 @subsubheading Result
19954
19955 The result is in the form:
19956
19957 @smallexample
19958 ^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
19959 enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
19960 fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
19961 times="@var{times}"@}
19962 @end smallexample
19963
19964 @noindent
19965 where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
19966 @var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
19967 inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
19968 this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
19969 and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
19970 (always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
19971 which use the same output).
19972
19973 Note: this format is open to change.
19974 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
19975
19976 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19977
19978 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
19979 @samp{hbreak}, @samp{thbreak}, and @samp{rbreak}.
19980
19981 @subsubheading Example
19982
19983 @smallexample
19984 (gdb)
19985 -break-insert main
19986 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
19987 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
19988 (gdb)
19989 -break-insert -t foo
19990 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
19991 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
19992 (gdb)
19993 -break-list
19994 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
19995 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19996 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19997 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19998 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19999 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20000 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20001 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20002 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
20003 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
20004 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
20005 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
20006 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
20007 (gdb)
20008 -break-insert -r foo.*
20009 ~int foo(int, int);
20010 ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
20011 "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
20012 (gdb)
20013 @end smallexample
20014
20015 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
20016 @findex -break-list
20017
20018 @subsubheading Synopsis
20019
20020 @smallexample
20021 -break-list
20022 @end smallexample
20023
20024 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
20025
20026 @table @samp
20027 @item Number
20028 number of the breakpoint
20029 @item Type
20030 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
20031 @item Disposition
20032 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
20033 or @samp{nokeep}
20034 @item Enabled
20035 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
20036 @item Address
20037 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
20038 @item What
20039 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
20040 name, line number
20041 @item Times
20042 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
20043 @end table
20044
20045 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
20046 @code{body} field is an empty list.
20047
20048 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20049
20050 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
20051
20052 @subsubheading Example
20053
20054 @smallexample
20055 (gdb)
20056 -break-list
20057 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
20058 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20059 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20060 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20061 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20062 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20063 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20064 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20065 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
20066 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20067 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
20068 line="13",times="0"@}]@}
20069 (gdb)
20070 @end smallexample
20071
20072 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
20073
20074 @smallexample
20075 (gdb)
20076 -break-list
20077 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
20078 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20079 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20080 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20081 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20082 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20083 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20084 body=[]@}
20085 (gdb)
20086 @end smallexample
20087
20088 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
20089 @findex -break-watch
20090
20091 @subsubheading Synopsis
20092
20093 @smallexample
20094 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
20095 @end smallexample
20096
20097 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
20098 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
20099 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
20100 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
20101 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
20102 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
20103 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
20104 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
20105
20106 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
20107 breakpoints inserted.
20108
20109 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20110
20111 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
20112 @samp{rwatch}.
20113
20114 @subsubheading Example
20115
20116 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
20117
20118 @smallexample
20119 (gdb)
20120 -break-watch x
20121 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
20122 (gdb)
20123 -exec-continue
20124 ^running
20125 (gdb)
20126 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
20127 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
20128 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
20129 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
20130 (gdb)
20131 @end smallexample
20132
20133 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
20134 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
20135 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
20136
20137 @smallexample
20138 (gdb)
20139 -break-watch C
20140 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
20141 (gdb)
20142 -exec-continue
20143 ^running
20144 (gdb)
20145 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
20146 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
20147 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
20148 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20149 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
20150 (gdb)
20151 -exec-continue
20152 ^running
20153 (gdb)
20154 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
20155 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
20156 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
20157 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20158 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
20159 (gdb)
20160 @end smallexample
20161
20162 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
20163 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
20164 deleted.
20165
20166 @smallexample
20167 (gdb)
20168 -break-watch C
20169 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
20170 (gdb)
20171 -break-list
20172 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
20173 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20174 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20175 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20176 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20177 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20178 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20179 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20180 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
20181 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20182 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
20183 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
20184 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
20185 (gdb)
20186 -exec-continue
20187 ^running
20188 (gdb)
20189 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
20190 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
20191 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
20192 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20193 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
20194 (gdb)
20195 -break-list
20196 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
20197 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20198 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20199 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20200 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20201 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20202 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20203 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20204 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
20205 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20206 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
20207 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
20208 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
20209 (gdb)
20210 -exec-continue
20211 ^running
20212 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
20213 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
20214 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
20215 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20216 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
20217 (gdb)
20218 -break-list
20219 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
20220 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
20221 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
20222 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
20223 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
20224 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
20225 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
20226 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
20227 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
20228 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20229 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
20230 times="1"@}]@}
20231 (gdb)
20232 @end smallexample
20233
20234 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20235 @node GDB/MI Program Context
20236 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
20237
20238 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
20239 @findex -exec-arguments
20240
20241
20242 @subsubheading Synopsis
20243
20244 @smallexample
20245 -exec-arguments @var{args}
20246 @end smallexample
20247
20248 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
20249 @samp{-exec-run}.
20250
20251 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20252
20253 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
20254
20255 @subsubheading Example
20256
20257 @smallexample
20258 (gdb)
20259 -exec-arguments -v word
20260 ^done
20261 (gdb)
20262 @end smallexample
20263
20264
20265 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
20266 @findex -exec-show-arguments
20267
20268 @subsubheading Synopsis
20269
20270 @smallexample
20271 -exec-show-arguments
20272 @end smallexample
20273
20274 Print the arguments of the program.
20275
20276 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20277
20278 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
20279
20280 @subsubheading Example
20281 N.A.
20282
20283
20284 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
20285 @findex -environment-cd
20286
20287 @subsubheading Synopsis
20288
20289 @smallexample
20290 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
20291 @end smallexample
20292
20293 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
20294
20295 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20296
20297 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
20298
20299 @subsubheading Example
20300
20301 @smallexample
20302 (gdb)
20303 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
20304 ^done
20305 (gdb)
20306 @end smallexample
20307
20308
20309 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
20310 @findex -environment-directory
20311
20312 @subsubheading Synopsis
20313
20314 @smallexample
20315 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
20316 @end smallexample
20317
20318 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
20319 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
20320 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
20321 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
20322 occurs as normal.
20323 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
20324 multiple directories in a single command
20325 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
20326 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
20327 If blanks are needed as
20328 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
20329 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
20330 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
20331 character must not be used
20332 in any directory name.
20333 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
20334
20335 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20336
20337 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
20338
20339 @subsubheading Example
20340
20341 @smallexample
20342 (gdb)
20343 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
20344 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
20345 (gdb)
20346 -environment-directory ""
20347 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
20348 (gdb)
20349 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
20350 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
20351 (gdb)
20352 -environment-directory -r
20353 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
20354 (gdb)
20355 @end smallexample
20356
20357
20358 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
20359 @findex -environment-path
20360
20361 @subsubheading Synopsis
20362
20363 @smallexample
20364 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
20365 @end smallexample
20366
20367 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
20368 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
20369 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
20370 supplied in addition to the
20371 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
20372 occurs as normal.
20373 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
20374 multiple directories in a single command
20375 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
20376 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
20377 If blanks are needed as
20378 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
20379 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
20380 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
20381 character must not be used
20382 in any directory name.
20383 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
20384
20385
20386 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20387
20388 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
20389
20390 @subsubheading Example
20391
20392 @smallexample
20393 (gdb)
20394 -environment-path
20395 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
20396 (gdb)
20397 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
20398 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
20399 (gdb)
20400 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
20401 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
20402 (gdb)
20403 @end smallexample
20404
20405
20406 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
20407 @findex -environment-pwd
20408
20409 @subsubheading Synopsis
20410
20411 @smallexample
20412 -environment-pwd
20413 @end smallexample
20414
20415 Show the current working directory.
20416
20417 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20418
20419 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
20420
20421 @subsubheading Example
20422
20423 @smallexample
20424 (gdb)
20425 -environment-pwd
20426 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
20427 (gdb)
20428 @end smallexample
20429
20430 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20431 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
20432 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
20433
20434
20435 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
20436 @findex -thread-info
20437
20438 @subsubheading Synopsis
20439
20440 @smallexample
20441 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
20442 @end smallexample
20443
20444 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
20445 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
20446 threads. When printing information about all threads,
20447 also reports the current thread.
20448
20449 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20450
20451 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
20452 about all threads.
20453
20454 @subsubheading Example
20455
20456 @smallexample
20457 -thread-info
20458 ^done,threads=[
20459 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
20460 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
20461 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
20462 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
20463 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}],
20464 current-thread-id="1"
20465 (gdb)
20466 @end smallexample
20467
20468 The @samp{state} field may have the following values:
20469
20470 @table @code
20471 @item stopped
20472 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
20473 threads.
20474
20475 @item running
20476 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
20477 threads.
20478
20479 @end table
20480
20481 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
20482 @findex -thread-list-ids
20483
20484 @subsubheading Synopsis
20485
20486 @smallexample
20487 -thread-list-ids
20488 @end smallexample
20489
20490 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
20491 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
20492
20493 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
20494 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
20495
20496 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20497
20498 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
20499
20500 @subsubheading Example
20501
20502 No threads present, besides the main process:
20503
20504 @smallexample
20505 (gdb)
20506 -thread-list-ids
20507 ^done,thread-ids=@{@},number-of-threads="0"
20508 (gdb)
20509 @end smallexample
20510
20511
20512 Several threads:
20513
20514 @smallexample
20515 (gdb)
20516 -thread-list-ids
20517 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
20518 number-of-threads="3"
20519 (gdb)
20520 @end smallexample
20521
20522
20523 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
20524 @findex -thread-select
20525
20526 @subsubheading Synopsis
20527
20528 @smallexample
20529 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
20530 @end smallexample
20531
20532 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
20533 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
20534
20535 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
20536 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
20537
20538 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20539
20540 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
20541
20542 @subsubheading Example
20543
20544 @smallexample
20545 (gdb)
20546 -exec-next
20547 ^running
20548 (gdb)
20549 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
20550 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
20551 (gdb)
20552 -thread-list-ids
20553 ^done,
20554 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
20555 number-of-threads="3"
20556 (gdb)
20557 -thread-select 3
20558 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
20559 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
20560 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
20561 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
20562 (gdb)
20563 @end smallexample
20564
20565 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20566 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
20567 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
20568
20569 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
20570 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
20571 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
20572 other cases.
20573
20574 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
20575 @findex -exec-continue
20576
20577 @subsubheading Synopsis
20578
20579 @smallexample
20580 -exec-continue [--all|--thread-group N]
20581 @end smallexample
20582
20583 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until a breakpoint is
20584 encountered, or until the inferior exits. In all-stop mode
20585 (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads,
20586 depending on the value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. In
20587 non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), if the @samp{--all} is not
20588 specified, only the thread specified with the @samp{--thread} option
20589 (or current thread, if no @samp{--thread} is provided) is resumed. If
20590 @samp{--all} is specified, all threads will be resumed. The
20591 @samp{--all} option is ignored in all-stop mode. If the
20592 @samp{--thread-group} options is specified, then all threads in that
20593 thread group are resumed.
20594
20595 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20596
20597 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
20598
20599 @subsubheading Example
20600
20601 @smallexample
20602 -exec-continue
20603 ^running
20604 (gdb)
20605 @@Hello world
20606 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
20607 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
20608 line="13"@}
20609 (gdb)
20610 @end smallexample
20611
20612
20613 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
20614 @findex -exec-finish
20615
20616 @subsubheading Synopsis
20617
20618 @smallexample
20619 -exec-finish
20620 @end smallexample
20621
20622 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
20623 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
20624
20625 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20626
20627 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
20628
20629 @subsubheading Example
20630
20631 Function returning @code{void}.
20632
20633 @smallexample
20634 -exec-finish
20635 ^running
20636 (gdb)
20637 @@hello from foo
20638 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
20639 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
20640 (gdb)
20641 @end smallexample
20642
20643 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
20644 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
20645 value itself.
20646
20647 @smallexample
20648 -exec-finish
20649 ^running
20650 (gdb)
20651 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
20652 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
20653 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20654 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
20655 (gdb)
20656 @end smallexample
20657
20658
20659 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
20660 @findex -exec-interrupt
20661
20662 @subsubheading Synopsis
20663
20664 @smallexample
20665 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
20666 @end smallexample
20667
20668 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
20669 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
20670 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
20671 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
20672 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
20673
20674 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
20675 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
20676 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
20677 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
20678
20679 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
20680 All threads will be interrupted if the @samp{--all} option is
20681 specified. If the @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, all
20682 threads in that group will be interrupted.
20683
20684 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20685
20686 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
20687
20688 @subsubheading Example
20689
20690 @smallexample
20691 (gdb)
20692 111-exec-continue
20693 111^running
20694
20695 (gdb)
20696 222-exec-interrupt
20697 222^done
20698 (gdb)
20699 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
20700 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
20701 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
20702 (gdb)
20703
20704 (gdb)
20705 -exec-interrupt
20706 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
20707 (gdb)
20708 @end smallexample
20709
20710
20711 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
20712 @findex -exec-next
20713
20714 @subsubheading Synopsis
20715
20716 @smallexample
20717 -exec-next
20718 @end smallexample
20719
20720 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
20721 of the next source line is reached.
20722
20723 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20724
20725 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
20726
20727 @subsubheading Example
20728
20729 @smallexample
20730 -exec-next
20731 ^running
20732 (gdb)
20733 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
20734 (gdb)
20735 @end smallexample
20736
20737
20738 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
20739 @findex -exec-next-instruction
20740
20741 @subsubheading Synopsis
20742
20743 @smallexample
20744 -exec-next-instruction
20745 @end smallexample
20746
20747 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
20748 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
20749 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
20750 printed as well.
20751
20752 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20753
20754 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
20755
20756 @subsubheading Example
20757
20758 @smallexample
20759 (gdb)
20760 -exec-next-instruction
20761 ^running
20762
20763 (gdb)
20764 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
20765 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
20766 (gdb)
20767 @end smallexample
20768
20769
20770 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
20771 @findex -exec-return
20772
20773 @subsubheading Synopsis
20774
20775 @smallexample
20776 -exec-return
20777 @end smallexample
20778
20779 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
20780 Displays the new current frame.
20781
20782 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20783
20784 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
20785
20786 @subsubheading Example
20787
20788 @smallexample
20789 (gdb)
20790 200-break-insert callee4
20791 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
20792 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
20793 (gdb)
20794 000-exec-run
20795 000^running
20796 (gdb)
20797 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
20798 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
20799 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20800 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
20801 (gdb)
20802 205-break-delete
20803 205^done
20804 (gdb)
20805 111-exec-return
20806 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
20807 args=[@{name="strarg",
20808 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
20809 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20810 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
20811 (gdb)
20812 @end smallexample
20813
20814
20815 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
20816 @findex -exec-run
20817
20818 @subsubheading Synopsis
20819
20820 @smallexample
20821 -exec-run
20822 @end smallexample
20823
20824 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
20825 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
20826 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
20827 the program has exited exceptionally.
20828
20829 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20830
20831 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
20832
20833 @subsubheading Examples
20834
20835 @smallexample
20836 (gdb)
20837 -break-insert main
20838 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
20839 (gdb)
20840 -exec-run
20841 ^running
20842 (gdb)
20843 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
20844 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
20845 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
20846 (gdb)
20847 @end smallexample
20848
20849 @noindent
20850 Program exited normally:
20851
20852 @smallexample
20853 (gdb)
20854 -exec-run
20855 ^running
20856 (gdb)
20857 x = 55
20858 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
20859 (gdb)
20860 @end smallexample
20861
20862 @noindent
20863 Program exited exceptionally:
20864
20865 @smallexample
20866 (gdb)
20867 -exec-run
20868 ^running
20869 (gdb)
20870 x = 55
20871 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
20872 (gdb)
20873 @end smallexample
20874
20875 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
20876 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
20877
20878 @smallexample
20879 (gdb)
20880 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
20881 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
20882 @end smallexample
20883
20884
20885 @c @subheading -exec-signal
20886
20887
20888 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
20889 @findex -exec-step
20890
20891 @subsubheading Synopsis
20892
20893 @smallexample
20894 -exec-step
20895 @end smallexample
20896
20897 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
20898 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
20899 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
20900 function.
20901
20902 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20903
20904 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
20905
20906 @subsubheading Example
20907
20908 Stepping into a function:
20909
20910 @smallexample
20911 -exec-step
20912 ^running
20913 (gdb)
20914 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
20915 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
20916 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
20917 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
20918 (gdb)
20919 @end smallexample
20920
20921 Regular stepping:
20922
20923 @smallexample
20924 -exec-step
20925 ^running
20926 (gdb)
20927 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
20928 (gdb)
20929 @end smallexample
20930
20931
20932 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
20933 @findex -exec-step-instruction
20934
20935 @subsubheading Synopsis
20936
20937 @smallexample
20938 -exec-step-instruction
20939 @end smallexample
20940
20941 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. The
20942 output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on whether
20943 we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the former
20944 case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed as
20945 well.
20946
20947 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20948
20949 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
20950
20951 @subsubheading Example
20952
20953 @smallexample
20954 (gdb)
20955 -exec-step-instruction
20956 ^running
20957
20958 (gdb)
20959 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
20960 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
20961 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
20962 (gdb)
20963 -exec-step-instruction
20964 ^running
20965
20966 (gdb)
20967 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
20968 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
20969 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
20970 (gdb)
20971 @end smallexample
20972
20973
20974 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
20975 @findex -exec-until
20976
20977 @subsubheading Synopsis
20978
20979 @smallexample
20980 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
20981 @end smallexample
20982
20983 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
20984 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
20985 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
20986 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
20987
20988 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20989
20990 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
20991
20992 @subsubheading Example
20993
20994 @smallexample
20995 (gdb)
20996 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
20997 ^running
20998 (gdb)
20999 x = 55
21000 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
21001 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
21002 (gdb)
21003 @end smallexample
21004
21005 @ignore
21006 @subheading -file-clear
21007 Is this going away????
21008 @end ignore
21009
21010 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21011 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
21012 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
21013
21014
21015 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
21016 @findex -stack-info-frame
21017
21018 @subsubheading Synopsis
21019
21020 @smallexample
21021 -stack-info-frame
21022 @end smallexample
21023
21024 Get info on the selected frame.
21025
21026 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21027
21028 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
21029 (without arguments).
21030
21031 @subsubheading Example
21032
21033 @smallexample
21034 (gdb)
21035 -stack-info-frame
21036 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
21037 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21038 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
21039 (gdb)
21040 @end smallexample
21041
21042 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
21043 @findex -stack-info-depth
21044
21045 @subsubheading Synopsis
21046
21047 @smallexample
21048 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
21049 @end smallexample
21050
21051 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
21052 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
21053
21054 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21055
21056 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
21057
21058 @subsubheading Example
21059
21060 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
21061
21062 @smallexample
21063 (gdb)
21064 -stack-info-depth
21065 ^done,depth="12"
21066 (gdb)
21067 -stack-info-depth 4
21068 ^done,depth="4"
21069 (gdb)
21070 -stack-info-depth 12
21071 ^done,depth="12"
21072 (gdb)
21073 -stack-info-depth 11
21074 ^done,depth="11"
21075 (gdb)
21076 -stack-info-depth 13
21077 ^done,depth="12"
21078 (gdb)
21079 @end smallexample
21080
21081 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
21082 @findex -stack-list-arguments
21083
21084 @subsubheading Synopsis
21085
21086 @smallexample
21087 -stack-list-arguments @var{show-values}
21088 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
21089 @end smallexample
21090
21091 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
21092 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
21093 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
21094 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
21095 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
21096 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
21097 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
21098 which case only existing frames will be returned.
21099
21100 The @var{show-values} argument must have a value of 0 or 1. A value of
21101 0 means that only the names of the arguments are listed, a value of 1
21102 means that both names and values of the arguments are printed.
21103
21104 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21105
21106 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
21107 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
21108 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
21109
21110 @subsubheading Example
21111
21112 @smallexample
21113 (gdb)
21114 -stack-list-frames
21115 ^done,
21116 stack=[
21117 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
21118 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21119 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
21120 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
21121 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21122 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
21123 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
21124 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21125 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
21126 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
21127 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21128 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
21129 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
21130 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
21131 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
21132 (gdb)
21133 -stack-list-arguments 0
21134 ^done,
21135 stack-args=[
21136 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
21137 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
21138 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
21139 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
21140 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
21141 (gdb)
21142 -stack-list-arguments 1
21143 ^done,
21144 stack-args=[
21145 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
21146 frame=@{level="1",
21147 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
21148 frame=@{level="2",args=[
21149 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
21150 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
21151 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
21152 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
21153 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
21154 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
21155 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
21156 (gdb)
21157 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
21158 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
21159 (gdb)
21160 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
21161 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
21162 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
21163 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
21164 (gdb)
21165 @end smallexample
21166
21167 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
21168
21169
21170 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
21171 @findex -stack-list-frames
21172
21173 @subsubheading Synopsis
21174
21175 @smallexample
21176 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
21177 @end smallexample
21178
21179 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
21180 following info:
21181
21182 @table @samp
21183 @item @var{level}
21184 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
21185 @item @var{addr}
21186 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
21187 @item @var{func}
21188 Function name.
21189 @item @var{file}
21190 File name of the source file where the function lives.
21191 @item @var{line}
21192 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
21193 @end table
21194
21195 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
21196 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
21197 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
21198 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
21199 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
21200 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
21201 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
21202
21203 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21204
21205 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
21206
21207 @subsubheading Example
21208
21209 Full stack backtrace:
21210
21211 @smallexample
21212 (gdb)
21213 -stack-list-frames
21214 ^done,stack=
21215 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
21216 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
21217 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21218 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21219 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21220 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21221 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21222 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21223 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21224 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21225 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21226 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21227 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21228 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21229 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21230 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21231 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21232 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21233 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21234 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21235 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21236 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21237 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
21238 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
21239 (gdb)
21240 @end smallexample
21241
21242 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
21243
21244 @smallexample
21245 (gdb)
21246 -stack-list-frames 3 5
21247 ^done,stack=
21248 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21249 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21250 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21251 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
21252 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21253 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
21254 (gdb)
21255 @end smallexample
21256
21257 Show a single frame:
21258
21259 @smallexample
21260 (gdb)
21261 -stack-list-frames 3 3
21262 ^done,stack=
21263 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
21264 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
21265 (gdb)
21266 @end smallexample
21267
21268
21269 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
21270 @findex -stack-list-locals
21271
21272 @subsubheading Synopsis
21273
21274 @smallexample
21275 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
21276 @end smallexample
21277
21278 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
21279 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
21280 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
21281 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
21282 type and value for simple data types and the name and type for arrays,
21283 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
21284 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
21285 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
21286 more detail.
21287
21288 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21289
21290 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
21291
21292 @subsubheading Example
21293
21294 @smallexample
21295 (gdb)
21296 -stack-list-locals 0
21297 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
21298 (gdb)
21299 -stack-list-locals --all-values
21300 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
21301 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
21302 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
21303 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
21304 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
21305 (gdb)
21306 @end smallexample
21307
21308
21309 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
21310 @findex -stack-select-frame
21311
21312 @subsubheading Synopsis
21313
21314 @smallexample
21315 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
21316 @end smallexample
21317
21318 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
21319 the stack.
21320
21321 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
21322 option to every command.
21323
21324 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21325
21326 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
21327 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
21328
21329 @subsubheading Example
21330
21331 @smallexample
21332 (gdb)
21333 -stack-select-frame 2
21334 ^done
21335 (gdb)
21336 @end smallexample
21337
21338 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21339 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
21340 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
21341
21342 @ignore
21343
21344 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
21345
21346 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
21347 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
21348 used by @code{Insight}.
21349
21350 The two main reasons for that are:
21351
21352 @enumerate 1
21353 @item
21354 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
21355
21356 @item
21357 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
21358 now).
21359 @end enumerate
21360
21361 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
21362 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
21363 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
21364 hints about their use.
21365
21366 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
21367 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
21368 least, the following operations:
21369
21370 @itemize @bullet
21371 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
21372 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
21373 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
21374 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
21375 @end itemize
21376
21377 @end ignore
21378
21379 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
21380
21381 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
21382
21383 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
21384 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
21385 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
21386 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
21387 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
21388 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
21389 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
21390 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
21391 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
21392 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
21393 object, or to change display format.
21394
21395 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
21396 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
21397 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
21398 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
21399 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
21400 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
21401 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
21402 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
21403 child will be created.
21404
21405 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
21406 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
21407 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
21408 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
21409 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
21410
21411 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
21412 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
21413 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
21414 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
21415 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
21416 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
21417 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
21418 variables that frontend has created.
21419
21420 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
21421 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
21422 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
21423 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
21424 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
21425 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
21426 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
21427 implicitly updated.
21428
21429 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
21430 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
21431 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
21432 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
21433 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
21434 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
21435 frame. Consider this example:
21436
21437 @smallexample
21438 void do_work(...)
21439 @{
21440 struct work_state state;
21441
21442 if (...)
21443 do_work(...);
21444 @}
21445 @end smallexample
21446
21447 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
21448 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the the variable
21449 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
21450 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
21451 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
21452
21453 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
21454 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
21455 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
21456 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
21457 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
21458 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
21459
21460 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
21461 access this functionality:
21462
21463 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
21464 @item @strong{Operation}
21465 @tab @strong{Description}
21466
21467 @item @code{-var-create}
21468 @tab create a variable object
21469 @item @code{-var-delete}
21470 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
21471 @item @code{-var-set-format}
21472 @tab set the display format of this variable
21473 @item @code{-var-show-format}
21474 @tab show the display format of this variable
21475 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
21476 @tab tells how many children this object has
21477 @item @code{-var-list-children}
21478 @tab return a list of the object's children
21479 @item @code{-var-info-type}
21480 @tab show the type of this variable object
21481 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
21482 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
21483 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
21484 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
21485 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
21486 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
21487 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
21488 @tab get the value of this variable
21489 @item @code{-var-assign}
21490 @tab set the value of this variable
21491 @item @code{-var-update}
21492 @tab update the variable and its children
21493 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
21494 @tab set frozeness attribute
21495 @end multitable
21496
21497 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
21498 how it can be used.
21499
21500 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
21501
21502 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
21503 @findex -var-create
21504
21505 @subsubheading Synopsis
21506
21507 @smallexample
21508 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
21509 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
21510 @end smallexample
21511
21512 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
21513 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
21514 register.
21515
21516 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
21517 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
21518 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
21519 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
21520 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
21521
21522 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
21523 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
21524 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
21525 object must be created.
21526
21527 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
21528 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
21529
21530 @itemize @bullet
21531 @item
21532 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
21533
21534 @item
21535 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
21536
21537 @item
21538 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
21539 @end itemize
21540
21541 @subsubheading Result
21542
21543 This operation returns the name, number of children and the type of the
21544 object created. Type is returned as a string as the ones generated by
21545 the @value{GDBN} CLI. If a fixed variable object is bound to a
21546 specific thread, the thread is is also printed:
21547
21548 @smallexample
21549 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}"
21550 @end smallexample
21551
21552
21553 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
21554 @findex -var-delete
21555
21556 @subsubheading Synopsis
21557
21558 @smallexample
21559 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
21560 @end smallexample
21561
21562 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
21563 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
21564
21565 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
21566
21567
21568 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
21569 @findex -var-set-format
21570
21571 @subsubheading Synopsis
21572
21573 @smallexample
21574 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
21575 @end smallexample
21576
21577 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
21578 @var{format-spec}.
21579
21580 @anchor{-var-set-format}
21581 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
21582
21583 @smallexample
21584 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
21585 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
21586 @end smallexample
21587
21588 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
21589 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
21590 for pointers, etc.).
21591
21592 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
21593 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
21594
21595 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
21596 @findex -var-show-format
21597
21598 @subsubheading Synopsis
21599
21600 @smallexample
21601 -var-show-format @var{name}
21602 @end smallexample
21603
21604 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
21605
21606 @smallexample
21607 @var{format} @expansion{}
21608 @var{format-spec}
21609 @end smallexample
21610
21611
21612 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
21613 @findex -var-info-num-children
21614
21615 @subsubheading Synopsis
21616
21617 @smallexample
21618 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
21619 @end smallexample
21620
21621 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
21622
21623 @smallexample
21624 numchild=@var{n}
21625 @end smallexample
21626
21627
21628 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
21629 @findex -var-list-children
21630
21631 @subsubheading Synopsis
21632
21633 @smallexample
21634 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name}
21635 @end smallexample
21636 @anchor{-var-list-children}
21637
21638 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
21639 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
21640 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value for of 0 or
21641 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
21642 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
21643 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
21644 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
21645 and unions.
21646
21647 @subsubheading Example
21648
21649 @smallexample
21650 (gdb)
21651 -var-list-children n
21652 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[@{name=@var{name},
21653 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
21654 (gdb)
21655 -var-list-children --all-values n
21656 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[@{name=@var{name},
21657 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
21658 @end smallexample
21659
21660
21661 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
21662 @findex -var-info-type
21663
21664 @subsubheading Synopsis
21665
21666 @smallexample
21667 -var-info-type @var{name}
21668 @end smallexample
21669
21670 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
21671 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
21672 @value{GDBN} CLI:
21673
21674 @smallexample
21675 type=@var{typename}
21676 @end smallexample
21677
21678
21679 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
21680 @findex -var-info-expression
21681
21682 @subsubheading Synopsis
21683
21684 @smallexample
21685 -var-info-expression @var{name}
21686 @end smallexample
21687
21688 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
21689 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
21690 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
21691
21692 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
21693 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
21694
21695 @smallexample
21696 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
21697 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
21698 @end smallexample
21699
21700 @noindent
21701 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
21702
21703 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
21704 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
21705 is of limited use.
21706
21707 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
21708 @findex -var-info-path-expression
21709
21710 @subsubheading Synopsis
21711
21712 @smallexample
21713 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
21714 @end smallexample
21715
21716 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
21717 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
21718 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
21719 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
21720 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
21721 watchpoint from a variable object.
21722
21723 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
21724 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
21725 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
21726 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
21727 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
21728 @smallexample
21729 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
21730 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
21731 @end smallexample
21732
21733 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
21734 @findex -var-show-attributes
21735
21736 @subsubheading Synopsis
21737
21738 @smallexample
21739 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
21740 @end smallexample
21741
21742 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
21743
21744 @smallexample
21745 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
21746 @end smallexample
21747
21748 @noindent
21749 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
21750
21751 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
21752 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
21753
21754 @subsubheading Synopsis
21755
21756 @smallexample
21757 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
21758 @end smallexample
21759
21760 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
21761 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
21762 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
21763 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
21764 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
21765 the current display format will be used. The current display format
21766 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
21767
21768 @smallexample
21769 value=@var{value}
21770 @end smallexample
21771
21772 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
21773 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
21774
21775 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
21776 @findex -var-assign
21777
21778 @subsubheading Synopsis
21779
21780 @smallexample
21781 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
21782 @end smallexample
21783
21784 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
21785 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
21786 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
21787 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
21788
21789 @subsubheading Example
21790
21791 @smallexample
21792 (gdb)
21793 -var-assign var1 3
21794 ^done,value="3"
21795 (gdb)
21796 -var-update *
21797 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
21798 (gdb)
21799 @end smallexample
21800
21801 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
21802 @findex -var-update
21803
21804 @subsubheading Synopsis
21805
21806 @smallexample
21807 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
21808 @end smallexample
21809
21810 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
21811 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
21812 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
21813 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
21814 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
21815 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
21816 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
21817 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
21818 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
21819 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
21820 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
21821 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
21822 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
21823
21824 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
21825 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
21826 diagnostic.
21827
21828 @subsubheading Example
21829
21830 @smallexample
21831 (gdb)
21832 -var-assign var1 3
21833 ^done,value="3"
21834 (gdb)
21835 -var-update --all-values var1
21836 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
21837 type_changed="false"@}]
21838 (gdb)
21839 @end smallexample
21840
21841 @anchor{-var-update}
21842 The field in_scope may take three values:
21843
21844 @table @code
21845 @item "true"
21846 The variable object's current value is valid.
21847
21848 @item "false"
21849 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
21850 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
21851 scope.
21852
21853 @item "invalid"
21854 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
21855 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
21856 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
21857 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
21858 objects.
21859 @end table
21860
21861 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
21862 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
21863
21864 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
21865 @findex -var-set-frozen
21866 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
21867
21868 @subsubheading Synopsis
21869
21870 @smallexample
21871 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
21872 @end smallexample
21873
21874 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
21875 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
21876 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
21877 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
21878 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
21879 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
21880 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
21881 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
21882 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
21883 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
21884 @code{-var-update} does.
21885
21886 @subsubheading Example
21887
21888 @smallexample
21889 (gdb)
21890 -var-set-frozen V 1
21891 ^done
21892 (gdb)
21893 @end smallexample
21894
21895
21896 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21897 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
21898 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
21899
21900 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
21901 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
21902 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
21903 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
21904
21905 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
21906 @c @subheading -data-assign
21907 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
21908 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
21909 @c set variable
21910 @c @subsubheading Example
21911 @c N.A.
21912
21913 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
21914 @findex -data-disassemble
21915
21916 @subsubheading Synopsis
21917
21918 @smallexample
21919 -data-disassemble
21920 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
21921 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
21922 -- @var{mode}
21923 @end smallexample
21924
21925 @noindent
21926 Where:
21927
21928 @table @samp
21929 @item @var{start-addr}
21930 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
21931 @item @var{end-addr}
21932 is the end address
21933 @item @var{filename}
21934 is the name of the file to disassemble
21935 @item @var{linenum}
21936 is the line number to disassemble around
21937 @item @var{lines}
21938 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
21939 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
21940 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
21941 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
21942 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
21943 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
21944 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
21945 are displayed.
21946 @item @var{mode}
21947 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly) or 1 (meaning mixed source and
21948 disassembly).
21949 @end table
21950
21951 @subsubheading Result
21952
21953 The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
21954
21955 @itemize @bullet
21956 @item Address
21957 @item Func-name
21958 @item Offset
21959 @item Instruction
21960 @end itemize
21961
21962 Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
21963 directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
21964
21965 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21966
21967 There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
21968
21969 @subsubheading Example
21970
21971 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
21972
21973 @smallexample
21974 (gdb)
21975 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
21976 ^done,
21977 asm_insns=[
21978 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
21979 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
21980 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
21981 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
21982 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
21983 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
21984 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
21985 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
21986 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
21987 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
21988 (gdb)
21989 @end smallexample
21990
21991 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
21992 @code{main}.
21993
21994 @smallexample
21995 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
21996 ^done,asm_insns=[
21997 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
21998 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
21999 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
22000 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
22001 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
22002 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
22003 [@dots{}]
22004 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
22005 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
22006 (gdb)
22007 @end smallexample
22008
22009 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
22010
22011 @smallexample
22012 (gdb)
22013 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
22014 ^done,asm_insns=[
22015 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
22016 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
22017 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
22018 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
22019 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
22020 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
22021 (gdb)
22022 @end smallexample
22023
22024 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
22025
22026 @smallexample
22027 (gdb)
22028 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
22029 ^done,asm_insns=[
22030 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
22031 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
22032 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
22033 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
22034 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
22035 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
22036 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
22037 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
22038 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
22039 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
22040 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
22041 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
22042 (gdb)
22043 @end smallexample
22044
22045
22046 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
22047 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
22048
22049 @subsubheading Synopsis
22050
22051 @smallexample
22052 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
22053 @end smallexample
22054
22055 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
22056 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
22057 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
22058
22059 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22060
22061 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
22062 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
22063 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
22064
22065 @subsubheading Example
22066
22067 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
22068 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
22069 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
22070 output.
22071
22072 @smallexample
22073 211-data-evaluate-expression A
22074 211^done,value="1"
22075 (gdb)
22076 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
22077 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
22078 (gdb)
22079 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
22080 411^done,value="4"
22081 (gdb)
22082 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
22083 511^done,value="4"
22084 (gdb)
22085 @end smallexample
22086
22087
22088 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
22089 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
22090
22091 @subsubheading Synopsis
22092
22093 @smallexample
22094 -data-list-changed-registers
22095 @end smallexample
22096
22097 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
22098
22099 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22100
22101 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
22102 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
22103
22104 @subsubheading Example
22105
22106 On a PPC MBX board:
22107
22108 @smallexample
22109 (gdb)
22110 -exec-continue
22111 ^running
22112
22113 (gdb)
22114 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
22115 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
22116 line="5"@}
22117 (gdb)
22118 -data-list-changed-registers
22119 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
22120 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
22121 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
22122 (gdb)
22123 @end smallexample
22124
22125
22126 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
22127 @findex -data-list-register-names
22128
22129 @subsubheading Synopsis
22130
22131 @smallexample
22132 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
22133 @end smallexample
22134
22135 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
22136 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
22137 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
22138 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
22139 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
22140 include empty register names.
22141
22142 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22143
22144 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
22145 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
22146 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
22147
22148 @subsubheading Example
22149
22150 For the PPC MBX board:
22151 @smallexample
22152 (gdb)
22153 -data-list-register-names
22154 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
22155 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
22156 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
22157 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
22158 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
22159 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
22160 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
22161 (gdb)
22162 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
22163 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
22164 (gdb)
22165 @end smallexample
22166
22167 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
22168 @findex -data-list-register-values
22169
22170 @subsubheading Synopsis
22171
22172 @smallexample
22173 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
22174 @end smallexample
22175
22176 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
22177 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
22178 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
22179 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
22180
22181 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
22182
22183 @table @code
22184 @item x
22185 Hexadecimal
22186 @item o
22187 Octal
22188 @item t
22189 Binary
22190 @item d
22191 Decimal
22192 @item r
22193 Raw
22194 @item N
22195 Natural
22196 @end table
22197
22198 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22199
22200 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
22201 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
22202
22203 @subsubheading Example
22204
22205 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
22206 don't appear in the actual output):
22207
22208 @smallexample
22209 (gdb)
22210 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
22211 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
22212 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
22213 (gdb)
22214 -data-list-register-values x
22215 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
22216 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
22217 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
22218 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
22219 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
22220 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
22221 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
22222 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
22223 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
22224 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
22225 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
22226 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
22227 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
22228 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
22229 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
22230 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
22231 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
22232 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
22233 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
22234 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
22235 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
22236 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
22237 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
22238 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
22239 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
22240 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
22241 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
22242 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
22243 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
22244 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
22245 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
22246 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
22247 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
22248 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
22249 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
22250 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
22251 (gdb)
22252 @end smallexample
22253
22254
22255 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
22256 @findex -data-read-memory
22257
22258 @subsubheading Synopsis
22259
22260 @smallexample
22261 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
22262 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
22263 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
22264 @end smallexample
22265
22266 @noindent
22267 where:
22268
22269 @table @samp
22270 @item @var{address}
22271 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
22272 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
22273 quoted using the C convention.
22274
22275 @item @var{word-format}
22276 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
22277 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
22278 ,Output Formats}).
22279
22280 @item @var{word-size}
22281 The size of each memory word in bytes.
22282
22283 @item @var{nr-rows}
22284 The number of rows in the output table.
22285
22286 @item @var{nr-cols}
22287 The number of columns in the output table.
22288
22289 @item @var{aschar}
22290 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
22291 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
22292 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
22293 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
22294
22295 @item @var{byte-offset}
22296 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
22297 @end table
22298
22299 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
22300 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
22301 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
22302 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
22303 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
22304 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
22305 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
22306 @samp{addr}.
22307
22308 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
22309 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
22310 @samp{prev-page}.
22311
22312 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22313
22314 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
22315 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
22316
22317 @subsubheading Example
22318
22319 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
22320 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
22321 word. Display each word in hex.
22322
22323 @smallexample
22324 (gdb)
22325 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
22326 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
22327 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
22328 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
22329 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
22330 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
22331 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
22332 (gdb)
22333 @end smallexample
22334
22335 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
22336 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
22337
22338 @smallexample
22339 (gdb)
22340 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
22341 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
22342 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
22343 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
22344 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
22345 (gdb)
22346 @end smallexample
22347
22348 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
22349 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
22350 used as the non-printable character.
22351
22352 @smallexample
22353 (gdb)
22354 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
22355 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
22356 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
22357 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
22358 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
22359 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
22360 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
22361 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
22362 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
22363 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
22364 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
22365 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
22366 (gdb)
22367 @end smallexample
22368
22369 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22370 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
22371 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
22372
22373 The tracepoint commands are not yet implemented.
22374
22375 @c @subheading -trace-actions
22376
22377 @c @subheading -trace-delete
22378
22379 @c @subheading -trace-disable
22380
22381 @c @subheading -trace-dump
22382
22383 @c @subheading -trace-enable
22384
22385 @c @subheading -trace-exists
22386
22387 @c @subheading -trace-find
22388
22389 @c @subheading -trace-frame-number
22390
22391 @c @subheading -trace-info
22392
22393 @c @subheading -trace-insert
22394
22395 @c @subheading -trace-list
22396
22397 @c @subheading -trace-pass-count
22398
22399 @c @subheading -trace-save
22400
22401 @c @subheading -trace-start
22402
22403 @c @subheading -trace-stop
22404
22405
22406 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22407 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
22408 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
22409
22410
22411 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
22412 @findex -symbol-info-address
22413
22414 @subsubheading Synopsis
22415
22416 @smallexample
22417 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
22418 @end smallexample
22419
22420 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
22421
22422 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22423
22424 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
22425
22426 @subsubheading Example
22427 N.A.
22428
22429
22430 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
22431 @findex -symbol-info-file
22432
22433 @subsubheading Synopsis
22434
22435 @smallexample
22436 -symbol-info-file
22437 @end smallexample
22438
22439 Show the file for the symbol.
22440
22441 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22442
22443 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
22444 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
22445
22446 @subsubheading Example
22447 N.A.
22448
22449
22450 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
22451 @findex -symbol-info-function
22452
22453 @subsubheading Synopsis
22454
22455 @smallexample
22456 -symbol-info-function
22457 @end smallexample
22458
22459 Show which function the symbol lives in.
22460
22461 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22462
22463 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
22464
22465 @subsubheading Example
22466 N.A.
22467
22468
22469 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
22470 @findex -symbol-info-line
22471
22472 @subsubheading Synopsis
22473
22474 @smallexample
22475 -symbol-info-line
22476 @end smallexample
22477
22478 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
22479
22480 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22481
22482 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
22483 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
22484
22485 @subsubheading Example
22486 N.A.
22487
22488
22489 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
22490 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
22491
22492 @subsubheading Synopsis
22493
22494 @smallexample
22495 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
22496 @end smallexample
22497
22498 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
22499
22500 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22501
22502 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
22503
22504 @subsubheading Example
22505 N.A.
22506
22507
22508 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
22509 @findex -symbol-list-functions
22510
22511 @subsubheading Synopsis
22512
22513 @smallexample
22514 -symbol-list-functions
22515 @end smallexample
22516
22517 List the functions in the executable.
22518
22519 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22520
22521 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
22522 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
22523
22524 @subsubheading Example
22525 N.A.
22526
22527
22528 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
22529 @findex -symbol-list-lines
22530
22531 @subsubheading Synopsis
22532
22533 @smallexample
22534 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
22535 @end smallexample
22536
22537 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
22538 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
22539 ascending PC order.
22540
22541 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22542
22543 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
22544
22545 @subsubheading Example
22546 @smallexample
22547 (gdb)
22548 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
22549 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
22550 (gdb)
22551 @end smallexample
22552
22553
22554 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
22555 @findex -symbol-list-types
22556
22557 @subsubheading Synopsis
22558
22559 @smallexample
22560 -symbol-list-types
22561 @end smallexample
22562
22563 List all the type names.
22564
22565 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22566
22567 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
22568 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
22569
22570 @subsubheading Example
22571 N.A.
22572
22573
22574 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
22575 @findex -symbol-list-variables
22576
22577 @subsubheading Synopsis
22578
22579 @smallexample
22580 -symbol-list-variables
22581 @end smallexample
22582
22583 List all the global and static variable names.
22584
22585 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22586
22587 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
22588
22589 @subsubheading Example
22590 N.A.
22591
22592
22593 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
22594 @findex -symbol-locate
22595
22596 @subsubheading Synopsis
22597
22598 @smallexample
22599 -symbol-locate
22600 @end smallexample
22601
22602 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22603
22604 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
22605
22606 @subsubheading Example
22607 N.A.
22608
22609
22610 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
22611 @findex -symbol-type
22612
22613 @subsubheading Synopsis
22614
22615 @smallexample
22616 -symbol-type @var{variable}
22617 @end smallexample
22618
22619 Show type of @var{variable}.
22620
22621 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22622
22623 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
22624 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
22625
22626 @subsubheading Example
22627 N.A.
22628
22629
22630 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22631 @node GDB/MI File Commands
22632 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
22633
22634 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
22635 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
22636
22637 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
22638 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
22639
22640 @subsubheading Synopsis
22641
22642 @smallexample
22643 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
22644 @end smallexample
22645
22646 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
22647 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
22648 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
22649 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
22650 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
22651 notification.
22652
22653 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22654
22655 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
22656
22657 @subsubheading Example
22658
22659 @smallexample
22660 (gdb)
22661 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
22662 ^done
22663 (gdb)
22664 @end smallexample
22665
22666
22667 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
22668 @findex -file-exec-file
22669
22670 @subsubheading Synopsis
22671
22672 @smallexample
22673 -file-exec-file @var{file}
22674 @end smallexample
22675
22676 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
22677 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
22678 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
22679 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
22680 notification.
22681
22682 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22683
22684 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
22685
22686 @subsubheading Example
22687
22688 @smallexample
22689 (gdb)
22690 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
22691 ^done
22692 (gdb)
22693 @end smallexample
22694
22695
22696 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
22697 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
22698
22699 @subsubheading Synopsis
22700
22701 @smallexample
22702 -file-list-exec-sections
22703 @end smallexample
22704
22705 List the sections of the current executable file.
22706
22707 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22708
22709 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
22710 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
22711 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
22712
22713 @subsubheading Example
22714 N.A.
22715
22716
22717 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
22718 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
22719
22720 @subsubheading Synopsis
22721
22722 @smallexample
22723 -file-list-exec-source-file
22724 @end smallexample
22725
22726 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
22727 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
22728 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
22729 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
22730
22731 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22732
22733 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
22734
22735 @subsubheading Example
22736
22737 @smallexample
22738 (gdb)
22739 123-file-list-exec-source-file
22740 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
22741 (gdb)
22742 @end smallexample
22743
22744
22745 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
22746 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
22747
22748 @subsubheading Synopsis
22749
22750 @smallexample
22751 -file-list-exec-source-files
22752 @end smallexample
22753
22754 List the source files for the current executable.
22755
22756 It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
22757 the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
22758
22759 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22760
22761 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
22762 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
22763
22764 @subsubheading Example
22765 @smallexample
22766 (gdb)
22767 -file-list-exec-source-files
22768 ^done,files=[
22769 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
22770 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
22771 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
22772 (gdb)
22773 @end smallexample
22774
22775 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
22776 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
22777
22778 @subsubheading Synopsis
22779
22780 @smallexample
22781 -file-list-shared-libraries
22782 @end smallexample
22783
22784 List the shared libraries in the program.
22785
22786 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22787
22788 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
22789
22790 @subsubheading Example
22791 N.A.
22792
22793
22794 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
22795 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
22796
22797 @subsubheading Synopsis
22798
22799 @smallexample
22800 -file-list-symbol-files
22801 @end smallexample
22802
22803 List symbol files.
22804
22805 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22806
22807 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
22808
22809 @subsubheading Example
22810 N.A.
22811
22812
22813 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
22814 @findex -file-symbol-file
22815
22816 @subsubheading Synopsis
22817
22818 @smallexample
22819 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
22820 @end smallexample
22821
22822 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
22823 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
22824 produced, except for a completion notification.
22825
22826 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22827
22828 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
22829
22830 @subsubheading Example
22831
22832 @smallexample
22833 (gdb)
22834 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
22835 ^done
22836 (gdb)
22837 @end smallexample
22838
22839 @ignore
22840 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22841 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
22842 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
22843
22844 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
22845
22846 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
22847
22848 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
22849
22850 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
22851
22852 @c @subheading -overlay-map
22853
22854 @c @subheading -overlay-off
22855
22856 @c @subheading -overlay-on
22857
22858 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
22859
22860 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22861 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
22862 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
22863
22864 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
22865
22866 @c @subheading -signal-handle
22867
22868 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
22869
22870 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
22871 @end ignore
22872
22873
22874 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22875 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
22876 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
22877
22878
22879 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
22880 @findex -target-attach
22881
22882 @subsubheading Synopsis
22883
22884 @smallexample
22885 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
22886 @end smallexample
22887
22888 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
22889 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
22890 group, the id previously returned by
22891 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
22892
22893 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22894
22895 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
22896
22897 @subsubheading Example
22898 @smallexample
22899 (gdb)
22900 -target-attach 34
22901 =thread-created,id="1"
22902 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
22903 ^done
22904 (gdb)
22905 @end smallexample
22906
22907 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
22908 @findex -target-compare-sections
22909
22910 @subsubheading Synopsis
22911
22912 @smallexample
22913 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
22914 @end smallexample
22915
22916 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
22917 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
22918
22919 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22920
22921 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
22922
22923 @subsubheading Example
22924 N.A.
22925
22926
22927 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
22928 @findex -target-detach
22929
22930 @subsubheading Synopsis
22931
22932 @smallexample
22933 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
22934 @end smallexample
22935
22936 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
22937 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
22938 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
22939
22940 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22941
22942 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
22943
22944 @subsubheading Example
22945
22946 @smallexample
22947 (gdb)
22948 -target-detach
22949 ^done
22950 (gdb)
22951 @end smallexample
22952
22953
22954 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
22955 @findex -target-disconnect
22956
22957 @subsubheading Synopsis
22958
22959 @smallexample
22960 -target-disconnect
22961 @end smallexample
22962
22963 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
22964 generally not resumed.
22965
22966 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22967
22968 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
22969
22970 @subsubheading Example
22971
22972 @smallexample
22973 (gdb)
22974 -target-disconnect
22975 ^done
22976 (gdb)
22977 @end smallexample
22978
22979
22980 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
22981 @findex -target-download
22982
22983 @subsubheading Synopsis
22984
22985 @smallexample
22986 -target-download
22987 @end smallexample
22988
22989 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
22990 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
22991
22992 @table @samp
22993 @item section
22994 The name of the section.
22995 @item section-sent
22996 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
22997 @item section-size
22998 The size of the section.
22999 @item total-sent
23000 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
23001 @item total-size
23002 The size of the overall executable to download.
23003 @end table
23004
23005 @noindent
23006 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
23007 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
23008
23009 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
23010 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
23011
23012 @table @samp
23013 @item section
23014 The name of the section.
23015 @item section-size
23016 The size of the section.
23017 @item total-size
23018 The size of the overall executable to download.
23019 @end table
23020
23021 @noindent
23022 At the end, a summary is printed.
23023
23024 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23025
23026 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
23027
23028 @subsubheading Example
23029
23030 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
23031 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
23032
23033 @smallexample
23034 (gdb)
23035 -target-download
23036 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
23037 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
23038 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
23039 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
23040 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
23041 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
23042 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
23043 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
23044 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
23045 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
23046 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
23047 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
23048 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
23049 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
23050 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
23051 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
23052 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
23053 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
23054 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
23055 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
23056 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
23057 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
23058 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
23059 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
23060 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
23061 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
23062 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
23063 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
23064 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
23065 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
23066 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
23067 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
23068 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
23069 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
23070 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
23071 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
23072 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
23073 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
23074 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
23075 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
23076 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
23077 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
23078 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
23079 write-rate="429"
23080 (gdb)
23081 @end smallexample
23082
23083
23084 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
23085 @findex -target-exec-status
23086
23087 @subsubheading Synopsis
23088
23089 @smallexample
23090 -target-exec-status
23091 @end smallexample
23092
23093 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
23094 not, for instance).
23095
23096 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23097
23098 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
23099
23100 @subsubheading Example
23101 N.A.
23102
23103
23104 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
23105 @findex -target-list-available-targets
23106
23107 @subsubheading Synopsis
23108
23109 @smallexample
23110 -target-list-available-targets
23111 @end smallexample
23112
23113 List the possible targets to connect to.
23114
23115 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23116
23117 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
23118
23119 @subsubheading Example
23120 N.A.
23121
23122
23123 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
23124 @findex -target-list-current-targets
23125
23126 @subsubheading Synopsis
23127
23128 @smallexample
23129 -target-list-current-targets
23130 @end smallexample
23131
23132 Describe the current target.
23133
23134 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23135
23136 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
23137 other things).
23138
23139 @subsubheading Example
23140 N.A.
23141
23142
23143 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
23144 @findex -target-list-parameters
23145
23146 @subsubheading Synopsis
23147
23148 @smallexample
23149 -target-list-parameters
23150 @end smallexample
23151
23152 @c ????
23153
23154 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23155
23156 No equivalent.
23157
23158 @subsubheading Example
23159 N.A.
23160
23161
23162 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
23163 @findex -target-select
23164
23165 @subsubheading Synopsis
23166
23167 @smallexample
23168 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
23169 @end smallexample
23170
23171 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
23172
23173 @table @samp
23174 @item @var{type}
23175 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
23176 @item @var{parameters}
23177 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
23178 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
23179 @end table
23180
23181 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
23182 which the target program is, in the following form:
23183
23184 @smallexample
23185 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
23186 args=[@var{arg list}]
23187 @end smallexample
23188
23189 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23190
23191 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
23192
23193 @subsubheading Example
23194
23195 @smallexample
23196 (gdb)
23197 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
23198 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
23199 (gdb)
23200 @end smallexample
23201
23202 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23203 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
23204 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
23205
23206
23207 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
23208 @findex -target-file-put
23209
23210 @subsubheading Synopsis
23211
23212 @smallexample
23213 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
23214 @end smallexample
23215
23216 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
23217 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
23218
23219 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23220
23221 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
23222
23223 @subsubheading Example
23224
23225 @smallexample
23226 (gdb)
23227 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
23228 ^done
23229 (gdb)
23230 @end smallexample
23231
23232
23233 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
23234 @findex -target-file-get
23235
23236 @subsubheading Synopsis
23237
23238 @smallexample
23239 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
23240 @end smallexample
23241
23242 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
23243 on the host system.
23244
23245 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23246
23247 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
23248
23249 @subsubheading Example
23250
23251 @smallexample
23252 (gdb)
23253 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
23254 ^done
23255 (gdb)
23256 @end smallexample
23257
23258
23259 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
23260 @findex -target-file-delete
23261
23262 @subsubheading Synopsis
23263
23264 @smallexample
23265 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
23266 @end smallexample
23267
23268 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
23269
23270 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23271
23272 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
23273
23274 @subsubheading Example
23275
23276 @smallexample
23277 (gdb)
23278 -target-file-delete remotefile
23279 ^done
23280 (gdb)
23281 @end smallexample
23282
23283
23284 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23285 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
23286 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
23287
23288 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
23289
23290 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
23291 @findex -gdb-exit
23292
23293 @subsubheading Synopsis
23294
23295 @smallexample
23296 -gdb-exit
23297 @end smallexample
23298
23299 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
23300
23301 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23302
23303 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
23304
23305 @subsubheading Example
23306
23307 @smallexample
23308 (gdb)
23309 -gdb-exit
23310 ^exit
23311 @end smallexample
23312
23313
23314 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
23315 @findex -exec-abort
23316
23317 @subsubheading Synopsis
23318
23319 @smallexample
23320 -exec-abort
23321 @end smallexample
23322
23323 Kill the inferior running program.
23324
23325 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23326
23327 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
23328
23329 @subsubheading Example
23330 N.A.
23331
23332
23333 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
23334 @findex -gdb-set
23335
23336 @subsubheading Synopsis
23337
23338 @smallexample
23339 -gdb-set
23340 @end smallexample
23341
23342 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
23343 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
23344
23345 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23346
23347 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
23348
23349 @subsubheading Example
23350
23351 @smallexample
23352 (gdb)
23353 -gdb-set $foo=3
23354 ^done
23355 (gdb)
23356 @end smallexample
23357
23358
23359 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
23360 @findex -gdb-show
23361
23362 @subsubheading Synopsis
23363
23364 @smallexample
23365 -gdb-show
23366 @end smallexample
23367
23368 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
23369
23370 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23371
23372 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
23373
23374 @subsubheading Example
23375
23376 @smallexample
23377 (gdb)
23378 -gdb-show annotate
23379 ^done,value="0"
23380 (gdb)
23381 @end smallexample
23382
23383 @c @subheading -gdb-source
23384
23385
23386 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
23387 @findex -gdb-version
23388
23389 @subsubheading Synopsis
23390
23391 @smallexample
23392 -gdb-version
23393 @end smallexample
23394
23395 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
23396
23397 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23398
23399 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
23400 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
23401
23402 @subsubheading Example
23403
23404 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
23405 @c box in TeX.
23406 @smallexample
23407 (gdb)
23408 -gdb-version
23409 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
23410 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
23411 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
23412 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
23413 ~ certain conditions.
23414 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
23415 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
23416 ~ details.
23417 ~This GDB was configured as
23418 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
23419 ^done
23420 (gdb)
23421 @end smallexample
23422
23423 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
23424 @findex -list-features
23425
23426 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
23427 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
23428 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
23429 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
23430 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
23431 startup.
23432
23433 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
23434 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
23435 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
23436 is given below.
23437
23438 Example output:
23439
23440 @smallexample
23441 (gdb) -list-features
23442 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
23443 @end smallexample
23444
23445 The current list of features is:
23446
23447 @table @samp
23448 @item frozen-varobjs
23449 Indicates presence of the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
23450 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
23451 of @code{-varobj-create}.
23452 @item pending-breakpoints
23453 Indicates presence of the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert} command.
23454 @item thread-info
23455 Indicates presence of the @code{-thread-info} command.
23456
23457 @end table
23458
23459 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
23460 @findex -list-target-features
23461
23462 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
23463 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
23464 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
23465 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
23466 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
23467 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
23468 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
23469 Example output:
23470
23471 @smallexample
23472 (gdb) -list-features
23473 ^done,result=["async"]
23474 @end smallexample
23475
23476 The current list of features is:
23477
23478 @table @samp
23479 @item async
23480 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
23481 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
23482 while the target is running.
23483
23484 @end table
23485
23486 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
23487 @findex -list-thread-groups
23488
23489 @subheading Synopsis
23490
23491 @smallexample
23492 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ @var{group} ]
23493 @end smallexample
23494
23495 When used without the @var{group} parameter, lists top-level thread
23496 groups that are being debugged. When used with the @var{group}
23497 parameter, the children of the specified group are listed. The
23498 children can be either threads, or other groups. At present,
23499 @value{GDBN} will not report both threads and groups as children at
23500 the same time, but it may change in future.
23501
23502 With the @samp{--available} option, instead of reporting groups that
23503 are been debugged, GDB will report all thread groups available on the
23504 target. Using the @samp{--available} option together with @var{group}
23505 is not allowed.
23506
23507 @subheading Example
23508
23509 @smallexample
23510 @value{GDBP}
23511 -list-thread-groups
23512 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
23513 -list-thread-groups 17
23514 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
23515 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
23516 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
23517 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
23518 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
23519 @end smallexample
23520
23521 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
23522 @findex -interpreter-exec
23523
23524 @subheading Synopsis
23525
23526 @smallexample
23527 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
23528 @end smallexample
23529 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
23530
23531 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
23532
23533 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
23534
23535 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
23536
23537 @subheading Example
23538
23539 @smallexample
23540 (gdb)
23541 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
23542 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
23543 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
23544 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
23545 ^done
23546 (gdb)
23547 @end smallexample
23548
23549 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
23550 @findex -inferior-tty-set
23551
23552 @subheading Synopsis
23553
23554 @smallexample
23555 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
23556 @end smallexample
23557
23558 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
23559
23560 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
23561
23562 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
23563
23564 @subheading Example
23565
23566 @smallexample
23567 (gdb)
23568 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
23569 ^done
23570 (gdb)
23571 @end smallexample
23572
23573 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
23574 @findex -inferior-tty-show
23575
23576 @subheading Synopsis
23577
23578 @smallexample
23579 -inferior-tty-show
23580 @end smallexample
23581
23582 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
23583
23584 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
23585
23586 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
23587
23588 @subheading Example
23589
23590 @smallexample
23591 (gdb)
23592 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
23593 ^done
23594 (gdb)
23595 -inferior-tty-show
23596 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
23597 (gdb)
23598 @end smallexample
23599
23600 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
23601 @findex -enable-timings
23602
23603 @subheading Synopsis
23604
23605 @smallexample
23606 -enable-timings [yes | no]
23607 @end smallexample
23608
23609 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
23610 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
23611 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
23612 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
23613
23614 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
23615
23616 No equivalent.
23617
23618 @subheading Example
23619
23620 @smallexample
23621 (gdb)
23622 -enable-timings
23623 ^done
23624 (gdb)
23625 -break-insert main
23626 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
23627 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
23628 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
23629 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
23630 (gdb)
23631 -enable-timings no
23632 ^done
23633 (gdb)
23634 -exec-run
23635 ^running
23636 (gdb)
23637 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
23638 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
23639 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
23640 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
23641 (gdb)
23642 @end smallexample
23643
23644 @node Annotations
23645 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
23646
23647 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
23648 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
23649 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
23650 relatively high level.
23651
23652 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
23653 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
23654
23655 @ignore
23656 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
23657 @end ignore
23658
23659 @menu
23660 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
23661 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
23662 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
23663 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
23664 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
23665 * Annotations for Running::
23666 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
23667 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
23668 @end menu
23669
23670 @node Annotations Overview
23671 @section What is an Annotation?
23672 @cindex annotations
23673
23674 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
23675 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
23676 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
23677 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
23678 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
23679 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
23680 cannot contain newline characters.
23681
23682 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
23683 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
23684 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
23685 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
23686 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
23687 means those three characters as output.
23688
23689 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
23690 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
23691 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
23692 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
23693 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
23694 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
23695 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
23696 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
23697 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
23698
23699 @table @code
23700 @kindex set annotate
23701 @item set annotate @var{level}
23702 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
23703 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
23704
23705 @item show annotate
23706 @kindex show annotate
23707 Show the current annotation level.
23708 @end table
23709
23710 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
23711
23712 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
23713
23714 @smallexample
23715 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
23716 GNU gdb 6.0
23717 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
23718 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
23719 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
23720 under certain conditions.
23721 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
23722 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
23723 for details.
23724 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
23725
23726 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
23727 (@value{GDBP})
23728 ^Z^Zprompt
23729 @kbd{quit}
23730
23731 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
23732 $
23733 @end smallexample
23734
23735 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
23736 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
23737 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
23738 output from @value{GDBN}.
23739
23740 @node Server Prefix
23741 @section The Server Prefix
23742 @cindex server prefix
23743
23744 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
23745 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
23746 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
23747 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
23748 a transparent manner.
23749
23750 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
23751 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
23752 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
23753
23754 @node Prompting
23755 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
23756
23757 @cindex annotations for prompts
23758 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
23759 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
23760 over, etc.
23761
23762 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
23763 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
23764 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
23765 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
23766 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
23767 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
23768 features the following annotations:
23769
23770 @smallexample
23771 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
23772 ^Z^Zprompt
23773 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
23774 @end smallexample
23775
23776 The input types are
23777
23778 @table @code
23779 @findex pre-prompt annotation
23780 @findex prompt annotation
23781 @findex post-prompt annotation
23782 @item prompt
23783 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
23784
23785 @findex pre-commands annotation
23786 @findex commands annotation
23787 @findex post-commands annotation
23788 @item commands
23789 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
23790 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
23791
23792 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
23793 @findex overload-choice annotation
23794 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
23795 @item overload-choice
23796 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
23797
23798 @findex pre-query annotation
23799 @findex query annotation
23800 @findex post-query annotation
23801 @item query
23802 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
23803
23804 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
23805 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
23806 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
23807 @item prompt-for-continue
23808 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
23809 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
23810 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
23811 presence of annotations.
23812 @end table
23813
23814 @node Errors
23815 @section Errors
23816 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
23817
23818 @findex quit annotation
23819 @smallexample
23820 ^Z^Zquit
23821 @end smallexample
23822
23823 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
23824
23825 @findex error annotation
23826 @smallexample
23827 ^Z^Zerror
23828 @end smallexample
23829
23830 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
23831
23832 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
23833 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
23834 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
23835 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
23836 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
23837 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
23838 to the top level.
23839
23840 @findex error-begin annotation
23841 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
23842
23843 @smallexample
23844 ^Z^Zerror-begin
23845 @end smallexample
23846
23847 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
23848 message.
23849
23850 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
23851 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
23852 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
23853
23854 @node Invalidation
23855 @section Invalidation Notices
23856
23857 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
23858 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
23859 changed.
23860
23861 @table @code
23862 @findex frames-invalid annotation
23863 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
23864
23865 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
23866 have changed.
23867
23868 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
23869 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
23870
23871 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
23872 deleted a breakpoint.
23873 @end table
23874
23875 @node Annotations for Running
23876 @section Running the Program
23877 @cindex annotations for running programs
23878
23879 @findex starting annotation
23880 @findex stopping annotation
23881 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
23882 @code{step} or @code{continue},
23883
23884 @smallexample
23885 ^Z^Zstarting
23886 @end smallexample
23887
23888 is output. When the program stops,
23889
23890 @smallexample
23891 ^Z^Zstopped
23892 @end smallexample
23893
23894 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
23895 annotations describe how the program stopped.
23896
23897 @table @code
23898 @findex exited annotation
23899 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
23900 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
23901 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
23902
23903 @findex signalled annotation
23904 @findex signal-name annotation
23905 @findex signal-name-end annotation
23906 @findex signal-string annotation
23907 @findex signal-string-end annotation
23908 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
23909 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
23910 annotation continues:
23911
23912 @smallexample
23913 @var{intro-text}
23914 ^Z^Zsignal-name
23915 @var{name}
23916 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
23917 @var{middle-text}
23918 ^Z^Zsignal-string
23919 @var{string}
23920 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
23921 @var{end-text}
23922 @end smallexample
23923
23924 @noindent
23925 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
23926 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
23927 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
23928 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
23929 user's benefit and have no particular format.
23930
23931 @findex signal annotation
23932 @item ^Z^Zsignal
23933 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
23934 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
23935 terminated with it.
23936
23937 @findex breakpoint annotation
23938 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
23939 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
23940
23941 @findex watchpoint annotation
23942 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
23943 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
23944 @end table
23945
23946 @node Source Annotations
23947 @section Displaying Source
23948 @cindex annotations for source display
23949
23950 @findex source annotation
23951 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
23952
23953 @smallexample
23954 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
23955 @end smallexample
23956
23957 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
23958 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
23959 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
23960 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
23961 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
23962 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
23963 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
23964 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
23965 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
23966 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
23967 depend on the language).
23968
23969 @node GDB Bugs
23970 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
23971 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
23972 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
23973
23974 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
23975
23976 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
23977 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
23978 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
23979 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
23980
23981 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
23982 information that enables us to fix the bug.
23983
23984 @menu
23985 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
23986 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
23987 @end menu
23988
23989 @node Bug Criteria
23990 @section Have You Found a Bug?
23991 @cindex bug criteria
23992
23993 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
23994
23995 @itemize @bullet
23996 @cindex fatal signal
23997 @cindex debugger crash
23998 @cindex crash of debugger
23999 @item
24000 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
24001 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
24002
24003 @cindex error on valid input
24004 @item
24005 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
24006 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
24007 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
24008
24009 @cindex invalid input
24010 @item
24011 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
24012 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
24013 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
24014 for traditional practice''.
24015
24016 @item
24017 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
24018 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
24019 @end itemize
24020
24021 @node Bug Reporting
24022 @section How to Report Bugs
24023 @cindex bug reports
24024 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
24025
24026 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
24027 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
24028 contact that organization first.
24029
24030 You can find contact information for many support companies and
24031 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
24032 distribution.
24033 @c should add a web page ref...
24034
24035 @ifset BUGURL
24036 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
24037 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
24038 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
24039 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
24040 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
24041 be used.
24042
24043 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
24044 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
24045 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
24046 @samp{bug-gdb}.
24047
24048 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
24049 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
24050 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
24051 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
24052 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
24053 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
24054 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
24055 bug reports to the mailing list.
24056 @end ifset
24057 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
24058 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
24059 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
24060 @end ifclear
24061 @end ifset
24062
24063 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
24064 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
24065 fact or leave it out, state it!
24066
24067 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
24068 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
24069 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
24070 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
24071 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
24072 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
24073 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
24074 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
24075 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
24076
24077 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
24078 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
24079 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
24080 self-contained.
24081
24082 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
24083 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
24084 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
24085 bugs properly.
24086
24087 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
24088
24089 @itemize @bullet
24090 @item
24091 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
24092 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
24093 version}.
24094
24095 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
24096 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
24097
24098 @item
24099 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
24100 version number.
24101
24102 @item
24103 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
24104 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
24105
24106 @item
24107 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
24108 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
24109 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
24110 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
24111 those compilers.
24112
24113 @item
24114 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
24115 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
24116 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
24117 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
24118
24119 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
24120 and then we might not encounter the bug.
24121
24122 @item
24123 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
24124 reproduce the bug.
24125
24126 @item
24127 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
24128 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
24129
24130 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
24131 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
24132 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
24133 a chance to make a mistake.
24134
24135 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
24136 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
24137 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
24138 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
24139 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
24140 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
24141 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
24142 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
24143
24144 @pindex script
24145 @cindex recording a session script
24146 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
24147 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
24148 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
24149 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
24150
24151 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
24152 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
24153
24154 @item
24155 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
24156 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
24157 it by context, not by line number.
24158
24159 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
24160 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
24161
24162 @end itemize
24163
24164 Here are some things that are not necessary:
24165
24166 @itemize @bullet
24167 @item
24168 A description of the envelope of the bug.
24169
24170 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
24171 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
24172 changes will not affect it.
24173
24174 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
24175 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
24176 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
24177 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
24178
24179 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
24180 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
24181 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
24182 less time, and so on.
24183
24184 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
24185 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
24186
24187 @item
24188 A patch for the bug.
24189
24190 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
24191 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
24192 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
24193 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
24194
24195 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
24196 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
24197 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
24198 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
24199
24200 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
24201 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
24202 help us to understand.
24203
24204 @item
24205 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
24206
24207 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
24208 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
24209 @end itemize
24210
24211 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
24212 @c and consists of the two following files:
24213 @c rluser.texinfo
24214 @c inc-hist.texinfo
24215 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
24216 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
24217 @include rluser.texi
24218 @include inc-hist.texinfo
24219
24220
24221 @node Formatting Documentation
24222 @appendix Formatting Documentation
24223
24224 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
24225 @cindex reference card
24226 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
24227 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
24228 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
24229 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
24230 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
24231 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
24232
24233 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
24234 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
24235
24236 @smallexample
24237 make refcard.dvi
24238 @end smallexample
24239
24240 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
24241 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
24242 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
24243 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
24244 your @sc{dvi} output program.
24245
24246 @cindex documentation
24247
24248 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
24249 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
24250 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
24251 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
24252 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
24253 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
24254
24255 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
24256 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
24257 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
24258 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
24259 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
24260 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
24261 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
24262 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
24263
24264 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
24265 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
24266 @code{makeinfo}.
24267
24268 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
24269 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
24270 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
24271
24272 @smallexample
24273 cd gdb
24274 make gdb.info
24275 @end smallexample
24276
24277 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
24278 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
24279 Texinfo definitions file.
24280
24281 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
24282 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
24283 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
24284 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
24285 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
24286 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
24287 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
24288
24289 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
24290 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
24291 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
24292 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
24293 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
24294 directory.
24295
24296 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
24297 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
24298 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
24299 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
24300
24301 @smallexample
24302 make gdb.dvi
24303 @end smallexample
24304
24305 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
24306
24307 @node Installing GDB
24308 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
24309 @cindex installation
24310
24311 @menu
24312 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
24313 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
24314 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
24315 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
24316 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
24317 @end menu
24318
24319 @node Requirements
24320 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
24321 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
24322
24323 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
24324 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
24325
24326 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
24327 @table @asis
24328 @item ISO C90 compiler
24329 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
24330 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
24331
24332 @end table
24333
24334 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
24335 @table @asis
24336 @item Expat
24337 @anchor{Expat}
24338 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
24339 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
24340 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
24341 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
24342 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
24343 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
24344
24345 Expat is used for:
24346
24347 @itemize @bullet
24348 @item
24349 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
24350 @item
24351 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
24352 @item
24353 Remote shared library lists (@pxref{Library List Format})
24354 @item
24355 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
24356 @end itemize
24357
24358 @item zlib
24359 @cindex compressed debug sections
24360 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
24361 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
24362 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
24363 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
24364 information in such binaries.
24365
24366 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
24367 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
24368 @url{http://zlib.net}.
24369
24370 @end table
24371
24372 @node Running Configure
24373 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
24374 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
24375 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
24376 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
24377 build the @code{gdb} program.
24378 @iftex
24379 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
24380 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
24381 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
24382 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
24383 @end iftex
24384
24385 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
24386 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
24387 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
24388
24389 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
24390 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
24391
24392 @table @code
24393 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
24394 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
24395
24396 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
24397 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
24398
24399 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
24400 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
24401
24402 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
24403 @sc{gnu} include files
24404
24405 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
24406 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
24407
24408 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
24409 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
24410
24411 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
24412 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
24413
24414 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
24415 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
24416
24417 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
24418 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
24419 @end table
24420
24421 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
24422 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
24423 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
24424
24425 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
24426 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
24427 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
24428 argument.
24429
24430 For example:
24431
24432 @smallexample
24433 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
24434 ./configure @var{host}
24435 make
24436 @end smallexample
24437
24438 @noindent
24439 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
24440 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
24441 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
24442 correct value by examining your system.)
24443
24444 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
24445 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
24446 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
24447 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
24448
24449 @need 750
24450 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
24451 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
24452 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
24453
24454 @smallexample
24455 sh configure @var{host}
24456 @end smallexample
24457
24458 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
24459 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
24460 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
24461 @file{configure}
24462 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
24463 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
24464
24465 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
24466 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
24467 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
24468 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
24469 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
24470 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
24471 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
24472 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
24473 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
24474
24475 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
24476 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
24477 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
24478 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
24479 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
24480
24481 @node Separate Objdir
24482 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
24483
24484 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
24485 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
24486 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
24487 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
24488 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
24489 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
24490 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
24491 program specified there.
24492
24493 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
24494 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
24495 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
24496 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
24497 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
24498 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
24499
24500 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
24501 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
24502
24503 @smallexample
24504 @group
24505 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
24506 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
24507 cd ../gdb-sun4
24508 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
24509 make
24510 @end group
24511 @end smallexample
24512
24513 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
24514 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
24515 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
24516 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
24517 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
24518 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
24519
24520 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
24521 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
24522 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
24523 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
24524 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
24525
24526 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
24527 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
24528 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
24529 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
24530 You specify a cross-debugging target by
24531 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
24532
24533 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
24534 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
24535 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
24536
24537 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
24538 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
24539 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
24540 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
24541 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
24542
24543 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
24544 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
24545 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
24546 with each other.
24547
24548 @node Config Names
24549 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
24550
24551 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
24552 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
24553 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
24554 of information in the following pattern:
24555
24556 @smallexample
24557 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
24558 @end smallexample
24559
24560 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
24561 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
24562 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
24563
24564 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
24565 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
24566 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
24567 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
24568 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
24569 abbreviations---for example:
24570
24571 @smallexample
24572 % sh config.sub i386-linux
24573 i386-pc-linux-gnu
24574 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
24575 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
24576 % sh config.sub hp9k700
24577 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
24578 % sh config.sub sun4
24579 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
24580 % sh config.sub sun3
24581 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
24582 % sh config.sub i986v
24583 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
24584 @end smallexample
24585
24586 @noindent
24587 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
24588 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
24589
24590 @node Configure Options
24591 @section @file{configure} Options
24592
24593 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
24594 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
24595 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
24596 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
24597
24598 @smallexample
24599 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
24600 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
24601 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
24602 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
24603 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
24604 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
24605 @var{host}
24606 @end smallexample
24607
24608 @noindent
24609 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
24610 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
24611 @samp{--}.
24612
24613 @table @code
24614 @item --help
24615 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
24616
24617 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
24618 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
24619 @file{@var{dir}}.
24620
24621 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
24622 Configure the source to install programs under directory
24623 @file{@var{dir}}.
24624
24625 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
24626 @need 2000
24627 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
24628 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
24629 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
24630 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
24631 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
24632 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
24633 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
24634 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
24635 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
24636 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
24637 @var{dirname}.
24638
24639 @item --norecursion
24640 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
24641 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
24642
24643 @item --target=@var{target}
24644 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
24645 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
24646 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
24647
24648 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
24649
24650 @item @var{host} @dots{}
24651 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
24652
24653 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
24654 @end table
24655
24656 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
24657 needed for special purposes only.
24658
24659 @node Maintenance Commands
24660 @appendix Maintenance Commands
24661 @cindex maintenance commands
24662 @cindex internal commands
24663
24664 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
24665 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
24666 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
24667 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
24668 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
24669
24670 @table @code
24671 @kindex maint agent
24672 @item maint agent @var{expression}
24673 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
24674 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
24675 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
24676
24677 @kindex maint info breakpoints
24678 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
24679 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
24680 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
24681 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
24682 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
24683 is shown:
24684
24685 @table @code
24686 @item breakpoint
24687 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
24688
24689 @item watchpoint
24690 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
24691
24692 @item longjmp
24693 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
24694 @code{longjmp} calls.
24695
24696 @item longjmp resume
24697 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
24698
24699 @item until
24700 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
24701
24702 @item finish
24703 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
24704
24705 @item shlib events
24706 Shared library events.
24707
24708 @end table
24709
24710 @kindex set displaced-stepping
24711 @kindex show displaced-stepping
24712 @cindex displaced stepping support
24713 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
24714 @item set displaced-stepping
24715 @itemx show displaced-stepping
24716 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
24717 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
24718 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
24719 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
24720 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
24721
24722 @table @code
24723 @item set displaced-stepping on
24724 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
24725 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
24726
24727 @item set displaced-stepping off
24728 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
24729 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
24730
24731 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
24732 @item set displaced-stepping auto
24733 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
24734 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
24735 architecture supports displaced stepping.
24736 @end table
24737
24738 @kindex maint check-symtabs
24739 @item maint check-symtabs
24740 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
24741
24742 @kindex maint cplus first_component
24743 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
24744 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
24745
24746 @kindex maint cplus namespace
24747 @item maint cplus namespace
24748 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
24749
24750 @kindex maint demangle
24751 @item maint demangle @var{name}
24752 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
24753
24754 @kindex maint deprecate
24755 @kindex maint undeprecate
24756 @cindex deprecated commands
24757 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
24758 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
24759 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
24760 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
24761 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
24762 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
24763 the replacement as part of the warning.
24764
24765 @kindex maint dump-me
24766 @item maint dump-me
24767 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
24768 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
24769 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
24770 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
24771
24772 @kindex maint internal-error
24773 @kindex maint internal-warning
24774 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
24775 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
24776 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
24777 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
24778 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
24779 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
24780 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
24781 @value{GDBN} session.
24782
24783 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
24784 used as the text of the error or warning message.
24785
24786 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
24787
24788 @smallexample
24789 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
24790 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
24791 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
24792 debugging may prove unreliable.
24793 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
24794 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
24795 (@value{GDBP})
24796 @end smallexample
24797
24798 @kindex maint packet
24799 @item maint packet @var{text}
24800 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
24801 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
24802 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
24803 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
24804 checksum.
24805
24806 @kindex maint print architecture
24807 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
24808 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
24809 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
24810
24811 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
24812 @item maint print c-tdesc
24813 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
24814 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
24815 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
24816
24817 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
24818 @item maint print dummy-frames
24819 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
24820
24821 @smallexample
24822 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
24823 @dots{}
24824 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
24825 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
24826 58 return (a + b);
24827 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
24828 @dots{}
24829 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
24830 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
24831 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
24832 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
24833 (@value{GDBP})
24834 @end smallexample
24835
24836 Takes an optional file parameter.
24837
24838 @kindex maint print registers
24839 @kindex maint print raw-registers
24840 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
24841 @kindex maint print register-groups
24842 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
24843 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
24844 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
24845 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
24846 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
24847
24848 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
24849 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print cooked-registers}
24850 includes the (cooked) value of all registers; and the command
24851 @code{maint print register-groups} includes the groups that each
24852 register is a member of. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
24853 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
24854
24855 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
24856 write the information.
24857
24858 @kindex maint print reggroups
24859 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
24860 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
24861 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
24862 information.
24863
24864 The register groups info looks like this:
24865
24866 @smallexample
24867 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
24868 Group Type
24869 general user
24870 float user
24871 all user
24872 vector user
24873 system user
24874 save internal
24875 restore internal
24876 @end smallexample
24877
24878 @kindex flushregs
24879 @item flushregs
24880 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
24881
24882 @kindex maint print objfiles
24883 @cindex info for known object files
24884 @item maint print objfiles
24885 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
24886 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
24887 and symtabs.
24888
24889 @kindex maint print statistics
24890 @cindex bcache statistics
24891 @item maint print statistics
24892 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
24893 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
24894 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
24895 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
24896 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
24897 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
24898 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
24899 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
24900 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
24901 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
24902 lengths.
24903
24904 @kindex maint print target-stack
24905 @cindex target stack description
24906 @item maint print target-stack
24907 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
24908 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
24909 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
24910 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
24911 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
24912 address.
24913
24914 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
24915 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
24916
24917 @kindex maint print type
24918 @cindex type chain of a data type
24919 @item maint print type @var{expr}
24920 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
24921 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
24922 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
24923 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
24924 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
24925
24926 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
24927 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
24928 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
24929 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
24930 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
24931
24932 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
24933 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
24934 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
24935 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
24936 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
24937 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
24938 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
24939 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
24940 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
24941
24942 @kindex maint set profile
24943 @kindex maint show profile
24944 @cindex profiling GDB
24945 @item maint set profile
24946 @itemx maint show profile
24947 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
24948
24949 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
24950 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
24951 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
24952 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
24953 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
24954 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
24955 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
24956
24957 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
24958 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
24959
24960 @kindex maint set linux-async
24961 @kindex maint show linux-async
24962 @cindex asynchronous support
24963 @item maint set linux-async
24964 @itemx maint show linux-async
24965 Control the GNU/Linux native asynchronous support
24966 (@pxref{Background Execution}) of @value{GDBN}.
24967
24968 GNU/Linux native asynchronous support will be disabled until you use
24969 the @samp{maint set linux-async} command to enable it.
24970
24971 @kindex maint set remote-async
24972 @kindex maint show remote-async
24973 @cindex asynchronous support
24974 @item maint set remote-async
24975 @itemx maint show remote-async
24976 Control the remote asynchronous support
24977 (@pxref{Background Execution}) of @value{GDBN}.
24978
24979 Remote asynchronous support will be disabled until you use
24980 the @samp{maint set remote-async} command to enable it.
24981
24982 @kindex maint show-debug-regs
24983 @cindex x86 hardware debug registers
24984 @item maint show-debug-regs
24985 Control whether to show variables that mirror the x86 hardware debug
24986 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
24987 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
24988 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
24989 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
24990
24991 @kindex maint space
24992 @cindex memory used by commands
24993 @item maint space
24994 Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
24995 nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
24996 took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
24997 by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
24998 switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
24999
25000 @kindex maint time
25001 @cindex time of command execution
25002 @item maint time
25003 Control whether to display the execution time for each command. If
25004 set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
25005 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
25006 The time is not printed for the commands that run the target, since
25007 there's no mechanism currently to compute how much time was spend
25008 by @value{GDBN} and how much time was spend by the program been debugged.
25009 it's not possibly currently
25010 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
25011 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
25012
25013 @kindex maint translate-address
25014 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
25015 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
25016 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
25017 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
25018 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
25019 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
25020 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
25021
25022 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
25023 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
25024 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
25025
25026 @end table
25027
25028 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
25029 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
25030
25031 @table @code
25032 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
25033 @kindex set watchdog
25034 @cindex watchdog timer
25035 @cindex timeout for commands
25036 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
25037 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
25038 reports and error and the command is aborted.
25039
25040 @item show watchdog
25041 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
25042 @end table
25043
25044 @node Remote Protocol
25045 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
25046
25047 @menu
25048 * Overview::
25049 * Packets::
25050 * Stop Reply Packets::
25051 * General Query Packets::
25052 * Register Packet Format::
25053 * Tracepoint Packets::
25054 * Host I/O Packets::
25055 * Interrupts::
25056 * Notification Packets::
25057 * Remote Non-Stop::
25058 * Packet Acknowledgment::
25059 * Examples::
25060 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
25061 * Library List Format::
25062 * Memory Map Format::
25063 @end menu
25064
25065 @node Overview
25066 @section Overview
25067
25068 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
25069 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
25070 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
25071 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
25072
25073 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
25074 transmitted and received data, respectively.
25075
25076 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
25077 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
25078 @cindex remote serial protocol
25079 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
25080 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
25081 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
25082 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
25083 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
25084
25085 @smallexample
25086 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
25087 @end smallexample
25088 @noindent
25089
25090 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
25091 @noindent
25092 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
25093 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
25094 eight bit unsigned checksum).
25095
25096 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
25097 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
25098
25099 @smallexample
25100 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
25101 @end smallexample
25102
25103 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
25104 @noindent
25105 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
25106 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
25107 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
25108
25109 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
25110 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
25111 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
25112 retransmission):
25113
25114 @smallexample
25115 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
25116 <- @code{+}
25117 @end smallexample
25118 @noindent
25119
25120 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
25121 once a connection is established.
25122 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
25123
25124 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
25125 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
25126 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
25127 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
25128 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
25129 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
25130 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
25131
25132 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
25133 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
25134 exceptions).
25135
25136 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
25137 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
25138 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
25139 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
25140
25141 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
25142 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
25143 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
25144
25145 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
25146 @anchor{Binary Data}
25147 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
25148 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
25149 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
25150 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
25151 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
25152 binary data.
25153
25154 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
25155 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
25156 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
25157 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
25158 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
25159 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
25160 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
25161 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
25162 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
25163 (described next).
25164
25165 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
25166 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
25167 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
25168 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
25169 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
25170 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
25171 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
25172 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
25173 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
25174 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
25175 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
25176 3}} more times.
25177
25178 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
25179 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
25180 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
25181 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
25182 @samp{0*"00}.
25183
25184 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
25185 error number. That number is not well defined.
25186
25187 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
25188 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
25189 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
25190 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
25191 on that response.
25192
25193 A stub is required to support the @samp{g}, @samp{G}, @samp{m}, @samp{M},
25194 @samp{c}, and @samp{s} @var{command}s. All other @var{command}s are
25195 optional.
25196
25197 @node Packets
25198 @section Packets
25199
25200 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
25201 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
25202 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
25203 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
25204
25205 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
25206 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
25207 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
25208 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
25209 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
25210 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
25211 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
25212 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
25213 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
25214 @var{baz}.
25215
25216 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
25217 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
25218 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
25219 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
25220 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
25221 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
25222 pick any thread.
25223
25224 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
25225 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
25226 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
25227 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
25228 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
25229 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
25230 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
25231 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
25232 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
25233 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
25234 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
25235 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
25236 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
25237
25238 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
25239 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
25240 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
25241 more information.
25242
25243 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
25244 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
25245
25246 Here are the packet descriptions.
25247
25248 @table @samp
25249
25250 @item !
25251 @cindex @samp{!} packet
25252 @anchor{extended mode}
25253 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
25254 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
25255 debugged.
25256
25257 Reply:
25258 @table @samp
25259 @item OK
25260 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
25261 @end table
25262
25263 @item ?
25264 @cindex @samp{?} packet
25265 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
25266 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
25267 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
25268
25269 Reply:
25270 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25271
25272 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
25273 @cindex @samp{A} packet
25274 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
25275 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
25276 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
25277
25278 Reply:
25279 @table @samp
25280 @item OK
25281 The arguments were set.
25282 @item E @var{NN}
25283 An error occurred.
25284 @end table
25285
25286 @item b @var{baud}
25287 @cindex @samp{b} packet
25288 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
25289 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
25290
25291 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
25292 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
25293 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
25294
25295 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
25296 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
25297 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
25298 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
25299 of view, nothing actually happened.}
25300
25301 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
25302 @cindex @samp{B} packet
25303 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
25304 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
25305
25306 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
25307 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
25308
25309 @item bc
25310 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
25311 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
25312 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
25313
25314 Reply:
25315 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25316
25317 @item bs
25318 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
25319 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
25320 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
25321
25322 Reply:
25323 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25324
25325 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
25326 @cindex @samp{c} packet
25327 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
25328 resume at current address.
25329
25330 Reply:
25331 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25332
25333 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
25334 @cindex @samp{C} packet
25335 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
25336 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
25337
25338 Reply:
25339 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25340
25341 @item d
25342 @cindex @samp{d} packet
25343 Toggle debug flag.
25344
25345 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
25346 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
25347
25348 @item D
25349 @itemx D;@var{pid}
25350 @cindex @samp{D} packet
25351 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
25352 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
25353 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
25354
25355 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
25356 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
25357 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
25358 big-endian hex string.
25359
25360 Reply:
25361 @table @samp
25362 @item OK
25363 for success
25364 @item E @var{NN}
25365 for an error
25366 @end table
25367
25368 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
25369 @cindex @samp{F} packet
25370 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
25371 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
25372 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
25373
25374 @item g
25375 @anchor{read registers packet}
25376 @cindex @samp{g} packet
25377 Read general registers.
25378
25379 Reply:
25380 @table @samp
25381 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
25382 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
25383 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
25384 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
25385 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
25386 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
25387 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
25388 @item E @var{NN}
25389 for an error.
25390 @end table
25391
25392 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
25393 @cindex @samp{G} packet
25394 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
25395 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
25396
25397 Reply:
25398 @table @samp
25399 @item OK
25400 for success
25401 @item E @var{NN}
25402 for an error
25403 @end table
25404
25405 @item H @var{c} @var{thread-id}
25406 @cindex @samp{H} packet
25407 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
25408 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{c} depends on the operation to be performed: it
25409 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations, @samp{g} for other
25410 operations. The thread designator @var{thread-id} has the format and
25411 interpretation described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
25412
25413 Reply:
25414 @table @samp
25415 @item OK
25416 for success
25417 @item E @var{NN}
25418 for an error
25419 @end table
25420
25421 @c FIXME: JTC:
25422 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
25423 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
25424 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
25425 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
25426 @c described. For example:
25427 @c
25428 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
25429 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
25430 @c otherwise returns current registers.
25431 @c
25432 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
25433 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
25434 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
25435
25436 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
25437 @anchor{cycle step packet}
25438 @cindex @samp{i} packet
25439 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
25440 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
25441 step starting at that address.
25442
25443 @item I
25444 @cindex @samp{I} packet
25445 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
25446 step packet}.
25447
25448 @item k
25449 @cindex @samp{k} packet
25450 Kill request.
25451
25452 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
25453 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
25454 thread?)}.
25455
25456 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
25457 @cindex @samp{m} packet
25458 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
25459 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
25460
25461 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
25462 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
25463 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
25464 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
25465 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
25466 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
25467 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
25468 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
25469
25470 Reply:
25471 @table @samp
25472 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
25473 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
25474 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
25475 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
25476 @item E @var{NN}
25477 @var{NN} is errno
25478 @end table
25479
25480 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
25481 @cindex @samp{M} packet
25482 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
25483 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
25484 hexadecimal number.
25485
25486 Reply:
25487 @table @samp
25488 @item OK
25489 for success
25490 @item E @var{NN}
25491 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
25492 written).
25493 @end table
25494
25495 @item p @var{n}
25496 @cindex @samp{p} packet
25497 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
25498 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
25499 register value is encoded.
25500
25501 Reply:
25502 @table @samp
25503 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
25504 the register's value
25505 @item E @var{NN}
25506 for an error
25507 @item
25508 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
25509 @end table
25510
25511 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
25512 @anchor{write register packet}
25513 @cindex @samp{P} packet
25514 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
25515 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
25516 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
25517
25518 Reply:
25519 @table @samp
25520 @item OK
25521 for success
25522 @item E @var{NN}
25523 for an error
25524 @end table
25525
25526 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
25527 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
25528 @cindex @samp{q} packet
25529 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
25530 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
25531 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
25532
25533 @item r
25534 @cindex @samp{r} packet
25535 Reset the entire system.
25536
25537 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
25538
25539 @item R @var{XX}
25540 @cindex @samp{R} packet
25541 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
25542 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
25543
25544 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
25545
25546 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
25547 @cindex @samp{s} packet
25548 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
25549 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
25550
25551 Reply:
25552 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25553
25554 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
25555 @anchor{step with signal packet}
25556 @cindex @samp{S} packet
25557 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
25558 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
25559
25560 Reply:
25561 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25562
25563 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
25564 @cindex @samp{t} packet
25565 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
25566 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
25567 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
25568
25569 @item T @var{thread-id}
25570 @cindex @samp{T} packet
25571 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
25572
25573 Reply:
25574 @table @samp
25575 @item OK
25576 thread is still alive
25577 @item E @var{NN}
25578 thread is dead
25579 @end table
25580
25581 @item v
25582 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
25583 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
25584
25585 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
25586 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
25587 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
25588 The process ID is a
25589 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
25590 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
25591 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
25592
25593 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
25594 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
25595 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
25596 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
25597 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
25598 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
25599 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
25600 @c stopping or restarting threads.
25601
25602 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
25603
25604 Reply:
25605 @table @samp
25606 @item E @var{nn}
25607 for an error
25608 @item @r{Any stop packet}
25609 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
25610 @item OK
25611 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
25612 @end table
25613
25614 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
25615 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
25616 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
25617 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
25618 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
25619 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
25620 in their current state in non-stop mode.
25621 Specifying multiple
25622 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
25623 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
25624
25625 Currently supported actions are:
25626
25627 @table @samp
25628 @item c
25629 Continue.
25630 @item C @var{sig}
25631 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
25632 @item s
25633 Step.
25634 @item S @var{sig}
25635 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
25636 @item t
25637 Stop.
25638 @item T @var{sig}
25639 Stop with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
25640 @end table
25641
25642 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
25643 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
25644 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
25645
25646 The @samp{t} and @samp{T} actions are only relevant in non-stop mode
25647 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
25648 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
25649 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
25650 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
25651 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
25652 as an implementation detail.
25653
25654 Reply:
25655 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
25656
25657 @item vCont?
25658 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
25659 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
25660
25661 Reply:
25662 @table @samp
25663 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
25664 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
25665 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
25666 @item
25667 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
25668 @end table
25669
25670 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
25671 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
25672 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
25673 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
25674
25675 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
25676 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
25677 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
25678 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
25679 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
25680 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
25681 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
25682 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
25683 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
25684 packet is received.
25685
25686 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
25687 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
25688 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
25689 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
25690 @var{thread-id}.
25691
25692 Reply:
25693 @table @samp
25694 @item OK
25695 for success
25696 @item E @var{NN}
25697 for an error
25698 @end table
25699
25700 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
25701 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
25702 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
25703 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
25704 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
25705 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
25706 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
25707 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
25708 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
25709 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
25710 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
25711 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
25712
25713
25714 Reply:
25715 @table @samp
25716 @item OK
25717 for success
25718 @item E.memtype
25719 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
25720 @item E @var{NN}
25721 for an error
25722 @end table
25723
25724 @item vFlashDone
25725 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
25726 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
25727 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
25728 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
25729 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
25730 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
25731 request is completed.
25732
25733 @item vKill;@var{pid}
25734 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
25735 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
25736 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
25737 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
25738 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
25739
25740 Reply:
25741 @table @samp
25742 @item E @var{nn}
25743 for an error
25744 @item OK
25745 for success
25746 @end table
25747
25748 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
25749 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
25750 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
25751 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
25752 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
25753 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
25754 state.
25755
25756 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
25757
25758 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
25759
25760 Reply:
25761 @table @samp
25762 @item E @var{nn}
25763 for an error
25764 @item @r{Any stop packet}
25765 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
25766 @end table
25767
25768 @item vStopped
25769 @anchor{vStopped packet}
25770 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
25771
25772 In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
25773 reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
25774
25775 Reply:
25776 @table @samp
25777 @item @r{Any stop packet}
25778 if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
25779 @item OK
25780 if there are no unreported stop events
25781 @end table
25782
25783 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
25784 @anchor{X packet}
25785 @cindex @samp{X} packet
25786 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
25787 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
25788 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
25789
25790 Reply:
25791 @table @samp
25792 @item OK
25793 for success
25794 @item E @var{NN}
25795 for an error
25796 @end table
25797
25798 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{length}
25799 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{length}
25800 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
25801 @cindex @samp{z} packet
25802 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
25803 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
25804 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} and covering the next
25805 @var{length} bytes.
25806
25807 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
25808 separately.
25809
25810 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
25811 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
25812 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
25813 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
25814 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
25815 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
25816
25817 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{length}
25818 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{length}
25819 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
25820 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
25821 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
25822 @var{addr} of size @var{length}.
25823
25824 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
25825 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
25826 @var{length} is used by targets that indicates the size of the
25827 breakpoint (in bytes) that should be inserted (e.g., the @sc{arm} and
25828 @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint).
25829
25830 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
25831 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
25832 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
25833 target, is not defined.}
25834
25835 Reply:
25836 @table @samp
25837 @item OK
25838 success
25839 @item
25840 not supported
25841 @item E @var{NN}
25842 for an error
25843 @end table
25844
25845 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{length}
25846 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{length}
25847 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
25848 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
25849 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
25850 address @var{addr} of size @var{length}.
25851
25852 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
25853 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory.
25854
25855 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
25856 movement.}
25857
25858 Reply:
25859 @table @samp
25860 @item OK
25861 success
25862 @item
25863 not supported
25864 @item E @var{NN}
25865 for an error
25866 @end table
25867
25868 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{length}
25869 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{length}
25870 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
25871 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
25872 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint.
25873
25874 Reply:
25875 @table @samp
25876 @item OK
25877 success
25878 @item
25879 not supported
25880 @item E @var{NN}
25881 for an error
25882 @end table
25883
25884 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{length}
25885 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{length}
25886 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
25887 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
25888 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint.
25889
25890 Reply:
25891 @table @samp
25892 @item OK
25893 success
25894 @item
25895 not supported
25896 @item E @var{NN}
25897 for an error
25898 @end table
25899
25900 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{length}
25901 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{length}
25902 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
25903 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
25904 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint.
25905
25906 Reply:
25907 @table @samp
25908 @item OK
25909 success
25910 @item
25911 not supported
25912 @item E @var{NN}
25913 for an error
25914 @end table
25915
25916 @end table
25917
25918 @node Stop Reply Packets
25919 @section Stop Reply Packets
25920 @cindex stop reply packets
25921
25922 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
25923 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
25924 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
25925 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
25926 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
25927 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
25928 @value{GDBN} source code.
25929
25930 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
25931 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
25932 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
25933 components.
25934
25935 @table @samp
25936
25937 @item S @var{AA}
25938 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
25939 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
25940 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
25941
25942 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
25943 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
25944 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
25945 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
25946 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
25947 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
25948 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
25949 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
25950
25951 @itemize @bullet
25952 @item
25953 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
25954 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
25955 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
25956 two-digit hex number.
25957
25958 @item
25959 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
25960 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
25961
25962 @item
25963 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
25964 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
25965 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
25966 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
25967
25968 @item
25969 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
25970 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
25971 future.
25972 @end itemize
25973
25974 The currently defined stop reasons are:
25975
25976 @table @samp
25977 @item watch
25978 @itemx rwatch
25979 @itemx awatch
25980 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
25981 hex.
25982
25983 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
25984 @item library
25985 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
25986 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
25987 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
25988
25989 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
25990 @item replaylog
25991 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
25992 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
25993 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
25994 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
25995 for more information.
25996
25997
25998 @end table
25999
26000 @item W @var{AA}
26001 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
26002 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
26003 applicable to certain targets.
26004
26005 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
26006 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
26007 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
26008 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
26009
26010 @item X @var{AA}
26011 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
26012 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
26013
26014 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
26015 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
26016 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
26017 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
26018
26019 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
26020 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
26021 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
26022 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
26023 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
26024
26025 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
26026 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
26027 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
26028 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
26029 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
26030 system calls.
26031
26032 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
26033 this very system call.
26034
26035 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
26036 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
26037 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
26038 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
26039 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
26040 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
26041
26042 @end table
26043
26044 @node General Query Packets
26045 @section General Query Packets
26046 @cindex remote query requests
26047
26048 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
26049 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
26050 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
26051 sending information to and from the stub.
26052
26053 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
26054 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
26055 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
26056 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
26057 conventions:
26058
26059 @itemize @bullet
26060 @item
26061 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
26062 @item
26063 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
26064 letter.
26065 @item
26066 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
26067 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
26068 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
26069 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
26070 @end itemize
26071
26072 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
26073 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
26074 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
26075 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
26076 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
26077 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
26078 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
26079 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
26080 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
26081 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
26082 packet.}.
26083
26084 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
26085 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
26086 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
26087 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
26088 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
26089
26090 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
26091
26092 @table @samp
26093
26094 @item qC
26095 @cindex current thread, remote request
26096 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
26097 Return the current thread ID.
26098
26099 Reply:
26100 @table @samp
26101 @item QC @var{thread-id}
26102 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
26103 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
26104 @item @r{(anything else)}
26105 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
26106 @end table
26107
26108 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
26109 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
26110 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
26111 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory.
26112 Reply:
26113 @table @samp
26114 @item E @var{NN}
26115 An error (such as memory fault)
26116 @item C @var{crc32}
26117 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
26118 @end table
26119
26120 @item qfThreadInfo
26121 @itemx qsThreadInfo
26122 @cindex list active threads, remote request
26123 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
26124 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
26125 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
26126 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
26127 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
26128 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
26129 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
26130 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
26131
26132 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
26133
26134 Reply:
26135 @table @samp
26136 @item m @var{thread-id}
26137 A single thread ID
26138 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
26139 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
26140 @item l
26141 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
26142 @end table
26143
26144 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
26145 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
26146 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
26147 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
26148 with @samp{l} (lower-case el, for @dfn{last}).
26149 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
26150 fields.
26151
26152 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
26153 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
26154 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
26155 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
26156 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
26157
26158 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
26159 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
26160
26161 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
26162 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
26163 information associated with the variable.)
26164
26165 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
26166 the load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
26167 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
26168 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
26169 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
26170 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
26171
26172 Reply:
26173 @table @samp
26174 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
26175 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
26176 local storage requested.
26177
26178 @item E @var{nn}
26179 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
26180
26181 @item
26182 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
26183 @end table
26184
26185 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
26186 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
26187 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
26188 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
26189 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
26190 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
26191 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
26192
26193 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
26194
26195 Reply:
26196 @table @samp
26197 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
26198 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
26199 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
26200 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
26201 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
26202 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
26203 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
26204 @end table
26205
26206 @item qOffsets
26207 @cindex section offsets, remote request
26208 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
26209 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
26210 image.
26211
26212 Reply:
26213 @table @samp
26214 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
26215 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
26216 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
26217 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
26218 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
26219 segments by the supplied offsets.
26220
26221 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
26222 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
26223 to the @code{Bss} section.}
26224
26225 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
26226 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
26227 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
26228 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
26229 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
26230 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
26231 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
26232 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
26233 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
26234 @end table
26235
26236 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
26237 @cindex thread information, remote request
26238 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
26239 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
26240 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
26241 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
26242
26243 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
26244 (see below).
26245
26246 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
26247
26248 @item QNonStop:1
26249 @item QNonStop:0
26250 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
26251 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
26252 @anchor{QNonStop}
26253 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
26254 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
26255
26256 Reply:
26257 @table @samp
26258 @item OK
26259 The request succeeded.
26260
26261 @item E @var{nn}
26262 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
26263
26264 @item
26265 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
26266 the stub.
26267 @end table
26268
26269 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26270 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26271 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
26272 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
26273
26274 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
26275 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
26276 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
26277 @anchor{QPassSignals}
26278 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
26279 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
26280 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
26281 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
26282 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
26283 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
26284 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
26285 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
26286 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
26287
26288 Reply:
26289 @table @samp
26290 @item OK
26291 The request succeeded.
26292
26293 @item E @var{nn}
26294 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
26295
26296 @item
26297 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
26298 the stub.
26299 @end table
26300
26301 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
26302 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
26303 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26304 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26305
26306 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
26307 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
26308 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
26309 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
26310 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
26311 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
26312 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
26313 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
26314 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
26315
26316 Reply:
26317 @table @samp
26318 @item OK
26319 A command response with no output.
26320 @item @var{OUTPUT}
26321 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
26322 @item E @var{NN}
26323 Indicate a badly formed request.
26324 @item
26325 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
26326 @end table
26327
26328 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
26329 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
26330 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
26331 packets.)
26332
26333 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
26334 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
26335 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
26336 @anchor{qSearch memory}
26337 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
26338 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
26339 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
26340
26341 Reply:
26342 @table @samp
26343 @item 0
26344 The pattern was not found.
26345 @item 1,address
26346 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
26347 @item E @var{NN}
26348 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
26349 @item
26350 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
26351 @end table
26352
26353 @item QStartNoAckMode
26354 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
26355 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
26356 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
26357 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
26358
26359 Reply:
26360 @table @samp
26361 @item OK
26362 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
26363 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
26364 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
26365 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
26366 @item
26367 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
26368 @end table
26369
26370 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
26371 @cindex supported packets, remote query
26372 @cindex features of the remote protocol
26373 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
26374 @anchor{qSupported}
26375 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
26376 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
26377 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
26378 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
26379 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
26380 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
26381 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
26382 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
26383 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
26384 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
26385 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
26386 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
26387 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
26388 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
26389
26390 Reply:
26391 @table @samp
26392 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
26393 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
26394 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
26395 possible forms).
26396 @item
26397 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
26398 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
26399 @end table
26400
26401 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
26402 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
26403 are:
26404
26405 @table @samp
26406 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
26407 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
26408 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
26409 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
26410 @item @var{name}+
26411 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
26412 need an associated value.
26413 @item @var{name}-
26414 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
26415 @item @var{name}?
26416 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
26417 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
26418 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
26419 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
26420 @end table
26421
26422 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
26423 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
26424 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
26425 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
26426 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
26427
26428 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
26429 are defined:
26430
26431 @table @samp
26432 @item multiprocess
26433 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
26434 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
26435 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
26436 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
26437 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
26438 @end table
26439
26440 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
26441 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
26442 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
26443 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
26444 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
26445 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
26446 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
26447 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
26448 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
26449 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
26450 all the features it supports.
26451
26452 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
26453 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
26454
26455 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
26456 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
26457 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
26458 form response.
26459
26460 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
26461 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
26462 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
26463 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
26464
26465 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
26466 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
26467 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
26468 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
26469 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
26470
26471 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
26472
26473 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
26474 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
26475 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
26476 @item Feature Name
26477 @tab Value Required
26478 @tab Default
26479 @tab Probe Allowed
26480
26481 @item @samp{PacketSize}
26482 @tab Yes
26483 @tab @samp{-}
26484 @tab No
26485
26486 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
26487 @tab No
26488 @tab @samp{-}
26489 @tab Yes
26490
26491 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
26492 @tab No
26493 @tab @samp{-}
26494 @tab Yes
26495
26496 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
26497 @tab No
26498 @tab @samp{-}
26499 @tab Yes
26500
26501 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
26502 @tab No
26503 @tab @samp{-}
26504 @tab Yes
26505
26506 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
26507 @tab No
26508 @tab @samp{-}
26509 @tab Yes
26510
26511 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
26512 @tab No
26513 @tab @samp{-}
26514 @tab Yes
26515
26516 @item @samp{QNonStop}
26517 @tab No
26518 @tab @samp{-}
26519 @tab Yes
26520
26521 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
26522 @tab No
26523 @tab @samp{-}
26524 @tab Yes
26525
26526 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
26527 @tab No
26528 @tab @samp{-}
26529 @tab Yes
26530
26531 @item @samp{multiprocess}
26532 @tab No
26533 @tab @samp{-}
26534 @tab No
26535
26536 @end multitable
26537
26538 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
26539
26540 @table @samp
26541 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
26542 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
26543 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
26544 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
26545 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
26546 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
26547 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
26548 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
26549 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
26550 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
26551
26552 @item qXfer:auxv:read
26553 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
26554 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
26555
26556 @item qXfer:features:read
26557 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
26558 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
26559
26560 @item qXfer:libraries:read
26561 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
26562 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
26563
26564 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
26565 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
26566 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
26567
26568 @item qXfer:spu:read
26569 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
26570 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
26571
26572 @item qXfer:spu:write
26573 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
26574 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
26575
26576 @item QNonStop
26577 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
26578 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
26579
26580 @item QPassSignals
26581 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
26582 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
26583
26584 @item QStartNoAckMode
26585 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
26586 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
26587
26588 @item multiprocess
26589 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
26590 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
26591 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
26592 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
26593 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
26594 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
26595 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
26596 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
26597 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
26598 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
26599 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
26600
26601 @item qXfer:osdata:read
26602 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
26603 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
26604
26605 @end table
26606
26607 @item qSymbol::
26608 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
26609 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
26610 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
26611 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
26612
26613 Reply:
26614 @table @samp
26615 @item OK
26616 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
26617 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
26618 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
26619 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
26620 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
26621 below.
26622 @end table
26623
26624 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
26625 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
26626
26627 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
26628 target has previously requested.
26629
26630 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
26631 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
26632 will be empty.
26633
26634 Reply:
26635 @table @samp
26636 @item OK
26637 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
26638 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
26639 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
26640 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
26641 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
26642 @end table
26643
26644 @item QTDP
26645 @itemx QTFrame
26646 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
26647
26648 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
26649 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
26650 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
26651 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
26652 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
26653 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
26654 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
26655 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
26656 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
26657 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
26658 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
26659
26660 Reply:
26661 @table @samp
26662 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
26663 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
26664 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
26665 the thread's attributes.
26666 @end table
26667
26668 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
26669 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
26670 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
26671 packets.)
26672
26673 @item QTStart
26674 @itemx QTStop
26675 @itemx QTinit
26676 @itemx QTro
26677 @itemx qTStatus
26678 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
26679
26680 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
26681 @cindex read special object, remote request
26682 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
26683 @anchor{qXfer read}
26684 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
26685 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
26686 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
26687 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
26688 additional details about what data to access.
26689
26690 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
26691 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
26692 formats, listed below.
26693
26694 @table @samp
26695 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
26696 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
26697 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
26698 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
26699
26700 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26701 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26702
26703 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
26704 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
26705 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
26706 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
26707 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
26708
26709 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26710 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26711
26712 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
26713 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
26714 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
26715 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
26716 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
26717
26718 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
26719 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
26720 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
26721
26722 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26723 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26724
26725 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
26726 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
26727 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
26728 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
26729 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
26730
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 qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
26735 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
26736 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
26737 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
26738 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
26739 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
26740 in that context to be accessed.
26741
26742 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26743 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
26744 (@pxref{qSupported}).
26745
26746 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
26747 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
26748 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
26749 @xref{Operating System Information}.
26750
26751 @end table
26752
26753 Reply:
26754 @table @samp
26755 @item m @var{data}
26756 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
26757 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
26758 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
26759 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
26760 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
26761 request.
26762
26763 @item l @var{data}
26764 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
26765 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
26766 than the @var{length} in the request.
26767
26768 @item l
26769 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
26770 There is no more data to be read.
26771
26772 @item E00
26773 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
26774
26775 @item E @var{nn}
26776 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
26777 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
26778
26779 @item
26780 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
26781 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
26782 @end table
26783
26784 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
26785 @cindex write data into object, remote request
26786 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
26787 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
26788 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
26789 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
26790 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
26791 to access.
26792
26793 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
26794 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
26795 formats, listed below.
26796
26797 @table @samp
26798 @item qXfer:@var{spu}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
26799 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
26800 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
26801 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
26802 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
26803 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
26804 in that context to be accessed.
26805
26806 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
26807 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
26808 @end table
26809
26810 Reply:
26811 @table @samp
26812 @item @var{nn}
26813 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
26814 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
26815
26816 @item E00
26817 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
26818
26819 @item E @var{nn}
26820 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
26821 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
26822
26823 @item
26824 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
26825 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
26826 @end table
26827
26828 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
26829 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
26830 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
26831 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
26832 must respond with an empty packet.
26833
26834 @end table
26835
26836 @node Register Packet Format
26837 @section Register Packet Format
26838
26839 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
26840 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
26841 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
26842 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
26843 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
26844 most-significant - least-significant.
26845
26846 @table @r
26847
26848 @item MIPS32
26849
26850 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
26851 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
26852 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
26853
26854 @item MIPS64
26855
26856 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
26857 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
26858 as @code{MIPS32}.
26859
26860 @end table
26861
26862 @node Tracepoint Packets
26863 @section Tracepoint Packets
26864 @cindex tracepoint packets
26865 @cindex packets, tracepoint
26866
26867 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
26868 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
26869
26870 @table @samp
26871
26872 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}@r{[}-@r{]}
26873 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
26874 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
26875 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
26876 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If the trailing @samp{-} is
26877 present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this
26878 tracepoint's actions.
26879
26880 Replies:
26881 @table @samp
26882 @item OK
26883 The packet was understood and carried out.
26884 @item
26885 The packet was not recognized.
26886 @end table
26887
26888 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
26889 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
26890 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
26891 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
26892 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
26893 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
26894 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
26895
26896 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
26897 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
26898 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
26899 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
26900 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
26901 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
26902 tracepoint actions.
26903
26904 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
26905 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
26906 following forms:
26907
26908 @table @samp
26909
26910 @item R @var{mask}
26911 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
26912 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
26913 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
26914 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
26915 not fit in a 32-bit word.
26916
26917 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
26918 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
26919 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
26920 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
26921 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
26922 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
26923 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
26924
26925 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
26926 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
26927 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
26928 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
26929 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
26930 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
26931 packet).
26932
26933 @end table
26934
26935 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
26936 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
26937 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
26938 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
26939 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
26940 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
26941 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
26942 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
26943
26944 Replies:
26945 @table @samp
26946 @item OK
26947 The packet was understood and carried out.
26948 @item
26949 The packet was not recognized.
26950 @end table
26951
26952 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
26953 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
26954 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
26955 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
26956
26957 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
26958 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
26959 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
26960 one of the following forms:
26961
26962 @table @samp
26963 @item F @var{f}
26964 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
26965 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
26966 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
26967
26968 @item T @var{t}
26969 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
26970 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
26971
26972 @end table
26973
26974 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
26975 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
26976 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
26977 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
26978
26979 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
26980 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
26981 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
26982 is a hexadecimal number.
26983
26984 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
26985 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
26986 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
26987 and @var{end} (exclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
26988 numbers.
26989
26990 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
26991 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
26992 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses.
26993
26994 @item QTStart
26995 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from tracepoint
26996 hits in the trace frame buffer.
26997
26998 @item QTStop
26999 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
27000
27001 @item QTinit
27002 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
27003
27004 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
27005 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
27006 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
27007 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
27008
27009 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
27010 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
27011 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
27012 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
27013
27014 @item qTStatus
27015 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
27016
27017 Replies:
27018 @table @samp
27019 @item T0
27020 There is no trace experiment running.
27021 @item T1
27022 There is a trace experiment running.
27023 @end table
27024
27025 @end table
27026
27027
27028 @node Host I/O Packets
27029 @section Host I/O Packets
27030 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
27031 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
27032
27033 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
27034 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
27035 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
27036 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
27037 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
27038 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
27039 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
27040 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
27041 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
27042 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
27043
27044 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
27045 its arguments. They have this format:
27046
27047 @table @samp
27048
27049 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
27050 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
27051 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
27052 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
27053 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
27054 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
27055 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
27056 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
27057 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
27058
27059 @end table
27060
27061 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
27062
27063 @table @samp
27064
27065 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
27066 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
27067 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
27068 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
27069 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
27070 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
27071 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
27072 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
27073 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
27074 @var{attachment}.
27075
27076 @item
27077 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
27078
27079 @end table
27080
27081 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
27082
27083 @table @samp
27084 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
27085 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
27086 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
27087 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
27088 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
27089 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
27090 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
27091
27092 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
27093 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
27094 -1 if an error occurs.
27095
27096 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
27097 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
27098 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
27099 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
27100 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
27101 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
27102 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
27103 @var{count} was zero.
27104
27105 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
27106 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
27107 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
27108 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
27109 some characters were escaped.
27110
27111 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
27112 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
27113 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
27114 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
27115 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
27116 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
27117 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
27118 error occurred.
27119
27120 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
27121 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
27122 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
27123
27124 @end table
27125
27126 @node Interrupts
27127 @section Interrupts
27128 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
27129
27130 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
27131 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C} or a @code{BREAK},
27132 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{remotebreak}
27133 setting (@pxref{set remotebreak}).
27134
27135 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
27136 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
27137 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
27138 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
27139 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
27140
27141 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
27142 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
27143 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
27144 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
27145 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
27146 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
27147 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
27148 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
27149
27150 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
27151 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
27152 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
27153 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
27154 currently-executing threads and processes.
27155 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
27156 running program, it should send one of the stop
27157 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
27158 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
27159 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
27160 Interrupts received while the
27161 program is stopped are discarded.
27162
27163 @node Notification Packets
27164 @section Notification Packets
27165 @cindex notification packets
27166 @cindex packets, notification
27167
27168 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
27169 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
27170 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
27171 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
27172 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
27173 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
27174 is not a problem.
27175
27176 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
27177 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
27178 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
27179 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
27180 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
27181 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
27182 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
27183
27184 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
27185 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
27186
27187 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
27188 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
27189 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
27190 not they understand it.
27191
27192 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
27193 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
27194 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
27195 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
27196 recipients.
27197
27198 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
27199 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
27200 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
27201 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
27202 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
27203
27204 The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
27205 defined:
27206
27207 @table @samp
27208 @item Stop: @var{reply}
27209 Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
27210 The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
27211 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
27212 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
27213 @value{GDBN}.
27214 @end table
27215
27216 @node Remote Non-Stop
27217 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
27218
27219 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
27220 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
27221 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
27222 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
27223
27224 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
27225 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
27226 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
27227 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
27228 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
27229 probe the target state after a mode change.
27230
27231 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
27232 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
27233 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
27234 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
27235 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
27236 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
27237 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
27238 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
27239 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
27240 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
27241 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
27242
27243 Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
27244 additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
27245 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
27246 synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
27247 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
27248 the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
27249 if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
27250 ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
27251 finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
27252 sending any queued stop events.
27253
27254 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
27255 notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
27256 @value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
27257 @value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
27258 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
27259 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
27260 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
27261
27262 After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
27263 acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
27264 as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
27265 is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
27266 send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
27267 process normally.
27268
27269 Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
27270 stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
27271 normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
27272 @samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
27273 permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
27274 should process normally.
27275
27276 If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
27277 additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
27278 response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
27279 send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
27280 notification, and the process shall be repeated.
27281
27282 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
27283 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
27284 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
27285 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
27286 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
27287 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
27288 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
27289 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
27290 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
27291 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
27292 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
27293 @samp{OK}.
27294
27295 @node Packet Acknowledgment
27296 @section Packet Acknowledgment
27297
27298 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
27299 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
27300 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
27301 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
27302 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
27303 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
27304 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
27305
27306 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
27307 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
27308 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
27309 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
27310 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
27311
27312 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
27313 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
27314 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
27315 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
27316
27317 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
27318 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
27319 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
27320 @pxref{qSupported}.
27321 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
27322 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
27323 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
27324 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
27325 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
27326 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
27327 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
27328
27329 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
27330 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
27331 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
27332 connection.
27333 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
27334 new connection is established,
27335 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
27336 for the current connection, once disabled.
27337
27338 @node Examples
27339 @section Examples
27340
27341 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
27342 does not get any direct output:
27343
27344 @smallexample
27345 -> @code{R00}
27346 <- @code{+}
27347 @emph{target restarts}
27348 -> @code{?}
27349 <- @code{+}
27350 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
27351 -> @code{+}
27352 @end smallexample
27353
27354 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
27355
27356 @smallexample
27357 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
27358 <- @code{+}
27359 -> @code{s}
27360 <- @code{+}
27361 @emph{time passes}
27362 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
27363 -> @code{+}
27364 -> @code{g}
27365 <- @code{+}
27366 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
27367 -> @code{+}
27368 @end smallexample
27369
27370 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
27371 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
27372 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
27373
27374 @menu
27375 * File-I/O Overview::
27376 * Protocol Basics::
27377 * The F Request Packet::
27378 * The F Reply Packet::
27379 * The Ctrl-C Message::
27380 * Console I/O::
27381 * List of Supported Calls::
27382 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
27383 * Constants::
27384 * File-I/O Examples::
27385 @end menu
27386
27387 @node File-I/O Overview
27388 @subsection File-I/O Overview
27389 @cindex file-i/o overview
27390
27391 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
27392 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
27393 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
27394 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
27395 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
27396 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
27397
27398 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
27399 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
27400 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
27401 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
27402 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
27403
27404 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
27405 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
27406 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
27407 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
27408 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
27409 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
27410 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
27411
27412 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
27413 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
27414 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
27415 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
27416 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
27417
27418 @smallexample
27419 (@value{GDBP}) continue
27420 <- target requests 'system call X'
27421 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
27422 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
27423 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
27424 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
27425 @end smallexample
27426
27427 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
27428 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
27429 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
27430 system are not supported by this protocol.
27431
27432 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
27433
27434 @node Protocol Basics
27435 @subsection Protocol Basics
27436 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
27437
27438 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
27439 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
27440 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
27441 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
27442 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
27443 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
27444 to call the appropriate host system call:
27445
27446 @itemize @bullet
27447 @item
27448 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
27449
27450 @item
27451 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
27452 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
27453 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
27454 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
27455
27456 @end itemize
27457
27458 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
27459
27460 @itemize @bullet
27461 @item
27462 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
27463 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
27464 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
27465 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
27466 packet.
27467
27468 @item
27469 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
27470 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
27471
27472 @item
27473 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
27474
27475 @item
27476 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
27477
27478 @item
27479 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
27480 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
27481 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
27482 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
27483 packet.
27484
27485 @end itemize
27486
27487 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
27488 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
27489
27490 @itemize @bullet
27491 @item
27492 Return value.
27493
27494 @item
27495 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
27496
27497 @item
27498 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
27499
27500 @end itemize
27501
27502 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
27503 the latest continue or step action.
27504
27505 @node The F Request Packet
27506 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
27507 @cindex file-i/o request packet
27508 @cindex @code{F} request packet
27509
27510 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
27511
27512 @table @samp
27513 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
27514
27515 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
27516 This is just the name of the function.
27517
27518 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
27519 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
27520 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
27521 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
27522 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
27523 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
27524 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
27525
27526 @end table
27527
27528
27529
27530 @node The F Reply Packet
27531 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
27532 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
27533 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
27534
27535 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
27536
27537 @table @samp
27538
27539 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
27540
27541 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
27542
27543 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
27544 representation.
27545 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
27546
27547 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
27548 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
27549 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
27550
27551 @smallexample
27552 F0,0,C
27553 @end smallexample
27554
27555 @noindent
27556 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
27557
27558 @smallexample
27559 F-1,4,C
27560 @end smallexample
27561
27562 @noindent
27563 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
27564
27565 @end table
27566
27567
27568 @node The Ctrl-C Message
27569 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
27570 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
27571
27572 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
27573 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
27574 the target should behave as if it had
27575 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
27576 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
27577 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
27578 packet.
27579
27580 It's important for the target to know in which
27581 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
27582
27583 @itemize @bullet
27584 @item
27585 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
27586
27587 @item
27588 The system call on the host has been finished.
27589
27590 @end itemize
27591
27592 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
27593 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
27594 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
27595 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
27596 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
27597 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
27598
27599 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
27600 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
27601 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
27602 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
27603 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
27604 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
27605 or the full action has been completed.
27606
27607 @node Console I/O
27608 @subsection Console I/O
27609 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
27610
27611 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
27612 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
27613 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
27614 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
27615 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
27616 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
27617 conditions is met:
27618
27619 @itemize @bullet
27620 @item
27621 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
27622 @code{read}
27623 system call is treated as finished.
27624
27625 @item
27626 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
27627 newline.
27628
27629 @item
27630 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
27631 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
27632
27633 @end itemize
27634
27635 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
27636 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
27637 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
27638 is stopped at the user's request.
27639
27640
27641 @node List of Supported Calls
27642 @subsection List of Supported Calls
27643 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
27644
27645 @menu
27646 * open::
27647 * close::
27648 * read::
27649 * write::
27650 * lseek::
27651 * rename::
27652 * unlink::
27653 * stat/fstat::
27654 * gettimeofday::
27655 * isatty::
27656 * system::
27657 @end menu
27658
27659 @node open
27660 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
27661 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
27662
27663 @table @asis
27664 @item Synopsis:
27665 @smallexample
27666 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
27667 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
27668 @end smallexample
27669
27670 @item Request:
27671 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
27672
27673 @noindent
27674 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
27675
27676 @table @code
27677 @item O_CREAT
27678 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
27679 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
27680 are concerned.
27681
27682 @item O_EXCL
27683 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
27684 an error and open() fails.
27685
27686 @item O_TRUNC
27687 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
27688 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
27689 truncated to zero length.
27690
27691 @item O_APPEND
27692 The file is opened in append mode.
27693
27694 @item O_RDONLY
27695 The file is opened for reading only.
27696
27697 @item O_WRONLY
27698 The file is opened for writing only.
27699
27700 @item O_RDWR
27701 The file is opened for reading and writing.
27702 @end table
27703
27704 @noindent
27705 Other bits are silently ignored.
27706
27707
27708 @noindent
27709 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
27710
27711 @table @code
27712 @item S_IRUSR
27713 User has read permission.
27714
27715 @item S_IWUSR
27716 User has write permission.
27717
27718 @item S_IRGRP
27719 Group has read permission.
27720
27721 @item S_IWGRP
27722 Group has write permission.
27723
27724 @item S_IROTH
27725 Others have read permission.
27726
27727 @item S_IWOTH
27728 Others have write permission.
27729 @end table
27730
27731 @noindent
27732 Other bits are silently ignored.
27733
27734
27735 @item Return value:
27736 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
27737 occurred.
27738
27739 @item Errors:
27740
27741 @table @code
27742 @item EEXIST
27743 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
27744
27745 @item EISDIR
27746 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
27747
27748 @item EACCES
27749 The requested access is not allowed.
27750
27751 @item ENAMETOOLONG
27752 @var{pathname} was too long.
27753
27754 @item ENOENT
27755 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
27756
27757 @item ENODEV
27758 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
27759
27760 @item EROFS
27761 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
27762 write access was requested.
27763
27764 @item EFAULT
27765 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
27766
27767 @item ENOSPC
27768 No space on device to create the file.
27769
27770 @item EMFILE
27771 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
27772
27773 @item ENFILE
27774 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
27775 has been reached.
27776
27777 @item EINTR
27778 The call was interrupted by the user.
27779 @end table
27780
27781 @end table
27782
27783 @node close
27784 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
27785 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
27786
27787 @table @asis
27788 @item Synopsis:
27789 @smallexample
27790 int close(int fd);
27791 @end smallexample
27792
27793 @item Request:
27794 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
27795
27796 @item Return value:
27797 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
27798
27799 @item Errors:
27800
27801 @table @code
27802 @item EBADF
27803 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
27804
27805 @item EINTR
27806 The call was interrupted by the user.
27807 @end table
27808
27809 @end table
27810
27811 @node read
27812 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
27813 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
27814
27815 @table @asis
27816 @item Synopsis:
27817 @smallexample
27818 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
27819 @end smallexample
27820
27821 @item Request:
27822 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
27823
27824 @item Return value:
27825 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
27826 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
27827 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
27828
27829 @item Errors:
27830
27831 @table @code
27832 @item EBADF
27833 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
27834 reading.
27835
27836 @item EFAULT
27837 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
27838
27839 @item EINTR
27840 The call was interrupted by the user.
27841 @end table
27842
27843 @end table
27844
27845 @node write
27846 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
27847 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
27848
27849 @table @asis
27850 @item Synopsis:
27851 @smallexample
27852 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
27853 @end smallexample
27854
27855 @item Request:
27856 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
27857
27858 @item Return value:
27859 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
27860 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
27861 is returned.
27862
27863 @item Errors:
27864
27865 @table @code
27866 @item EBADF
27867 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
27868 writing.
27869
27870 @item EFAULT
27871 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
27872
27873 @item EFBIG
27874 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
27875 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
27876
27877 @item ENOSPC
27878 No space on device to write the data.
27879
27880 @item EINTR
27881 The call was interrupted by the user.
27882 @end table
27883
27884 @end table
27885
27886 @node lseek
27887 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
27888 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
27889
27890 @table @asis
27891 @item Synopsis:
27892 @smallexample
27893 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
27894 @end smallexample
27895
27896 @item Request:
27897 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
27898
27899 @var{flag} is one of:
27900
27901 @table @code
27902 @item SEEK_SET
27903 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
27904
27905 @item SEEK_CUR
27906 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
27907 bytes.
27908
27909 @item SEEK_END
27910 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
27911 bytes.
27912 @end table
27913
27914 @item Return value:
27915 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
27916 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
27917 value of -1 is returned.
27918
27919 @item Errors:
27920
27921 @table @code
27922 @item EBADF
27923 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
27924
27925 @item ESPIPE
27926 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
27927
27928 @item EINVAL
27929 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
27930
27931 @item EINTR
27932 The call was interrupted by the user.
27933 @end table
27934
27935 @end table
27936
27937 @node rename
27938 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
27939 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
27940
27941 @table @asis
27942 @item Synopsis:
27943 @smallexample
27944 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
27945 @end smallexample
27946
27947 @item Request:
27948 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
27949
27950 @item Return value:
27951 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
27952
27953 @item Errors:
27954
27955 @table @code
27956 @item EISDIR
27957 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
27958 directory.
27959
27960 @item EEXIST
27961 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
27962
27963 @item EBUSY
27964 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
27965 process.
27966
27967 @item EINVAL
27968 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
27969 of itself.
27970
27971 @item ENOTDIR
27972 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
27973 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
27974 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
27975
27976 @item EFAULT
27977 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
27978
27979 @item EACCES
27980 No access to the file or the path of the file.
27981
27982 @item ENAMETOOLONG
27983
27984 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
27985
27986 @item ENOENT
27987 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
27988
27989 @item EROFS
27990 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
27991
27992 @item ENOSPC
27993 The device containing the file has no room for the new
27994 directory entry.
27995
27996 @item EINTR
27997 The call was interrupted by the user.
27998 @end table
27999
28000 @end table
28001
28002 @node unlink
28003 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
28004 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
28005
28006 @table @asis
28007 @item Synopsis:
28008 @smallexample
28009 int unlink(const char *pathname);
28010 @end smallexample
28011
28012 @item Request:
28013 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
28014
28015 @item Return value:
28016 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
28017
28018 @item Errors:
28019
28020 @table @code
28021 @item EACCES
28022 No access to the file or the path of the file.
28023
28024 @item EPERM
28025 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
28026
28027 @item EBUSY
28028 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
28029 being used by another process.
28030
28031 @item EFAULT
28032 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
28033
28034 @item ENAMETOOLONG
28035 @var{pathname} was too long.
28036
28037 @item ENOENT
28038 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
28039
28040 @item ENOTDIR
28041 A component of the path is not a directory.
28042
28043 @item EROFS
28044 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
28045
28046 @item EINTR
28047 The call was interrupted by the user.
28048 @end table
28049
28050 @end table
28051
28052 @node stat/fstat
28053 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
28054 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
28055 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
28056
28057 @table @asis
28058 @item Synopsis:
28059 @smallexample
28060 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
28061 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
28062 @end smallexample
28063
28064 @item Request:
28065 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
28066 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
28067
28068 @item Return value:
28069 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
28070
28071 @item Errors:
28072
28073 @table @code
28074 @item EBADF
28075 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
28076
28077 @item ENOENT
28078 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
28079 path is an empty string.
28080
28081 @item ENOTDIR
28082 A component of the path is not a directory.
28083
28084 @item EFAULT
28085 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
28086
28087 @item EACCES
28088 No access to the file or the path of the file.
28089
28090 @item ENAMETOOLONG
28091 @var{pathname} was too long.
28092
28093 @item EINTR
28094 The call was interrupted by the user.
28095 @end table
28096
28097 @end table
28098
28099 @node gettimeofday
28100 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
28101 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
28102
28103 @table @asis
28104 @item Synopsis:
28105 @smallexample
28106 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
28107 @end smallexample
28108
28109 @item Request:
28110 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
28111
28112 @item Return value:
28113 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
28114
28115 @item Errors:
28116
28117 @table @code
28118 @item EINVAL
28119 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
28120
28121 @item EFAULT
28122 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
28123 @end table
28124
28125 @end table
28126
28127 @node isatty
28128 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
28129 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
28130
28131 @table @asis
28132 @item Synopsis:
28133 @smallexample
28134 int isatty(int fd);
28135 @end smallexample
28136
28137 @item Request:
28138 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
28139
28140 @item Return value:
28141 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
28142
28143 @item Errors:
28144
28145 @table @code
28146 @item EINTR
28147 The call was interrupted by the user.
28148 @end table
28149
28150 @end table
28151
28152 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
28153 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
28154 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
28155 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
28156 needed.
28157
28158
28159 @node system
28160 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
28161 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
28162
28163 @table @asis
28164 @item Synopsis:
28165 @smallexample
28166 int system(const char *command);
28167 @end smallexample
28168
28169 @item Request:
28170 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
28171
28172 @item Return value:
28173 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
28174 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
28175 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
28176 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
28177 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
28178 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
28179 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
28180
28181 @item Errors:
28182
28183 @table @code
28184 @item EINTR
28185 The call was interrupted by the user.
28186 @end table
28187
28188 @end table
28189
28190 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
28191 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
28192 the host is simplified before it's returned
28193 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
28194 is discarded, and the return value consists
28195 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
28196
28197 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
28198 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
28199 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
28200
28201 @table @code
28202 @item set remote system-call-allowed
28203 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
28204 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
28205 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
28206
28207 @item show remote system-call-allowed
28208 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
28209 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
28210 protocol.
28211 @end table
28212
28213 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
28214 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
28215 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
28216
28217 @menu
28218 * Integral Datatypes::
28219 * Pointer Values::
28220 * Memory Transfer::
28221 * struct stat::
28222 * struct timeval::
28223 @end menu
28224
28225 @node Integral Datatypes
28226 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
28227 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
28228
28229 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
28230 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
28231 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
28232
28233 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
28234 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
28235
28236 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
28237
28238 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
28239 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
28240
28241 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
28242
28243 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
28244 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
28245 byte order.
28246
28247 @node Pointer Values
28248 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
28249 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
28250
28251 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
28252 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
28253 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
28254 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
28255
28256 @smallexample
28257 @code{1aaf/12}
28258 @end smallexample
28259
28260 @noindent
28261 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
28262 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
28263 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
28264 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
28265
28266 @smallexample
28267 @code{123456/d}
28268 @end smallexample
28269
28270 @node Memory Transfer
28271 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
28272 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
28273
28274 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
28275 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
28276 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
28277 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
28278 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
28279 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
28280 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
28281
28282
28283 @node struct stat
28284 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
28285 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
28286
28287 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
28288 is defined as follows:
28289
28290 @smallexample
28291 struct stat @{
28292 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
28293 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
28294 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
28295 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
28296 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
28297 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
28298 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
28299 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
28300 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
28301 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
28302 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
28303 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
28304 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
28305 @};
28306 @end smallexample
28307
28308 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
28309 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
28310 structure is of size 64 bytes.
28311
28312 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
28313 range of values.
28314
28315 @table @code
28316
28317 @item st_dev
28318 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
28319
28320 @item st_ino
28321 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
28322
28323 @item st_mode
28324 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
28325 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
28326
28327 @item st_uid
28328 @itemx st_gid
28329 @itemx st_rdev
28330 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
28331
28332 @item st_atime
28333 @itemx st_mtime
28334 @itemx st_ctime
28335 These values have a host and file system dependent
28336 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
28337 support exact timing values.
28338 @end table
28339
28340 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
28341 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
28342 continuing.
28343
28344 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
28345 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
28346 get truncated on the target.
28347
28348 @node struct timeval
28349 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
28350 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
28351
28352 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
28353 is defined as follows:
28354
28355 @smallexample
28356 struct timeval @{
28357 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
28358 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
28359 @};
28360 @end smallexample
28361
28362 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
28363 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
28364 structure is of size 8 bytes.
28365
28366 @node Constants
28367 @subsection Constants
28368 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
28369
28370 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
28371 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
28372 values before and after the call as needed.
28373
28374 @menu
28375 * Open Flags::
28376 * mode_t Values::
28377 * Errno Values::
28378 * Lseek Flags::
28379 * Limits::
28380 @end menu
28381
28382 @node Open Flags
28383 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
28384 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
28385
28386 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
28387
28388 @smallexample
28389 O_RDONLY 0x0
28390 O_WRONLY 0x1
28391 O_RDWR 0x2
28392 O_APPEND 0x8
28393 O_CREAT 0x200
28394 O_TRUNC 0x400
28395 O_EXCL 0x800
28396 @end smallexample
28397
28398 @node mode_t Values
28399 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
28400 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
28401
28402 All values are given in octal representation.
28403
28404 @smallexample
28405 S_IFREG 0100000
28406 S_IFDIR 040000
28407 S_IRUSR 0400
28408 S_IWUSR 0200
28409 S_IXUSR 0100
28410 S_IRGRP 040
28411 S_IWGRP 020
28412 S_IXGRP 010
28413 S_IROTH 04
28414 S_IWOTH 02
28415 S_IXOTH 01
28416 @end smallexample
28417
28418 @node Errno Values
28419 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
28420 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
28421
28422 All values are given in decimal representation.
28423
28424 @smallexample
28425 EPERM 1
28426 ENOENT 2
28427 EINTR 4
28428 EBADF 9
28429 EACCES 13
28430 EFAULT 14
28431 EBUSY 16
28432 EEXIST 17
28433 ENODEV 19
28434 ENOTDIR 20
28435 EISDIR 21
28436 EINVAL 22
28437 ENFILE 23
28438 EMFILE 24
28439 EFBIG 27
28440 ENOSPC 28
28441 ESPIPE 29
28442 EROFS 30
28443 ENAMETOOLONG 91
28444 EUNKNOWN 9999
28445 @end smallexample
28446
28447 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
28448 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
28449
28450 @node Lseek Flags
28451 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
28452 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
28453
28454 @smallexample
28455 SEEK_SET 0
28456 SEEK_CUR 1
28457 SEEK_END 2
28458 @end smallexample
28459
28460 @node Limits
28461 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
28462 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
28463
28464 All values are given in decimal representation.
28465
28466 @smallexample
28467 INT_MIN -2147483648
28468 INT_MAX 2147483647
28469 UINT_MAX 4294967295
28470 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
28471 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
28472 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
28473 @end smallexample
28474
28475 @node File-I/O Examples
28476 @subsection File-I/O Examples
28477 @cindex file-i/o examples
28478
28479 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
28480 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
28481
28482 @smallexample
28483 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
28484 @emph{request memory read from target}
28485 -> @code{m1234,6}
28486 <- XXXXXX
28487 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
28488 -> @code{F6}
28489 @end smallexample
28490
28491 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
28492 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
28493
28494 @smallexample
28495 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
28496 @emph{request memory write to target}
28497 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
28498 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
28499 -> @code{F6}
28500 @end smallexample
28501
28502 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
28503 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
28504
28505 @smallexample
28506 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
28507 -> @code{F-1,9}
28508 @end smallexample
28509
28510 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
28511 host is called:
28512
28513 @smallexample
28514 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
28515 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
28516 <- @code{T02}
28517 @end smallexample
28518
28519 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
28520 host is called:
28521
28522 @smallexample
28523 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
28524 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
28525 <- @code{T02}
28526 @end smallexample
28527
28528 @node Library List Format
28529 @section Library List Format
28530 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
28531
28532 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
28533 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
28534 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
28535 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
28536 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
28537 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
28538 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
28539 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
28540 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
28541 are loaded.
28542
28543 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
28544 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
28545 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
28546 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
28547
28548 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
28549 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
28550 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
28551 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
28552 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
28553 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
28554
28555 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
28556 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
28557
28558 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
28559 offset, looks like this:
28560
28561 @smallexample
28562 <library-list>
28563 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
28564 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
28565 </library>
28566 </library-list>
28567 @end smallexample
28568
28569 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
28570 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
28571
28572 @smallexample
28573 <library-list>
28574 <library name="sharedlib.o">
28575 <section address="0x10000000"/>
28576 <section address="0x20000000"/>
28577 <section address="0x30000000"/>
28578 </library>
28579 </library-list>
28580 @end smallexample
28581
28582 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
28583
28584 @smallexample
28585 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
28586 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
28587 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
28588 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
28589 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
28590 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
28591 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
28592 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
28593 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
28594 @end smallexample
28595
28596 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
28597 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
28598 section for each library.
28599
28600 @node Memory Map Format
28601 @section Memory Map Format
28602 @cindex memory map format
28603
28604 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
28605 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
28606 memory map.
28607
28608 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
28609 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
28610 lists memory regions.
28611
28612 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
28613 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
28614
28615 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
28616
28617 @smallexample
28618 <?xml version="1.0"?>
28619 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
28620 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
28621 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
28622 <memory-map>
28623 region...
28624 </memory-map>
28625 @end smallexample
28626
28627 Each region can be either:
28628
28629 @itemize
28630
28631 @item
28632 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
28633 bytes from there:
28634
28635 @smallexample
28636 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
28637 @end smallexample
28638
28639
28640 @item
28641 A region of read-only memory:
28642
28643 @smallexample
28644 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
28645 @end smallexample
28646
28647
28648 @item
28649 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
28650 bytes in length:
28651
28652 @smallexample
28653 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
28654 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
28655 </memory>
28656 @end smallexample
28657
28658 @end itemize
28659
28660 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
28661 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
28662 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
28663
28664 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
28665
28666 @smallexample
28667 <!-- ................................................... -->
28668 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
28669 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
28670 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
28671 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
28672 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
28673 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
28674 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
28675 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
28676 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
28677 and its type, or device. -->
28678 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
28679 start CDATA #REQUIRED
28680 length CDATA #REQUIRED
28681 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
28682 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
28683 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
28684 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
28685 @end smallexample
28686
28687 @include agentexpr.texi
28688
28689 @node Target Descriptions
28690 @appendix Target Descriptions
28691 @cindex target descriptions
28692
28693 @strong{Warning:} target descriptions are still under active development,
28694 and the contents and format may change between @value{GDBN} releases.
28695 The format is expected to stabilize in the future.
28696
28697 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
28698 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
28699 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
28700 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or MIPS, for example ---
28701 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
28702 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
28703 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
28704
28705 @itemize @bullet
28706 @item
28707 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
28708 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
28709 @item
28710 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
28711 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
28712 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
28713 @item
28714 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
28715 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
28716 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
28717 @end itemize
28718
28719 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
28720 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
28721 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
28722 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
28723 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
28724
28725 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
28726 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
28727
28728 @menu
28729 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
28730 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
28731 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
28732 descriptions.
28733 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
28734 @end menu
28735
28736 @node Retrieving Descriptions
28737 @section Retrieving Descriptions
28738
28739 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
28740 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
28741 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
28742 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
28743 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
28744 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
28745 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
28746 Format}.
28747
28748 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
28749 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
28750 specify a file are:
28751
28752 @table @code
28753 @cindex set tdesc filename
28754 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
28755 Read the target description from @var{path}.
28756
28757 @cindex unset tdesc filename
28758 @item unset tdesc filename
28759 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
28760 will use the description supplied by the current target.
28761
28762 @cindex show tdesc filename
28763 @item show tdesc filename
28764 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
28765 @end table
28766
28767
28768 @node Target Description Format
28769 @section Target Description Format
28770 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
28771
28772 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
28773 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
28774 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
28775 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
28776 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
28777 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
28778 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
28779
28780 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
28781 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
28782 sets. @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
28783 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
28784
28785 Here is a simple target description:
28786
28787 @smallexample
28788 <target version="1.0">
28789 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
28790 </target>
28791 @end smallexample
28792
28793 @noindent
28794 This minimal description only says that the target uses
28795 the x86-64 architecture.
28796
28797 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
28798 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
28799 are explained further below.
28800
28801 @smallexample
28802 <?xml version="1.0"?>
28803 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
28804 <target version="1.0">
28805 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
28806 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
28807 </target>
28808 @end smallexample
28809
28810 @noindent
28811 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
28812 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
28813 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
28814 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
28815 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
28816 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
28817 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
28818 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
28819 the version mismatch.
28820
28821 @subsection Inclusion
28822 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
28823 @cindex XInclude
28824 @ifnotinfo
28825 @cindex <xi:include>
28826 @end ifnotinfo
28827
28828 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
28829 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
28830 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
28831 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
28832 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
28833
28834 @smallexample
28835 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
28836 @end smallexample
28837
28838 @noindent
28839 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
28840 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
28841 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
28842 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
28843 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
28844 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
28845 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
28846 original description.
28847
28848 @subsection Architecture
28849 @cindex <architecture>
28850
28851 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
28852
28853 @smallexample
28854 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
28855 @end smallexample
28856
28857 @var{arch} is an architecture name from the same selection
28858 accepted by @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a
28859 Debugging Target}).
28860
28861 @subsection Features
28862 @cindex <feature>
28863
28864 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
28865 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
28866 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
28867 has this form:
28868
28869 @smallexample
28870 <feature name="@var{name}">
28871 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
28872 @var{reg}@dots{}
28873 </feature>
28874 @end smallexample
28875
28876 @noindent
28877 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
28878 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
28879 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
28880 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
28881
28882 @subsection Types
28883
28884 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
28885 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
28886 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
28887 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
28888 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
28889
28890 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
28891 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
28892 Types must be defined before they are used.
28893
28894 @cindex <vector>
28895 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
28896 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
28897 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
28898 @var{count}:
28899
28900 @smallexample
28901 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
28902 @end smallexample
28903
28904 @cindex <union>
28905 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
28906 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
28907 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
28908 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
28909
28910 @smallexample
28911 <union id="@var{id}">
28912 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
28913 @dots{}
28914 </union>
28915 @end smallexample
28916
28917 @subsection Registers
28918 @cindex <reg>
28919
28920 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
28921
28922 @smallexample
28923 <reg name="@var{name}"
28924 bitsize="@var{size}"
28925 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
28926 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
28927 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
28928 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
28929 @end smallexample
28930
28931 @noindent
28932 The components are as follows:
28933
28934 @table @var
28935
28936 @item name
28937 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
28938
28939 @item bitsize
28940 The register's size, in bits.
28941
28942 @item regnum
28943 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
28944 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
28945 a preceeding feature); the first register in the target description
28946 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
28947 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
28948 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
28949 in order of increasing register number.
28950
28951 @item save-restore
28952 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
28953 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
28954 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
28955 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
28956 ABI.
28957
28958 @item type
28959 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
28960 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
28961 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
28962 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
28963 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
28964 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
28965
28966 @item group
28967 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
28968 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
28969 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
28970 in @code{info registers}.
28971
28972 @end table
28973
28974 @node Predefined Target Types
28975 @section Predefined Target Types
28976 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
28977
28978 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
28979 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
28980 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
28981 types. The currently supported types are:
28982
28983 @table @code
28984
28985 @item int8
28986 @itemx int16
28987 @itemx int32
28988 @itemx int64
28989 @itemx int128
28990 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
28991
28992 @item uint8
28993 @itemx uint16
28994 @itemx uint32
28995 @itemx uint64
28996 @itemx uint128
28997 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
28998
28999 @item code_ptr
29000 @itemx data_ptr
29001 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
29002 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
29003 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
29004 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
29005 may be marked as data pointers.
29006
29007 @item ieee_single
29008 Single precision IEEE floating point.
29009
29010 @item ieee_double
29011 Double precision IEEE floating point.
29012
29013 @item arm_fpa_ext
29014 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
29015
29016 @end table
29017
29018 @node Standard Target Features
29019 @section Standard Target Features
29020 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
29021
29022 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
29023 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
29024 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
29025 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
29026 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
29027 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
29028 can recognize them.
29029
29030 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
29031 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
29032 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
29033 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
29034 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
29035 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
29036 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
29037 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
29038
29039 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
29040 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
29041 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
29042
29043 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
29044 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
29045 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
29046 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
29047
29048 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
29049 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
29050 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
29051
29052 @menu
29053 * ARM Features::
29054 * MIPS Features::
29055 * M68K Features::
29056 * PowerPC Features::
29057 @end menu
29058
29059
29060 @node ARM Features
29061 @subsection ARM Features
29062 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
29063
29064 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for ARM targets.
29065 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
29066 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
29067
29068 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
29069 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
29070
29071 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
29072 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
29073 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
29074 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
29075
29076 @node MIPS Features
29077 @subsection MIPS Features
29078 @cindex target descriptions, MIPS features
29079
29080 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for MIPS targets.
29081 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
29082 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
29083 on the target.
29084
29085 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
29086 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
29087 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
29088
29089 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
29090 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
29091 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
29092 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
29093
29094 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
29095 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
29096 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
29097
29098 @node M68K Features
29099 @subsection M68K Features
29100 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
29101
29102 @table @code
29103 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
29104 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
29105 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
29106 One of those features must be always present.
29107 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
29108 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
29109 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
29110 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
29111
29112 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
29113 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
29114 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
29115 @samp{fpiaddr}.
29116 @end table
29117
29118 @node PowerPC Features
29119 @subsection PowerPC Features
29120 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
29121
29122 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
29123 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
29124 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
29125 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
29126
29127 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
29128 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
29129
29130 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
29131 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
29132 and @samp{vrsave}.
29133
29134 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
29135 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
29136 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
29137 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
29138 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
29139 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
29140
29141 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
29142 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
29143 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
29144 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
29145 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
29146 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
29147 user.
29148
29149 @node Operating System Information
29150 @appendix Operating System Information
29151 @cindex operating system information
29152
29153 @menu
29154 * Process list::
29155 @end menu
29156
29157 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
29158 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
29159 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
29160 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
29161 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
29162 on a different aspect of target.
29163
29164 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
29165 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
29166 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
29167 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
29168
29169 @node Process list
29170 @appendixsection Process list
29171 @cindex operating system information, process list
29172
29173 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
29174 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
29175 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
29176 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
29177
29178 An example document is:
29179
29180 @smallexample
29181 <?xml version="1.0"?>
29182 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
29183 <osdata type="processes">
29184 <item>
29185 <column name="pid">1</column>
29186 <column name="user">root</column>
29187 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
29188 </item>
29189 </osdata>
29190 @end smallexample
29191
29192 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
29193 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
29194 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
29195 displayed by @value{GDBN}. Target may provide additional columns,
29196 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
29197
29198 @include gpl.texi
29199
29200 @raisesections
29201 @include fdl.texi
29202 @lowersections
29203
29204 @node Index
29205 @unnumbered Index
29206
29207 @printindex cp
29208
29209 @tex
29210 % I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
29211 % meantime:
29212 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
29213 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
29214 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
29215 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
29216 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
29217 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
29218 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
29219 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
29220 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
29221 \page\colophon
29222 % Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.
29223 @end tex
29224
29225 @bye