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, 2009
4 @c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
5 @c
6 @c %**start of header
7 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
8 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
9 @setfilename gdb.info
10 @c
11 @include gdb-cfg.texi
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @syncodeindex ky cp
24 @syncodeindex tp cp
25
26 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
27 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
28 @syncodeindex vr cp
29 @syncodeindex fn cp
30
31 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
32 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
33 @set EDITION Ninth
34
35 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
36 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
37
38 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
39
40 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
41 @c manuals to an info tree.
42 @dircategory Software development
43 @direntry
44 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
45 @end direntry
46
47 @copying
48 Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996,
49 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
50 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
51
52 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
53 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or
54 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
55 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
56 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
57 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
58
59 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
60 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
61 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
62 @end copying
63
64 @ifnottex
65 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
66
67 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
68 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
69 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
70 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
71 @end ifset
72 Version @value{GDBVN}.
73
74 @insertcopying
75 @end ifnottex
76
77 @titlepage
78 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
79 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
80 @sp 1
81 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
82 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
83 @sp 1
84 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
85 @end ifset
86 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
87 @page
88 @tex
89 {\parskip=0pt
90 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
91 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
92 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
93 }
94 @end tex
95
96 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
97 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
98 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
99 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
100 ISBN 1-882114-77-9 @*
101
102 @insertcopying
103 @page
104 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
105 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
106 software in general. We will miss him.
107 @end titlepage
108 @page
109
110 @ifnottex
111 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
112
113 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
114
115 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
116
117 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
118 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
119 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
120 @end ifset
121 Version @value{GDBVN}.
122
123 Copyright (C) 1988-2009 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
124
125 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
126 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
127 software in general. We will miss him.
128
129 @menu
130 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
131 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
132
133 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
134 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
135 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
136 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
137 * Reverse Execution:: Running programs backward
138 * Process Record and Replay:: Recording inferior's execution and replaying it
139 * Stack:: Examining the stack
140 * Source:: Examining source files
141 * Data:: Examining data
142 * Optimized Code:: Debugging optimized code
143 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
144 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
145 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
146
147 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
148
149 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
150 * Altering:: Altering execution
151 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
152 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
153 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
154 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
155 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
156 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
157 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
158 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
159 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
160 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
161 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
162 * JIT Interface:: Using the JIT debugging interface.
163
164 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
165
166 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
167 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
168 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
169 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
170 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
171 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
172 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
173 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
174 @value{GDBN}
175 * Operating System Information:: Getting additional information from
176 the operating system
177 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
178 how you can copy and share GDB
179 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
180 * Index:: Index
181 @end menu
182
183 @end ifnottex
184
185 @contents
186
187 @node Summary
188 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
189
190 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
191 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
192 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
193
194 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
195 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
196
197 @itemize @bullet
198 @item
199 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
200
201 @item
202 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
203
204 @item
205 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
206
207 @item
208 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
209 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
210 @end itemize
211
212 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
213 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
214 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
215
216 @cindex Modula-2
217 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
218 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
219
220 @cindex Pascal
221 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
222 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
223 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
224 syntax.
225
226 @cindex Fortran
227 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
228 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
229 underscore.
230
231 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
232 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
233
234 @menu
235 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
236 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
237 @end menu
238
239 @node Free Software
240 @unnumberedsec Free Software
241
242 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
243 General Public License
244 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
245 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
246 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
247 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
248 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
249 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
250
251 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
252 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
253 from anyone else.
254
255 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
256
257 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
258 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
259 include with the free software. Many of our most important
260 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
261 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
262 when an important free software package does not come with a free
263 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
264 gaps today.
265
266 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
267 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
268 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
269 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
270 them from the free software world.
271
272 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
273 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
274 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
275 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
276 contract to make it non-free.
277
278 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
279 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
280 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
281 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
282 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
283 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
284 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
285
286 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
287 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
288 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
289 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
290
291 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
292 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
293 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
294 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
295 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
296 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
297 community.
298
299 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
300 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
301 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
302 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
303 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
304 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
305 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
306 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
307 of the manual.
308
309 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
310 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
311 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
312 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
313 manual to replace it.
314
315 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
316 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
317 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
318 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
319 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
320 the free software community.
321
322 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
323 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
324 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
325 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
326 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
327 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
328 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
329 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
330 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
331
332 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
333 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
334 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
335 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
336 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
337 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
338 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
339 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
340
341 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
342 published by other publishers, at
343 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
344
345 @node Contributors
346 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
347
348 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
349 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
350 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
351 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
352 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
353 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
354 blow-by-blow account.
355
356 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
357
358 @quotation
359 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
360 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
361 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
362 @end quotation
363
364 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
365 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
366 releases:
367 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
368 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
369 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
370 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
371 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
372 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
373 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
374 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
375 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
376
377 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
378 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
379
380 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
381 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
382 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
383 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
384 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
385
386 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
387 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
388 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
389
390 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
391 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
392
393 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
394
395 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
396 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
397 support.
398 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
399 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
400 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
401 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
402 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
403 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
404 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
405 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
406 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
407 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
408 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
409 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
410 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
411 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
412 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
413 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
414
415 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
416
417 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
418 libraries.
419
420 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
421 about several machine instruction sets.
422
423 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
424 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
425 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
426 and RDI targets, respectively.
427
428 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
429 command-line editing and command history.
430
431 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
432 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
433
434 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
435 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
436 symbols.
437
438 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
439 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
440
441 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
442
443 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
444 processors.
445
446 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
447
448 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
449
450 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
451
452 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
453 watchpoints.
454
455 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
456
457 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
458
459 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
460 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
461
462 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
463 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
464 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
465 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
466 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
467 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
468 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
469
470 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
471 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
472
473 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
474 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
475 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
476 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
477 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
478 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
479 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
480 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
481 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
482 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
483 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
484 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
485 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
486 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
487 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
488
489 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
490 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
491
492 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
493 Hat.
494
495 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
496 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
497 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
498 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
499 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
500 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
501
502 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
503 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
504 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
505 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
506 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
507 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
508 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
509 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
510 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
511 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
512 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
513 Weigand.
514
515 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
516 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
517 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
518 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
519
520 @node Sample Session
521 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
522
523 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
524 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
525 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
526
527 @iftex
528 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
529 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
530 @end iftex
531
532 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
533 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
534
535 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
536 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
537 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
538 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
539 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
540 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
541 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
542 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
543 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
544
545 @smallexample
546 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
547 $ @b{./m4}
548 @b{define(foo,0000)}
549
550 @b{foo}
551 0000
552 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
553
554 @b{bar}
555 0000
556 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
557
558 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
559 @b{baz}
560 @b{Ctrl-d}
561 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
562 @end smallexample
563
564 @noindent
565 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
566
567 @smallexample
568 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
569 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
570 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
571 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
572 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
573 the conditions.
574 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
575 for details.
576
577 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
578 (@value{GDBP})
579 @end smallexample
580
581 @noindent
582 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
583 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
584 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
585 that examples fit in this manual.
586
587 @smallexample
588 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
589 @end smallexample
590
591 @noindent
592 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
593 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
594 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
595 @code{break} command.
596
597 @smallexample
598 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
599 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
600 @end smallexample
601
602 @noindent
603 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
604 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
605 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
606
607 @smallexample
608 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
609 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
610 @b{define(foo,0000)}
611
612 @b{foo}
613 0000
614 @end smallexample
615
616 @noindent
617 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
618 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
619 context where it stops.
620
621 @smallexample
622 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
623
624 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
625 at builtin.c:879
626 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
627 @end smallexample
628
629 @noindent
630 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
631 the next line of the current function.
632
633 @smallexample
634 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
635 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
636 : nil,
637 @end smallexample
638
639 @noindent
640 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
641 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
642 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
643 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
644
645 @smallexample
646 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
647 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
648 at input.c:530
649 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
650 @end smallexample
651
652 @noindent
653 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
654 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
655 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
656 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
657 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
658 stack frame for each active subroutine.
659
660 @smallexample
661 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
662 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
663 at input.c:530
664 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
665 at builtin.c:882
666 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
667 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
668 at macro.c:71
669 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
670 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
671 @end smallexample
672
673 @noindent
674 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
675 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
676 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
677
678 @smallexample
679 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
680 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
681 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
682 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
683 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
684 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
685 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
686 : xstrdup(rq);
687 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
688 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
689 @end smallexample
690
691 @noindent
692 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
693 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
694 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
695 (@code{print}) to see their values.
696
697 @smallexample
698 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
699 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
700 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
701 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
702 @end smallexample
703
704 @noindent
705 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
706 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
707 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
708
709 @smallexample
710 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
711 533 xfree(rquote);
712 534
713 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
714 : xstrdup (lq);
715 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
716 : xstrdup (rq);
717 537
718 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
719 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
720 540 @}
721 541
722 542 void
723 @end smallexample
724
725 @noindent
726 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
727 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
728
729 @smallexample
730 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
731 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
732 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
733 540 @}
734 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
735 $3 = 9
736 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
737 $4 = 7
738 @end smallexample
739
740 @noindent
741 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
742 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
743 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
744 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
745 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
746 assignments.
747
748 @smallexample
749 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
750 $5 = 7
751 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
752 $6 = 9
753 @end smallexample
754
755 @noindent
756 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
757 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
758 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
759 example that caused trouble initially:
760
761 @smallexample
762 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
763 Continuing.
764
765 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
766
767 baz
768 0000
769 @end smallexample
770
771 @noindent
772 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
773 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
774 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
775
776 @smallexample
777 @b{Ctrl-d}
778 Program exited normally.
779 @end smallexample
780
781 @noindent
782 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
783 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
784 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
785
786 @smallexample
787 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
788 @end smallexample
789
790 @node Invocation
791 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
792
793 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
794 The essentials are:
795 @itemize @bullet
796 @item
797 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
798 @item
799 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
800 @end itemize
801
802 @menu
803 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
804 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
805 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
806 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
807 @end menu
808
809 @node Invoking GDB
810 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
811
812 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
813 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
814
815 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
816 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
817
818 The command-line options described here are designed
819 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
820 options may effectively be unavailable.
821
822 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
823 specifying an executable program:
824
825 @smallexample
826 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
827 @end smallexample
828
829 @noindent
830 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
831 specified:
832
833 @smallexample
834 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
835 @end smallexample
836
837 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
838 to debug a running process:
839
840 @smallexample
841 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
842 @end smallexample
843
844 @noindent
845 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
846 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
847
848 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
849 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
850 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
851 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
852 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
853
854 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
855 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
856 option processing.
857 @smallexample
858 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
859 @end smallexample
860 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
861 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
862
863 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
864 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
865
866 @smallexample
867 @value{GDBP} -silent
868 @end smallexample
869
870 @noindent
871 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
872 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
873
874 @noindent
875 Type
876
877 @smallexample
878 @value{GDBP} -help
879 @end smallexample
880
881 @noindent
882 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
883 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
884
885 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
886 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
887 @samp{-x} option is used.
888
889
890 @menu
891 * File Options:: Choosing files
892 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
893 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
894 @end menu
895
896 @node File Options
897 @subsection Choosing Files
898
899 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
900 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
901 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
902 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
903 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
904 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
905 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
906 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
907 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
908 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
909 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
910 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
911 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
912
913 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
914 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
915 argument and ignore it.
916
917 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
918 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
919 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
920 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
921 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
922
923 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
924 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
925 @c it.
926
927 @table @code
928 @item -symbols @var{file}
929 @itemx -s @var{file}
930 @cindex @code{--symbols}
931 @cindex @code{-s}
932 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
933
934 @item -exec @var{file}
935 @itemx -e @var{file}
936 @cindex @code{--exec}
937 @cindex @code{-e}
938 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
939 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
940
941 @item -se @var{file}
942 @cindex @code{--se}
943 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
944 file.
945
946 @item -core @var{file}
947 @itemx -c @var{file}
948 @cindex @code{--core}
949 @cindex @code{-c}
950 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
951
952 @item -pid @var{number}
953 @itemx -p @var{number}
954 @cindex @code{--pid}
955 @cindex @code{-p}
956 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
957
958 @item -command @var{file}
959 @itemx -x @var{file}
960 @cindex @code{--command}
961 @cindex @code{-x}
962 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}. @xref{Command
963 Files,, Command files}.
964
965 @item -eval-command @var{command}
966 @itemx -ex @var{command}
967 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
968 @cindex @code{-ex}
969 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
970
971 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
972 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
973
974 @smallexample
975 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
976 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
977 @end smallexample
978
979 @item -directory @var{directory}
980 @itemx -d @var{directory}
981 @cindex @code{--directory}
982 @cindex @code{-d}
983 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
984
985 @item -r
986 @itemx -readnow
987 @cindex @code{--readnow}
988 @cindex @code{-r}
989 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
990 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
991 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
992
993 @end table
994
995 @node Mode Options
996 @subsection Choosing Modes
997
998 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
999 batch mode or quiet mode.
1000
1001 @table @code
1002 @item -nx
1003 @itemx -n
1004 @cindex @code{--nx}
1005 @cindex @code{-n}
1006 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1007 @value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1008 options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1009 Files}.
1010
1011 @item -quiet
1012 @itemx -silent
1013 @itemx -q
1014 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1015 @cindex @code{--silent}
1016 @cindex @code{-q}
1017 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1018 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1019
1020 @item -batch
1021 @cindex @code{--batch}
1022 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1023 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1024 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1025 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1026 in the command files.
1027
1028 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1029 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1030 make this more useful, the message
1031
1032 @smallexample
1033 Program exited normally.
1034 @end smallexample
1035
1036 @noindent
1037 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1038 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1039 mode.
1040
1041 @item -batch-silent
1042 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1043 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1044 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1045 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1046 for an interactive session.
1047
1048 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1049 messages, for example.
1050
1051 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1052 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1053
1054 @item -return-child-result
1055 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1056 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1057 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1058
1059 @itemize @bullet
1060 @item
1061 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1062 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1063 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1064 @item
1065 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1066 @item
1067 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1068 the exit code will be -1.
1069 @end itemize
1070
1071 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1072 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1073 interface.
1074
1075 @item -nowindows
1076 @itemx -nw
1077 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1078 @cindex @code{-nw}
1079 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1080 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1081 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1082
1083 @item -windows
1084 @itemx -w
1085 @cindex @code{--windows}
1086 @cindex @code{-w}
1087 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1088 used if possible.
1089
1090 @item -cd @var{directory}
1091 @cindex @code{--cd}
1092 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1093 instead of the current directory.
1094
1095 @item -fullname
1096 @itemx -f
1097 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1098 @cindex @code{-f}
1099 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1100 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1101 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1102 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1103 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1104 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1105 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1106 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1107 frame.
1108
1109 @item -epoch
1110 @cindex @code{--epoch}
1111 The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1112 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1113 routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1114 separate window.
1115
1116 @item -annotate @var{level}
1117 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1118 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1119 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1120 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1121 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1122 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1123 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1124 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1125 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1126
1127 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1128 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1129
1130 @item --args
1131 @cindex @code{--args}
1132 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1133 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1134 This option stops option processing.
1135
1136 @item -baud @var{bps}
1137 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1138 @cindex @code{--baud}
1139 @cindex @code{-b}
1140 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1141 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1142
1143 @item -l @var{timeout}
1144 @cindex @code{-l}
1145 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1146 for remote debugging.
1147
1148 @item -tty @var{device}
1149 @itemx -t @var{device}
1150 @cindex @code{--tty}
1151 @cindex @code{-t}
1152 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1153 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1154
1155 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1156 @item -tui
1157 @cindex @code{--tui}
1158 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1159 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1160 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1161 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Alternatively, the
1162 Text User Interface can be enabled by invoking the program
1163 @samp{@value{GDBTUI}}. Do not use this option if you run @value{GDBN} from
1164 Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1165
1166 @c @item -xdb
1167 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1168 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1169 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1170 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1171 @c systems.
1172
1173 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1174 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1175 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1176 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1177 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1178 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1179
1180 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1181 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1182 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1183 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1184 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1185 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1186
1187 @item -write
1188 @cindex @code{--write}
1189 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1190 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1191 (@pxref{Patching}).
1192
1193 @item -statistics
1194 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1195 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1196 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1197
1198 @item -version
1199 @cindex @code{--version}
1200 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1201 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1202
1203 @end table
1204
1205 @node Startup
1206 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1207 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1208
1209 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1210
1211 @enumerate
1212 @item
1213 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1214 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1215
1216 @item
1217 @cindex init file
1218 Reads the system-wide @dfn{init file} (if @option{--with-system-gdbinit} was
1219 used when building @value{GDBN}; @pxref{System-wide configuration,
1220 ,System-wide configuration and settings}) and executes all the commands in
1221 that file.
1222
1223 @item
1224 Reads the 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 To display the list of init files loaded by gdb at startup, you
1258 can use @kbd{gdb --help}.
1259
1260 @cindex init file name
1261 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1262 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1263 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1264 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1265 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1266 ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1267 @file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1268 the file to the standard name.
1269
1270
1271 @node Quitting GDB
1272 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1273 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1274 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1275
1276 @table @code
1277 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1278 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1279 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1280 @itemx q
1281 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1282 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1283 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1284 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1285 error code.
1286 @end table
1287
1288 @cindex interrupt
1289 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1290 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1291 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1292 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1293 until a time when it is safe.
1294
1295 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1296 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1297 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1298
1299 @node Shell Commands
1300 @section Shell Commands
1301
1302 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1303 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1304 just use the @code{shell} command.
1305
1306 @table @code
1307 @kindex shell
1308 @cindex shell escape
1309 @item shell @var{command string}
1310 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1311 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1312 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1313 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1314 @end table
1315
1316 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1317 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1318 @value{GDBN}:
1319
1320 @table @code
1321 @kindex make
1322 @cindex calling make
1323 @item make @var{make-args}
1324 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1325 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1326 @end table
1327
1328 @node Logging Output
1329 @section Logging Output
1330 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1331 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1332
1333 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1334 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1335
1336 @table @code
1337 @kindex set logging
1338 @item set logging on
1339 Enable logging.
1340 @item set logging off
1341 Disable logging.
1342 @cindex logging file name
1343 @item set logging file @var{file}
1344 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1345 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1346 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1347 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1348 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1349 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1350 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1351 @kindex show logging
1352 @item show logging
1353 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1354 @end table
1355
1356 @node Commands
1357 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1358
1359 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1360 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1361 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1362 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1363 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1364
1365 @menu
1366 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1367 * Completion:: Command completion
1368 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1369 @end menu
1370
1371 @node Command Syntax
1372 @section Command Syntax
1373
1374 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1375 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1376 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1377 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1378 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1379 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1380
1381 @cindex abbreviation
1382 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1383 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1384 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1385 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1386 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1387 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1388 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1389
1390 @cindex repeating commands
1391 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1392 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1393 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1394 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1395 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1396 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1397 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1398
1399 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1400 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1401 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1402
1403 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1404 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1405 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1406 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1407 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1408
1409 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1410 @cindex comment
1411 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1412 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1413 Files,,Command Files}).
1414
1415 @cindex repeating command sequences
1416 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1417 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1418 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1419 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1420 for editing.
1421
1422 @node Completion
1423 @section Command Completion
1424
1425 @cindex completion
1426 @cindex word completion
1427 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1428 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1429 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1430 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1431
1432 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1433 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1434 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1435 enter it). For example, if you type
1436
1437 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1438 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1439 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1440 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1441 @smallexample
1442 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1443 @end smallexample
1444
1445 @noindent
1446 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1447 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1448
1449 @smallexample
1450 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1451 @end smallexample
1452
1453 @noindent
1454 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1455 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1456 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1457 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1458 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1459 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1460
1461 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1462 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1463 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1464 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1465 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1466 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1467 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1468 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1469 example:
1470
1471 @smallexample
1472 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1473 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1474 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1475 make_abs_section make_function_type
1476 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1477 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1478 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1479 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1480 @end smallexample
1481
1482 @noindent
1483 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1484 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1485 command.
1486
1487 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1488 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1489 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1490 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1491 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1492
1493 @cindex quotes in commands
1494 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1495 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1496 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1497 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1498 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1499 @value{GDBN} commands.
1500
1501 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1502 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1503 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1504 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1505 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1506 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1507 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1508 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1509 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1510 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1511 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1512
1513 @smallexample
1514 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1515 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1516 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1517 @end smallexample
1518
1519 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1520 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1521 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1522 place:
1523
1524 @smallexample
1525 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1526 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1527 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1528 @end smallexample
1529
1530 @noindent
1531 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1532 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1533 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1534
1535 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1536 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1537 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1538 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1539
1540 @cindex completion of structure field names
1541 @cindex structure field name completion
1542 @cindex completion of union field names
1543 @cindex union field name completion
1544 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1545 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1546 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1547 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1548 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1549 left-hand-side:
1550
1551 @smallexample
1552 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1553 magic to_delete to_fputs to_put to_rewind
1554 to_data to_flush to_isatty to_read to_write
1555 @end smallexample
1556
1557 @noindent
1558 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1559 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1560 follows:
1561
1562 @smallexample
1563 struct ui_file
1564 @{
1565 int *magic;
1566 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1567 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1568 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1569 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1570 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1571 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1572 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1573 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1574 void *to_data;
1575 @}
1576 @end smallexample
1577
1578
1579 @node Help
1580 @section Getting Help
1581 @cindex online documentation
1582 @kindex help
1583
1584 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1585 using the command @code{help}.
1586
1587 @table @code
1588 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1589 @item help
1590 @itemx h
1591 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1592 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1593
1594 @smallexample
1595 (@value{GDBP}) help
1596 List of classes of commands:
1597
1598 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1599 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1600 data -- Examining data
1601 files -- Specifying and examining files
1602 internals -- Maintenance commands
1603 obscure -- Obscure features
1604 running -- Running the program
1605 stack -- Examining the stack
1606 status -- Status inquiries
1607 support -- Support facilities
1608 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1609 stopping the program
1610 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1611
1612 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1613 commands in that class.
1614 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1615 documentation.
1616 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1617 (@value{GDBP})
1618 @end smallexample
1619 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1620
1621 @item help @var{class}
1622 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1623 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1624 help display for the class @code{status}:
1625
1626 @smallexample
1627 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1628 Status inquiries.
1629
1630 List of commands:
1631
1632 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1633 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1634 info -- Generic command for showing things
1635 about the program being debugged
1636 show -- Generic command for showing things
1637 about the debugger
1638
1639 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1640 documentation.
1641 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1642 (@value{GDBP})
1643 @end smallexample
1644
1645 @item help @var{command}
1646 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1647 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1648
1649 @kindex apropos
1650 @item apropos @var{args}
1651 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1652 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1653 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1654
1655 @smallexample
1656 apropos reload
1657 @end smallexample
1658
1659 @noindent
1660 results in:
1661
1662 @smallexample
1663 @c @group
1664 set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1665 multiple times in one run
1666 show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1667 multiple times in one run
1668 @c @end group
1669 @end smallexample
1670
1671 @kindex complete
1672 @item complete @var{args}
1673 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1674 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1675 command you want completed. For example:
1676
1677 @smallexample
1678 complete i
1679 @end smallexample
1680
1681 @noindent results in:
1682
1683 @smallexample
1684 @group
1685 if
1686 ignore
1687 info
1688 inspect
1689 @end group
1690 @end smallexample
1691
1692 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1693 @end table
1694
1695 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1696 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1697 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1698 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1699 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1700 all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1701
1702 @c @group
1703 @table @code
1704 @kindex info
1705 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1706 @item info
1707 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1708 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1709 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1710 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1711 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1712 @w{@code{help info}}.
1713
1714 @kindex set
1715 @item set
1716 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1717 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1718 @code{set prompt $}.
1719
1720 @kindex show
1721 @item show
1722 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1723 @value{GDBN} itself.
1724 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1725 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1726 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1727 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1728
1729 @kindex info set
1730 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1731 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1732 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1733 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1734 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1735 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1736 @end table
1737 @c @end group
1738
1739 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1740 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1741
1742 @table @code
1743 @kindex show version
1744 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1745 @item show version
1746 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1747 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1748 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1749 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1750 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1751 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1752 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1753 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1754 @value{GDBN}.
1755
1756 @kindex show copying
1757 @kindex info copying
1758 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1759 @item show copying
1760 @itemx info copying
1761 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1762
1763 @kindex show warranty
1764 @kindex info warranty
1765 @item show warranty
1766 @itemx info warranty
1767 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1768 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1769
1770 @end table
1771
1772 @node Running
1773 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1774
1775 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1776 debugging information when you compile it.
1777
1778 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1779 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1780 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1781 kill a child process.
1782
1783 @menu
1784 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1785 * Starting:: Starting your program
1786 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1787 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1788
1789 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1790 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1791 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1792 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1793
1794 * Inferiors:: Debugging multiple inferiors
1795 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1796 * Processes:: Debugging programs with multiple processes
1797 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1798 @end menu
1799
1800 @node Compilation
1801 @section Compiling for Debugging
1802
1803 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1804 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1805 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1806 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1807 and addresses in the executable code.
1808
1809 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1810 the compiler.
1811
1812 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1813 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, some
1814 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1815 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1816 executables containing debugging information.
1817
1818 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1819 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1820 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1821 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1822 in pushing your luck. For more information, see @ref{Optimized Code}.
1823
1824 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1825 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1826 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1827
1828 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1829 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1830 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1831 the @option{-g} flag alone, because this information is rather large.
1832 Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
1833 provides macro information if you specify the options
1834 @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3}; the former option requests
1835 debugging information in the Dwarf 2 format, and the latter requests
1836 ``extra information''. In the future, we hope to find more compact
1837 ways to represent macro information, so that it can be included with
1838 @option{-g} alone.
1839
1840 @need 2000
1841 @node Starting
1842 @section Starting your Program
1843 @cindex starting
1844 @cindex running
1845
1846 @table @code
1847 @kindex run
1848 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1849 @item run
1850 @itemx r
1851 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1852 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1853 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1854 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1855 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1856
1857 @end table
1858
1859 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1860 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1861 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1862 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1863 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1864 message like this one:
1865
1866 @smallexample
1867 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1868 Try "help target" or "continue".
1869 @end smallexample
1870
1871 @noindent
1872 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1873 first (@pxref{load}).
1874
1875 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1876 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1877 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1878 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1879 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1880 divided into four categories:
1881
1882 @table @asis
1883 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1884 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1885 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1886 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1887 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1888 the arguments.
1889 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1890 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1891 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1892
1893 @item The @emph{environment.}
1894 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1895 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1896 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1897 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1898
1899 @item The @emph{working directory.}
1900 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1901 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1902 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1903
1904 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1905 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1906 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1907 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1908 set a different device for your program.
1909 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1910
1911 @cindex pipes
1912 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1913 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1914 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1915 wrong program.
1916 @end table
1917
1918 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1919 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
1920 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1921 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1922 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1923
1924 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1925 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1926 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1927 your current breakpoints.
1928
1929 @table @code
1930 @kindex start
1931 @item start
1932 @cindex run to main procedure
1933 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
1934 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
1935 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
1936 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
1937 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
1938 procedure, depending on the language used.
1939
1940 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
1941 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
1942 the @samp{run} command.
1943
1944 @cindex elaboration phase
1945 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
1946 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
1947 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
1948 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
1949 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
1950 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
1951 will remain to halt execution.
1952
1953 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
1954 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
1955 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
1956 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
1957 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
1958
1959 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
1960 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
1961 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
1962 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
1963 elaboration code before running your program.
1964
1965 @kindex set exec-wrapper
1966 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
1967 @itemx show exec-wrapper
1968 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
1969 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
1970 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
1971 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
1972 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
1973 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
1974 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
1975 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
1976
1977 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
1978 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
1979 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
1980 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
1981
1982 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
1983 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
1984 environment:
1985
1986 @smallexample
1987 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
1988 (@value{GDBP}) run
1989 @end smallexample
1990
1991 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
1992 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
1993
1994 @kindex set disable-randomization
1995 @item set disable-randomization
1996 @itemx set disable-randomization on
1997 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
1998 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
1999 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2000 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2001
2002 This feature is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux. You can get the same
2003 behavior using
2004
2005 @smallexample
2006 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2007 @end smallexample
2008
2009 @item set disable-randomization off
2010 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2011 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2012 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2013 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2014 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2015 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2016
2017 The virtual address space randomization is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2018 It protects the programs against some kinds of security attacks. In these
2019 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2020 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2021 a code at its expected addresses.
2022
2023 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2024 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2025 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2026 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2027 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2028 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2029 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2030 a randomly chosen address.
2031
2032 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2033 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2034 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2035 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2036 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2037
2038 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2039 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2040
2041 @item show disable-randomization
2042 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2043 the virtual address space of the started program.
2044
2045 @end table
2046
2047 @node Arguments
2048 @section Your Program's Arguments
2049
2050 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2051 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2052 @code{run} command.
2053 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2054 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2055 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2056 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2057 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2058
2059 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2060 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2061 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2062 the program, not by the shell.
2063
2064 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2065 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2066
2067 @table @code
2068 @kindex set args
2069 @item set args
2070 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2071 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2072 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2073 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2074 it again without arguments.
2075
2076 @kindex show args
2077 @item show args
2078 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2079 @end table
2080
2081 @node Environment
2082 @section Your Program's Environment
2083
2084 @cindex environment (of your program)
2085 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2086 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2087 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2088 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2089 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2090 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2091 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2092
2093 @table @code
2094 @kindex path
2095 @item path @var{directory}
2096 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2097 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2098 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2099 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2100 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2101 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2102 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2103
2104 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2105 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2106 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2107 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2108 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2109 @var{directory} to the search path.
2110 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2111 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2112
2113 @kindex show paths
2114 @item show paths
2115 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2116 environment variable).
2117
2118 @kindex show environment
2119 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2120 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2121 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2122 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2123 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2124
2125 @kindex set environment
2126 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2127 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2128 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2129 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2130 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2131 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2132 null value.
2133 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2134 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2135
2136 For example, this command:
2137
2138 @smallexample
2139 set env USER = foo
2140 @end smallexample
2141
2142 @noindent
2143 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2144 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2145 are not actually required.)
2146
2147 @kindex unset environment
2148 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2149 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2150 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2151 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2152 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2153 @end table
2154
2155 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2156 the shell indicated
2157 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2158 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2159 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2160 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2161 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2162 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2163 @file{.profile}.
2164
2165 @node Working Directory
2166 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2167
2168 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2169 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2170 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2171 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2172 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2173 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2174
2175 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2176 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2177 Specify Files}.
2178
2179 @table @code
2180 @kindex cd
2181 @cindex change working directory
2182 @item cd @var{directory}
2183 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2184
2185 @kindex pwd
2186 @item pwd
2187 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2188 @end table
2189
2190 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2191 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2192 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2193 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2194 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2195 current working directory of the debuggee.
2196
2197 @node Input/Output
2198 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2199
2200 @cindex redirection
2201 @cindex i/o
2202 @cindex terminal
2203 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2204 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2205 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2206 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2207 running your program.
2208
2209 @table @code
2210 @kindex info terminal
2211 @item info terminal
2212 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2213 program is using.
2214 @end table
2215
2216 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2217 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2218
2219 @smallexample
2220 run > outfile
2221 @end smallexample
2222
2223 @noindent
2224 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2225
2226 @kindex tty
2227 @cindex controlling terminal
2228 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2229 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2230 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2231 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2232 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2233
2234 @smallexample
2235 tty /dev/ttyb
2236 @end smallexample
2237
2238 @noindent
2239 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2240 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2241 that as their controlling terminal.
2242
2243 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2244 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2245 terminal.
2246
2247 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2248 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2249 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2250 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2251
2252 @cindex inferior tty
2253 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2254 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2255 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2256 program.
2257
2258 @table @code
2259 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2260 @kindex set inferior-tty
2261 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2262
2263 @item show inferior-tty
2264 @kindex show inferior-tty
2265 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2266 @end table
2267
2268 @node Attach
2269 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2270 @kindex attach
2271 @cindex attach
2272
2273 @table @code
2274 @item attach @var{process-id}
2275 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2276 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2277 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2278 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2279 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2280
2281 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2282 executing the command.
2283 @end table
2284
2285 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2286 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2287 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2288 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2289
2290 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2291 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2292 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2293 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2294 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2295 Specify Files}.
2296
2297 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2298 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2299 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2300 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2301 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2302 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2303 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2304
2305 @table @code
2306 @kindex detach
2307 @item detach
2308 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2309 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2310 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2311 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2312 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2313 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2314 executing the command.
2315 @end table
2316
2317 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2318 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2319 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2320 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2321 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2322 Messages}).
2323
2324 @node Kill Process
2325 @section Killing the Child Process
2326
2327 @table @code
2328 @kindex kill
2329 @item kill
2330 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2331 @end table
2332
2333 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2334 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2335 is running.
2336
2337 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2338 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2339 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2340 outside the debugger.
2341
2342 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2343 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2344 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2345 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2346 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2347 breakpoint settings).
2348
2349 @node Inferiors
2350 @section Debugging Multiple Inferiors
2351
2352 Some @value{GDBN} targets are able to run multiple processes created
2353 from a single executable. This can happen, for instance, with an
2354 embedded system reporting back several processes via the remote
2355 protocol.
2356
2357 @cindex inferior
2358 @value{GDBN} represents the state of each program execution with an
2359 object called an @dfn{inferior}. An inferior typically corresponds to
2360 a process, but is more general and applies also to targets that do not
2361 have processes. Inferiors may be created before a process runs, and
2362 may (in future) be retained after a process exits. Each run of an
2363 executable creates a new inferior, as does each attachment to an
2364 existing process. Inferiors have unique identifiers that are
2365 different from process ids, and may optionally be named as well.
2366 Usually each inferior will also have its own distinct address space,
2367 although some embedded targets may have several inferiors running in
2368 different parts of a single space.
2369
2370 Each inferior may in turn have multiple threads running in it.
2371
2372 To find out what inferiors exist at any moment, use @code{info inferiors}:
2373
2374 @table @code
2375 @kindex info inferiors
2376 @item info inferiors
2377 Print a list of all inferiors currently being managed by @value{GDBN}.
2378
2379 @value{GDBN} displays for each inferior (in this order):
2380
2381 @enumerate
2382 @item
2383 the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2384
2385 @item
2386 the target system's inferior identifier
2387 @end enumerate
2388
2389 @noindent
2390 An asterisk @samp{*} preceding the @value{GDBN} inferior number
2391 indicates the current inferior.
2392
2393 For example,
2394 @end table
2395 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2396
2397 @smallexample
2398 (@value{GDBP}) info inferiors
2399 Num Description
2400 * 1 process 2307
2401 2 process 3401
2402 @end smallexample
2403
2404 To switch focus between inferiors, use the @code{inferior} command:
2405
2406 @table @code
2407 @kindex inferior @var{infno}
2408 @item inferior @var{infno}
2409 Make inferior number @var{infno} the current inferior. The argument
2410 @var{infno} is the inferior number assigned by @value{GDBN}, as shown
2411 in the first field of the @samp{info inferiors} display.
2412 @end table
2413
2414 To quit debugging one of the inferiors, you can either detach from it
2415 by using the @w{@code{detach inferior}} command (allowing it to run
2416 independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferior}} command:
2417
2418 @table @code
2419 @kindex detach inferior @var{infno}
2420 @item detach inferior @var{infno}
2421 Detach from the inferior identified by @value{GDBN} inferior number
2422 @var{infno}, and remove it from the inferior list.
2423
2424 @kindex kill inferior @var{infno}
2425 @item kill inferior @var{infno}
2426 Kill the inferior identified by @value{GDBN} inferior number
2427 @var{infno}, and remove it from the inferior list.
2428 @end table
2429
2430 To be notified when inferiors are started or exit under @value{GDBN}'s
2431 control use @w{@code{set print inferior-events}}:
2432
2433 @table @code
2434 @kindex set print inferior-events
2435 @cindex print messages on inferior start and exit
2436 @item set print inferior-events
2437 @itemx set print inferior-events on
2438 @itemx set print inferior-events off
2439 The @code{set print inferior-events} command allows you to enable or
2440 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new
2441 inferiors have started or that inferiors have exited or have been
2442 detached. By default, these messages will not be printed.
2443
2444 @kindex show print inferior-events
2445 @item show print inferior-events
2446 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that
2447 inferiors have started, exited or have been detached.
2448 @end table
2449
2450 @node Threads
2451 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2452
2453 @cindex threads of execution
2454 @cindex multiple threads
2455 @cindex switching threads
2456 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2457 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2458 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2459 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2460 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2461 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2462 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2463
2464 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2465 programs:
2466
2467 @itemize @bullet
2468 @item automatic notification of new threads
2469 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2470 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2471 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2472 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2473 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2474 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2475 messages on thread start and exit.
2476 @item @samp{set libthread-db-search-path @var{path}}, which lets
2477 the user specify which @code{libthread_db} to use if the default choice
2478 isn't compatible with the program.
2479 @end itemize
2480
2481 @quotation
2482 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2483 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2484 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2485 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2486 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2487 like this:
2488
2489 @smallexample
2490 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2491 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2492 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2493 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2494 @end smallexample
2495 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2496 @c doesn't support threads"?
2497 @end quotation
2498
2499 @cindex focus of debugging
2500 @cindex current thread
2501 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2502 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2503 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2504 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2505 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2506
2507 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2508 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2509 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2510 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2511 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2512 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2513 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2514 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2515 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2516 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2517
2518 @smallexample
2519 [New Thread 46912507313328 (LWP 25582)]
2520 @end smallexample
2521
2522 @noindent
2523 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2524 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2525 further qualifier.
2526
2527 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2528 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2529 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2530 @c program?
2531 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2532 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2533 @c threads ab initio?
2534
2535 @cindex thread number
2536 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2537 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2538 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2539
2540 @table @code
2541 @kindex info threads
2542 @item info threads
2543 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2544 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2545
2546 @enumerate
2547 @item
2548 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2549
2550 @item
2551 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2552
2553 @item
2554 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2555 @end enumerate
2556
2557 @noindent
2558 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2559 indicates the current thread.
2560
2561 For example,
2562 @end table
2563 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2564
2565 @smallexample
2566 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2567 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2568 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2569 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2570 at threadtest.c:68
2571 @end smallexample
2572
2573 On HP-UX systems:
2574
2575 @cindex debugging multithreaded programs (on HP-UX)
2576 @cindex thread identifier (GDB), on HP-UX
2577 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2578 number---a small integer assigned in thread-creation order---with each
2579 thread in your program.
2580
2581 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message, on HP-UX
2582 @cindex thread identifier (system), on HP-UX
2583 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2584 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2585 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2586 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2587 both @value{GDBN}'s thread number and the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2588 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2589 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2590 HP-UX, you see
2591
2592 @smallexample
2593 [New thread 2 (system thread 26594)]
2594 @end smallexample
2595
2596 @noindent
2597 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread.
2598
2599 @table @code
2600 @kindex info threads (HP-UX)
2601 @item info threads
2602 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2603 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2604
2605 @enumerate
2606 @item the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2607
2608 @item the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2609
2610 @item the current stack frame summary for that thread
2611 @end enumerate
2612
2613 @noindent
2614 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2615 indicates the current thread.
2616
2617 For example,
2618 @end table
2619 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2620
2621 @smallexample
2622 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2623 * 3 system thread 26607 worker (wptr=0x7b09c318 "@@") \@*
2624 at quicksort.c:137
2625 2 system thread 26606 0x7b0030d8 in __ksleep () \@*
2626 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2627 1 system thread 27905 0x7b003498 in _brk () \@*
2628 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2629 @end smallexample
2630
2631 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2632 Solaris-specific command:
2633
2634 @table @code
2635 @item maint info sol-threads
2636 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2637 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2638 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2639 @end table
2640
2641 @table @code
2642 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2643 @item thread @var{threadno}
2644 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2645 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2646 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2647 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2648 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2649
2650 @smallexample
2651 @c FIXME!! This example made up; find a @value{GDBN} w/threads and get real one
2652 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2653 [Switching to process 35 thread 23]
2654 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2655 @end smallexample
2656
2657 @noindent
2658 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2659 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2660 threads.
2661
2662 @kindex thread apply
2663 @cindex apply command to several threads
2664 @item thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{command}
2665 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2666 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2667 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2668 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2669 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2670 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2671 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2672
2673 @kindex set print thread-events
2674 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2675 @item set print thread-events
2676 @itemx set print thread-events on
2677 @itemx set print thread-events off
2678 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2679 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2680 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2681 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2682 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2683
2684 @kindex show print thread-events
2685 @item show print thread-events
2686 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2687 have started and exited.
2688 @end table
2689
2690 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2691 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2692 programs with multiple threads.
2693
2694 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2695 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2696
2697 @table @code
2698 @kindex set libthread-db-search-path
2699 @cindex search path for @code{libthread_db}
2700 @item set libthread-db-search-path @r{[}@var{path}@r{]}
2701 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
2702 directories @value{GDBN} will use to search for @code{libthread_db}.
2703 If you omit @var{path}, @samp{libthread-db-search-path} will be reset to
2704 an empty list.
2705
2706 On @sc{gnu}/Linux and Solaris systems, @value{GDBN} uses a ``helper''
2707 @code{libthread_db} library to obtain information about threads in the
2708 inferior process. @value{GDBN} will use @samp{libthread-db-search-path}
2709 to find @code{libthread_db}. If that fails, @value{GDBN} will continue
2710 with default system shared library directories, and finally the directory
2711 from which @code{libpthread} was loaded in the inferior process.
2712
2713 For any @code{libthread_db} library @value{GDBN} finds in above directories,
2714 @value{GDBN} attempts to initialize it with the current inferior process.
2715 If this initialization fails (which could happen because of a version
2716 mismatch between @code{libthread_db} and @code{libpthread}), @value{GDBN}
2717 will unload @code{libthread_db}, and continue with the next directory.
2718 If none of @code{libthread_db} libraries initialize successfully,
2719 @value{GDBN} will issue a warning and thread debugging will be disabled.
2720
2721 Setting @code{libthread-db-search-path} is currently implemented
2722 only on some platforms.
2723
2724 @kindex show libthread-db-search-path
2725 @item show libthread-db-search-path
2726 Display current libthread_db search path.
2727 @end table
2728
2729 @node Processes
2730 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Processes
2731
2732 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2733 @cindex multiple processes
2734 @cindex processes, multiple
2735 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2736 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2737 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2738 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2739 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2740 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2741 will cause it to terminate.
2742
2743 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2744 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2745 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2746 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2747 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2748 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2749 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2750 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2751 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2752 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2753
2754 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2755 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2756 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2757 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2758
2759 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2760 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2761
2762 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2763 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2764
2765 @table @code
2766 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
2767 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2768 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2769 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2770 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2771
2772 @table @code
2773 @item parent
2774 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2775 unimpeded. This is the default.
2776
2777 @item child
2778 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2779 unimpeded.
2780
2781 @end table
2782
2783 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
2784 @item show follow-fork-mode
2785 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2786 @end table
2787
2788 @cindex debugging multiple processes
2789 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
2790 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
2791
2792 @table @code
2793 @kindex set detach-on-fork
2794 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
2795 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
2796 retain debugger control over them both.
2797
2798 @table @code
2799 @item on
2800 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
2801 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
2802 independently. This is the default.
2803
2804 @item off
2805 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2806 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
2807 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
2808 is held suspended.
2809
2810 @end table
2811
2812 @kindex show detach-on-fork
2813 @item show detach-on-fork
2814 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
2815 @end table
2816
2817 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then @value{GDBN}
2818 will retain control of all forked processes (including nested forks).
2819 You can list the forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN} by
2820 using the @w{@code{info inferiors}} command, and switch from one fork
2821 to another by using the @code{inferior} command (@pxref{Inferiors,
2822 ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors}).
2823
2824 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
2825 from it by using the @w{@code{detach inferior}} command (allowing it
2826 to run independently), or kill it using the @w{@code{kill inferior}}
2827 command. @xref{Inferiors, ,Debugging Multiple Inferiors}.
2828
2829 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
2830 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
2831 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
2832 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
2833 the child process's @code{main}.
2834
2835 On some systems, when a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you
2836 cannot debug the child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
2837
2838 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
2839 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent process,
2840 use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name as its
2841 argument.
2842
2843 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
2844 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
2845 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
2846
2847 @node Checkpoint/Restart
2848 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
2849
2850 @cindex checkpoint
2851 @cindex restart
2852 @cindex bookmark
2853 @cindex snapshot of a process
2854 @cindex rewind program state
2855
2856 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
2857 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
2858 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
2859 later.
2860
2861 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
2862 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
2863 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
2864 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
2865 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
2866
2867 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
2868 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
2869 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
2870 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
2871 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
2872 start again from there.
2873
2874 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
2875 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
2876
2877 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
2878
2879 @table @code
2880 @kindex checkpoint
2881 @item checkpoint
2882 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
2883 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
2884 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
2885
2886 @kindex info checkpoints
2887 @item info checkpoints
2888 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
2889 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
2890 listed:
2891
2892 @table @code
2893 @item Checkpoint ID
2894 @item Process ID
2895 @item Code Address
2896 @item Source line, or label
2897 @end table
2898
2899 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
2900 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
2901 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
2902 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
2903 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
2904 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
2905 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
2906
2907 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
2908 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
2909 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
2910 the debugger.
2911
2912 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
2913 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
2914 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
2915
2916 @end table
2917
2918 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
2919 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
2920 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
2921 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
2922 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
2923 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
2924 previously read data can be read again.
2925
2926 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
2927 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
2928 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
2929 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
2930 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
2931 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
2932
2933 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
2934 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
2935 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
2936 different execution path this time.
2937
2938 @cindex checkpoints and process id
2939 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
2940 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
2941 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
2942 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
2943 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
2944 potentially pose a problem.
2945
2946 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
2947
2948 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
2949 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
2950 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
2951 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
2952 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
2953 next.
2954
2955 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
2956 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
2957 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
2958 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
2959 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
2960
2961 @node Stopping
2962 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
2963
2964 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
2965 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
2966 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
2967
2968 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
2969 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
2970 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
2971 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
2972 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
2973 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
2974 explicitly request this information at any time.
2975
2976 @table @code
2977 @kindex info program
2978 @item info program
2979 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
2980 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
2981 @end table
2982
2983 @menu
2984 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
2985 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
2986 * Signals:: Signals
2987 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
2988 @end menu
2989
2990 @node Breakpoints
2991 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
2992
2993 @cindex breakpoints
2994 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
2995 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
2996 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
2997 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
2998 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
2999 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
3000 program.
3001
3002 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
3003 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
3004 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
3005 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
3006 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
3007 call).
3008
3009 @cindex watchpoints
3010 @cindex data breakpoints
3011 @cindex memory tracing
3012 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
3013 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
3014 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
3015 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
3016 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
3017 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
3018 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
3019 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
3020 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
3021 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
3022 same commands.
3023
3024 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
3025 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
3026 Automatic Display}.
3027
3028 @cindex catchpoints
3029 @cindex breakpoint on events
3030 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
3031 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
3032 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
3033 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
3034 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
3035 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
3036 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
3037
3038 @cindex breakpoint numbers
3039 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
3040 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3041 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
3042 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
3043 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
3044 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
3045 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
3046 enable it again.
3047
3048 @cindex breakpoint ranges
3049 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
3050 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
3051 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
3052 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
3053 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
3054 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
3055
3056 @menu
3057 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
3058 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
3059 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
3060 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
3061 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
3062 * Conditions:: Break conditions
3063 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
3064 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3065 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
3066 @end menu
3067
3068 @node Set Breaks
3069 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
3070
3071 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
3072 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
3073 @c
3074 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
3075
3076 @kindex break
3077 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
3078 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
3079 @cindex latest breakpoint
3080 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
3081 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
3082 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
3083 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
3084 convenience variables.
3085
3086 @table @code
3087 @item break @var{location}
3088 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
3089 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
3090 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
3091 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
3092 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
3093
3094 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3095 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3096 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3097 that situation.
3098
3099 It is also possible to insert a breakpoint that will stop the program
3100 only if a specific thread (@pxref{Thread-Specific Breakpoints})
3101 or a specific task (@pxref{Ada Tasks}) hits that breakpoint.
3102
3103 @item break
3104 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3105 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3106 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3107 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3108 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3109 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3110 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3111 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3112 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3113 inside loops.
3114
3115 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3116 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3117 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3118 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3119 existed when your program stopped.
3120
3121 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3122 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3123 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3124 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3125 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3126 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3127 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3128
3129 @kindex tbreak
3130 @item tbreak @var{args}
3131 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3132 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3133 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3134 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3135
3136 @kindex hbreak
3137 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3138 @item hbreak @var{args}
3139 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3140 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3141 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3142 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3143 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3144 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3145 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3146 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3147 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3148 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3149 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3150 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3151 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3152 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3153 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3154 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3155 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3156 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3157
3158 @kindex thbreak
3159 @item thbreak @var{args}
3160 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3161 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3162 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3163 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3164 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3165 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3166 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3167 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3168
3169 @kindex rbreak
3170 @cindex regular expression
3171 @cindex breakpoints in functions matching a regexp
3172 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3173 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3174 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3175 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3176 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3177 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3178 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3179 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3180
3181 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3182 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3183 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3184 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3185 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3186 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3187
3188 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3189 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3190 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3191 classes.
3192
3193 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3194 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3195 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3196
3197 @smallexample
3198 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3199 @end smallexample
3200
3201 @kindex info breakpoints
3202 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3203 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3204 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3205 @itemx info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3206 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3207 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3208 about the specified breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint). For
3209 each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3210
3211 @table @emph
3212 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3213 @item Type
3214 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3215 @item Disposition
3216 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3217 @item Enabled or Disabled
3218 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3219 that are not enabled.
3220 @item Address
3221 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3222 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3223 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3224 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3225 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3226 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3227 @item What
3228 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3229 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3230 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3231 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3232 @end table
3233
3234 @noindent
3235 If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
3236 the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
3237 are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is allowed to have a condition
3238 specified for it. The condition is not parsed for validity until a shared
3239 library is loaded that allows the pending breakpoint to resolve to a
3240 valid location.
3241
3242 @noindent
3243 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3244 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3245 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3246 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3247 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3248
3249 @noindent
3250 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3251 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3252 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3253 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3254 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3255 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3256 @end table
3257
3258 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3259 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3260 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3261 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3262
3263 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3264 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3265 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3266 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3267
3268 @itemize @bullet
3269 @item
3270 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3271 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3272
3273 @item
3274 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3275 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3276
3277 @item
3278 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3279 several places where that function is inlined.
3280 @end itemize
3281
3282 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3283 the relevant locations@footnote{
3284 As of this writing, multiple-location breakpoints work only if there's
3285 line number information for all the locations. This means that they
3286 will generally not work in system libraries, unless you have debug
3287 info with line numbers for them.}.
3288
3289 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3290 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3291 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3292 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3293 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3294 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3295 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3296
3297 For example:
3298
3299 @smallexample
3300 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3301 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3302 stop only if i==1
3303 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3304 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3305 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3306 @end smallexample
3307
3308 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3309 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3310 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3311 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3312 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3313 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3314 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3315 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3316 that belong to that breakpoint.
3317
3318 @cindex pending breakpoints
3319 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3320 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3321 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3322 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3323 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3324 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3325 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3326 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3327 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3328 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3329 is not yet resolved.
3330
3331 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3332 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3333 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3334 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3335 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3336 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3337
3338 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3339 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3340 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3341 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3342
3343 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3344 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3345 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3346
3347 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3348 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3349 address specification to an address:
3350
3351 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3352 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3353 @table @code
3354 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3355 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3356 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3357
3358 @item set breakpoint pending on
3359 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3360 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3361
3362 @item set breakpoint pending off
3363 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3364 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3365 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3366
3367 @item show breakpoint pending
3368 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3369 @end table
3370
3371 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3372 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3373 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3374
3375 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3376 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3377 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3378 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3379 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3380 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3381 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3382 breakpoints.
3383
3384 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3385
3386 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3387 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3388 @table @code
3389 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3390 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3391 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3392 breakpoint must be used.
3393
3394 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3395 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3396 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3397 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3398 @end table
3399
3400 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3401 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3402 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3403 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3404 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3405 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3406 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3407 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3408 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3409
3410 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3411 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3412 @table @code
3413 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3414 All breakpoints, including newly added by the user, are inserted in
3415 the target only when the target is resumed. All breakpoints are
3416 removed from the target when it stops.
3417
3418 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3419 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3420 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3421 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3422 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3423
3424 @cindex non-stop mode, and @code{breakpoint always-inserted}
3425 @item set breakpoint always-inserted auto
3426 This is the default mode. If @value{GDBN} is controlling the inferior
3427 in non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), gdb behaves as if
3428 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is on. If @value{GDBN} is
3429 controlling the inferior in all-stop mode, @value{GDBN} behaves as if
3430 @code{breakpoint always-inserted} mode is off.
3431 @end table
3432
3433 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3434 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3435 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3436 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3437 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3438 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3439 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3440 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3441
3442
3443 @node Set Watchpoints
3444 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3445
3446 @cindex setting watchpoints
3447 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3448 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3449 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3450 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3451 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3452
3453 @itemize @bullet
3454 @item
3455 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3456
3457 @item
3458 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3459 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3460 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3461
3462 @item
3463 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3464 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3465 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3466 @end itemize
3467
3468 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3469 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3470 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3471 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3472 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3473 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3474 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3475 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3476 the expression changes.
3477
3478 @cindex software watchpoints
3479 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3480 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3481 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3482 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3483 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3484 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3485 culprit.)
3486
3487 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3488 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3489 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3490
3491 @table @code
3492 @kindex watch
3493 @item watch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3494 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3495 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3496 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3497 to watch the value of a single variable:
3498
3499 @smallexample
3500 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3501 @end smallexample
3502
3503 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3504 clause, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3505 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3506 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3507 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3508 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3509
3510 @kindex rwatch
3511 @item rwatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3512 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3513 by the program.
3514
3515 @kindex awatch
3516 @item awatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3517 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3518 or written into by the program.
3519
3520 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3521 @item info watchpoints
3522 This command prints a list of watchpoints, breakpoints, and catchpoints;
3523 it is the same as @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3524 @end table
3525
3526 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3527 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3528 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3529 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3530 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3531 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3532
3533 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3534 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3535 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3536 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3537 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3538 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3539 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3540 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3541
3542 @table @code
3543 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3544 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3545 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3546
3547 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3548 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3549 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3550 @end table
3551
3552 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3553 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3554 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3555
3556 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3557
3558 @smallexample
3559 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3560 @end smallexample
3561
3562 @noindent
3563 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3564
3565 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3566 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3567 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3568 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3569 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3570 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3571 will print a message like this:
3572
3573 @smallexample
3574 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3575 @end smallexample
3576
3577 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3578 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3579 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3580 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3581 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3582 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3583 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3584 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3585
3586 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3587 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3588 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3589 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3590 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3591 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3592
3593 @smallexample
3594 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3595 @end smallexample
3596
3597 @noindent
3598 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3599
3600 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3601 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3602 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3603 expression with separately allocated resources.
3604
3605 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3606 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3607 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3608
3609 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3610 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3611 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3612 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3613 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
3614 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
3615 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
3616 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
3617 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
3618
3619 @cindex watchpoints and threads
3620 @cindex threads and watchpoints
3621 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
3622 watched expression from every thread.
3623
3624 @quotation
3625 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
3626 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
3627 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
3628 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
3629 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
3630 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
3631 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
3632 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
3633 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
3634 @end quotation
3635
3636 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
3637
3638 @node Set Catchpoints
3639 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
3640 @cindex catchpoints, setting
3641 @cindex exception handlers
3642 @cindex event handling
3643
3644 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
3645 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
3646 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
3647
3648 @table @code
3649 @kindex catch
3650 @item catch @var{event}
3651 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
3652 @table @code
3653 @item throw
3654 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
3655 The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
3656
3657 @item catch
3658 The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
3659
3660 @item exception
3661 @cindex Ada exception catching
3662 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
3663 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
3664 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
3665 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
3666 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
3667
3668 When inserting an exception catchpoint on a user-defined exception whose
3669 name is identical to one of the exceptions defined by the language, the
3670 fully qualified name must be used as the exception name. Otherwise,
3671 @value{GDBN} will assume that it should stop on the pre-defined exception
3672 rather than the user-defined one. For instance, assuming an exception
3673 called @code{Constraint_Error} is defined in package @code{Pck}, then
3674 the command to use to catch such exceptions is @kbd{catch exception
3675 Pck.Constraint_Error}.
3676
3677 @item exception unhandled
3678 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
3679
3680 @item assert
3681 A failed Ada assertion.
3682
3683 @item exec
3684 @cindex break on fork/exec
3685 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3686 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3687
3688 @item fork
3689 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3690 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3691
3692 @item vfork
3693 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3694 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3695
3696 @end table
3697
3698 @item tcatch @var{event}
3699 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
3700 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
3701
3702 @end table
3703
3704 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
3705
3706 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
3707 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
3708
3709 @itemize @bullet
3710 @item
3711 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
3712 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
3713 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
3714 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
3715 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
3716 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
3717 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
3718 disabled within interactive calls.
3719
3720 @item
3721 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
3722
3723 @item
3724 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
3725 @end itemize
3726
3727 @cindex raise exceptions
3728 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
3729 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
3730 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
3731 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
3732 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
3733 out where the exception was raised.
3734
3735 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
3736 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
3737 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
3738 which has the following ANSI C interface:
3739
3740 @smallexample
3741 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
3742 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
3743 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
3744 @end smallexample
3745
3746 @noindent
3747 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
3748 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
3749 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
3750
3751 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
3752 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
3753 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
3754 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
3755 raised.
3756
3757
3758 @node Delete Breaks
3759 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
3760
3761 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
3762 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
3763 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3764 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
3765 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
3766 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
3767
3768 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
3769 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
3770 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
3771 their breakpoint numbers.
3772
3773 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
3774 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
3775 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
3776
3777 @table @code
3778 @kindex clear
3779 @item clear
3780 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
3781 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
3782 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
3783 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
3784
3785 @item clear @var{location}
3786 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
3787 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
3788 most useful ones are listed below:
3789
3790 @table @code
3791 @item clear @var{function}
3792 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
3793 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
3794
3795 @item clear @var{linenum}
3796 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
3797 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
3798 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
3799 @end table
3800
3801 @cindex delete breakpoints
3802 @kindex delete
3803 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
3804 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3805 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
3806 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
3807 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
3808 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
3809 @end table
3810
3811 @node Disabling
3812 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
3813
3814 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
3815 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
3816 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
3817 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
3818 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
3819
3820 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
3821 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying one
3822 or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} or
3823 @code{info watch} to print a list of breakpoints, watchpoints, and
3824 catchpoints if you do not know which numbers to use.
3825
3826 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
3827 affects all of its locations.
3828
3829 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
3830 states of enablement:
3831
3832 @itemize @bullet
3833 @item
3834 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
3835 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
3836 @item
3837 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
3838 @item
3839 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
3840 disabled.
3841 @item
3842 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
3843 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
3844 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
3845 @end itemize
3846
3847 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
3848 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
3849
3850 @table @code
3851 @kindex disable
3852 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
3853 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3854 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
3855 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
3856 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
3857 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
3858 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
3859
3860 @kindex enable
3861 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3862 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
3863 become effective once again in stopping your program.
3864
3865 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
3866 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
3867 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
3868
3869 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
3870 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
3871 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
3872 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
3873 @end table
3874
3875 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
3876 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
3877 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
3878 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
3879 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
3880 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
3881 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
3882 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
3883 Stepping}.)
3884
3885 @node Conditions
3886 @subsection Break Conditions
3887 @cindex conditional breakpoints
3888 @cindex breakpoint conditions
3889
3890 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
3891 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
3892 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
3893 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
3894 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
3895 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
3896 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
3897 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
3898
3899 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
3900 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
3901 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
3902 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
3903 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
3904
3905 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
3906 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
3907 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
3908 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
3909 one.
3910
3911 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
3912 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
3913 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
3914 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
3915 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
3916 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
3917 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
3918 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
3919 conditions for the
3920 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
3921 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
3922
3923 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
3924 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
3925 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
3926 with the @code{condition} command.
3927
3928 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
3929 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
3930 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
3931 catchpoint.
3932
3933 @table @code
3934 @kindex condition
3935 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
3936 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
3937 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
3938 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
3939 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
3940 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
3941 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
3942 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
3943 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
3944 prints an error message:
3945
3946 @smallexample
3947 No symbol "foo" in current context.
3948 @end smallexample
3949
3950 @noindent
3951 @value{GDBN} does
3952 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
3953 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
3954 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
3955
3956 @item condition @var{bnum}
3957 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
3958 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
3959 @end table
3960
3961 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
3962 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
3963 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
3964 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
3965 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
3966 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
3967 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
3968 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
3969 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
3970 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
3971 your program reaches it.
3972
3973 @table @code
3974 @kindex ignore
3975 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
3976 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
3977 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
3978 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
3979 takes no action.
3980
3981 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
3982 a count of zero.
3983
3984 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
3985 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
3986 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
3987 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
3988
3989 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
3990 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
3991 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
3992
3993 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
3994 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
3995 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
3996 Variables}.
3997 @end table
3998
3999 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
4000
4001
4002 @node Break Commands
4003 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
4004
4005 @cindex breakpoint commands
4006 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
4007 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
4008 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
4009 enable other breakpoints.
4010
4011 @table @code
4012 @kindex commands
4013 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
4014 @item commands @r{[}@var{bnum}@r{]}
4015 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
4016 @itemx end
4017 Specify a list of commands for breakpoint number @var{bnum}. The commands
4018 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
4019 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
4020
4021 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
4022 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
4023
4024 With no @var{bnum} argument, @code{commands} refers to the last
4025 breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most
4026 recently encountered).
4027 @end table
4028
4029 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
4030 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
4031
4032 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
4033 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
4034 that resumes execution.
4035
4036 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
4037 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
4038 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
4039 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
4040 ambiguities about which list to execute.
4041
4042 @kindex silent
4043 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
4044 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
4045 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
4046 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
4047 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
4048 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
4049
4050 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
4051 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
4052 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
4053
4054 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
4055 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
4056
4057 @smallexample
4058 break foo if x>0
4059 commands
4060 silent
4061 printf "x is %d\n",x
4062 cont
4063 end
4064 @end smallexample
4065
4066 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
4067 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
4068 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
4069 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
4070 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
4071 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
4072 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
4073
4074 @smallexample
4075 break 403
4076 commands
4077 silent
4078 set x = y + 4
4079 cont
4080 end
4081 @end smallexample
4082
4083 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
4084 @node Error in Breakpoints
4085 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
4086
4087 If you request too many active hardware-assisted breakpoints and
4088 watchpoints, you will see this error message:
4089
4090 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4091 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4092 @smallexample
4093 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4094 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4095 @end smallexample
4096
4097 @noindent
4098 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4099 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4100 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4101
4102 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4103 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4104
4105 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4106 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4107 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4108
4109 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4110 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4111 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4112 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4113
4114 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4115 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4116 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4117 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4118 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4119 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4120 first in the bundle.
4121
4122 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4123 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4124 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4125 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4126 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4127 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4128 is hit.
4129
4130 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4131 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4132
4133 @smallexample
4134 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4135 @end smallexample
4136
4137 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4138 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4139 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4140 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4141 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4142 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4143 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4144 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4145
4146 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4147 adjusted breakpoints:
4148
4149 @smallexample
4150 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4151 to 0x00010410.
4152 @end smallexample
4153
4154 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4155 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4156 frequently than expected.
4157
4158 @node Continuing and Stepping
4159 @section Continuing and Stepping
4160
4161 @cindex stepping
4162 @cindex continuing
4163 @cindex resuming execution
4164 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4165 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4166 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4167 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4168 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4169 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4170 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4171 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4172
4173 @table @code
4174 @kindex continue
4175 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4176 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4177 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4178 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4179 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4180 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4181 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4182 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4183 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4184 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4185
4186 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4187 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4188 @code{continue} is ignored.
4189
4190 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4191 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4192 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4193 @code{continue}.
4194 @end table
4195
4196 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4197 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4198 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4199 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4200
4201 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4202 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4203 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4204 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4205 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4206 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4207
4208 @table @code
4209 @kindex step
4210 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4211 @item step
4212 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4213 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4214 abbreviated @code{s}.
4215
4216 @quotation
4217 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4218 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4219 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4220 @c distinction here.
4221 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4222 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4223 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4224 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4225 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4226 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4227 below.
4228 @end quotation
4229
4230 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4231 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4232 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4233 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4234 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4235 called within the line.
4236
4237 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4238 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4239 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4240 on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4241 was any debugging information about the routine.
4242
4243 @item step @var{count}
4244 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4245 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4246 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4247
4248 @kindex next
4249 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4250 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4251 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4252 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4253 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4254 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4255 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4256 is abbreviated @code{n}.
4257
4258 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4259
4260
4261 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4262 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4263 @c
4264 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4265 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4266 @c function are executed without stopping.
4267
4268 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4269 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4270 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4271
4272 @kindex set step-mode
4273 @item set step-mode
4274 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4275 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4276 @itemx set step-mode on
4277 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
4278 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
4279 information rather than stepping over it.
4280
4281 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
4282 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
4283 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
4284
4285 @item set step-mode off
4286 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
4287 debug information. This is the default.
4288
4289 @item show step-mode
4290 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
4291 source line debug information.
4292
4293 @kindex finish
4294 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
4295 @item finish
4296 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
4297 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
4298 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
4299
4300 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
4301 ,Returning from a Function}).
4302
4303 @kindex until
4304 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
4305 @cindex run until specified location
4306 @item until
4307 @itemx u
4308 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
4309 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
4310 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
4311 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
4312 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
4313 than the address of the jump.
4314
4315 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
4316 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
4317 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
4318 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
4319 through the next iteration.
4320
4321 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
4322 stack frame.
4323
4324 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
4325 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
4326 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
4327 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
4328 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
4329
4330 @smallexample
4331 (@value{GDBP}) f
4332 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
4333 206 expand_input();
4334 (@value{GDBP}) until
4335 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
4336 @end smallexample
4337
4338 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
4339 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
4340 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
4341 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
4342 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
4343 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
4344 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
4345
4346 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
4347 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
4348 argument.
4349
4350 @item until @var{location}
4351 @itemx u @var{location}
4352 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
4353 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
4354 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
4355 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
4356 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
4357 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
4358 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
4359 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
4360 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
4361 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
4362 invocations have returned.
4363
4364 @smallexample
4365 94 int factorial (int value)
4366 95 @{
4367 96 if (value > 1) @{
4368 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
4369 98 @}
4370 99 return (value);
4371 100 @}
4372 @end smallexample
4373
4374
4375 @kindex advance @var{location}
4376 @itemx advance @var{location}
4377 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
4378 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
4379 @ref{Specify Location}.
4380 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
4381 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
4382 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
4383 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
4384
4385
4386 @kindex stepi
4387 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
4388 @item stepi
4389 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
4390 @itemx si
4391 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
4392
4393 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
4394 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
4395 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
4396 Display,, Automatic Display}.
4397
4398 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
4399
4400 @need 750
4401 @kindex nexti
4402 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
4403 @item nexti
4404 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
4405 @itemx ni
4406 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
4407 proceed until the function returns.
4408
4409 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
4410 @end table
4411
4412 @node Signals
4413 @section Signals
4414 @cindex signals
4415
4416 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
4417 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
4418 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
4419 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
4420 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
4421 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
4422 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
4423 requested an alarm).
4424
4425 @cindex fatal signals
4426 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
4427 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
4428 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
4429 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
4430 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
4431 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
4432
4433 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
4434 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
4435 signal.
4436
4437 @cindex handling signals
4438 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
4439 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
4440 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
4441 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
4442 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
4443
4444 @table @code
4445 @kindex info signals
4446 @kindex info handle
4447 @item info signals
4448 @itemx info handle
4449 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
4450 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
4451 the defined types of signals.
4452
4453 @item info signals @var{sig}
4454 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
4455
4456 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
4457
4458 @kindex handle
4459 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
4460 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
4461 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
4462 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
4463 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
4464 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
4465 say what change to make.
4466 @end table
4467
4468 @c @group
4469 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
4470 Their full names are:
4471
4472 @table @code
4473 @item nostop
4474 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
4475 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
4476
4477 @item stop
4478 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
4479 the @code{print} keyword as well.
4480
4481 @item print
4482 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
4483
4484 @item noprint
4485 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
4486 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
4487
4488 @item pass
4489 @itemx noignore
4490 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
4491 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
4492 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
4493
4494 @item nopass
4495 @itemx ignore
4496 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
4497 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
4498 @end table
4499 @c @end group
4500
4501 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
4502 program until you
4503 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
4504 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
4505 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
4506 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
4507 program sees that signal when you continue.
4508
4509 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
4510 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
4511 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
4512 erroneous signals.
4513
4514 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
4515 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
4516 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
4517 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
4518 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
4519 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
4520 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
4521 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
4522 Program a Signal}.
4523
4524 @cindex extra signal information
4525 @anchor{extra signal information}
4526
4527 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can inspect extra signal information
4528 associated with the intercepted signal, before it is actually
4529 delivered to the program being debugged. This information is exported
4530 by the convenience variable @code{$_siginfo}, and consists of data
4531 that is passed by the kernel to the signal handler at the time of the
4532 receipt of a signal. The data type of the information itself is
4533 target dependent. You can see the data type using the @code{ptype
4534 $_siginfo} command. On Unix systems, it typically corresponds to the
4535 standard @code{siginfo_t} type, as defined in the @file{signal.h}
4536 system header.
4537
4538 Here's an example, on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, printing the stray
4539 referenced address that raised a segmentation fault.
4540
4541 @smallexample
4542 @group
4543 (@value{GDBP}) continue
4544 Program received signal SIGSEGV, Segmentation fault.
4545 0x0000000000400766 in main ()
4546 69 *(int *)p = 0;
4547 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo
4548 type = struct @{
4549 int si_signo;
4550 int si_errno;
4551 int si_code;
4552 union @{
4553 int _pad[28];
4554 struct @{...@} _kill;
4555 struct @{...@} _timer;
4556 struct @{...@} _rt;
4557 struct @{...@} _sigchld;
4558 struct @{...@} _sigfault;
4559 struct @{...@} _sigpoll;
4560 @} _sifields;
4561 @}
4562 (@value{GDBP}) ptype $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault
4563 type = struct @{
4564 void *si_addr;
4565 @}
4566 (@value{GDBP}) p $_siginfo._sifields._sigfault.si_addr
4567 $1 = (void *) 0x7ffff7ff7000
4568 @end group
4569 @end smallexample
4570
4571 Depending on target support, @code{$_siginfo} may also be writable.
4572
4573 @node Thread Stops
4574 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
4575
4576 @cindex stopped threads
4577 @cindex threads, stopped
4578
4579 @cindex continuing threads
4580 @cindex threads, continuing
4581
4582 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
4583 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
4584 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
4585 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
4586 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
4587 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
4588 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
4589 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
4590 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
4591
4592 @menu
4593 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
4594 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
4595 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
4596 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
4597 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
4598 @end menu
4599
4600 @node All-Stop Mode
4601 @subsection All-Stop Mode
4602
4603 @cindex all-stop mode
4604
4605 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
4606 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
4607 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
4608 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
4609 underfoot.
4610
4611 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
4612 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
4613 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
4614
4615 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
4616 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
4617 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
4618 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
4619 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
4620 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
4621 stops.
4622
4623 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
4624 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
4625 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
4626 first thread completes whatever you requested.
4627
4628 @cindex automatic thread selection
4629 @cindex switching threads automatically
4630 @cindex threads, automatic switching
4631 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
4632 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
4633 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
4634 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
4635 thread.
4636
4637 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
4638 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
4639
4640 @table @code
4641 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
4642 @cindex scheduler locking mode
4643 @cindex lock scheduler
4644 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
4645 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
4646 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
4647 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
4648 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
4649 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
4650 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
4651 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
4652 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
4653 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
4654 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
4655 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
4656
4657 @item show scheduler-locking
4658 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
4659 @end table
4660
4661 @cindex resume threads of multiple processes simultaneously
4662 By default, when you issue one of the execution commands such as
4663 @code{continue}, @code{next} or @code{step}, @value{GDBN} allows only
4664 threads of the current inferior to run. For example, if @value{GDBN}
4665 is attached to two inferiors, each with two threads, the
4666 @code{continue} command resumes only the two threads of the current
4667 inferior. This is useful, for example, when you debug a program that
4668 forks and you want to hold the parent stopped (so that, for instance,
4669 it doesn't run to exit), while you debug the child. In other
4670 situations, you may not be interested in inspecting the current state
4671 of any of the processes @value{GDBN} is attached to, and you may want
4672 to resume them all until some breakpoint is hit. In the latter case,
4673 you can instruct @value{GDBN} to allow all threads of all the
4674 inferiors to run with the @w{@code{set schedule-multiple}} command.
4675
4676 @table @code
4677 @kindex set schedule-multiple
4678 @item set schedule-multiple
4679 Set the mode for allowing threads of multiple processes to be resumed
4680 when an execution command is issued. When @code{on}, all threads of
4681 all processes are allowed to run. When @code{off}, only the threads
4682 of the current process are resumed. The default is @code{off}. The
4683 @code{scheduler-locking} mode takes precedence when set to @code{on},
4684 or while you are stepping and set to @code{step}.
4685
4686 @item show schedule-multiple
4687 Display the current mode for resuming the execution of threads of
4688 multiple processes.
4689 @end table
4690
4691 @node Non-Stop Mode
4692 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
4693
4694 @cindex non-stop mode
4695
4696 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
4697 @c with more details.
4698
4699 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
4700 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
4701 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
4702 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
4703 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
4704 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
4705
4706 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
4707 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
4708 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
4709 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
4710 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
4711 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
4712 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
4713 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
4714 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
4715 independently and simultaneously.
4716
4717 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
4718 or attach to your program:
4719
4720 @smallexample
4721 # Enable the async interface.
4722 set target-async 1
4723
4724 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
4725 set pagination off
4726
4727 # Finally, turn it on!
4728 set non-stop on
4729 @end smallexample
4730
4731 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
4732
4733 @table @code
4734 @kindex set non-stop
4735 @item set non-stop on
4736 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
4737 @item set non-stop off
4738 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
4739 @kindex show non-stop
4740 @item show non-stop
4741 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
4742 @end table
4743
4744 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
4745 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
4746 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
4747 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
4748 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
4749 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
4750 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
4751 default.
4752
4753 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
4754 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
4755 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
4756
4757 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
4758 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
4759 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
4760 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
4761 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
4762
4763 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
4764 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
4765 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
4766 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
4767 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
4768
4769 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
4770
4771 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
4772 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
4773 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
4774 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
4775 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
4776 previously current thread.
4777
4778 @node Background Execution
4779 @subsection Background Execution
4780
4781 @cindex foreground execution
4782 @cindex background execution
4783 @cindex asynchronous execution
4784 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
4785
4786 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
4787 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
4788 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
4789 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
4790 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
4791 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
4792
4793 You need to explicitly enable asynchronous mode before you can use
4794 background execution commands. You can use these commands to
4795 manipulate the asynchronous mode setting:
4796
4797 @table @code
4798 @kindex set target-async
4799 @item set target-async on
4800 Enable asynchronous mode.
4801 @item set target-async off
4802 Disable asynchronous mode.
4803 @kindex show target-async
4804 @item show target-async
4805 Show the current target-async setting.
4806 @end table
4807
4808 If the target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error
4809 message if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
4810
4811 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
4812 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
4813 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
4814 are:
4815
4816 @table @code
4817 @kindex run&
4818 @item run
4819 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
4820
4821 @item attach
4822 @kindex attach&
4823 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
4824
4825 @item step
4826 @kindex step&
4827 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
4828
4829 @item stepi
4830 @kindex stepi&
4831 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
4832
4833 @item next
4834 @kindex next&
4835 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
4836
4837 @item nexti
4838 @kindex nexti&
4839 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, nexti}.
4840
4841 @item continue
4842 @kindex continue&
4843 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
4844
4845 @item finish
4846 @kindex finish&
4847 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
4848
4849 @item until
4850 @kindex until&
4851 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
4852
4853 @end table
4854
4855 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
4856 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
4857 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
4858 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
4859 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
4860 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
4861
4862 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
4863 using the @code{interrupt} command.
4864
4865 @table @code
4866 @kindex interrupt
4867 @item interrupt
4868 @itemx interrupt -a
4869
4870 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
4871 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
4872 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
4873 use @code{interrupt -a}.
4874 @end table
4875
4876 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
4877 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
4878
4879 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
4880 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
4881 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
4882
4883 @table @code
4884 @cindex breakpoints and threads
4885 @cindex thread breakpoints
4886 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
4887 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
4888 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
4889 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
4890 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
4891 specify some source line.
4892
4893 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
4894 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
4895 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
4896 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
4897 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
4898
4899 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
4900 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
4901 program.
4902
4903 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
4904 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before the
4905 breakpoint condition, like this:
4906
4907 @smallexample
4908 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
4909 @end smallexample
4910
4911 @end table
4912
4913 @node Interrupted System Calls
4914 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
4915
4916 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
4917 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
4918 @cindex premature return from system calls
4919 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
4920 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
4921 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
4922 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
4923 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
4924 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
4925 stop execution.
4926
4927 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
4928 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
4929 style anyways.
4930
4931 For example, do not write code like this:
4932
4933 @smallexample
4934 sleep (10);
4935 @end smallexample
4936
4937 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
4938 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
4939
4940 Instead, write this:
4941
4942 @smallexample
4943 int unslept = 10;
4944 while (unslept > 0)
4945 unslept = sleep (unslept);
4946 @end smallexample
4947
4948 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
4949 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
4950 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
4951 @value{GDBN}.
4952
4953 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
4954 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
4955 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
4956 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
4957
4958
4959 @node Reverse Execution
4960 @chapter Running programs backward
4961 @cindex reverse execution
4962 @cindex running programs backward
4963
4964 When you are debugging a program, it is not unusual to realize that
4965 you have gone too far, and some event of interest has already happened.
4966 If the target environment supports it, @value{GDBN} can allow you to
4967 ``rewind'' the program by running it backward.
4968
4969 A target environment that supports reverse execution should be able
4970 to ``undo'' the changes in machine state that have taken place as the
4971 program was executing normally. Variables, registers etc.@: should
4972 revert to their previous values. Obviously this requires a great
4973 deal of sophistication on the part of the target environment; not
4974 all target environments can support reverse execution.
4975
4976 When a program is executed in reverse, the instructions that
4977 have most recently been executed are ``un-executed'', in reverse
4978 order. The program counter runs backward, following the previous
4979 thread of execution in reverse. As each instruction is ``un-executed'',
4980 the values of memory and/or registers that were changed by that
4981 instruction are reverted to their previous states. After executing
4982 a piece of source code in reverse, all side effects of that code
4983 should be ``undone'', and all variables should be returned to their
4984 prior values@footnote{
4985 Note that some side effects are easier to undo than others. For instance,
4986 memory and registers are relatively easy, but device I/O is hard. Some
4987 targets may be able undo things like device I/O, and some may not.
4988
4989 The contract between @value{GDBN} and the reverse executing target
4990 requires only that the target do something reasonable when
4991 @value{GDBN} tells it to execute backwards, and then report the
4992 results back to @value{GDBN}. Whatever the target reports back to
4993 @value{GDBN}, @value{GDBN} will report back to the user. @value{GDBN}
4994 assumes that the memory and registers that the target reports are in a
4995 consistant state, but @value{GDBN} accepts whatever it is given.
4996 }.
4997
4998 If you are debugging in a target environment that supports
4999 reverse execution, @value{GDBN} provides the following commands.
5000
5001 @table @code
5002 @kindex reverse-continue
5003 @kindex rc @r{(@code{reverse-continue})}
5004 @item reverse-continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5005 @itemx rc @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
5006 Beginning at the point where your program last stopped, start executing
5007 in reverse. Reverse execution will stop for breakpoints and synchronous
5008 exceptions (signals), just like normal execution. Behavior of
5009 asynchronous signals depends on the target environment.
5010
5011 @kindex reverse-step
5012 @kindex rs @r{(@code{step})}
5013 @item reverse-step @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5014 Run the program backward until control reaches the start of a
5015 different source line; then stop it, and return control to @value{GDBN}.
5016
5017 Like the @code{step} command, @code{reverse-step} will only stop
5018 at the beginning of a source line. It ``un-executes'' the previously
5019 executed source line. If the previous source line included calls to
5020 debuggable functions, @code{reverse-step} will step (backward) into
5021 the called function, stopping at the beginning of the @emph{last}
5022 statement in the called function (typically a return statement).
5023
5024 Also, as with the @code{step} command, if non-debuggable functions are
5025 called, @code{reverse-step} will run thru them backward without stopping.
5026
5027 @kindex reverse-stepi
5028 @kindex rsi @r{(@code{reverse-stepi})}
5029 @item reverse-stepi @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5030 Reverse-execute one machine instruction. Note that the instruction
5031 to be reverse-executed is @emph{not} the one pointed to by the program
5032 counter, but the instruction executed prior to that one. For instance,
5033 if the last instruction was a jump, @code{reverse-stepi} will take you
5034 back from the destination of the jump to the jump instruction itself.
5035
5036 @kindex reverse-next
5037 @kindex rn @r{(@code{reverse-next})}
5038 @item reverse-next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5039 Run backward to the beginning of the previous line executed in
5040 the current (innermost) stack frame. If the line contains function
5041 calls, they will be ``un-executed'' without stopping. Starting from
5042 the first line of a function, @code{reverse-next} will take you back
5043 to the caller of that function, @emph{before} the function was called,
5044 just as the normal @code{next} command would take you from the last
5045 line of a function back to its return to its caller
5046 @footnote{Unles the code is too heavily optimized.}.
5047
5048 @kindex reverse-nexti
5049 @kindex rni @r{(@code{reverse-nexti})}
5050 @item reverse-nexti @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
5051 Like @code{nexti}, @code{reverse-nexti} executes a single instruction
5052 in reverse, except that called functions are ``un-executed'' atomically.
5053 That is, if the previously executed instruction was a return from
5054 another instruction, @code{reverse-nexti} will continue to execute
5055 in reverse until the call to that function (from the current stack
5056 frame) is reached.
5057
5058 @kindex reverse-finish
5059 @item reverse-finish
5060 Just as the @code{finish} command takes you to the point where the
5061 current function returns, @code{reverse-finish} takes you to the point
5062 where it was called. Instead of ending up at the end of the current
5063 function invocation, you end up at the beginning.
5064
5065 @kindex set exec-direction
5066 @item set exec-direction
5067 Set the direction of target execution.
5068 @itemx set exec-direction reverse
5069 @cindex execute forward or backward in time
5070 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in reverse, until the
5071 exec-direction mode is changed to ``forward''. Affected commands include
5072 @code{step, stepi, next, nexti, continue, and finish}. The @code{return}
5073 command cannot be used in reverse mode.
5074 @item set exec-direction forward
5075 @value{GDBN} will perform all execution commands in the normal fashion.
5076 This is the default.
5077 @end table
5078
5079
5080 @node Process Record and Replay
5081 @chapter Recording Inferior's Execution and Replaying It
5082 @cindex process record and replay
5083 @cindex recording inferior's execution and replaying it
5084
5085 On some platforms, @value{GDBN} provides a special @dfn{process record
5086 and replay} target that can record a log of the process execution, and
5087 replay it later with both forward and reverse execution commands.
5088
5089 @cindex replay mode
5090 When this target is in use, if the execution log includes the record
5091 for the next instruction, @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{replay
5092 mode}. In the replay mode, the inferior does not really execute code
5093 instructions. Instead, all the events that normally happen during
5094 code execution are taken from the execution log. While code is not
5095 really executed in replay mode, the values of registers (including the
5096 program counter register) and the memory of the inferior are still
5097 changed as they normally would. Their contents are taken from the
5098 execution log.
5099
5100 @cindex record mode
5101 If the record for the next instruction is not in the execution log,
5102 @value{GDBN} will debug in @dfn{record mode}. In this mode, the
5103 inferior executes normally, and @value{GDBN} records the execution log
5104 for future replay.
5105
5106 The process record and replay target supports reverse execution
5107 (@pxref{Reverse Execution}), even if the platform on which the
5108 inferior runs does not. However, the reverse execution is limited in
5109 this case by the range of the instructions recorded in the execution
5110 log. In other words, reverse execution on platforms that don't
5111 support it directly can only be done in the replay mode.
5112
5113 When debugging in the reverse direction, @value{GDBN} will work in
5114 replay mode as long as the execution log includes the record for the
5115 previous instruction; otherwise, it will work in record mode, if the
5116 platform supports reverse execution, or stop if not.
5117
5118 For architecture environments that support process record and replay,
5119 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands:
5120
5121 @table @code
5122 @kindex target record
5123 @kindex record
5124 @kindex rec
5125 @item target record
5126 This command starts the process record and replay target. The process
5127 record and replay target can only debug a process that is already
5128 running. Therefore, you need first to start the process with the
5129 @kbd{run} or @kbd{start} commands, and then start the recording with
5130 the @kbd{target record} command.
5131
5132 Both @code{record} and @code{rec} are aliases of @code{target record}.
5133
5134 @cindex displaced stepping, and process record and replay
5135 Displaced stepping (@pxref{Maintenance Commands,, displaced stepping})
5136 will be automatically disabled when process record and replay target
5137 is started. That's because the process record and replay target
5138 doesn't support displaced stepping.
5139
5140 @cindex non-stop mode, and process record and replay
5141 @cindex asynchronous execution, and process record and replay
5142 If the inferior is in the non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) or in
5143 the asynchronous execution mode (@pxref{Background Execution}), the
5144 process record and replay target cannot be started because it doesn't
5145 support these two modes.
5146
5147 @kindex record stop
5148 @kindex rec s
5149 @item record stop
5150 Stop the process record and replay target. When process record and
5151 replay target stops, the entire execution log will be deleted and the
5152 inferior will either be terminated, or will remain in its final state.
5153
5154 When you stop the process record and replay target in record mode (at
5155 the end of the execution log), the inferior will be stopped at the
5156 next instruction that would have been recorded. In other words, if
5157 you record for a while and then stop recording, the inferior process
5158 will be left in the same state as if the recording never happened.
5159
5160 On the other hand, if the process record and replay target is stopped
5161 while in replay mode (that is, not at the end of the execution log,
5162 but at some earlier point), the inferior process will become ``live''
5163 at that earlier state, and it will then be possible to continue the
5164 usual ``live'' debugging of the process from that state.
5165
5166 When the inferior process exits, or @value{GDBN} detaches from it,
5167 process record and replay target will automatically stop itself.
5168
5169 @kindex set record insn-number-max
5170 @item set record insn-number-max @var{limit}
5171 Set the limit of instructions to be recorded. Default value is 200000.
5172
5173 If @var{limit} is a positive number, then @value{GDBN} will start
5174 deleting instructions from the log once the number of the record
5175 instructions becomes greater than @var{limit}. For every new recorded
5176 instruction, @value{GDBN} will delete the earliest recorded
5177 instruction to keep the number of recorded instructions at the limit.
5178 (Since deleting recorded instructions loses information, @value{GDBN}
5179 lets you control what happens when the limit is reached, by means of
5180 the @code{stop-at-limit} option, described below.)
5181
5182 If @var{limit} is zero, @value{GDBN} will never delete recorded
5183 instructions from the execution log. The number of recorded
5184 instructions is unlimited in this case.
5185
5186 @kindex show record insn-number-max
5187 @item show record insn-number-max
5188 Show the limit of instructions to be recorded.
5189
5190 @kindex set record stop-at-limit
5191 @item set record stop-at-limit
5192 Control the behavior when the number of recorded instructions reaches
5193 the limit. If ON (the default), @value{GDBN} will stop when the limit
5194 is reached for the first time and ask you whether you want to stop the
5195 inferior or continue running it and recording the execution log. If
5196 you decide to continue recording, each new recorded instruction will
5197 cause the oldest one to be deleted.
5198
5199 If this option is OFF, @value{GDBN} will automatically delete the
5200 oldest record to make room for each new one, without asking.
5201
5202 @kindex show record stop-at-limit
5203 @item show record stop-at-limit
5204 Show the current setting of @code{stop-at-limit}.
5205
5206 @kindex info record insn-number
5207 @item info record insn-number
5208 Show the current number of recorded instructions.
5209
5210 @kindex record delete
5211 @kindex rec del
5212 @item record delete
5213 When record target runs in replay mode (``in the past''), delete the
5214 subsequent execution log and begin to record a new execution log starting
5215 from the current address. This means you will abandon the previously
5216 recorded ``future'' and begin recording a new ``future''.
5217 @end table
5218
5219
5220 @node Stack
5221 @chapter Examining the Stack
5222
5223 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
5224 stopped and how it got there.
5225
5226 @cindex call stack
5227 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
5228 is generated.
5229 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
5230 the arguments of the call,
5231 and the local variables of the function being called.
5232 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
5233 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
5234 stack}.
5235
5236 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
5237 stack allow you to see all of this information.
5238
5239 @cindex selected frame
5240 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
5241 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
5242 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
5243 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
5244 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
5245 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5246
5247 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
5248 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
5249 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
5250
5251 @menu
5252 * Frames:: Stack frames
5253 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
5254 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
5255 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
5256
5257 @end menu
5258
5259 @node Frames
5260 @section Stack Frames
5261
5262 @cindex frame, definition
5263 @cindex stack frame
5264 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
5265 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
5266 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
5267 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
5268 which the function is executing.
5269
5270 @cindex initial frame
5271 @cindex outermost frame
5272 @cindex innermost frame
5273 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
5274 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
5275 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
5276 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
5277 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
5278 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
5279 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
5280 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
5281
5282 @cindex frame pointer
5283 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
5284 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
5285 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
5286 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
5287 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
5288 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
5289
5290 @cindex frame number
5291 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
5292 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
5293 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
5294 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
5295 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
5296
5297 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
5298 @c underflow problems.
5299 @cindex frameless execution
5300 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
5301 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
5302 @smallexample
5303 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
5304 @end smallexample
5305 generates functions without a frame.)
5306 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
5307 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
5308 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
5309 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
5310 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
5311 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
5312 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
5313
5314 @table @code
5315 @kindex frame@r{, command}
5316 @cindex current stack frame
5317 @item frame @var{args}
5318 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
5319 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
5320 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
5321 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
5322
5323 @kindex select-frame
5324 @cindex selecting frame silently
5325 @item select-frame
5326 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
5327 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
5328 @code{frame}.
5329 @end table
5330
5331 @node Backtrace
5332 @section Backtraces
5333
5334 @cindex traceback
5335 @cindex call stack traces
5336 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
5337 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
5338 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
5339 stack.
5340
5341 @table @code
5342 @kindex backtrace
5343 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
5344 @item backtrace
5345 @itemx bt
5346 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
5347 frames in the stack.
5348
5349 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
5350 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
5351
5352 @item backtrace @var{n}
5353 @itemx bt @var{n}
5354 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
5355
5356 @item backtrace -@var{n}
5357 @itemx bt -@var{n}
5358 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
5359
5360 @item backtrace full
5361 @itemx bt full
5362 @itemx bt full @var{n}
5363 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
5364 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
5365 number of frames to print, as described above.
5366 @end table
5367
5368 @kindex where
5369 @kindex info stack
5370 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
5371 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
5372
5373 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
5374 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
5375 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
5376 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
5377 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
5378 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
5379 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
5380 multi-threaded program.
5381
5382 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
5383 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
5384 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
5385 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
5386 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
5387 line number.
5388
5389 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
5390 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
5391
5392 @smallexample
5393 @group
5394 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5395 at builtin.c:993
5396 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600, data=...) at macro.c:242
5397 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
5398 at macro.c:71
5399 (More stack frames follow...)
5400 @end group
5401 @end smallexample
5402
5403 @noindent
5404 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
5405 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
5406 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
5407
5408 @noindent
5409 The value of parameter @code{data} in frame 1 has been replaced by
5410 @code{@dots{}}. By default, @value{GDBN} prints the value of a parameter
5411 only if it is a scalar (integer, pointer, enumeration, etc). See command
5412 @kbd{set print frame-arguments} in @ref{Print Settings} for more details
5413 on how to configure the way function parameter values are printed.
5414
5415 @cindex value optimized out, in backtrace
5416 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
5417 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
5418 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
5419 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
5420 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
5421 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
5422 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
5423 such a backtrace might look like:
5424
5425 @smallexample
5426 @group
5427 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
5428 at builtin.c:993
5429 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<value optimized out>) at macro.c:242
5430 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<value optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
5431 at macro.c:71
5432 (More stack frames follow...)
5433 @end group
5434 @end smallexample
5435
5436 @noindent
5437 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
5438 shown as @samp{<value optimized out>}.
5439
5440 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
5441 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
5442 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
5443
5444 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
5445 @cindex program entry point
5446 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
5447 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
5448 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
5449 @code{main}@footnote{
5450 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
5451 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
5452 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
5453 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
5454 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
5455 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
5456
5457 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
5458 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
5459
5460 @table @code
5461 @item set backtrace past-main
5462 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
5463 @kindex set backtrace
5464 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
5465
5466 @item set backtrace past-main off
5467 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
5468 default.
5469
5470 @item show backtrace past-main
5471 @kindex show backtrace
5472 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
5473
5474 @item set backtrace past-entry
5475 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
5476 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
5477 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
5478 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
5479
5480 @item set backtrace past-entry off
5481 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
5482 application. This is the default.
5483
5484 @item show backtrace past-entry
5485 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
5486
5487 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
5488 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
5489 @cindex backtrace limit
5490 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
5491 unlimited.
5492
5493 @item show backtrace limit
5494 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
5495 @end table
5496
5497 @node Selection
5498 @section Selecting a Frame
5499
5500 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
5501 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
5502 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
5503 of the stack frame just selected.
5504
5505 @table @code
5506 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
5507 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
5508 @item frame @var{n}
5509 @itemx f @var{n}
5510 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
5511 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
5512 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
5513 @code{main}.
5514
5515 @item frame @var{addr}
5516 @itemx f @var{addr}
5517 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
5518 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
5519 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
5520 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
5521 switches between them.
5522
5523 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
5524 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
5525
5526 On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
5527 pointer and a program counter.
5528
5529 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
5530 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
5531
5532 @kindex up
5533 @item up @var{n}
5534 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5535 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
5536 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
5537
5538 @kindex down
5539 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
5540 @item down @var{n}
5541 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5542 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
5543 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
5544 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
5545 @end table
5546
5547 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
5548 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
5549 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
5550 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
5551
5552 @need 1000
5553 For example:
5554
5555 @smallexample
5556 @group
5557 (@value{GDBP}) up
5558 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
5559 at env.c:10
5560 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
5561 @end group
5562 @end smallexample
5563
5564 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
5565 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
5566 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
5567 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
5568 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
5569 for details.
5570
5571 @table @code
5572 @kindex down-silently
5573 @kindex up-silently
5574 @item up-silently @var{n}
5575 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
5576 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
5577 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
5578 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
5579 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
5580 distracting.
5581 @end table
5582
5583 @node Frame Info
5584 @section Information About a Frame
5585
5586 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
5587 stack frame.
5588
5589 @table @code
5590 @item frame
5591 @itemx f
5592 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
5593 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
5594 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
5595 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
5596 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5597
5598 @kindex info frame
5599 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
5600 @item info frame
5601 @itemx info f
5602 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
5603 including:
5604
5605 @itemize @bullet
5606 @item
5607 the address of the frame
5608 @item
5609 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
5610 @item
5611 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
5612 @item
5613 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
5614 @item
5615 the address of the frame's arguments
5616 @item
5617 the address of the frame's local variables
5618 @item
5619 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
5620 @item
5621 which registers were saved in the frame
5622 @end itemize
5623
5624 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
5625 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
5626 the usual conventions.
5627
5628 @item info frame @var{addr}
5629 @itemx info f @var{addr}
5630 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
5631 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
5632 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
5633 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
5634 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5635
5636 @kindex info args
5637 @item info args
5638 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
5639
5640 @item info locals
5641 @kindex info locals
5642 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
5643 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
5644 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
5645
5646 @kindex info catch
5647 @cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
5648 @cindex exception handlers, how to list
5649 @item info catch
5650 Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
5651 current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
5652 exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
5653 @code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
5654 @xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
5655
5656 @end table
5657
5658
5659 @node Source
5660 @chapter Examining Source Files
5661
5662 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
5663 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
5664 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
5665 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
5666 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
5667 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
5668 source files by explicit command.
5669
5670 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
5671 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
5672 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
5673
5674 @menu
5675 * List:: Printing source lines
5676 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
5677 * Edit:: Editing source files
5678 * Search:: Searching source files
5679 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
5680 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
5681 @end menu
5682
5683 @node List
5684 @section Printing Source Lines
5685
5686 @kindex list
5687 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
5688 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
5689 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
5690 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
5691 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
5692
5693 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
5694
5695 @table @code
5696 @item list @var{linenum}
5697 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
5698 current source file.
5699
5700 @item list @var{function}
5701 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
5702 @var{function}.
5703
5704 @item list
5705 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
5706 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
5707 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
5708 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
5709 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
5710
5711 @item list -
5712 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
5713 @end table
5714
5715 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
5716 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
5717 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
5718
5719 @table @code
5720 @kindex set listsize
5721 @item set listsize @var{count}
5722 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
5723 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
5724
5725 @kindex show listsize
5726 @item show listsize
5727 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
5728 @end table
5729
5730 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
5731 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
5732 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
5733 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
5734 each repetition moves up in the source file.
5735
5736 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
5737 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
5738 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
5739 to specify some source line.
5740
5741 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
5742
5743 @table @code
5744 @item list @var{linespec}
5745 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
5746
5747 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
5748 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
5749 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
5750 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
5751 the same source file as the first linespec.
5752
5753 @item list ,@var{last}
5754 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
5755
5756 @item list @var{first},
5757 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
5758
5759 @item list +
5760 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
5761
5762 @item list -
5763 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
5764
5765 @item list
5766 As described in the preceding table.
5767 @end table
5768
5769 @node Specify Location
5770 @section Specifying a Location
5771 @cindex specifying location
5772 @cindex linespec
5773
5774 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
5775 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
5776 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
5777 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
5778
5779 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
5780 @value{GDBN} understands:
5781
5782 @table @code
5783 @item @var{linenum}
5784 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
5785
5786 @item -@var{offset}
5787 @itemx +@var{offset}
5788 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
5789 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
5790 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
5791 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
5792 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
5793 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
5794 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
5795 linespec.
5796
5797 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
5798 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
5799
5800 @item @var{function}
5801 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
5802 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
5803
5804 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
5805 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
5806 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
5807 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
5808 functions in different source files.
5809
5810 @item *@var{address}
5811 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
5812 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
5813 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
5814 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
5815 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
5816 source files.
5817
5818 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
5819 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
5820 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
5821 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
5822 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
5823 of @var{address}:
5824
5825 @table @code
5826 @item @var{expression}
5827 Any expression valid in the current working language.
5828
5829 @item @var{funcaddr}
5830 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
5831 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
5832 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
5833 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
5834 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
5835 (although the Pascal form also works).
5836
5837 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
5838 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
5839
5840 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
5841 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
5842 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
5843 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
5844 functions with identical names in different source files.
5845 @end table
5846
5847 @end table
5848
5849
5850 @node Edit
5851 @section Editing Source Files
5852 @cindex editing source files
5853
5854 @kindex edit
5855 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
5856 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
5857 The editing program of your choice
5858 is invoked with the current line set to
5859 the active line in the program.
5860 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
5861 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
5862
5863 @table @code
5864 @item edit @var{location}
5865 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
5866 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
5867 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
5868 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
5869 command most commonly used:
5870
5871 @table @code
5872 @item edit @var{number}
5873 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
5874
5875 @item edit @var{function}
5876 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
5877 @end table
5878
5879 @end table
5880
5881 @subsection Choosing your Editor
5882 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
5883 @footnote{
5884 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
5885 following command-line syntax:
5886 @smallexample
5887 ex +@var{number} file
5888 @end smallexample
5889 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
5890 the file where to start editing.}.
5891 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
5892 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
5893 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
5894 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
5895 @smallexample
5896 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
5897 export EDITOR
5898 gdb @dots{}
5899 @end smallexample
5900 or in the @code{csh} shell,
5901 @smallexample
5902 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
5903 gdb @dots{}
5904 @end smallexample
5905
5906 @node Search
5907 @section Searching Source Files
5908 @cindex searching source files
5909
5910 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
5911 regular expression.
5912
5913 @table @code
5914 @kindex search
5915 @kindex forward-search
5916 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
5917 @itemx search @var{regexp}
5918 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
5919 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
5920 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
5921 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
5922 @code{fo}.
5923
5924 @kindex reverse-search
5925 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
5926 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
5927 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
5928 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
5929 this command as @code{rev}.
5930 @end table
5931
5932 @node Source Path
5933 @section Specifying Source Directories
5934
5935 @cindex source path
5936 @cindex directories for source files
5937 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
5938 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
5939 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
5940 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
5941 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
5942 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
5943 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
5944
5945 For example, suppose an executable references the file
5946 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
5947 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
5948 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
5949 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
5950 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
5951 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
5952 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
5953 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
5954 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
5955 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
5956
5957 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
5958 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
5959 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
5960 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
5961 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
5962 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
5963
5964 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
5965 source files.
5966
5967 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
5968 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
5969 each line is in the file.
5970
5971 @kindex directory
5972 @kindex dir
5973 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
5974 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
5975 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
5976
5977 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
5978 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
5979
5980 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
5981 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
5982 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
5983 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
5984 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
5985 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
5986 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
5987 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
5988 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
5989 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
5990 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
5991 name to look up the sources.
5992
5993 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
5994 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
5995 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
5996 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
5997 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
5998 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
5999 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
6000 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
6001
6002 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
6003 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
6004 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
6005 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
6006 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
6007 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
6008 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
6009
6010 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
6011 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
6012 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
6013 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
6014 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
6015 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
6016 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
6017 command.
6018
6019 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
6020 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
6021 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
6022 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
6023 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
6024 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
6025 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
6026
6027 @cindex @samp{--with-relocated-sources}
6028 @cindex default source path substitution
6029 You can configure a default source path substitution rule by
6030 configuring @value{GDBN} with the
6031 @samp{--with-relocated-sources=@var{dir}} option. The @var{dir}
6032 should be the name of a directory under @value{GDBN}'s configured
6033 prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or @samp{--exec-prefix}), and
6034 directory names in debug information under @var{dir} will be adjusted
6035 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
6036 location. This is useful if @value{GDBN}, libraries or executables
6037 with debug information and corresponding source code are being moved
6038 together.
6039
6040 @table @code
6041 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
6042 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
6043 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
6044 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
6045 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
6046 part of absolute file names) or
6047 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
6048 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
6049
6050 @kindex cdir
6051 @kindex cwd
6052 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
6053 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
6054 @cindex compilation directory
6055 @cindex current directory
6056 @cindex working directory
6057 @cindex directory, current
6058 @cindex directory, compilation
6059 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
6060 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
6061 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
6062 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
6063 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
6064 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
6065
6066 @item directory
6067 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
6068
6069 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
6070 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
6071
6072 @item show directories
6073 @kindex show directories
6074 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
6075
6076 @anchor{set substitute-path}
6077 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
6078 @kindex set substitute-path
6079 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
6080 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
6081 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
6082
6083 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
6084 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
6085
6086 @smallexample
6087 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
6088 @end smallexample
6089
6090 @noindent
6091 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
6092 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
6093 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
6094
6095 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
6096 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
6097 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
6098 the substitution.
6099
6100 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
6101
6102 @smallexample
6103 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
6104 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
6105 @end smallexample
6106
6107 @noindent
6108 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
6109 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
6110 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
6111 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
6112
6113
6114 @item unset substitute-path [path]
6115 @kindex unset substitute-path
6116 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
6117 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
6118 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
6119
6120 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
6121
6122 @item show substitute-path [path]
6123 @kindex show substitute-path
6124 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
6125 which would rewrite that path, if any.
6126
6127 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
6128 rules.
6129
6130 @end table
6131
6132 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
6133 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
6134 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
6135
6136 @enumerate
6137 @item
6138 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
6139
6140 @item
6141 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
6142 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
6143 directories in one command.
6144 @end enumerate
6145
6146 @node Machine Code
6147 @section Source and Machine Code
6148 @cindex source line and its code address
6149
6150 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
6151 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
6152 a range of addresses as machine instructions. You can use the command
6153 @code{set disassemble-next-line} to set whether to disassemble next
6154 source line when execution stops. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
6155 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
6156 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
6157 well as hex.
6158
6159 @table @code
6160 @kindex info line
6161 @item info line @var{linespec}
6162 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
6163 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
6164 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
6165 @end table
6166
6167 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
6168 the object code for the first line of function
6169 @code{m4_changequote}:
6170
6171 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
6172 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
6173 @smallexample
6174 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
6175 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
6176 @end smallexample
6177
6178 @noindent
6179 @cindex code address and its source line
6180 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
6181 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
6182 @smallexample
6183 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
6184 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
6185 @end smallexample
6186
6187 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
6188 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
6189 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
6190 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
6191 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
6192 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
6193 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
6194 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6195 Variables}).
6196
6197 @table @code
6198 @kindex disassemble
6199 @cindex assembly instructions
6200 @cindex instructions, assembly
6201 @cindex machine instructions
6202 @cindex listing machine instructions
6203 @item disassemble
6204 @itemx disassemble /m
6205 @itemx disassemble /r
6206 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
6207 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
6208 the @code{/m} modifier and print the raw instructions in hex as well as
6209 in symbolic form by specifying the @code{/r}.
6210 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
6211 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
6212 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
6213 surrounding this value. Two arguments specify a range of addresses
6214 (first inclusive, second exclusive) to dump.
6215 @end table
6216
6217 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
6218 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
6219
6220 @smallexample
6221 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4 0x32e4
6222 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
6223 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
6224 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
6225 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6226 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
6227 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
6228 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
6229 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
6230 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
6231 End of assembler dump.
6232 @end smallexample
6233
6234 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86:
6235
6236 @smallexample
6237 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
6238 Dump of assembler code for function main:
6239 5 @{
6240 0x08048330 <main+0>: push %ebp
6241 0x08048331 <main+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
6242 0x08048333 <main+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
6243 0x08048336 <main+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
6244 0x08048339 <main+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
6245
6246 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
6247 0x0804833c <main+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
6248 0x08048343 <main+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
6249
6250 7 return 0;
6251 8 @}
6252 0x08048348 <main+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
6253 0x0804834d <main+29>: leave
6254 0x0804834e <main+30>: ret
6255
6256 End of assembler dump.
6257 @end smallexample
6258
6259 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
6260 mnemonics or other syntax.
6261
6262 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
6263 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
6264 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
6265 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
6266 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
6267
6268 @table @code
6269 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
6270 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
6271 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
6272 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
6273 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
6274 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
6275
6276 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
6277 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
6278 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
6279 assemblers for x86-based targets.
6280
6281 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
6282 @item show disassembly-flavor
6283 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
6284 @end table
6285
6286 @table @code
6287 @kindex set disassemble-next-line
6288 @kindex show disassemble-next-line
6289 @item set disassemble-next-line
6290 @itemx show disassemble-next-line
6291 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will disassemble the next source
6292 line or instruction when execution stops. If ON, @value{GDBN} will
6293 display disassembly of the next source line when execution of the
6294 program being debugged stops. This is @emph{in addition} to
6295 displaying the source line itself, which @value{GDBN} always does if
6296 possible. If the next source line cannot be displayed for some reason
6297 (e.g., if @value{GDBN} cannot find the source file, or there's no line
6298 info in the debug info), @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of the
6299 next @emph{instruction} instead of showing the next source line. If
6300 AUTO, @value{GDBN} will display disassembly of next instruction only
6301 if the source line cannot be displayed. This setting causes
6302 @value{GDBN} to display some feedback when you step through a function
6303 with no line info or whose source file is unavailable. The default is
6304 OFF, which means never display the disassembly of the next line or
6305 instruction.
6306 @end table
6307
6308
6309 @node Data
6310 @chapter Examining Data
6311
6312 @cindex printing data
6313 @cindex examining data
6314 @kindex print
6315 @kindex inspect
6316 @c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
6317 @c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
6318 @c different window or something like that.
6319 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
6320 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
6321 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
6322 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
6323 Different Languages}).
6324
6325 @table @code
6326 @item print @var{expr}
6327 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
6328 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
6329 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
6330 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
6331 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
6332 Formats}.
6333
6334 @item print
6335 @itemx print /@var{f}
6336 @cindex reprint the last value
6337 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
6338 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
6339 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
6340 @end table
6341
6342 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
6343 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
6344 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6345
6346 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
6347 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
6348 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
6349 Table}.
6350
6351 @menu
6352 * Expressions:: Expressions
6353 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
6354 * Variables:: Program variables
6355 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
6356 * Output Formats:: Output formats
6357 * Memory:: Examining memory
6358 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
6359 * Print Settings:: Print settings
6360 * Value History:: Value history
6361 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
6362 * Registers:: Registers
6363 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
6364 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
6365 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
6366 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
6367 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
6368 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
6369 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
6370 character set than GDB does
6371 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
6372 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
6373 @end menu
6374
6375 @node Expressions
6376 @section Expressions
6377
6378 @cindex expressions
6379 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
6380 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
6381 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
6382 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
6383 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
6384 you compiled your program to include this information; see
6385 @ref{Compilation}.
6386
6387 @cindex arrays in expressions
6388 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
6389 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
6390 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
6391 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
6392 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
6393 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
6394
6395 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
6396 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
6397 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
6398 languages.
6399
6400 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
6401 expressions regardless of your programming language.
6402
6403 @cindex casts, in expressions
6404 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
6405 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
6406 at that address in memory.
6407 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
6408
6409 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
6410 to programming languages:
6411
6412 @table @code
6413 @item @@
6414 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
6415 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
6416
6417 @item ::
6418 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
6419 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
6420
6421 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
6422 @cindex type casting memory
6423 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
6424 @cindex casts, to view memory
6425 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
6426 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
6427 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
6428 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
6429 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
6430 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
6431 @end table
6432
6433 @node Ambiguous Expressions
6434 @section Ambiguous Expressions
6435 @cindex ambiguous expressions
6436
6437 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
6438 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
6439 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
6440 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
6441 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
6442 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
6443 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
6444
6445 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
6446 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
6447 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
6448 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
6449 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
6450 as well.
6451
6452 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
6453 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
6454 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
6455 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
6456 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
6457 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
6458 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
6459 choices.
6460
6461 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
6462 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
6463 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
6464
6465 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
6466 @smallexample
6467 @group
6468 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
6469 [0] cancel
6470 [1] all
6471 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
6472 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
6473 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
6474 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
6475 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
6476 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
6477 > 2 4 6
6478 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
6479 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
6480 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
6481 Multiple breakpoints were set.
6482 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
6483 breakpoints.
6484 (@value{GDBP})
6485 @end group
6486 @end smallexample
6487
6488 @table @code
6489 @kindex set multiple-symbols
6490 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
6491 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
6492
6493 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
6494 is ambiguous.
6495
6496 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
6497 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
6498 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
6499 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
6500 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
6501 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
6502 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
6503 in the use of the menu.
6504
6505 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
6506 when an ambiguity is detected.
6507
6508 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
6509 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
6510
6511 @kindex show multiple-symbols
6512 @item show multiple-symbols
6513 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
6514 @end table
6515
6516 @node Variables
6517 @section Program Variables
6518
6519 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
6520 in your program.
6521
6522 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
6523 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
6524
6525 @itemize @bullet
6526 @item
6527 global (or file-static)
6528 @end itemize
6529
6530 @noindent or
6531
6532 @itemize @bullet
6533 @item
6534 visible according to the scope rules of the
6535 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
6536 @end itemize
6537
6538 @noindent This means that in the function
6539
6540 @smallexample
6541 foo (a)
6542 int a;
6543 @{
6544 bar (a);
6545 @{
6546 int b = test ();
6547 bar (b);
6548 @}
6549 @}
6550 @end smallexample
6551
6552 @noindent
6553 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
6554 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
6555 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
6556 the block where @code{b} is declared.
6557
6558 @cindex variable name conflict
6559 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
6560 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
6561 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
6562 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
6563 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
6564 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
6565 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
6566
6567 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
6568 @ifnotinfo
6569 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
6570 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
6571 @end ifnotinfo
6572 @smallexample
6573 @var{file}::@var{variable}
6574 @var{function}::@var{variable}
6575 @end smallexample
6576
6577 @noindent
6578 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
6579 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
6580 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
6581 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
6582
6583 @smallexample
6584 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
6585 @end smallexample
6586
6587 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
6588 This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
6589 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
6590 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
6591 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
6592 @c conflict?? --mew
6593
6594 @cindex wrong values
6595 @cindex variable values, wrong
6596 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
6597 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
6598 @quotation
6599 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
6600 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
6601 scope, and just before exit.
6602 @end quotation
6603 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
6604 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
6605 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
6606 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
6607 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
6608 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
6609 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
6610 variable definitions may be gone.
6611
6612 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
6613 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
6614 when compiling.
6615
6616 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
6617 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
6618 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
6619 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
6620 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
6621 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
6622 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
6623
6624 @smallexample
6625 No symbol "foo" in current context.
6626 @end smallexample
6627
6628 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
6629 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
6630 formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler,
6631 usually supports the @option{-gstabs+} option. @option{-gstabs+}
6632 produces debug info in a format that is superior to formats such as
6633 COFF. You may be able to use DWARF 2 (@option{-gdwarf-2}), which is also
6634 an effective form for debug info. @xref{Debugging Options,,Options
6635 for Debugging Your Program or GCC, gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu}
6636 Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
6637 @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug info formats
6638 that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
6639
6640 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
6641 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
6642 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
6643 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
6644
6645 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
6646 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
6647 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
6648 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
6649 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
6650 For program code
6651
6652 @smallexample
6653 char var0[] = "A";
6654 signed char var1[] = "A";
6655 @end smallexample
6656
6657 You get during debugging
6658 @smallexample
6659 (gdb) print var0
6660 $1 = "A"
6661 (gdb) print var1
6662 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
6663 @end smallexample
6664
6665 @node Arrays
6666 @section Artificial Arrays
6667
6668 @cindex artificial array
6669 @cindex arrays
6670 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
6671 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
6672 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
6673 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
6674 program.
6675
6676 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
6677 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
6678 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
6679 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
6680 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
6681 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
6682 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
6683 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
6684 example. If a program says
6685
6686 @smallexample
6687 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
6688 @end smallexample
6689
6690 @noindent
6691 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
6692
6693 @smallexample
6694 p *array@@len
6695 @end smallexample
6696
6697 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
6698 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
6699 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
6700 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
6701 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
6702
6703 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
6704 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
6705 The value need not be in memory:
6706 @smallexample
6707 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
6708 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
6709 @end smallexample
6710
6711 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
6712 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
6713 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
6714 @smallexample
6715 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
6716 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
6717 @end smallexample
6718
6719 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
6720 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
6721 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
6722 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
6723 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6724 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
6725 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
6726 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
6727 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
6728 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
6729
6730 @smallexample
6731 set $i = 0
6732 p dtab[$i++]->fv
6733 @key{RET}
6734 @key{RET}
6735 @dots{}
6736 @end smallexample
6737
6738 @node Output Formats
6739 @section Output Formats
6740
6741 @cindex formatted output
6742 @cindex output formats
6743 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
6744 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
6745 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
6746 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
6747 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
6748
6749 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
6750 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
6751 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
6752 letters supported are:
6753
6754 @table @code
6755 @item x
6756 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
6757 hexadecimal.
6758
6759 @item d
6760 Print as integer in signed decimal.
6761
6762 @item u
6763 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
6764
6765 @item o
6766 Print as integer in octal.
6767
6768 @item t
6769 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
6770 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
6771 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
6772 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
6773
6774 @item a
6775 @cindex unknown address, locating
6776 @cindex locate address
6777 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
6778 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
6779 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
6780
6781 @smallexample
6782 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
6783 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
6784 @end smallexample
6785
6786 @noindent
6787 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
6788 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
6789
6790 @item c
6791 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
6792 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
6793 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
6794 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
6795
6796 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
6797 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
6798 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
6799 data.
6800
6801 @item f
6802 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
6803 using typical floating point syntax.
6804
6805 @item s
6806 @cindex printing strings
6807 @cindex printing byte arrays
6808 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
6809 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
6810 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
6811 natural types.
6812
6813 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
6814 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
6815 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
6816 array.
6817
6818 @item r
6819 @cindex raw printing
6820 Print using the @samp{raw} formatting. By default, @value{GDBN} will
6821 use a type-specific pretty-printer. The @samp{r} format bypasses any
6822 pretty-printer which might exist for the value's type.
6823 @end table
6824
6825 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
6826
6827 @smallexample
6828 p/x $pc
6829 @end smallexample
6830
6831 @noindent
6832 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
6833 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
6834
6835 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
6836 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
6837 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
6838
6839 @node Memory
6840 @section Examining Memory
6841
6842 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
6843 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
6844
6845 @cindex examining memory
6846 @table @code
6847 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
6848 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
6849 @itemx x @var{addr}
6850 @itemx x
6851 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
6852 @end table
6853
6854 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
6855 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
6856 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
6857 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
6858 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
6859
6860 @table @r
6861 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
6862 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
6863 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
6864 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
6865 @c 4.1.2.
6866
6867 @item @var{f}, the display format
6868 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
6869 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
6870 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
6871 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
6872 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
6873
6874 @item @var{u}, the unit size
6875 The unit size is any of
6876
6877 @table @code
6878 @item b
6879 Bytes.
6880 @item h
6881 Halfwords (two bytes).
6882 @item w
6883 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
6884 @item g
6885 Giant words (eight bytes).
6886 @end table
6887
6888 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
6889 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. (For the @samp{s} and
6890 @samp{i} formats, the unit size is ignored and is normally not written.)
6891
6892 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
6893 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
6894 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
6895 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
6896 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
6897 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
6898 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
6899 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
6900 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
6901 a value from memory).
6902 @end table
6903
6904 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
6905 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
6906 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
6907 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
6908 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
6909
6910 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
6911 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
6912 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
6913 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
6914 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
6915
6916 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
6917 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
6918 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
6919 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
6920 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
6921 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
6922 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
6923 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
6924 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
6925
6926 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
6927 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
6928 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
6929 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
6930 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
6931 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
6932 for successive uses of @code{x}.
6933
6934 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
6935 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
6936 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
6937 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
6938 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
6939 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
6940 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
6941 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
6942 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
6943
6944 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
6945 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
6946 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
6947
6948 @cindex remote memory comparison
6949 @cindex verify remote memory image
6950 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
6951 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
6952 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
6953 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
6954 situations.
6955
6956 @table @code
6957 @kindex compare-sections
6958 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
6959 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
6960 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
6961 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
6962 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
6963 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
6964 remote request.
6965 @end table
6966
6967 @node Auto Display
6968 @section Automatic Display
6969 @cindex automatic display
6970 @cindex display of expressions
6971
6972 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
6973 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
6974 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
6975 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
6976 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
6977 The automatic display looks like this:
6978
6979 @smallexample
6980 2: foo = 38
6981 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
6982 @end smallexample
6983
6984 @noindent
6985 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
6986 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
6987 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
6988 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
6989 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
6990 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
6991
6992 @table @code
6993 @kindex display
6994 @item display @var{expr}
6995 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
6996 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
6997
6998 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
6999
7000 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
7001 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
7002 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
7003 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
7004 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
7005
7006 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
7007 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
7008 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
7009 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
7010 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
7011 @end table
7012
7013 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
7014 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
7015 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7016
7017 @table @code
7018 @kindex delete display
7019 @kindex undisplay
7020 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
7021 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7022 Remove item numbers @var{dnums} from the list of expressions to display.
7023
7024 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
7025 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
7026
7027 @kindex disable display
7028 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7029 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
7030 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
7031 enabled again later.
7032
7033 @kindex enable display
7034 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
7035 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
7036 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
7037
7038 @item display
7039 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
7040 done when your program stops.
7041
7042 @kindex info display
7043 @item info display
7044 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
7045 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
7046 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
7047 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
7048 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
7049 @end table
7050
7051 @cindex display disabled out of scope
7052 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
7053 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
7054 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
7055 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
7056 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
7057 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
7058 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
7059 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
7060 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
7061 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
7062
7063 @node Print Settings
7064 @section Print Settings
7065
7066 @cindex format options
7067 @cindex print settings
7068 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
7069 and symbols are printed.
7070
7071 @noindent
7072 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
7073
7074 @table @code
7075 @kindex set print
7076 @item set print address
7077 @itemx set print address on
7078 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
7079 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
7080 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
7081 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
7082 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
7083 @code{set print address on}:
7084
7085 @smallexample
7086 @group
7087 (@value{GDBP}) f
7088 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
7089 at input.c:530
7090 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7091 @end group
7092 @end smallexample
7093
7094 @item set print address off
7095 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
7096 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
7097
7098 @smallexample
7099 @group
7100 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
7101 (@value{GDBP}) f
7102 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
7103 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
7104 @end group
7105 @end smallexample
7106
7107 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
7108 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
7109 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
7110 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
7111
7112 @kindex show print
7113 @item show print address
7114 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
7115 @end table
7116
7117 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
7118 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
7119 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
7120 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
7121 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
7122 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
7123 it prints a symbolic address:
7124
7125 @table @code
7126 @item set print symbol-filename on
7127 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
7128 @cindex symbol, source file and line
7129 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
7130 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7131
7132 @item set print symbol-filename off
7133 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
7134 default.
7135
7136 @item show print symbol-filename
7137 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
7138 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
7139 @end table
7140
7141 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
7142 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
7143 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
7144
7145 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
7146 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
7147
7148 @table @code
7149 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
7150 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
7151 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
7152 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
7153 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
7154 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
7155
7156 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
7157 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
7158 symbolic address.
7159 @end table
7160
7161 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
7162 @cindex pointer, finding referent
7163 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
7164 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
7165 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
7166 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
7167 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
7168 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
7169
7170 @smallexample
7171 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
7172 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
7173 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
7174 @end smallexample
7175
7176 @quotation
7177 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
7178 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
7179 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
7180 @end quotation
7181
7182 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
7183
7184 @table @code
7185 @item set print array
7186 @itemx set print array on
7187 @cindex pretty print arrays
7188 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
7189 but uses more space. The default is off.
7190
7191 @item set print array off
7192 Return to compressed format for arrays.
7193
7194 @item show print array
7195 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
7196 arrays.
7197
7198 @cindex print array indexes
7199 @item set print array-indexes
7200 @itemx set print array-indexes on
7201 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
7202 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
7203 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
7204
7205 @item set print array-indexes off
7206 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
7207
7208 @item show print array-indexes
7209 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
7210 arrays.
7211
7212 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
7213 @cindex number of array elements to print
7214 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
7215 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
7216 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
7217 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
7218 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
7219 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
7220 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
7221
7222 @item show print elements
7223 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
7224 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
7225
7226 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
7227 @kindex set print frame-arguments
7228 @cindex printing frame argument values
7229 @cindex print all frame argument values
7230 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
7231 @cindex do not print frame argument values
7232 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
7233 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
7234 values are:
7235
7236 @table @code
7237 @item all
7238 The values of all arguments are printed.
7239
7240 @item scalars
7241 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
7242 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
7243 by @code{@dots{}}. This is the default. Here is an example where
7244 only scalar arguments are shown:
7245
7246 @smallexample
7247 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
7248 at frame-args.c:23
7249 @end smallexample
7250
7251 @item none
7252 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
7253 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
7254
7255 @smallexample
7256 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
7257 at frame-args.c:23
7258 @end smallexample
7259 @end table
7260
7261 By default, only scalar arguments are printed. This command can be used
7262 to configure the debugger to print the value of all arguments, regardless
7263 of their type. However, it is often advantageous to not print the value
7264 of more complex parameters. For instance, it reduces the amount of
7265 information printed in each frame, making the backtrace more readable.
7266 Also, it improves performance when displaying Ada frames, because
7267 the computation of large arguments can sometimes be CPU-intensive,
7268 especially in large applications. Setting @code{print frame-arguments}
7269 to @code{scalars} (the default) or @code{none} avoids this computation,
7270 thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
7271
7272 @item show print frame-arguments
7273 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
7274
7275 @item set print repeats
7276 @cindex repeated array elements
7277 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
7278 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
7279 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
7280 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
7281 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
7282 themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
7283 be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
7284
7285 @item show print repeats
7286 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
7287 elements.
7288
7289 @item set print null-stop
7290 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
7291 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
7292 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
7293 contain only short strings.
7294 The default is off.
7295
7296 @item show print null-stop
7297 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
7298 @sc{null} character.
7299
7300 @item set print pretty on
7301 @cindex print structures in indented form
7302 @cindex indentation in structure display
7303 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
7304 per line, like this:
7305
7306 @smallexample
7307 @group
7308 $1 = @{
7309 next = 0x0,
7310 flags = @{
7311 sweet = 1,
7312 sour = 1
7313 @},
7314 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
7315 @}
7316 @end group
7317 @end smallexample
7318
7319 @item set print pretty off
7320 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
7321
7322 @smallexample
7323 @group
7324 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
7325 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
7326 @end group
7327 @end smallexample
7328
7329 @noindent
7330 This is the default format.
7331
7332 @item show print pretty
7333 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
7334
7335 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
7336 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
7337 @cindex octal escapes in strings
7338 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
7339 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
7340 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
7341 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
7342 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
7343
7344 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
7345 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
7346 international character sets, and is the default.
7347
7348 @item show print sevenbit-strings
7349 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
7350
7351 @item set print union on
7352 @cindex unions in structures, printing
7353 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
7354 and other unions. This is the default setting.
7355
7356 @item set print union off
7357 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
7358 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
7359 instead.
7360
7361 @item show print union
7362 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
7363 structures and other unions.
7364
7365 For example, given the declarations
7366
7367 @smallexample
7368 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
7369 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
7370 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
7371 Bug_forms;
7372
7373 struct thing @{
7374 Species it;
7375 union @{
7376 Tree_forms tree;
7377 Bug_forms bug;
7378 @} form;
7379 @};
7380
7381 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
7382 @end smallexample
7383
7384 @noindent
7385 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
7386
7387 @smallexample
7388 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
7389 @end smallexample
7390
7391 @noindent
7392 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
7393
7394 @smallexample
7395 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
7396 @end smallexample
7397
7398 @noindent
7399 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
7400 and in Pascal.
7401 @end table
7402
7403 @need 1000
7404 @noindent
7405 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
7406
7407 @table @code
7408 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
7409 @item set print demangle
7410 @itemx set print demangle on
7411 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
7412 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
7413 linkage. The default is on.
7414
7415 @item show print demangle
7416 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
7417
7418 @item set print asm-demangle
7419 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
7420 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
7421 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
7422 The default is off.
7423
7424 @item show print asm-demangle
7425 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
7426 or demangled form.
7427
7428 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
7429 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
7430 @kindex set demangle-style
7431 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
7432 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
7433 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
7434
7435 @table @code
7436 @item auto
7437 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
7438
7439 @item gnu
7440 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
7441 This is the default.
7442
7443 @item hp
7444 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
7445
7446 @item lucid
7447 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
7448
7449 @item arm
7450 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
7451 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
7452 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
7453 require further enhancement to permit that.
7454
7455 @end table
7456 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
7457
7458 @item show demangle-style
7459 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
7460
7461 @item set print object
7462 @itemx set print object on
7463 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
7464 @cindex display derived types
7465 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
7466 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
7467 the virtual function table.
7468
7469 @item set print object off
7470 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
7471 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
7472
7473 @item show print object
7474 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
7475
7476 @item set print static-members
7477 @itemx set print static-members on
7478 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
7479 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
7480
7481 @item set print static-members off
7482 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
7483
7484 @item show print static-members
7485 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
7486
7487 @item set print pascal_static-members
7488 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
7489 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
7490 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
7491 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
7492
7493 @item set print pascal_static-members off
7494 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
7495
7496 @item show print pascal_static-members
7497 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
7498
7499 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
7500 @item set print vtbl
7501 @itemx set print vtbl on
7502 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
7503 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
7504 @cindex VTBL display
7505 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
7506 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
7507 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
7508
7509 @item set print vtbl off
7510 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
7511
7512 @item show print vtbl
7513 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
7514 @end table
7515
7516 @node Value History
7517 @section Value History
7518
7519 @cindex value history
7520 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
7521 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
7522 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
7523 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
7524 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
7525 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
7526 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
7527 symbol table.
7528
7529 @cindex @code{$}
7530 @cindex @code{$$}
7531 @cindex history number
7532 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
7533 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
7534 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
7535 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
7536 history number.
7537
7538 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
7539 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
7540 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
7541 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
7542 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
7543 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
7544 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
7545
7546 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
7547 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
7548
7549 @smallexample
7550 p *$
7551 @end smallexample
7552
7553 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
7554 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
7555
7556 @smallexample
7557 p *$.next
7558 @end smallexample
7559
7560 @noindent
7561 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
7562 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
7563
7564 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
7565 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
7566
7567 @smallexample
7568 print x
7569 set x=5
7570 @end smallexample
7571
7572 @noindent
7573 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
7574 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
7575
7576 @table @code
7577 @kindex show values
7578 @item show values
7579 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
7580 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
7581 values} does not change the history.
7582
7583 @item show values @var{n}
7584 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
7585
7586 @item show values +
7587 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
7588 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
7589 @end table
7590
7591 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
7592 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
7593
7594 @node Convenience Vars
7595 @section Convenience Variables
7596
7597 @cindex convenience variables
7598 @cindex user-defined variables
7599 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
7600 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
7601 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
7602 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
7603 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
7604
7605 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
7606 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
7607 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7608 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
7609 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
7610
7611 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
7612 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
7613 For example:
7614
7615 @smallexample
7616 set $foo = *object_ptr
7617 @end smallexample
7618
7619 @noindent
7620 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
7621 @code{object_ptr}.
7622
7623 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
7624 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
7625 value with another assignment at any time.
7626
7627 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
7628 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
7629 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
7630 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
7631
7632 @table @code
7633 @kindex show convenience
7634 @cindex show all user variables
7635 @item show convenience
7636 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
7637 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
7638
7639 @kindex init-if-undefined
7640 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
7641 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
7642 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
7643 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
7644 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
7645 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
7646 override default values used in a command script.
7647
7648 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
7649 any side-effects do not occur.
7650 @end table
7651
7652 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
7653 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
7654 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
7655
7656 @smallexample
7657 set $i = 0
7658 print bar[$i++]->contents
7659 @end smallexample
7660
7661 @noindent
7662 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
7663
7664 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
7665 values likely to be useful.
7666
7667 @table @code
7668 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
7669 @item $_
7670 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
7671 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
7672 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
7673 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
7674 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
7675 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
7676 to the type of @code{$__}.
7677
7678 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
7679 @item $__
7680 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
7681 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
7682 to match the format in which the data was printed.
7683
7684 @item $_exitcode
7685 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
7686 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
7687 the program being debugged terminates.
7688
7689 @item $_siginfo
7690 @vindex $_siginfo@r{, convenience variable}
7691 The variable @code{$_siginfo} is bound to extra signal information
7692 inspection (@pxref{extra signal information}).
7693 @end table
7694
7695 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
7696 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
7697 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
7698
7699 @cindex convenience functions
7700 @value{GDBN} also supplies some @dfn{convenience functions}. These
7701 have a syntax similar to convenience variables. A convenience
7702 function can be used in an expression just like an ordinary function;
7703 however, a convenience function is implemented internally to
7704 @value{GDBN}.
7705
7706 @table @code
7707 @item help function
7708 @kindex help function
7709 @cindex show all convenience functions
7710 Print a list of all convenience functions.
7711 @end table
7712
7713 @node Registers
7714 @section Registers
7715
7716 @cindex registers
7717 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
7718 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
7719 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
7720 your machine.
7721
7722 @table @code
7723 @kindex info registers
7724 @item info registers
7725 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
7726 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
7727
7728 @kindex info all-registers
7729 @cindex floating point registers
7730 @item info all-registers
7731 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
7732 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
7733
7734 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
7735 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
7736 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
7737 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
7738 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
7739 @end table
7740
7741 @cindex stack pointer register
7742 @cindex program counter register
7743 @cindex process status register
7744 @cindex frame pointer register
7745 @cindex standard registers
7746 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
7747 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
7748 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
7749 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
7750 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
7751 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
7752 register that contains the processor status. For example,
7753 you could print the program counter in hex with
7754
7755 @smallexample
7756 p/x $pc
7757 @end smallexample
7758
7759 @noindent
7760 or print the instruction to be executed next with
7761
7762 @smallexample
7763 x/i $pc
7764 @end smallexample
7765
7766 @noindent
7767 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
7768 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
7769 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
7770 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
7771 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
7772 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
7773 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
7774
7775 @smallexample
7776 set $sp += 4
7777 @end smallexample
7778
7779 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
7780 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
7781 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
7782 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
7783 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
7784 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
7785 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
7786
7787 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
7788 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
7789 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
7790 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
7791 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
7792 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
7793 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
7794
7795 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
7796 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
7797 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
7798 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
7799 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
7800 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
7801 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
7802 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
7803 prints the data in both formats.
7804
7805 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
7806 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
7807 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
7808 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
7809 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
7810 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
7811 registers in @code{struct} notation:
7812
7813 @smallexample
7814 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
7815 $1 = @{
7816 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
7817 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
7818 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
7819 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
7820 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
7821 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
7822 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
7823 @}
7824 @end smallexample
7825
7826 @noindent
7827 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
7828 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
7829 value to a @code{struct} member:
7830
7831 @smallexample
7832 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
7833 @end smallexample
7834
7835 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
7836 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
7837 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
7838 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
7839 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
7840 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
7841
7842 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
7843 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
7844 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
7845 frame makes no difference.
7846
7847 @node Floating Point Hardware
7848 @section Floating Point Hardware
7849 @cindex floating point
7850
7851 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
7852 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
7853
7854 @table @code
7855 @kindex info float
7856 @item info float
7857 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
7858 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
7859 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
7860 the ARM and x86 machines.
7861 @end table
7862
7863 @node Vector Unit
7864 @section Vector Unit
7865 @cindex vector unit
7866
7867 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
7868 more information about the status of the vector unit.
7869
7870 @table @code
7871 @kindex info vector
7872 @item info vector
7873 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
7874 layout vary depending on the hardware.
7875 @end table
7876
7877 @node OS Information
7878 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
7879 @cindex OS information
7880
7881 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
7882 you debug your program.
7883
7884 @cindex @code{ptrace} system call
7885 @cindex @code{struct user} contents
7886 When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
7887 machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
7888 system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
7889 called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
7890 command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
7891 structure.
7892
7893 @table @code
7894 @item info udot
7895 @kindex info udot
7896 Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
7897 kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
7898 contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
7899 the @code{examine} command.
7900 @end table
7901
7902 @cindex auxiliary vector
7903 @cindex vector, auxiliary
7904 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
7905 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
7906 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
7907 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
7908 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
7909 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
7910 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
7911 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
7912 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
7913 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
7914 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
7915
7916 @table @code
7917 @kindex info auxv
7918 @item info auxv
7919 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
7920 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
7921 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
7922 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
7923 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
7924 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
7925 an unrecognized tag.
7926 @end table
7927
7928 On some targets, @value{GDBN} can access operating-system-specific information
7929 and display it to user, without interpretation. For remote targets,
7930 this functionality depends on the remote stub's support of the
7931 @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet, see @ref{qXfer osdata read}.
7932
7933 @table @code
7934 @kindex info os processes
7935 @item info os processes
7936 Display the list of processes on the target. For each process,
7937 @value{GDBN} prints the process identifier, the name of the user, and
7938 the command corresponding to the process.
7939 @end table
7940
7941 @node Memory Region Attributes
7942 @section Memory Region Attributes
7943 @cindex memory region attributes
7944
7945 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
7946 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
7947 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
7948 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
7949 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
7950 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
7951 user can override the fetched regions.
7952
7953 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
7954 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
7955 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
7956 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
7957 all memory.
7958
7959 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
7960 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
7961
7962 @table @code
7963 @kindex mem
7964 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
7965 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
7966 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
7967 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
7968 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
7969 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
7970
7971 @item mem auto
7972 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
7973 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
7974
7975 @kindex delete mem
7976 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7977 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
7978 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
7979
7980 @kindex disable mem
7981 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7982 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
7983 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
7984 It may be enabled again later.
7985
7986 @kindex enable mem
7987 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7988 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
7989
7990 @kindex info mem
7991 @item info mem
7992 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
7993 for each region:
7994
7995 @table @emph
7996 @item Memory Region Number
7997 @item Enabled or Disabled.
7998 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
7999 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
8000
8001 @item Lo Address
8002 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
8003
8004 @item Hi Address
8005 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
8006
8007 @item Attributes
8008 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
8009 @end table
8010 @end table
8011
8012
8013 @subsection Attributes
8014
8015 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
8016 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
8017 write accesses to a memory region.
8018
8019 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
8020 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
8021 etc.@: from accessing memory.
8022
8023 @table @code
8024 @item ro
8025 Memory is read only.
8026 @item wo
8027 Memory is write only.
8028 @item rw
8029 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
8030 @end table
8031
8032 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
8033 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
8034 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
8035 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
8036 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
8037
8038 @table @code
8039 @item 8
8040 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
8041 @item 16
8042 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
8043 @item 32
8044 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
8045 @item 64
8046 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
8047 @end table
8048
8049 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
8050 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8051 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
8052 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
8053 @c
8054 @c @table @code
8055 @c @item hwbreak
8056 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
8057 @c @item swbreak (default)
8058 @c @end table
8059
8060 @subsubsection Data Cache
8061 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
8062 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
8063 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
8064 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
8065 registers.
8066
8067 @table @code
8068 @item cache
8069 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
8070 @item nocache
8071 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
8072 @end table
8073
8074 @subsection Memory Access Checking
8075 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
8076 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
8077 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
8078 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
8079
8080 @table @code
8081 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
8082 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
8083 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
8084 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
8085 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
8086 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
8087 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
8088 The default value is @code{on}.
8089 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
8090 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
8091 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
8092 @end table
8093
8094
8095 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
8096 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
8097 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
8098 @c
8099 @c @table @code
8100 @c @item verify
8101 @c @item noverify (default)
8102 @c @end table
8103
8104 @node Dump/Restore Files
8105 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
8106 @cindex dump/restore files
8107 @cindex append data to a file
8108 @cindex dump data to a file
8109 @cindex restore data from a file
8110
8111 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
8112 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
8113 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
8114 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
8115 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
8116 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
8117 files.
8118
8119 @table @code
8120
8121 @kindex dump
8122 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8123 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8124 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8125 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
8126
8127 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
8128 @table @code
8129 @item binary
8130 Raw binary form.
8131 @item ihex
8132 Intel hex format.
8133 @item srec
8134 Motorola S-record format.
8135 @item tekhex
8136 Tektronix Hex format.
8137 @end table
8138
8139 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
8140 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
8141 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
8142 form.
8143
8144 @kindex append
8145 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
8146 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
8147 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
8148 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
8149 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
8150
8151 @kindex restore
8152 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
8153 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
8154 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
8155 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
8156 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
8157
8158 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
8159 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
8160 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
8161 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
8162 from that location.
8163
8164 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
8165 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
8166 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
8167 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
8168
8169 @end table
8170
8171 @node Core File Generation
8172 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
8173 @cindex dump core from inferior
8174
8175 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
8176 image of a running process and its process status (register values
8177 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
8178 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
8179 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
8180 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
8181 the post-mortem debugging mode.
8182
8183 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
8184 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
8185 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
8186
8187 @table @code
8188 @kindex gcore
8189 @kindex generate-core-file
8190 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
8191 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
8192 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
8193 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
8194 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
8195 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
8196
8197 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
8198 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
8199 @end table
8200
8201 @node Character Sets
8202 @section Character Sets
8203 @cindex character sets
8204 @cindex charset
8205 @cindex translating between character sets
8206 @cindex host character set
8207 @cindex target character set
8208
8209 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
8210 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
8211 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
8212 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
8213 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
8214 @dfn{target character set}.
8215
8216 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
8217 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
8218 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
8219 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
8220 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
8221 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
8222 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
8223 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
8224 character and string literals in expressions.
8225
8226 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
8227 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
8228 target-charset} command, described below.
8229
8230 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
8231 support:
8232
8233 @table @code
8234 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
8235 @kindex set target-charset
8236 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. To display the
8237 list of supported target character sets, type
8238 @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
8239
8240 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
8241 @kindex set host-charset
8242 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
8243
8244 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
8245 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
8246 @code{set host-charset} command. On some systems, @value{GDBN} cannot
8247 automatically determine the appropriate host character set. In this
8248 case, @value{GDBN} uses @samp{UTF-8}.
8249
8250 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
8251 set. If you type @kbd{@w{set target-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
8252 @value{GDBN} will list the host character sets it supports.
8253
8254 @item set charset @var{charset}
8255 @kindex set charset
8256 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
8257 above, if you type @kbd{@w{set charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}},
8258 @value{GDBN} will list the names of the character sets that can be used
8259 for both host and target.
8260
8261 @item show charset
8262 @kindex show charset
8263 Show the names of the current host and target character sets.
8264
8265 @item show host-charset
8266 @kindex show host-charset
8267 Show the name of the current host character set.
8268
8269 @item show target-charset
8270 @kindex show target-charset
8271 Show the name of the current target character set.
8272
8273 @item set target-wide-charset @var{charset}
8274 @kindex set target-wide-charset
8275 Set the current target's wide character set to @var{charset}. This is
8276 the character set used by the target's @code{wchar_t} type. To
8277 display the list of supported wide character sets, type
8278 @kbd{@w{set target-wide-charset @key{TAB}@key{TAB}}}.
8279
8280 @item show target-wide-charset
8281 @kindex show target-wide-charset
8282 Show the name of the current target's wide character set.
8283 @end table
8284
8285 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
8286 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
8287 @file{charset-test.c}:
8288
8289 @smallexample
8290 #include <stdio.h>
8291
8292 char ascii_hello[]
8293 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
8294 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
8295 char ibm1047_hello[]
8296 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
8297 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
8298
8299 main ()
8300 @{
8301 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8302 @}
8303 @end smallexample
8304
8305 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
8306 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
8307 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
8308
8309 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
8310
8311 @smallexample
8312 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
8313 $ gdb -nw charset-test
8314 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
8315 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
8316 @dots{}
8317 (@value{GDBP})
8318 @end smallexample
8319
8320 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
8321 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
8322 strings:
8323
8324 @smallexample
8325 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8326 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
8327 (@value{GDBP})
8328 @end smallexample
8329
8330 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
8331 initial character set:
8332 @smallexample
8333 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
8334 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8335 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
8336 (@value{GDBP})
8337 @end smallexample
8338
8339 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
8340 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
8341 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
8342 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
8343 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
8344
8345 @smallexample
8346 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8347 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
8348 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8349 $2 = 72 'H'
8350 (@value{GDBP})
8351 @end smallexample
8352
8353 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
8354 literals you use in expressions:
8355
8356 @smallexample
8357 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8358 $3 = 43 '+'
8359 (@value{GDBP})
8360 @end smallexample
8361
8362 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
8363 character.
8364
8365 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
8366 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
8367 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
8368
8369 @smallexample
8370 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8371 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
8372 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8373 $5 = 200 '\310'
8374 (@value{GDBP})
8375 @end smallexample
8376
8377 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
8378 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
8379
8380 @smallexample
8381 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8382 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
8383 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
8384 @end smallexample
8385
8386 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
8387 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
8388 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
8389 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
8390 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
8391
8392 @smallexample
8393 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
8394 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
8395 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
8396 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
8397 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
8398 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
8399 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
8400 $7 = 72 '\110'
8401 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
8402 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
8403 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
8404 $9 = 200 'H'
8405 (@value{GDBP})
8406 @end smallexample
8407
8408 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
8409 string literals you use in expressions:
8410
8411 @smallexample
8412 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
8413 $10 = 78 '+'
8414 (@value{GDBP})
8415 @end smallexample
8416
8417 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
8418 character.
8419
8420 @node Caching Remote Data
8421 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
8422 @cindex caching data of remote targets
8423
8424 @value{GDBN} can cache data exchanged between the debugger and a
8425 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
8426 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
8427 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately,
8428 @value{GDBN} does not currently know anything about volatile
8429 registers, and thus data caching will produce incorrect results when
8430 volatile registers are in use.
8431
8432 @table @code
8433 @kindex set remotecache
8434 @item set remotecache on
8435 @itemx set remotecache off
8436 Set caching state for remote targets. When @code{ON}, use data
8437 caching. By default, this option is @code{OFF}.
8438
8439 @kindex show remotecache
8440 @item show remotecache
8441 Show the current state of data caching for remote targets.
8442
8443 @kindex info dcache
8444 @item info dcache
8445 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
8446 information displayed includes: the dcache width and depth; and for
8447 each cache line, how many times it was referenced, and its data and
8448 state (invalid, dirty, valid). This command is useful for debugging
8449 the data cache operation.
8450 @end table
8451
8452 @node Searching Memory
8453 @section Search Memory
8454 @cindex searching memory
8455
8456 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
8457 @code{find} command.
8458
8459 @table @code
8460 @kindex find
8461 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8462 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
8463 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
8464 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
8465 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
8466 @end table
8467
8468 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
8469 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
8470
8471 @table @r
8472 @item @var{s}, search query size
8473 The size of each search query value.
8474
8475 @table @code
8476 @item b
8477 bytes
8478 @item h
8479 halfwords (two bytes)
8480 @item w
8481 words (four bytes)
8482 @item g
8483 giant words (eight bytes)
8484 @end table
8485
8486 All values are interpreted in the current language.
8487 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
8488 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
8489
8490 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
8491 value's type in the current language.
8492 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
8493 pattern as a mixture of types.
8494 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
8495 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
8496 which is typically four bytes.
8497
8498 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
8499 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
8500 @end table
8501
8502 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
8503 (@code{"}).
8504 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
8505 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
8506
8507 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
8508 number of matches found.
8509
8510 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
8511 @samp{$_}.
8512 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
8513
8514 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
8515
8516 @smallexample
8517 void
8518 hello ()
8519 @{
8520 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
8521 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
8522 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
8523 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
8524 printf ("%s\n", hello);
8525 @}
8526 @end smallexample
8527
8528 @noindent
8529 you get during debugging:
8530
8531 @smallexample
8532 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
8533 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
8534 1 pattern found
8535 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
8536 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
8537 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
8538 2 patterns found
8539 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
8540 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
8541 1 pattern found
8542 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
8543 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
8544 1 pattern found
8545 (gdb) print $numfound
8546 $1 = 1
8547 (gdb) print $_
8548 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
8549 @end smallexample
8550
8551 @node Optimized Code
8552 @chapter Debugging Optimized Code
8553 @cindex optimized code, debugging
8554 @cindex debugging optimized code
8555
8556 Almost all compilers support optimization. With optimization
8557 disabled, the compiler generates assembly code that corresponds
8558 directly to your source code, in a simplistic way. As the compiler
8559 applies more powerful optimizations, the generated assembly code
8560 diverges from your original source code. With help from debugging
8561 information generated by the compiler, @value{GDBN} can map from
8562 the running program back to constructs from your original source.
8563
8564 @value{GDBN} is more accurate with optimization disabled. If you
8565 can recompile without optimization, it is easier to follow the
8566 progress of your program during debugging. But, there are many cases
8567 where you may need to debug an optimized version.
8568
8569 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
8570 optimizer has rearranged your code; the debugger shows you what is
8571 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
8572 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
8573 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
8574 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
8575
8576 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
8577 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
8578 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
8579 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
8580 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
8581
8582 @menu
8583 * Inline Functions:: How @value{GDBN} presents inlining
8584 @end menu
8585
8586 @node Inline Functions
8587 @section Inline Functions
8588 @cindex inline functions, debugging
8589
8590 @dfn{Inlining} is an optimization that inserts a copy of the function
8591 body directly at each call site, instead of jumping to a shared
8592 routine. @value{GDBN} displays inlined functions just like
8593 non-inlined functions. They appear in backtraces. You can view their
8594 arguments and local variables, step into them with @code{step}, skip
8595 them with @code{next}, and escape from them with @code{finish}.
8596 You can check whether a function was inlined by using the
8597 @code{info frame} command.
8598
8599 For @value{GDBN} to support inlined functions, the compiler must
8600 record information about inlining in the debug information ---
8601 @value{NGCC} using the @sc{dwarf 2} format does this, and several
8602 other compilers do also. @value{GDBN} only supports inlined functions
8603 when using @sc{dwarf 2}. Versions of @value{NGCC} before 4.1
8604 do not emit two required attributes (@samp{DW_AT_call_file} and
8605 @samp{DW_AT_call_line}); @value{GDBN} does not display inlined
8606 function calls with earlier versions of @value{NGCC}. It instead
8607 displays the arguments and local variables of inlined functions as
8608 local variables in the caller.
8609
8610 The body of an inlined function is directly included at its call site;
8611 unlike a non-inlined function, there are no instructions devoted to
8612 the call. @value{GDBN} still pretends that the call site and the
8613 start of the inlined function are different instructions. Stepping to
8614 the call site shows the call site, and then stepping again shows
8615 the first line of the inlined function, even though no additional
8616 instructions are executed.
8617
8618 This makes source-level debugging much clearer; you can see both the
8619 context of the call and then the effect of the call. Only stepping by
8620 a single instruction using @code{stepi} or @code{nexti} does not do
8621 this; single instruction steps always show the inlined body.
8622
8623 There are some ways that @value{GDBN} does not pretend that inlined
8624 function calls are the same as normal calls:
8625
8626 @itemize @bullet
8627 @item
8628 You cannot set breakpoints on inlined functions. @value{GDBN}
8629 either reports that there is no symbol with that name, or else sets the
8630 breakpoint only on non-inlined copies of the function. This limitation
8631 will be removed in a future version of @value{GDBN}; until then,
8632 set a breakpoint by line number on the first line of the inlined
8633 function instead.
8634
8635 @item
8636 Setting breakpoints at the call site of an inlined function may not
8637 work, because the call site does not contain any code. @value{GDBN}
8638 may incorrectly move the breakpoint to the next line of the enclosing
8639 function, after the call. This limitation will be removed in a future
8640 version of @value{GDBN}; until then, set a breakpoint on an earlier line
8641 or inside the inlined function instead.
8642
8643 @item
8644 @value{GDBN} cannot locate the return value of inlined calls after
8645 using the @code{finish} command. This is a limitation of compiler-generated
8646 debugging information; after @code{finish}, you can step to the next line
8647 and print a variable where your program stored the return value.
8648
8649 @end itemize
8650
8651
8652 @node Macros
8653 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
8654
8655 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
8656 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
8657 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
8658 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
8659 where it was defined.
8660
8661 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
8662 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
8663 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
8664 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
8665
8666 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
8667 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
8668 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
8669 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
8670 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
8671 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
8672 see @ref{List}.
8673
8674 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
8675 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
8676 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
8677
8678 @table @code
8679
8680 @kindex macro expand
8681 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
8682 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
8683 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
8684 @item macro expand @var{expression}
8685 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
8686 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
8687 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
8688 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
8689 it can be any string of tokens.
8690
8691 @kindex macro exp1
8692 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
8693 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
8694 @cindex expand macro once
8695 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
8696 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
8697 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
8698 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
8699 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
8700 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
8701 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
8702 can be any string of tokens.
8703
8704 @kindex info macro
8705 @cindex macro definition, showing
8706 @cindex definition, showing a macro's
8707 @item info macro @var{macro}
8708 Show the definition of the macro named @var{macro}, and describe the
8709 source location or compiler command-line where that definition was established.
8710
8711 @kindex macro define
8712 @cindex user-defined macros
8713 @cindex defining macros interactively
8714 @cindex macros, user-defined
8715 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
8716 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
8717 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
8718 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
8719 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
8720 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
8721 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
8722 @var{arglist}.
8723
8724 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
8725 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
8726 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
8727 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
8728 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
8729
8730 @kindex macro undef
8731 @item macro undef @var{macro}
8732 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
8733 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
8734 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
8735 in the program being debugged.
8736
8737 @kindex macro list
8738 @item macro list
8739 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
8740 @end table
8741
8742 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
8743 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
8744 show our source files:
8745
8746 @smallexample
8747 $ cat sample.c
8748 #include <stdio.h>
8749 #include "sample.h"
8750
8751 #define M 42
8752 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8753
8754 main ()
8755 @{
8756 #define N 28
8757 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8758 #undef N
8759 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8760 #define N 1729
8761 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
8762 @}
8763 $ cat sample.h
8764 #define Q <
8765 $
8766 @end smallexample
8767
8768 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler, @value{NGCC}.
8769 We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3} flags to ensure the
8770 compiler includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
8771 information.
8772
8773 @smallexample
8774 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
8775 $
8776 @end smallexample
8777
8778 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
8779
8780 @smallexample
8781 $ gdb -nw sample
8782 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
8783 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
8784 GDB is free software, @dots{}
8785 (@value{GDBP})
8786 @end smallexample
8787
8788 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
8789 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
8790 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
8791
8792 @smallexample
8793 (@value{GDBP}) list main
8794 3
8795 4 #define M 42
8796 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8797 6
8798 7 main ()
8799 8 @{
8800 9 #define N 28
8801 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8802 11 #undef N
8803 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8804 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
8805 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
8806 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8807 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
8808 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
8809 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
8810 #define Q <
8811 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
8812 expands to: (42 + 1)
8813 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
8814 expands to: once (M + 1)
8815 (@value{GDBP})
8816 @end smallexample
8817
8818 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
8819 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
8820 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
8821 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
8822
8823 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
8824 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
8825
8826 @smallexample
8827 (@value{GDBP}) break main
8828 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
8829 (@value{GDBP}) run
8830 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
8831
8832 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
8833 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8834 (@value{GDBP})
8835 @end smallexample
8836
8837 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
8838
8839 @smallexample
8840 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8841 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
8842 #define N 28
8843 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
8844 expands to: 28 < 42
8845 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
8846 $1 = 1
8847 (@value{GDBP})
8848 @end smallexample
8849
8850 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
8851 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
8852 thereof) in force at each point:
8853
8854 @smallexample
8855 (@value{GDBP}) next
8856 Hello, world!
8857 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8858 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8859 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
8860 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
8861 (@value{GDBP}) next
8862 We're so creative.
8863 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
8864 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8865 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
8866 #define N 1729
8867 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
8868 expands to: 1729 < 42
8869 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
8870 $2 = 0
8871 (@value{GDBP})
8872 @end smallexample
8873
8874 In addition to source files, macros can be defined on the compilation command
8875 line using the @option{-D@var{name}=@var{value}} syntax. For macros defined in
8876 such a way, @value{GDBN} displays the location of their definition as line zero
8877 of the source file submitted to the compiler.
8878
8879 @smallexample
8880 (@value{GDBP}) info macro __STDC__
8881 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:0
8882 -D__STDC__=1
8883 (@value{GDBP})
8884 @end smallexample
8885
8886
8887 @node Tracepoints
8888 @chapter Tracepoints
8889 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
8890 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
8891
8892 @cindex tracepoints
8893 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
8894 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
8895 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
8896 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
8897 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
8898 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
8899 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
8900
8901 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
8902 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
8903 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
8904 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
8905 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
8906 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
8907 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
8908 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
8909 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
8910 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
8911 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
8912
8913 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
8914 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
8915 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
8916 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
8917 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
8918 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
8919 Packets}.
8920
8921 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
8922
8923 @menu
8924 * Set Tracepoints::
8925 * Analyze Collected Data::
8926 * Tracepoint Variables::
8927 @end menu
8928
8929 @node Set Tracepoints
8930 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
8931
8932 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
8933 tracepoints can be set. A tracepoint is actually a special type of
8934 breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), so you can manipulate it using
8935 standard breakpoint commands. For instance, as with breakpoints,
8936 tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from one, and many
8937 of the commands associated with tracepoints take the tracepoint number
8938 as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to work on.
8939
8940 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
8941 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
8942 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
8943 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
8944 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
8945 tracepoint was hit.
8946
8947 Tracepoints do not support every breakpoint feature. Conditional
8948 expressions and ignore counts on tracepoints have no effect, and
8949 tracepoints cannot run @value{GDBN} commands when they are
8950 hit. Tracepoints may not be thread-specific either.
8951
8952 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
8953 conditions and actions.
8954
8955 @menu
8956 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
8957 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
8958 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
8959 * Tracepoint Conditions::
8960 * Tracepoint Actions::
8961 * Listing Tracepoints::
8962 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
8963 @end menu
8964
8965 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
8966 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
8967
8968 @table @code
8969 @cindex set tracepoint
8970 @kindex trace
8971 @item trace @var{location}
8972 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
8973 Its argument @var{location} can be a source line, a function name, or
8974 an address in the target program. @xref{Specify Location}. The
8975 @code{trace} command defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the
8976 target program where the debugger will briefly stop, collect some
8977 data, and then allow the program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or
8978 changing its actions doesn't take effect until the next @code{tstart}
8979 command, and once a trace experiment is running, further changes will
8980 not have any effect until the next trace experiment starts.
8981
8982 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
8983
8984 @smallexample
8985 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
8986
8987 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
8988
8989 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
8990
8991 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
8992
8993 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
8994 @end smallexample
8995
8996 @noindent
8997 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
8998
8999 @item trace @var{location} if @var{cond}
9000 Set a tracepoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
9001 @var{cond} each time the tracepoint is reached, and collect data only
9002 if the value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
9003 @xref{Tracepoint Conditions, ,Tracepoint Conditions}, for more
9004 information on tracepoint conditions.
9005
9006 @vindex $tpnum
9007 @cindex last tracepoint number
9008 @cindex recent tracepoint number
9009 @cindex tracepoint number
9010 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
9011 of the most recently set tracepoint.
9012
9013 @kindex delete tracepoint
9014 @cindex tracepoint deletion
9015 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9016 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
9017 default is to delete all tracepoints. Note that the regular
9018 @code{delete} command can remove tracepoints also.
9019
9020 Examples:
9021
9022 @smallexample
9023 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
9024
9025 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
9026 @end smallexample
9027
9028 @noindent
9029 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
9030 @end table
9031
9032 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
9033 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
9034
9035 These commands are deprecated; they are equivalent to plain @code{disable} and @code{enable}.
9036
9037 @table @code
9038 @kindex disable tracepoint
9039 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9040 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
9041 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
9042 the next trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
9043 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
9044
9045 @kindex enable tracepoint
9046 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9047 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. The enabled
9048 tracepoints will become effective the next time a trace experiment is
9049 run.
9050 @end table
9051
9052 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
9053 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
9054
9055 @table @code
9056 @kindex passcount
9057 @cindex tracepoint pass count
9058 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
9059 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
9060 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
9061 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
9062 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
9063 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
9064 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
9065 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
9066 user.
9067
9068 Examples:
9069
9070 @smallexample
9071 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
9072 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
9073
9074 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
9075 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
9076 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
9077 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
9078 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
9079 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
9080 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
9081 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
9082 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
9083 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
9084 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
9085 @end smallexample
9086 @end table
9087
9088 @node Tracepoint Conditions
9089 @subsection Tracepoint Conditions
9090 @cindex conditional tracepoints
9091 @cindex tracepoint conditions
9092
9093 The simplest sort of tracepoint collects data every time your program
9094 reaches a specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for
9095 a tracepoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
9096 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A
9097 tracepoint with a condition evaluates the expression each time your
9098 program reaches it, and data collection happens only if the condition
9099 is true.
9100
9101 Tracepoint conditions can be specified when a tracepoint is set, by
9102 using @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{trace} command.
9103 @xref{Create and Delete Tracepoints, ,Setting Tracepoints}. They can
9104 also be set or changed at any time with the @code{condition} command,
9105 just as with breakpoints.
9106
9107 Unlike breakpoint conditions, @value{GDBN} does not actually evaluate
9108 the conditional expression itself. Instead, @value{GDBN} encodes the
9109 expression into an agent expression (@pxref{Agent Expressions}
9110 suitable for execution on the target, independently of @value{GDBN}.
9111 Global variables become raw memory locations, locals become stack
9112 accesses, and so forth.
9113
9114 For instance, suppose you have a function that is usually called
9115 frequently, but should not be called after an error has occurred. You
9116 could use the following tracepoint command to collect data about calls
9117 of that function that happen while the error code is propagating
9118 through the program; an unconditional tracepoint could end up
9119 collecting thousands of useless trace frames that you would have to
9120 search through.
9121
9122 @smallexample
9123 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{trace normal_operation if errcode > 0}
9124 @end smallexample
9125
9126 @node Tracepoint Actions
9127 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
9128
9129 @table @code
9130 @kindex actions
9131 @cindex tracepoint actions
9132 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9133 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
9134 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
9135 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
9136 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
9137 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
9138 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
9139 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
9140 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect} and
9141 @code{while-stepping}.
9142
9143 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
9144 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
9145 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
9146
9147 @smallexample
9148 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
9149
9150 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
9151
9152 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
9153 @end smallexample
9154
9155 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
9156 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
9157 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
9158 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
9159 followed by the list of things to be collected while stepping. The
9160 @code{while-stepping} command is terminated by its own separate
9161 @code{end} command. Lastly, the action list is terminated by an
9162 @code{end} command.
9163
9164 @smallexample
9165 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
9166 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
9167 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
9168 > collect bar,baz
9169 > collect $regs
9170 > while-stepping 12
9171 > collect $fp, $sp
9172 > end
9173 end
9174 @end smallexample
9175
9176 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
9177 @item collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
9178 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
9179 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
9180 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
9181 special arguments are supported:
9182
9183 @table @code
9184 @item $regs
9185 collect all registers
9186
9187 @item $args
9188 collect all function arguments
9189
9190 @item $locals
9191 collect all local variables.
9192 @end table
9193
9194 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
9195 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
9196 arguments separated by commas: the effect is the same.
9197
9198 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
9199 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
9200
9201 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
9202 @item while-stepping @var{n}
9203 Perform @var{n} single-step traces after the tracepoint, collecting
9204 new data at each step. The @code{while-stepping} command is
9205 followed by the list of what to collect while stepping (followed by
9206 its own @code{end} command):
9207
9208 @smallexample
9209 > while-stepping 12
9210 > collect $regs, myglobal
9211 > end
9212 >
9213 @end smallexample
9214
9215 @noindent
9216 You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
9217 @code{stepping}.
9218 @end table
9219
9220 @node Listing Tracepoints
9221 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
9222
9223 @table @code
9224 @kindex info tracepoints
9225 @kindex info tp
9226 @cindex information about tracepoints
9227 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
9228 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't
9229 specify a tracepoint number, displays information about all the
9230 tracepoints defined so far. The format is similar to that used for
9231 @code{info breakpoints}; in fact, @code{info tracepoints} is the same
9232 command, simply restricting itself to tracepoints.
9233
9234 A tracepoint's listing may include additional information specific to
9235 tracing:
9236
9237 @itemize @bullet
9238 @item
9239 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
9240 @item
9241 its step count as given by the @code{while-stepping @var{n}} command
9242 @item
9243 its action list as given by the @code{actions} command. The actions
9244 are prefixed with an @samp{A} so as to distinguish them from commands.
9245 @end itemize
9246
9247 @smallexample
9248 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
9249 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
9250 1 tracepoint keep y 0x0804ab57 in foo() at main.cxx:7
9251 pass count 1200
9252 step count 20
9253 A while-stepping 20
9254 A collect globfoo, $regs
9255 A end
9256 A collect globfoo2
9257 A end
9258 (@value{GDBP})
9259 @end smallexample
9260
9261 @noindent
9262 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
9263 @end table
9264
9265 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
9266 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
9267
9268 @table @code
9269 @kindex tstart
9270 @cindex start a new trace experiment
9271 @cindex collected data discarded
9272 @item tstart
9273 This command takes no arguments. It starts the trace experiment, and
9274 begins collecting data. This has the side effect of discarding all
9275 the data collected in the trace buffer during the previous trace
9276 experiment.
9277
9278 @kindex tstop
9279 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
9280 @item tstop
9281 This command takes no arguments. It ends the trace experiment, and
9282 stops collecting data.
9283
9284 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
9285 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
9286 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
9287
9288 @kindex tstatus
9289 @cindex status of trace data collection
9290 @cindex trace experiment, status of
9291 @item tstatus
9292 This command displays the status of the current trace data
9293 collection.
9294 @end table
9295
9296 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
9297
9298 @smallexample
9299 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
9300 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
9301 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
9302 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
9303 > while-stepping 11
9304 > collect $regs
9305 > end
9306 > end
9307 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
9308 [time passes @dots{}]
9309 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
9310 @end smallexample
9311
9312
9313 @node Analyze Collected Data
9314 @section Using the Collected Data
9315
9316 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
9317 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
9318 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
9319 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
9320 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
9321 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
9322 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
9323 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
9324 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
9325 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
9326 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
9327 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
9328 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
9329 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
9330 the buffer will fail.
9331
9332 @menu
9333 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
9334 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
9335 * save-tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
9336 @end menu
9337
9338 @node tfind
9339 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
9340
9341 @kindex tfind
9342 @cindex select trace snapshot
9343 @cindex find trace snapshot
9344 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
9345 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
9346 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
9347 snapshot is selected.
9348
9349 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
9350
9351 @table @code
9352 @item tfind start
9353 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
9354 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
9355
9356 @item tfind none
9357 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
9358
9359 @item tfind end
9360 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
9361
9362 @item tfind
9363 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
9364
9365 @item tfind -
9366 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
9367 retracing earlier steps.
9368
9369 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
9370 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
9371 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
9372 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
9373 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
9374
9375 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
9376 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
9377 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
9378 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
9379 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
9380
9381 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
9382 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
9383 addresses.
9384
9385 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
9386 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
9387 @var{addr2}. @c FIXME: Is the range inclusive or exclusive?
9388
9389 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
9390 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
9391 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
9392 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
9393 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
9394 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
9395 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
9396 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
9397 @end table
9398
9399 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
9400 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
9401 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
9402 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
9403 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
9404 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
9405 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
9406 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
9407 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
9408 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
9409 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
9410 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
9411 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
9412 tracepoint as the current one.
9413
9414 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
9415 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
9416 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
9417 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
9418 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
9419
9420 @smallexample
9421 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
9422 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
9423 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
9424 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
9425 > tfind
9426 > end
9427
9428 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
9429 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
9430 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
9431 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
9432 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
9433 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
9434 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
9435 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
9436 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
9437 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
9438 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
9439 @end smallexample
9440
9441 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
9442 the buffer:
9443
9444 @smallexample
9445 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
9446 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
9447 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
9448 > tfind line
9449 > end
9450
9451 Frame 0, X = 1
9452 Frame 7, X = 2
9453 Frame 13, X = 255
9454 @end smallexample
9455
9456 @node tdump
9457 @subsection @code{tdump}
9458 @kindex tdump
9459 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
9460 @cindex tracepoint data, display
9461
9462 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
9463 the current trace snapshot.
9464
9465 @smallexample
9466 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
9467 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
9468 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
9469 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
9470 > end
9471
9472 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
9473
9474 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
9475 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
9476 at gdb_test.c:444
9477 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
9478
9479 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
9480 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
9481 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
9482 d1 0x18 24
9483 d2 0x80 128
9484 d3 0x33 51
9485 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
9486 d5 0x22 34
9487 d6 0xe0 224
9488 d7 0x380035 3670069
9489 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
9490 a1 0x3000668 50333288
9491 a2 0x100 256
9492 a3 0x322000 3284992
9493 a4 0x3000698 50333336
9494 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
9495 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
9496 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
9497 ps 0x0 0
9498 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
9499 fpcontrol 0x0 0
9500 fpstatus 0x0 0
9501 fpiaddr 0x0 0
9502 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
9503 p1 = (void *) 0x11
9504 p2 = (void *) 0x22
9505 p3 = (void *) 0x33
9506 p4 = (void *) 0x44
9507 p5 = (void *) 0x55
9508 p6 = (void *) 0x66
9509 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
9510
9511 (@value{GDBP})
9512 @end smallexample
9513
9514 @node save-tracepoints
9515 @subsection @code{save-tracepoints @var{filename}}
9516 @kindex save-tracepoints
9517 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
9518
9519 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
9520 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
9521 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
9522 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
9523 Files}).
9524
9525 @node Tracepoint Variables
9526 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
9527 @cindex tracepoint variables
9528 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
9529
9530 @table @code
9531 @vindex $trace_frame
9532 @item (int) $trace_frame
9533 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
9534 snapshot is selected.
9535
9536 @vindex $tracepoint
9537 @item (int) $tracepoint
9538 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
9539
9540 @vindex $trace_line
9541 @item (int) $trace_line
9542 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
9543
9544 @vindex $trace_file
9545 @item (char []) $trace_file
9546 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
9547
9548 @vindex $trace_func
9549 @item (char []) $trace_func
9550 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
9551 @end table
9552
9553 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
9554 use @code{output} instead.
9555
9556 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
9557 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
9558 data.
9559
9560 @smallexample
9561 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
9562
9563 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
9564 > output $trace_file
9565 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
9566 > tfind
9567 > end
9568 @end smallexample
9569
9570 @node Overlays
9571 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
9572 @cindex overlays
9573
9574 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
9575 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
9576 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
9577 use overlays.
9578
9579 @menu
9580 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
9581 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
9582 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
9583 mapped by asking the inferior.
9584 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
9585 @end menu
9586
9587 @node How Overlays Work
9588 @section How Overlays Work
9589 @cindex mapped overlays
9590 @cindex unmapped overlays
9591 @cindex load address, overlay's
9592 @cindex mapped address
9593 @cindex overlay area
9594
9595 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
9596 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
9597 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
9598 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
9599 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
9600
9601 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
9602 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
9603 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
9604 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
9605 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
9606 largest overlay as well.
9607
9608 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
9609 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
9610 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
9611 there.
9612
9613 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
9614 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
9615 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
9616
9617 @smallexample
9618 @group
9619 Data Instruction Larger
9620 Address Space Address Space Address Space
9621 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
9622 | | | | | |
9623 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
9624 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
9625 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
9626 | and heap | | | | | |
9627 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
9628 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
9629 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
9630 | | | | | |
9631 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
9632 address | | | | | |
9633 | overlay | <-' | | |
9634 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
9635 | | <---. | | load address
9636 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
9637 | | | |
9638 +-----------+ | |
9639 +-----------+
9640 | |
9641 +-----------+
9642
9643 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
9644 @end group
9645 @end smallexample
9646
9647 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
9648 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
9649 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
9650 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
9651 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
9652 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
9653 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
9654 program and the overlay area.
9655
9656 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
9657 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
9658 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
9659 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
9660 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
9661 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
9662 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
9663
9664 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
9665 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
9666 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
9667
9668 @itemize @bullet
9669
9670 @item
9671 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
9672 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
9673 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
9674 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
9675
9676 @item
9677 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
9678 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
9679 your program's performance.
9680
9681 @item
9682 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
9683 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
9684 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
9685 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
9686 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
9687 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
9688 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
9689
9690 @item
9691 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
9692 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
9693 instruction and data spaces.
9694
9695 @end itemize
9696
9697 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
9698 improved in many ways:
9699
9700 @itemize @bullet
9701
9702 @item
9703 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
9704 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
9705 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
9706 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
9707 area in the usual way.
9708
9709 @item
9710 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
9711 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
9712
9713 @item
9714 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
9715 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
9716 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
9717 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
9718 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
9719 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
9720 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
9721
9722 @end itemize
9723
9724
9725 @node Overlay Commands
9726 @section Overlay Commands
9727
9728 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
9729 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
9730 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
9731 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
9732 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
9733 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
9734
9735 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
9736 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
9737
9738 @table @code
9739 @item overlay off
9740 @kindex overlay
9741 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
9742 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
9743 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
9744 overlay support is disabled.
9745
9746 @item overlay manual
9747 @cindex manual overlay debugging
9748 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
9749 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
9750 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
9751 commands described below.
9752
9753 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
9754 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
9755 @cindex map an overlay
9756 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
9757 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
9758 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
9759 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
9760 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
9761 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
9762
9763 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
9764 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
9765 @cindex unmap an overlay
9766 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
9767 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
9768 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
9769 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
9770
9771 @item overlay auto
9772 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
9773 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
9774 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
9775 Overlay Debugging}.
9776
9777 @item overlay load-target
9778 @itemx overlay load
9779 @cindex reloading the overlay table
9780 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
9781 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
9782 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
9783 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
9784 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
9785
9786 @item overlay list-overlays
9787 @itemx overlay list
9788 @cindex listing mapped overlays
9789 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
9790 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
9791
9792 @end table
9793
9794 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
9795 of the function the address falls in:
9796
9797 @smallexample
9798 (@value{GDBP}) print main
9799 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
9800 @end smallexample
9801 @noindent
9802 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
9803 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
9804 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
9805 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
9806
9807 @smallexample
9808 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
9809 No sections are mapped.
9810 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
9811 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
9812 @end smallexample
9813 @noindent
9814 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
9815 name normally:
9816
9817 @smallexample
9818 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
9819 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
9820 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
9821 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
9822 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
9823 @end smallexample
9824
9825 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
9826 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
9827 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
9828 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
9829 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
9830
9831 @itemize @bullet
9832 @item
9833 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
9834 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
9835 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
9836 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
9837 @item
9838 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
9839 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
9840 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
9841 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
9842 breakpoints properly.
9843 @end itemize
9844
9845
9846 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
9847 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
9848 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
9849
9850 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
9851 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
9852 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
9853 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
9854 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
9855 current state of the overlays.
9856
9857 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
9858 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
9859
9860 @table @asis
9861
9862 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
9863 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
9864
9865 @smallexample
9866 struct
9867 @{
9868 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
9869 unsigned long vma;
9870
9871 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
9872 unsigned long size;
9873
9874 /* The overlay's load address. */
9875 unsigned long lma;
9876
9877 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
9878 zero otherwise. */
9879 unsigned long mapped;
9880 @}
9881 @end smallexample
9882
9883 @item @code{_novlys}:
9884 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
9885 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
9886
9887 @end table
9888
9889 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
9890 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
9891 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
9892 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
9893 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
9894 currently mapped.
9895
9896 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
9897 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
9898 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
9899 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
9900 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
9901 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
9902 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
9903 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
9904 are not being executed.
9905
9906 @node Overlay Sample Program
9907 @section Overlay Sample Program
9908 @cindex overlay example program
9909
9910 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
9911 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
9912 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
9913 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
9914 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
9915 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
9916 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
9917
9918 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
9919 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
9920 suite. The program consists of the following files from
9921 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
9922
9923 @table @file
9924 @item overlays.c
9925 The main program file.
9926 @item ovlymgr.c
9927 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
9928 @item foo.c
9929 @itemx bar.c
9930 @itemx baz.c
9931 @itemx grbx.c
9932 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
9933 @item d10v.ld
9934 @itemx m32r.ld
9935 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
9936 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
9937 @end table
9938
9939 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
9940 cross-compiler like this:
9941
9942 @smallexample
9943 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
9944 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
9945 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
9946 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
9947 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
9948 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
9949 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
9950 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
9951 @end smallexample
9952
9953 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
9954 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
9955 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
9956
9957
9958 @node Languages
9959 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
9960 @cindex languages
9961
9962 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
9963 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
9964 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
9965 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
9966 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
9967 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
9968
9969 @cindex working language
9970 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
9971 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
9972 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
9973 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
9974 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
9975 language}.
9976
9977 @menu
9978 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
9979 * Show:: Displaying the language
9980 * Checks:: Type and range checks
9981 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
9982 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
9983 @end menu
9984
9985 @node Setting
9986 @section Switching Between Source Languages
9987
9988 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
9989 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
9990 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
9991 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
9992 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
9993 are printed, etc.
9994
9995 In addition to the working language, every source file that
9996 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
9997 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
9998 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
9999 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
10000 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
10001 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
10002 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
10003 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
10004 Displaying the Language}.
10005
10006 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
10007 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
10008 another language. In that case, make the
10009 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
10010 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
10011 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
10012
10013 @menu
10014 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
10015 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
10016 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
10017 @end menu
10018
10019 @node Filenames
10020 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
10021
10022 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
10023 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
10024
10025 @table @file
10026 @item .ada
10027 @itemx .ads
10028 @itemx .adb
10029 @itemx .a
10030 Ada source file.
10031
10032 @item .c
10033 C source file
10034
10035 @item .C
10036 @itemx .cc
10037 @itemx .cp
10038 @itemx .cpp
10039 @itemx .cxx
10040 @itemx .c++
10041 C@t{++} source file
10042
10043 @item .m
10044 Objective-C source file
10045
10046 @item .f
10047 @itemx .F
10048 Fortran source file
10049
10050 @item .mod
10051 Modula-2 source file
10052
10053 @item .s
10054 @itemx .S
10055 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
10056 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
10057 @end table
10058
10059 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
10060 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
10061
10062 @node Manually
10063 @subsection Setting the Working Language
10064
10065 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
10066 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
10067 your program.
10068
10069 @kindex set language
10070 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
10071 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
10072 a language, such as
10073 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
10074 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
10075
10076 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
10077 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
10078 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
10079 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
10080 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
10081 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
10082 command such as:
10083
10084 @smallexample
10085 print a = b + c
10086 @end smallexample
10087
10088 @noindent
10089 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
10090 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
10091 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
10092 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
10093
10094 @node Automatically
10095 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
10096
10097 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
10098 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
10099 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
10100 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
10101 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
10102 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
10103 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
10104 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
10105 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
10106
10107 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
10108 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
10109 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
10110 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
10111 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
10112
10113 @node Show
10114 @section Displaying the Language
10115
10116 The following commands help you find out which language is the
10117 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
10118
10119 @table @code
10120 @item show language
10121 @kindex show language
10122 Display the current working language. This is the
10123 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
10124 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
10125
10126 @item info frame
10127 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
10128 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
10129 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
10130 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
10131 information listed here.
10132
10133 @item info source
10134 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
10135 Display the source language of this source file.
10136 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
10137 information listed here.
10138 @end table
10139
10140 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
10141 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
10142 with a language explicitly:
10143
10144 @table @code
10145 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
10146 @kindex set extension-language
10147 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
10148 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
10149
10150 @item info extensions
10151 @kindex info extensions
10152 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
10153 @end table
10154
10155 @node Checks
10156 @section Type and Range Checking
10157
10158 @quotation
10159 @emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
10160 checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
10161 section documents the intended facilities.
10162 @end quotation
10163 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
10164
10165 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
10166 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
10167 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
10168 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
10169 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
10170 by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
10171 errors when your program is running.
10172
10173 @value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
10174 Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
10175 it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
10176 evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
10177 working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
10178 automatically based on your program's source language.
10179 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
10180 settings of supported languages.
10181
10182 @menu
10183 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
10184 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
10185 @end menu
10186
10187 @cindex type checking
10188 @cindex checks, type
10189 @node Type Checking
10190 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
10191
10192 Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
10193 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
10194 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
10195 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
10196
10197 @smallexample
10198 1 + 2 @result{} 3
10199 @exdent but
10200 @error{} 1 + 2.3
10201 @end smallexample
10202
10203 The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
10204 type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
10205
10206 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
10207 @value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
10208 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
10209 or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
10210 but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
10211 these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
10212 also issues a warning.
10213
10214 Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
10215 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
10216 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
10217 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
10218 with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
10219 the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
10220
10221 Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
10222 instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
10223 operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
10224 represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
10225 operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
10226 details on specific languages.
10227
10228 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
10229
10230 @kindex set check type
10231 @kindex show check type
10232 @table @code
10233 @item set check type auto
10234 Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
10235 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
10236 each language.
10237
10238 @item set check type on
10239 @itemx set check type off
10240 Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
10241 current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
10242 match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
10243 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
10244 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
10245
10246 @item set check type warn
10247 Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
10248 evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
10249 be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
10250 numbers and structures.
10251
10252 @item show type
10253 Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
10254 is setting it automatically.
10255 @end table
10256
10257 @cindex range checking
10258 @cindex checks, range
10259 @node Range Checking
10260 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
10261
10262 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
10263 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
10264 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
10265 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
10266 not exceed the bounds of the array.
10267
10268 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
10269 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
10270 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
10271 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
10272
10273 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
10274 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
10275 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
10276 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
10277 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
10278 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
10279
10280 @smallexample
10281 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
10282 @end smallexample
10283
10284 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
10285 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
10286 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
10287
10288 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
10289
10290 @kindex set check range
10291 @kindex show check range
10292 @table @code
10293 @item set check range auto
10294 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
10295 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
10296 each language.
10297
10298 @item set check range on
10299 @itemx set check range off
10300 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
10301 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
10302 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
10303 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
10304
10305 @item set check range warn
10306 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
10307 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
10308 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
10309 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
10310 systems).
10311
10312 @item show range
10313 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
10314 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
10315 @end table
10316
10317 @node Supported Languages
10318 @section Supported Languages
10319
10320 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, Pascal,
10321 assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
10322 @c This is false ...
10323 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
10324 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
10325 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
10326 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
10327 language.
10328
10329 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
10330 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
10331 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
10332 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
10333 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
10334 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
10335 language reference or tutorial.
10336
10337 @menu
10338 * C:: C and C@t{++}
10339 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
10340 * Fortran:: Fortran
10341 * Pascal:: Pascal
10342 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
10343 * Ada:: Ada
10344 @end menu
10345
10346 @node C
10347 @subsection C and C@t{++}
10348
10349 @cindex C and C@t{++}
10350 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
10351
10352 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
10353 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
10354 together.
10355
10356 @cindex C@t{++}
10357 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
10358 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
10359 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
10360 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
10361 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
10362 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
10363 compiler (@code{aCC}).
10364
10365 For best results when using @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, use the DWARF 2 debugging
10366 format; if it doesn't work on your system, try the stabs+ debugging
10367 format. You can select those formats explicitly with the @code{g++}
10368 command-line options @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-gstabs+}.
10369 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
10370 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
10371
10372 @menu
10373 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
10374 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
10375 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
10376 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
10377 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
10378 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
10379 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
10380 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
10381 @end menu
10382
10383 @node C Operators
10384 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
10385
10386 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
10387
10388 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
10389 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
10390 often defined on groups of types.
10391
10392 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
10393
10394 @itemize @bullet
10395
10396 @item
10397 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
10398 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
10399
10400 @item
10401 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
10402 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
10403
10404 @item
10405 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
10406
10407 @item
10408 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
10409
10410 @end itemize
10411
10412 @noindent
10413 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
10414 in order of increasing precedence:
10415
10416 @table @code
10417 @item ,
10418 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
10419 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
10420 expression being the last expression evaluated.
10421
10422 @item =
10423 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
10424 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
10425
10426 @item @var{op}=
10427 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
10428 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
10429 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
10430 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
10431 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
10432
10433 @item ?:
10434 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
10435 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
10436 integral type.
10437
10438 @item ||
10439 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
10440
10441 @item &&
10442 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
10443
10444 @item |
10445 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
10446
10447 @item ^
10448 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
10449
10450 @item &
10451 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
10452
10453 @item ==@r{, }!=
10454 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
10455 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
10456
10457 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
10458 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
10459 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
10460 and non-zero for true.
10461
10462 @item <<@r{, }>>
10463 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
10464
10465 @item @@
10466 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
10467
10468 @item +@r{, }-
10469 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
10470 pointer types.
10471
10472 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
10473 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
10474 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
10475 integral types.
10476
10477 @item ++@r{, }--
10478 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
10479 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
10480 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
10481 operation takes place.
10482
10483 @item *
10484 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
10485 @code{++}.
10486
10487 @item &
10488 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
10489
10490 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
10491 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
10492 to examine the address
10493 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
10494 stored.
10495
10496 @item -
10497 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
10498 precedence as @code{++}.
10499
10500 @item !
10501 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
10502 @code{++}.
10503
10504 @item ~
10505 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
10506 @code{++}.
10507
10508
10509 @item .@r{, }->
10510 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
10511 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
10512 pointer based on the stored type information.
10513 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
10514
10515 @item .*@r{, }->*
10516 Dereferences of pointers to members.
10517
10518 @item []
10519 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
10520 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
10521
10522 @item ()
10523 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
10524
10525 @item ::
10526 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
10527 and @code{class} types.
10528
10529 @item ::
10530 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
10531 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
10532 above.
10533 @end table
10534
10535 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
10536 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
10537 predefined meaning.
10538
10539 @node C Constants
10540 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
10541
10542 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
10543
10544 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
10545 following ways:
10546
10547 @itemize @bullet
10548 @item
10549 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
10550 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
10551 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
10552 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
10553 @code{long} value.
10554
10555 @item
10556 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
10557 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
10558 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
10559 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
10560 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
10561 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
10562 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
10563 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
10564 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
10565 constant.
10566
10567 @item
10568 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
10569 integral equivalents.
10570
10571 @item
10572 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
10573 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
10574 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
10575 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
10576 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
10577 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
10578 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
10579 @samp{\n} for newline.
10580
10581 @item
10582 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
10583 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
10584 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
10585 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
10586 characters.
10587
10588 @item
10589 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
10590 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
10591
10592 @item
10593 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
10594 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
10595 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
10596 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
10597 @end itemize
10598
10599 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
10600 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
10601
10602 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
10603 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
10604
10605 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
10606 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
10607 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
10608 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
10609 @quotation
10610 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use the
10611 proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently, @value{GDBN}
10612 works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled with
10613 @value{NGCC} 2.95.3 or with @value{NGCC} 3.1 or newer, using the options
10614 @option{-gdwarf-2} or @option{-gstabs+}. DWARF 2 is preferred over
10615 stabs+. Most configurations of @value{NGCC} emit either DWARF 2 or
10616 stabs+ as their default debug format, so you usually don't need to
10617 specify a debug format explicitly. Other compilers and/or debug formats
10618 are likely to work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug
10619 C@t{++} code.
10620 @end quotation
10621
10622 @enumerate
10623
10624 @cindex member functions
10625 @item
10626 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
10627
10628 @smallexample
10629 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
10630 @end smallexample
10631
10632 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
10633 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
10634 @item
10635 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
10636 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
10637 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
10638 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}.
10639
10640 @cindex call overloaded functions
10641 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
10642 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
10643 @item
10644 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
10645 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
10646 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
10647 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
10648 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
10649 default arguments.
10650
10651 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
10652 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
10653 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
10654 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
10655 number of function arguments.
10656
10657 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
10658 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
10659 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
10660
10661 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
10662 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
10663 @smallexample
10664 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
10665 @end smallexample
10666
10667 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
10668 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
10669
10670 @cindex reference declarations
10671 @item
10672 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
10673 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
10674 dereferenced.
10675
10676 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
10677 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
10678 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
10679 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
10680 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
10681
10682 @item
10683 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
10684 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
10685 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
10686 necessary, for example in an expression like
10687 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
10688 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
10689 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
10690 @end enumerate
10691
10692 In addition, when used with HP's C@t{++} compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
10693 calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
10694 objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
10695 invoking user-defined operators.
10696
10697 @node C Defaults
10698 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
10699
10700 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
10701
10702 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
10703 both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
10704 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
10705 selects the working language.
10706
10707 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
10708 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
10709 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
10710 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
10711 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
10712 for further details.
10713
10714 @c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
10715 @c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
10716 @c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
10717
10718 @node C Checks
10719 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
10720
10721 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
10722
10723 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
10724 is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
10725 considers two variables type equivalent if:
10726
10727 @itemize @bullet
10728 @item
10729 The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
10730 enumerated tag.
10731
10732 @item
10733 The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
10734 declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
10735
10736 @ignore
10737 @c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
10738 @c FIXME--beers?
10739 @item
10740 The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
10741 declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
10742 compilers.)
10743 @end ignore
10744 @end itemize
10745
10746 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
10747 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
10748 that is not itself an array.
10749
10750 @node Debugging C
10751 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
10752
10753 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
10754 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
10755 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
10756 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
10757
10758 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
10759 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
10760 ,Expressions}.
10761
10762 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
10763 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
10764
10765 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
10766
10767 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
10768 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
10769
10770 @table @code
10771 @cindex break in overloaded functions
10772 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
10773 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
10774 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
10775 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
10776 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
10777
10778 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
10779 @item rbreak @var{regex}
10780 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
10781 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
10782 classes.
10783 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
10784
10785 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
10786 @item catch throw
10787 @itemx catch catch
10788 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
10789 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
10790
10791 @cindex inheritance
10792 @item ptype @var{typename}
10793 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
10794 @var{typename}.
10795 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
10796
10797 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
10798 @item set print demangle
10799 @itemx show print demangle
10800 @itemx set print asm-demangle
10801 @itemx show print asm-demangle
10802 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
10803 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
10804 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10805
10806 @item set print object
10807 @itemx show print object
10808 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
10809 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10810
10811 @item set print vtbl
10812 @itemx show print vtbl
10813 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
10814 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10815 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10816 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10817
10818 @kindex set overload-resolution
10819 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
10820 @item set overload-resolution on
10821 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
10822 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
10823 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
10824 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
10825 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
10826 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
10827
10828 @item set overload-resolution off
10829 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
10830 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
10831 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
10832 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
10833 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
10834 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
10835 argument types.
10836
10837 @kindex show overload-resolution
10838 @item show overload-resolution
10839 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
10840
10841 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
10842 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
10843 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
10844 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
10845 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
10846 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
10847 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
10848 @end table
10849
10850 @node Decimal Floating Point
10851 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
10852 @cindex decimal floating point format
10853
10854 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
10855 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
10856 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
10857 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
10858
10859 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
10860 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
10861 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
10862 target.
10863
10864 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
10865 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
10866 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
10867
10868 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
10869 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
10870 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
10871
10872 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
10873 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers.
10874 See @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
10875
10876 @node Objective-C
10877 @subsection Objective-C
10878
10879 @cindex Objective-C
10880 This section provides information about some commands and command
10881 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
10882 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
10883 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
10884
10885 @menu
10886 * Method Names in Commands::
10887 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
10888 @end menu
10889
10890 @node Method Names in Commands
10891 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
10892
10893 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
10894 names as line specifications:
10895
10896 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
10897 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
10898 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
10899 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
10900 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
10901 @itemize
10902 @item @code{clear}
10903 @item @code{break}
10904 @item @code{info line}
10905 @item @code{jump}
10906 @item @code{list}
10907 @end itemize
10908
10909 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
10910
10911 @smallexample
10912 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
10913 @end smallexample
10914
10915 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
10916 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
10917 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
10918 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
10919 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
10920 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
10921 debugged, enter:
10922
10923 @smallexample
10924 break -[Fruit create]
10925 @end smallexample
10926
10927 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
10928 enter:
10929
10930 @smallexample
10931 list +[NSText initialize]
10932 @end smallexample
10933
10934 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
10935 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
10936 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
10937 is also possible to specify just a method name:
10938
10939 @smallexample
10940 break create
10941 @end smallexample
10942
10943 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
10944 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
10945 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
10946 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
10947 none apply.
10948
10949 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
10950 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
10951
10952 @smallexample
10953 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
10954 @end smallexample
10955
10956 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
10957 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
10958 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
10959 @kindex print-object
10960 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
10961
10962 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
10963
10964 @smallexample
10965 print -[@var{object} hash]
10966 @end smallexample
10967
10968 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
10969 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
10970 @noindent
10971 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
10972 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
10973 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
10974 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
10975 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
10976 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
10977
10978 @node Fortran
10979 @subsection Fortran
10980 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
10981
10982 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
10983 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
10984
10985 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
10986 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
10987 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
10988 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
10989 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
10990 underscore.
10991
10992 @menu
10993 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
10994 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
10995 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
10996 @end menu
10997
10998 @node Fortran Operators
10999 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
11000
11001 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
11002
11003 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
11004 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
11005 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
11006
11007 @table @code
11008 @item **
11009 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
11010 of the second one.
11011
11012 @item :
11013 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
11014 represent a section of array.
11015
11016 @item %
11017 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
11018 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
11019 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
11020 union type.
11021 @end table
11022
11023 @node Fortran Defaults
11024 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
11025
11026 @cindex Fortran Defaults
11027
11028 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
11029 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
11030 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
11031 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
11032
11033 @node Special Fortran Commands
11034 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
11035
11036 @cindex Special Fortran commands
11037
11038 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
11039 such as displaying common blocks.
11040
11041 @table @code
11042 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
11043 @kindex info common
11044 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
11045 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
11046 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
11047 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
11048 printed.
11049 @end table
11050
11051 @node Pascal
11052 @subsection Pascal
11053
11054 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
11055 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
11056 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
11057 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
11058 syntax.
11059
11060 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
11061 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
11062 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
11063
11064 @node Modula-2
11065 @subsection Modula-2
11066
11067 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
11068
11069 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
11070 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
11071 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
11072 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
11073 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
11074 table.
11075
11076 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
11077 @menu
11078 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
11079 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
11080 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
11081 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
11082 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
11083 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
11084 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
11085 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
11086 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
11087 @end menu
11088
11089 @node M2 Operators
11090 @subsubsection Operators
11091 @cindex Modula-2 operators
11092
11093 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
11094 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
11095 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
11096 following definitions hold:
11097
11098 @itemize @bullet
11099
11100 @item
11101 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
11102 their subranges.
11103
11104 @item
11105 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
11106
11107 @item
11108 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
11109
11110 @item
11111 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
11112 @var{type}}.
11113
11114 @item
11115 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
11116
11117 @item
11118 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
11119
11120 @item
11121 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
11122 @end itemize
11123
11124 @noindent
11125 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
11126 increasing precedence:
11127
11128 @table @code
11129 @item ,
11130 Function argument or array index separator.
11131
11132 @item :=
11133 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
11134 @var{value}.
11135
11136 @item <@r{, }>
11137 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
11138 types.
11139
11140 @item <=@r{, }>=
11141 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
11142 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
11143 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
11144
11145 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
11146 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
11147 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
11148 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
11149 comment character.
11150
11151 @item IN
11152 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
11153 Same precedence as @code{<}.
11154
11155 @item OR
11156 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
11157
11158 @item AND@r{, }&
11159 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
11160
11161 @item @@
11162 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
11163
11164 @item +@r{, }-
11165 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
11166 and difference on set types.
11167
11168 @item *
11169 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
11170 on set types.
11171
11172 @item /
11173 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
11174 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
11175
11176 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
11177 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
11178 precedence as @code{*}.
11179
11180 @item -
11181 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
11182
11183 @item ^
11184 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
11185
11186 @item NOT
11187 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
11188 @code{^}.
11189
11190 @item .
11191 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
11192 precedence as @code{^}.
11193
11194 @item []
11195 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
11196
11197 @item ()
11198 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
11199 as @code{^}.
11200
11201 @item ::@r{, }.
11202 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
11203 @end table
11204
11205 @quotation
11206 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
11207 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
11208 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
11209 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
11210 @end quotation
11211
11212
11213 @node Built-In Func/Proc
11214 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
11215 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
11216
11217 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
11218 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
11219
11220 @table @var
11221
11222 @item a
11223 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
11224
11225 @item c
11226 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
11227
11228 @item i
11229 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
11230
11231 @item m
11232 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
11233 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
11234 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
11235
11236 @item n
11237 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
11238
11239 @item r
11240 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
11241
11242 @item t
11243 represents a type.
11244
11245 @item v
11246 represents a variable.
11247
11248 @item x
11249 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
11250 explanation of the function for details.
11251 @end table
11252
11253 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
11254
11255 @table @code
11256 @item ABS(@var{n})
11257 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
11258
11259 @item CAP(@var{c})
11260 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
11261 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
11262
11263 @item CHR(@var{i})
11264 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
11265
11266 @item DEC(@var{v})
11267 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
11268
11269 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
11270 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
11271 new value.
11272
11273 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
11274 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
11275 set.
11276
11277 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
11278 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
11279
11280 @item HIGH(@var{a})
11281 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
11282
11283 @item INC(@var{v})
11284 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
11285
11286 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
11287 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
11288 new value.
11289
11290 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
11291 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
11292 there. Returns the new set.
11293
11294 @item MAX(@var{t})
11295 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
11296
11297 @item MIN(@var{t})
11298 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
11299
11300 @item ODD(@var{i})
11301 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
11302
11303 @item ORD(@var{x})
11304 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
11305 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
11306 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
11307 integral, character and enumerated types.
11308
11309 @item SIZE(@var{x})
11310 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
11311
11312 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
11313 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
11314
11315 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
11316 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
11317
11318 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
11319 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
11320 @end table
11321
11322 @quotation
11323 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
11324 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
11325 an error.
11326 @end quotation
11327
11328 @cindex Modula-2 constants
11329 @node M2 Constants
11330 @subsubsection Constants
11331
11332 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
11333 ways:
11334
11335 @itemize @bullet
11336
11337 @item
11338 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
11339 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
11340 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
11341 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
11342
11343 @item
11344 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
11345 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
11346 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
11347 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
11348 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
11349 digits.
11350
11351 @item
11352 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
11353 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
11354 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
11355 followed by a @samp{C}.
11356
11357 @item
11358 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
11359 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
11360 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
11361 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
11362 sequences.
11363
11364 @item
11365 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
11366
11367 @item
11368 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
11369 @code{FALSE}.
11370
11371 @item
11372 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
11373
11374 @item
11375 Set constants are not yet supported.
11376 @end itemize
11377
11378 @node M2 Types
11379 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
11380 @cindex Modula-2 types
11381
11382 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
11383 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
11384 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
11385 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
11386 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
11387 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
11388
11389 The first example contains the following section of code:
11390
11391 @smallexample
11392 VAR
11393 s: SET OF CHAR ;
11394 r: [20..40] ;
11395 @end smallexample
11396
11397 @noindent
11398 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
11399 @code{r} and @code{s}.
11400
11401 @smallexample
11402 (@value{GDBP}) print s
11403 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
11404 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11405 SET OF CHAR
11406 (@value{GDBP}) print r
11407 21
11408 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
11409 [20..40]
11410 @end smallexample
11411
11412 @noindent
11413 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
11414
11415 @smallexample
11416 VAR
11417 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
11418 @end smallexample
11419
11420 @noindent
11421 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
11422
11423 @smallexample
11424 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11425 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
11426 @end smallexample
11427
11428 @noindent
11429 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
11430 expressions using the debugger.
11431
11432 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
11433 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
11434
11435 @smallexample
11436 VAR
11437 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
11438 @end smallexample
11439
11440 @smallexample
11441 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11442 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
11443 @end smallexample
11444
11445 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
11446 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
11447 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
11448 above.
11449
11450 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
11451
11452 @smallexample
11453 TYPE
11454 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
11455 t = [blue..yellow] ;
11456 VAR
11457 s: t ;
11458 BEGIN
11459 s := blue ;
11460 @end smallexample
11461
11462 @noindent
11463 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
11464 and value of a variable.
11465
11466 @smallexample
11467 (@value{GDBP}) print s
11468 $1 = blue
11469 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
11470 type = [blue..yellow]
11471 @end smallexample
11472
11473 @noindent
11474 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
11475 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
11476 their @code{C} counterparts.
11477
11478 @smallexample
11479 VAR
11480 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
11481 BEGIN
11482 s[1] := 1 ;
11483 @end smallexample
11484
11485 @smallexample
11486 (@value{GDBP}) print s
11487 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
11488 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11489 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
11490 @end smallexample
11491
11492 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
11493 pointer types as shown in this example:
11494
11495 @smallexample
11496 VAR
11497 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
11498 BEGIN
11499 NEW(s) ;
11500 s^[1] := 1 ;
11501 @end smallexample
11502
11503 @noindent
11504 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
11505
11506 @smallexample
11507 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11508 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
11509 @end smallexample
11510
11511 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
11512 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
11513 types:
11514
11515 @smallexample
11516 TYPE
11517 foo = RECORD
11518 f1: CARDINAL ;
11519 f2: CHAR ;
11520 f3: myarray ;
11521 END ;
11522
11523 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
11524 myrange = [-2..2] ;
11525 VAR
11526 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
11527 @end smallexample
11528
11529 @noindent
11530 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
11531 below.
11532
11533 @smallexample
11534 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
11535 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
11536 f1 : CARDINAL;
11537 f2 : CHAR;
11538 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
11539 END
11540 @end smallexample
11541
11542 @node M2 Defaults
11543 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
11544 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
11545
11546 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
11547 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
11548 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
11549 selected the working language.
11550
11551 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
11552 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
11553 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
11554 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
11555
11556 @node Deviations
11557 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
11558 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
11559
11560 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
11561 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
11562
11563 @itemize @bullet
11564 @item
11565 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
11566 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
11567 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
11568 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
11569 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
11570 returned a pointer.)
11571
11572 @item
11573 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
11574 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
11575 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
11576 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
11577
11578 @item
11579 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
11580 argument.
11581
11582 @item
11583 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
11584 @end itemize
11585
11586 @node M2 Checks
11587 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
11588 @cindex Modula-2 checks
11589
11590 @quotation
11591 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
11592 range checking.
11593 @end quotation
11594 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
11595
11596 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
11597
11598 @itemize @bullet
11599 @item
11600 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
11601 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
11602
11603 @item
11604 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
11605 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
11606 @end itemize
11607
11608 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
11609 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
11610
11611 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
11612 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
11613
11614 @node M2 Scope
11615 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
11616 @cindex scope
11617 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
11618 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
11619 @ifinfo
11620 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
11621 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
11622 @end ifinfo
11623 @ifnotinfo
11624 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
11625 @end ifnotinfo
11626
11627 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
11628 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
11629 similar syntax:
11630
11631 @smallexample
11632
11633 @var{module} . @var{id}
11634 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
11635 @end smallexample
11636
11637 @noindent
11638 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
11639 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
11640 identifier within your program, except another module.
11641
11642 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
11643 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
11644 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
11645 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
11646
11647 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
11648 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
11649 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
11650 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
11651 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
11652 @var{module}.
11653
11654 @node GDB/M2
11655 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
11656
11657 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
11658 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
11659 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
11660 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
11661 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
11662 analogue in Modula-2.
11663
11664 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
11665 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
11666 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
11667 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
11668 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
11669 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
11670
11671 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
11672 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
11673 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
11674
11675 @node Ada
11676 @subsection Ada
11677 @cindex Ada
11678
11679 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
11680 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
11681 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
11682 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
11683 to be difficult.
11684
11685
11686 @cindex expressions in Ada
11687 @menu
11688 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
11689 and semantics supported by Ada mode
11690 in @value{GDBN}.
11691 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
11692 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
11693 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
11694 * Ada Tasks:: Listing and setting breakpoints in tasks.
11695 * Ada Tasks and Core Files:: Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
11696 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
11697 @end menu
11698
11699 @node Ada Mode Intro
11700 @subsubsection Introduction
11701 @cindex Ada mode, general
11702
11703 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
11704 syntax, with some extensions.
11705 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
11706
11707 @itemize @bullet
11708 @item
11709 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
11710 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
11711 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
11712 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
11713
11714 @item
11715 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
11716 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
11717
11718 @item
11719 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
11720 @end itemize
11721
11722 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if all names declared in
11723 user-written packages are directly visible, even if they are not visible
11724 according to Ada rules, thus making it unnecessary to fully qualify most
11725 names with their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes
11726 ambiguity, @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
11727
11728 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
11729 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
11730 was translated from an Ada source file.
11731
11732 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
11733 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
11734 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
11735 middle (to allow based literals).
11736
11737 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
11738 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
11739 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
11740 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
11741 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
11742 functions to procedures elsewhere.
11743
11744 @node Omissions from Ada
11745 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
11746 @cindex Ada, omissions from
11747
11748 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
11749
11750 @itemize @bullet
11751 @item
11752 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
11753
11754 @itemize @minus
11755 @item
11756 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
11757 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
11758
11759 @item
11760 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
11761
11762 @item
11763 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
11764
11765 @item
11766 @t{'Tag}.
11767
11768 @item
11769 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
11770 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
11771
11772 @item
11773 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
11774 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
11775
11776 @item
11777 @t{'Address}.
11778 @end itemize
11779
11780 @item
11781 The names in
11782 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
11783 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
11784 not currently available.
11785
11786 @item
11787 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
11788 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
11789 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
11790 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
11791 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
11792 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
11793 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
11794 indeterminate values.
11795
11796 @item
11797 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
11798 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
11799 are not implemented.
11800
11801 @item
11802 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
11803 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
11804 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
11805 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
11806 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
11807
11808 @smallexample
11809 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
11810 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
11811 (@value{GDBP}) set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
11812 (@value{GDBP}) set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
11813 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
11814 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
11815 @end smallexample
11816
11817 Changing a
11818 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
11819 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
11820 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
11821 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
11822 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
11823 declared to have a type such as:
11824
11825 @smallexample
11826 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
11827 Id : Integer;
11828 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
11829 end record;
11830 @end smallexample
11831
11832 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
11833 assignments:
11834
11835 @smallexample
11836 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec.Len := 4
11837 (@value{GDBP}) set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
11838 @end smallexample
11839
11840 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
11841 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
11842 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
11843 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
11844 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
11845 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
11846 redundant component associations, although which component values are
11847 assigned in such cases is not defined.
11848
11849 @item
11850 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
11851
11852 @item
11853 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
11854 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
11855 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
11856 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
11857 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
11858 the proper resolution.
11859
11860 @item
11861 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
11862
11863 @item
11864 Entry calls are not implemented.
11865
11866 @item
11867 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
11868 formats are not supported.
11869
11870 @item
11871 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
11872
11873 @item
11874 The names @code{True} and @code{False}, when not part of a qualified name,
11875 are interpreted as if implicitly prefixed by @code{Standard}, regardless of
11876 context.
11877 Should your program
11878 redefine these names in a package or procedure (at best a dubious practice),
11879 you will have to use fully qualified names to access their new definitions.
11880 @end itemize
11881
11882 @node Additions to Ada
11883 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
11884 @cindex Ada, deviations from
11885
11886 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
11887 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
11888
11889 @itemize @bullet
11890 @item
11891 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
11892 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
11893 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
11894 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
11895 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
11896 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
11897 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
11898 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
11899
11900 @item
11901 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
11902 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
11903 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
11904
11905 @item
11906 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
11907 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
11908
11909 @item
11910 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
11911 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
11912 @end itemize
11913
11914 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
11915 additions specific to Ada:
11916
11917 @itemize @bullet
11918 @item
11919 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
11920 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
11921
11922 @smallexample
11923 (@value{GDBP}) set x := y + 3
11924 (@value{GDBP}) print A(tmp := y + 1)
11925 @end smallexample
11926
11927 @item
11928 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
11929 the value of its right-hand operand.
11930 This allows, for example,
11931 complex conditional breaks:
11932
11933 @smallexample
11934 (@value{GDBP}) break f
11935 (@value{GDBP}) condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
11936 @end smallexample
11937
11938 @item
11939 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
11940 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
11941 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
11942 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
11943 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
11944 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
11945 in strings. For example,
11946 @smallexample
11947 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
11948 @end smallexample
11949 @noindent
11950 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
11951 after each period.
11952
11953 @item
11954 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
11955 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
11956 to write
11957
11958 @smallexample
11959 (@value{GDBP}) print 'max(x, y)
11960 @end smallexample
11961
11962 @item
11963 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
11964 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
11965 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
11966 of 3 might print as
11967
11968 @smallexample
11969 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
11970 @end smallexample
11971
11972 @noindent
11973 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
11974 clause.
11975
11976 @item
11977 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
11978 multi-character subsequence of
11979 their names (an exact match gets preference).
11980 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
11981 in place of @t{a'length}.
11982
11983 @item
11984 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
11985 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
11986 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
11987 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
11988 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
11989 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
11990 For example,
11991 @smallexample
11992 (@value{GDBP}) print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
11993 @end smallexample
11994
11995 @item
11996 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
11997 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
11998 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
11999 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
12000 object.
12001
12002 @end itemize
12003
12004 @node Stopping Before Main Program
12005 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
12006
12007 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
12008 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
12009 before reaching the main procedure.
12010 As defined in the Ada Reference
12011 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
12012 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
12013 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
12014 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
12015
12016 @node Ada Tasks
12017 @subsubsection Extensions for Ada Tasks
12018 @cindex Ada, tasking
12019
12020 Support for Ada tasks is analogous to that for threads (@pxref{Threads}).
12021 @value{GDBN} provides the following task-related commands:
12022
12023 @table @code
12024 @kindex info tasks
12025 @item info tasks
12026 This command shows a list of current Ada tasks, as in the following example:
12027
12028
12029 @smallexample
12030 @iftex
12031 @leftskip=0.5cm
12032 @end iftex
12033 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12034 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12035 1 8088000 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12036 2 80a4000 1 15 Accept Statement b
12037 3 809a800 1 15 Child Activation Wait a
12038 * 4 80ae800 3 15 Runnable c
12039
12040 @end smallexample
12041
12042 @noindent
12043 In this listing, the asterisk before the last task indicates it to be the
12044 task currently being inspected.
12045
12046 @table @asis
12047 @item ID
12048 Represents @value{GDBN}'s internal task number.
12049
12050 @item TID
12051 The Ada task ID.
12052
12053 @item P-ID
12054 The parent's task ID (@value{GDBN}'s internal task number).
12055
12056 @item Pri
12057 The base priority of the task.
12058
12059 @item State
12060 Current state of the task.
12061
12062 @table @code
12063 @item Unactivated
12064 The task has been created but has not been activated. It cannot be
12065 executing.
12066
12067 @item Runnable
12068 The task is not blocked for any reason known to Ada. (It may be waiting
12069 for a mutex, though.) It is conceptually "executing" in normal mode.
12070
12071 @item Terminated
12072 The task is terminated, in the sense of ARM 9.3 (5). Any dependents
12073 that were waiting on terminate alternatives have been awakened and have
12074 terminated themselves.
12075
12076 @item Child Activation Wait
12077 The task is waiting for created tasks to complete activation.
12078
12079 @item Accept Statement
12080 The task is waiting on an accept or selective wait statement.
12081
12082 @item Waiting on entry call
12083 The task is waiting on an entry call.
12084
12085 @item Async Select Wait
12086 The task is waiting to start the abortable part of an asynchronous
12087 select statement.
12088
12089 @item Delay Sleep
12090 The task is waiting on a select statement with only a delay
12091 alternative open.
12092
12093 @item Child Termination Wait
12094 The task is sleeping having completed a master within itself, and is
12095 waiting for the tasks dependent on that master to become terminated or
12096 waiting on a terminate Phase.
12097
12098 @item Wait Child in Term Alt
12099 The task is sleeping waiting for tasks on terminate alternatives to
12100 finish terminating.
12101
12102 @item Accepting RV with @var{taskno}
12103 The task is accepting a rendez-vous with the task @var{taskno}.
12104 @end table
12105
12106 @item Name
12107 Name of the task in the program.
12108
12109 @end table
12110
12111 @kindex info task @var{taskno}
12112 @item info task @var{taskno}
12113 This command shows detailled informations on the specified task, as in
12114 the following example:
12115 @smallexample
12116 @iftex
12117 @leftskip=0.5cm
12118 @end iftex
12119 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12120 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12121 1 8077880 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12122 * 2 807c468 1 15 Runnable task_1
12123 (@value{GDBP}) info task 2
12124 Ada Task: 0x807c468
12125 Name: task_1
12126 Thread: 0x807f378
12127 Parent: 1 (main_task)
12128 Base Priority: 15
12129 State: Runnable
12130 @end smallexample
12131
12132 @item task
12133 @kindex task@r{ (Ada)}
12134 @cindex current Ada task ID
12135 This command prints the ID of the current task.
12136
12137 @smallexample
12138 @iftex
12139 @leftskip=0.5cm
12140 @end iftex
12141 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12142 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12143 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12144 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
12145 (@value{GDBP}) task
12146 [Current task is 2]
12147 @end smallexample
12148
12149 @item task @var{taskno}
12150 @cindex Ada task switching
12151 This command is like the @code{thread @var{threadno}}
12152 command (@pxref{Threads}). It switches the context of debugging
12153 from the current task to the given task.
12154
12155 @smallexample
12156 @iftex
12157 @leftskip=0.5cm
12158 @end iftex
12159 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12160 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12161 1 8077870 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12162 * 2 807c458 1 15 Runnable t
12163 (@value{GDBP}) task 1
12164 [Switching to task 1]
12165 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
12166 (@value{GDBP}) bt
12167 #0 0x8067726 in pthread_cond_wait ()
12168 #1 0x8056714 in system.os_interface.pthread_cond_wait ()
12169 #2 0x805cb63 in system.task_primitives.operations.sleep ()
12170 #3 0x806153e in system.tasking.stages.activate_tasks ()
12171 #4 0x804aacc in un () at un.adb:5
12172 @end smallexample
12173
12174 @item break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno}
12175 @itemx break @var{linespec} task @var{taskno} if @dots{}
12176 @cindex breakpoints and tasks, in Ada
12177 @cindex task breakpoints, in Ada
12178 @kindex break @dots{} task @var{taskno}@r{ (Ada)}
12179 These commands are like the @code{break @dots{} thread @dots{}}
12180 command (@pxref{Thread Stops}).
12181 @var{linespec} specifies source lines, as described
12182 in @ref{Specify Location}.
12183
12184 Use the qualifier @samp{task @var{taskno}} with a breakpoint command
12185 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
12186 particular Ada task reaches this breakpoint. @var{taskno} is one of the
12187 numeric task identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
12188 column of the @samp{info tasks} display.
12189
12190 If you do not specify @samp{task @var{taskno}} when you set a
12191 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} tasks of your
12192 program.
12193
12194 You can use the @code{task} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
12195 well; in this case, place @samp{task @var{taskno}} before the
12196 breakpoint condition (before the @code{if}).
12197
12198 For example,
12199
12200 @smallexample
12201 @iftex
12202 @leftskip=0.5cm
12203 @end iftex
12204 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12205 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12206 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12207 2 140045060 1 15 Accept/Select Wait t2
12208 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
12209 * 4 140056040 1 15 Runnable t3
12210 (@value{GDBP}) b 15 task 2
12211 Breakpoint 5 at 0x120044cb0: file test_task_debug.adb, line 15.
12212 (@value{GDBP}) cont
12213 Continuing.
12214 task # 1 running
12215 task # 2 running
12216
12217 Breakpoint 5, test_task_debug () at test_task_debug.adb:15
12218 15 flush;
12219 (@value{GDBP}) info tasks
12220 ID TID P-ID Pri State Name
12221 1 140022020 0 15 Child Activation Wait main_task
12222 * 2 140045060 1 15 Runnable t2
12223 3 140044840 1 15 Runnable t1
12224 4 140056040 1 15 Delay Sleep t3
12225 @end smallexample
12226 @end table
12227
12228 @node Ada Tasks and Core Files
12229 @subsubsection Tasking Support when Debugging Core Files
12230 @cindex Ada tasking and core file debugging
12231
12232 When inspecting a core file, as opposed to debugging a live program,
12233 tasking support may be limited or even unavailable, depending on
12234 the platform being used.
12235 For instance, on x86-linux, the list of tasks is available, but task
12236 switching is not supported. On Tru64, however, task switching will work
12237 as usual.
12238
12239 On certain platforms, including Tru64, the debugger needs to perform some
12240 memory writes in order to provide Ada tasking support. When inspecting
12241 a core file, this means that the core file must be opened with read-write
12242 privileges, using the command @samp{"set write on"} (@pxref{Patching}).
12243 Under these circumstances, you should make a backup copy of the core
12244 file before inspecting it with @value{GDBN}.
12245
12246 @node Ada Glitches
12247 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
12248 @cindex Ada, problems
12249
12250 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
12251 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
12252 @value{GDBN},
12253 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
12254 and the GNU Ada compiler.
12255
12256 @itemize @bullet
12257 @item
12258 Currently, the debugger
12259 has insufficient information to determine whether certain pointers represent
12260 pointers to objects or the objects themselves.
12261 Thus, the user may have to tack an extra @code{.all} after an expression
12262 to get it printed properly.
12263
12264 @item
12265 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
12266 storage are invisible to the debugger.
12267
12268 @item
12269 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
12270 argument lists are treated as positional).
12271
12272 @item
12273 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
12274
12275 @item
12276 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
12277 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
12278 the host machine.
12279
12280 @item
12281 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
12282 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
12283 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
12284 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
12285 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
12286 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
12287 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
12288 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
12289 you can usually resolve the confusion
12290 by qualifying the problematic names with package
12291 @code{Standard} explicitly.
12292 @end itemize
12293
12294 @node Unsupported Languages
12295 @section Unsupported Languages
12296
12297 @cindex unsupported languages
12298 @cindex minimal language
12299 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
12300 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
12301 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
12302 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
12303 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
12304 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
12305
12306 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
12307 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
12308 language.
12309
12310 @node Symbols
12311 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
12312
12313 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
12314 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
12315 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
12316 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
12317 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
12318 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
12319 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
12320
12321 @cindex symbol names
12322 @cindex names of symbols
12323 @cindex quoting names
12324 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
12325 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
12326 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
12327 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
12328 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
12329 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
12330 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
12331 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
12332
12333 @smallexample
12334 p 'foo.c'::x
12335 @end smallexample
12336
12337 @noindent
12338 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
12339
12340 @table @code
12341 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
12342 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
12343 @kindex set case-sensitive
12344 @item set case-sensitive on
12345 @itemx set case-sensitive off
12346 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
12347 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
12348 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
12349 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
12350 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
12351 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
12352 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
12353 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
12354 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
12355 case-insensitive matches.
12356
12357 @kindex show case-sensitive
12358 @item show case-sensitive
12359 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
12360 lookups.
12361
12362 @kindex info address
12363 @cindex address of a symbol
12364 @item info address @var{symbol}
12365 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
12366 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
12367 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
12368 is always stored.
12369
12370 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
12371 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
12372 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
12373
12374 @kindex info symbol
12375 @cindex symbol from address
12376 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
12377 @item info symbol @var{addr}
12378 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
12379 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
12380 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
12381
12382 @smallexample
12383 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
12384 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
12385 @end smallexample
12386
12387 @noindent
12388 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
12389 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
12390
12391 For dynamically linked executables, the name of executable or shared
12392 library containing the symbol is also printed:
12393
12394 @smallexample
12395 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x400225
12396 _start + 5 in section .text of /tmp/a.out
12397 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x2aaaac2811cf
12398 __read_nocancel + 6 in section .text of /usr/lib64/libc.so.6
12399 @end smallexample
12400
12401 @kindex whatis
12402 @item whatis [@var{arg}]
12403 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression or
12404 a data type. With no argument, print the data type of @code{$}, the
12405 last value in the value history. If @var{arg} is an expression, it is
12406 not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
12407 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place. If
12408 @var{arg} is a type name, it may be the name of a type or typedef, or
12409 for C code it may have the form @samp{class @var{class-name}},
12410 @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
12411 @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
12412 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
12413
12414 @kindex ptype
12415 @item ptype [@var{arg}]
12416 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
12417 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
12418 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
12419
12420 For example, for this variable declaration:
12421
12422 @smallexample
12423 struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
12424 @end smallexample
12425
12426 @noindent
12427 the two commands give this output:
12428
12429 @smallexample
12430 @group
12431 (@value{GDBP}) whatis v
12432 type = struct complex
12433 (@value{GDBP}) ptype v
12434 type = struct complex @{
12435 double real;
12436 double imag;
12437 @}
12438 @end group
12439 @end smallexample
12440
12441 @noindent
12442 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
12443 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
12444
12445 @cindex incomplete type
12446 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
12447 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
12448 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
12449 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
12450 given these declarations:
12451
12452 @smallexample
12453 struct foo;
12454 struct foo *fooptr;
12455 @end smallexample
12456
12457 @noindent
12458 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
12459
12460 @smallexample
12461 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
12462 $1 = <incomplete type>
12463 @end smallexample
12464
12465 @noindent
12466 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
12467 completely specified.
12468
12469 @kindex info types
12470 @item info types @var{regexp}
12471 @itemx info types
12472 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
12473 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
12474 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
12475 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
12476 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
12477 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
12478 name is @code{value}.
12479
12480 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
12481 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
12482 lists all source files where a type is defined.
12483
12484 @kindex info scope
12485 @cindex local variables
12486 @item info scope @var{location}
12487 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
12488 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
12489 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
12490 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
12491 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
12492
12493 @smallexample
12494 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
12495 Scope for command_line_handler:
12496 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
12497 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
12498 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
12499 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
12500 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
12501 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
12502 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
12503 @end smallexample
12504
12505 @noindent
12506 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
12507 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
12508 collect}.
12509
12510 @kindex info source
12511 @item info source
12512 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
12513 the function containing the current point of execution:
12514 @itemize @bullet
12515 @item
12516 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
12517 @item
12518 the directory it was compiled in,
12519 @item
12520 its length, in lines,
12521 @item
12522 which programming language it is written in,
12523 @item
12524 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
12525 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
12526 @item
12527 whether the debugging information includes information about
12528 preprocessor macros.
12529 @end itemize
12530
12531
12532 @kindex info sources
12533 @item info sources
12534 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
12535 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
12536 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
12537
12538 @kindex info functions
12539 @item info functions
12540 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
12541
12542 @item info functions @var{regexp}
12543 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
12544 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
12545 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
12546 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
12547 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
12548 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
12549 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
12550
12551 @kindex info variables
12552 @item info variables
12553 Print the names and data types of all variables that are declared
12554 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
12555
12556 @item info variables @var{regexp}
12557 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
12558 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
12559 @var{regexp}.
12560
12561 @kindex info classes
12562 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
12563 @item info classes
12564 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
12565 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
12566 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
12567 expression.
12568
12569 @kindex info selectors
12570 @item info selectors
12571 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
12572 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
12573 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
12574 expression.
12575
12576 @ignore
12577 This was never implemented.
12578 @kindex info methods
12579 @item info methods
12580 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
12581 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
12582 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
12583 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
12584 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
12585 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
12586 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
12587 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
12588 @end ignore
12589
12590 @cindex reloading symbols
12591 Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
12592 be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
12593 in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
12594 running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
12595 @value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
12596
12597 @table @code
12598 @kindex set symbol-reloading
12599 @item set symbol-reloading on
12600 Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
12601 object file with a particular name is seen again.
12602
12603 @item set symbol-reloading off
12604 Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
12605 same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
12606 running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
12607 should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
12608 may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
12609 several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
12610 name.
12611
12612 @kindex show symbol-reloading
12613 @item show symbol-reloading
12614 Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
12615 @end table
12616
12617 @cindex opaque data types
12618 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
12619 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
12620 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
12621 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
12622 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
12623 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
12624 another source file. The default is on.
12625
12626 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
12627 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
12628
12629 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
12630 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
12631 is printed as follows:
12632 @smallexample
12633 @{<no data fields>@}
12634 @end smallexample
12635
12636 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
12637 @item show opaque-type-resolution
12638 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
12639
12640 @kindex set print symbol-loading
12641 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
12642 @item set print symbol-loading
12643 @itemx set print symbol-loading on
12644 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
12645 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to enable or
12646 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbols.
12647 By default, these messages will be printed, and normally this is what
12648 you want. Disabling these messages is useful when debugging applications
12649 with lots of shared libraries where the quantity of output can be more
12650 annoying than useful.
12651
12652 @kindex show print symbol-loading
12653 @item show print symbol-loading
12654 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} loads symbols.
12655
12656 @kindex maint print symbols
12657 @cindex symbol dump
12658 @kindex maint print psymbols
12659 @cindex partial symbol dump
12660 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
12661 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
12662 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
12663 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
12664 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
12665 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
12666 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
12667 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
12668 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
12669 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
12670 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
12671 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
12672 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
12673 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
12674 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
12675 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
12676 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
12677
12678 @kindex maint info symtabs
12679 @kindex maint info psymtabs
12680 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
12681 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12682 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12683 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
12684 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
12685 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
12686
12687 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
12688 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
12689 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
12690 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
12691 structure in more detail. For example:
12692
12693 @smallexample
12694 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
12695 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
12696 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
12697 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
12698 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
12699 readin no
12700 fullname (null)
12701 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
12702 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
12703 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
12704 dependencies (none)
12705 @}
12706 @}
12707 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
12708 (@value{GDBP})
12709 @end smallexample
12710 @noindent
12711 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
12712 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
12713 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
12714 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
12715 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
12716
12717 @smallexample
12718 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
12719 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
12720 line 1574.
12721 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
12722 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
12723 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
12724 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
12725 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
12726 dirname (null)
12727 fullname (null)
12728 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
12729 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
12730 debugformat DWARF 2
12731 @}
12732 @}
12733 (@value{GDBP})
12734 @end smallexample
12735 @end table
12736
12737
12738 @node Altering
12739 @chapter Altering Execution
12740
12741 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
12742 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
12743 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
12744 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
12745 program.
12746
12747 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
12748 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
12749 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
12750
12751 @menu
12752 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
12753 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
12754 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
12755 * Returning:: Returning from a function
12756 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
12757 * Patching:: Patching your program
12758 @end menu
12759
12760 @node Assignment
12761 @section Assignment to Variables
12762
12763 @cindex assignment
12764 @cindex setting variables
12765 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
12766 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
12767
12768 @smallexample
12769 print x=4
12770 @end smallexample
12771
12772 @noindent
12773 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
12774 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
12775 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
12776 information on operators in supported languages.
12777
12778 @kindex set variable
12779 @cindex variables, setting
12780 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
12781 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
12782 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
12783 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
12784 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
12785
12786 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
12787 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
12788 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
12789 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
12790 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
12791 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
12792 command @code{set width}:
12793
12794 @smallexample
12795 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
12796 type = double
12797 (@value{GDBP}) p width
12798 $4 = 13
12799 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
12800 Invalid syntax in expression.
12801 @end smallexample
12802
12803 @noindent
12804 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
12805 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
12806
12807 @smallexample
12808 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
12809 @end smallexample
12810
12811 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
12812 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
12813 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
12814 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
12815 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
12816 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
12817
12818 @smallexample
12819 @group
12820 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
12821 type = double
12822 (@value{GDBP}) p g
12823 $1 = 1
12824 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
12825 (@value{GDBP}) p g
12826 $2 = 1
12827 (@value{GDBP}) r
12828 The program being debugged has been started already.
12829 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
12830 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
12831 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
12832 Invalid bfd target.
12833 (@value{GDBP}) show g
12834 The current BFD target is "=4".
12835 @end group
12836 @end smallexample
12837
12838 @noindent
12839 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
12840 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
12841 @code{g}, use
12842
12843 @smallexample
12844 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
12845 @end smallexample
12846
12847 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
12848 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
12849 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
12850 same length or shorter.
12851 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
12852 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
12853
12854 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
12855 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
12856 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
12857 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
12858 and representation in memory), and
12859
12860 @smallexample
12861 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
12862 @end smallexample
12863
12864 @noindent
12865 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
12866
12867 @node Jumping
12868 @section Continuing at a Different Address
12869
12870 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
12871 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
12872 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
12873
12874 @table @code
12875 @kindex jump
12876 @item jump @var{linespec}
12877 @itemx jump @var{location}
12878 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
12879 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
12880 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
12881 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
12882 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
12883 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
12884
12885 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
12886 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
12887 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
12888 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
12889 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
12890 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
12891 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
12892 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
12893 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
12894 @end table
12895
12896 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
12897 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
12898 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
12899 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
12900 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
12901 example,
12902
12903 @smallexample
12904 set $pc = 0x485
12905 @end smallexample
12906
12907 @noindent
12908 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
12909 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
12910 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
12911
12912 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
12913 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
12914 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
12915 detail.
12916
12917 @c @group
12918 @node Signaling
12919 @section Giving your Program a Signal
12920 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
12921
12922 @table @code
12923 @kindex signal
12924 @item signal @var{signal}
12925 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
12926 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
12927 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
12928 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
12929
12930 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
12931 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
12932 a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
12933 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
12934 signal.
12935
12936 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
12937 after executing the command.
12938 @end table
12939 @c @end group
12940
12941 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
12942 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
12943 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
12944 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
12945 passes the signal directly to your program.
12946
12947
12948 @node Returning
12949 @section Returning from a Function
12950
12951 @table @code
12952 @cindex returning from a function
12953 @kindex return
12954 @item return
12955 @itemx return @var{expression}
12956 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
12957 command. If you give an
12958 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
12959 value.
12960 @end table
12961
12962 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
12963 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
12964 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
12965 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
12966
12967 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
12968 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
12969 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
12970 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
12971 of functions.
12972
12973 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
12974 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
12975 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
12976 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
12977 selected stack frame returns naturally.
12978
12979 @value{GDBN} needs to know how the @var{expression} argument should be set for
12980 the inferior. The concrete registers assignment depends on the OS ABI and the
12981 type being returned by the selected stack frame. For example it is common for
12982 OS ABI to return floating point values in FPU registers while integer values in
12983 CPU registers. Still some ABIs return even floating point values in CPU
12984 registers. Larger integer widths (such as @code{long long int}) also have
12985 specific placement rules. @value{GDBN} already knows the OS ABI from its
12986 current target so it needs to find out also the type being returned to make the
12987 assignment into the right register(s).
12988
12989 Normally, the selected stack frame has debug info. @value{GDBN} will always
12990 use the debug info instead of the implicit type of @var{expression} when the
12991 debug info is available. For example, if you type @kbd{return -1}, and the
12992 function in the current stack frame is declared to return a @code{long long
12993 int}, @value{GDBN} transparently converts the implicit @code{int} value of -1
12994 into a @code{long long int}:
12995
12996 @smallexample
12997 Breakpoint 1, func () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:29
12998 29 return 31;
12999 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
13000 Make func return now? (y or n) y
13001 #0 0x004004f6 in main () at gdb.base/return-nodebug.c:43
13002 43 printf ("result=%lld\n", func ());
13003 (@value{GDBP})
13004 @end smallexample
13005
13006 However, if the selected stack frame does not have a debug info, e.g., if the
13007 function was compiled without debug info, @value{GDBN} has to find out the type
13008 to return from user. Specifying a different type by mistake may set the value
13009 in different inferior registers than the caller code expects. For example,
13010 typing @kbd{return -1} with its implicit type @code{int} would set only a part
13011 of a @code{long long int} result for a debug info less function (on 32-bit
13012 architectures). Therefore the user is required to specify the return type by
13013 an appropriate cast explicitly:
13014
13015 @smallexample
13016 Breakpoint 2, 0x0040050b in func ()
13017 (@value{GDBP}) return -1
13018 Return value type not available for selected stack frame.
13019 Please use an explicit cast of the value to return.
13020 (@value{GDBP}) return (long long int) -1
13021 Make selected stack frame return now? (y or n) y
13022 #0 0x00400526 in main ()
13023 (@value{GDBP})
13024 @end smallexample
13025
13026 @node Calling
13027 @section Calling Program Functions
13028
13029 @table @code
13030 @cindex calling functions
13031 @cindex inferior functions, calling
13032 @item print @var{expr}
13033 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
13034 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
13035 debugged.
13036
13037 @kindex call
13038 @item call @var{expr}
13039 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
13040 returned values.
13041
13042 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
13043 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
13044 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
13045 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
13046 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
13047 value history.
13048 @end table
13049
13050 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
13051 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
13052 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
13053 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
13054
13055 Similarly, with a C@t{++} program it is possible for the function you
13056 call via the @code{print} or @code{call} command to generate an
13057 exception that is not handled due to the constraints of the dummy
13058 frame. In this case, any exception that is raised in the frame, but has
13059 an out-of-frame exception handler will not be found. GDB builds a
13060 dummy-frame for the inferior function call, and the unwinder cannot
13061 seek for exception handlers outside of this dummy-frame. What happens
13062 in that case is controlled by the
13063 @code{set unwind-on-terminating-exception} command.
13064
13065 @table @code
13066 @item set unwindonsignal
13067 @kindex set unwindonsignal
13068 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
13069 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
13070 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
13071 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
13072 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
13073 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
13074 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
13075 received.
13076
13077 @item show unwindonsignal
13078 @kindex show unwindonsignal
13079 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
13080 @value{GDBN}.
13081
13082 @item set unwind-on-terminating-exception
13083 @kindex set unwind-on-terminating-exception
13084 @cindex unwind stack in called functions with unhandled exceptions
13085 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding on unhandled exception.
13086 Set unwinding of the stack if a C@t{++} exception is raised, but left
13087 unhandled while in a function that @value{GDBN} called in the program being
13088 debugged. If set to on (the default), @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack
13089 it created for the call and restores the context to what it was before
13090 the call. If set to off, @value{GDBN} the exception is delivered to
13091 the default C@t{++} exception handler and the inferior terminated.
13092
13093 @item show unwind-on-terminating-exception
13094 @kindex show unwind-on-terminating-exception
13095 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
13096 @value{GDBN}.
13097
13098 @end table
13099
13100 @cindex weak alias functions
13101 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
13102 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
13103 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
13104 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
13105 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
13106 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
13107 function instead.
13108
13109 @node Patching
13110 @section Patching Programs
13111
13112 @cindex patching binaries
13113 @cindex writing into executables
13114 @cindex writing into corefiles
13115
13116 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
13117 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
13118 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
13119 patching your program's binary.
13120
13121 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
13122 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
13123 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
13124 repairs.
13125
13126 @table @code
13127 @kindex set write
13128 @item set write on
13129 @itemx set write off
13130 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
13131 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @kbd{set write
13132 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
13133
13134 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
13135 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
13136 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
13137
13138 @item show write
13139 @kindex show write
13140 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
13141 as well as reading.
13142 @end table
13143
13144 @node GDB Files
13145 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
13146
13147 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
13148 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
13149 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
13150 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
13151
13152 @menu
13153 * Files:: Commands to specify files
13154 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
13155 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
13156 * Data Files:: GDB data files
13157 @end menu
13158
13159 @node Files
13160 @section Commands to Specify Files
13161
13162 @cindex symbol table
13163 @cindex core dump file
13164
13165 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
13166 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
13167 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
13168 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
13169
13170 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
13171 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
13172 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
13173 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
13174 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
13175 new files are useful.
13176
13177 @table @code
13178 @cindex executable file
13179 @kindex file
13180 @item file @var{filename}
13181 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
13182 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
13183 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
13184 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
13185 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
13186 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
13187 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
13188 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
13189
13190 @cindex unlinked object files
13191 @cindex patching object files
13192 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
13193 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
13194 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
13195 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
13196 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
13197 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
13198 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
13199 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
13200
13201 @item file
13202 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
13203 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
13204
13205 @kindex exec-file
13206 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
13207 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
13208 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
13209 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
13210 discard information on the executable file.
13211
13212 @kindex symbol-file
13213 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
13214 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
13215 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
13216 table and program to run from the same file.
13217
13218 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
13219 program's symbol table.
13220
13221 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
13222 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
13223 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
13224 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
13225 @value{GDBN}.
13226
13227 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
13228 executing it once.
13229
13230 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
13231 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
13232 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
13233 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
13234 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
13235 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
13236 optimized code.
13237
13238 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
13239 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
13240 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
13241 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
13242 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
13243
13244 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
13245 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
13246 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
13247 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
13248 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
13249 Warnings and Messages}.)
13250
13251 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
13252 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
13253 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
13254 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
13255 in stabs format.
13256
13257 @kindex readnow
13258 @cindex reading symbols immediately
13259 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
13260 @item symbol-file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
13261 @itemx file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
13262 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
13263 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
13264 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
13265 entire symbol table available.
13266
13267 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
13268 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
13269 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
13270 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
13271 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
13272 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
13273 @c files.
13274
13275 @kindex core-file
13276 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
13277 @itemx core
13278 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
13279 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
13280 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
13281 executable file itself for other parts.
13282
13283 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
13284 to be used.
13285
13286 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
13287 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
13288 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
13289 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
13290 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
13291
13292 @kindex add-symbol-file
13293 @cindex dynamic linking
13294 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
13295 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
13296 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
13297 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
13298 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
13299 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
13300 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
13301 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
13302 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
13303 of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
13304 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
13305 @var{address} as an expression.
13306
13307 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
13308 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
13309 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
13310 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
13311 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
13312
13313 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
13314 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
13315 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
13316 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
13317 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
13318 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
13319 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
13320 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
13321 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
13322
13323 @itemize @bullet
13324 @item
13325 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
13326 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
13327 @item
13328 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
13329 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
13330 @item
13331 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
13332 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
13333 @end itemize
13334
13335 @noindent
13336 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
13337 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
13338 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
13339 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
13340 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
13341 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
13342 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
13343 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
13344 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
13345 way.
13346
13347 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
13348
13349 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
13350 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
13351 @cindex load symbols from memory
13352 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
13353 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
13354 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
13355 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
13356 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
13357 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
13358 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
13359 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
13360 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
13361
13362 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
13363 @kindex assf
13364 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
13365 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
13366 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
13367 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
13368 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
13369 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
13370 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
13371 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
13372 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
13373 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
13374
13375 @kindex section
13376 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
13377 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
13378 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
13379 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
13380 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
13381 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
13382 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
13383 their addresses.
13384
13385 @kindex info files
13386 @kindex info target
13387 @item info files
13388 @itemx info target
13389 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
13390 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
13391 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
13392 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
13393 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
13394 current ones.
13395
13396 @kindex maint info sections
13397 @item maint info sections
13398 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
13399 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
13400 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
13401 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
13402 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
13403 may be arbitrarily combined):
13404
13405 @table @code
13406 @item ALLOBJ
13407 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
13408 @item @var{sections}
13409 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
13410 @item @var{section-flags}
13411 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
13412 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
13413 @table @code
13414 @item ALLOC
13415 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
13416 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
13417 @item LOAD
13418 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
13419 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
13420 @item RELOC
13421 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
13422 @item READONLY
13423 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
13424 @item CODE
13425 Section contains executable code only.
13426 @item DATA
13427 Section contains data only (no executable code).
13428 @item ROM
13429 Section will reside in ROM.
13430 @item CONSTRUCTOR
13431 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
13432 @item HAS_CONTENTS
13433 Section is not empty.
13434 @item NEVER_LOAD
13435 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
13436 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
13437 A notification to the linker that the section contains
13438 COFF shared library information.
13439 @item IS_COMMON
13440 Section contains common symbols.
13441 @end table
13442 @end table
13443 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
13444 @cindex read-only sections
13445 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
13446 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
13447 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
13448 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
13449 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
13450 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
13451 enhancement to debugging performance.
13452
13453 The default is off.
13454
13455 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
13456 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
13457 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
13458 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
13459
13460 @item show trust-readonly-sections
13461 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
13462 @end table
13463
13464 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
13465 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
13466 name and remembers it that way.
13467
13468 @cindex shared libraries
13469 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
13470 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
13471 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
13472
13473 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
13474 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
13475
13476 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
13477 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
13478 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
13479 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
13480 debugging a core file).
13481
13482 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
13483 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
13484
13485 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
13486 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
13487 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
13488
13489 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
13490 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
13491 particularly large or there are many of them.
13492
13493 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
13494 commands:
13495
13496 @table @code
13497 @kindex set auto-solib-add
13498 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
13499 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
13500 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
13501 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
13502 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
13503 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
13504 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
13505
13506 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
13507 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
13508 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
13509 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
13510 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
13511 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
13512 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
13513 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
13514 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
13515
13516 @kindex show auto-solib-add
13517 @item show auto-solib-add
13518 Display the current autoloading mode.
13519 @end table
13520
13521 @cindex load shared library
13522 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
13523 command:
13524
13525 @table @code
13526 @kindex info sharedlibrary
13527 @kindex info share
13528 @item info share
13529 @itemx info sharedlibrary
13530 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded.
13531
13532 @kindex sharedlibrary
13533 @kindex share
13534 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
13535 @itemx share @var{regex}
13536 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
13537 Unix regular expression.
13538 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
13539 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
13540 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
13541 loaded.
13542
13543 @item nosharedlibrary
13544 @kindex nosharedlibrary
13545 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
13546 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
13547 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
13548 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
13549 discarded.
13550 @end table
13551
13552 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
13553 when any of shared library events happen. Use the @code{set
13554 stop-on-solib-events} command for this:
13555
13556 @table @code
13557 @item set stop-on-solib-events
13558 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
13559 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
13560 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
13561 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
13562 shared library.
13563
13564 @item show stop-on-solib-events
13565 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
13566 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
13567 library events happen.
13568 @end table
13569
13570 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
13571 configurations. @value{GDBN} needs to have access to the target's libraries;
13572 this can be accomplished either by providing copies of the libraries
13573 on the host system, or by asking @value{GDBN} to automatically retrieve the
13574 libraries from the target. If copies of the target libraries are
13575 provided, they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
13576 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
13577 not.
13578
13579 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
13580 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
13581 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
13582 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
13583 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
13584
13585 @table @code
13586 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
13587 @cindex system root, alternate
13588 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
13589 @kindex set sysroot
13590 @item set sysroot @var{path}
13591 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
13592 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
13593 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
13594 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
13595 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
13596 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
13597 under @var{path}.
13598
13599 If @var{path} starts with the sequence @file{remote:}, @value{GDBN} will
13600 retrieve the target libraries from the remote system. This is only
13601 supported when using a remote target that supports the @code{remote get}
13602 command (@pxref{File Transfer,,Sending files to a remote system}).
13603 The part of @var{path} following the initial @file{remote:}
13604 (if present) is used as system root prefix on the remote file system.
13605 @footnote{If you want to specify a local system root using a directory
13606 that happens to be named @file{remote:}, you need to use some equivalent
13607 variant of the name like @file{./remote:}.}
13608
13609 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
13610 sysroot}.
13611
13612 @cindex default system root
13613 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
13614 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
13615 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
13616 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
13617 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
13618 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
13619 location.
13620
13621 @kindex show sysroot
13622 @item show sysroot
13623 Display the current shared library prefix.
13624
13625 @kindex set solib-search-path
13626 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
13627 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
13628 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
13629 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
13630 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
13631 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
13632 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
13633 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
13634 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
13635 of shared library symbols.
13636
13637 @kindex show solib-search-path
13638 @item show solib-search-path
13639 Display the current shared library search path.
13640 @end table
13641
13642
13643 @node Separate Debug Files
13644 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
13645 @cindex separate debugging information files
13646 @cindex debugging information in separate files
13647 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
13648 @cindex debugging information directory, global
13649 @cindex global debugging information directory
13650 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
13651 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
13652
13653 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
13654 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
13655 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
13656 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
13657 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
13658 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
13659 install only when they need to debug a problem.
13660
13661 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
13662 file:
13663
13664 @itemize @bullet
13665 @item
13666 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
13667 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
13668 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
13669 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
13670 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
13671 debug link specifies a 32-bit @dfn{Cyclic Redundancy Check} (CRC)
13672 checksum for the debug file, which @value{GDBN} uses to validate that
13673 the executable and the debug file came from the same build.
13674
13675 @item
13676 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
13677 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
13678 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
13679 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
13680 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
13681 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
13682 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
13683 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
13684 below.
13685 @end itemize
13686
13687 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
13688 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
13689
13690 @itemize @bullet
13691 @item
13692 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
13693 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
13694 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under the global debug
13695 directory, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
13696 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
13697
13698 @item
13699 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
13700 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of the global debug directory for a file
13701 named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
13702 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
13703 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
13704 hex characters, not 10.)
13705 @end itemize
13706
13707 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
13708 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
13709 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
13710 @code{abcdef1234}. If the global debug directory is
13711 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
13712 debug information files, in the indicated order:
13713
13714 @itemize @minus
13715 @item
13716 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
13717 @item
13718 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
13719 @item
13720 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
13721 @item
13722 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
13723 @end itemize
13724
13725 You can set the global debugging info directory's name, and view the
13726 name @value{GDBN} is currently using.
13727
13728 @table @code
13729
13730 @kindex set debug-file-directory
13731 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directory}
13732 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
13733 information files to @var{directory}.
13734
13735 @kindex show debug-file-directory
13736 @item show debug-file-directory
13737 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
13738 information files.
13739
13740 @end table
13741
13742 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
13743 @cindex debug link sections
13744 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
13745 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
13746
13747 @itemize
13748 @item
13749 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
13750 a zero byte,
13751 @item
13752 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
13753 boundary within the section, and
13754 @item
13755 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
13756 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
13757 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
13758 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
13759 @end itemize
13760
13761 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
13762 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
13763 described above.
13764
13765 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
13766 @cindex build ID sections
13767 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
13768 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
13769 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
13770 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
13771 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
13772 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
13773 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
13774 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
13775 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
13776
13777 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
13778 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
13779 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
13780 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
13781 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
13782 in an ordinary executable.
13783
13784 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
13785 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
13786 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
13787 following commands:
13788
13789 @smallexample
13790 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
13791 @kbd{strip -g foo}
13792 @end smallexample
13793
13794 @noindent
13795 These commands remove the debugging
13796 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
13797 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
13798 two files:
13799
13800 @itemize @bullet
13801 @item
13802 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
13803 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
13804
13805 @smallexample
13806 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
13807 @end smallexample
13808
13809 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
13810 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
13811 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
13812 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
13813
13814 @item
13815 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
13816 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
13817 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
13818 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
13819 @end itemize
13820
13821 @noindent
13822
13823 @cindex CRC algorithm definition
13824 The CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink} is the CRC-32 defined in
13825 IEEE 802.3 using the polynomial:
13826
13827 @c TexInfo requires naked braces for multi-digit exponents for Tex
13828 @c output, but this causes HTML output to barf. HTML has to be set using
13829 @c raw commands. So we end up having to specify this equation in 2
13830 @c different ways!
13831 @ifhtml
13832 @display
13833 @html
13834 <em>x</em><sup>32</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>26</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>23</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>22</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>16</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>12</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>11</sup>
13835 + <em>x</em><sup>10</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>8</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>7</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>5</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>4</sup> + <em>x</em><sup>2</sup> + <em>x</em> + 1
13836 @end html
13837 @end display
13838 @end ifhtml
13839 @ifnothtml
13840 @display
13841 @math{x^{32} + x^{26} + x^{23} + x^{22} + x^{16} + x^{12} + x^{11}}
13842 @math{+ x^{10} + x^8 + x^7 + x^5 + x^4 + x^2 + x + 1}
13843 @end display
13844 @end ifnothtml
13845
13846 The function is computed byte at a time, taking the least
13847 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern
13848 @code{0xffffffff} is used, to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC and
13849 the final result is inverted to ensure trailing zeros also affect the
13850 CRC.
13851
13852 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC polynomial as used in handling the
13853 @dfn{Remote Serial Protocol} @code{qCRC} packet (@pxref{Remote Protocol,
13854 , @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol}). However in the
13855 case of the Remote Serial Protocol, the CRC is computed @emph{most}
13856 significant bit first, and the result is not inverted, so trailing
13857 zeros have no effect on the CRC value.
13858
13859 To complete the description, we show below the code of the function
13860 which produces the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}. Inverting the
13861 initially supplied @code{crc} argument means that an initial call to
13862 this function passing in zero will start computing the CRC using
13863 @code{0xffffffff}.
13864
13865 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
13866 @smallexample
13867 unsigned long
13868 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
13869 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
13870 @{
13871 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
13872 @{
13873 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
13874 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
13875 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
13876 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
13877 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
13878 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
13879 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
13880 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
13881 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
13882 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
13883 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
13884 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
13885 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
13886 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
13887 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
13888 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
13889 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
13890 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
13891 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
13892 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
13893 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
13894 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
13895 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
13896 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
13897 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
13898 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
13899 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
13900 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
13901 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
13902 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
13903 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
13904 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
13905 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
13906 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
13907 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
13908 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
13909 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
13910 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
13911 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
13912 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
13913 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
13914 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
13915 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
13916 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
13917 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
13918 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
13919 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
13920 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
13921 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
13922 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
13923 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
13924 0x2d02ef8d
13925 @};
13926 unsigned char *end;
13927
13928 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
13929 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
13930 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
13931 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
13932 @}
13933 @end smallexample
13934
13935 @noindent
13936 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
13937
13938
13939 @node Symbol Errors
13940 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
13941
13942 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
13943 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
13944 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
13945 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
13946 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
13947 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
13948 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
13949 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
13950 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
13951 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
13952 Messages}).
13953
13954 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
13955
13956 @table @code
13957 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
13958
13959 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
13960 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
13961 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
13962 in its outer scope blocks.
13963
13964 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
13965 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
13966 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
13967 function.
13968
13969 @item block at @var{address} out of order
13970
13971 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
13972 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
13973 do so.
13974
13975 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
13976 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
13977 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
13978 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
13979 Messages}.)
13980
13981 @item bad block start address patched
13982
13983 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
13984 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
13985 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
13986
13987 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
13988 starting on the previous source line.
13989
13990 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
13991
13992 @cindex foo
13993 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
13994 larger than the size of the string table.
13995
13996 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
13997 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
13998 with this name.
13999
14000 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
14001
14002 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
14003 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
14004 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
14005
14006 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
14007 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
14008 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
14009 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
14010 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
14011 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
14012
14013 @item stub type has NULL name
14014
14015 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
14016
14017 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
14018 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
14019 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
14020 it.
14021
14022 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
14023
14024 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
14025
14026 @end table
14027
14028 @node Data Files
14029 @section GDB Data Files
14030
14031 @cindex prefix for data files
14032 @value{GDBN} will sometimes read an auxiliary data file. These files
14033 are kept in a directory known as the @dfn{data directory}.
14034
14035 You can set the data directory's name, and view the name @value{GDBN}
14036 is currently using.
14037
14038 @table @code
14039 @kindex set data-directory
14040 @item set data-directory @var{directory}
14041 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files
14042 to @var{directory}.
14043
14044 @kindex show data-directory
14045 @item show data-directory
14046 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for auxiliary data files.
14047 @end table
14048
14049 @cindex default data directory
14050 @cindex @samp{--with-gdb-datadir}
14051 You can set the default data directory by using the configure-time
14052 @samp{--with-gdb-datadir} option. If the data directory is inside
14053 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
14054 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default data directory will be updated
14055 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
14056 location.
14057
14058 @node Targets
14059 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
14060
14061 @cindex debugging target
14062 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
14063
14064 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
14065 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
14066 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
14067 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
14068 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
14069 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
14070 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
14071 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
14072
14073 @cindex target architecture
14074 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
14075 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
14076 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
14077 command.
14078
14079 @table @code
14080 @kindex set architecture
14081 @kindex show architecture
14082 @item set architecture @var{arch}
14083 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
14084 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
14085 supported architectures.
14086
14087 @item show architecture
14088 Show the current target architecture.
14089
14090 @item set processor
14091 @itemx processor
14092 @kindex set processor
14093 @kindex show processor
14094 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
14095 and @code{show architecture}.
14096 @end table
14097
14098 @menu
14099 * Active Targets:: Active targets
14100 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
14101 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
14102 @end menu
14103
14104 @node Active Targets
14105 @section Active Targets
14106
14107 @cindex stacking targets
14108 @cindex active targets
14109 @cindex multiple targets
14110
14111 There are three classes of targets: processes, core files, and
14112 executable files. @value{GDBN} can work concurrently on up to three
14113 active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for example)
14114 start a process and inspect its activity without abandoning your work on
14115 a core file.
14116
14117 For example, if you execute @samp{gdb a.out}, then the executable file
14118 @code{a.out} is the only active target. If you designate a core file as
14119 well---presumably from a prior run that crashed and coredumped---then
14120 @value{GDBN} has two active targets and uses them in tandem, looking
14121 first in the corefile target, then in the executable file, to satisfy
14122 requests for memory addresses. (Typically, these two classes of target
14123 are complementary, since core files contain only a program's
14124 read-write memory---variables and so on---plus machine status, while
14125 executable files contain only the program text and initialized data.)
14126
14127 When you type @code{run}, your executable file becomes an active process
14128 target as well. When a process target is active, all @value{GDBN}
14129 commands requesting memory addresses refer to that target; addresses in
14130 an active core file or executable file target are obscured while the
14131 process target is active.
14132
14133 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new
14134 core file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify
14135 Files}). To specify as a target a process that is already running, use
14136 the @code{attach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
14137 Process}).
14138
14139 @node Target Commands
14140 @section Commands for Managing Targets
14141
14142 @table @code
14143 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
14144 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
14145 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
14146 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
14147 protocol of the target machine.
14148
14149 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
14150 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
14151 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
14152
14153 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
14154 after executing the command.
14155
14156 @kindex help target
14157 @item help target
14158 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
14159 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
14160 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
14161
14162 @item help target @var{name}
14163 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
14164 select it.
14165
14166 @kindex set gnutarget
14167 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
14168 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
14169 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
14170 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
14171 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
14172 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
14173
14174 @quotation
14175 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
14176 you must know the actual BFD name.
14177 @end quotation
14178
14179 @noindent
14180 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
14181
14182 @kindex show gnutarget
14183 @item show gnutarget
14184 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
14185 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
14186 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
14187 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
14188 @end table
14189
14190 @cindex common targets
14191 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
14192 configuration):
14193
14194 @table @code
14195 @kindex target
14196 @item target exec @var{program}
14197 @cindex executable file target
14198 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
14199 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
14200
14201 @item target core @var{filename}
14202 @cindex core dump file target
14203 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
14204 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
14205
14206 @item target remote @var{medium}
14207 @cindex remote target
14208 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
14209 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
14210 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
14211
14212 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
14213 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
14214
14215 @smallexample
14216 target remote /dev/ttya
14217 @end smallexample
14218
14219 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
14220 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
14221 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
14222 clobbered by the download.
14223
14224 @item target sim
14225 @cindex built-in simulator target
14226 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
14227 In general,
14228 @smallexample
14229 target sim
14230 load
14231 run
14232 @end smallexample
14233 @noindent
14234 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
14235 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
14236 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
14237 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
14238 Processors}.
14239
14240 @end table
14241
14242 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
14243
14244 @table @code
14245
14246 @item target nrom @var{dev}
14247 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
14248 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
14249
14250 @end table
14251
14252 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
14253 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
14254
14255 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
14256 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
14257 various aspects of this process.
14258
14259 @table @code
14260
14261 @item set hash
14262 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
14263 @cindex hash mark while downloading
14264 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
14265 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
14266 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
14267 monitor.
14268
14269 @item show hash
14270 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
14271 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
14272
14273 @item set debug monitor
14274 @kindex set debug monitor
14275 @cindex display remote monitor communications
14276 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
14277 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
14278
14279 @item show debug monitor
14280 @kindex show debug monitor
14281 Show the current status of displaying communications between
14282 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
14283 @end table
14284
14285 @table @code
14286
14287 @kindex load @var{filename}
14288 @item load @var{filename}
14289 @anchor{load}
14290 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
14291 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
14292 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
14293 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
14294 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
14295 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
14296
14297 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
14298 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
14299 target is @dots{}}''
14300
14301 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
14302 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
14303 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
14304 specifies a fixed address.
14305 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
14306
14307 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
14308 load programs into flash memory.
14309
14310 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
14311 @end table
14312
14313 @node Byte Order
14314 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
14315
14316 @cindex choosing target byte order
14317 @cindex target byte order
14318
14319 Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
14320 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
14321 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
14322 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
14323 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
14324 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
14325
14326 @table @code
14327 @kindex set endian
14328 @item set endian big
14329 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
14330
14331 @item set endian little
14332 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
14333
14334 @item set endian auto
14335 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
14336 executable.
14337
14338 @item show endian
14339 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
14340
14341 @end table
14342
14343 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
14344 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
14345 target system.
14346
14347
14348 @node Remote Debugging
14349 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
14350 @cindex remote debugging
14351
14352 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
14353 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
14354 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
14355 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
14356 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
14357
14358 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
14359 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
14360 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
14361 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
14362 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
14363 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
14364
14365 Other remote targets may be available in your
14366 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
14367
14368 @menu
14369 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
14370 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
14371 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
14372 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
14373 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
14374 @end menu
14375
14376 @node Connecting
14377 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
14378
14379 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
14380 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
14381 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
14382 program as the first argument.
14383
14384 @cindex @code{target remote}
14385 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
14386 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
14387 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
14388 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
14389 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
14390 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
14391
14392 @table @code
14393
14394 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
14395 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
14396 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
14397 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
14398
14399 @smallexample
14400 target remote /dev/ttyb
14401 @end smallexample
14402
14403 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
14404 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
14405 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
14406 @code{target} command.
14407
14408 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
14409 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
14410 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
14411 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
14412 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
14413 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
14414 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
14415 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
14416 target.
14417
14418 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
14419 @code{manyfarms}:
14420
14421 @smallexample
14422 target remote manyfarms:2828
14423 @end smallexample
14424
14425 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
14426 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
14427 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
14428 port 1234 on your local machine:
14429
14430 @smallexample
14431 target remote :1234
14432 @end smallexample
14433 @noindent
14434
14435 Note that the colon is still required here.
14436
14437 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
14438 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
14439 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
14440 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
14441
14442 @smallexample
14443 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
14444 @end smallexample
14445
14446 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
14447 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
14448 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
14449 cause havoc with your debugging session.
14450
14451 @item target remote | @var{command}
14452 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
14453 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
14454 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
14455 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
14456 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
14457 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
14458 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
14459 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
14460
14461 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
14462 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
14463 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
14464
14465 @end table
14466
14467 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
14468 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
14469 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
14470 need to use @kbd{run}.
14471
14472 @cindex interrupting remote programs
14473 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
14474 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
14475 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
14476 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
14477 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
14478 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
14479
14480 @smallexample
14481 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
14482 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
14483 @end smallexample
14484
14485 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
14486 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
14487 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
14488 goes back to waiting.
14489
14490 @table @code
14491 @kindex detach (remote)
14492 @item detach
14493 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
14494 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
14495 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
14496 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
14497 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
14498
14499 @kindex disconnect
14500 @item disconnect
14501 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
14502 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
14503 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
14504 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
14505 another target.
14506
14507 @cindex send command to remote monitor
14508 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
14509 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
14510 @kindex monitor
14511 @item monitor @var{cmd}
14512 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
14513 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
14514 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
14515 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
14516 and implement.
14517 @end table
14518
14519 @node File Transfer
14520 @section Sending files to a remote system
14521 @cindex remote target, file transfer
14522 @cindex file transfer
14523 @cindex sending files to remote systems
14524
14525 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
14526 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
14527 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
14528 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
14529 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
14530 the only way to upload or download files.
14531
14532 Not all remote targets support these commands.
14533
14534 @table @code
14535 @kindex remote put
14536 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
14537 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
14538 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
14539
14540 @kindex remote get
14541 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
14542 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
14543 on the host system.
14544
14545 @kindex remote delete
14546 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
14547 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
14548
14549 @end table
14550
14551 @node Server
14552 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
14553
14554 @kindex gdbserver
14555 @cindex remote connection without stubs
14556 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
14557 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
14558 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
14559
14560 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
14561 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
14562 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
14563 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
14564 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
14565 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
14566 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
14567 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
14568 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
14569 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
14570 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
14571 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
14572 choice for debugging.
14573
14574 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
14575 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
14576 protocol.
14577
14578 @quotation
14579 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
14580 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
14581 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
14582 target system with the same privileges as the user running
14583 @code{gdbserver}.
14584 @end quotation
14585
14586 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
14587 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
14588
14589 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
14590 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
14591 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
14592 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
14593 system does all the symbol handling.
14594
14595 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
14596 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
14597 syntax is:
14598
14599 @smallexample
14600 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
14601 @end smallexample
14602
14603 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
14604 hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
14605 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
14606 @file{/dev/com1}:
14607
14608 @smallexample
14609 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
14610 @end smallexample
14611
14612 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
14613 with it.
14614
14615 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
14616
14617 @smallexample
14618 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
14619 @end smallexample
14620
14621 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
14622 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
14623 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
14624 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
14625 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
14626 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
14627 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
14628 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
14629 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
14630 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
14631 @code{target remote} command.
14632
14633 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
14634
14635 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
14636 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
14637
14638 @smallexample
14639 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
14640 @end smallexample
14641
14642 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
14643 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
14644
14645 @pindex pidof
14646 @cindex attach to a program by name
14647 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
14648 @code{pidof} utility:
14649
14650 @smallexample
14651 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
14652 @end smallexample
14653
14654 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
14655 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
14656 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
14657
14658 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
14659 @cindex gdbserver, multiple processes
14660 @cindex multiple processes with gdbserver
14661
14662 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
14663 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
14664 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
14665 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
14666
14667 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
14668 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
14669 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
14670 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
14671 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
14672 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
14673 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
14674 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
14675 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
14676
14677 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
14678 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
14679 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
14680 the program you want to debug.
14681
14682 @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit in multi-process mode.
14683 You can terminate it by using @code{monitor exit}
14684 (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
14685
14686 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
14687
14688 The @option{--debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display extra
14689 status information about the debugging process. The
14690 @option{--remote-debug} option tells @code{gdbserver} to display
14691 remote protocol debug output. These options are intended for
14692 @code{gdbserver} development and for bug reports to the developers.
14693
14694 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
14695 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
14696 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
14697 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
14698
14699 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
14700 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
14701 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
14702 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
14703
14704 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
14705 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
14706 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
14707 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
14708
14709 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
14710 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
14711 environment:
14712
14713 @smallexample
14714 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
14715 @end smallexample
14716
14717 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
14718
14719 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
14720
14721 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
14722 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
14723 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
14724 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
14725
14726 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
14727 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
14728 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
14729 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
14730 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
14731 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
14732 programs.
14733
14734 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
14735 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
14736 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
14737 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
14738 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
14739 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
14740 already on the target.
14741
14742 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
14743 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
14744 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
14745
14746 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
14747 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
14748 Here are the available commands.
14749
14750 @table @code
14751 @item monitor help
14752 List the available monitor commands.
14753
14754 @item monitor set debug 0
14755 @itemx monitor set debug 1
14756 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
14757
14758 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
14759 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
14760 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
14761 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
14762
14763 @item monitor exit
14764 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
14765 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
14766 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
14767 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
14768 of a multi-process mode debug session.
14769
14770 @end table
14771
14772 @node Remote Configuration
14773 @section Remote Configuration
14774
14775 @kindex set remote
14776 @kindex show remote
14777 This section documents the configuration options available when
14778 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
14779 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
14780 system-call-allowed}.
14781
14782 @table @code
14783 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
14784 @cindex address size for remote targets
14785 @cindex bits in remote address
14786 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
14787 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
14788 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
14789 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
14790
14791 @item show remoteaddresssize
14792 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
14793
14794 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
14795 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
14796 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
14797 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
14798 remote targets.
14799
14800 @item show remotebaud
14801 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
14802
14803 @item set remotebreak
14804 @cindex interrupt remote programs
14805 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
14806 @anchor{set remotebreak}
14807 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
14808 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
14809 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
14810 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
14811 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
14812
14813 @item show remotebreak
14814 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
14815 interrupt the remote program.
14816
14817 @item set remoteflow on
14818 @itemx set remoteflow off
14819 @kindex set remoteflow
14820 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
14821 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
14822
14823 @item show remoteflow
14824 @kindex show remoteflow
14825 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
14826
14827 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
14828 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
14829 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
14830 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
14831 @code{ascii}.
14832
14833 @item show remotelogbase
14834 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
14835 protocol.
14836
14837 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
14838 @cindex record serial communications on file
14839 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
14840 default is not to record at all.
14841
14842 @item show remotelogfile.
14843 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
14844 serial communications.
14845
14846 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
14847 @cindex timeout for serial communications
14848 @cindex remote timeout
14849 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
14850 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
14851
14852 @item show remotetimeout
14853 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
14854 responses.
14855
14856 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
14857 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
14858 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
14859 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
14860 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
14861 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
14862 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
14863 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
14864
14865 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
14866 @itemx show remote exec-file
14867 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
14868 @cindex executable file, for remote target
14869 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
14870 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
14871 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
14872 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
14873
14874 @kindex set tcp
14875 @kindex show tcp
14876 @item set tcp auto-retry on
14877 @cindex auto-retry, for remote TCP target
14878 Enable auto-retry for remote TCP connections. This is useful if the remote
14879 debugging agent is launched in parallel with @value{GDBN}; there is a race
14880 condition because the agent may not become ready to accept the connection
14881 before @value{GDBN} attempts to connect. When auto-retry is
14882 enabled, if the initial attempt to connect fails, @value{GDBN} reattempts
14883 to establish the connection using the timeout specified by
14884 @code{set tcp connect-timeout}.
14885
14886 @item set tcp auto-retry off
14887 Do not auto-retry failed TCP connections.
14888
14889 @item show tcp auto-retry
14890 Show the current auto-retry setting.
14891
14892 @item set tcp connect-timeout @var{seconds}
14893 @cindex connection timeout, for remote TCP target
14894 @cindex timeout, for remote target connection
14895 Set the timeout for establishing a TCP connection to the remote target to
14896 @var{seconds}. The timeout affects both polling to retry failed connections
14897 (enabled by @code{set tcp auto-retry on}) and waiting for connections
14898 that are merely slow to complete, and represents an approximate cumulative
14899 value.
14900
14901 @item show tcp connect-timeout
14902 Show the current connection timeout setting.
14903 @end table
14904
14905 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
14906 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
14907 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
14908 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
14909 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
14910 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
14911 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
14912 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
14913 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
14914
14915 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
14916 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
14917 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
14918 @value{GDBN} developers.
14919
14920 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
14921 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
14922 are:
14923
14924 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
14925 @item Command Name
14926 @tab Remote Packet
14927 @tab Related Features
14928
14929 @item @code{fetch-register}
14930 @tab @code{p}
14931 @tab @code{info registers}
14932
14933 @item @code{set-register}
14934 @tab @code{P}
14935 @tab @code{set}
14936
14937 @item @code{binary-download}
14938 @tab @code{X}
14939 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
14940
14941 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
14942 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
14943 @tab @code{info auxv}
14944
14945 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
14946 @tab @code{qSymbol}
14947 @tab Detecting multiple threads
14948
14949 @item @code{attach}
14950 @tab @code{vAttach}
14951 @tab @code{attach}
14952
14953 @item @code{verbose-resume}
14954 @tab @code{vCont}
14955 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
14956
14957 @item @code{run}
14958 @tab @code{vRun}
14959 @tab @code{run}
14960
14961 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
14962 @tab @code{Z0}
14963 @tab @code{break}
14964
14965 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
14966 @tab @code{Z1}
14967 @tab @code{hbreak}
14968
14969 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
14970 @tab @code{Z2}
14971 @tab @code{watch}
14972
14973 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
14974 @tab @code{Z3}
14975 @tab @code{rwatch}
14976
14977 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
14978 @tab @code{Z4}
14979 @tab @code{awatch}
14980
14981 @item @code{target-features}
14982 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
14983 @tab @code{set architecture}
14984
14985 @item @code{library-info}
14986 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
14987 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
14988
14989 @item @code{memory-map}
14990 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
14991 @tab @code{info mem}
14992
14993 @item @code{read-spu-object}
14994 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
14995 @tab @code{info spu}
14996
14997 @item @code{write-spu-object}
14998 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
14999 @tab @code{info spu}
15000
15001 @item @code{read-siginfo-object}
15002 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:read}
15003 @tab @code{print $_siginfo}
15004
15005 @item @code{write-siginfo-object}
15006 @tab @code{qXfer:siginfo:write}
15007 @tab @code{set $_siginfo}
15008
15009 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
15010 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
15011 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
15012
15013 @item @code{search-memory}
15014 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
15015 @tab @code{find}
15016
15017 @item @code{supported-packets}
15018 @tab @code{qSupported}
15019 @tab Remote communications parameters
15020
15021 @item @code{pass-signals}
15022 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
15023 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
15024
15025 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
15026 @tab @code{vFile:close}
15027 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
15028
15029 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
15030 @tab @code{vFile:open}
15031 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
15032
15033 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
15034 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
15035 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
15036
15037 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
15038 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
15039 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
15040
15041 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
15042 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
15043 @tab @code{remote delete}
15044
15045 @item @code{noack-packet}
15046 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
15047 @tab Packet acknowledgment
15048
15049 @item @code{osdata}
15050 @tab @code{qXfer:osdata:read}
15051 @tab @code{info os}
15052
15053 @item @code{query-attached}
15054 @tab @code{qAttached}
15055 @tab Querying remote process attach state.
15056 @end multitable
15057
15058 @node Remote Stub
15059 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
15060
15061 @cindex debugging stub, example
15062 @cindex remote stub, example
15063 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
15064 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
15065 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
15066 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
15067 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
15068 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
15069 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
15070 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
15071
15072 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
15073 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
15074 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
15075 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
15076 program, you need:
15077
15078 @enumerate
15079 @item
15080 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
15081 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
15082 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
15083
15084 @item
15085 A C subroutine library to support your program's
15086 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
15087
15088 @item
15089 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
15090 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
15091 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
15092 documentation.
15093 @end enumerate
15094
15095 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
15096 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
15097 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
15098
15099 @table @emph
15100 @item On the host,
15101 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
15102 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
15103 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
15104
15105 @item On the target,
15106 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
15107 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
15108 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
15109
15110 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
15111 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
15112 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
15113 @end table
15114
15115 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
15116 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
15117 @sc{sparc} boards.
15118
15119 @cindex remote serial stub list
15120 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
15121
15122 @table @code
15123
15124 @item i386-stub.c
15125 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
15126 @cindex Intel
15127 @cindex i386
15128 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
15129
15130 @item m68k-stub.c
15131 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
15132 @cindex Motorola 680x0
15133 @cindex m680x0
15134 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
15135
15136 @item sh-stub.c
15137 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
15138 @cindex Renesas
15139 @cindex SH
15140 For Renesas SH architectures.
15141
15142 @item sparc-stub.c
15143 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
15144 @cindex Sparc
15145 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
15146
15147 @item sparcl-stub.c
15148 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
15149 @cindex Fujitsu
15150 @cindex SparcLite
15151 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
15152
15153 @end table
15154
15155 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
15156 recently added stubs.
15157
15158 @menu
15159 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
15160 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
15161 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
15162 @end menu
15163
15164 @node Stub Contents
15165 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
15166
15167 @cindex remote serial stub
15168 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
15169 subroutines:
15170
15171 @table @code
15172 @item set_debug_traps
15173 @findex set_debug_traps
15174 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
15175 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
15176 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
15177 beginning of your program.
15178
15179 @item handle_exception
15180 @findex handle_exception
15181 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
15182 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
15183 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
15184 run when a trap is triggered.
15185
15186 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
15187 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
15188 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
15189 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
15190 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
15191 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
15192 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
15193 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
15194 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
15195 machine.
15196
15197 @item breakpoint
15198 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
15199 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
15200 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
15201 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
15202 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
15203 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
15204 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
15205 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
15206 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
15207 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
15208 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
15209
15210 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
15211 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
15212 start of your debugging session.
15213 @end table
15214
15215 @node Bootstrapping
15216 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
15217
15218 @cindex remote stub, support routines
15219 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
15220 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
15221 debugging target machine.
15222
15223 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
15224 serial port.
15225
15226 @table @code
15227 @item int getDebugChar()
15228 @findex getDebugChar
15229 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
15230 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
15231 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
15232
15233 @item void putDebugChar(int)
15234 @findex putDebugChar
15235 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
15236 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
15237 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
15238 @end table
15239
15240 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
15241 @cindex interrupting remote targets
15242 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
15243 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
15244 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
15245 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
15246 remote system to stop.
15247
15248 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
15249 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
15250 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
15251 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
15252
15253 Other routines you need to supply are:
15254
15255 @table @code
15256 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
15257 @findex exceptionHandler
15258 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
15259 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
15260 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
15261 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
15262 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
15263 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
15264 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
15265 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
15266 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
15267 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
15268 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
15269 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
15270 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
15271
15272 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
15273 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
15274 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
15275 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
15276 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
15277
15278 @item void flush_i_cache()
15279 @findex flush_i_cache
15280 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
15281 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
15282 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
15283
15284 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
15285 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
15286 @end table
15287
15288 @noindent
15289 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
15290
15291 @table @code
15292 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
15293 @findex memset
15294 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
15295 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
15296 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
15297 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
15298 @end table
15299
15300 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
15301 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
15302 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
15303 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
15304
15305
15306 @node Debug Session
15307 @subsection Putting it All Together
15308
15309 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
15310 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
15311 steps.
15312
15313 @enumerate
15314 @item
15315 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
15316 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
15317 @display
15318 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
15319 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
15320 @end display
15321
15322 @item
15323 Insert these lines near the top of your program:
15324
15325 @smallexample
15326 set_debug_traps();
15327 breakpoint();
15328 @end smallexample
15329
15330 @item
15331 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
15332 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
15333
15334 @smallexample
15335 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
15336 @end smallexample
15337
15338 @noindent
15339 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
15340 function in your program, that function is called when
15341 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
15342 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
15343 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
15344
15345 @item
15346 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
15347 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
15348
15349 @item
15350 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
15351 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
15352
15353 @item
15354 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
15355 @c document that. FIXME.
15356 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
15357 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
15358
15359 @item
15360 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
15361 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
15362
15363 @end enumerate
15364
15365 @node Configurations
15366 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
15367
15368 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
15369 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
15370 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
15371
15372 There are three major categories of configurations: native
15373 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
15374 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
15375 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
15376 are quite different from each other.
15377
15378 @menu
15379 * Native::
15380 * Embedded OS::
15381 * Embedded Processors::
15382 * Architectures::
15383 @end menu
15384
15385 @node Native
15386 @section Native
15387
15388 This section describes details specific to particular native
15389 configurations.
15390
15391 @menu
15392 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
15393 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
15394 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
15395 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
15396 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
15397 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
15398 * Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
15399 * Darwin:: Features specific to Darwin
15400 @end menu
15401
15402 @node HP-UX
15403 @subsection HP-UX
15404
15405 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
15406 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
15407 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
15408
15409
15410 @node BSD libkvm Interface
15411 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
15412
15413 @cindex libkvm
15414 @cindex kernel memory image
15415 @cindex kernel crash dump
15416
15417 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
15418 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
15419 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
15420 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
15421 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
15422 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
15423 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
15424 @code{kvm} target:
15425
15426 @smallexample
15427 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
15428 @end smallexample
15429
15430 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
15431 argument:
15432
15433 @smallexample
15434 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
15435 @end smallexample
15436
15437 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
15438 available:
15439
15440 @table @code
15441 @kindex kvm
15442 @item kvm pcb
15443 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
15444
15445 @item kvm proc
15446 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
15447 modern FreeBSD systems.
15448 @end table
15449
15450 @node SVR4 Process Information
15451 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
15452 @cindex /proc
15453 @cindex examine process image
15454 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
15455
15456 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
15457 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
15458 process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
15459 for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
15460 proc} is available to report information about the process running
15461 your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
15462 proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
15463 This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
15464 Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
15465
15466 @table @code
15467 @kindex info proc
15468 @cindex process ID
15469 @item info proc
15470 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
15471 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
15472 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
15473 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
15474 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
15475 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
15476 executable file's absolute file name.
15477
15478 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
15479 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
15480 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
15481 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
15482 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
15483 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
15484
15485 @item info proc mappings
15486 @cindex memory address space mappings
15487 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
15488 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
15489 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
15490 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
15491 memory access rights to that range.
15492
15493 @item info proc stat
15494 @itemx info proc status
15495 @cindex process detailed status information
15496 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
15497 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
15498 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
15499 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
15500 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
15501 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
15502 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
15503
15504 @item info proc all
15505 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
15506 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
15507
15508 @ignore
15509 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
15510 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
15511 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
15512 @kindex info proc times
15513 @item info proc times
15514 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
15515 its children.
15516
15517 @kindex info proc id
15518 @item info proc id
15519 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
15520 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
15521 @end ignore
15522
15523 @item set procfs-trace
15524 @kindex set procfs-trace
15525 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
15526 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
15527
15528 @item show procfs-trace
15529 @kindex show procfs-trace
15530 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
15531
15532 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
15533 @kindex set procfs-file
15534 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
15535 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
15536 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
15537 standard output.
15538
15539 @item show procfs-file
15540 @kindex show procfs-file
15541 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
15542
15543 @item proc-trace-entry
15544 @itemx proc-trace-exit
15545 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
15546 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
15547 @kindex proc-trace-entry
15548 @kindex proc-trace-exit
15549 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
15550 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
15551 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
15552 from the @code{syscall} interface.
15553
15554 @item info pidlist
15555 @kindex info pidlist
15556 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
15557 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
15558 processes and all the threads within each process.
15559
15560 @item info meminfo
15561 @kindex info meminfo
15562 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
15563 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
15564 @end table
15565
15566 @node DJGPP Native
15567 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
15568 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
15569 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
15570 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
15571
15572 @cindex DPMI
15573 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
15574 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
15575 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
15576 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
15577
15578 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
15579 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
15580 subsection describes those commands.
15581
15582 @table @code
15583 @kindex info dos
15584 @item info dos
15585 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
15586 information about the target system and important OS structures.
15587
15588 @kindex sysinfo
15589 @cindex MS-DOS system info
15590 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
15591 @item info dos sysinfo
15592 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
15593 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
15594 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
15595
15596 @cindex GDT
15597 @cindex LDT
15598 @cindex IDT
15599 @cindex segment descriptor tables
15600 @cindex descriptor tables display
15601 @item info dos gdt
15602 @itemx info dos ldt
15603 @itemx info dos idt
15604 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
15605 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
15606 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
15607 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
15608 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
15609 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
15610 rights.
15611
15612 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
15613 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
15614 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
15615 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
15616 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
15617
15618 @cindex garbled pointers
15619 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
15620 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
15621 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
15622 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
15623 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
15624 debugged program's data segment:
15625
15626 @smallexample
15627 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
15628 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
15629 @end smallexample
15630
15631 @noindent
15632 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
15633 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
15634
15635 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
15636 @item info dos pde
15637 @itemx info dos pte
15638 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
15639 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
15640 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
15641 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
15642 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
15643 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
15644 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
15645 that is currently in use.
15646
15647 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
15648 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
15649 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
15650 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
15651 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
15652 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
15653 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
15654
15655 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
15656 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
15657 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
15658 controller.
15659
15660 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
15661
15662 @cindex physical address from linear address
15663 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
15664 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
15665 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
15666 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
15667 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
15668 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
15669 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
15670
15671 @smallexample
15672 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
15673 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
15674 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
15675 @end smallexample
15676
15677 @noindent
15678 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
15679 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
15680 attributes of that page.
15681
15682 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
15683 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
15684 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
15685 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
15686 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
15687 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
15688
15689 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
15690 transfer buffer:
15691
15692 @smallexample
15693 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
15694 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
15695 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
15696 @end smallexample
15697
15698 @noindent
15699 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
15700 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
15701 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
15702 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
15703 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
15704
15705 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
15706 @end table
15707
15708 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
15709 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
15710 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
15711 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
15712
15713 @table @code
15714 @kindex set com1base
15715 @kindex set com1irq
15716 @kindex set com2base
15717 @kindex set com2irq
15718 @kindex set com3base
15719 @kindex set com3irq
15720 @kindex set com4base
15721 @kindex set com4irq
15722 @item set com1base @var{addr}
15723 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
15724 port.
15725
15726 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
15727 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
15728 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
15729
15730 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
15731 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
15732 other 3 COM ports.
15733
15734 @kindex show com1base
15735 @kindex show com1irq
15736 @kindex show com2base
15737 @kindex show com2irq
15738 @kindex show com3base
15739 @kindex show com3irq
15740 @kindex show com4base
15741 @kindex show com4irq
15742 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
15743 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
15744 lines used by the COM ports.
15745
15746 @item info serial
15747 @kindex info serial
15748 @cindex DOS serial port status
15749 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
15750 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
15751 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
15752 counts of various errors encountered so far.
15753 @end table
15754
15755
15756 @node Cygwin Native
15757 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
15758 @cindex MS Windows debugging
15759 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
15760 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
15761
15762 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
15763 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information. There are various
15764 additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in this section.
15765 Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is described in
15766 @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
15767
15768 @table @code
15769 @kindex info w32
15770 @item info w32
15771 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
15772 information about the target system and important OS structures.
15773
15774 @item info w32 selector
15775 This command displays information returned by
15776 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
15777 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
15778 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
15779 Without argument, this command displays information
15780 about the six segment registers.
15781
15782 @kindex info dll
15783 @item info dll
15784 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
15785
15786 @kindex dll-symbols
15787 @item dll-symbols
15788 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
15789 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
15790
15791 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
15792 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
15793 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
15794 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
15795 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
15796 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
15797 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
15798 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
15799 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
15800 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
15801 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
15802
15803 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
15804 @item show cygwin-exceptions
15805 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
15806 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
15807
15808 @kindex set new-console
15809 @item set new-console @var{mode}
15810 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
15811 be started in a new console on next start.
15812 If @var{mode} is @code{off}i, the debuggee will
15813 be started in the same console as the debugger.
15814
15815 @kindex show new-console
15816 @item show new-console
15817 Displays whether a new console is used
15818 when the debuggee is started.
15819
15820 @kindex set new-group
15821 @item set new-group @var{mode}
15822 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
15823 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
15824 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
15825 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
15826
15827 @kindex show new-group
15828 @item show new-group
15829 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
15830
15831 @kindex set debugevents
15832 @item set debugevents
15833 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
15834 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
15835 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
15836 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
15837 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
15838
15839 @kindex set debugexec
15840 @item set debugexec
15841 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
15842 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
15843
15844 @kindex set debugexceptions
15845 @item set debugexceptions
15846 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
15847 debuggee seen by the debugger.
15848
15849 @kindex set debugmemory
15850 @item set debugmemory
15851 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
15852 and writes by the debugger.
15853
15854 @kindex set shell
15855 @item set shell
15856 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
15857 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
15858
15859 @kindex show shell
15860 @item show shell
15861 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
15862
15863 @end table
15864
15865 @menu
15866 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
15867 @end menu
15868
15869 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
15870 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
15871 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
15872 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
15873
15874 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
15875 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
15876 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
15877 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
15878 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
15879 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
15880 ``minimal symbols''.
15881
15882 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
15883 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
15884 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
15885 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
15886 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
15887 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
15888 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
15889 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
15890 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
15891 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
15892
15893 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
15894
15895 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
15896 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
15897 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
15898 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
15899 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
15900 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
15901 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
15902 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
15903 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
15904
15905 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
15906 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
15907 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
15908 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
15909 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
15910 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
15911
15912 @smallexample
15913 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
15914 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
15915
15916 Non-debugging symbols:
15917 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
15918 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
15919 @end smallexample
15920
15921 @smallexample
15922 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
15923 All functions matching regular expression "!":
15924
15925 Non-debugging symbols:
15926 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
15927 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
15928 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
15929 [etc...]
15930 @end smallexample
15931
15932 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
15933
15934 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
15935 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
15936 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
15937 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
15938 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
15939 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
15940 a function within a DLL without a running program.
15941
15942 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
15943 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
15944 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
15945 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
15946 problem:
15947
15948 @smallexample
15949 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
15950 $1 = 268572168
15951 @end smallexample
15952
15953 @smallexample
15954 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
15955 0x10021610: "\230y\""
15956 @end smallexample
15957
15958 And two possible solutions:
15959
15960 @smallexample
15961 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
15962 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
15963 @end smallexample
15964
15965 @smallexample
15966 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
15967 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
15968 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
15969 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
15970 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
15971 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
15972 @end smallexample
15973
15974 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
15975 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
15976 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
15977 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
15978 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
15979
15980 @smallexample
15981 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
15982 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
15983 @end smallexample
15984
15985 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
15986 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
15987 safe.
15988
15989 @node Hurd Native
15990 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
15991 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
15992
15993 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
15994 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
15995
15996 @table @code
15997 @item set signals
15998 @itemx set sigs
15999 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
16000 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
16001 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
16002 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
16003 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
16004 @code{signals}.
16005
16006 @item show signals
16007 @itemx show sigs
16008 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
16009 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
16010 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
16011
16012 @item set signal-thread
16013 @itemx set sigthread
16014 @kindex set signal-thread
16015 @kindex set sigthread
16016 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
16017 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
16018 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
16019 signal-thread}.
16020
16021 @item show signal-thread
16022 @itemx show sigthread
16023 @kindex show signal-thread
16024 @kindex show sigthread
16025 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
16026 delivered a signal.
16027
16028 @item set stopped
16029 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
16030 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
16031 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
16032 continued by delivering a signal to it.
16033
16034 @item show stopped
16035 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
16036 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
16037 stopped.
16038
16039 @item set exceptions
16040 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
16041 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
16042 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
16043 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
16044 trapping on.
16045
16046 @item show exceptions
16047 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
16048 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
16049
16050 @item set task pause
16051 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
16052 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
16053 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
16054 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
16055 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
16056 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
16057 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
16058 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
16059 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
16060
16061 @item show task pause
16062 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
16063 Show the current state of task suspension.
16064
16065 @item set task detach-suspend-count
16066 @cindex task suspend count
16067 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16068 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
16069 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
16070
16071 @item show task detach-suspend-count
16072 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
16073
16074 @item set task exception-port
16075 @itemx set task excp
16076 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16077 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
16078 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
16079 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
16080
16081 @item set noninvasive
16082 @cindex noninvasive task options
16083 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
16084 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
16085 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
16086 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
16087
16088 @item info send-rights
16089 @itemx info receive-rights
16090 @itemx info port-rights
16091 @itemx info port-sets
16092 @itemx info dead-names
16093 @itemx info ports
16094 @itemx info psets
16095 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16096 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16097 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16098 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16099 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16100 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
16101 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
16102 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
16103 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
16104
16105 @item set thread pause
16106 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
16107 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16108 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
16109 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
16110 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
16111 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
16112 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
16113 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
16114 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
16115 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
16116 only the current thread.
16117
16118 @item show thread pause
16119 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
16120 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
16121
16122 @item set thread run
16123 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
16124
16125 @item show thread run
16126 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
16127
16128 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
16129 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16130 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16131 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
16132 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
16133 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
16134 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
16135
16136 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
16137 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
16138 detaching.
16139
16140 @item set thread exception-port
16141 @itemx set thread excp
16142 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
16143 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
16144 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
16145
16146 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
16147 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
16148 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
16149 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
16150
16151 @item set thread default
16152 @itemx show thread default
16153 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
16154 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
16155 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
16156 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
16157 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
16158 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
16159 the non-default commands.
16160 @end table
16161
16162
16163 @node Neutrino
16164 @subsection QNX Neutrino
16165 @cindex QNX Neutrino
16166
16167 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
16168 Neutrino target:
16169
16170 @table @code
16171 @item set debug nto-debug
16172 @kindex set debug nto-debug
16173 When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
16174 Neutrino support.
16175
16176 @item show debug nto-debug
16177 @kindex show debug nto-debug
16178 Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
16179 @end table
16180
16181 @node Darwin
16182 @subsection Darwin
16183 @cindex Darwin
16184
16185 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the Darwin target:
16186
16187 @table @code
16188 @item set debug darwin @var{num}
16189 @kindex set debug darwin
16190 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages specific to
16191 the Darwin support. Higher values produce more verbose output.
16192
16193 @item show debug darwin
16194 @kindex show debug darwin
16195 Show the current state of Darwin messages.
16196
16197 @item set debug mach-o @var{num}
16198 @kindex set debug mach-o
16199 When set to a non zero value, enables debugging messages while
16200 @value{GDBN} is reading Darwin object files. (@dfn{Mach-O} is the
16201 file format used on Darwin for object and executable files.) Higher
16202 values produce more verbose output. This is a command to diagnose
16203 problems internal to @value{GDBN} and should not be needed in normal
16204 usage.
16205
16206 @item show debug mach-o
16207 @kindex show debug mach-o
16208 Show the current state of Mach-O file messages.
16209
16210 @item set mach-exceptions on
16211 @itemx set mach-exceptions off
16212 @kindex set mach-exceptions
16213 On Darwin, faults are first reported as a Mach exception and are then
16214 mapped to a Posix signal. Use this command to turn on trapping of
16215 Mach exceptions in the inferior. This might be sometimes useful to
16216 better understand the cause of a fault. The default is off.
16217
16218 @item show mach-exceptions
16219 @kindex show mach-exceptions
16220 Show the current state of exceptions trapping.
16221 @end table
16222
16223
16224 @node Embedded OS
16225 @section Embedded Operating Systems
16226
16227 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
16228 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
16229 architectures.
16230
16231 @menu
16232 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
16233 @end menu
16234
16235 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
16236 various real-time operating systems.
16237
16238 @node VxWorks
16239 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
16240
16241 @cindex VxWorks
16242
16243 @table @code
16244
16245 @kindex target vxworks
16246 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
16247 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
16248 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
16249
16250 @end table
16251
16252 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
16253 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
16254
16255 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
16256 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
16257 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
16258 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
16259 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
16260 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
16261 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
16262
16263 @table @code
16264 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
16265 @kindex vxworks-timeout
16266 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
16267 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
16268 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
16269 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
16270 of a thin network line.
16271 @end table
16272
16273 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
16274 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
16275 procedures.
16276
16277 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
16278 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
16279 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
16280 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
16281 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
16282 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
16283 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
16284 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
16285 manual.
16286 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
16287
16288 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
16289 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
16290 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
16291 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
16292
16293 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
16294
16295 @smallexample
16296 (vxgdb)
16297 @end smallexample
16298
16299 @menu
16300 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
16301 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
16302 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
16303 @end menu
16304
16305 @node VxWorks Connection
16306 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
16307
16308 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
16309 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
16310
16311 @smallexample
16312 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
16313 @end smallexample
16314
16315 @need 750
16316 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
16317
16318 @smallexample
16319 Attaching remote machine across net...
16320 Connected to tt.
16321 @end smallexample
16322
16323 @need 1000
16324 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
16325 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
16326 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
16327 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
16328 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
16329
16330 @smallexample
16331 prog.o: No such file or directory.
16332 @end smallexample
16333
16334 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
16335 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
16336 command again.
16337
16338 @node VxWorks Download
16339 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
16340
16341 @cindex download to VxWorks
16342 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
16343 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
16344 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
16345 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
16346 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
16347 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
16348 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
16349 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
16350 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
16351 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
16352 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
16353 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
16354 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
16355 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
16356 program, type this on VxWorks:
16357
16358 @smallexample
16359 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
16360 @end smallexample
16361
16362 @noindent
16363 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
16364
16365 @smallexample
16366 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
16367 (vxgdb) load prog.o
16368 @end smallexample
16369
16370 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
16371
16372 @smallexample
16373 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
16374 @end smallexample
16375
16376 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
16377 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
16378 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
16379 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
16380 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
16381 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
16382 table.)
16383
16384 @node VxWorks Attach
16385 @subsubsection Running Tasks
16386
16387 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
16388 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
16389 follows:
16390
16391 @smallexample
16392 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
16393 @end smallexample
16394
16395 @noindent
16396 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
16397 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
16398 the time of attachment.
16399
16400 @node Embedded Processors
16401 @section Embedded Processors
16402
16403 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
16404 configurations.
16405
16406 @cindex send command to simulator
16407 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
16408 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
16409
16410 @table @code
16411 @item sim @var{command}
16412 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
16413 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
16414 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
16415 acceptable commands.
16416 @end table
16417
16418
16419 @menu
16420 * ARM:: ARM RDI
16421 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
16422 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
16423 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
16424 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
16425 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
16426 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
16427 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
16428 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
16429 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
16430 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
16431 * CRIS:: CRIS
16432 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
16433 @end menu
16434
16435 @node ARM
16436 @subsection ARM
16437 @cindex ARM RDI
16438
16439 @table @code
16440 @kindex target rdi
16441 @item target rdi @var{dev}
16442 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
16443 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
16444 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
16445
16446 @kindex target rdp
16447 @item target rdp @var{dev}
16448 ARM Demon monitor.
16449
16450 @end table
16451
16452 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
16453
16454 @table @code
16455 @item set arm disassembler
16456 @kindex set arm
16457 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
16458 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
16459
16460 @item show arm disassembler
16461 @kindex show arm
16462 Show the current disassembly style.
16463
16464 @item set arm apcs32
16465 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
16466 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
16467
16468 @item show arm apcs32
16469 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
16470
16471 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
16472 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
16473 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
16474
16475 @table @code
16476 @item auto
16477 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
16478 @item softfpa
16479 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
16480 processors.
16481 @item fpa
16482 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
16483 @item softvfp
16484 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
16485 @item vfp
16486 VFP co-processor.
16487 @end table
16488
16489 @item show arm fpu
16490 Show the current type of the FPU.
16491
16492 @item set arm abi
16493 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
16494
16495 @item show arm abi
16496 Show the currently used ABI.
16497
16498 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
16499 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
16500 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
16501 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
16502 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
16503 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
16504 register).
16505
16506 @item show arm fallback-mode
16507 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
16508
16509 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
16510 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
16511 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
16512 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
16513 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
16514
16515 @item show arm force-mode
16516 Show the current forced instruction mode.
16517
16518 @item set debug arm
16519 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
16520 target support subsystem.
16521
16522 @item show debug arm
16523 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
16524 @end table
16525
16526 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
16527 using the RDI interface:
16528
16529 @table @code
16530 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
16531 @kindex rdilogfile
16532 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
16533 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
16534 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
16535 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
16536 @file{rdi.log}.
16537
16538 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
16539 @kindex rdilogenable
16540 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
16541 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
16542 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
16543 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
16544 are logged to a file.
16545
16546 @item set rdiromatzero
16547 @kindex set rdiromatzero
16548 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
16549 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
16550 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
16551 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
16552 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
16553
16554 @item show rdiromatzero
16555 @kindex show rdiromatzero
16556 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
16557
16558 @item set rdiheartbeat
16559 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
16560 @cindex RDI heartbeat
16561 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
16562 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
16563 well as the Angel monitor.
16564
16565 @item show rdiheartbeat
16566 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
16567 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
16568 @end table
16569
16570
16571 @node M32R/D
16572 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
16573
16574 @table @code
16575 @kindex target m32r
16576 @item target m32r @var{dev}
16577 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
16578
16579 @kindex target m32rsdi
16580 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
16581 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
16582 @end table
16583
16584 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
16585
16586 @table @code
16587 @item set download-path @var{path}
16588 @kindex set download-path
16589 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
16590 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
16591
16592 @item show download-path
16593 @kindex show download-path
16594 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
16595
16596 @item set board-address @var{addr}
16597 @kindex set board-address
16598 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
16599 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
16600
16601 @item show board-address
16602 @kindex show board-address
16603 Show the current IP address of the target board.
16604
16605 @item set server-address @var{addr}
16606 @kindex set server-address
16607 @cindex download server address (M32R)
16608 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
16609 host machine.
16610
16611 @item show server-address
16612 @kindex show server-address
16613 Display the IP address of the download server.
16614
16615 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
16616 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
16617 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
16618 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
16619 executable file is uploaded.
16620
16621 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
16622 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
16623 Test the @code{upload} command.
16624 @end table
16625
16626 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
16627
16628 @table @code
16629 @item sdireset
16630 @kindex sdireset
16631 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
16632 This command resets the SDI connection.
16633
16634 @item sdistatus
16635 @kindex sdistatus
16636 This command shows the SDI connection status.
16637
16638 @item debug_chaos
16639 @kindex debug_chaos
16640 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
16641 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
16642
16643 @item use_debug_dma
16644 @kindex use_debug_dma
16645 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
16646
16647 @item use_mon_code
16648 @kindex use_mon_code
16649 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
16650
16651 @item use_ib_break
16652 @kindex use_ib_break
16653 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
16654
16655 @item use_dbt_break
16656 @kindex use_dbt_break
16657 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
16658 @end table
16659
16660 @node M68K
16661 @subsection M68k
16662
16663 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
16664 target command for the following ROM monitor.
16665
16666 @table @code
16667
16668 @kindex target dbug
16669 @item target dbug @var{dev}
16670 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
16671
16672 @end table
16673
16674 @node MIPS Embedded
16675 @subsection MIPS Embedded
16676
16677 @cindex MIPS boards
16678 @value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
16679 MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
16680 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
16681
16682 @need 1000
16683 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
16684
16685 @table @code
16686 @item target mips @var{port}
16687 @kindex target mips @var{port}
16688 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
16689 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
16690 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
16691 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
16692 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
16693 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
16694
16695 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
16696 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
16697 debugger:
16698
16699 @smallexample
16700 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
16701 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
16702 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
16703 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
16704 (@value{GDBP}) run
16705 @end smallexample
16706
16707 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
16708 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
16709 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
16710 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
16711 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
16712
16713 @item target pmon @var{port}
16714 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
16715 PMON ROM monitor.
16716
16717 @item target ddb @var{port}
16718 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
16719 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
16720
16721 @item target lsi @var{port}
16722 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
16723 LSI variant of PMON.
16724
16725 @kindex target r3900
16726 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
16727 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
16728
16729 @kindex target array
16730 @item target array @var{dev}
16731 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
16732
16733 @end table
16734
16735
16736 @noindent
16737 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
16738
16739 @table @code
16740 @item set mipsfpu double
16741 @itemx set mipsfpu single
16742 @itemx set mipsfpu none
16743 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
16744 @itemx show mipsfpu
16745 @kindex set mipsfpu
16746 @kindex show mipsfpu
16747 @cindex MIPS remote floating point
16748 @cindex floating point, MIPS remote
16749 If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
16750 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
16751 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
16752 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
16753 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
16754 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
16755 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
16756 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
16757 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
16758 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
16759 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
16760
16761 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
16762 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
16763 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
16764
16765 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
16766 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
16767
16768 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
16769 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
16770 @itemx show timeout
16771 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
16772 @cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
16773 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
16774 @kindex set timeout
16775 @kindex show timeout
16776 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
16777 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
16778 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
16779 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
16780 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
16781 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
16782 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
16783 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
16784 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
16785 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
16786
16787 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
16788 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
16789 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
16790 to run before stopping.
16791
16792 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
16793 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
16794 @cindex synchronize with remote MIPS target
16795 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
16796 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
16797 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
16798
16799 @item show syn-garbage-limit
16800 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
16801 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
16802 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
16803
16804 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
16805 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
16806 @cindex remote monitor prompt
16807 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
16808 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
16809 @table @asis
16810 @item pmon target
16811 @samp{PMON}
16812 @item ddb target
16813 @samp{NEC010}
16814 @item lsi target
16815 @samp{PMON>}
16816 @end table
16817
16818 @item show monitor-prompt
16819 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
16820 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
16821 remote monitor.
16822
16823 @item set monitor-warnings
16824 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
16825 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
16826 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
16827 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
16828 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
16829
16830 @item show monitor-warnings
16831 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
16832 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
16833
16834 @item pmon @var{command}
16835 @kindex pmon@r{, MIPS remote}
16836 @cindex send PMON command
16837 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
16838 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
16839 @end table
16840
16841 @node OpenRISC 1000
16842 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
16843 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
16844
16845 @cindex or1k boards
16846 See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
16847 about platform and commands.
16848
16849 @table @code
16850
16851 @kindex target jtag
16852 @item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
16853
16854 Connects to remote JTAG server.
16855 JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
16856 connected via parallel port to the board.
16857
16858 Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
16859
16860 @kindex or1ksim
16861 @item or1ksim @var{command}
16862 If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
16863 Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
16864
16865 @kindex info or1k spr
16866 @item info or1k spr
16867 Displays spr groups.
16868
16869 @item info or1k spr @var{group}
16870 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
16871 Displays register names in selected group.
16872
16873 @item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
16874 @itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
16875 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
16876 @itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
16877 Shows information about specified spr register.
16878
16879 @kindex spr
16880 @item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
16881 @itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
16882 @itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
16883 @itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
16884 Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
16885 @end table
16886
16887 Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
16888 It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
16889 program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
16890 triggers can be set using:
16891 @table @code
16892 @item $LEA/$LDATA
16893 Load effective address/data
16894 @item $SEA/$SDATA
16895 Store effective address/data
16896 @item $AEA/$ADATA
16897 Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
16898 @item $FETCH
16899 Fetch data
16900 @end table
16901
16902 When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
16903 @code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
16904
16905 @code{htrace} commands:
16906 @cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
16907 @table @code
16908 @kindex hwatch
16909 @item hwatch @var{conditional}
16910 Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
16911 or Data. For example:
16912
16913 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
16914
16915 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
16916
16917 @kindex htrace
16918 @item htrace info
16919 Display information about current HW trace configuration.
16920
16921 @item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
16922 Set starting criteria for HW trace.
16923
16924 @item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
16925 Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
16926
16927 @item htrace stop @var{conditional}
16928 Set HW trace stopping criteria.
16929
16930 @item htrace record [@var{data}]*
16931 Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
16932 triggered.
16933
16934 @item htrace enable
16935 @itemx htrace disable
16936 Enables/disables the HW trace.
16937
16938 @item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
16939 Clears currently recorded trace data.
16940
16941 If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
16942 will be written there.
16943
16944 @item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
16945 Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
16946
16947 @item htrace mode continuous
16948 Set continuous trace mode.
16949
16950 @item htrace mode suspend
16951 Set suspend trace mode.
16952
16953 @end table
16954
16955 @node PowerPC Embedded
16956 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
16957
16958 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
16959
16960 @table @code
16961 @kindex set powerpc
16962 @item set powerpc soft-float
16963 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
16964 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
16965 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
16966 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
16967
16968 @item set powerpc vector-abi
16969 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
16970 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
16971 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
16972 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
16973 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
16974 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
16975 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
16976
16977 @kindex target dink32
16978 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
16979 DINK32 ROM monitor.
16980
16981 @kindex target ppcbug
16982 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
16983 @kindex target ppcbug1
16984 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
16985 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
16986
16987 @kindex target sds
16988 @item target sds @var{dev}
16989 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
16990 @end table
16991
16992 @cindex SDS protocol
16993 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
16994 by @value{GDBN}:
16995
16996 @table @code
16997 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
16998 @kindex set sdstimeout
16999 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
17000 default is 2 seconds.
17001
17002 @item show sdstimeout
17003 @kindex show sdstimeout
17004 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
17005
17006 @item sds @var{command}
17007 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
17008 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
17009 @end table
17010
17011
17012 @node PA
17013 @subsection HP PA Embedded
17014
17015 @table @code
17016
17017 @kindex target op50n
17018 @item target op50n @var{dev}
17019 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
17020
17021 @kindex target w89k
17022 @item target w89k @var{dev}
17023 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
17024
17025 @end table
17026
17027 @node Sparclet
17028 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
17029
17030 @cindex Sparclet
17031
17032 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
17033 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
17034 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
17035 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
17036 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
17037
17038 @table @code
17039 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
17040 @kindex remotetimeout
17041 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
17042 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
17043 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
17044 @end table
17045
17046 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
17047 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
17048 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
17049 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
17050 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
17051
17052 @smallexample
17053 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
17054 @end smallexample
17055
17056 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
17057
17058 @smallexample
17059 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
17060 @end smallexample
17061
17062 @cindex running, on Sparclet
17063 Once you have set
17064 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
17065 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
17066 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
17067
17068 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
17069
17070 @smallexample
17071 (gdbslet)
17072 @end smallexample
17073
17074 @menu
17075 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
17076 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
17077 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
17078 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
17079 @end menu
17080
17081 @node Sparclet File
17082 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
17083
17084 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
17085
17086 @smallexample
17087 (gdbslet) file prog
17088 @end smallexample
17089
17090 @need 1000
17091 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
17092 @value{GDBN} locates
17093 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
17094 path.
17095 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
17096 files will be searched as well.
17097 @value{GDBN} locates
17098 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
17099 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
17100 If it fails
17101 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
17102
17103 @smallexample
17104 prog: No such file or directory.
17105 @end smallexample
17106
17107 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
17108 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
17109 @code{target} command again.
17110
17111 @node Sparclet Connection
17112 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
17113
17114 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
17115 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
17116
17117 @smallexample
17118 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
17119 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
17120 main () at ../prog.c:3
17121 @end smallexample
17122
17123 @need 750
17124 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
17125
17126 @smallexample
17127 Connected to ttya.
17128 @end smallexample
17129
17130 @node Sparclet Download
17131 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
17132
17133 @cindex download to Sparclet
17134 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
17135 you can use the @value{GDBN}
17136 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
17137 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
17138 command.
17139 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
17140 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
17141 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
17142 of each of the file's sections.
17143 For instance, if the program
17144 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
17145 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
17146
17147 @smallexample
17148 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
17149 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
17150 @end smallexample
17151
17152 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
17153 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
17154 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
17155
17156 @node Sparclet Execution
17157 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
17158
17159 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
17160 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
17161 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
17162 manual for the list of commands.
17163
17164 @smallexample
17165 (gdbslet) b main
17166 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
17167 (gdbslet) run
17168 Starting program: prog
17169 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
17170 3 char *symarg = 0;
17171 (gdbslet) step
17172 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
17173 (gdbslet)
17174 @end smallexample
17175
17176 @node Sparclite
17177 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
17178
17179 @table @code
17180
17181 @kindex target sparclite
17182 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
17183 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
17184 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
17185 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
17186 remote protocol.
17187
17188 @end table
17189
17190 @node Z8000
17191 @subsection Zilog Z8000
17192
17193 @cindex Z8000
17194 @cindex simulator, Z8000
17195 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
17196
17197 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
17198 a Z8000 simulator.
17199
17200 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
17201 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
17202 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
17203 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
17204
17205 @table @code
17206 @item target sim @var{args}
17207 @kindex sim
17208 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
17209 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
17210 options, specify them via @var{args}.
17211 @end table
17212
17213 @noindent
17214 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
17215 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
17216 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
17217 to run your program, and so on.
17218
17219 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
17220 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
17221 additional items of information as specially named registers:
17222
17223 @table @code
17224
17225 @item cycles
17226 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
17227
17228 @item insts
17229 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
17230
17231 @item time
17232 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
17233
17234 @end table
17235
17236 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
17237 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
17238 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
17239 simulated clock ticks.
17240
17241 @node AVR
17242 @subsection Atmel AVR
17243 @cindex AVR
17244
17245 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
17246 following AVR-specific commands:
17247
17248 @table @code
17249 @item info io_registers
17250 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
17251 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
17252 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
17253 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
17254 @end table
17255
17256 @node CRIS
17257 @subsection CRIS
17258 @cindex CRIS
17259
17260 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
17261 following CRIS-specific commands:
17262
17263 @table @code
17264 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
17265 @cindex CRIS version
17266 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
17267 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
17268 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
17269
17270 @item show cris-version
17271 Show the current CRIS version.
17272
17273 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
17274 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
17275 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
17276 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
17277 @code{R59}.
17278
17279 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
17280 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
17281
17282 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
17283 @cindex CRIS mode
17284 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
17285 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
17286 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
17287
17288 @item show cris-mode
17289 Show the current CRIS mode.
17290 @end table
17291
17292 @node Super-H
17293 @subsection Renesas Super-H
17294 @cindex Super-H
17295
17296 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
17297 commands:
17298
17299 @table @code
17300 @item regs
17301 @kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
17302 Show the values of all Super-H registers.
17303
17304 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
17305 @kindex set sh calling-convention
17306 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
17307 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
17308 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
17309 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
17310 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
17311 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
17312 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
17313 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
17314 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
17315 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
17316
17317 @item show sh calling-convention
17318 @kindex show sh calling-convention
17319 Show the current calling convention setting.
17320
17321 @end table
17322
17323
17324 @node Architectures
17325 @section Architectures
17326
17327 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
17328 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
17329
17330 @menu
17331 * i386::
17332 * A29K::
17333 * Alpha::
17334 * MIPS::
17335 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
17336 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
17337 * PowerPC::
17338 @end menu
17339
17340 @node i386
17341 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
17342
17343 @table @code
17344 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
17345 @kindex set struct-convention
17346 @cindex struct return convention
17347 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
17348 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
17349 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
17350 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
17351 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
17352 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
17353 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
17354 be returned in a register.
17355
17356 @item show struct-convention
17357 @kindex show struct-convention
17358 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
17359 from functions.
17360 @end table
17361
17362 @node A29K
17363 @subsection A29K
17364
17365 @table @code
17366
17367 @kindex set rstack_high_address
17368 @cindex AMD 29K register stack
17369 @cindex register stack, AMD29K
17370 @item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
17371 On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
17372 @dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
17373 extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
17374 stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
17375 memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
17376 this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
17377 the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
17378 address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
17379 hexadecimal.
17380
17381 @kindex show rstack_high_address
17382 @item show rstack_high_address
17383 Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
17384 processors.
17385
17386 @end table
17387
17388 @node Alpha
17389 @subsection Alpha
17390
17391 See the following section.
17392
17393 @node MIPS
17394 @subsection MIPS
17395
17396 @cindex stack on Alpha
17397 @cindex stack on MIPS
17398 @cindex Alpha stack
17399 @cindex MIPS stack
17400 Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
17401 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
17402 find the beginning of a function.
17403
17404 @cindex response time, MIPS debugging
17405 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
17406 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
17407 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
17408 commands:
17409
17410 @table @code
17411 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
17412 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
17413 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
17414 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
17415 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
17416 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
17417 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
17418 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
17419
17420 @item show heuristic-fence-post
17421 Display the current limit.
17422 @end table
17423
17424 @noindent
17425 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
17426 for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
17427
17428 Several MIPS-specific commands are available when debugging MIPS
17429 programs:
17430
17431 @table @code
17432 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
17433 @kindex set mips abi
17434 @cindex set ABI for MIPS
17435 Tell @value{GDBN} which MIPS ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
17436 values of @var{arg} are:
17437
17438 @table @samp
17439 @item auto
17440 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
17441 default).
17442 @item o32
17443 @item o64
17444 @item n32
17445 @item n64
17446 @item eabi32
17447 @item eabi64
17448 @item auto
17449 @end table
17450
17451 @item show mips abi
17452 @kindex show mips abi
17453 Show the MIPS ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
17454
17455 @item set mipsfpu
17456 @itemx show mipsfpu
17457 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
17458
17459 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
17460 @kindex set mips mask-address
17461 @cindex MIPS addresses, masking
17462 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
17463 MIPS addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
17464 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
17465 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
17466
17467 @item show mips mask-address
17468 @kindex show mips mask-address
17469 Show whether the upper 32 bits of MIPS addresses are masked off or
17470 not.
17471
17472 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
17473 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
17474 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit MIPS targets that
17475 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old MIPS 64 target
17476 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
17477 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
17478
17479 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
17480 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
17481 Show the current setting of compatibility with older MIPS 64 targets.
17482
17483 @item set debug mips
17484 @kindex set debug mips
17485 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the MIPS-specific
17486 target code in @value{GDBN}.
17487
17488 @item show debug mips
17489 @kindex show debug mips
17490 Show the current setting of MIPS debugging messages.
17491 @end table
17492
17493
17494 @node HPPA
17495 @subsection HPPA
17496 @cindex HPPA support
17497
17498 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
17499 following special commands:
17500
17501 @table @code
17502 @item set debug hppa
17503 @kindex set debug hppa
17504 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
17505 messages are to be displayed.
17506
17507 @item show debug hppa
17508 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
17509
17510 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
17511 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
17512 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
17513 given @var{address}.
17514
17515 @end table
17516
17517
17518 @node SPU
17519 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
17520 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
17521 @cindex SPU
17522
17523 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
17524 it provides the following special commands:
17525
17526 @table @code
17527 @item info spu event
17528 @kindex info spu
17529 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
17530 and pending event status.
17531
17532 @item info spu signal
17533 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
17534 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
17535 notification channels.
17536
17537 @item info spu mailbox
17538 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
17539 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
17540 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
17541
17542 @item info spu dma
17543 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
17544 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
17545 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
17546
17547 @item info spu proxydma
17548 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
17549 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
17550 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
17551
17552 @end table
17553
17554 When @value{GDBN} is debugging a combined PowerPC/SPU application
17555 on the Cell Broadband Engine, it provides in addition the following
17556 special commands:
17557
17558 @table @code
17559 @item set spu stop-on-load @var{arg}
17560 @kindex set spu
17561 Set whether to stop for new SPE threads. When set to @code{on}, @value{GDBN}
17562 will give control to the user when a new SPE thread enters its @code{main}
17563 function. The default is @code{off}.
17564
17565 @item show spu stop-on-load
17566 @kindex show spu
17567 Show whether to stop for new SPE threads.
17568
17569 @item set spu auto-flush-cache @var{arg}
17570 Set whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache. When set to
17571 @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will automatically cause the SPE software-managed
17572 cache to be flushed whenever SPE execution stops. This provides a consistent
17573 view of PowerPC memory that is accessed via the cache. If an application
17574 does not use the software-managed cache, this option has no effect.
17575
17576 @item show spu auto-flush-cache
17577 Show whether to automatically flush the software-managed cache.
17578
17579 @end table
17580
17581 @node PowerPC
17582 @subsection PowerPC
17583 @cindex PowerPC architecture
17584
17585 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
17586 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
17587 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
17588 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
17589 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
17590
17591 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
17592 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
17593 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
17594
17595 For POWER7 processors, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers, the 64-bit
17596 wide Extended Floating Point Registers (@samp{f32} through @samp{f63}).
17597
17598
17599 @node Controlling GDB
17600 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
17601
17602 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
17603 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
17604 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
17605 described here.
17606
17607 @menu
17608 * Prompt:: Prompt
17609 * Editing:: Command editing
17610 * Command History:: Command history
17611 * Screen Size:: Screen size
17612 * Numbers:: Numbers
17613 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
17614 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
17615 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
17616 @end menu
17617
17618 @node Prompt
17619 @section Prompt
17620
17621 @cindex prompt
17622
17623 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
17624 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
17625 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
17626 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
17627 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
17628 which one you are talking to.
17629
17630 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
17631 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
17632 or a prompt that does not.
17633
17634 @table @code
17635 @kindex set prompt
17636 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
17637 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
17638
17639 @kindex show prompt
17640 @item show prompt
17641 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
17642 @end table
17643
17644 @node Editing
17645 @section Command Editing
17646 @cindex readline
17647 @cindex command line editing
17648
17649 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
17650 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
17651 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
17652 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
17653 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
17654 debugging sessions.
17655
17656 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
17657 command @code{set}.
17658
17659 @table @code
17660 @kindex set editing
17661 @cindex editing
17662 @item set editing
17663 @itemx set editing on
17664 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
17665
17666 @item set editing off
17667 Disable command line editing.
17668
17669 @kindex show editing
17670 @item show editing
17671 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
17672 @end table
17673
17674 @xref{Command Line Editing}, for more details about the Readline
17675 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
17676 encouraged to read that chapter.
17677
17678 @node Command History
17679 @section Command History
17680 @cindex command history
17681
17682 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
17683 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
17684 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
17685 history facility.
17686
17687 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
17688 package, to provide the history facility. @xref{Using History
17689 Interactively}, for the detailed description of the History library.
17690
17691 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
17692 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
17693 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
17694 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
17695 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
17696 pressed on a line by itself.
17697
17698 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
17699 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
17700 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
17701 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
17702
17703 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
17704 history.
17705
17706 @table @code
17707 @cindex history substitution
17708 @cindex history file
17709 @kindex set history filename
17710 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
17711 @item set history filename @var{fname}
17712 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
17713 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
17714 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
17715 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
17716 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
17717 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
17718 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
17719 is not set.
17720
17721 @cindex save command history
17722 @kindex set history save
17723 @item set history save
17724 @itemx set history save on
17725 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
17726 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
17727
17728 @item set history save off
17729 Stop recording command history in a file.
17730
17731 @cindex history size
17732 @kindex set history size
17733 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
17734 @item set history size @var{size}
17735 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
17736 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
17737 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
17738 @end table
17739
17740 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
17741 @xref{Event Designators}, for more details.
17742
17743 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
17744 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
17745 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
17746 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
17747 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
17748 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
17749 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
17750 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
17751
17752 The commands to control history expansion are:
17753
17754 @table @code
17755 @item set history expansion on
17756 @itemx set history expansion
17757 @kindex set history expansion
17758 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
17759
17760 @item set history expansion off
17761 Disable history expansion.
17762
17763 @c @group
17764 @kindex show history
17765 @item show history
17766 @itemx show history filename
17767 @itemx show history save
17768 @itemx show history size
17769 @itemx show history expansion
17770 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
17771 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
17772 @c @end group
17773 @end table
17774
17775 @table @code
17776 @kindex show commands
17777 @cindex show last commands
17778 @cindex display command history
17779 @item show commands
17780 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
17781
17782 @item show commands @var{n}
17783 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
17784
17785 @item show commands +
17786 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
17787 @end table
17788
17789 @node Screen Size
17790 @section Screen Size
17791 @cindex size of screen
17792 @cindex pauses in output
17793
17794 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
17795 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
17796 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
17797 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
17798 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
17799 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
17800 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
17801 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
17802
17803 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
17804 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
17805 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
17806 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
17807 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
17808 width} commands:
17809
17810 @table @code
17811 @kindex set height
17812 @kindex set width
17813 @kindex show width
17814 @kindex show height
17815 @item set height @var{lpp}
17816 @itemx show height
17817 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
17818 @itemx show width
17819 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
17820 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
17821 commands display the current settings.
17822
17823 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
17824 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
17825 file or to an editor buffer.
17826
17827 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
17828 from wrapping its output.
17829
17830 @item set pagination on
17831 @itemx set pagination off
17832 @kindex set pagination
17833 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
17834 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}.
17835
17836 @item show pagination
17837 @kindex show pagination
17838 Show the current pagination mode.
17839 @end table
17840
17841 @node Numbers
17842 @section Numbers
17843 @cindex number representation
17844 @cindex entering numbers
17845
17846 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
17847 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
17848 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
17849 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
17850 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
17851 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
17852 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
17853 both input and output with the commands described below.
17854
17855 @table @code
17856 @kindex set input-radix
17857 @item set input-radix @var{base}
17858 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
17859 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
17860 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
17861 example, any of
17862
17863 @smallexample
17864 set input-radix 012
17865 set input-radix 10.
17866 set input-radix 0xa
17867 @end smallexample
17868
17869 @noindent
17870 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
17871 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
17872 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
17873 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
17874 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
17875 change the radix.
17876
17877 @kindex set output-radix
17878 @item set output-radix @var{base}
17879 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
17880 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
17881 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
17882
17883 @kindex show input-radix
17884 @item show input-radix
17885 Display the current default base for numeric input.
17886
17887 @kindex show output-radix
17888 @item show output-radix
17889 Display the current default base for numeric display.
17890
17891 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
17892 @itemx show radix
17893 @kindex set radix
17894 @kindex show radix
17895 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
17896 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
17897 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
17898 default value of 10.
17899
17900 @end table
17901
17902 @node ABI
17903 @section Configuring the Current ABI
17904
17905 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
17906 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
17907 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
17908 current ABI.
17909
17910 @cindex OS ABI
17911 @kindex set osabi
17912 @kindex show osabi
17913
17914 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
17915 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
17916 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
17917 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
17918 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
17919 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
17920 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
17921 platform provides.
17922
17923 @table @code
17924 @item show osabi
17925 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
17926
17927 @item set osabi
17928 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
17929
17930 @item set osabi @var{abi}
17931 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
17932 @end table
17933
17934 @cindex float promotion
17935
17936 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
17937 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
17938 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
17939 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
17940 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
17941 @code{double} and then passed.
17942
17943 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
17944 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
17945 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
17946
17947 @table @code
17948 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
17949 @item set coerce-float-to-double
17950 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
17951 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
17952 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
17953
17954 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
17955 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
17956 functions.
17957
17958 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
17959 @item show coerce-float-to-double
17960 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
17961 @end table
17962
17963 @kindex set cp-abi
17964 @kindex show cp-abi
17965 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
17966 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
17967 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
17968 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
17969 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
17970 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
17971 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
17972 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
17973 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
17974 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
17975 ``auto''.
17976
17977 @table @code
17978 @item show cp-abi
17979 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
17980
17981 @item set cp-abi
17982 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
17983
17984 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
17985 @itemx set cp-abi auto
17986 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
17987 @end table
17988
17989 @node Messages/Warnings
17990 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
17991
17992 @cindex verbose operation
17993 @cindex optional warnings
17994 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
17995 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
17996 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
17997 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
17998
17999 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
18000 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
18001 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
18002
18003 @table @code
18004 @kindex set verbose
18005 @item set verbose on
18006 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
18007
18008 @item set verbose off
18009 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
18010
18011 @kindex show verbose
18012 @item show verbose
18013 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
18014 @end table
18015
18016 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
18017 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
18018 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
18019 Symbol Files}).
18020
18021 @table @code
18022
18023 @kindex set complaints
18024 @item set complaints @var{limit}
18025 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
18026 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
18027 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
18028 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
18029
18030 @kindex show complaints
18031 @item show complaints
18032 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
18033
18034 @end table
18035
18036 @anchor{confirmation requests}
18037 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
18038 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
18039 you try to run a program which is already running:
18040
18041 @smallexample
18042 (@value{GDBP}) run
18043 The program being debugged has been started already.
18044 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
18045 @end smallexample
18046
18047 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
18048 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
18049
18050 @table @code
18051
18052 @kindex set confirm
18053 @cindex flinching
18054 @cindex confirmation
18055 @cindex stupid questions
18056 @item set confirm off
18057 Disables confirmation requests.
18058
18059 @item set confirm on
18060 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
18061
18062 @kindex show confirm
18063 @item show confirm
18064 Displays state of confirmation requests.
18065
18066 @end table
18067
18068 @cindex command tracing
18069 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
18070 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
18071 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
18072 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
18073
18074 @table @code
18075 @kindex set trace-commands
18076 @cindex command scripts, debugging
18077 @item set trace-commands on
18078 Enable command tracing.
18079 @item set trace-commands off
18080 Disable command tracing.
18081 @item show trace-commands
18082 Display the current state of command tracing.
18083 @end table
18084
18085 @node Debugging Output
18086 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
18087 @cindex optional debugging messages
18088
18089 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
18090 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
18091 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
18092 section documents those commands.
18093
18094 @table @code
18095 @kindex set exec-done-display
18096 @item set exec-done-display
18097 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
18098 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
18099 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
18100 @kindex show exec-done-display
18101 @item show exec-done-display
18102 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
18103 notification.
18104 @kindex set debug
18105 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
18106 @cindex architecture debugging info
18107 @item set debug arch
18108 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
18109 @kindex show debug
18110 @item show debug arch
18111 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
18112 @item set debug aix-thread
18113 @cindex AIX threads
18114 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
18115 module.
18116 @item show debug aix-thread
18117 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
18118 @item set debug dwarf2-die
18119 @cindex DWARF2 DIEs
18120 Dump DWARF2 DIEs after they are read in.
18121 The value is the number of nesting levels to print.
18122 A value of zero turns off the display.
18123 @item show debug dwarf2-die
18124 Show the current state of DWARF2 DIE debugging.
18125 @item set debug displaced
18126 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
18127 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
18128 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
18129 @item show debug displaced
18130 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
18131 related to displaced stepping.
18132 @item set debug event
18133 @cindex event debugging info
18134 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
18135 default is off.
18136 @item show debug event
18137 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
18138 info.
18139 @item set debug expression
18140 @cindex expression debugging info
18141 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
18142 expression parsing. The default is off.
18143 @item show debug expression
18144 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
18145 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
18146 @item set debug frame
18147 @cindex frame debugging info
18148 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
18149 default is off.
18150 @item show debug frame
18151 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
18152 info.
18153 @item set debug gnu-nat
18154 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug messages
18155 Turns on or off debugging messages from the @sc{gnu}/Hurd debug support.
18156 @item show debug gnu-nat
18157 Show the current state of @sc{gnu}/Hurd debugging messages.
18158 @item set debug infrun
18159 @cindex inferior debugging info
18160 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
18161 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
18162 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
18163 @item show debug infrun
18164 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
18165 @item set debug lin-lwp
18166 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
18167 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
18168 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
18169 @item show debug lin-lwp
18170 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
18171 @item set debug lin-lwp-async
18172 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP async debug messages
18173 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
18174 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP async debug support.
18175 @item show debug lin-lwp-async
18176 Show the current state of Linux LWP async debugging messages.
18177 @item set debug observer
18178 @cindex observer debugging info
18179 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
18180 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
18181 @item show debug observer
18182 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
18183 @item set debug overload
18184 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
18185 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
18186 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
18187 is off.
18188 @item show debug overload
18189 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
18190 debugging info.
18191 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
18192 @cindex serial connections, debugging
18193 @cindex debug remote protocol
18194 @cindex remote protocol debugging
18195 @cindex display remote packets
18196 @item set debug remote
18197 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
18198 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
18199 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
18200 @item show debug remote
18201 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
18202 @item set debug serial
18203 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
18204 default is off.
18205 @item show debug serial
18206 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
18207 info.
18208 @item set debug solib-frv
18209 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
18210 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
18211 @item show debug solib-frv
18212 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
18213 messages.
18214 @item set debug target
18215 @cindex target debugging info
18216 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
18217 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
18218 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
18219 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
18220 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
18221 @item show debug target
18222 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
18223 info.
18224 @item set debug timestamp
18225 @cindex timestampping debugging info
18226 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
18227 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
18228 message.
18229 @item show debug timestamp
18230 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
18231 debugging info.
18232 @item set debugvarobj
18233 @cindex variable object debugging info
18234 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
18235 info. The default is off.
18236 @item show debugvarobj
18237 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
18238 debugging info.
18239 @item set debug xml
18240 @cindex XML parser debugging
18241 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
18242 @item show debug xml
18243 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
18244 @end table
18245
18246 @node Extending GDB
18247 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
18248 @cindex extending GDB
18249
18250 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for extension. The first is based
18251 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, and the second is based on the
18252 Python scripting language.
18253
18254 @menu
18255 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
18256 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
18257 @end menu
18258
18259 @node Sequences
18260 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
18261
18262 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
18263 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
18264 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
18265 files.
18266
18267 @menu
18268 * Define:: How to define your own commands
18269 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
18270 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
18271 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
18272 @end menu
18273
18274 @node Define
18275 @subsection User-defined Commands
18276
18277 @cindex user-defined command
18278 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
18279 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
18280 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
18281 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
18282 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
18283 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
18284
18285 @smallexample
18286 define adder
18287 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
18288 end
18289 @end smallexample
18290
18291 @noindent
18292 To execute the command use:
18293
18294 @smallexample
18295 adder 1 2 3
18296 @end smallexample
18297
18298 @noindent
18299 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
18300 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
18301 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
18302 functions calls.
18303
18304 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
18305 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
18306 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
18307 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
18308
18309 @smallexample
18310 define adder
18311 if $argc == 2
18312 print $arg0 + $arg1
18313 end
18314 if $argc == 3
18315 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
18316 end
18317 end
18318 @end smallexample
18319
18320 @table @code
18321
18322 @kindex define
18323 @item define @var{commandname}
18324 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
18325 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
18326 @var{commandname} may be a bare command name consisting of letters,
18327 numbers, dashes, and underscores. It may also start with any predefined
18328 prefix command. For example, @samp{define target my-target} creates
18329 a user-defined @samp{target my-target} command.
18330
18331 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
18332 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
18333 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
18334
18335 @kindex document
18336 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
18337 @item document @var{commandname}
18338 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
18339 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
18340 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
18341 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
18342 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
18343 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
18344
18345 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
18346 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
18347 does not change the documentation.
18348
18349 @kindex dont-repeat
18350 @cindex don't repeat command
18351 @item dont-repeat
18352 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
18353 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
18354 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
18355
18356 @kindex help user-defined
18357 @item help user-defined
18358 List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
18359 (if any) for each.
18360
18361 @kindex show user
18362 @item show user
18363 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
18364 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
18365 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
18366 definitions for all user-defined commands.
18367
18368 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
18369 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
18370 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
18371 @item show max-user-call-depth
18372 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
18373 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
18374 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
18375 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
18376 @end table
18377
18378 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
18379 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
18380
18381 When user-defined commands are executed, the
18382 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
18383 stops execution of the user-defined command.
18384
18385 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
18386 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
18387 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
18388 messages when used in a user-defined command.
18389
18390 @node Hooks
18391 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
18392 @cindex command hooks
18393 @cindex hooks, for commands
18394 @cindex hooks, pre-command
18395
18396 @kindex hook
18397 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
18398 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
18399 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
18400 before that command.
18401
18402 @cindex hooks, post-command
18403 @kindex hookpost
18404 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
18405 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
18406 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
18407 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
18408 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
18409
18410 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
18411 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
18412
18413 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
18414 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
18415
18416 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
18417 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
18418 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
18419 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
18420 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
18421
18422 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
18423 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
18424 you could define:
18425
18426 @smallexample
18427 define hook-stop
18428 handle SIGALRM nopass
18429 end
18430
18431 define hook-run
18432 handle SIGALRM pass
18433 end
18434
18435 define hook-continue
18436 handle SIGALRM pass
18437 end
18438 @end smallexample
18439
18440 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
18441 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
18442 you could define:
18443
18444 @smallexample
18445 define hook-echo
18446 echo <<<---
18447 end
18448
18449 define hookpost-echo
18450 echo --->>>\n
18451 end
18452
18453 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
18454 <<<---Hello World--->>>
18455 (@value{GDBP})
18456
18457 @end smallexample
18458
18459 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
18460 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
18461 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
18462 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
18463 @c or not?
18464 You can hook a multi-word command by adding @code{hook-} or
18465 @code{hookpost-} to the last word of the command, e.g.@:
18466 @samp{define target hook-remote} to add a hook to @samp{target remote}.
18467
18468 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
18469 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
18470 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
18471
18472 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
18473 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
18474
18475 @node Command Files
18476 @subsection Command Files
18477
18478 @cindex command files
18479 @cindex scripting commands
18480 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
18481 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
18482 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
18483 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
18484 terminal.
18485
18486 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
18487 command:
18488
18489 @table @code
18490 @kindex source
18491 @cindex execute commands from a file
18492 @item source [@code{-v}] @var{filename}
18493 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
18494 @end table
18495
18496 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
18497 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
18498 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
18499 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
18500 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
18501
18502 @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename} in the current directory and then
18503 on the search path (specified with the @samp{directory} command).
18504
18505 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
18506 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
18507 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
18508
18509 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
18510 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
18511 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
18512 when called from command files.
18513
18514 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
18515 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
18516 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
18517 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
18518 the next command.
18519
18520 @smallexample
18521 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
18522 @end smallexample
18523
18524 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
18525 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
18526 would be directed to @file{log}.
18527
18528 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
18529 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
18530 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
18531 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
18532 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
18533 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
18534 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
18535 conditionally, etc.
18536
18537 @table @code
18538 @kindex if
18539 @kindex else
18540 @item if
18541 @itemx else
18542 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
18543 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
18544 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
18545 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
18546 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
18547 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
18548 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
18549
18550 @kindex while
18551 @item while
18552 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
18553 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
18554 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
18555 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
18556 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
18557 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
18558
18559 @kindex loop_break
18560 @item loop_break
18561 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
18562 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
18563 line.
18564
18565 @kindex loop_continue
18566 @item loop_continue
18567 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
18568 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
18569 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
18570 the controlling expression.
18571
18572 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
18573 @item end
18574 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
18575 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
18576 @end table
18577
18578
18579 @node Output
18580 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
18581
18582 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
18583 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
18584 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
18585 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
18586 want.
18587
18588 @table @code
18589 @kindex echo
18590 @item echo @var{text}
18591 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
18592 @c because it is not in ANSI.
18593 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
18594 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
18595 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
18596 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
18597 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
18598 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
18599 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
18600 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
18601 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
18602
18603 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
18604 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
18605
18606 @smallexample
18607 echo This is some text\n\
18608 which is continued\n\
18609 onto several lines.\n
18610 @end smallexample
18611
18612 produces the same output as
18613
18614 @smallexample
18615 echo This is some text\n
18616 echo which is continued\n
18617 echo onto several lines.\n
18618 @end smallexample
18619
18620 @kindex output
18621 @item output @var{expression}
18622 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
18623 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
18624 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
18625 on expressions.
18626
18627 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
18628 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
18629 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
18630 Formats}, for more information.
18631
18632 @kindex printf
18633 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
18634 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
18635 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
18636 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
18637 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
18638 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
18639 executing the code below:
18640
18641 @smallexample
18642 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
18643 @end smallexample
18644
18645 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
18646 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
18647 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
18648 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
18649 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
18650 printed.
18651
18652 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
18653
18654 @smallexample
18655 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
18656 @end smallexample
18657
18658 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
18659 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
18660 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
18661
18662 @itemize @bullet
18663 @item
18664 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
18665
18666 @item
18667 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
18668 width.
18669
18670 @item
18671 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
18672 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
18673
18674 @item
18675 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
18676 supported.
18677
18678 @item
18679 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
18680
18681 @item
18682 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
18683 @end itemize
18684
18685 @noindent
18686 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
18687 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
18688 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
18689 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
18690
18691 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
18692 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
18693 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
18694 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
18695 supported.
18696
18697 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
18698 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
18699 together with a floating point specifier.
18700 letters:
18701
18702 @itemize @bullet
18703 @item
18704 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
18705
18706 @item
18707 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
18708
18709 @item
18710 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
18711 @end itemize
18712
18713 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
18714 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
18715 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
18716
18717 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
18718 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
18719
18720 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
18721 @smallexample
18722 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
18723 @end smallexample
18724
18725 @end table
18726
18727 @node Python
18728 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
18729 @cindex python scripting
18730 @cindex scripting with python
18731
18732 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
18733 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
18734 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
18735
18736 @menu
18737 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
18738 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
18739 @end menu
18740
18741 @node Python Commands
18742 @subsection Python Commands
18743 @cindex python commands
18744 @cindex commands to access python
18745
18746 @value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
18747 and one related setting:
18748
18749 @table @code
18750 @kindex python
18751 @item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
18752 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
18753
18754 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
18755 argument as a Python command. For example:
18756
18757 @smallexample
18758 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
18759 23
18760 @end smallexample
18761
18762 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
18763 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
18764 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
18765 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
18766 containing @code{end}. For example:
18767
18768 @smallexample
18769 (@value{GDBP}) python
18770 Type python script
18771 End with a line saying just "end".
18772 >print 23
18773 >end
18774 23
18775 @end smallexample
18776
18777 @kindex maint set python print-stack
18778 @item maint set python print-stack
18779 By default, @value{GDBN} will print a stack trace when an error occurs
18780 in a Python script. This can be controlled using @code{maint set
18781 python print-stack}: if @code{on}, the default, then Python stack
18782 printing is enabled; if @code{off}, then Python stack printing is
18783 disabled.
18784 @end table
18785
18786 @node Python API
18787 @subsection Python API
18788 @cindex python api
18789 @cindex programming in python
18790
18791 @cindex python stdout
18792 @cindex python pagination
18793 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
18794 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
18795 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
18796 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
18797 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
18798
18799 @menu
18800 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
18801 * Exception Handling::
18802 * Auto-loading:: Automatically loading Python code.
18803 * Values From Inferior::
18804 * Types In Python:: Python representation of types.
18805 * Pretty Printing:: Pretty-printing values.
18806 * Selecting Pretty-Printers:: How GDB chooses a pretty-printer.
18807 * Commands In Python:: Implementing new commands in Python.
18808 * Functions In Python:: Writing new convenience functions.
18809 * Objfiles In Python:: Object files.
18810 * Frames In Python:: Acessing inferior stack frames from Python.
18811 @end menu
18812
18813 @node Basic Python
18814 @subsubsection Basic Python
18815
18816 @cindex python functions
18817 @cindex python module
18818 @cindex gdb module
18819 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
18820 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
18821 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
18822 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
18823
18824 @findex gdb.execute
18825 @defun execute command [from_tty]
18826 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
18827 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
18828 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
18829 If no exceptions occur, this function returns @code{None}.
18830
18831 @var{from_tty} specifies whether @value{GDBN} ought to consider this
18832 command as having originated from the user invoking it interactively.
18833 It must be a boolean value. If omitted, it defaults to @code{False}.
18834 @end defun
18835
18836 @findex gdb.parameter
18837 @defun parameter parameter
18838 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
18839 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
18840 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
18841 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
18842
18843 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
18844 @code{RuntimeError}. Otherwise, the parameter's value is converted to
18845 a Python value of the appropriate type, and returned.
18846 @end defun
18847
18848 @findex gdb.history
18849 @defun history number
18850 Return a value from @value{GDBN}'s value history (@pxref{Value
18851 History}). @var{number} indicates which history element to return.
18852 If @var{number} is negative, then @value{GDBN} will take its absolute value
18853 and count backward from the last element (i.e., the most recent element) to
18854 find the value to return. If @var{number} is zero, then @value{GDBN} will
18855 return the most recent element. If the element specified by @var{number}
18856 doesn't exist in the value history, a @code{RuntimeError} exception will be
18857 raised.
18858
18859 If no exception is raised, the return value is always an instance of
18860 @code{gdb.Value} (@pxref{Values From Inferior}).
18861 @end defun
18862
18863 @findex gdb.write
18864 @defun write string
18865 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream.
18866 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
18867 call this function.
18868 @end defun
18869
18870 @findex gdb.flush
18871 @defun flush
18872 Flush @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream. Flushing
18873 @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically call this
18874 function.
18875 @end defun
18876
18877 @node Exception Handling
18878 @subsubsection Exception Handling
18879 @cindex python exceptions
18880 @cindex exceptions, python
18881
18882 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
18883 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
18884 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
18885 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
18886 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
18887 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
18888 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
18889
18890 @smallexample
18891 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
18892 Traceback (most recent call last):
18893 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
18894 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
18895 @end smallexample
18896
18897 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by Python
18898 code are converted to Python @code{RuntimeError} exceptions. User
18899 interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
18900 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt}
18901 exception. If you catch these exceptions in your Python code, your
18902 exception handler will see @code{RuntimeError} or
18903 @code{KeyboardInterrupt} as the exception type, the @value{GDBN} error
18904 message as its value, and the Python call stack backtrace at the
18905 Python statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
18906 traceback.
18907
18908 @node Auto-loading
18909 @subsubsection Auto-loading
18910 @cindex auto-loading, Python
18911
18912 When a new object file is read (for example, due to the @code{file}
18913 command, or because the inferior has loaded a shared library),
18914 @value{GDBN} will look for a file named @file{@var{objfile}-gdb.py},
18915 where @var{objfile} is the object file's real name, formed by ensuring
18916 that the file name is absolute, following all symlinks, and resolving
18917 @code{.} and @code{..} components. If this file exists and is
18918 readable, @value{GDBN} will evaluate it as a Python script.
18919
18920 If this file does not exist, and if the parameter
18921 @code{debug-file-directory} is set (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}),
18922 then @value{GDBN} will use the file named
18923 @file{@var{debug-file-directory}/@var{real-name}}, where
18924 @var{real-name} is the object file's real name, as described above.
18925
18926 Finally, if this file does not exist, then @value{GDBN} will look for
18927 a file named @file{@var{data-directory}/python/auto-load/@var{real-name}}, where
18928 @var{data-directory} is @value{GDBN}'s data directory (available via
18929 @code{show data-directory}, @pxref{Data Files}), and @var{real-name}
18930 is the object file's real name, as described above.
18931
18932 When reading an auto-loaded file, @value{GDBN} sets the ``current
18933 objfile''. This is available via the @code{gdb.current_objfile}
18934 function (@pxref{Objfiles In Python}). This can be useful for
18935 registering objfile-specific pretty-printers.
18936
18937 The auto-loading feature is useful for supplying application-specific
18938 debugging commands and scripts. You can enable or disable this
18939 feature, and view its current state.
18940
18941 @table @code
18942 @kindex maint set python auto-load
18943 @item maint set python auto-load [yes|no]
18944 Enable or disable the Python auto-loading feature.
18945
18946 @kindex show python auto-load
18947 @item show python auto-load
18948 Show whether Python auto-loading is enabled or disabled.
18949 @end table
18950
18951 @value{GDBN} does not track which files it has already auto-loaded.
18952 So, your @samp{-gdb.py} file should take care to ensure that it may be
18953 evaluated multiple times without error.
18954
18955 @node Values From Inferior
18956 @subsubsection Values From Inferior
18957 @cindex values from inferior, with Python
18958 @cindex python, working with values from inferior
18959
18960 @cindex @code{gdb.Value}
18961 @value{GDBN} provides values it obtains from the inferior program in
18962 an object of type @code{gdb.Value}. @value{GDBN} uses this object
18963 for its internal bookkeeping of the inferior's values, and for
18964 fetching values when necessary.
18965
18966 Inferior values that are simple scalars can be used directly in
18967 Python expressions that are valid for the value's data type. Here's
18968 an example for an integer or floating-point value @code{some_val}:
18969
18970 @smallexample
18971 bar = some_val + 2
18972 @end smallexample
18973
18974 @noindent
18975 As result of this, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object
18976 whose values are of the same type as those of @code{some_val}.
18977
18978 Inferior values that are structures or instances of some class can
18979 be accessed using the Python @dfn{dictionary syntax}. For example, if
18980 @code{some_val} is a @code{gdb.Value} instance holding a structure, you
18981 can access its @code{foo} element with:
18982
18983 @smallexample
18984 bar = some_val['foo']
18985 @end smallexample
18986
18987 Again, @code{bar} will also be a @code{gdb.Value} object.
18988
18989 The following attributes are provided:
18990
18991 @table @code
18992 @defivar Value address
18993 If this object is addressable, this read-only attribute holds a
18994 @code{gdb.Value} object representing the address. Otherwise,
18995 this attribute holds @code{None}.
18996 @end defivar
18997
18998 @cindex optimized out value in Python
18999 @defivar Value is_optimized_out
19000 This read-only boolean attribute is true if the compiler optimized out
19001 this value, thus it is not available for fetching from the inferior.
19002 @end defivar
19003
19004 @defivar Value type
19005 The type of this @code{gdb.Value}. The value of this attribute is a
19006 @code{gdb.Type} object.
19007 @end defivar
19008 @end table
19009
19010 The following methods are provided:
19011
19012 @table @code
19013 @defmethod Value dereference
19014 For pointer data types, this method returns a new @code{gdb.Value} object
19015 whose contents is the object pointed to by the pointer. For example, if
19016 @code{foo} is a C pointer to an @code{int}, declared in your C program as
19017
19018 @smallexample
19019 int *foo;
19020 @end smallexample
19021
19022 @noindent
19023 then you can use the corresponding @code{gdb.Value} to access what
19024 @code{foo} points to like this:
19025
19026 @smallexample
19027 bar = foo.dereference ()
19028 @end smallexample
19029
19030 The result @code{bar} will be a @code{gdb.Value} object holding the
19031 value pointed to by @code{foo}.
19032 @end defmethod
19033
19034 @defmethod Value string @r{[}encoding@r{]} @r{[}errors@r{]} @r{[}length@r{]}
19035 If this @code{gdb.Value} represents a string, then this method
19036 converts the contents to a Python string. Otherwise, this method will
19037 throw an exception.
19038
19039 Strings are recognized in a language-specific way; whether a given
19040 @code{gdb.Value} represents a string is determined by the current
19041 language.
19042
19043 For C-like languages, a value is a string if it is a pointer to or an
19044 array of characters or ints. The string is assumed to be terminated
19045 by a zero of the appropriate width. However if the optional length
19046 argument is given, the string will be converted to that given length,
19047 ignoring any embedded zeros that the string may contain.
19048
19049 If the optional @var{encoding} argument is given, it must be a string
19050 naming the encoding of the string in the @code{gdb.Value}, such as
19051 @code{"ascii"}, @code{"iso-8859-6"} or @code{"utf-8"}. It accepts
19052 the same encodings as the corresponding argument to Python's
19053 @code{string.decode} method, and the Python codec machinery will be used
19054 to convert the string. If @var{encoding} is not given, or if
19055 @var{encoding} is the empty string, then either the @code{target-charset}
19056 (@pxref{Character Sets}) will be used, or a language-specific encoding
19057 will be used, if the current language is able to supply one.
19058
19059 The optional @var{errors} argument is the same as the corresponding
19060 argument to Python's @code{string.decode} method.
19061
19062 If the optional @var{length} argument is given, the string will be
19063 fetched and converted to the given length.
19064 @end defmethod
19065 @end table
19066
19067 @node Types In Python
19068 @subsubsection Types In Python
19069 @cindex types in Python
19070 @cindex Python, working with types
19071
19072 @tindex gdb.Type
19073 @value{GDBN} represents types from the inferior using the class
19074 @code{gdb.Type}.
19075
19076 The following type-related functions are available in the @code{gdb}
19077 module:
19078
19079 @findex gdb.lookup_type
19080 @defun lookup_type name [block]
19081 This function looks up a type by name. @var{name} is the name of the
19082 type to look up. It must be a string.
19083
19084 Ordinarily, this function will return an instance of @code{gdb.Type}.
19085 If the named type cannot be found, it will throw an exception.
19086 @end defun
19087
19088 An instance of @code{Type} has the following attributes:
19089
19090 @table @code
19091 @defivar Type code
19092 The type code for this type. The type code will be one of the
19093 @code{TYPE_CODE_} constants defined below.
19094 @end defivar
19095
19096 @defivar Type sizeof
19097 The size of this type, in target @code{char} units. Usually, a
19098 target's @code{char} type will be an 8-bit byte. However, on some
19099 unusual platforms, this type may have a different size.
19100 @end defivar
19101
19102 @defivar Type tag
19103 The tag name for this type. The tag name is the name after
19104 @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} in C and C@t{++}; not all
19105 languages have this concept. If this type has no tag name, then
19106 @code{None} is returned.
19107 @end defivar
19108 @end table
19109
19110 The following methods are provided:
19111
19112 @table @code
19113 @defmethod Type fields
19114 For structure and union types, this method returns the fields. Range
19115 types have two fields, the minimum and maximum values. Enum types
19116 have one field per enum constant. Function and method types have one
19117 field per parameter. The base types of C@t{++} classes are also
19118 represented as fields. If the type has no fields, or does not fit
19119 into one of these categories, an empty sequence will be returned.
19120
19121 Each field is an object, with some pre-defined attributes:
19122 @table @code
19123 @item bitpos
19124 This attribute is not available for @code{static} fields (as in
19125 C@t{++} or Java). For non-@code{static} fields, the value is the bit
19126 position of the field.
19127
19128 @item name
19129 The name of the field, or @code{None} for anonymous fields.
19130
19131 @item artificial
19132 This is @code{True} if the field is artificial, usually meaning that
19133 it was provided by the compiler and not the user. This attribute is
19134 always provided, and is @code{False} if the field is not artificial.
19135
19136 @item bitsize
19137 If the field is packed, or is a bitfield, then this will have a
19138 non-zero value, which is the size of the field in bits. Otherwise,
19139 this will be zero; in this case the field's size is given by its type.
19140
19141 @item type
19142 The type of the field. This is usually an instance of @code{Type},
19143 but it can be @code{None} in some situations.
19144 @end table
19145 @end defmethod
19146
19147 @defmethod Type const
19148 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
19149 @code{const}-qualified variant of this type.
19150 @end defmethod
19151
19152 @defmethod Type volatile
19153 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a
19154 @code{volatile}-qualified variant of this type.
19155 @end defmethod
19156
19157 @defmethod Type unqualified
19158 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents an unqualified
19159 variant of this type. That is, the result is neither @code{const} nor
19160 @code{volatile}.
19161 @end defmethod
19162
19163 @defmethod Type reference
19164 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents a reference to this
19165 type.
19166 @end defmethod
19167
19168 @defmethod Type strip_typedefs
19169 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} that represents the real type,
19170 after removing all layers of typedefs.
19171 @end defmethod
19172
19173 @defmethod Type target
19174 Return a new @code{gdb.Type} object which represents the target type
19175 of this type.
19176
19177 For a pointer type, the target type is the type of the pointed-to
19178 object. For an array type (meaning C-like arrays), the target type is
19179 the type of the elements of the array. For a function or method type,
19180 the target type is the type of the return value. For a complex type,
19181 the target type is the type of the elements. For a typedef, the
19182 target type is the aliased type.
19183
19184 If the type does not have a target, this method will throw an
19185 exception.
19186 @end defmethod
19187
19188 @defmethod Type template_argument n
19189 If this @code{gdb.Type} is an instantiation of a template, this will
19190 return a new @code{gdb.Type} which represents the type of the
19191 @var{n}th template argument.
19192
19193 If this @code{gdb.Type} is not a template type, this will throw an
19194 exception. Ordinarily, only C@t{++} code will have template types.
19195
19196 @var{name} is searched for globally.
19197 @end defmethod
19198 @end table
19199
19200
19201 Each type has a code, which indicates what category this type falls
19202 into. The available type categories are represented by constants
19203 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
19204
19205 @table @code
19206 @findex TYPE_CODE_PTR
19207 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_PTR
19208 @item TYPE_CODE_PTR
19209 The type is a pointer.
19210
19211 @findex TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
19212 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
19213 @item TYPE_CODE_ARRAY
19214 The type is an array.
19215
19216 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
19217 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
19218 @item TYPE_CODE_STRUCT
19219 The type is a structure.
19220
19221 @findex TYPE_CODE_UNION
19222 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_UNION
19223 @item TYPE_CODE_UNION
19224 The type is a union.
19225
19226 @findex TYPE_CODE_ENUM
19227 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ENUM
19228 @item TYPE_CODE_ENUM
19229 The type is an enum.
19230
19231 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
19232 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
19233 @item TYPE_CODE_FLAGS
19234 A bit flags type, used for things such as status registers.
19235
19236 @findex TYPE_CODE_FUNC
19237 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FUNC
19238 @item TYPE_CODE_FUNC
19239 The type is a function.
19240
19241 @findex TYPE_CODE_INT
19242 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INT
19243 @item TYPE_CODE_INT
19244 The type is an integer type.
19245
19246 @findex TYPE_CODE_FLT
19247 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_FLT
19248 @item TYPE_CODE_FLT
19249 A floating point type.
19250
19251 @findex TYPE_CODE_VOID
19252 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_VOID
19253 @item TYPE_CODE_VOID
19254 The special type @code{void}.
19255
19256 @findex TYPE_CODE_SET
19257 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_SET
19258 @item TYPE_CODE_SET
19259 A Pascal set type.
19260
19261 @findex TYPE_CODE_RANGE
19262 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_RANGE
19263 @item TYPE_CODE_RANGE
19264 A range type, that is, an integer type with bounds.
19265
19266 @findex TYPE_CODE_STRING
19267 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_STRING
19268 @item TYPE_CODE_STRING
19269 A string type. Note that this is only used for certain languages with
19270 language-defined string types; C strings are not represented this way.
19271
19272 @findex TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
19273 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
19274 @item TYPE_CODE_BITSTRING
19275 A string of bits.
19276
19277 @findex TYPE_CODE_ERROR
19278 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_ERROR
19279 @item TYPE_CODE_ERROR
19280 An unknown or erroneous type.
19281
19282 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHOD
19283 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHOD
19284 @item TYPE_CODE_METHOD
19285 A method type, as found in C@t{++} or Java.
19286
19287 @findex TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
19288 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
19289 @item TYPE_CODE_METHODPTR
19290 A pointer-to-member-function.
19291
19292 @findex TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
19293 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
19294 @item TYPE_CODE_MEMBERPTR
19295 A pointer-to-member.
19296
19297 @findex TYPE_CODE_REF
19298 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_REF
19299 @item TYPE_CODE_REF
19300 A reference type.
19301
19302 @findex TYPE_CODE_CHAR
19303 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_CHAR
19304 @item TYPE_CODE_CHAR
19305 A character type.
19306
19307 @findex TYPE_CODE_BOOL
19308 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_BOOL
19309 @item TYPE_CODE_BOOL
19310 A boolean type.
19311
19312 @findex TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
19313 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
19314 @item TYPE_CODE_COMPLEX
19315 A complex float type.
19316
19317 @findex TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
19318 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
19319 @item TYPE_CODE_TYPEDEF
19320 A typedef to some other type.
19321
19322 @findex TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
19323 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
19324 @item TYPE_CODE_NAMESPACE
19325 A C@t{++} namespace.
19326
19327 @findex TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
19328 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
19329 @item TYPE_CODE_DECFLOAT
19330 A decimal floating point type.
19331
19332 @findex TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
19333 @findex gdb.TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
19334 @item TYPE_CODE_INTERNAL_FUNCTION
19335 A function internal to @value{GDBN}. This is the type used to represent
19336 convenience functions.
19337 @end table
19338
19339 @node Pretty Printing
19340 @subsubsection Pretty Printing
19341
19342 @value{GDBN} provides a mechanism to allow pretty-printing of values
19343 using Python code. The pretty-printer API allows application-specific
19344 code to greatly simplify the display of complex objects. This
19345 mechanism works for both MI and the CLI.
19346
19347 For example, here is how a C@t{++} @code{std::string} looks without a
19348 pretty-printer:
19349
19350 @smallexample
19351 (@value{GDBP}) print s
19352 $1 = @{
19353 static npos = 4294967295,
19354 _M_dataplus = @{
19355 <std::allocator<char>> = @{
19356 <__gnu_cxx::new_allocator<char>> = @{<No data fields>@}, <No data fields>@},
19357 members of std::basic_string<char, std::char_traits<char>, std::allocator<char> >::_Alloc_hider:
19358 _M_p = 0x804a014 "abcd"
19359 @}
19360 @}
19361 @end smallexample
19362
19363 After a pretty-printer for @code{std::string} has been installed, only
19364 the contents are printed:
19365
19366 @smallexample
19367 (@value{GDBP}) print s
19368 $2 = "abcd"
19369 @end smallexample
19370
19371 A pretty-printer is just an object that holds a value and implements a
19372 specific interface, defined here.
19373
19374 @defop Operation {pretty printer} children (self)
19375 @value{GDBN} will call this method on a pretty-printer to compute the
19376 children of the pretty-printer's value.
19377
19378 This method must return an object conforming to the Python iterator
19379 protocol. Each item returned by the iterator must be a tuple holding
19380 two elements. The first element is the ``name'' of the child; the
19381 second element is the child's value. The value can be any Python
19382 object which is convertible to a @value{GDBN} value.
19383
19384 This method is optional. If it does not exist, @value{GDBN} will act
19385 as though the value has no children.
19386 @end defop
19387
19388 @defop Operation {pretty printer} display_hint (self)
19389 The CLI may call this method and use its result to change the
19390 formatting of a value. The result will also be supplied to an MI
19391 consumer as a @samp{displayhint} attribute of the variable being
19392 printed.
19393
19394 This method is optional. If it does exist, this method must return a
19395 string.
19396
19397 Some display hints are predefined by @value{GDBN}:
19398
19399 @table @samp
19400 @item array
19401 Indicate that the object being printed is ``array-like''. The CLI
19402 uses this to respect parameters such as @code{set print elements} and
19403 @code{set print array}.
19404
19405 @item map
19406 Indicate that the object being printed is ``map-like'', and that the
19407 children of this value can be assumed to alternate between keys and
19408 values.
19409
19410 @item string
19411 Indicate that the object being printed is ``string-like''. If the
19412 printer's @code{to_string} method returns a Python string of some
19413 kind, then @value{GDBN} will call its internal language-specific
19414 string-printing function to format the string. For the CLI this means
19415 adding quotation marks, possibly escaping some characters, respecting
19416 @code{set print elements}, and the like.
19417 @end table
19418 @end defop
19419
19420 @defop Operation {pretty printer} to_string (self)
19421 @value{GDBN} will call this method to display the string
19422 representation of the value passed to the object's constructor.
19423
19424 When printing from the CLI, if the @code{to_string} method exists,
19425 then @value{GDBN} will prepend its result to the values returned by
19426 @code{children}. Exactly how this formatting is done is dependent on
19427 the display hint, and may change as more hints are added. Also,
19428 depending on the print settings (@pxref{Print Settings}), the CLI may
19429 print just the result of @code{to_string} in a stack trace, omitting
19430 the result of @code{children}.
19431
19432 If this method returns a string, it is printed verbatim.
19433
19434 Otherwise, if this method returns an instance of @code{gdb.Value},
19435 then @value{GDBN} prints this value. This may result in a call to
19436 another pretty-printer.
19437
19438 If instead the method returns a Python value which is convertible to a
19439 @code{gdb.Value}, then @value{GDBN} performs the conversion and prints
19440 the resulting value. Again, this may result in a call to another
19441 pretty-printer. Python scalars (integers, floats, and booleans) and
19442 strings are convertible to @code{gdb.Value}; other types are not.
19443
19444 If the result is not one of these types, an exception is raised.
19445 @end defop
19446
19447 @node Selecting Pretty-Printers
19448 @subsubsection Selecting Pretty-Printers
19449
19450 The Python list @code{gdb.pretty_printers} contains an array of
19451 functions that have been registered via addition as a pretty-printer.
19452 Each @code{gdb.Objfile} also contains a @code{pretty_printers}
19453 attribute.
19454
19455 A function on one of these lists is passed a single @code{gdb.Value}
19456 argument and should return a pretty-printer object conforming to the
19457 interface definition above (@pxref{Pretty Printing}). If a function
19458 cannot create a pretty-printer for the value, it should return
19459 @code{None}.
19460
19461 @value{GDBN} first checks the @code{pretty_printers} attribute of each
19462 @code{gdb.Objfile} and iteratively calls each function in the list for
19463 that @code{gdb.Objfile} until it receives a pretty-printer object.
19464 After these lists have been exhausted, it tries the global
19465 @code{gdb.pretty-printers} list, again calling each function until an
19466 object is returned.
19467
19468 The order in which the objfiles are searched is not specified. For a
19469 given list, functions are always invoked from the head of the list,
19470 and iterated over sequentially until the end of the list, or a printer
19471 object is returned.
19472
19473 Here is an example showing how a @code{std::string} printer might be
19474 written:
19475
19476 @smallexample
19477 class StdStringPrinter:
19478 "Print a std::string"
19479
19480 def __init__ (self, val):
19481 self.val = val
19482
19483 def to_string (self):
19484 return self.val['_M_dataplus']['_M_p']
19485
19486 def display_hint (self):
19487 return 'string'
19488 @end smallexample
19489
19490 And here is an example showing how a lookup function for the printer
19491 example above might be written.
19492
19493 @smallexample
19494 def str_lookup_function (val):
19495
19496 lookup_tag = val.type.tag
19497 regex = re.compile ("^std::basic_string<char,.*>$")
19498 if lookup_tag == None:
19499 return None
19500 if regex.match (lookup_tag):
19501 return StdStringPrinter (val)
19502
19503 return None
19504 @end smallexample
19505
19506 The example lookup function extracts the value's type, and attempts to
19507 match it to a type that it can pretty-print. If it is a type the
19508 printer can pretty-print, it will return a printer object. If not, it
19509 returns @code{None}.
19510
19511 We recommend that you put your core pretty-printers into a Python
19512 package. If your pretty-printers are for use with a library, we
19513 further recommend embedding a version number into the package name.
19514 This practice will enable @value{GDBN} to load multiple versions of
19515 your pretty-printers at the same time, because they will have
19516 different names.
19517
19518 You should write auto-loaded code (@pxref{Auto-loading}) such that it
19519 can be evaluated multiple times without changing its meaning. An
19520 ideal auto-load file will consist solely of @code{import}s of your
19521 printer modules, followed by a call to a register pretty-printers with
19522 the current objfile.
19523
19524 Taken as a whole, this approach will scale nicely to multiple
19525 inferiors, each potentially using a different library version.
19526 Embedding a version number in the Python package name will ensure that
19527 @value{GDBN} is able to load both sets of printers simultaneously.
19528 Then, because the search for pretty-printers is done by objfile, and
19529 because your auto-loaded code took care to register your library's
19530 printers with a specific objfile, @value{GDBN} will find the correct
19531 printers for the specific version of the library used by each
19532 inferior.
19533
19534 To continue the @code{std::string} example (@pxref{Pretty Printing}),
19535 this code might appear in @code{gdb.libstdcxx.v6}:
19536
19537 @smallexample
19538 def register_printers (objfile):
19539 objfile.pretty_printers.add (str_lookup_function)
19540 @end smallexample
19541
19542 @noindent
19543 And then the corresponding contents of the auto-load file would be:
19544
19545 @smallexample
19546 import gdb.libstdcxx.v6
19547 gdb.libstdcxx.v6.register_printers (gdb.current_objfile ())
19548 @end smallexample
19549
19550 @node Commands In Python
19551 @subsubsection Commands In Python
19552
19553 @cindex commands in python
19554 @cindex python commands
19555 You can implement new @value{GDBN} CLI commands in Python. A CLI
19556 command is implemented using an instance of the @code{gdb.Command}
19557 class, most commonly using a subclass.
19558
19559 @defmethod Command __init__ name @var{command_class} @r{[}@var{completer_class}@r{]} @r{[}@var{prefix}@r{]}
19560 The object initializer for @code{Command} registers the new command
19561 with @value{GDBN}. This initializer is normally invoked from the
19562 subclass' own @code{__init__} method.
19563
19564 @var{name} is the name of the command. If @var{name} consists of
19565 multiple words, then the initial words are looked for as prefix
19566 commands. In this case, if one of the prefix commands does not exist,
19567 an exception is raised.
19568
19569 There is no support for multi-line commands.
19570
19571 @var{command_class} should be one of the @samp{COMMAND_} constants
19572 defined below. This argument tells @value{GDBN} how to categorize the
19573 new command in the help system.
19574
19575 @var{completer_class} is an optional argument. If given, it should be
19576 one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined below. This argument
19577 tells @value{GDBN} how to perform completion for this command. If not
19578 given, @value{GDBN} will attempt to complete using the object's
19579 @code{complete} method (see below); if no such method is found, an
19580 error will occur when completion is attempted.
19581
19582 @var{prefix} is an optional argument. If @code{True}, then the new
19583 command is a prefix command; sub-commands of this command may be
19584 registered.
19585
19586 The help text for the new command is taken from the Python
19587 documentation string for the command's class, if there is one. If no
19588 documentation string is provided, the default value ``This command is
19589 not documented.'' is used.
19590 @end defmethod
19591
19592 @cindex don't repeat Python command
19593 @defmethod Command dont_repeat
19594 By default, a @value{GDBN} command is repeated when the user enters a
19595 blank line at the command prompt. A command can suppress this
19596 behavior by invoking the @code{dont_repeat} method. This is similar
19597 to the user command @code{dont-repeat}, see @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
19598 @end defmethod
19599
19600 @defmethod Command invoke argument from_tty
19601 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when this command is invoked.
19602
19603 @var{argument} is a string. It is the argument to the command, after
19604 leading and trailing whitespace has been stripped.
19605
19606 @var{from_tty} is a boolean argument. When true, this means that the
19607 command was entered by the user at the terminal; when false it means
19608 that the command came from elsewhere.
19609
19610 If this method throws an exception, it is turned into a @value{GDBN}
19611 @code{error} call. Otherwise, the return value is ignored.
19612 @end defmethod
19613
19614 @cindex completion of Python commands
19615 @defmethod Command complete text word
19616 This method is called by @value{GDBN} when the user attempts
19617 completion on this command. All forms of completion are handled by
19618 this method, that is, the @key{TAB} and @key{M-?} key bindings
19619 (@pxref{Completion}), and the @code{complete} command (@pxref{Help,
19620 complete}).
19621
19622 The arguments @var{text} and @var{word} are both strings. @var{text}
19623 holds the complete command line up to the cursor's location.
19624 @var{word} holds the last word of the command line; this is computed
19625 using a word-breaking heuristic.
19626
19627 The @code{complete} method can return several values:
19628 @itemize @bullet
19629 @item
19630 If the return value is a sequence, the contents of the sequence are
19631 used as the completions. It is up to @code{complete} to ensure that the
19632 contents actually do complete the word. A zero-length sequence is
19633 allowed, it means that there were no completions available. Only
19634 string elements of the sequence are used; other elements in the
19635 sequence are ignored.
19636
19637 @item
19638 If the return value is one of the @samp{COMPLETE_} constants defined
19639 below, then the corresponding @value{GDBN}-internal completion
19640 function is invoked, and its result is used.
19641
19642 @item
19643 All other results are treated as though there were no available
19644 completions.
19645 @end itemize
19646 @end defmethod
19647
19648 When a new command is registered, it must be declared as a member of
19649 some general class of commands. This is used to classify top-level
19650 commands in the on-line help system; note that prefix commands are not
19651 listed under their own category but rather that of their top-level
19652 command. The available classifications are represented by constants
19653 defined in the @code{gdb} module:
19654
19655 @table @code
19656 @findex COMMAND_NONE
19657 @findex gdb.COMMAND_NONE
19658 @item COMMAND_NONE
19659 The command does not belong to any particular class. A command in
19660 this category will not be displayed in any of the help categories.
19661
19662 @findex COMMAND_RUNNING
19663 @findex gdb.COMMAND_RUNNING
19664 @item COMMAND_RUNNING
19665 The command is related to running the inferior. For example,
19666 @code{start}, @code{step}, and @code{continue} are in this category.
19667 Type @kbd{help running} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
19668 commands in this category.
19669
19670 @findex COMMAND_DATA
19671 @findex gdb.COMMAND_DATA
19672 @item COMMAND_DATA
19673 The command is related to data or variables. For example,
19674 @code{call}, @code{find}, and @code{print} are in this category. Type
19675 @kbd{help data} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands
19676 in this category.
19677
19678 @findex COMMAND_STACK
19679 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STACK
19680 @item COMMAND_STACK
19681 The command has to do with manipulation of the stack. For example,
19682 @code{backtrace}, @code{frame}, and @code{return} are in this
19683 category. Type @kbd{help stack} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a
19684 list of commands in this category.
19685
19686 @findex COMMAND_FILES
19687 @findex gdb.COMMAND_FILES
19688 @item COMMAND_FILES
19689 This class is used for file-related commands. For example,
19690 @code{file}, @code{list} and @code{section} are in this category.
19691 Type @kbd{help files} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
19692 commands in this category.
19693
19694 @findex COMMAND_SUPPORT
19695 @findex gdb.COMMAND_SUPPORT
19696 @item COMMAND_SUPPORT
19697 This should be used for ``support facilities'', generally meaning
19698 things that are useful to the user when interacting with @value{GDBN},
19699 but not related to the state of the inferior. For example,
19700 @code{help}, @code{make}, and @code{shell} are in this category. Type
19701 @kbd{help support} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
19702 commands in this category.
19703
19704 @findex COMMAND_STATUS
19705 @findex gdb.COMMAND_STATUS
19706 @item COMMAND_STATUS
19707 The command is an @samp{info}-related command, that is, related to the
19708 state of @value{GDBN} itself. For example, @code{info}, @code{macro},
19709 and @code{show} are in this category. Type @kbd{help status} at the
19710 @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this category.
19711
19712 @findex COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
19713 @findex gdb.COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
19714 @item COMMAND_BREAKPOINTS
19715 The command has to do with breakpoints. For example, @code{break},
19716 @code{clear}, and @code{delete} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
19717 breakpoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in
19718 this category.
19719
19720 @findex COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
19721 @findex gdb.COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
19722 @item COMMAND_TRACEPOINTS
19723 The command has to do with tracepoints. For example, @code{trace},
19724 @code{actions}, and @code{tfind} are in this category. Type
19725 @kbd{help tracepoints} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
19726 commands in this category.
19727
19728 @findex COMMAND_OBSCURE
19729 @findex gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE
19730 @item COMMAND_OBSCURE
19731 The command is only used in unusual circumstances, or is not of
19732 general interest to users. For example, @code{checkpoint},
19733 @code{fork}, and @code{stop} are in this category. Type @kbd{help
19734 obscure} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of commands in this
19735 category.
19736
19737 @findex COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
19738 @findex gdb.COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
19739 @item COMMAND_MAINTENANCE
19740 The command is only useful to @value{GDBN} maintainers. The
19741 @code{maintenance} and @code{flushregs} commands are in this category.
19742 Type @kbd{help internals} at the @value{GDBN} prompt to see a list of
19743 commands in this category.
19744 @end table
19745
19746 A new command can use a predefined completion function, either by
19747 specifying it via an argument at initialization, or by returning it
19748 from the @code{complete} method. These predefined completion
19749 constants are all defined in the @code{gdb} module:
19750
19751 @table @code
19752 @findex COMPLETE_NONE
19753 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_NONE
19754 @item COMPLETE_NONE
19755 This constant means that no completion should be done.
19756
19757 @findex COMPLETE_FILENAME
19758 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_FILENAME
19759 @item COMPLETE_FILENAME
19760 This constant means that filename completion should be performed.
19761
19762 @findex COMPLETE_LOCATION
19763 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_LOCATION
19764 @item COMPLETE_LOCATION
19765 This constant means that location completion should be done.
19766 @xref{Specify Location}.
19767
19768 @findex COMPLETE_COMMAND
19769 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_COMMAND
19770 @item COMPLETE_COMMAND
19771 This constant means that completion should examine @value{GDBN}
19772 command names.
19773
19774 @findex COMPLETE_SYMBOL
19775 @findex gdb.COMPLETE_SYMBOL
19776 @item COMPLETE_SYMBOL
19777 This constant means that completion should be done using symbol names
19778 as the source.
19779 @end table
19780
19781 The following code snippet shows how a trivial CLI command can be
19782 implemented in Python:
19783
19784 @smallexample
19785 class HelloWorld (gdb.Command):
19786 """Greet the whole world."""
19787
19788 def __init__ (self):
19789 super (HelloWorld, self).__init__ ("hello-world", gdb.COMMAND_OBSCURE)
19790
19791 def invoke (self, arg, from_tty):
19792 print "Hello, World!"
19793
19794 HelloWorld ()
19795 @end smallexample
19796
19797 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
19798 registration of the command with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
19799 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
19800 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
19801
19802 @node Functions In Python
19803 @subsubsection Writing new convenience functions
19804
19805 @cindex writing convenience functions
19806 @cindex convenience functions in python
19807 @cindex python convenience functions
19808 @tindex gdb.Function
19809 @tindex Function
19810 You can implement new convenience functions (@pxref{Convenience Vars})
19811 in Python. A convenience function is an instance of a subclass of the
19812 class @code{gdb.Function}.
19813
19814 @defmethod Function __init__ name
19815 The initializer for @code{Function} registers the new function with
19816 @value{GDBN}. The argument @var{name} is the name of the function,
19817 a string. The function will be visible to the user as a convenience
19818 variable of type @code{internal function}, whose name is the same as
19819 the given @var{name}.
19820
19821 The documentation for the new function is taken from the documentation
19822 string for the new class.
19823 @end defmethod
19824
19825 @defmethod Function invoke @var{*args}
19826 When a convenience function is evaluated, its arguments are converted
19827 to instances of @code{gdb.Value}, and then the function's
19828 @code{invoke} method is called. Note that @value{GDBN} does not
19829 predetermine the arity of convenience functions. Instead, all
19830 available arguments are passed to @code{invoke}, following the
19831 standard Python calling convention. In particular, a convenience
19832 function can have default values for parameters without ill effect.
19833
19834 The return value of this method is used as its value in the enclosing
19835 expression. If an ordinary Python value is returned, it is converted
19836 to a @code{gdb.Value} following the usual rules.
19837 @end defmethod
19838
19839 The following code snippet shows how a trivial convenience function can
19840 be implemented in Python:
19841
19842 @smallexample
19843 class Greet (gdb.Function):
19844 """Return string to greet someone.
19845 Takes a name as argument."""
19846
19847 def __init__ (self):
19848 super (Greet, self).__init__ ("greet")
19849
19850 def invoke (self, name):
19851 return "Hello, %s!" % name.string ()
19852
19853 Greet ()
19854 @end smallexample
19855
19856 The last line instantiates the class, and is necessary to trigger the
19857 registration of the function with @value{GDBN}. Depending on how the
19858 Python code is read into @value{GDBN}, you may need to import the
19859 @code{gdb} module explicitly.
19860
19861 @node Objfiles In Python
19862 @subsubsection Objfiles In Python
19863
19864 @cindex objfiles in python
19865 @tindex gdb.Objfile
19866 @tindex Objfile
19867 @value{GDBN} loads symbols for an inferior from various
19868 symbol-containing files (@pxref{Files}). These include the primary
19869 executable file, any shared libraries used by the inferior, and any
19870 separate debug info files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files}).
19871 @value{GDBN} calls these symbol-containing files @dfn{objfiles}.
19872
19873 The following objfile-related functions are available in the
19874 @code{gdb} module:
19875
19876 @findex gdb.current_objfile
19877 @defun current_objfile
19878 When auto-loading a Python script (@pxref{Auto-loading}), @value{GDBN}
19879 sets the ``current objfile'' to the corresponding objfile. This
19880 function returns the current objfile. If there is no current objfile,
19881 this function returns @code{None}.
19882 @end defun
19883
19884 @findex gdb.objfiles
19885 @defun objfiles
19886 Return a sequence of all the objfiles current known to @value{GDBN}.
19887 @xref{Objfiles In Python}.
19888 @end defun
19889
19890 Each objfile is represented by an instance of the @code{gdb.Objfile}
19891 class.
19892
19893 @defivar Objfile filename
19894 The file name of the objfile as a string.
19895 @end defivar
19896
19897 @defivar Objfile pretty_printers
19898 The @code{pretty_printers} attribute is a list of functions. It is
19899 used to look up pretty-printers. A @code{Value} is passed to each
19900 function in order; if the function returns @code{None}, then the
19901 search continues. Otherwise, the return value should be an object
19902 which is used to format the value. @xref{Pretty Printing}, for more
19903 information.
19904 @end defivar
19905
19906 @node Frames In Python
19907 @subsubsection Acessing inferior stack frames from Python.
19908
19909 @cindex frames in python
19910 When the debugged program stops, @value{GDBN} is able to analyze its call
19911 stack (@pxref{Frames,,Stack frames}). The @code{gdb.Frame} class
19912 represents a frame in the stack. A @code{gdb.Frame} object is only valid
19913 while its corresponding frame exists in the inferior's stack. If you try
19914 to use an invalid frame object, @value{GDBN} will throw a @code{RuntimeError}
19915 exception.
19916
19917 Two @code{gdb.Frame} objects can be compared for equality with the @code{==}
19918 operator, like:
19919
19920 @smallexample
19921 (@value{GDBP}) python print gdb.newest_frame() == gdb.selected_frame ()
19922 True
19923 @end smallexample
19924
19925 The following frame-related functions are available in the @code{gdb} module:
19926
19927 @findex gdb.selected_frame
19928 @defun selected_frame
19929 Return the selected frame object. (@pxref{Selection,,Selecting a Frame}).
19930 @end defun
19931
19932 @defun frame_stop_reason_string reason
19933 Return a string explaining the reason why @value{GDBN} stopped unwinding
19934 frames, as expressed by the given @var{reason} code (an integer, see the
19935 @code{unwind_stop_reason} method further down in this section).
19936 @end defun
19937
19938 A @code{gdb.Frame} object has the following methods:
19939
19940 @table @code
19941 @defmethod Frame is_valid
19942 Returns true if the @code{gdb.Frame} object is valid, false if not.
19943 A frame object can become invalid if the frame it refers to doesn't
19944 exist anymore in the inferior. All @code{gdb.Frame} methods will throw
19945 an exception if it is invalid at the time the method is called.
19946 @end defmethod
19947
19948 @defmethod Frame name
19949 Returns the function name of the frame, or @code{None} if it can't be
19950 obtained.
19951 @end defmethod
19952
19953 @defmethod Frame type
19954 Returns the type of the frame. The value can be one of
19955 @code{gdb.NORMAL_FRAME}, @code{gdb.DUMMY_FRAME}, @code{gdb.SIGTRAMP_FRAME}
19956 or @code{gdb.SENTINEL_FRAME}.
19957 @end defmethod
19958
19959 @defmethod Frame unwind_stop_reason
19960 Return an integer representing the reason why it's not possible to find
19961 more frames toward the outermost frame. Use
19962 @code{gdb.frame_stop_reason_string} to convert the value returned by this
19963 function to a string.
19964 @end defmethod
19965
19966 @defmethod Frame pc
19967 Returns the frame's resume address.
19968 @end defmethod
19969
19970 @defmethod Frame older
19971 Return the frame that called this frame.
19972 @end defmethod
19973
19974 @defmethod Frame newer
19975 Return the frame called by this frame.
19976 @end defmethod
19977
19978 @defmethod Frame read_var variable
19979 Return the value of the given variable in this frame. @var{variable} must
19980 be a string.
19981 @end defmethod
19982 @end table
19983
19984 @node Interpreters
19985 @chapter Command Interpreters
19986 @cindex command interpreters
19987
19988 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
19989 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
19990 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
19991
19992 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
19993 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
19994 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
19995 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
19996
19997 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
19998 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
19999 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
20000 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
20001
20002 @table @code
20003 @item console
20004 @cindex console interpreter
20005 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
20006 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
20007 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
20008
20009 @item mi
20010 @cindex mi interpreter
20011 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
20012 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
20013 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
20014 Interface}.
20015
20016 @item mi2
20017 @cindex mi2 interpreter
20018 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
20019
20020 @item mi1
20021 @cindex mi1 interpreter
20022 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
20023
20024 @end table
20025
20026 @cindex invoke another interpreter
20027 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
20028 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
20029 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
20030 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
20031 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
20032 the IDE inoperable!
20033
20034 @kindex interpreter-exec
20035 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
20036 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
20037 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
20038 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
20039
20040 @smallexample
20041 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
20042 @end smallexample
20043
20044 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
20045 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
20046
20047 @node TUI
20048 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
20049 @cindex TUI
20050 @cindex Text User Interface
20051
20052 @menu
20053 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
20054 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
20055 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
20056 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
20057 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
20058 @end menu
20059
20060 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
20061 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
20062 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
20063 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
20064 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
20065 is available.
20066
20067 @pindex @value{GDBTUI}
20068 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
20069 either @samp{@value{GDBTUI}} or @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
20070 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
20071 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
20072 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
20073
20074 @node TUI Overview
20075 @section TUI Overview
20076
20077 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
20078
20079 @table @emph
20080 @item command
20081 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
20082 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
20083 managed using readline.
20084
20085 @item source
20086 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
20087 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
20088
20089 @item assembly
20090 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
20091
20092 @item register
20093 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
20094 when their values change.
20095 @end table
20096
20097 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
20098 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
20099 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
20100 indicates the breakpoint type:
20101
20102 @table @code
20103 @item B
20104 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
20105
20106 @item b
20107 Breakpoint which was never hit.
20108
20109 @item H
20110 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
20111
20112 @item h
20113 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
20114 @end table
20115
20116 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
20117
20118 @table @code
20119 @item +
20120 Breakpoint is enabled.
20121
20122 @item -
20123 Breakpoint is disabled.
20124 @end table
20125
20126 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
20127 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
20128 changes.
20129
20130 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
20131 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
20132 layouts:
20133
20134 @itemize @bullet
20135 @item
20136 source only,
20137
20138 @item
20139 assembly only,
20140
20141 @item
20142 source and assembly,
20143
20144 @item
20145 source and registers, or
20146
20147 @item
20148 assembly and registers.
20149 @end itemize
20150
20151 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
20152
20153 @table @emph
20154 @item target
20155 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
20156 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
20157
20158 @item process
20159 Gives the current process or thread number.
20160 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
20161
20162 @item function
20163 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
20164 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
20165 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
20166 the string @code{??} is displayed.
20167
20168 @item line
20169 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
20170 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
20171
20172 @item pc
20173 Indicates the current program counter address.
20174 @end table
20175
20176 @node TUI Keys
20177 @section TUI Key Bindings
20178 @cindex TUI key bindings
20179
20180 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
20181 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}). The following key bindings
20182 are installed for both TUI mode and the @value{GDBN} standard mode.
20183
20184 @table @kbd
20185 @kindex C-x C-a
20186 @item C-x C-a
20187 @kindex C-x a
20188 @itemx C-x a
20189 @kindex C-x A
20190 @itemx C-x A
20191 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
20192 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
20193 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
20194 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
20195 The screen is then refreshed.
20196
20197 @kindex C-x 1
20198 @item C-x 1
20199 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
20200 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
20201 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
20202
20203 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
20204
20205 @kindex C-x 2
20206 @item C-x 2
20207 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
20208 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
20209 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
20210 previous layout and the new one.
20211
20212 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
20213
20214 @kindex C-x o
20215 @item C-x o
20216 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
20217 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
20218 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
20219
20220 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
20221
20222 @kindex C-x s
20223 @item C-x s
20224 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
20225 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
20226 @end table
20227
20228 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
20229
20230 @table @asis
20231 @kindex PgUp
20232 @item @key{PgUp}
20233 Scroll the active window one page up.
20234
20235 @kindex PgDn
20236 @item @key{PgDn}
20237 Scroll the active window one page down.
20238
20239 @kindex Up
20240 @item @key{Up}
20241 Scroll the active window one line up.
20242
20243 @kindex Down
20244 @item @key{Down}
20245 Scroll the active window one line down.
20246
20247 @kindex Left
20248 @item @key{Left}
20249 Scroll the active window one column left.
20250
20251 @kindex Right
20252 @item @key{Right}
20253 Scroll the active window one column right.
20254
20255 @kindex C-L
20256 @item @kbd{C-L}
20257 Refresh the screen.
20258 @end table
20259
20260 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
20261 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
20262 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
20263 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
20264 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
20265
20266 @node TUI Single Key Mode
20267 @section TUI Single Key Mode
20268 @cindex TUI single key mode
20269
20270 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
20271 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
20272 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
20273
20274 @table @kbd
20275 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20276 @item c
20277 continue
20278
20279 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20280 @item d
20281 down
20282
20283 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20284 @item f
20285 finish
20286
20287 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20288 @item n
20289 next
20290
20291 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20292 @item q
20293 exit the SingleKey mode.
20294
20295 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20296 @item r
20297 run
20298
20299 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20300 @item s
20301 step
20302
20303 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20304 @item u
20305 up
20306
20307 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20308 @item v
20309 info locals
20310
20311 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
20312 @item w
20313 where
20314 @end table
20315
20316 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
20317 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
20318 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
20319 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
20320 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
20321 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
20322
20323
20324 @node TUI Commands
20325 @section TUI-specific Commands
20326 @cindex TUI commands
20327
20328 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
20329 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
20330 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
20331 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
20332
20333 @table @code
20334 @item info win
20335 @kindex info win
20336 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
20337
20338 @item layout next
20339 @kindex layout
20340 Display the next layout.
20341
20342 @item layout prev
20343 Display the previous layout.
20344
20345 @item layout src
20346 Display the source window only.
20347
20348 @item layout asm
20349 Display the assembly window only.
20350
20351 @item layout split
20352 Display the source and assembly window.
20353
20354 @item layout regs
20355 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
20356
20357 @item focus next
20358 @kindex focus
20359 Make the next window active for scrolling.
20360
20361 @item focus prev
20362 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
20363
20364 @item focus src
20365 Make the source window active for scrolling.
20366
20367 @item focus asm
20368 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
20369
20370 @item focus regs
20371 Make the register window active for scrolling.
20372
20373 @item focus cmd
20374 Make the command window active for scrolling.
20375
20376 @item refresh
20377 @kindex refresh
20378 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
20379
20380 @item tui reg float
20381 @kindex tui reg
20382 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
20383
20384 @item tui reg general
20385 Show the general registers in the register window.
20386
20387 @item tui reg next
20388 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
20389 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
20390 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
20391 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
20392
20393 @item tui reg system
20394 Show the system registers in the register window.
20395
20396 @item update
20397 @kindex update
20398 Update the source window and the current execution point.
20399
20400 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
20401 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
20402 @kindex winheight
20403 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
20404 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
20405 decrease it.
20406
20407 @item tabset @var{nchars}
20408 @kindex tabset
20409 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
20410 @end table
20411
20412 @node TUI Configuration
20413 @section TUI Configuration Variables
20414 @cindex TUI configuration variables
20415
20416 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
20417
20418 @table @code
20419 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
20420 @kindex set tui border-kind
20421 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
20422 The possible values are the following:
20423 @table @code
20424 @item space
20425 Use a space character to draw the border.
20426
20427 @item ascii
20428 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
20429
20430 @item acs
20431 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
20432 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
20433 @end table
20434
20435 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
20436 @kindex set tui border-mode
20437 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
20438 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
20439 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
20440 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
20441 @table @code
20442 @item normal
20443 Use normal attributes to display the border.
20444
20445 @item standout
20446 Use standout mode.
20447
20448 @item reverse
20449 Use reverse video mode.
20450
20451 @item half
20452 Use half bright mode.
20453
20454 @item half-standout
20455 Use half bright and standout mode.
20456
20457 @item bold
20458 Use extra bright or bold mode.
20459
20460 @item bold-standout
20461 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
20462 @end table
20463 @end table
20464
20465 @node Emacs
20466 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
20467
20468 @cindex Emacs
20469 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
20470 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
20471 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
20472 @value{GDBN}.
20473
20474 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
20475 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
20476 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
20477 created Emacs buffer.
20478 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
20479
20480 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
20481 things:
20482
20483 @itemize @bullet
20484 @item
20485 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
20486 the GUD buffer.
20487
20488 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
20489 and output done by the program you are debugging.
20490
20491 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
20492 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
20493 in this way.
20494
20495 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
20496 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
20497 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
20498 stop.
20499
20500 @item
20501 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
20502
20503 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
20504 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
20505 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
20506 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
20507 and the source.
20508
20509 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
20510 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
20511 @end itemize
20512
20513 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
20514 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
20515 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
20516 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
20517
20518 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
20519 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
20520 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
20521 sets your current working directory to to the directory associated
20522 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
20523 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
20524 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
20525 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
20526 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
20527
20528 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
20529 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
20530 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
20531 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
20532
20533 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
20534 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
20535 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
20536 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
20537 one you want.
20538
20539 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
20540 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
20541
20542 @table @kbd
20543 @item C-h m
20544 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
20545
20546 @item C-c C-s
20547 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
20548 update the display window to show the current file and location.
20549
20550 @item C-c C-n
20551 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
20552 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
20553 to show the current file and location.
20554
20555 @item C-c C-i
20556 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
20557 display window accordingly.
20558
20559 @item C-c C-f
20560 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
20561 @code{finish} command.
20562
20563 @item C-c C-r
20564 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
20565 command.
20566
20567 @item C-c <
20568 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
20569 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
20570 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
20571
20572 @item C-c >
20573 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
20574 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
20575 @end table
20576
20577 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
20578 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
20579
20580 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
20581 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
20582 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
20583 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
20584 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
20585 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
20586 speedbar displays watch expressions.
20587
20588 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
20589 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
20590 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
20591 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
20592 frame.
20593
20594 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
20595 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
20596 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
20597 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
20598 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
20599 to correspond properly with the code.
20600
20601 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
20602 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
20603 Emacs Manual}).
20604
20605 @c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
20606 @c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
20607 @ignore
20608 @kindex Emacs Epoch environment
20609 @kindex Epoch
20610 @kindex inspect
20611
20612 Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
20613 called the @code{epoch}
20614 environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
20615 @code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
20616 each value is printed in its own window.
20617 @end ignore
20618
20619
20620 @node GDB/MI
20621 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
20622
20623 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
20624
20625 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
20626 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
20627 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
20628 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
20629 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
20630 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
20631
20632 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
20633 in the form of a reference manual.
20634
20635 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
20636 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
20637 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
20638
20639 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
20640
20641 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
20642 This chapter uses the following notation:
20643
20644 @itemize @bullet
20645 @item
20646 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
20647
20648 @item
20649 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
20650 it may or may not be given.
20651
20652 @item
20653 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
20654 may repeat zero or more times.
20655
20656 @item
20657 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
20658 may repeat one or more times.
20659
20660 @item
20661 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
20662 @end itemize
20663
20664 @ignore
20665 @heading Dependencies
20666 @end ignore
20667
20668 @menu
20669 * GDB/MI General Design::
20670 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
20671 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
20672 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
20673 * GDB/MI Output Records::
20674 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
20675 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
20676 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
20677 * GDB/MI Program Context::
20678 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
20679 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
20680 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
20681 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
20682 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
20683 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
20684 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
20685 * GDB/MI File Commands::
20686 @ignore
20687 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
20688 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
20689 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
20690 @end ignore
20691 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
20692 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
20693 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
20694 @end menu
20695
20696 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20697 @node GDB/MI General Design
20698 @section @sc{gdb/mi} General Design
20699 @cindex GDB/MI General Design
20700
20701 Interaction of a @sc{GDB/MI} frontend with @value{GDBN} involves three
20702 parts---commands sent to @value{GDBN}, responses to those commands
20703 and notifications. Each command results in exactly one response,
20704 indicating either successful completion of the command, or an error.
20705 For the commands that do not resume the target, the response contains the
20706 requested information. For the commands that resume the target, the
20707 response only indicates whether the target was successfully resumed.
20708 Notifications is the mechanism for reporting changes in the state of the
20709 target, or in @value{GDBN} state, that cannot conveniently be associated with
20710 a command and reported as part of that command response.
20711
20712 The important examples of notifications are:
20713 @itemize @bullet
20714
20715 @item
20716 Exec notifications. These are used to report changes in
20717 target state---when a target is resumed, or stopped. It would not
20718 be feasible to include this information in response of resuming
20719 commands, because one resume commands can result in multiple events in
20720 different threads. Also, quite some time may pass before any event
20721 happens in the target, while a frontend needs to know whether the resuming
20722 command itself was successfully executed.
20723
20724 @item
20725 Console output, and status notifications. Console output
20726 notifications are used to report output of CLI commands, as well as
20727 diagnostics for other commands. Status notifications are used to
20728 report the progress of a long-running operation. Naturally, including
20729 this information in command response would mean no output is produced
20730 until the command is finished, which is undesirable.
20731
20732 @item
20733 General notifications. Commands may have various side effects on
20734 the @value{GDBN} or target state beyond their official purpose. For example,
20735 a command may change the selected thread. Although such changes can
20736 be included in command response, using notification allows for more
20737 orthogonal frontend design.
20738
20739 @end itemize
20740
20741 There's no guarantee that whenever an MI command reports an error,
20742 @value{GDBN} or the target are in any specific state, and especially,
20743 the state is not reverted to the state before the MI command was
20744 processed. Therefore, whenever an MI command results in an error,
20745 we recommend that the frontend refreshes all the information shown in
20746 the user interface.
20747
20748
20749 @menu
20750 * Context management::
20751 * Asynchronous and non-stop modes::
20752 * Thread groups::
20753 @end menu
20754
20755 @node Context management
20756 @subsection Context management
20757
20758 In most cases when @value{GDBN} accesses the target, this access is
20759 done in context of a specific thread and frame (@pxref{Frames}).
20760 Often, even when accessing global data, the target requires that a thread
20761 be specified. The CLI interface maintains the selected thread and frame,
20762 and supplies them to target on each command. This is convenient,
20763 because a command line user would not want to specify that information
20764 explicitly on each command, and because user interacts with
20765 @value{GDBN} via a single terminal, so no confusion is possible as
20766 to what thread and frame are the current ones.
20767
20768 In the case of MI, the concept of selected thread and frame is less
20769 useful. First, a frontend can easily remember this information
20770 itself. Second, a graphical frontend can have more than one window,
20771 each one used for debugging a different thread, and the frontend might
20772 want to access additional threads for internal purposes. This
20773 increases the risk that by relying on implicitly selected thread, the
20774 frontend may be operating on a wrong one. Therefore, each MI command
20775 should explicitly specify which thread and frame to operate on. To
20776 make it possible, each MI command accepts the @samp{--thread} and
20777 @samp{--frame} options, the value to each is @value{GDBN} identifier
20778 for thread and frame to operate on.
20779
20780 Usually, each top-level window in a frontend allows the user to select
20781 a thread and a frame, and remembers the user selection for further
20782 operations. However, in some cases @value{GDBN} may suggest that the
20783 current thread be changed. For example, when stopping on a breakpoint
20784 it is reasonable to switch to the thread where breakpoint is hit. For
20785 another example, if the user issues the CLI @samp{thread} command via
20786 the frontend, it is desirable to change the frontend's selected thread to the
20787 one specified by user. @value{GDBN} communicates the suggestion to
20788 change current thread using the @samp{=thread-selected} notification.
20789 No such notification is available for the selected frame at the moment.
20790
20791 Note that historically, MI shares the selected thread with CLI, so
20792 frontends used the @code{-thread-select} to execute commands in the
20793 right context. However, getting this to work right is cumbersome. The
20794 simplest way is for frontend to emit @code{-thread-select} command
20795 before every command. This doubles the number of commands that need
20796 to be sent. The alternative approach is to suppress @code{-thread-select}
20797 if the selected thread in @value{GDBN} is supposed to be identical to the
20798 thread the frontend wants to operate on. However, getting this
20799 optimization right can be tricky. In particular, if the frontend
20800 sends several commands to @value{GDBN}, and one of the commands changes the
20801 selected thread, then the behaviour of subsequent commands will
20802 change. So, a frontend should either wait for response from such
20803 problematic commands, or explicitly add @code{-thread-select} for
20804 all subsequent commands. No frontend is known to do this exactly
20805 right, so it is suggested to just always pass the @samp{--thread} and
20806 @samp{--frame} options.
20807
20808 @node Asynchronous and non-stop modes
20809 @subsection Asynchronous command execution and non-stop mode
20810
20811 On some targets, @value{GDBN} is capable of processing MI commands
20812 even while the target is running. This is called @dfn{asynchronous
20813 command execution} (@pxref{Background Execution}). The frontend may
20814 specify a preferrence for asynchronous execution using the
20815 @code{-gdb-set target-async 1} command, which should be emitted before
20816 either running the executable or attaching to the target. After the
20817 frontend has started the executable or attached to the target, it can
20818 find if asynchronous execution is enabled using the
20819 @code{-list-target-features} command.
20820
20821 Even if @value{GDBN} can accept a command while target is running,
20822 many commands that access the target do not work when the target is
20823 running. Therefore, asynchronous command execution is most useful
20824 when combined with non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}). Then,
20825 it is possible to examine the state of one thread, while other threads
20826 are running.
20827
20828 When a given thread is running, MI commands that try to access the
20829 target in the context of that thread may not work, or may work only on
20830 some targets. In particular, commands that try to operate on thread's
20831 stack will not work, on any target. Commands that read memory, or
20832 modify breakpoints, may work or not work, depending on the target. Note
20833 that even commands that operate on global state, such as @code{print},
20834 @code{set}, and breakpoint commands, still access the target in the
20835 context of a specific thread, so frontend should try to find a
20836 stopped thread and perform the operation on that thread (using the
20837 @samp{--thread} option).
20838
20839 Which commands will work in the context of a running thread is
20840 highly target dependent. However, the two commands
20841 @code{-exec-interrupt}, to stop a thread, and @code{-thread-info},
20842 to find the state of a thread, will always work.
20843
20844 @node Thread groups
20845 @subsection Thread groups
20846 @value{GDBN} may be used to debug several processes at the same time.
20847 On some platfroms, @value{GDBN} may support debugging of several
20848 hardware systems, each one having several cores with several different
20849 processes running on each core. This section describes the MI
20850 mechanism to support such debugging scenarios.
20851
20852 The key observation is that regardless of the structure of the
20853 target, MI can have a global list of threads, because most commands that
20854 accept the @samp{--thread} option do not need to know what process that
20855 thread belongs to. Therefore, it is not necessary to introduce
20856 neither additional @samp{--process} option, nor an notion of the
20857 current process in the MI interface. The only strictly new feature
20858 that is required is the ability to find how the threads are grouped
20859 into processes.
20860
20861 To allow the user to discover such grouping, and to support arbitrary
20862 hierarchy of machines/cores/processes, MI introduces the concept of a
20863 @dfn{thread group}. Thread group is a collection of threads and other
20864 thread groups. A thread group always has a string identifier, a type,
20865 and may have additional attributes specific to the type. A new
20866 command, @code{-list-thread-groups}, returns the list of top-level
20867 thread groups, which correspond to processes that @value{GDBN} is
20868 debugging at the moment. By passing an identifier of a thread group
20869 to the @code{-list-thread-groups} command, it is possible to obtain
20870 the members of specific thread group.
20871
20872 To allow the user to easily discover processes, and other objects, he
20873 wishes to debug, a concept of @dfn{available thread group} is
20874 introduced. Available thread group is an thread group that
20875 @value{GDBN} is not debugging, but that can be attached to, using the
20876 @code{-target-attach} command. The list of available top-level thread
20877 groups can be obtained using @samp{-list-thread-groups --available}.
20878 In general, the content of a thread group may be only retrieved only
20879 after attaching to that thread group.
20880
20881 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20882 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
20883 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
20884
20885 @menu
20886 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
20887 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
20888 @end menu
20889
20890 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
20891 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
20892
20893 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
20894 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
20895 @table @code
20896 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
20897 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
20898
20899 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
20900 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
20901 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
20902
20903 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
20904 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
20905 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
20906
20907 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
20908 "any sequence of digits"
20909
20910 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
20911 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
20912
20913 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
20914 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
20915
20916 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
20917 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
20918
20919 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
20920 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
20921 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
20922
20923 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
20924 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
20925
20926 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
20927 @code{CR | CR-LF}
20928 @end table
20929
20930 @noindent
20931 Notes:
20932
20933 @itemize @bullet
20934 @item
20935 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
20936 output is described below.
20937
20938 @item
20939 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
20940 finishes.
20941
20942 @item
20943 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
20944 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
20945 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
20946 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
20947 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
20948 @end itemize
20949
20950 Pragmatics:
20951
20952 @itemize @bullet
20953 @item
20954 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
20955
20956 @item
20957 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
20958 @end itemize
20959
20960 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
20961 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
20962
20963 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
20964 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
20965 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
20966 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
20967 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
20968 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
20969
20970 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
20971 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
20972 @var{token}.
20973
20974 @table @code
20975 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
20976 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
20977
20978 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
20979 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
20980
20981 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
20982 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
20983
20984 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
20985 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
20986
20987 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
20988 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
20989
20990 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
20991 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
20992
20993 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
20994 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
20995
20996 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
20997 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
20998
20999 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
21000 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
21001
21002 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
21003 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
21004 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
21005
21006 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
21007 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
21008
21009 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
21010 @code{ @var{string} }
21011
21012 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
21013 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
21014
21015 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
21016 @code{@var{c-string}}
21017
21018 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
21019 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
21020
21021 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
21022 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
21023 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
21024
21025 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
21026 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
21027
21028 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
21029 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
21030
21031 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
21032 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
21033
21034 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
21035 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
21036
21037 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
21038 @code{CR | CR-LF}
21039
21040 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
21041 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
21042 @end table
21043
21044 @noindent
21045 Notes:
21046
21047 @itemize @bullet
21048 @item
21049 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
21050
21051 @item
21052 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
21053 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
21054 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
21055 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
21056 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
21057 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
21058 prior command.
21059
21060 @item
21061 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21062 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
21063 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
21064 prefixed by @samp{+}.
21065
21066 @item
21067 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21068 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
21069 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
21070 @samp{*}.
21071
21072 @item
21073 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21074 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
21075 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
21076 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
21077
21078 @item
21079 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21080 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
21081 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
21082 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
21083
21084 @item
21085 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21086 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
21087 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
21088
21089 @item
21090 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21091 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
21092 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
21093 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
21094
21095 @item
21096 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
21097 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
21098 @var{values}.
21099
21100
21101 @end itemize
21102
21103 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
21104 details about the various output records.
21105
21106 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21107 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
21108 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
21109
21110 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
21111 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
21112
21113 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
21114 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
21115 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
21116 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
21117 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
21118 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
21119
21120 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
21121 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
21122 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
21123
21124 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21125 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
21126 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
21127 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
21128
21129 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
21130 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
21131
21132 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
21133 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
21134 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
21135 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
21136 might change.
21137
21138 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
21139 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
21140 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
21141 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
21142
21143 @itemize @bullet
21144 @item
21145 New MI commands may be added.
21146
21147 @item
21148 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
21149
21150 @item
21151 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
21152 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
21153
21154 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
21155 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
21156
21157 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
21158 @c resolve inconsistencies.
21159 @end itemize
21160
21161 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
21162 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
21163 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
21164 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
21165 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
21166
21167 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
21168 @c version?
21169
21170 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
21171 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
21172 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
21173 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
21174 @cindex mailing lists
21175
21176 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21177 @node GDB/MI Output Records
21178 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
21179
21180 @menu
21181 * GDB/MI Result Records::
21182 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
21183 * GDB/MI Async Records::
21184 * GDB/MI Frame Information::
21185 @end menu
21186
21187 @node GDB/MI Result Records
21188 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
21189
21190 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
21191 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
21192 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
21193 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
21194
21195 @table @code
21196 @findex ^done
21197 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
21198 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
21199 values.
21200
21201 @item "^running"
21202 @findex ^running
21203 @c Is this one correct? Should it be an out-of-band notification?
21204 The asynchronous operation was successfully started. The target is
21205 running.
21206
21207 @item "^connected"
21208 @findex ^connected
21209 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
21210
21211 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
21212 @findex ^error
21213 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
21214 error message.
21215
21216 @item "^exit"
21217 @findex ^exit
21218 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
21219
21220 @end table
21221
21222 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
21223 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
21224
21225 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
21226 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
21227 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
21228 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
21229 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
21230
21231 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
21232 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
21233 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
21234 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
21235 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
21236
21237 @table @code
21238 @item "~" @var{string-output}
21239 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
21240 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
21241
21242 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
21243 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
21244 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
21245 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
21246
21247 @item "&" @var{string-output}
21248 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
21249 internals.
21250 @end table
21251
21252 @node GDB/MI Async Records
21253 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
21254
21255 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
21256 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
21257 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
21258 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
21259 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
21260 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
21261
21262 The following is the list of possible async records:
21263
21264 @table @code
21265
21266 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
21267 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
21268 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
21269 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
21270 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
21271 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
21272 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
21273 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
21274 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
21275 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
21276
21277 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}",thread-id="@var{id}",stopped-threads="@var{stopped}"
21278 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
21279 following values:
21280
21281 @table @code
21282 @item breakpoint-hit
21283 A breakpoint was reached.
21284 @item watchpoint-trigger
21285 A watchpoint was triggered.
21286 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
21287 A read watchpoint was triggered.
21288 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
21289 An access watchpoint was triggered.
21290 @item function-finished
21291 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
21292 @item location-reached
21293 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
21294 @item watchpoint-scope
21295 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
21296 @item end-stepping-range
21297 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
21298 similar CLI command was accomplished.
21299 @item exited-signalled
21300 The inferior exited because of a signal.
21301 @item exited
21302 The inferior exited.
21303 @item exited-normally
21304 The inferior exited normally.
21305 @item signal-received
21306 A signal was received by the inferior.
21307 @end table
21308
21309 The @var{id} field identifies the thread that directly caused the stop
21310 -- for example by hitting a breakpoint. Depending on whether all-stop
21311 mode is in effect (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), @value{GDBN} may either
21312 stop all threads, or only the thread that directly triggered the stop.
21313 If all threads are stopped, the @var{stopped} field will have the
21314 value of @code{"all"}. Otherwise, the value of the @var{stopped}
21315 field will be a list of thread identifiers. Presently, this list will
21316 always include a single thread, but frontend should be prepared to see
21317 several threads in the list.
21318
21319 @item =thread-group-created,id="@var{id}"
21320 @itemx =thread-group-exited,id="@var{id}"
21321 A thread thread group either was attached to, or has exited/detached
21322 from. The @var{id} field contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the
21323 thread group.
21324
21325 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
21326 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}",group-id="@var{gid}"
21327 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
21328 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread. The @var{gid}
21329 field identifies the thread group this thread belongs to.
21330
21331 @item =thread-selected,id="@var{id}"
21332 Informs that the selected thread was changed as result of the last
21333 command. This notification is not emitted as result of @code{-thread-select}
21334 command but is emitted whenever an MI command that is not documented
21335 to change the selected thread actually changes it. In particular,
21336 invoking, directly or indirectly (via user-defined command), the CLI
21337 @code{thread} command, will generate this notification.
21338
21339 We suggest that in response to this notification, front ends
21340 highlight the selected thread and cause subsequent commands to apply to
21341 that thread.
21342
21343 @item =library-loaded,...
21344 Reports that a new library file was loaded by the program. This
21345 notification has 4 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name},
21346 @var{host-name}, and @var{symbols-loaded}. The @var{id} field is an
21347 opaque identifier of the library. For remote debugging case,
21348 @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} fields give the name of the
21349 library file on the target, and on the host respectively. For native
21350 debugging, both those fields have the same value. The
21351 @var{symbols-loaded} field reports if the debug symbols for this
21352 library are loaded.
21353
21354 @item =library-unloaded,...
21355 Reports that a library was unloaded by the program. This notification
21356 has 3 fields---@var{id}, @var{target-name} and @var{host-name} with
21357 the same meaning as for the @code{=library-loaded} notification
21358
21359 @end table
21360
21361 @node GDB/MI Frame Information
21362 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Frame Information
21363
21364 Response from many MI commands includes an information about stack
21365 frame. This information is a tuple that may have the following
21366 fields:
21367
21368 @table @code
21369 @item level
21370 The level of the stack frame. The innermost frame has the level of
21371 zero. This field is always present.
21372
21373 @item func
21374 The name of the function corresponding to the frame. This field may
21375 be absent if @value{GDBN} is unable to determine the function name.
21376
21377 @item addr
21378 The code address for the frame. This field is always present.
21379
21380 @item file
21381 The name of the source files that correspond to the frame's code
21382 address. This field may be absent.
21383
21384 @item line
21385 The source line corresponding to the frames' code address. This field
21386 may be absent.
21387
21388 @item from
21389 The name of the binary file (either executable or shared library) the
21390 corresponds to the frame's code address. This field may be absent.
21391
21392 @end table
21393
21394
21395 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21396 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
21397 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
21398 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
21399
21400 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
21401 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
21402 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
21403 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
21404
21405 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
21406 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
21407
21408 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
21409
21410 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
21411 information of the breakpoint.
21412
21413 @smallexample
21414 -> -break-insert main
21415 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
21416 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
21417 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
21418 <- (gdb)
21419 @end smallexample
21420
21421 @subheading Program Execution
21422
21423 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
21424 reason that execution stopped.
21425
21426 @smallexample
21427 -> -exec-run
21428 <- ^running
21429 <- (gdb)
21430 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
21431 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
21432 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
21433 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
21434 <- (gdb)
21435 -> -exec-continue
21436 <- ^running
21437 <- (gdb)
21438 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
21439 <- (gdb)
21440 @end smallexample
21441
21442 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
21443
21444 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
21445
21446 @smallexample
21447 -> (gdb)
21448 <- -gdb-exit
21449 <- ^exit
21450 @end smallexample
21451
21452 @subheading A Bad Command
21453
21454 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
21455
21456 @smallexample
21457 -> -rubbish
21458 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
21459 <- (gdb)
21460 @end smallexample
21461
21462
21463 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21464 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
21465 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
21466
21467 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
21468 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
21469
21470 @subheading Motivation
21471
21472 The motivation for this collection of commands.
21473
21474 @subheading Introduction
21475
21476 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
21477
21478 @subheading Commands
21479
21480 For each command in the block, the following is described:
21481
21482 @subsubheading Synopsis
21483
21484 @smallexample
21485 -command @var{args}@dots{}
21486 @end smallexample
21487
21488 @subsubheading Result
21489
21490 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21491
21492 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
21493
21494 @subsubheading Example
21495
21496 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
21497 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
21498
21499
21500 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21501 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
21502 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
21503
21504 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
21505 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
21506 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
21507 breakpoints.
21508
21509 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
21510 @findex -break-after
21511
21512 @subsubheading Synopsis
21513
21514 @smallexample
21515 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
21516 @end smallexample
21517
21518 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
21519 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
21520 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
21521 @samp{-break-list} command below.
21522
21523 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21524
21525 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
21526
21527 @subsubheading Example
21528
21529 @smallexample
21530 (gdb)
21531 -break-insert main
21532 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
21533 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
21534 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
21535 (gdb)
21536 -break-after 1 3
21537 ~
21538 ^done
21539 (gdb)
21540 -break-list
21541 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
21542 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21543 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21544 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21545 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21546 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21547 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21548 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21549 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
21550 line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
21551 (gdb)
21552 @end smallexample
21553
21554 @ignore
21555 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
21556 @findex -break-catch
21557 @end ignore
21558
21559 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
21560 @findex -break-commands
21561
21562 @subsubheading Synopsis
21563
21564 @smallexample
21565 -break-commands @var{number} [ @var{command1} ... @var{commandN} ]
21566 @end smallexample
21567
21568 Specifies the CLI commands that should be executed when breakpoint
21569 @var{number} is hit. The parameters @var{command1} to @var{commandN}
21570 are the commands. If no command is specified, any previously-set
21571 commands are cleared. @xref{Break Commands}. Typical use of this
21572 functionality is tracing a program, that is, printing of values of
21573 some variables whenever breakpoint is hit and then continuing.
21574
21575 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21576
21577 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{commands}.
21578
21579 @subsubheading Example
21580
21581 @smallexample
21582 (gdb)
21583 -break-insert main
21584 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
21585 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
21586 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
21587 (gdb)
21588 -break-commands 1 "print v" "continue"
21589 ^done
21590 (gdb)
21591 @end smallexample
21592
21593 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
21594 @findex -break-condition
21595
21596 @subsubheading Synopsis
21597
21598 @smallexample
21599 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
21600 @end smallexample
21601
21602 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
21603 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
21604 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
21605 command below).
21606
21607 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21608
21609 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
21610
21611 @subsubheading Example
21612
21613 @smallexample
21614 (gdb)
21615 -break-condition 1 1
21616 ^done
21617 (gdb)
21618 -break-list
21619 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
21620 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21621 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21622 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21623 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21624 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21625 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21626 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21627 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
21628 line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
21629 (gdb)
21630 @end smallexample
21631
21632 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
21633 @findex -break-delete
21634
21635 @subsubheading Synopsis
21636
21637 @smallexample
21638 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
21639 @end smallexample
21640
21641 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
21642 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
21643
21644 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21645
21646 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
21647
21648 @subsubheading Example
21649
21650 @smallexample
21651 (gdb)
21652 -break-delete 1
21653 ^done
21654 (gdb)
21655 -break-list
21656 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
21657 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21658 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21659 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21660 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21661 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21662 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21663 body=[]@}
21664 (gdb)
21665 @end smallexample
21666
21667 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
21668 @findex -break-disable
21669
21670 @subsubheading Synopsis
21671
21672 @smallexample
21673 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
21674 @end smallexample
21675
21676 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
21677 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
21678
21679 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21680
21681 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
21682
21683 @subsubheading Example
21684
21685 @smallexample
21686 (gdb)
21687 -break-disable 2
21688 ^done
21689 (gdb)
21690 -break-list
21691 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
21692 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21693 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21694 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21695 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21696 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21697 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21698 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
21699 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
21700 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
21701 (gdb)
21702 @end smallexample
21703
21704 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
21705 @findex -break-enable
21706
21707 @subsubheading Synopsis
21708
21709 @smallexample
21710 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
21711 @end smallexample
21712
21713 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
21714
21715 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21716
21717 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
21718
21719 @subsubheading Example
21720
21721 @smallexample
21722 (gdb)
21723 -break-enable 2
21724 ^done
21725 (gdb)
21726 -break-list
21727 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
21728 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21729 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21730 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21731 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21732 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21733 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21734 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21735 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
21736 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
21737 (gdb)
21738 @end smallexample
21739
21740 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
21741 @findex -break-info
21742
21743 @subsubheading Synopsis
21744
21745 @smallexample
21746 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
21747 @end smallexample
21748
21749 @c REDUNDANT???
21750 Get information about a single breakpoint.
21751
21752 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21753
21754 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
21755
21756 @subsubheading Example
21757 N.A.
21758
21759 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
21760 @findex -break-insert
21761
21762 @subsubheading Synopsis
21763
21764 @smallexample
21765 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ] [ -d ]
21766 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
21767 [ -p @var{thread} ] [ @var{location} ]
21768 @end smallexample
21769
21770 @noindent
21771 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
21772
21773 @itemize @bullet
21774 @item function
21775 @c @item +offset
21776 @c @item -offset
21777 @c @item linenum
21778 @item filename:linenum
21779 @item filename:function
21780 @item *address
21781 @end itemize
21782
21783 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
21784
21785 @table @samp
21786 @item -t
21787 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
21788 @item -h
21789 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
21790 @item -c @var{condition}
21791 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
21792 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
21793 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
21794 @item -f
21795 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
21796 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
21797 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
21798 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
21799 cannot be parsed.
21800 @item -d
21801 Create a disabled breakpoint.
21802 @end table
21803
21804 @subsubheading Result
21805
21806 The result is in the form:
21807
21808 @smallexample
21809 ^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
21810 enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
21811 fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
21812 times="@var{times}"@}
21813 @end smallexample
21814
21815 @noindent
21816 where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
21817 @var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
21818 inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
21819 this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
21820 and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
21821 (always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
21822 which use the same output).
21823
21824 Note: this format is open to change.
21825 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
21826
21827 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21828
21829 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
21830 @samp{hbreak}, @samp{thbreak}, and @samp{rbreak}.
21831
21832 @subsubheading Example
21833
21834 @smallexample
21835 (gdb)
21836 -break-insert main
21837 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
21838 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
21839 (gdb)
21840 -break-insert -t foo
21841 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
21842 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
21843 (gdb)
21844 -break-list
21845 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
21846 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21847 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21848 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21849 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21850 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21851 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21852 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21853 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
21854 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
21855 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
21856 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
21857 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
21858 (gdb)
21859 -break-insert -r foo.*
21860 ~int foo(int, int);
21861 ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
21862 "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
21863 (gdb)
21864 @end smallexample
21865
21866 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
21867 @findex -break-list
21868
21869 @subsubheading Synopsis
21870
21871 @smallexample
21872 -break-list
21873 @end smallexample
21874
21875 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
21876
21877 @table @samp
21878 @item Number
21879 number of the breakpoint
21880 @item Type
21881 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
21882 @item Disposition
21883 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
21884 or @samp{nokeep}
21885 @item Enabled
21886 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
21887 @item Address
21888 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
21889 @item What
21890 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
21891 name, line number
21892 @item Times
21893 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
21894 @end table
21895
21896 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
21897 @code{body} field is an empty list.
21898
21899 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21900
21901 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
21902
21903 @subsubheading Example
21904
21905 @smallexample
21906 (gdb)
21907 -break-list
21908 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
21909 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21910 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21911 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21912 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21913 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21914 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21915 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21916 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
21917 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
21918 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
21919 line="13",times="0"@}]@}
21920 (gdb)
21921 @end smallexample
21922
21923 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
21924
21925 @smallexample
21926 (gdb)
21927 -break-list
21928 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
21929 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
21930 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
21931 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
21932 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
21933 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
21934 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
21935 body=[]@}
21936 (gdb)
21937 @end smallexample
21938
21939 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
21940 @findex -break-watch
21941
21942 @subsubheading Synopsis
21943
21944 @smallexample
21945 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
21946 @end smallexample
21947
21948 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
21949 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
21950 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
21951 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
21952 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
21953 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
21954 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
21955 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
21956
21957 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
21958 breakpoints inserted.
21959
21960 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21961
21962 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
21963 @samp{rwatch}.
21964
21965 @subsubheading Example
21966
21967 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
21968
21969 @smallexample
21970 (gdb)
21971 -break-watch x
21972 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
21973 (gdb)
21974 -exec-continue
21975 ^running
21976 (gdb)
21977 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
21978 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
21979 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
21980 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
21981 (gdb)
21982 @end smallexample
21983
21984 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
21985 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
21986 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
21987
21988 @smallexample
21989 (gdb)
21990 -break-watch C
21991 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
21992 (gdb)
21993 -exec-continue
21994 ^running
21995 (gdb)
21996 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
21997 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
21998 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
21999 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22000 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
22001 (gdb)
22002 -exec-continue
22003 ^running
22004 (gdb)
22005 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
22006 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
22007 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
22008 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22009 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
22010 (gdb)
22011 @end smallexample
22012
22013 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
22014 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
22015 deleted.
22016
22017 @smallexample
22018 (gdb)
22019 -break-watch C
22020 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
22021 (gdb)
22022 -break-list
22023 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
22024 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22025 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22026 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22027 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22028 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22029 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22030 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22031 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
22032 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22033 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
22034 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
22035 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
22036 (gdb)
22037 -exec-continue
22038 ^running
22039 (gdb)
22040 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
22041 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
22042 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
22043 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22044 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
22045 (gdb)
22046 -break-list
22047 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
22048 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22049 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22050 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22051 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22052 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22053 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22054 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22055 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
22056 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22057 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
22058 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
22059 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
22060 (gdb)
22061 -exec-continue
22062 ^running
22063 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
22064 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
22065 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
22066 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22067 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
22068 (gdb)
22069 -break-list
22070 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
22071 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
22072 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
22073 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
22074 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
22075 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
22076 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
22077 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22078 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
22079 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22080 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
22081 times="1"@}]@}
22082 (gdb)
22083 @end smallexample
22084
22085 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22086 @node GDB/MI Program Context
22087 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
22088
22089 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
22090 @findex -exec-arguments
22091
22092
22093 @subsubheading Synopsis
22094
22095 @smallexample
22096 -exec-arguments @var{args}
22097 @end smallexample
22098
22099 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
22100 @samp{-exec-run}.
22101
22102 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22103
22104 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
22105
22106 @subsubheading Example
22107
22108 @smallexample
22109 (gdb)
22110 -exec-arguments -v word
22111 ^done
22112 (gdb)
22113 @end smallexample
22114
22115
22116 @ignore
22117 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
22118 @findex -exec-show-arguments
22119
22120 @subsubheading Synopsis
22121
22122 @smallexample
22123 -exec-show-arguments
22124 @end smallexample
22125
22126 Print the arguments of the program.
22127
22128 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22129
22130 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
22131
22132 @subsubheading Example
22133 N.A.
22134 @end ignore
22135
22136
22137 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
22138 @findex -environment-cd
22139
22140 @subsubheading Synopsis
22141
22142 @smallexample
22143 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
22144 @end smallexample
22145
22146 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
22147
22148 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22149
22150 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
22151
22152 @subsubheading Example
22153
22154 @smallexample
22155 (gdb)
22156 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
22157 ^done
22158 (gdb)
22159 @end smallexample
22160
22161
22162 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
22163 @findex -environment-directory
22164
22165 @subsubheading Synopsis
22166
22167 @smallexample
22168 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
22169 @end smallexample
22170
22171 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
22172 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
22173 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
22174 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
22175 occurs as normal.
22176 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
22177 multiple directories in a single command
22178 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
22179 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
22180 If blanks are needed as
22181 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
22182 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
22183 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
22184 character must not be used
22185 in any directory name.
22186 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
22187
22188 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22189
22190 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
22191
22192 @subsubheading Example
22193
22194 @smallexample
22195 (gdb)
22196 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
22197 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
22198 (gdb)
22199 -environment-directory ""
22200 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
22201 (gdb)
22202 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
22203 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
22204 (gdb)
22205 -environment-directory -r
22206 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
22207 (gdb)
22208 @end smallexample
22209
22210
22211 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
22212 @findex -environment-path
22213
22214 @subsubheading Synopsis
22215
22216 @smallexample
22217 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
22218 @end smallexample
22219
22220 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
22221 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
22222 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
22223 supplied in addition to the
22224 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
22225 occurs as normal.
22226 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
22227 multiple directories in a single command
22228 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
22229 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
22230 If blanks are needed as
22231 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
22232 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
22233 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
22234 character must not be used
22235 in any directory name.
22236 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
22237
22238
22239 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22240
22241 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
22242
22243 @subsubheading Example
22244
22245 @smallexample
22246 (gdb)
22247 -environment-path
22248 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
22249 (gdb)
22250 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
22251 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
22252 (gdb)
22253 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
22254 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
22255 (gdb)
22256 @end smallexample
22257
22258
22259 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
22260 @findex -environment-pwd
22261
22262 @subsubheading Synopsis
22263
22264 @smallexample
22265 -environment-pwd
22266 @end smallexample
22267
22268 Show the current working directory.
22269
22270 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22271
22272 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
22273
22274 @subsubheading Example
22275
22276 @smallexample
22277 (gdb)
22278 -environment-pwd
22279 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
22280 (gdb)
22281 @end smallexample
22282
22283 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22284 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
22285 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
22286
22287
22288 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
22289 @findex -thread-info
22290
22291 @subsubheading Synopsis
22292
22293 @smallexample
22294 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
22295 @end smallexample
22296
22297 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
22298 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
22299 threads. When printing information about all threads,
22300 also reports the current thread.
22301
22302 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22303
22304 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
22305 about all threads.
22306
22307 @subsubheading Example
22308
22309 @smallexample
22310 -thread-info
22311 ^done,threads=[
22312 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
22313 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
22314 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
22315 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
22316 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}],
22317 current-thread-id="1"
22318 (gdb)
22319 @end smallexample
22320
22321 The @samp{state} field may have the following values:
22322
22323 @table @code
22324 @item stopped
22325 The thread is stopped. Frame information is available for stopped
22326 threads.
22327
22328 @item running
22329 The thread is running. There's no frame information for running
22330 threads.
22331
22332 @end table
22333
22334 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
22335 @findex -thread-list-ids
22336
22337 @subsubheading Synopsis
22338
22339 @smallexample
22340 -thread-list-ids
22341 @end smallexample
22342
22343 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
22344 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
22345
22346 This command is retained for historical reasons, the
22347 @code{-thread-info} command should be used instead.
22348
22349 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22350
22351 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
22352
22353 @subsubheading Example
22354
22355 @smallexample
22356 (gdb)
22357 -thread-list-ids
22358 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
22359 current-thread-id="1",number-of-threads="3"
22360 (gdb)
22361 @end smallexample
22362
22363
22364 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
22365 @findex -thread-select
22366
22367 @subsubheading Synopsis
22368
22369 @smallexample
22370 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
22371 @end smallexample
22372
22373 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
22374 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
22375
22376 This command is deprecated in favor of explicitly using the
22377 @samp{--thread} option to each command.
22378
22379 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22380
22381 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
22382
22383 @subsubheading Example
22384
22385 @smallexample
22386 (gdb)
22387 -exec-next
22388 ^running
22389 (gdb)
22390 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
22391 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
22392 (gdb)
22393 -thread-list-ids
22394 ^done,
22395 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
22396 number-of-threads="3"
22397 (gdb)
22398 -thread-select 3
22399 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
22400 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
22401 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
22402 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
22403 (gdb)
22404 @end smallexample
22405
22406 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22407 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
22408 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
22409
22410 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
22411 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
22412 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
22413 other cases.
22414
22415 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
22416 @findex -exec-continue
22417
22418 @subsubheading Synopsis
22419
22420 @smallexample
22421 -exec-continue [--all|--thread-group N]
22422 @end smallexample
22423
22424 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until a breakpoint is
22425 encountered, or until the inferior exits. In all-stop mode
22426 (@pxref{All-Stop Mode}), may resume only one thread, or all threads,
22427 depending on the value of the @samp{scheduler-locking} variable. In
22428 non-stop mode (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}), if the @samp{--all} is not
22429 specified, only the thread specified with the @samp{--thread} option
22430 (or current thread, if no @samp{--thread} is provided) is resumed. If
22431 @samp{--all} is specified, all threads will be resumed. The
22432 @samp{--all} option is ignored in all-stop mode. If the
22433 @samp{--thread-group} options is specified, then all threads in that
22434 thread group are resumed.
22435
22436 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22437
22438 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
22439
22440 @subsubheading Example
22441
22442 @smallexample
22443 -exec-continue
22444 ^running
22445 (gdb)
22446 @@Hello world
22447 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
22448 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
22449 line="13"@}
22450 (gdb)
22451 @end smallexample
22452
22453
22454 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
22455 @findex -exec-finish
22456
22457 @subsubheading Synopsis
22458
22459 @smallexample
22460 -exec-finish
22461 @end smallexample
22462
22463 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
22464 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
22465
22466 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22467
22468 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
22469
22470 @subsubheading Example
22471
22472 Function returning @code{void}.
22473
22474 @smallexample
22475 -exec-finish
22476 ^running
22477 (gdb)
22478 @@hello from foo
22479 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
22480 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
22481 (gdb)
22482 @end smallexample
22483
22484 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
22485 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
22486 value itself.
22487
22488 @smallexample
22489 -exec-finish
22490 ^running
22491 (gdb)
22492 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
22493 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
22494 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
22495 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
22496 (gdb)
22497 @end smallexample
22498
22499
22500 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
22501 @findex -exec-interrupt
22502
22503 @subsubheading Synopsis
22504
22505 @smallexample
22506 -exec-interrupt [--all|--thread-group N]
22507 @end smallexample
22508
22509 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
22510 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
22511 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
22512 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
22513 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
22514
22515 Note that when asynchronous execution is enabled, this command is
22516 asynchronous just like other execution commands. That is, first the
22517 @samp{^done} response will be printed, and the target stop will be
22518 reported after that using the @samp{*stopped} notification.
22519
22520 In non-stop mode, only the context thread is interrupted by default.
22521 All threads will be interrupted if the @samp{--all} option is
22522 specified. If the @samp{--thread-group} option is specified, all
22523 threads in that group will be interrupted.
22524
22525 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22526
22527 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
22528
22529 @subsubheading Example
22530
22531 @smallexample
22532 (gdb)
22533 111-exec-continue
22534 111^running
22535
22536 (gdb)
22537 222-exec-interrupt
22538 222^done
22539 (gdb)
22540 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
22541 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
22542 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
22543 (gdb)
22544
22545 (gdb)
22546 -exec-interrupt
22547 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
22548 (gdb)
22549 @end smallexample
22550
22551 @subheading The @code{-exec-jump} Command
22552 @findex -exec-jump
22553
22554 @subsubheading Synopsis
22555
22556 @smallexample
22557 -exec-jump @var{location}
22558 @end smallexample
22559
22560 Resumes execution of the inferior program at the location specified by
22561 parameter. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
22562 different forms of @var{location}.
22563
22564 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22565
22566 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{jump}.
22567
22568 @subsubheading Example
22569
22570 @smallexample
22571 -exec-jump foo.c:10
22572 *running,thread-id="all"
22573 ^running
22574 @end smallexample
22575
22576
22577 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
22578 @findex -exec-next
22579
22580 @subsubheading Synopsis
22581
22582 @smallexample
22583 -exec-next
22584 @end smallexample
22585
22586 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
22587 of the next source line is reached.
22588
22589 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22590
22591 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
22592
22593 @subsubheading Example
22594
22595 @smallexample
22596 -exec-next
22597 ^running
22598 (gdb)
22599 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
22600 (gdb)
22601 @end smallexample
22602
22603
22604 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
22605 @findex -exec-next-instruction
22606
22607 @subsubheading Synopsis
22608
22609 @smallexample
22610 -exec-next-instruction
22611 @end smallexample
22612
22613 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
22614 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
22615 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
22616 printed as well.
22617
22618 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22619
22620 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
22621
22622 @subsubheading Example
22623
22624 @smallexample
22625 (gdb)
22626 -exec-next-instruction
22627 ^running
22628
22629 (gdb)
22630 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
22631 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
22632 (gdb)
22633 @end smallexample
22634
22635
22636 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
22637 @findex -exec-return
22638
22639 @subsubheading Synopsis
22640
22641 @smallexample
22642 -exec-return
22643 @end smallexample
22644
22645 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
22646 Displays the new current frame.
22647
22648 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22649
22650 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
22651
22652 @subsubheading Example
22653
22654 @smallexample
22655 (gdb)
22656 200-break-insert callee4
22657 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
22658 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
22659 (gdb)
22660 000-exec-run
22661 000^running
22662 (gdb)
22663 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
22664 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
22665 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22666 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
22667 (gdb)
22668 205-break-delete
22669 205^done
22670 (gdb)
22671 111-exec-return
22672 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
22673 args=[@{name="strarg",
22674 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
22675 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22676 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
22677 (gdb)
22678 @end smallexample
22679
22680
22681 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
22682 @findex -exec-run
22683
22684 @subsubheading Synopsis
22685
22686 @smallexample
22687 -exec-run
22688 @end smallexample
22689
22690 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
22691 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
22692 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
22693 the program has exited exceptionally.
22694
22695 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22696
22697 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
22698
22699 @subsubheading Examples
22700
22701 @smallexample
22702 (gdb)
22703 -break-insert main
22704 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
22705 (gdb)
22706 -exec-run
22707 ^running
22708 (gdb)
22709 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
22710 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
22711 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
22712 (gdb)
22713 @end smallexample
22714
22715 @noindent
22716 Program exited normally:
22717
22718 @smallexample
22719 (gdb)
22720 -exec-run
22721 ^running
22722 (gdb)
22723 x = 55
22724 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
22725 (gdb)
22726 @end smallexample
22727
22728 @noindent
22729 Program exited exceptionally:
22730
22731 @smallexample
22732 (gdb)
22733 -exec-run
22734 ^running
22735 (gdb)
22736 x = 55
22737 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
22738 (gdb)
22739 @end smallexample
22740
22741 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
22742 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
22743
22744 @smallexample
22745 (gdb)
22746 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
22747 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
22748 @end smallexample
22749
22750
22751 @c @subheading -exec-signal
22752
22753
22754 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
22755 @findex -exec-step
22756
22757 @subsubheading Synopsis
22758
22759 @smallexample
22760 -exec-step
22761 @end smallexample
22762
22763 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
22764 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
22765 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
22766 function.
22767
22768 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22769
22770 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
22771
22772 @subsubheading Example
22773
22774 Stepping into a function:
22775
22776 @smallexample
22777 -exec-step
22778 ^running
22779 (gdb)
22780 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
22781 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
22782 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
22783 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
22784 (gdb)
22785 @end smallexample
22786
22787 Regular stepping:
22788
22789 @smallexample
22790 -exec-step
22791 ^running
22792 (gdb)
22793 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
22794 (gdb)
22795 @end smallexample
22796
22797
22798 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
22799 @findex -exec-step-instruction
22800
22801 @subsubheading Synopsis
22802
22803 @smallexample
22804 -exec-step-instruction
22805 @end smallexample
22806
22807 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. The
22808 output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on whether
22809 we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the former
22810 case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed as
22811 well.
22812
22813 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22814
22815 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
22816
22817 @subsubheading Example
22818
22819 @smallexample
22820 (gdb)
22821 -exec-step-instruction
22822 ^running
22823
22824 (gdb)
22825 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
22826 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
22827 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
22828 (gdb)
22829 -exec-step-instruction
22830 ^running
22831
22832 (gdb)
22833 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
22834 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
22835 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
22836 (gdb)
22837 @end smallexample
22838
22839
22840 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
22841 @findex -exec-until
22842
22843 @subsubheading Synopsis
22844
22845 @smallexample
22846 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
22847 @end smallexample
22848
22849 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
22850 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
22851 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
22852 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
22853
22854 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22855
22856 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
22857
22858 @subsubheading Example
22859
22860 @smallexample
22861 (gdb)
22862 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
22863 ^running
22864 (gdb)
22865 x = 55
22866 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
22867 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
22868 (gdb)
22869 @end smallexample
22870
22871 @ignore
22872 @subheading -file-clear
22873 Is this going away????
22874 @end ignore
22875
22876 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22877 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
22878 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
22879
22880
22881 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
22882 @findex -stack-info-frame
22883
22884 @subsubheading Synopsis
22885
22886 @smallexample
22887 -stack-info-frame
22888 @end smallexample
22889
22890 Get info on the selected frame.
22891
22892 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22893
22894 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
22895 (without arguments).
22896
22897 @subsubheading Example
22898
22899 @smallexample
22900 (gdb)
22901 -stack-info-frame
22902 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
22903 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22904 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
22905 (gdb)
22906 @end smallexample
22907
22908 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
22909 @findex -stack-info-depth
22910
22911 @subsubheading Synopsis
22912
22913 @smallexample
22914 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
22915 @end smallexample
22916
22917 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
22918 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
22919
22920 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22921
22922 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
22923
22924 @subsubheading Example
22925
22926 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
22927
22928 @smallexample
22929 (gdb)
22930 -stack-info-depth
22931 ^done,depth="12"
22932 (gdb)
22933 -stack-info-depth 4
22934 ^done,depth="4"
22935 (gdb)
22936 -stack-info-depth 12
22937 ^done,depth="12"
22938 (gdb)
22939 -stack-info-depth 11
22940 ^done,depth="11"
22941 (gdb)
22942 -stack-info-depth 13
22943 ^done,depth="12"
22944 (gdb)
22945 @end smallexample
22946
22947 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
22948 @findex -stack-list-arguments
22949
22950 @subsubheading Synopsis
22951
22952 @smallexample
22953 -stack-list-arguments @var{show-values}
22954 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
22955 @end smallexample
22956
22957 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
22958 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
22959 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
22960 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
22961 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
22962 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
22963 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
22964 which case only existing frames will be returned.
22965
22966 The @var{show-values} argument must have a value of 0 or 1. A value of
22967 0 means that only the names of the arguments are listed, a value of 1
22968 means that both names and values of the arguments are printed.
22969
22970 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22971
22972 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
22973 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
22974 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
22975
22976 @subsubheading Example
22977
22978 @smallexample
22979 (gdb)
22980 -stack-list-frames
22981 ^done,
22982 stack=[
22983 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
22984 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22985 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
22986 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
22987 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22988 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
22989 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
22990 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22991 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
22992 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
22993 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22994 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
22995 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
22996 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
22997 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
22998 (gdb)
22999 -stack-list-arguments 0
23000 ^done,
23001 stack-args=[
23002 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
23003 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
23004 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
23005 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
23006 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
23007 (gdb)
23008 -stack-list-arguments 1
23009 ^done,
23010 stack-args=[
23011 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
23012 frame=@{level="1",
23013 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
23014 frame=@{level="2",args=[
23015 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
23016 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
23017 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
23018 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
23019 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
23020 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
23021 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
23022 (gdb)
23023 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
23024 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
23025 (gdb)
23026 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
23027 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
23028 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
23029 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
23030 (gdb)
23031 @end smallexample
23032
23033 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
23034
23035
23036 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
23037 @findex -stack-list-frames
23038
23039 @subsubheading Synopsis
23040
23041 @smallexample
23042 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
23043 @end smallexample
23044
23045 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
23046 following info:
23047
23048 @table @samp
23049 @item @var{level}
23050 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
23051 @item @var{addr}
23052 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
23053 @item @var{func}
23054 Function name.
23055 @item @var{file}
23056 File name of the source file where the function lives.
23057 @item @var{line}
23058 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
23059 @end table
23060
23061 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
23062 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
23063 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
23064 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
23065 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
23066 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
23067 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
23068
23069 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23070
23071 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
23072
23073 @subsubheading Example
23074
23075 Full stack backtrace:
23076
23077 @smallexample
23078 (gdb)
23079 -stack-list-frames
23080 ^done,stack=
23081 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
23082 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
23083 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23084 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23085 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23086 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23087 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23088 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23089 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23090 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23091 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23092 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23093 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23094 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23095 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23096 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23097 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23098 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23099 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23100 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23101 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23102 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23103 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
23104 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
23105 (gdb)
23106 @end smallexample
23107
23108 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
23109
23110 @smallexample
23111 (gdb)
23112 -stack-list-frames 3 5
23113 ^done,stack=
23114 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23115 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23116 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23117 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
23118 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23119 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
23120 (gdb)
23121 @end smallexample
23122
23123 Show a single frame:
23124
23125 @smallexample
23126 (gdb)
23127 -stack-list-frames 3 3
23128 ^done,stack=
23129 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
23130 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
23131 (gdb)
23132 @end smallexample
23133
23134
23135 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
23136 @findex -stack-list-locals
23137
23138 @subsubheading Synopsis
23139
23140 @smallexample
23141 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
23142 @end smallexample
23143
23144 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
23145 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
23146 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
23147 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
23148 type and value for simple data types and the name and type for arrays,
23149 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
23150 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
23151 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
23152 more detail.
23153
23154 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23155
23156 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
23157
23158 @subsubheading Example
23159
23160 @smallexample
23161 (gdb)
23162 -stack-list-locals 0
23163 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
23164 (gdb)
23165 -stack-list-locals --all-values
23166 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
23167 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
23168 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
23169 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
23170 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
23171 (gdb)
23172 @end smallexample
23173
23174
23175 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
23176 @findex -stack-select-frame
23177
23178 @subsubheading Synopsis
23179
23180 @smallexample
23181 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
23182 @end smallexample
23183
23184 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
23185 the stack.
23186
23187 This command in deprecated in favor of passing the @samp{--frame}
23188 option to every command.
23189
23190 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23191
23192 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
23193 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
23194
23195 @subsubheading Example
23196
23197 @smallexample
23198 (gdb)
23199 -stack-select-frame 2
23200 ^done
23201 (gdb)
23202 @end smallexample
23203
23204 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23205 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
23206 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
23207
23208 @ignore
23209
23210 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
23211
23212 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
23213 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
23214 used by @code{Insight}.
23215
23216 The two main reasons for that are:
23217
23218 @enumerate 1
23219 @item
23220 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
23221
23222 @item
23223 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
23224 now).
23225 @end enumerate
23226
23227 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
23228 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
23229 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
23230 hints about their use.
23231
23232 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
23233 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
23234 least, the following operations:
23235
23236 @itemize @bullet
23237 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
23238 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
23239 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
23240 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
23241 @end itemize
23242
23243 @end ignore
23244
23245 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
23246
23247 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
23248
23249 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
23250 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
23251 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
23252 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
23253 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
23254 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
23255 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
23256 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
23257 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
23258 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
23259 object, or to change display format.
23260
23261 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
23262 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
23263 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
23264 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
23265 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
23266 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
23267 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
23268 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
23269 child will be created.
23270
23271 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
23272 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
23273 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
23274 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
23275 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
23276
23277 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
23278 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
23279 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
23280 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
23281 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
23282 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
23283 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
23284 variables that frontend has created.
23285
23286 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
23287 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
23288 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
23289 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
23290 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
23291 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
23292 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
23293 implicitly updated.
23294
23295 Variable objects can be either @dfn{fixed} or @dfn{floating}. For the
23296 fixed variable object, the expression is parsed when the variable
23297 object is created, including associating identifiers to specific
23298 variables. The meaning of expression never changes. For a floating
23299 variable object the values of variables whose names appear in the
23300 expressions are re-evaluated every time in the context of the current
23301 frame. Consider this example:
23302
23303 @smallexample
23304 void do_work(...)
23305 @{
23306 struct work_state state;
23307
23308 if (...)
23309 do_work(...);
23310 @}
23311 @end smallexample
23312
23313 If a fixed variable object for the @code{state} variable is created in
23314 this function, and we enter the recursive call, the the variable
23315 object will report the value of @code{state} in the top-level
23316 @code{do_work} invocation. On the other hand, a floating variable
23317 object will report the value of @code{state} in the current frame.
23318
23319 If an expression specified when creating a fixed variable object
23320 refers to a local variable, the variable object becomes bound to the
23321 thread and frame in which the variable object is created. When such
23322 variable object is updated, @value{GDBN} makes sure that the
23323 thread/frame combination the variable object is bound to still exists,
23324 and re-evaluates the variable object in context of that thread/frame.
23325
23326 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
23327 access this functionality:
23328
23329 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
23330 @item @strong{Operation}
23331 @tab @strong{Description}
23332
23333 @item @code{-var-create}
23334 @tab create a variable object
23335 @item @code{-var-delete}
23336 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
23337 @item @code{-var-set-format}
23338 @tab set the display format of this variable
23339 @item @code{-var-show-format}
23340 @tab show the display format of this variable
23341 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
23342 @tab tells how many children this object has
23343 @item @code{-var-list-children}
23344 @tab return a list of the object's children
23345 @item @code{-var-info-type}
23346 @tab show the type of this variable object
23347 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
23348 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
23349 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
23350 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
23351 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
23352 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
23353 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
23354 @tab get the value of this variable
23355 @item @code{-var-assign}
23356 @tab set the value of this variable
23357 @item @code{-var-update}
23358 @tab update the variable and its children
23359 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
23360 @tab set frozeness attribute
23361 @end multitable
23362
23363 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
23364 how it can be used.
23365
23366 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
23367
23368 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
23369 @findex -var-create
23370
23371 @subsubheading Synopsis
23372
23373 @smallexample
23374 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
23375 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*" | "@@"@} @var{expression}
23376 @end smallexample
23377
23378 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
23379 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
23380 register.
23381
23382 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
23383 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
23384 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
23385 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} of that format.
23386 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
23387
23388 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
23389 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
23390 frame should be used. A @samp{@@} indicates that a floating variable
23391 object must be created.
23392
23393 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
23394 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
23395
23396 @itemize @bullet
23397 @item
23398 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
23399
23400 @item
23401 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
23402
23403 @item
23404 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
23405 @end itemize
23406
23407 @subsubheading Result
23408
23409 This operation returns the name, number of children and the type of the
23410 object created. Type is returned as a string as the ones generated by
23411 the @value{GDBN} CLI. If a fixed variable object is bound to a
23412 specific thread, the thread is is also printed:
23413
23414 @smallexample
23415 name="@var{name}",numchild="@var{N}",type="@var{type}",thread-id="@var{M}"
23416 @end smallexample
23417
23418
23419 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
23420 @findex -var-delete
23421
23422 @subsubheading Synopsis
23423
23424 @smallexample
23425 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
23426 @end smallexample
23427
23428 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
23429 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
23430
23431 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
23432
23433
23434 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
23435 @findex -var-set-format
23436
23437 @subsubheading Synopsis
23438
23439 @smallexample
23440 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
23441 @end smallexample
23442
23443 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
23444 @var{format-spec}.
23445
23446 @anchor{-var-set-format}
23447 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
23448
23449 @smallexample
23450 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
23451 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
23452 @end smallexample
23453
23454 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
23455 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
23456 for pointers, etc.).
23457
23458 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
23459 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
23460
23461 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
23462 @findex -var-show-format
23463
23464 @subsubheading Synopsis
23465
23466 @smallexample
23467 -var-show-format @var{name}
23468 @end smallexample
23469
23470 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
23471
23472 @smallexample
23473 @var{format} @expansion{}
23474 @var{format-spec}
23475 @end smallexample
23476
23477
23478 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
23479 @findex -var-info-num-children
23480
23481 @subsubheading Synopsis
23482
23483 @smallexample
23484 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
23485 @end smallexample
23486
23487 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
23488
23489 @smallexample
23490 numchild=@var{n}
23491 @end smallexample
23492
23493
23494 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
23495 @findex -var-list-children
23496
23497 @subsubheading Synopsis
23498
23499 @smallexample
23500 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name}
23501 @end smallexample
23502 @anchor{-var-list-children}
23503
23504 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
23505 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
23506 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value for of 0 or
23507 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
23508 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
23509 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
23510 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
23511 and unions.
23512
23513 For each child the following results are returned:
23514
23515 @table @var
23516
23517 @item name
23518 Name of the variable object created for this child.
23519
23520 @item exp
23521 The expression to be shown to the user by the front end to designate this child.
23522 For example this may be the name of a structure member.
23523
23524 For C/C@t{++} structures there are several pseudo children returned to
23525 designate access qualifiers. For these pseudo children @var{exp} is
23526 @samp{public}, @samp{private}, or @samp{protected}. In this case the
23527 type and value are not present.
23528
23529 @item numchild
23530 Number of children this child has.
23531
23532 @item type
23533 The type of the child.
23534
23535 @item value
23536 If values were requested, this is the value.
23537
23538 @item thread-id
23539 If this variable object is associated with a thread, this is the thread id.
23540 Otherwise this result is not present.
23541
23542 @item frozen
23543 If the variable object is frozen, this variable will be present with a value of 1.
23544 @end table
23545
23546 @subsubheading Example
23547
23548 @smallexample
23549 (gdb)
23550 -var-list-children n
23551 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
23552 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
23553 (gdb)
23554 -var-list-children --all-values n
23555 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[child=@{name=@var{name},exp=@var{exp},
23556 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
23557 @end smallexample
23558
23559
23560 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
23561 @findex -var-info-type
23562
23563 @subsubheading Synopsis
23564
23565 @smallexample
23566 -var-info-type @var{name}
23567 @end smallexample
23568
23569 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
23570 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
23571 @value{GDBN} CLI:
23572
23573 @smallexample
23574 type=@var{typename}
23575 @end smallexample
23576
23577
23578 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
23579 @findex -var-info-expression
23580
23581 @subsubheading Synopsis
23582
23583 @smallexample
23584 -var-info-expression @var{name}
23585 @end smallexample
23586
23587 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
23588 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
23589 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
23590
23591 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
23592 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
23593
23594 @smallexample
23595 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
23596 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
23597 @end smallexample
23598
23599 @noindent
23600 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
23601
23602 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
23603 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
23604 is of limited use.
23605
23606 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
23607 @findex -var-info-path-expression
23608
23609 @subsubheading Synopsis
23610
23611 @smallexample
23612 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
23613 @end smallexample
23614
23615 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
23616 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
23617 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
23618 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
23619 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
23620 watchpoint from a variable object.
23621
23622 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
23623 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
23624 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
23625 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
23626 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
23627 @smallexample
23628 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
23629 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
23630 @end smallexample
23631
23632 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
23633 @findex -var-show-attributes
23634
23635 @subsubheading Synopsis
23636
23637 @smallexample
23638 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
23639 @end smallexample
23640
23641 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
23642
23643 @smallexample
23644 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
23645 @end smallexample
23646
23647 @noindent
23648 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
23649
23650 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
23651 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
23652
23653 @subsubheading Synopsis
23654
23655 @smallexample
23656 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
23657 @end smallexample
23658
23659 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
23660 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
23661 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
23662 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
23663 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
23664 the current display format will be used. The current display format
23665 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
23666
23667 @smallexample
23668 value=@var{value}
23669 @end smallexample
23670
23671 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
23672 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
23673
23674 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
23675 @findex -var-assign
23676
23677 @subsubheading Synopsis
23678
23679 @smallexample
23680 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
23681 @end smallexample
23682
23683 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
23684 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
23685 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
23686 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
23687
23688 @subsubheading Example
23689
23690 @smallexample
23691 (gdb)
23692 -var-assign var1 3
23693 ^done,value="3"
23694 (gdb)
23695 -var-update *
23696 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
23697 (gdb)
23698 @end smallexample
23699
23700 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
23701 @findex -var-update
23702
23703 @subsubheading Synopsis
23704
23705 @smallexample
23706 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
23707 @end smallexample
23708
23709 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
23710 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
23711 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
23712 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
23713 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
23714 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
23715 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
23716 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
23717 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
23718 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
23719 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
23720 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
23721 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
23722
23723 With the @samp{*} parameter, if a variable object is bound to a
23724 currently running thread, it will not be updated, without any
23725 diagnostic.
23726
23727 @subsubheading Example
23728
23729 @smallexample
23730 (gdb)
23731 -var-assign var1 3
23732 ^done,value="3"
23733 (gdb)
23734 -var-update --all-values var1
23735 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
23736 type_changed="false"@}]
23737 (gdb)
23738 @end smallexample
23739
23740 @anchor{-var-update}
23741 The field in_scope may take three values:
23742
23743 @table @code
23744 @item "true"
23745 The variable object's current value is valid.
23746
23747 @item "false"
23748 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
23749 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
23750 scope.
23751
23752 @item "invalid"
23753 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
23754 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
23755 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
23756 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
23757 objects.
23758 @end table
23759
23760 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
23761 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
23762
23763 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
23764 @findex -var-set-frozen
23765 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
23766
23767 @subsubheading Synopsis
23768
23769 @smallexample
23770 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
23771 @end smallexample
23772
23773 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
23774 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
23775 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
23776 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
23777 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
23778 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
23779 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
23780 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
23781 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
23782 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
23783 @code{-var-update} does.
23784
23785 @subsubheading Example
23786
23787 @smallexample
23788 (gdb)
23789 -var-set-frozen V 1
23790 ^done
23791 (gdb)
23792 @end smallexample
23793
23794 @subheading The @code{-var-set-visualizer} command
23795 @findex -var-set-visualizer
23796 @anchor{-var-set-visualizer}
23797
23798 @subsubheading Synopsis
23799
23800 @smallexample
23801 -var-set-visualizer @var{name} @var{visualizer}
23802 @end smallexample
23803
23804 Set a visualizer for the variable object @var{name}.
23805
23806 @var{visualizer} is the visualizer to use. The special value
23807 @samp{None} means to disable any visualizer in use.
23808
23809 If not @samp{None}, @var{visualizer} must be a Python expression.
23810 This expression must evaluate to a callable object which accepts a
23811 single argument. @value{GDBN} will call this object with the value of
23812 the varobj @var{name} as an argument (this is done so that the same
23813 Python pretty-printing code can be used for both the CLI and MI).
23814 When called, this object must return an object which conforms to the
23815 pretty-printing interface (@pxref{Pretty Printing}).
23816
23817 The pre-defined function @code{gdb.default_visualizer} may be used to
23818 select a visualizer by following the built-in process
23819 (@pxref{Selecting Pretty-Printers}). This is done automatically when
23820 a varobj is created, and so ordinarily is not needed.
23821
23822 This feature is only available if Python support is enabled. The MI
23823 command @code{-list-features} (@pxref{GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands})
23824 can be used to check this.
23825
23826 @subsubheading Example
23827
23828 Resetting the visualizer:
23829
23830 @smallexample
23831 (gdb)
23832 -var-set-visualizer V None
23833 ^done
23834 @end smallexample
23835
23836 Reselecting the default (type-based) visualizer:
23837
23838 @smallexample
23839 (gdb)
23840 -var-set-visualizer V gdb.default_visualizer
23841 ^done
23842 @end smallexample
23843
23844 Suppose @code{SomeClass} is a visualizer class. A lambda expression
23845 can be used to instantiate this class for a varobj:
23846
23847 @smallexample
23848 (gdb)
23849 -var-set-visualizer V "lambda val: SomeClass()"
23850 ^done
23851 @end smallexample
23852
23853 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
23854 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
23855 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
23856
23857 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
23858 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
23859 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
23860 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
23861
23862 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
23863 @c @subheading -data-assign
23864 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
23865 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
23866 @c set variable
23867 @c @subsubheading Example
23868 @c N.A.
23869
23870 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
23871 @findex -data-disassemble
23872
23873 @subsubheading Synopsis
23874
23875 @smallexample
23876 -data-disassemble
23877 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
23878 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
23879 -- @var{mode}
23880 @end smallexample
23881
23882 @noindent
23883 Where:
23884
23885 @table @samp
23886 @item @var{start-addr}
23887 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
23888 @item @var{end-addr}
23889 is the end address
23890 @item @var{filename}
23891 is the name of the file to disassemble
23892 @item @var{linenum}
23893 is the line number to disassemble around
23894 @item @var{lines}
23895 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
23896 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
23897 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
23898 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
23899 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
23900 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
23901 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
23902 are displayed.
23903 @item @var{mode}
23904 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly) or 1 (meaning mixed source and
23905 disassembly).
23906 @end table
23907
23908 @subsubheading Result
23909
23910 The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
23911
23912 @itemize @bullet
23913 @item Address
23914 @item Func-name
23915 @item Offset
23916 @item Instruction
23917 @end itemize
23918
23919 Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
23920 directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
23921
23922 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
23923
23924 There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
23925
23926 @subsubheading Example
23927
23928 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
23929
23930 @smallexample
23931 (gdb)
23932 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
23933 ^done,
23934 asm_insns=[
23935 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
23936 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
23937 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
23938 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
23939 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
23940 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
23941 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
23942 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
23943 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
23944 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
23945 (gdb)
23946 @end smallexample
23947
23948 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
23949 @code{main}.
23950
23951 @smallexample
23952 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
23953 ^done,asm_insns=[
23954 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
23955 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
23956 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
23957 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
23958 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
23959 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
23960 [@dots{}]
23961 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
23962 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
23963 (gdb)
23964 @end smallexample
23965
23966 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
23967
23968 @smallexample
23969 (gdb)
23970 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
23971 ^done,asm_insns=[
23972 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
23973 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
23974 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
23975 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
23976 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
23977 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
23978 (gdb)
23979 @end smallexample
23980
23981 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
23982
23983 @smallexample
23984 (gdb)
23985 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
23986 ^done,asm_insns=[
23987 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
23988 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
23989 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
23990 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
23991 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
23992 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
23993 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
23994 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
23995 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
23996 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
23997 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
23998 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
23999 (gdb)
24000 @end smallexample
24001
24002
24003 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
24004 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
24005
24006 @subsubheading Synopsis
24007
24008 @smallexample
24009 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
24010 @end smallexample
24011
24012 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
24013 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
24014 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
24015
24016 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24017
24018 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
24019 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
24020 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
24021
24022 @subsubheading Example
24023
24024 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
24025 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
24026 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
24027 output.
24028
24029 @smallexample
24030 211-data-evaluate-expression A
24031 211^done,value="1"
24032 (gdb)
24033 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
24034 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
24035 (gdb)
24036 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
24037 411^done,value="4"
24038 (gdb)
24039 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
24040 511^done,value="4"
24041 (gdb)
24042 @end smallexample
24043
24044
24045 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
24046 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
24047
24048 @subsubheading Synopsis
24049
24050 @smallexample
24051 -data-list-changed-registers
24052 @end smallexample
24053
24054 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
24055
24056 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24057
24058 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
24059 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
24060
24061 @subsubheading Example
24062
24063 On a PPC MBX board:
24064
24065 @smallexample
24066 (gdb)
24067 -exec-continue
24068 ^running
24069
24070 (gdb)
24071 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
24072 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
24073 line="5"@}
24074 (gdb)
24075 -data-list-changed-registers
24076 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
24077 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
24078 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
24079 (gdb)
24080 @end smallexample
24081
24082
24083 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
24084 @findex -data-list-register-names
24085
24086 @subsubheading Synopsis
24087
24088 @smallexample
24089 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
24090 @end smallexample
24091
24092 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
24093 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
24094 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
24095 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
24096 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
24097 include empty register names.
24098
24099 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24100
24101 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
24102 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
24103 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
24104
24105 @subsubheading Example
24106
24107 For the PPC MBX board:
24108 @smallexample
24109 (gdb)
24110 -data-list-register-names
24111 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
24112 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
24113 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
24114 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
24115 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
24116 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
24117 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
24118 (gdb)
24119 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
24120 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
24121 (gdb)
24122 @end smallexample
24123
24124 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
24125 @findex -data-list-register-values
24126
24127 @subsubheading Synopsis
24128
24129 @smallexample
24130 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
24131 @end smallexample
24132
24133 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
24134 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
24135 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
24136 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
24137
24138 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
24139
24140 @table @code
24141 @item x
24142 Hexadecimal
24143 @item o
24144 Octal
24145 @item t
24146 Binary
24147 @item d
24148 Decimal
24149 @item r
24150 Raw
24151 @item N
24152 Natural
24153 @end table
24154
24155 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24156
24157 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
24158 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
24159
24160 @subsubheading Example
24161
24162 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
24163 don't appear in the actual output):
24164
24165 @smallexample
24166 (gdb)
24167 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
24168 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
24169 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
24170 (gdb)
24171 -data-list-register-values x
24172 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
24173 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
24174 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
24175 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
24176 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
24177 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
24178 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
24179 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
24180 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
24181 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
24182 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
24183 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
24184 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
24185 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
24186 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
24187 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
24188 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
24189 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
24190 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
24191 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
24192 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
24193 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
24194 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
24195 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
24196 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
24197 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
24198 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
24199 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
24200 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
24201 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
24202 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
24203 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
24204 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
24205 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
24206 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
24207 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
24208 (gdb)
24209 @end smallexample
24210
24211
24212 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
24213 @findex -data-read-memory
24214
24215 @subsubheading Synopsis
24216
24217 @smallexample
24218 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
24219 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
24220 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
24221 @end smallexample
24222
24223 @noindent
24224 where:
24225
24226 @table @samp
24227 @item @var{address}
24228 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
24229 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
24230 quoted using the C convention.
24231
24232 @item @var{word-format}
24233 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
24234 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
24235 ,Output Formats}).
24236
24237 @item @var{word-size}
24238 The size of each memory word in bytes.
24239
24240 @item @var{nr-rows}
24241 The number of rows in the output table.
24242
24243 @item @var{nr-cols}
24244 The number of columns in the output table.
24245
24246 @item @var{aschar}
24247 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
24248 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
24249 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
24250 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
24251
24252 @item @var{byte-offset}
24253 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
24254 @end table
24255
24256 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
24257 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
24258 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
24259 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
24260 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
24261 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
24262 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
24263 @samp{addr}.
24264
24265 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
24266 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
24267 @samp{prev-page}.
24268
24269 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24270
24271 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
24272 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
24273
24274 @subsubheading Example
24275
24276 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
24277 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
24278 word. Display each word in hex.
24279
24280 @smallexample
24281 (gdb)
24282 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
24283 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
24284 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
24285 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
24286 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
24287 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
24288 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
24289 (gdb)
24290 @end smallexample
24291
24292 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
24293 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
24294
24295 @smallexample
24296 (gdb)
24297 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
24298 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
24299 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
24300 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
24301 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
24302 (gdb)
24303 @end smallexample
24304
24305 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
24306 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
24307 used as the non-printable character.
24308
24309 @smallexample
24310 (gdb)
24311 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
24312 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
24313 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
24314 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
24315 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
24316 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
24317 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
24318 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
24319 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
24320 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
24321 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
24322 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
24323 (gdb)
24324 @end smallexample
24325
24326 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24327 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
24328 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
24329
24330 The tracepoint commands are not yet implemented.
24331
24332 @c @subheading -trace-actions
24333
24334 @c @subheading -trace-delete
24335
24336 @c @subheading -trace-disable
24337
24338 @c @subheading -trace-dump
24339
24340 @c @subheading -trace-enable
24341
24342 @c @subheading -trace-exists
24343
24344 @c @subheading -trace-find
24345
24346 @c @subheading -trace-frame-number
24347
24348 @c @subheading -trace-info
24349
24350 @c @subheading -trace-insert
24351
24352 @c @subheading -trace-list
24353
24354 @c @subheading -trace-pass-count
24355
24356 @c @subheading -trace-save
24357
24358 @c @subheading -trace-start
24359
24360 @c @subheading -trace-stop
24361
24362
24363 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24364 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
24365 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
24366
24367
24368 @ignore
24369 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
24370 @findex -symbol-info-address
24371
24372 @subsubheading Synopsis
24373
24374 @smallexample
24375 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
24376 @end smallexample
24377
24378 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
24379
24380 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24381
24382 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
24383
24384 @subsubheading Example
24385 N.A.
24386
24387
24388 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
24389 @findex -symbol-info-file
24390
24391 @subsubheading Synopsis
24392
24393 @smallexample
24394 -symbol-info-file
24395 @end smallexample
24396
24397 Show the file for the symbol.
24398
24399 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24400
24401 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
24402 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
24403
24404 @subsubheading Example
24405 N.A.
24406
24407
24408 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
24409 @findex -symbol-info-function
24410
24411 @subsubheading Synopsis
24412
24413 @smallexample
24414 -symbol-info-function
24415 @end smallexample
24416
24417 Show which function the symbol lives in.
24418
24419 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24420
24421 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
24422
24423 @subsubheading Example
24424 N.A.
24425
24426
24427 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
24428 @findex -symbol-info-line
24429
24430 @subsubheading Synopsis
24431
24432 @smallexample
24433 -symbol-info-line
24434 @end smallexample
24435
24436 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
24437
24438 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24439
24440 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
24441 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
24442
24443 @subsubheading Example
24444 N.A.
24445
24446
24447 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
24448 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
24449
24450 @subsubheading Synopsis
24451
24452 @smallexample
24453 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
24454 @end smallexample
24455
24456 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
24457
24458 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24459
24460 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
24461
24462 @subsubheading Example
24463 N.A.
24464
24465
24466 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
24467 @findex -symbol-list-functions
24468
24469 @subsubheading Synopsis
24470
24471 @smallexample
24472 -symbol-list-functions
24473 @end smallexample
24474
24475 List the functions in the executable.
24476
24477 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24478
24479 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
24480 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
24481
24482 @subsubheading Example
24483 N.A.
24484 @end ignore
24485
24486
24487 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
24488 @findex -symbol-list-lines
24489
24490 @subsubheading Synopsis
24491
24492 @smallexample
24493 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
24494 @end smallexample
24495
24496 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
24497 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
24498 ascending PC order.
24499
24500 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24501
24502 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
24503
24504 @subsubheading Example
24505 @smallexample
24506 (gdb)
24507 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
24508 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
24509 (gdb)
24510 @end smallexample
24511
24512
24513 @ignore
24514 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
24515 @findex -symbol-list-types
24516
24517 @subsubheading Synopsis
24518
24519 @smallexample
24520 -symbol-list-types
24521 @end smallexample
24522
24523 List all the type names.
24524
24525 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24526
24527 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
24528 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
24529
24530 @subsubheading Example
24531 N.A.
24532
24533
24534 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
24535 @findex -symbol-list-variables
24536
24537 @subsubheading Synopsis
24538
24539 @smallexample
24540 -symbol-list-variables
24541 @end smallexample
24542
24543 List all the global and static variable names.
24544
24545 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24546
24547 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
24548
24549 @subsubheading Example
24550 N.A.
24551
24552
24553 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
24554 @findex -symbol-locate
24555
24556 @subsubheading Synopsis
24557
24558 @smallexample
24559 -symbol-locate
24560 @end smallexample
24561
24562 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24563
24564 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
24565
24566 @subsubheading Example
24567 N.A.
24568
24569
24570 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
24571 @findex -symbol-type
24572
24573 @subsubheading Synopsis
24574
24575 @smallexample
24576 -symbol-type @var{variable}
24577 @end smallexample
24578
24579 Show type of @var{variable}.
24580
24581 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24582
24583 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
24584 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
24585
24586 @subsubheading Example
24587 N.A.
24588 @end ignore
24589
24590
24591 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24592 @node GDB/MI File Commands
24593 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
24594
24595 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
24596 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
24597
24598 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
24599 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
24600
24601 @subsubheading Synopsis
24602
24603 @smallexample
24604 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
24605 @end smallexample
24606
24607 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
24608 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
24609 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
24610 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
24611 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
24612 notification.
24613
24614 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24615
24616 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
24617
24618 @subsubheading Example
24619
24620 @smallexample
24621 (gdb)
24622 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
24623 ^done
24624 (gdb)
24625 @end smallexample
24626
24627
24628 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
24629 @findex -file-exec-file
24630
24631 @subsubheading Synopsis
24632
24633 @smallexample
24634 -file-exec-file @var{file}
24635 @end smallexample
24636
24637 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
24638 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
24639 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
24640 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
24641 notification.
24642
24643 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24644
24645 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
24646
24647 @subsubheading Example
24648
24649 @smallexample
24650 (gdb)
24651 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
24652 ^done
24653 (gdb)
24654 @end smallexample
24655
24656
24657 @ignore
24658 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
24659 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
24660
24661 @subsubheading Synopsis
24662
24663 @smallexample
24664 -file-list-exec-sections
24665 @end smallexample
24666
24667 List the sections of the current executable file.
24668
24669 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24670
24671 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
24672 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
24673 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
24674
24675 @subsubheading Example
24676 N.A.
24677 @end ignore
24678
24679
24680 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
24681 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
24682
24683 @subsubheading Synopsis
24684
24685 @smallexample
24686 -file-list-exec-source-file
24687 @end smallexample
24688
24689 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
24690 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
24691 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
24692 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
24693
24694 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24695
24696 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
24697
24698 @subsubheading Example
24699
24700 @smallexample
24701 (gdb)
24702 123-file-list-exec-source-file
24703 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
24704 (gdb)
24705 @end smallexample
24706
24707
24708 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
24709 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
24710
24711 @subsubheading Synopsis
24712
24713 @smallexample
24714 -file-list-exec-source-files
24715 @end smallexample
24716
24717 List the source files for the current executable.
24718
24719 It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
24720 the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
24721
24722 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24723
24724 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
24725 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
24726
24727 @subsubheading Example
24728 @smallexample
24729 (gdb)
24730 -file-list-exec-source-files
24731 ^done,files=[
24732 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
24733 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
24734 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
24735 (gdb)
24736 @end smallexample
24737
24738 @ignore
24739 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
24740 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
24741
24742 @subsubheading Synopsis
24743
24744 @smallexample
24745 -file-list-shared-libraries
24746 @end smallexample
24747
24748 List the shared libraries in the program.
24749
24750 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24751
24752 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
24753
24754 @subsubheading Example
24755 N.A.
24756
24757
24758 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
24759 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
24760
24761 @subsubheading Synopsis
24762
24763 @smallexample
24764 -file-list-symbol-files
24765 @end smallexample
24766
24767 List symbol files.
24768
24769 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24770
24771 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
24772
24773 @subsubheading Example
24774 N.A.
24775 @end ignore
24776
24777
24778 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
24779 @findex -file-symbol-file
24780
24781 @subsubheading Synopsis
24782
24783 @smallexample
24784 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
24785 @end smallexample
24786
24787 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
24788 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
24789 produced, except for a completion notification.
24790
24791 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24792
24793 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
24794
24795 @subsubheading Example
24796
24797 @smallexample
24798 (gdb)
24799 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
24800 ^done
24801 (gdb)
24802 @end smallexample
24803
24804 @ignore
24805 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24806 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
24807 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
24808
24809 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
24810
24811 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
24812
24813 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
24814
24815 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
24816
24817 @c @subheading -overlay-map
24818
24819 @c @subheading -overlay-off
24820
24821 @c @subheading -overlay-on
24822
24823 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
24824
24825 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24826 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
24827 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
24828
24829 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
24830
24831 @c @subheading -signal-handle
24832
24833 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
24834
24835 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
24836 @end ignore
24837
24838
24839 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
24840 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
24841 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
24842
24843
24844 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
24845 @findex -target-attach
24846
24847 @subsubheading Synopsis
24848
24849 @smallexample
24850 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{gid} | @var{file}
24851 @end smallexample
24852
24853 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of
24854 @value{GDBN}, or a thread group @var{gid}. If attaching to a thread
24855 group, the id previously returned by
24856 @samp{-list-thread-groups --available} must be used.
24857
24858 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24859
24860 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
24861
24862 @subsubheading Example
24863 @smallexample
24864 (gdb)
24865 -target-attach 34
24866 =thread-created,id="1"
24867 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
24868 ^done
24869 (gdb)
24870 @end smallexample
24871
24872 @ignore
24873 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
24874 @findex -target-compare-sections
24875
24876 @subsubheading Synopsis
24877
24878 @smallexample
24879 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
24880 @end smallexample
24881
24882 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
24883 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
24884
24885 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24886
24887 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
24888
24889 @subsubheading Example
24890 N.A.
24891 @end ignore
24892
24893
24894 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
24895 @findex -target-detach
24896
24897 @subsubheading Synopsis
24898
24899 @smallexample
24900 -target-detach [ @var{pid} | @var{gid} ]
24901 @end smallexample
24902
24903 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
24904 If either @var{pid} or @var{gid} is specified, detaches from either
24905 the specified process, or specified thread group. There's no output.
24906
24907 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24908
24909 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
24910
24911 @subsubheading Example
24912
24913 @smallexample
24914 (gdb)
24915 -target-detach
24916 ^done
24917 (gdb)
24918 @end smallexample
24919
24920
24921 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
24922 @findex -target-disconnect
24923
24924 @subsubheading Synopsis
24925
24926 @smallexample
24927 -target-disconnect
24928 @end smallexample
24929
24930 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
24931 generally not resumed.
24932
24933 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24934
24935 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
24936
24937 @subsubheading Example
24938
24939 @smallexample
24940 (gdb)
24941 -target-disconnect
24942 ^done
24943 (gdb)
24944 @end smallexample
24945
24946
24947 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
24948 @findex -target-download
24949
24950 @subsubheading Synopsis
24951
24952 @smallexample
24953 -target-download
24954 @end smallexample
24955
24956 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
24957 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
24958
24959 @table @samp
24960 @item section
24961 The name of the section.
24962 @item section-sent
24963 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
24964 @item section-size
24965 The size of the section.
24966 @item total-sent
24967 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
24968 @item total-size
24969 The size of the overall executable to download.
24970 @end table
24971
24972 @noindent
24973 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
24974 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
24975
24976 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
24977 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
24978
24979 @table @samp
24980 @item section
24981 The name of the section.
24982 @item section-size
24983 The size of the section.
24984 @item total-size
24985 The size of the overall executable to download.
24986 @end table
24987
24988 @noindent
24989 At the end, a summary is printed.
24990
24991 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
24992
24993 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
24994
24995 @subsubheading Example
24996
24997 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
24998 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
24999
25000 @smallexample
25001 (gdb)
25002 -target-download
25003 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
25004 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
25005 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
25006 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
25007 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
25008 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
25009 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
25010 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
25011 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
25012 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
25013 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
25014 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
25015 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
25016 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
25017 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
25018 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
25019 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
25020 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
25021 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
25022 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
25023 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
25024 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
25025 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
25026 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
25027 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
25028 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
25029 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
25030 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
25031 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
25032 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
25033 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
25034 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
25035 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
25036 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
25037 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
25038 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
25039 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
25040 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
25041 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
25042 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
25043 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
25044 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
25045 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
25046 write-rate="429"
25047 (gdb)
25048 @end smallexample
25049
25050
25051 @ignore
25052 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
25053 @findex -target-exec-status
25054
25055 @subsubheading Synopsis
25056
25057 @smallexample
25058 -target-exec-status
25059 @end smallexample
25060
25061 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
25062 not, for instance).
25063
25064 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25065
25066 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
25067
25068 @subsubheading Example
25069 N.A.
25070
25071
25072 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
25073 @findex -target-list-available-targets
25074
25075 @subsubheading Synopsis
25076
25077 @smallexample
25078 -target-list-available-targets
25079 @end smallexample
25080
25081 List the possible targets to connect to.
25082
25083 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25084
25085 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
25086
25087 @subsubheading Example
25088 N.A.
25089
25090
25091 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
25092 @findex -target-list-current-targets
25093
25094 @subsubheading Synopsis
25095
25096 @smallexample
25097 -target-list-current-targets
25098 @end smallexample
25099
25100 Describe the current target.
25101
25102 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25103
25104 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
25105 other things).
25106
25107 @subsubheading Example
25108 N.A.
25109
25110
25111 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
25112 @findex -target-list-parameters
25113
25114 @subsubheading Synopsis
25115
25116 @smallexample
25117 -target-list-parameters
25118 @end smallexample
25119
25120 @c ????
25121 @end ignore
25122
25123 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25124
25125 No equivalent.
25126
25127 @subsubheading Example
25128 N.A.
25129
25130
25131 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
25132 @findex -target-select
25133
25134 @subsubheading Synopsis
25135
25136 @smallexample
25137 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
25138 @end smallexample
25139
25140 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
25141
25142 @table @samp
25143 @item @var{type}
25144 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
25145 @item @var{parameters}
25146 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
25147 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
25148 @end table
25149
25150 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
25151 which the target program is, in the following form:
25152
25153 @smallexample
25154 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
25155 args=[@var{arg list}]
25156 @end smallexample
25157
25158 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25159
25160 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
25161
25162 @subsubheading Example
25163
25164 @smallexample
25165 (gdb)
25166 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
25167 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
25168 (gdb)
25169 @end smallexample
25170
25171 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25172 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
25173 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
25174
25175
25176 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
25177 @findex -target-file-put
25178
25179 @subsubheading Synopsis
25180
25181 @smallexample
25182 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
25183 @end smallexample
25184
25185 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
25186 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
25187
25188 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25189
25190 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
25191
25192 @subsubheading Example
25193
25194 @smallexample
25195 (gdb)
25196 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
25197 ^done
25198 (gdb)
25199 @end smallexample
25200
25201
25202 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
25203 @findex -target-file-get
25204
25205 @subsubheading Synopsis
25206
25207 @smallexample
25208 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
25209 @end smallexample
25210
25211 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
25212 on the host system.
25213
25214 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25215
25216 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
25217
25218 @subsubheading Example
25219
25220 @smallexample
25221 (gdb)
25222 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
25223 ^done
25224 (gdb)
25225 @end smallexample
25226
25227
25228 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
25229 @findex -target-file-delete
25230
25231 @subsubheading Synopsis
25232
25233 @smallexample
25234 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
25235 @end smallexample
25236
25237 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
25238
25239 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25240
25241 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
25242
25243 @subsubheading Example
25244
25245 @smallexample
25246 (gdb)
25247 -target-file-delete remotefile
25248 ^done
25249 (gdb)
25250 @end smallexample
25251
25252
25253 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
25254 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
25255 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
25256
25257 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
25258
25259 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
25260 @findex -gdb-exit
25261
25262 @subsubheading Synopsis
25263
25264 @smallexample
25265 -gdb-exit
25266 @end smallexample
25267
25268 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
25269
25270 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25271
25272 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
25273
25274 @subsubheading Example
25275
25276 @smallexample
25277 (gdb)
25278 -gdb-exit
25279 ^exit
25280 @end smallexample
25281
25282
25283 @ignore
25284 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
25285 @findex -exec-abort
25286
25287 @subsubheading Synopsis
25288
25289 @smallexample
25290 -exec-abort
25291 @end smallexample
25292
25293 Kill the inferior running program.
25294
25295 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25296
25297 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
25298
25299 @subsubheading Example
25300 N.A.
25301 @end ignore
25302
25303
25304 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
25305 @findex -gdb-set
25306
25307 @subsubheading Synopsis
25308
25309 @smallexample
25310 -gdb-set
25311 @end smallexample
25312
25313 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
25314 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
25315
25316 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25317
25318 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
25319
25320 @subsubheading Example
25321
25322 @smallexample
25323 (gdb)
25324 -gdb-set $foo=3
25325 ^done
25326 (gdb)
25327 @end smallexample
25328
25329
25330 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
25331 @findex -gdb-show
25332
25333 @subsubheading Synopsis
25334
25335 @smallexample
25336 -gdb-show
25337 @end smallexample
25338
25339 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
25340
25341 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25342
25343 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
25344
25345 @subsubheading Example
25346
25347 @smallexample
25348 (gdb)
25349 -gdb-show annotate
25350 ^done,value="0"
25351 (gdb)
25352 @end smallexample
25353
25354 @c @subheading -gdb-source
25355
25356
25357 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
25358 @findex -gdb-version
25359
25360 @subsubheading Synopsis
25361
25362 @smallexample
25363 -gdb-version
25364 @end smallexample
25365
25366 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
25367
25368 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
25369
25370 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
25371 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
25372
25373 @subsubheading Example
25374
25375 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
25376 @c box in TeX.
25377 @smallexample
25378 (gdb)
25379 -gdb-version
25380 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
25381 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
25382 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
25383 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
25384 ~ certain conditions.
25385 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
25386 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
25387 ~ details.
25388 ~This GDB was configured as
25389 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
25390 ^done
25391 (gdb)
25392 @end smallexample
25393
25394 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
25395 @findex -list-features
25396
25397 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
25398 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
25399 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
25400 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
25401 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
25402 startup.
25403
25404 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
25405 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
25406 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
25407 is given below.
25408
25409 Example output:
25410
25411 @smallexample
25412 (gdb) -list-features
25413 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
25414 @end smallexample
25415
25416 The current list of features is:
25417
25418 @table @samp
25419 @item frozen-varobjs
25420 Indicates presence of the @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well
25421 as possible presense of the @code{frozen} field in the output
25422 of @code{-varobj-create}.
25423 @item pending-breakpoints
25424 Indicates presence of the @option{-f} option to the @code{-break-insert} command.
25425 @item python
25426 Indicates presence of Python scripting support, Python-based
25427 pretty-printing commands, and possible presence of the
25428 @samp{display_hint} field in the output of @code{-var-list-children}
25429 @item thread-info
25430 Indicates presence of the @code{-thread-info} command.
25431
25432 @end table
25433
25434 @subheading The @code{-list-target-features} Command
25435 @findex -list-target-features
25436
25437 Returns a list of particular features that are supported by the
25438 target. Those features affect the permitted MI commands, but
25439 unlike the features reported by the @code{-list-features} command, the
25440 features depend on which target GDB is using at the moment. Whenever
25441 a target can change, due to commands such as @code{-target-select},
25442 @code{-target-attach} or @code{-exec-run}, the list of target features
25443 may change, and the frontend should obtain it again.
25444 Example output:
25445
25446 @smallexample
25447 (gdb) -list-features
25448 ^done,result=["async"]
25449 @end smallexample
25450
25451 The current list of features is:
25452
25453 @table @samp
25454 @item async
25455 Indicates that the target is capable of asynchronous command
25456 execution, which means that @value{GDBN} will accept further commands
25457 while the target is running.
25458
25459 @end table
25460
25461 @subheading The @code{-list-thread-groups} Command
25462 @findex -list-thread-groups
25463
25464 @subheading Synopsis
25465
25466 @smallexample
25467 -list-thread-groups [ --available ] [ @var{group} ]
25468 @end smallexample
25469
25470 When used without the @var{group} parameter, lists top-level thread
25471 groups that are being debugged. When used with the @var{group}
25472 parameter, the children of the specified group are listed. The
25473 children can be either threads, or other groups. At present,
25474 @value{GDBN} will not report both threads and groups as children at
25475 the same time, but it may change in future.
25476
25477 With the @samp{--available} option, instead of reporting groups that
25478 are been debugged, GDB will report all thread groups available on the
25479 target. Using the @samp{--available} option together with @var{group}
25480 is not allowed.
25481
25482 @subheading Example
25483
25484 @smallexample
25485 @value{GDBP}
25486 -list-thread-groups
25487 ^done,groups=[@{id="17",type="process",pid="yyy",num_children="2"@}]
25488 -list-thread-groups 17
25489 ^done,threads=[@{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
25490 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},state="running"@},
25491 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
25492 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
25493 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@},state="running"@}]]
25494 @end smallexample
25495
25496 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
25497 @findex -interpreter-exec
25498
25499 @subheading Synopsis
25500
25501 @smallexample
25502 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
25503 @end smallexample
25504 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
25505
25506 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
25507
25508 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
25509
25510 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
25511
25512 @subheading Example
25513
25514 @smallexample
25515 (gdb)
25516 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
25517 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
25518 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
25519 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
25520 ^done
25521 (gdb)
25522 @end smallexample
25523
25524 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
25525 @findex -inferior-tty-set
25526
25527 @subheading Synopsis
25528
25529 @smallexample
25530 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
25531 @end smallexample
25532
25533 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
25534
25535 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
25536
25537 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
25538
25539 @subheading Example
25540
25541 @smallexample
25542 (gdb)
25543 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
25544 ^done
25545 (gdb)
25546 @end smallexample
25547
25548 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
25549 @findex -inferior-tty-show
25550
25551 @subheading Synopsis
25552
25553 @smallexample
25554 -inferior-tty-show
25555 @end smallexample
25556
25557 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
25558
25559 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
25560
25561 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
25562
25563 @subheading Example
25564
25565 @smallexample
25566 (gdb)
25567 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
25568 ^done
25569 (gdb)
25570 -inferior-tty-show
25571 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
25572 (gdb)
25573 @end smallexample
25574
25575 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
25576 @findex -enable-timings
25577
25578 @subheading Synopsis
25579
25580 @smallexample
25581 -enable-timings [yes | no]
25582 @end smallexample
25583
25584 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
25585 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
25586 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
25587 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
25588
25589 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
25590
25591 No equivalent.
25592
25593 @subheading Example
25594
25595 @smallexample
25596 (gdb)
25597 -enable-timings
25598 ^done
25599 (gdb)
25600 -break-insert main
25601 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
25602 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
25603 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
25604 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
25605 (gdb)
25606 -enable-timings no
25607 ^done
25608 (gdb)
25609 -exec-run
25610 ^running
25611 (gdb)
25612 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
25613 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
25614 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
25615 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
25616 (gdb)
25617 @end smallexample
25618
25619 @node Annotations
25620 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
25621
25622 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
25623 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
25624 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
25625 relatively high level.
25626
25627 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
25628 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
25629
25630 @ignore
25631 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
25632 @end ignore
25633
25634 @menu
25635 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
25636 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
25637 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
25638 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
25639 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
25640 * Annotations for Running::
25641 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
25642 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
25643 @end menu
25644
25645 @node Annotations Overview
25646 @section What is an Annotation?
25647 @cindex annotations
25648
25649 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
25650 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
25651 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
25652 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
25653 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
25654 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
25655 cannot contain newline characters.
25656
25657 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
25658 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
25659 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
25660 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
25661 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
25662 means those three characters as output.
25663
25664 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
25665 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
25666 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
25667 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
25668 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
25669 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
25670 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
25671 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
25672 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
25673
25674 @table @code
25675 @kindex set annotate
25676 @item set annotate @var{level}
25677 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
25678 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
25679
25680 @item show annotate
25681 @kindex show annotate
25682 Show the current annotation level.
25683 @end table
25684
25685 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
25686
25687 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
25688
25689 @smallexample
25690 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
25691 GNU gdb 6.0
25692 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
25693 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
25694 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
25695 under certain conditions.
25696 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
25697 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
25698 for details.
25699 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
25700
25701 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
25702 (@value{GDBP})
25703 ^Z^Zprompt
25704 @kbd{quit}
25705
25706 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
25707 $
25708 @end smallexample
25709
25710 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
25711 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
25712 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
25713 output from @value{GDBN}.
25714
25715 @node Server Prefix
25716 @section The Server Prefix
25717 @cindex server prefix
25718
25719 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
25720 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
25721 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
25722 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
25723 a transparent manner.
25724
25725 The @code{server } prefix does not affect the recording of values into
25726 the value history; to print a value without recording it into the
25727 value history, use the @code{output} command instead of the
25728 @code{print} command.
25729
25730 Using this prefix also disables confirmation requests
25731 (@pxref{confirmation requests}).
25732
25733 @node Prompting
25734 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
25735
25736 @cindex annotations for prompts
25737 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
25738 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
25739 over, etc.
25740
25741 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
25742 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
25743 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
25744 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
25745 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
25746 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
25747 features the following annotations:
25748
25749 @smallexample
25750 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
25751 ^Z^Zprompt
25752 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
25753 @end smallexample
25754
25755 The input types are
25756
25757 @table @code
25758 @findex pre-prompt annotation
25759 @findex prompt annotation
25760 @findex post-prompt annotation
25761 @item prompt
25762 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
25763
25764 @findex pre-commands annotation
25765 @findex commands annotation
25766 @findex post-commands annotation
25767 @item commands
25768 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
25769 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
25770
25771 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
25772 @findex overload-choice annotation
25773 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
25774 @item overload-choice
25775 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
25776
25777 @findex pre-query annotation
25778 @findex query annotation
25779 @findex post-query annotation
25780 @item query
25781 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
25782
25783 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
25784 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
25785 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
25786 @item prompt-for-continue
25787 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
25788 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
25789 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
25790 presence of annotations.
25791 @end table
25792
25793 @node Errors
25794 @section Errors
25795 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
25796
25797 @findex quit annotation
25798 @smallexample
25799 ^Z^Zquit
25800 @end smallexample
25801
25802 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
25803
25804 @findex error annotation
25805 @smallexample
25806 ^Z^Zerror
25807 @end smallexample
25808
25809 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
25810
25811 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
25812 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
25813 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
25814 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
25815 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
25816 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
25817 to the top level.
25818
25819 @findex error-begin annotation
25820 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
25821
25822 @smallexample
25823 ^Z^Zerror-begin
25824 @end smallexample
25825
25826 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
25827 message.
25828
25829 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
25830 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
25831 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
25832
25833 @node Invalidation
25834 @section Invalidation Notices
25835
25836 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
25837 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
25838 changed.
25839
25840 @table @code
25841 @findex frames-invalid annotation
25842 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
25843
25844 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
25845 have changed.
25846
25847 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
25848 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
25849
25850 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
25851 deleted a breakpoint.
25852 @end table
25853
25854 @node Annotations for Running
25855 @section Running the Program
25856 @cindex annotations for running programs
25857
25858 @findex starting annotation
25859 @findex stopping annotation
25860 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
25861 @code{step} or @code{continue},
25862
25863 @smallexample
25864 ^Z^Zstarting
25865 @end smallexample
25866
25867 is output. When the program stops,
25868
25869 @smallexample
25870 ^Z^Zstopped
25871 @end smallexample
25872
25873 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
25874 annotations describe how the program stopped.
25875
25876 @table @code
25877 @findex exited annotation
25878 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
25879 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
25880 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
25881
25882 @findex signalled annotation
25883 @findex signal-name annotation
25884 @findex signal-name-end annotation
25885 @findex signal-string annotation
25886 @findex signal-string-end annotation
25887 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
25888 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
25889 annotation continues:
25890
25891 @smallexample
25892 @var{intro-text}
25893 ^Z^Zsignal-name
25894 @var{name}
25895 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
25896 @var{middle-text}
25897 ^Z^Zsignal-string
25898 @var{string}
25899 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
25900 @var{end-text}
25901 @end smallexample
25902
25903 @noindent
25904 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
25905 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
25906 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
25907 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
25908 user's benefit and have no particular format.
25909
25910 @findex signal annotation
25911 @item ^Z^Zsignal
25912 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
25913 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
25914 terminated with it.
25915
25916 @findex breakpoint annotation
25917 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
25918 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
25919
25920 @findex watchpoint annotation
25921 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
25922 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
25923 @end table
25924
25925 @node Source Annotations
25926 @section Displaying Source
25927 @cindex annotations for source display
25928
25929 @findex source annotation
25930 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
25931
25932 @smallexample
25933 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
25934 @end smallexample
25935
25936 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
25937 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
25938 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
25939 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
25940 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
25941 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
25942 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
25943 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
25944 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
25945 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
25946 depend on the language).
25947
25948 @node JIT Interface
25949 @chapter JIT Compilation Interface
25950 @cindex just-in-time compilation
25951 @cindex JIT compilation interface
25952
25953 This chapter documents @value{GDBN}'s @dfn{just-in-time} (JIT) compilation
25954 interface. A JIT compiler is a program or library that generates native
25955 executable code at runtime and executes it, usually in order to achieve good
25956 performance while maintaining platform independence.
25957
25958 Programs that use JIT compilation are normally difficult to debug because
25959 portions of their code are generated at runtime, instead of being loaded from
25960 object files, which is where @value{GDBN} normally finds the program's symbols
25961 and debug information. In order to debug programs that use JIT compilation,
25962 @value{GDBN} has an interface that allows the program to register in-memory
25963 symbol files with @value{GDBN} at runtime.
25964
25965 If you are using @value{GDBN} to debug a program that uses this interface, then
25966 it should work transparently so long as you have not stripped the binary. If
25967 you are developing a JIT compiler, then the interface is documented in the rest
25968 of this chapter. At this time, the only known client of this interface is the
25969 LLVM JIT.
25970
25971 Broadly speaking, the JIT interface mirrors the dynamic loader interface. The
25972 JIT compiler communicates with @value{GDBN} by writing data into a global
25973 variable and calling a fuction at a well-known symbol. When @value{GDBN}
25974 attaches, it reads a linked list of symbol files from the global variable to
25975 find existing code, and puts a breakpoint in the function so that it can find
25976 out about additional code.
25977
25978 @menu
25979 * Declarations:: Relevant C struct declarations
25980 * Registering Code:: Steps to register code
25981 * Unregistering Code:: Steps to unregister code
25982 @end menu
25983
25984 @node Declarations
25985 @section JIT Declarations
25986
25987 These are the relevant struct declarations that a C program should include to
25988 implement the interface:
25989
25990 @smallexample
25991 typedef enum
25992 @{
25993 JIT_NOACTION = 0,
25994 JIT_REGISTER_FN,
25995 JIT_UNREGISTER_FN
25996 @} jit_actions_t;
25997
25998 struct jit_code_entry
25999 @{
26000 struct jit_code_entry *next_entry;
26001 struct jit_code_entry *prev_entry;
26002 const char *symfile_addr;
26003 uint64_t symfile_size;
26004 @};
26005
26006 struct jit_descriptor
26007 @{
26008 uint32_t version;
26009 /* This type should be jit_actions_t, but we use uint32_t
26010 to be explicit about the bitwidth. */
26011 uint32_t action_flag;
26012 struct jit_code_entry *relevant_entry;
26013 struct jit_code_entry *first_entry;
26014 @};
26015
26016 /* GDB puts a breakpoint in this function. */
26017 void __attribute__((noinline)) __jit_debug_register_code() @{ @};
26018
26019 /* Make sure to specify the version statically, because the
26020 debugger may check the version before we can set it. */
26021 struct jit_descriptor __jit_debug_descriptor = @{ 1, 0, 0, 0 @};
26022 @end smallexample
26023
26024 If the JIT is multi-threaded, then it is important that the JIT synchronize any
26025 modifications to this global data properly, which can easily be done by putting
26026 a global mutex around modifications to these structures.
26027
26028 @node Registering Code
26029 @section Registering Code
26030
26031 To register code with @value{GDBN}, the JIT should follow this protocol:
26032
26033 @itemize @bullet
26034 @item
26035 Generate an object file in memory with symbols and other desired debug
26036 information. The file must include the virtual addresses of the sections.
26037
26038 @item
26039 Create a code entry for the file, which gives the start and size of the symbol
26040 file.
26041
26042 @item
26043 Add it to the linked list in the JIT descriptor.
26044
26045 @item
26046 Point the relevant_entry field of the descriptor at the entry.
26047
26048 @item
26049 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_REGISTER} and call
26050 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
26051 @end itemize
26052
26053 When @value{GDBN} is attached and the breakpoint fires, @value{GDBN} uses the
26054 @code{relevant_entry} pointer so it doesn't have to walk the list looking for
26055 new code. However, the linked list must still be maintained in order to allow
26056 @value{GDBN} to attach to a running process and still find the symbol files.
26057
26058 @node Unregistering Code
26059 @section Unregistering Code
26060
26061 If code is freed, then the JIT should use the following protocol:
26062
26063 @itemize @bullet
26064 @item
26065 Remove the code entry corresponding to the code from the linked list.
26066
26067 @item
26068 Point the @code{relevant_entry} field of the descriptor at the code entry.
26069
26070 @item
26071 Set @code{action_flag} to @code{JIT_UNREGISTER} and call
26072 @code{__jit_debug_register_code}.
26073 @end itemize
26074
26075 If the JIT frees or recompiles code without unregistering it, then @value{GDBN}
26076 and the JIT will leak the memory used for the associated symbol files.
26077
26078 @node GDB Bugs
26079 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
26080 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
26081 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
26082
26083 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
26084
26085 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
26086 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
26087 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
26088 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
26089
26090 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
26091 information that enables us to fix the bug.
26092
26093 @menu
26094 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
26095 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
26096 @end menu
26097
26098 @node Bug Criteria
26099 @section Have You Found a Bug?
26100 @cindex bug criteria
26101
26102 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
26103
26104 @itemize @bullet
26105 @cindex fatal signal
26106 @cindex debugger crash
26107 @cindex crash of debugger
26108 @item
26109 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
26110 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
26111
26112 @cindex error on valid input
26113 @item
26114 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
26115 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
26116 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
26117
26118 @cindex invalid input
26119 @item
26120 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
26121 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
26122 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
26123 for traditional practice''.
26124
26125 @item
26126 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
26127 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
26128 @end itemize
26129
26130 @node Bug Reporting
26131 @section How to Report Bugs
26132 @cindex bug reports
26133 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
26134
26135 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
26136 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
26137 contact that organization first.
26138
26139 You can find contact information for many support companies and
26140 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
26141 distribution.
26142 @c should add a web page ref...
26143
26144 @ifset BUGURL
26145 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
26146 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
26147 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
26148 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
26149 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
26150 be used.
26151
26152 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
26153 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
26154 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
26155 @samp{bug-gdb}.
26156
26157 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
26158 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
26159 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
26160 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
26161 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
26162 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
26163 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
26164 bug reports to the mailing list.
26165 @end ifset
26166 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
26167 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
26168 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
26169 @end ifclear
26170 @end ifset
26171
26172 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
26173 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
26174 fact or leave it out, state it!
26175
26176 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
26177 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
26178 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
26179 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
26180 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
26181 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
26182 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
26183 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
26184 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
26185
26186 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
26187 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
26188 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
26189 self-contained.
26190
26191 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
26192 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
26193 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
26194 bugs properly.
26195
26196 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
26197
26198 @itemize @bullet
26199 @item
26200 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
26201 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
26202 version}.
26203
26204 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
26205 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
26206
26207 @item
26208 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
26209 version number.
26210
26211 @item
26212 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
26213 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
26214
26215 @item
26216 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
26217 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
26218 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
26219 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
26220 those compilers.
26221
26222 @item
26223 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
26224 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
26225 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
26226 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
26227
26228 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
26229 and then we might not encounter the bug.
26230
26231 @item
26232 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
26233 reproduce the bug.
26234
26235 @item
26236 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
26237 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
26238
26239 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
26240 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
26241 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
26242 a chance to make a mistake.
26243
26244 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
26245 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
26246 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
26247 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
26248 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
26249 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
26250 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
26251 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
26252
26253 @pindex script
26254 @cindex recording a session script
26255 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
26256 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
26257 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
26258 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
26259
26260 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
26261 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
26262
26263 @item
26264 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
26265 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
26266 it by context, not by line number.
26267
26268 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
26269 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
26270
26271 @end itemize
26272
26273 Here are some things that are not necessary:
26274
26275 @itemize @bullet
26276 @item
26277 A description of the envelope of the bug.
26278
26279 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
26280 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
26281 changes will not affect it.
26282
26283 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
26284 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
26285 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
26286 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
26287
26288 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
26289 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
26290 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
26291 less time, and so on.
26292
26293 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
26294 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
26295
26296 @item
26297 A patch for the bug.
26298
26299 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
26300 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
26301 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
26302 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
26303
26304 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
26305 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
26306 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
26307 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
26308
26309 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
26310 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
26311 help us to understand.
26312
26313 @item
26314 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
26315
26316 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
26317 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
26318 @end itemize
26319
26320 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
26321 @c and consists of the two following files:
26322 @c rluser.texinfo
26323 @c inc-hist.texinfo
26324 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
26325 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
26326 @include rluser.texi
26327 @include inc-hist.texinfo
26328
26329
26330 @node Formatting Documentation
26331 @appendix Formatting Documentation
26332
26333 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
26334 @cindex reference card
26335 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
26336 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
26337 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
26338 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
26339 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
26340 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
26341
26342 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
26343 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
26344
26345 @smallexample
26346 make refcard.dvi
26347 @end smallexample
26348
26349 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
26350 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
26351 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
26352 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
26353 your @sc{dvi} output program.
26354
26355 @cindex documentation
26356
26357 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
26358 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
26359 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
26360 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
26361 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
26362 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
26363
26364 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
26365 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
26366 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
26367 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
26368 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
26369 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
26370 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
26371 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
26372
26373 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
26374 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
26375 @code{makeinfo}.
26376
26377 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
26378 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
26379 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
26380
26381 @smallexample
26382 cd gdb
26383 make gdb.info
26384 @end smallexample
26385
26386 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
26387 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
26388 Texinfo definitions file.
26389
26390 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
26391 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
26392 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
26393 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
26394 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
26395 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
26396 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
26397
26398 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
26399 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
26400 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
26401 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
26402 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
26403 directory.
26404
26405 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
26406 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
26407 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
26408 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
26409
26410 @smallexample
26411 make gdb.dvi
26412 @end smallexample
26413
26414 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
26415
26416 @node Installing GDB
26417 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
26418 @cindex installation
26419
26420 @menu
26421 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
26422 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
26423 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
26424 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
26425 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
26426 * System-wide configuration:: Having a system-wide init file
26427 @end menu
26428
26429 @node Requirements
26430 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
26431 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
26432
26433 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
26434 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
26435
26436 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
26437 @table @asis
26438 @item ISO C90 compiler
26439 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
26440 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
26441
26442 @end table
26443
26444 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
26445 @table @asis
26446 @item Expat
26447 @anchor{Expat}
26448 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
26449 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
26450 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
26451 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
26452 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
26453 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
26454
26455 Expat is used for:
26456
26457 @itemize @bullet
26458 @item
26459 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
26460 @item
26461 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
26462 @item
26463 Remote shared library lists (@pxref{Library List Format})
26464 @item
26465 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
26466 @end itemize
26467
26468 @item zlib
26469 @cindex compressed debug sections
26470 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
26471 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
26472 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
26473 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
26474 information in such binaries.
26475
26476 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
26477 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
26478 @url{http://zlib.net}.
26479
26480 @item iconv
26481 @value{GDBN}'s features related to character sets (@pxref{Character
26482 Sets}) require a functioning @code{iconv} implementation. If you are
26483 on a GNU system, then this is provided by the GNU C Library. Some
26484 other systems also provide a working @code{iconv}.
26485
26486 On systems with @code{iconv}, you can install GNU Libiconv. If you
26487 have previously installed Libiconv, you can use the
26488 @option{--with-libiconv-prefix} option to configure.
26489
26490 @value{GDBN}'s top-level @file{configure} and @file{Makefile} will
26491 arrange to build Libiconv if a directory named @file{libiconv} appears
26492 in the top-most source directory. If Libiconv is built this way, and
26493 if the operating system does not provide a suitable @code{iconv}
26494 implementation, then the just-built library will automatically be used
26495 by @value{GDBN}. One easy way to set this up is to download GNU
26496 Libiconv, unpack it, and then rename the directory holding the
26497 Libiconv source code to @samp{libiconv}.
26498 @end table
26499
26500 @node Running Configure
26501 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
26502 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
26503 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
26504 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
26505 build the @code{gdb} program.
26506 @iftex
26507 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
26508 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
26509 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
26510 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
26511 @end iftex
26512
26513 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
26514 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
26515 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
26516
26517 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
26518 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
26519
26520 @table @code
26521 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
26522 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
26523
26524 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
26525 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
26526
26527 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
26528 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
26529
26530 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
26531 @sc{gnu} include files
26532
26533 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
26534 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
26535
26536 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
26537 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
26538
26539 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
26540 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
26541
26542 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
26543 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
26544
26545 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
26546 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
26547 @end table
26548
26549 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
26550 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
26551 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
26552
26553 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
26554 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
26555 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
26556 argument.
26557
26558 For example:
26559
26560 @smallexample
26561 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
26562 ./configure @var{host}
26563 make
26564 @end smallexample
26565
26566 @noindent
26567 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
26568 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
26569 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
26570 correct value by examining your system.)
26571
26572 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
26573 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
26574 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
26575 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
26576
26577 @need 750
26578 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
26579 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
26580 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
26581
26582 @smallexample
26583 sh configure @var{host}
26584 @end smallexample
26585
26586 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
26587 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
26588 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
26589 @file{configure}
26590 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
26591 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
26592
26593 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
26594 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
26595 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
26596 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
26597 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
26598 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
26599 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
26600 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
26601 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
26602
26603 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
26604 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
26605 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
26606 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
26607 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
26608
26609 @node Separate Objdir
26610 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
26611
26612 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
26613 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
26614 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
26615 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
26616 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
26617 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
26618 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
26619 program specified there.
26620
26621 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
26622 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
26623 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
26624 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
26625 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
26626 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
26627
26628 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
26629 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
26630
26631 @smallexample
26632 @group
26633 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
26634 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
26635 cd ../gdb-sun4
26636 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
26637 make
26638 @end group
26639 @end smallexample
26640
26641 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
26642 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
26643 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
26644 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
26645 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
26646 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
26647
26648 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
26649 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
26650 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
26651 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
26652 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
26653
26654 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
26655 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
26656 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
26657 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
26658 You specify a cross-debugging target by
26659 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
26660
26661 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
26662 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
26663 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
26664
26665 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
26666 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
26667 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
26668 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
26669 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
26670
26671 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
26672 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
26673 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
26674 with each other.
26675
26676 @node Config Names
26677 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
26678
26679 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
26680 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
26681 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
26682 of information in the following pattern:
26683
26684 @smallexample
26685 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
26686 @end smallexample
26687
26688 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
26689 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
26690 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
26691
26692 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
26693 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
26694 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
26695 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
26696 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
26697 abbreviations---for example:
26698
26699 @smallexample
26700 % sh config.sub i386-linux
26701 i386-pc-linux-gnu
26702 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
26703 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
26704 % sh config.sub hp9k700
26705 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
26706 % sh config.sub sun4
26707 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
26708 % sh config.sub sun3
26709 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
26710 % sh config.sub i986v
26711 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
26712 @end smallexample
26713
26714 @noindent
26715 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
26716 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
26717
26718 @node Configure Options
26719 @section @file{configure} Options
26720
26721 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
26722 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
26723 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
26724 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
26725
26726 @smallexample
26727 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
26728 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
26729 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
26730 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
26731 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
26732 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
26733 @var{host}
26734 @end smallexample
26735
26736 @noindent
26737 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
26738 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
26739 @samp{--}.
26740
26741 @table @code
26742 @item --help
26743 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
26744
26745 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
26746 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
26747 @file{@var{dir}}.
26748
26749 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
26750 Configure the source to install programs under directory
26751 @file{@var{dir}}.
26752
26753 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
26754 @need 2000
26755 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
26756 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
26757 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
26758 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
26759 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
26760 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
26761 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
26762 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
26763 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
26764 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
26765 @var{dirname}.
26766
26767 @item --norecursion
26768 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
26769 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
26770
26771 @item --target=@var{target}
26772 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
26773 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
26774 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
26775
26776 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
26777
26778 @item @var{host} @dots{}
26779 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
26780
26781 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
26782 @end table
26783
26784 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
26785 needed for special purposes only.
26786
26787 @node System-wide configuration
26788 @section System-wide configuration and settings
26789 @cindex system-wide init file
26790
26791 @value{GDBN} can be configured to have a system-wide init file;
26792 this file will be read and executed at startup (@pxref{Startup, , What
26793 @value{GDBN} does during startup}).
26794
26795 Here is the corresponding configure option:
26796
26797 @table @code
26798 @item --with-system-gdbinit=@var{file}
26799 Specify that the default location of the system-wide init file is
26800 @var{file}.
26801 @end table
26802
26803 If @value{GDBN} has been configured with the option @option{--prefix=$prefix},
26804 it may be subject to relocation. Two possible cases:
26805
26806 @itemize @bullet
26807 @item
26808 If the default location of this init file contains @file{$prefix},
26809 it will be subject to relocation. Suppose that the configure options
26810 are @option{--prefix=$prefix --with-system-gdbinit=$prefix/etc/gdbinit};
26811 if @value{GDBN} is moved from @file{$prefix} to @file{$install}, the system
26812 init file is looked for as @file{$install/etc/gdbinit} instead of
26813 @file{$prefix/etc/gdbinit}.
26814
26815 @item
26816 By contrast, if the default location does not contain the prefix,
26817 it will not be relocated. E.g.@: if @value{GDBN} has been configured with
26818 @option{--prefix=/usr/local --with-system-gdbinit=/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
26819 then @value{GDBN} will always look for @file{/usr/share/gdb/gdbinit},
26820 wherever @value{GDBN} is installed.
26821 @end itemize
26822
26823 @node Maintenance Commands
26824 @appendix Maintenance Commands
26825 @cindex maintenance commands
26826 @cindex internal commands
26827
26828 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
26829 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
26830 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
26831 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
26832 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
26833
26834 @table @code
26835 @kindex maint agent
26836 @kindex maint agent-eval
26837 @item maint agent @var{expression}
26838 @itemx maint agent-eval @var{expression}
26839 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
26840 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
26841 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}). The @samp{agent} version produces an
26842 expression useful for data collection, such as by tracepoints, while
26843 @samp{maint agent-eval} produces an expression that evaluates directly
26844 to a result. For instance, a collection expression for @code{globa +
26845 globb} will include bytecodes to record four bytes of memory at each
26846 of the addresses of @code{globa} and @code{globb}, while discarding
26847 the result of the addition, while an evaluation expression will do the
26848 addition and return the sum.
26849
26850 @kindex maint info breakpoints
26851 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
26852 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
26853 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
26854 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
26855 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
26856 is shown:
26857
26858 @table @code
26859 @item breakpoint
26860 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
26861
26862 @item watchpoint
26863 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
26864
26865 @item longjmp
26866 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
26867 @code{longjmp} calls.
26868
26869 @item longjmp resume
26870 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
26871
26872 @item until
26873 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
26874
26875 @item finish
26876 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
26877
26878 @item shlib events
26879 Shared library events.
26880
26881 @end table
26882
26883 @kindex set displaced-stepping
26884 @kindex show displaced-stepping
26885 @cindex displaced stepping support
26886 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
26887 @item set displaced-stepping
26888 @itemx show displaced-stepping
26889 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
26890 if the target supports it. Displaced stepping is a way to single-step
26891 over breakpoints without removing them from the inferior, by executing
26892 an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was originally at the
26893 breakpoint location. It is also known as out-of-line single-stepping.
26894
26895 @table @code
26896 @item set displaced-stepping on
26897 If the target architecture supports it, @value{GDBN} will use
26898 displaced stepping to step over breakpoints.
26899
26900 @item set displaced-stepping off
26901 @value{GDBN} will not use displaced stepping to step over breakpoints,
26902 even if such is supported by the target architecture.
26903
26904 @cindex non-stop mode, and @samp{set displaced-stepping}
26905 @item set displaced-stepping auto
26906 This is the default mode. @value{GDBN} will use displaced stepping
26907 only if non-stop mode is active (@pxref{Non-Stop Mode}) and the target
26908 architecture supports displaced stepping.
26909 @end table
26910
26911 @kindex maint check-symtabs
26912 @item maint check-symtabs
26913 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
26914
26915 @kindex maint cplus first_component
26916 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
26917 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
26918
26919 @kindex maint cplus namespace
26920 @item maint cplus namespace
26921 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
26922
26923 @kindex maint demangle
26924 @item maint demangle @var{name}
26925 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
26926
26927 @kindex maint deprecate
26928 @kindex maint undeprecate
26929 @cindex deprecated commands
26930 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
26931 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
26932 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
26933 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
26934 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
26935 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
26936 the replacement as part of the warning.
26937
26938 @kindex maint dump-me
26939 @item maint dump-me
26940 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
26941 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
26942 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
26943 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
26944
26945 @kindex maint internal-error
26946 @kindex maint internal-warning
26947 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
26948 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
26949 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
26950 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
26951 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
26952 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
26953 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
26954 @value{GDBN} session.
26955
26956 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
26957 used as the text of the error or warning message.
26958
26959 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
26960
26961 @smallexample
26962 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
26963 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
26964 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
26965 debugging may prove unreliable.
26966 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
26967 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
26968 (@value{GDBP})
26969 @end smallexample
26970
26971 @cindex @value{GDBN} internal error
26972 @cindex internal errors, control of @value{GDBN} behavior
26973
26974 @kindex maint set internal-error
26975 @kindex maint show internal-error
26976 @kindex maint set internal-warning
26977 @kindex maint show internal-warning
26978 @item maint set internal-error @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
26979 @itemx maint show internal-error @var{action}
26980 @itemx maint set internal-warning @var{action} [ask|yes|no]
26981 @itemx maint show internal-warning @var{action}
26982 When @value{GDBN} reports an internal problem (error or warning) it
26983 gives the user the opportunity to both quit @value{GDBN} and create a
26984 core file of the current @value{GDBN} session. These commands let you
26985 override the default behaviour for each particular @var{action},
26986 described in the table below.
26987
26988 @table @samp
26989 @item quit
26990 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
26991 quit. The default is to ask the user what to do.
26992
26993 @item corefile
26994 You can specify that @value{GDBN} should always (yes) or never (no)
26995 create a core file. The default is to ask the user what to do.
26996 @end table
26997
26998 @kindex maint packet
26999 @item maint packet @var{text}
27000 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
27001 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
27002 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
27003 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
27004 checksum.
27005
27006 @kindex maint print architecture
27007 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
27008 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
27009 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
27010
27011 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
27012 @item maint print c-tdesc
27013 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
27014 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
27015 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
27016
27017 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
27018 @item maint print dummy-frames
27019 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
27020
27021 @smallexample
27022 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
27023 @dots{}
27024 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
27025 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
27026 58 return (a + b);
27027 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
27028 @dots{}
27029 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
27030 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
27031 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
27032 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
27033 (@value{GDBP})
27034 @end smallexample
27035
27036 Takes an optional file parameter.
27037
27038 @kindex maint print registers
27039 @kindex maint print raw-registers
27040 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
27041 @kindex maint print register-groups
27042 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
27043 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
27044 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
27045 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
27046 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
27047
27048 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
27049 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print cooked-registers}
27050 includes the (cooked) value of all registers; and the command
27051 @code{maint print register-groups} includes the groups that each
27052 register is a member of. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
27053 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
27054
27055 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
27056 write the information.
27057
27058 @kindex maint print reggroups
27059 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
27060 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
27061 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
27062 information.
27063
27064 The register groups info looks like this:
27065
27066 @smallexample
27067 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
27068 Group Type
27069 general user
27070 float user
27071 all user
27072 vector user
27073 system user
27074 save internal
27075 restore internal
27076 @end smallexample
27077
27078 @kindex flushregs
27079 @item flushregs
27080 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
27081
27082 @kindex maint print objfiles
27083 @cindex info for known object files
27084 @item maint print objfiles
27085 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
27086 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
27087 and symtabs.
27088
27089 @kindex maint print statistics
27090 @cindex bcache statistics
27091 @item maint print statistics
27092 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
27093 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
27094 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
27095 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
27096 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
27097 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
27098 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
27099 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
27100 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
27101 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
27102 lengths.
27103
27104 @kindex maint print target-stack
27105 @cindex target stack description
27106 @item maint print target-stack
27107 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
27108 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
27109 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
27110 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
27111 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
27112 address.
27113
27114 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
27115 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
27116
27117 @kindex maint print type
27118 @cindex type chain of a data type
27119 @item maint print type @var{expr}
27120 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
27121 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
27122 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
27123 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
27124 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
27125
27126 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
27127 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
27128 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
27129 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
27130 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
27131
27132 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
27133 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
27134 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
27135 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
27136 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
27137 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
27138 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
27139 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
27140 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
27141
27142 @kindex maint set profile
27143 @kindex maint show profile
27144 @cindex profiling GDB
27145 @item maint set profile
27146 @itemx maint show profile
27147 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
27148
27149 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
27150 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
27151 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
27152 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
27153 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
27154 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
27155 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
27156
27157 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
27158 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
27159
27160 @kindex maint set show-debug-regs
27161 @kindex maint show show-debug-regs
27162 @cindex hardware debug registers
27163 @item maint set show-debug-regs
27164 @itemx maint show show-debug-regs
27165 Control whether to show variables that mirror the hardware debug
27166 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
27167 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
27168 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
27169 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
27170
27171 @kindex maint space
27172 @cindex memory used by commands
27173 @item maint space
27174 Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
27175 nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
27176 took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
27177 by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
27178 switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
27179
27180 @kindex maint time
27181 @cindex time of command execution
27182 @item maint time
27183 Control whether to display the execution time for each command. If
27184 set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
27185 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
27186 The time is not printed for the commands that run the target, since
27187 there's no mechanism currently to compute how much time was spend
27188 by @value{GDBN} and how much time was spend by the program been debugged.
27189 it's not possibly currently
27190 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
27191 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
27192
27193 @kindex maint translate-address
27194 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
27195 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
27196 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
27197 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
27198 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
27199 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
27200 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
27201
27202 If section was not specified, the section in which the symbol was found
27203 is also printed. For dynamically linked executables, the name of
27204 executable or shared library containing the symbol is printed as well.
27205
27206 @end table
27207
27208 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
27209 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
27210
27211 @table @code
27212 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
27213 @kindex set watchdog
27214 @cindex watchdog timer
27215 @cindex timeout for commands
27216 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
27217 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
27218 reports and error and the command is aborted.
27219
27220 @item show watchdog
27221 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
27222 @end table
27223
27224 @node Remote Protocol
27225 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
27226
27227 @menu
27228 * Overview::
27229 * Packets::
27230 * Stop Reply Packets::
27231 * General Query Packets::
27232 * Register Packet Format::
27233 * Tracepoint Packets::
27234 * Host I/O Packets::
27235 * Interrupts::
27236 * Notification Packets::
27237 * Remote Non-Stop::
27238 * Packet Acknowledgment::
27239 * Examples::
27240 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
27241 * Library List Format::
27242 * Memory Map Format::
27243 @end menu
27244
27245 @node Overview
27246 @section Overview
27247
27248 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
27249 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
27250 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
27251 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
27252
27253 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
27254 transmitted and received data, respectively.
27255
27256 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
27257 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
27258 @cindex remote serial protocol
27259 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments
27260 and notifications, see @ref{Notification Packets}) are sent as a
27261 @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
27262 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
27263 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
27264
27265 @smallexample
27266 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
27267 @end smallexample
27268 @noindent
27269
27270 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
27271 @noindent
27272 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
27273 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
27274 eight bit unsigned checksum).
27275
27276 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
27277 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
27278
27279 @smallexample
27280 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
27281 @end smallexample
27282
27283 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
27284 @noindent
27285 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
27286 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
27287 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
27288
27289 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
27290 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
27291 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
27292 retransmission):
27293
27294 @smallexample
27295 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
27296 <- @code{+}
27297 @end smallexample
27298 @noindent
27299
27300 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
27301 once a connection is established.
27302 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
27303
27304 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
27305 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
27306 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
27307 when the operation has completed, and the target has again stopped all
27308 threads in all attached processes. This is the default all-stop mode
27309 behavior, but the remote protocol also supports @value{GDBN}'s non-stop
27310 execution mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}, for details.
27311
27312 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
27313 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
27314 exceptions).
27315
27316 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
27317 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
27318 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
27319 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
27320
27321 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
27322 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
27323 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
27324
27325 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
27326 @anchor{Binary Data}
27327 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
27328 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
27329 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
27330 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
27331 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
27332 binary data.
27333
27334 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
27335 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
27336 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
27337 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
27338 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
27339 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
27340 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
27341 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
27342 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
27343 (described next).
27344
27345 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
27346 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
27347 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
27348 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
27349 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
27350 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
27351 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
27352 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
27353 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
27354 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
27355 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
27356 3}} more times.
27357
27358 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
27359 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
27360 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
27361 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
27362 @samp{0*"00}.
27363
27364 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
27365 error number. That number is not well defined.
27366
27367 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
27368 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
27369 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
27370 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
27371 on that response.
27372
27373 A stub is required to support the @samp{g}, @samp{G}, @samp{m}, @samp{M},
27374 @samp{c}, and @samp{s} @var{command}s. All other @var{command}s are
27375 optional.
27376
27377 @node Packets
27378 @section Packets
27379
27380 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
27381 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
27382 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
27383 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
27384
27385 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
27386 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
27387 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
27388 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
27389 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
27390 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
27391 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
27392 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
27393 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
27394 @var{baz}.
27395
27396 @cindex @var{thread-id}, in remote protocol
27397 @anchor{thread-id syntax}
27398 Several packets and replies include a @var{thread-id} field to identify
27399 a thread. Normally these are positive numbers with a target-specific
27400 interpretation, formatted as big-endian hex strings. A @var{thread-id}
27401 can also be a literal @samp{-1} to indicate all threads, or @samp{0} to
27402 pick any thread.
27403
27404 In addition, the remote protocol supports a multiprocess feature in
27405 which the @var{thread-id} syntax is extended to optionally include both
27406 process and thread ID fields, as @samp{p@var{pid}.@var{tid}}.
27407 The @var{pid} (process) and @var{tid} (thread) components each have the
27408 format described above: a positive number with target-specific
27409 interpretation formatted as a big-endian hex string, literal @samp{-1}
27410 to indicate all processes or threads (respectively), or @samp{0} to
27411 indicate an arbitrary process or thread. Specifying just a process, as
27412 @samp{p@var{pid}}, is equivalent to @samp{p@var{pid}.-1}. It is an
27413 error to specify all processes but a specific thread, such as
27414 @samp{p-1.@var{tid}}. Note that the @samp{p} prefix is @emph{not} used
27415 for those packets and replies explicitly documented to include a process
27416 ID, rather than a @var{thread-id}.
27417
27418 The multiprocess @var{thread-id} syntax extensions are only used if both
27419 @value{GDBN} and the stub report support for the @samp{multiprocess}
27420 feature using @samp{qSupported}. @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for
27421 more information.
27422
27423 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
27424 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
27425
27426 Here are the packet descriptions.
27427
27428 @table @samp
27429
27430 @item !
27431 @cindex @samp{!} packet
27432 @anchor{extended mode}
27433 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
27434 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
27435 debugged.
27436
27437 Reply:
27438 @table @samp
27439 @item OK
27440 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
27441 @end table
27442
27443 @item ?
27444 @cindex @samp{?} packet
27445 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
27446 step and continue. This packet has a special interpretation when the
27447 target is in non-stop mode; see @ref{Remote Non-Stop}.
27448
27449 Reply:
27450 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27451
27452 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
27453 @cindex @samp{A} packet
27454 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
27455 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
27456 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
27457
27458 Reply:
27459 @table @samp
27460 @item OK
27461 The arguments were set.
27462 @item E @var{NN}
27463 An error occurred.
27464 @end table
27465
27466 @item b @var{baud}
27467 @cindex @samp{b} packet
27468 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
27469 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
27470
27471 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
27472 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
27473 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
27474
27475 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
27476 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
27477 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
27478 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
27479 of view, nothing actually happened.}
27480
27481 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
27482 @cindex @samp{B} packet
27483 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
27484 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
27485
27486 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
27487 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
27488
27489 @item bc
27490 @cindex @samp{bc} packet
27491 Backward continue. Execute the target system in reverse. No parameter.
27492 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
27493
27494 Reply:
27495 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27496
27497 @item bs
27498 @cindex @samp{bs} packet
27499 Backward single step. Execute one instruction in reverse. No parameter.
27500 @xref{Reverse Execution}, for more information.
27501
27502 Reply:
27503 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27504
27505 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
27506 @cindex @samp{c} packet
27507 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
27508 resume at current address.
27509
27510 Reply:
27511 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27512
27513 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
27514 @cindex @samp{C} packet
27515 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
27516 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
27517
27518 Reply:
27519 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27520
27521 @item d
27522 @cindex @samp{d} packet
27523 Toggle debug flag.
27524
27525 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
27526 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
27527
27528 @item D
27529 @itemx D;@var{pid}
27530 @cindex @samp{D} packet
27531 The first form of the packet is used to detach @value{GDBN} from the
27532 remote system. It is sent to the remote target
27533 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
27534
27535 The second form, including a process ID, is used when multiprocess
27536 protocol extensions are enabled (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}), to
27537 detach only a specific process. The @var{pid} is specified as a
27538 big-endian hex string.
27539
27540 Reply:
27541 @table @samp
27542 @item OK
27543 for success
27544 @item E @var{NN}
27545 for an error
27546 @end table
27547
27548 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
27549 @cindex @samp{F} packet
27550 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
27551 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
27552 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
27553
27554 @item g
27555 @anchor{read registers packet}
27556 @cindex @samp{g} packet
27557 Read general registers.
27558
27559 Reply:
27560 @table @samp
27561 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
27562 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
27563 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
27564 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
27565 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
27566 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
27567 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
27568 @item E @var{NN}
27569 for an error.
27570 @end table
27571
27572 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
27573 @cindex @samp{G} packet
27574 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
27575 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
27576
27577 Reply:
27578 @table @samp
27579 @item OK
27580 for success
27581 @item E @var{NN}
27582 for an error
27583 @end table
27584
27585 @item H @var{c} @var{thread-id}
27586 @cindex @samp{H} packet
27587 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
27588 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{c} depends on the operation to be performed: it
27589 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations, @samp{g} for other
27590 operations. The thread designator @var{thread-id} has the format and
27591 interpretation described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
27592
27593 Reply:
27594 @table @samp
27595 @item OK
27596 for success
27597 @item E @var{NN}
27598 for an error
27599 @end table
27600
27601 @c FIXME: JTC:
27602 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
27603 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
27604 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
27605 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
27606 @c described. For example:
27607 @c
27608 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
27609 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
27610 @c otherwise returns current registers.
27611 @c
27612 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
27613 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
27614 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
27615
27616 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
27617 @anchor{cycle step packet}
27618 @cindex @samp{i} packet
27619 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
27620 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
27621 step starting at that address.
27622
27623 @item I
27624 @cindex @samp{I} packet
27625 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
27626 step packet}.
27627
27628 @item k
27629 @cindex @samp{k} packet
27630 Kill request.
27631
27632 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
27633 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
27634 thread?)}.
27635
27636 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
27637 @cindex @samp{m} packet
27638 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
27639 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
27640
27641 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
27642 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
27643 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
27644 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
27645 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
27646 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
27647 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
27648 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
27649
27650 Reply:
27651 @table @samp
27652 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
27653 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
27654 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
27655 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
27656 @item E @var{NN}
27657 @var{NN} is errno
27658 @end table
27659
27660 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
27661 @cindex @samp{M} packet
27662 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
27663 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
27664 hexadecimal number.
27665
27666 Reply:
27667 @table @samp
27668 @item OK
27669 for success
27670 @item E @var{NN}
27671 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
27672 written).
27673 @end table
27674
27675 @item p @var{n}
27676 @cindex @samp{p} packet
27677 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
27678 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
27679 register value is encoded.
27680
27681 Reply:
27682 @table @samp
27683 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
27684 the register's value
27685 @item E @var{NN}
27686 for an error
27687 @item
27688 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
27689 @end table
27690
27691 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
27692 @anchor{write register packet}
27693 @cindex @samp{P} packet
27694 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
27695 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
27696 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
27697
27698 Reply:
27699 @table @samp
27700 @item OK
27701 for success
27702 @item E @var{NN}
27703 for an error
27704 @end table
27705
27706 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
27707 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
27708 @cindex @samp{q} packet
27709 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
27710 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
27711 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
27712
27713 @item r
27714 @cindex @samp{r} packet
27715 Reset the entire system.
27716
27717 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
27718
27719 @item R @var{XX}
27720 @cindex @samp{R} packet
27721 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
27722 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
27723
27724 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
27725
27726 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
27727 @cindex @samp{s} packet
27728 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
27729 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
27730
27731 Reply:
27732 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27733
27734 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
27735 @anchor{step with signal packet}
27736 @cindex @samp{S} packet
27737 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
27738 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
27739
27740 Reply:
27741 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27742
27743 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
27744 @cindex @samp{t} packet
27745 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
27746 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
27747 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
27748
27749 @item T @var{thread-id}
27750 @cindex @samp{T} packet
27751 Find out if the thread @var{thread-id} is alive. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
27752
27753 Reply:
27754 @table @samp
27755 @item OK
27756 thread is still alive
27757 @item E @var{NN}
27758 thread is dead
27759 @end table
27760
27761 @item v
27762 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
27763 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
27764
27765 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
27766 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
27767 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID @var{pid}.
27768 The process ID is a
27769 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. In all-stop mode, all
27770 threads in the attached process are stopped; in non-stop mode, it may be
27771 attached without being stopped if that is supported by the target.
27772
27773 @c In non-stop mode, on a successful vAttach, the stub should set the
27774 @c current thread to a thread of the newly-attached process. After
27775 @c attaching, GDB queries for the attached process's thread ID with qC.
27776 @c Also note that, from a user perspective, whether or not the
27777 @c target is stopped on attach in non-stop mode depends on whether you
27778 @c use the foreground or background version of the attach command, not
27779 @c on what vAttach does; GDB does the right thing with respect to either
27780 @c stopping or restarting threads.
27781
27782 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
27783
27784 Reply:
27785 @table @samp
27786 @item E @var{nn}
27787 for an error
27788 @item @r{Any stop packet}
27789 for success in all-stop mode (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
27790 @item OK
27791 for success in non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop})
27792 @end table
27793
27794 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{thread-id}@r{]]}@dots{}
27795 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
27796 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
27797 If an action is specified with no @var{thread-id}, then it is applied to any
27798 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
27799 specified then other threads should remain stopped in all-stop mode and
27800 in their current state in non-stop mode.
27801 Specifying multiple
27802 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
27803 Thread IDs are specified using the syntax described in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
27804
27805 Currently supported actions are:
27806
27807 @table @samp
27808 @item c
27809 Continue.
27810 @item C @var{sig}
27811 Continue with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
27812 @item s
27813 Step.
27814 @item S @var{sig}
27815 Step with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
27816 @item t
27817 Stop.
27818 @item T @var{sig}
27819 Stop with signal @var{sig}. The signal @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
27820 @end table
27821
27822 The optional argument @var{addr} normally associated with the
27823 @samp{c}, @samp{C}, @samp{s}, and @samp{S} packets is
27824 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
27825
27826 The @samp{t} and @samp{T} actions are only relevant in non-stop mode
27827 (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}) and may be ignored by the stub otherwise.
27828 A stop reply should be generated for any affected thread not already stopped.
27829 When a thread is stopped by means of a @samp{t} action,
27830 the corresponding stop reply should indicate that the thread has stopped with
27831 signal @samp{0}, regardless of whether the target uses some other signal
27832 as an implementation detail.
27833
27834 Reply:
27835 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
27836
27837 @item vCont?
27838 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
27839 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
27840
27841 Reply:
27842 @table @samp
27843 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
27844 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
27845 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
27846 @item
27847 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
27848 @end table
27849
27850 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
27851 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
27852 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
27853 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
27854
27855 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
27856 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
27857 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
27858 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
27859 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
27860 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
27861 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
27862 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
27863 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
27864 packet is received.
27865
27866 The stub must support @samp{vCont} if it reports support for
27867 multiprocess extensions (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}). Note that in
27868 this case @samp{vCont} actions can be specified to apply to all threads
27869 in a process by using the @samp{p@var{pid}.-1} form of the
27870 @var{thread-id}.
27871
27872 Reply:
27873 @table @samp
27874 @item OK
27875 for success
27876 @item E @var{NN}
27877 for an error
27878 @end table
27879
27880 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
27881 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
27882 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
27883 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
27884 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
27885 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
27886 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
27887 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
27888 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
27889 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
27890 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
27891 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
27892
27893
27894 Reply:
27895 @table @samp
27896 @item OK
27897 for success
27898 @item E.memtype
27899 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
27900 @item E @var{NN}
27901 for an error
27902 @end table
27903
27904 @item vFlashDone
27905 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
27906 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
27907 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
27908 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
27909 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
27910 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
27911 request is completed.
27912
27913 @item vKill;@var{pid}
27914 @cindex @samp{vKill} packet
27915 Kill the process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
27916 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. This packet is used in
27917 preference to @samp{k} when multiprocess protocol extensions are
27918 supported; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
27919
27920 Reply:
27921 @table @samp
27922 @item E @var{nn}
27923 for an error
27924 @item OK
27925 for success
27926 @end table
27927
27928 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
27929 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
27930 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
27931 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
27932 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
27933 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
27934 state.
27935
27936 @c FIXME: What about non-stop mode?
27937
27938 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
27939
27940 Reply:
27941 @table @samp
27942 @item E @var{nn}
27943 for an error
27944 @item @r{Any stop packet}
27945 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
27946 @end table
27947
27948 @item vStopped
27949 @anchor{vStopped packet}
27950 @cindex @samp{vStopped} packet
27951
27952 In non-stop mode (@pxref{Remote Non-Stop}), acknowledge a previous stop
27953 reply and prompt for the stub to report another one.
27954
27955 Reply:
27956 @table @samp
27957 @item @r{Any stop packet}
27958 if there is another unreported stop event (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
27959 @item OK
27960 if there are no unreported stop events
27961 @end table
27962
27963 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
27964 @anchor{X packet}
27965 @cindex @samp{X} packet
27966 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
27967 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
27968 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
27969
27970 Reply:
27971 @table @samp
27972 @item OK
27973 for success
27974 @item E @var{NN}
27975 for an error
27976 @end table
27977
27978 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{length}
27979 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{length}
27980 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
27981 @cindex @samp{z} packet
27982 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
27983 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
27984 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} and covering the next
27985 @var{length} bytes.
27986
27987 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
27988 separately.
27989
27990 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
27991 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
27992 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
27993 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
27994 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
27995 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
27996
27997 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{length}
27998 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{length}
27999 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
28000 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
28001 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
28002 @var{addr} of size @var{length}.
28003
28004 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
28005 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
28006 @var{length} is used by targets that indicates the size of the
28007 breakpoint (in bytes) that should be inserted (e.g., the @sc{arm} and
28008 @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint).
28009
28010 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
28011 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
28012 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
28013 target, is not defined.}
28014
28015 Reply:
28016 @table @samp
28017 @item OK
28018 success
28019 @item
28020 not supported
28021 @item E @var{NN}
28022 for an error
28023 @end table
28024
28025 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{length}
28026 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{length}
28027 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
28028 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
28029 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
28030 address @var{addr} of size @var{length}.
28031
28032 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
28033 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory.
28034
28035 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
28036 movement.}
28037
28038 Reply:
28039 @table @samp
28040 @item OK
28041 success
28042 @item
28043 not supported
28044 @item E @var{NN}
28045 for an error
28046 @end table
28047
28048 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{length}
28049 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{length}
28050 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
28051 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
28052 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint.
28053
28054 Reply:
28055 @table @samp
28056 @item OK
28057 success
28058 @item
28059 not supported
28060 @item E @var{NN}
28061 for an error
28062 @end table
28063
28064 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{length}
28065 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{length}
28066 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
28067 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
28068 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint.
28069
28070 Reply:
28071 @table @samp
28072 @item OK
28073 success
28074 @item
28075 not supported
28076 @item E @var{NN}
28077 for an error
28078 @end table
28079
28080 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{length}
28081 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{length}
28082 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
28083 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
28084 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint.
28085
28086 Reply:
28087 @table @samp
28088 @item OK
28089 success
28090 @item
28091 not supported
28092 @item E @var{NN}
28093 for an error
28094 @end table
28095
28096 @end table
28097
28098 @node Stop Reply Packets
28099 @section Stop Reply Packets
28100 @cindex stop reply packets
28101
28102 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s}, @samp{vCont},
28103 @samp{vAttach}, @samp{vRun}, @samp{vStopped}, and @samp{?} packets can
28104 receive any of the below as a reply. Except for @samp{?}
28105 and @samp{vStopped}, that reply is only returned
28106 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
28107 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
28108 @value{GDBN} source code.
28109
28110 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
28111 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
28112 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
28113 components.
28114
28115 @table @samp
28116
28117 @item S @var{AA}
28118 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
28119 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
28120 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
28121
28122 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
28123 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
28124 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
28125 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
28126 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
28127 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
28128 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
28129 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
28130
28131 @itemize @bullet
28132 @item
28133 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
28134 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
28135 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
28136 two-digit hex number.
28137
28138 @item
28139 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the @var{thread-id} of
28140 the stopped thread, as specified in @ref{thread-id syntax}.
28141
28142 @item
28143 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
28144 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
28145 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
28146 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
28147
28148 @item
28149 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
28150 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
28151 future.
28152 @end itemize
28153
28154 The currently defined stop reasons are:
28155
28156 @table @samp
28157 @item watch
28158 @itemx rwatch
28159 @itemx awatch
28160 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
28161 hex.
28162
28163 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
28164 @item library
28165 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
28166 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
28167 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
28168
28169 @cindex replay log events, remote reply
28170 @item replaylog
28171 The packet indicates that the target cannot continue replaying
28172 logged execution events, because it has reached the end (or the
28173 beginning when executing backward) of the log. The value of @var{r}
28174 will be either @samp{begin} or @samp{end}. @xref{Reverse Execution},
28175 for more information.
28176
28177
28178 @end table
28179
28180 @item W @var{AA}
28181 @itemx W @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
28182 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
28183 applicable to certain targets.
28184
28185 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the exited
28186 process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported support for
28187 multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess extensions}.
28188 The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
28189
28190 @item X @var{AA}
28191 @itemx X @var{AA} ; process:@var{pid}
28192 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
28193
28194 The second form of the response, including the process ID of the
28195 terminated process, can be used only when @value{GDBN} has reported
28196 support for multiprocess protocol extensions; see @ref{multiprocess
28197 extensions}. The @var{pid} is formatted as a big-endian hex string.
28198
28199 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
28200 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
28201 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
28202 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
28203 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc. This reply is not permitted in non-stop mode.
28204
28205 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
28206 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
28207 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
28208 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
28209 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
28210 system calls.
28211
28212 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
28213 this very system call.
28214
28215 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
28216 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
28217 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
28218 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
28219 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
28220 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
28221
28222 @end table
28223
28224 @node General Query Packets
28225 @section General Query Packets
28226 @cindex remote query requests
28227
28228 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
28229 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
28230 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
28231 sending information to and from the stub.
28232
28233 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
28234 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
28235 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
28236 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
28237 conventions:
28238
28239 @itemize @bullet
28240 @item
28241 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
28242 @item
28243 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
28244 letter.
28245 @item
28246 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
28247 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
28248 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
28249 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
28250 @end itemize
28251
28252 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
28253 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
28254 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
28255 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
28256 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
28257 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
28258 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
28259 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
28260 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
28261 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
28262 packet.}.
28263
28264 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
28265 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
28266 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
28267 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
28268 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
28269
28270 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
28271
28272 @table @samp
28273
28274 @item qC
28275 @cindex current thread, remote request
28276 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
28277 Return the current thread ID.
28278
28279 Reply:
28280 @table @samp
28281 @item QC @var{thread-id}
28282 Where @var{thread-id} is a thread ID as documented in
28283 @ref{thread-id syntax}.
28284 @item @r{(anything else)}
28285 Any other reply implies the old thread ID.
28286 @end table
28287
28288 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
28289 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
28290 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
28291 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory using CRC-32 defined in
28292 IEEE 802.3. The CRC is computed byte at a time, taking the most
28293 significant bit of each byte first. The initial pattern code
28294 @code{0xffffffff} is used to ensure leading zeros affect the CRC.
28295
28296 @emph{Note:} This is the same CRC used in validating separate debug
28297 files (@pxref{Separate Debug Files, , Debugging Information in Separate
28298 Files}). However the algorithm is slightly different. When validating
28299 separate debug files, the CRC is computed taking the @emph{least}
28300 significant bit of each byte first, and the final result is inverted to
28301 detect trailing zeros.
28302
28303 Reply:
28304 @table @samp
28305 @item E @var{NN}
28306 An error (such as memory fault)
28307 @item C @var{crc32}
28308 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
28309 @end table
28310
28311 @item qfThreadInfo
28312 @itemx qsThreadInfo
28313 @cindex list active threads, remote request
28314 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
28315 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
28316 Obtain a list of all active thread IDs from the target (OS). Since there
28317 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
28318 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
28319 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
28320 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
28321 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
28322
28323 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
28324
28325 Reply:
28326 @table @samp
28327 @item m @var{thread-id}
28328 A single thread ID
28329 @item m @var{thread-id},@var{thread-id}@dots{}
28330 a comma-separated list of thread IDs
28331 @item l
28332 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
28333 @end table
28334
28335 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
28336 more thread IDs, separated by commas.
28337 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
28338 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
28339 with @samp{l} (lower-case el, for @dfn{last}).
28340 Refer to @ref{thread-id syntax}, for the format of the @var{thread-id}
28341 fields.
28342
28343 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
28344 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
28345 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
28346 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
28347 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
28348
28349 @var{thread-id} is the thread ID associated with the
28350 thread for which to fetch the TLS address. @xref{thread-id syntax}.
28351
28352 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
28353 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
28354 information associated with the variable.)
28355
28356 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
28357 the load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
28358 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
28359 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
28360 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
28361 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
28362
28363 Reply:
28364 @table @samp
28365 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
28366 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
28367 local storage requested.
28368
28369 @item E @var{nn}
28370 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
28371
28372 @item
28373 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
28374 @end table
28375
28376 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
28377 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
28378 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
28379 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
28380 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
28381 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
28382 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
28383
28384 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
28385
28386 Reply:
28387 @table @samp
28388 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
28389 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
28390 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
28391 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
28392 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
28393 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
28394 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
28395 @end table
28396
28397 @item qOffsets
28398 @cindex section offsets, remote request
28399 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
28400 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
28401 image.
28402
28403 Reply:
28404 @table @samp
28405 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
28406 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
28407 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
28408 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
28409 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
28410 segments by the supplied offsets.
28411
28412 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
28413 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
28414 to the @code{Bss} section.}
28415
28416 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
28417 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
28418 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
28419 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
28420 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
28421 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
28422 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
28423 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
28424 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
28425 @end table
28426
28427 @item qP @var{mode} @var{thread-id}
28428 @cindex thread information, remote request
28429 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
28430 Returns information on @var{thread-id}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
28431 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{thread-id} is a thread ID
28432 (@pxref{thread-id syntax}).
28433
28434 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
28435 (see below).
28436
28437 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
28438
28439 @item QNonStop:1
28440 @item QNonStop:0
28441 @cindex non-stop mode, remote request
28442 @cindex @samp{QNonStop} packet
28443 @anchor{QNonStop}
28444 Enter non-stop (@samp{QNonStop:1}) or all-stop (@samp{QNonStop:0}) mode.
28445 @xref{Remote Non-Stop}, for more information.
28446
28447 Reply:
28448 @table @samp
28449 @item OK
28450 The request succeeded.
28451
28452 @item E @var{nn}
28453 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
28454
28455 @item
28456 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QNonStop} is not supported by
28457 the stub.
28458 @end table
28459
28460 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28461 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28462 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set non-stop} command;
28463 @pxref{Non-Stop Mode}.
28464
28465 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
28466 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
28467 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
28468 @anchor{QPassSignals}
28469 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
28470 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
28471 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
28472 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
28473 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
28474 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
28475 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
28476 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
28477 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
28478
28479 Reply:
28480 @table @samp
28481 @item OK
28482 The request succeeded.
28483
28484 @item E @var{nn}
28485 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
28486
28487 @item
28488 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
28489 the stub.
28490 @end table
28491
28492 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
28493 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
28494 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28495 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28496
28497 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
28498 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
28499 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
28500 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
28501 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
28502 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
28503 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
28504 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
28505 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
28506
28507 Reply:
28508 @table @samp
28509 @item OK
28510 A command response with no output.
28511 @item @var{OUTPUT}
28512 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
28513 @item E @var{NN}
28514 Indicate a badly formed request.
28515 @item
28516 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
28517 @end table
28518
28519 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
28520 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
28521 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
28522 packets.)
28523
28524 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
28525 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
28526 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
28527 @anchor{qSearch memory}
28528 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
28529 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
28530 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
28531
28532 Reply:
28533 @table @samp
28534 @item 0
28535 The pattern was not found.
28536 @item 1,address
28537 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
28538 @item E @var{NN}
28539 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
28540 @item
28541 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
28542 @end table
28543
28544 @item QStartNoAckMode
28545 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
28546 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
28547 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
28548 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
28549
28550 Reply:
28551 @table @samp
28552 @item OK
28553 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
28554 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
28555 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
28556 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
28557 @item
28558 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
28559 @end table
28560
28561 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
28562 @cindex supported packets, remote query
28563 @cindex features of the remote protocol
28564 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
28565 @anchor{qSupported}
28566 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
28567 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
28568 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
28569 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
28570 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
28571 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
28572 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
28573 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
28574 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
28575 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
28576 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
28577 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
28578 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
28579 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
28580
28581 Reply:
28582 @table @samp
28583 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
28584 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
28585 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
28586 possible forms).
28587 @item
28588 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
28589 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
28590 @end table
28591
28592 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
28593 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
28594 are:
28595
28596 @table @samp
28597 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
28598 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
28599 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
28600 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
28601 @item @var{name}+
28602 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
28603 need an associated value.
28604 @item @var{name}-
28605 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
28606 @item @var{name}?
28607 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
28608 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
28609 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
28610 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
28611 @end table
28612
28613 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
28614 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
28615 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
28616 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
28617 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
28618
28619 The following values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
28620 are defined:
28621
28622 @table @samp
28623 @item multiprocess
28624 This feature indicates whether @value{GDBN} supports multiprocess
28625 extensions to the remote protocol. @value{GDBN} does not use such
28626 extensions unless the stub also reports that it supports them by
28627 including @samp{multiprocess+} in its @samp{qSupported} reply.
28628 @xref{multiprocess extensions}, for details.
28629 @end table
28630
28631 Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
28632 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
28633 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
28634 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Additional values
28635 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
28636 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
28637 improvements in the remote protocol---the @samp{multiprocess} feature is
28638 an example of such a feature. The stub's reply should be independent
28639 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
28640 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
28641 all the features it supports.
28642
28643 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
28644 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
28645
28646 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
28647 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
28648 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
28649 form response.
28650
28651 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
28652 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
28653 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
28654 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
28655
28656 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
28657 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
28658 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
28659 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
28660 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
28661
28662 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
28663
28664 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
28665 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
28666 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
28667 @item Feature Name
28668 @tab Value Required
28669 @tab Default
28670 @tab Probe Allowed
28671
28672 @item @samp{PacketSize}
28673 @tab Yes
28674 @tab @samp{-}
28675 @tab No
28676
28677 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
28678 @tab No
28679 @tab @samp{-}
28680 @tab Yes
28681
28682 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
28683 @tab No
28684 @tab @samp{-}
28685 @tab Yes
28686
28687 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
28688 @tab No
28689 @tab @samp{-}
28690 @tab Yes
28691
28692 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
28693 @tab No
28694 @tab @samp{-}
28695 @tab Yes
28696
28697 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
28698 @tab No
28699 @tab @samp{-}
28700 @tab Yes
28701
28702 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
28703 @tab No
28704 @tab @samp{-}
28705 @tab Yes
28706
28707 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read}
28708 @tab No
28709 @tab @samp{-}
28710 @tab Yes
28711
28712 @item @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write}
28713 @tab No
28714 @tab @samp{-}
28715 @tab Yes
28716
28717 @item @samp{QNonStop}
28718 @tab No
28719 @tab @samp{-}
28720 @tab Yes
28721
28722 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
28723 @tab No
28724 @tab @samp{-}
28725 @tab Yes
28726
28727 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
28728 @tab No
28729 @tab @samp{-}
28730 @tab Yes
28731
28732 @item @samp{multiprocess}
28733 @tab No
28734 @tab @samp{-}
28735 @tab No
28736
28737 @item @samp{ConditionalTracepoints}
28738 @tab No
28739 @tab @samp{-}
28740 @tab No
28741
28742 @end multitable
28743
28744 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
28745
28746 @table @samp
28747 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
28748 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
28749 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
28750 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
28751 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
28752 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
28753 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
28754 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
28755 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
28756 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
28757
28758 @item qXfer:auxv:read
28759 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
28760 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
28761
28762 @item qXfer:features:read
28763 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
28764 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
28765
28766 @item qXfer:libraries:read
28767 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
28768 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
28769
28770 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
28771 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
28772 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
28773
28774 @item qXfer:spu:read
28775 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
28776 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
28777
28778 @item qXfer:spu:write
28779 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
28780 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
28781
28782 @item qXfer:siginfo:read
28783 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:read} packet
28784 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo read}).
28785
28786 @item qXfer:siginfo:write
28787 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:siginfo:write} packet
28788 (@pxref{qXfer siginfo write}).
28789
28790 @item QNonStop
28791 The remote stub understands the @samp{QNonStop} packet
28792 (@pxref{QNonStop}).
28793
28794 @item QPassSignals
28795 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
28796 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
28797
28798 @item QStartNoAckMode
28799 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
28800 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
28801
28802 @item multiprocess
28803 @anchor{multiprocess extensions}
28804 @cindex multiprocess extensions, in remote protocol
28805 The remote stub understands the multiprocess extensions to the remote
28806 protocol syntax. The multiprocess extensions affect the syntax of
28807 thread IDs in both packets and replies (@pxref{thread-id syntax}), and
28808 add process IDs to the @samp{D} packet and @samp{W} and @samp{X}
28809 replies. Note that reporting this feature indicates support for the
28810 syntactic extensions only, not that the stub necessarily supports
28811 debugging of more than one process at a time. The stub must not use
28812 multiprocess extensions in packet replies unless @value{GDBN} has also
28813 indicated it supports them in its @samp{qSupported} request.
28814
28815 @item qXfer:osdata:read
28816 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:osdata:read} packet
28817 ((@pxref{qXfer osdata read}).
28818
28819 @item ConditionalTracepoints
28820 The remote stub accepts and implements conditional expressions defined
28821 for tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoint Conditions}).
28822
28823 @end table
28824
28825 @item qSymbol::
28826 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
28827 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
28828 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
28829 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
28830
28831 Reply:
28832 @table @samp
28833 @item OK
28834 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
28835 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
28836 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
28837 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
28838 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
28839 below.
28840 @end table
28841
28842 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
28843 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
28844
28845 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
28846 target has previously requested.
28847
28848 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
28849 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
28850 will be empty.
28851
28852 Reply:
28853 @table @samp
28854 @item OK
28855 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
28856 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
28857 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
28858 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
28859 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
28860 @end table
28861
28862 @item QTDP
28863 @itemx QTFrame
28864 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
28865
28866 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{thread-id}
28867 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
28868 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
28869 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
28870 the target OS. @var{thread-id} is a thread ID;
28871 see @ref{thread-id syntax}. This
28872 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
28873 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
28874 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
28875 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
28876 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
28877
28878 Reply:
28879 @table @samp
28880 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
28881 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
28882 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
28883 the thread's attributes.
28884 @end table
28885
28886 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
28887 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
28888 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
28889 packets.)
28890
28891 @item QTStart
28892 @itemx QTStop
28893 @itemx QTinit
28894 @itemx QTro
28895 @itemx qTStatus
28896 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
28897
28898 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
28899 @cindex read special object, remote request
28900 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
28901 @anchor{qXfer read}
28902 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
28903 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
28904 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
28905 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
28906 additional details about what data to access.
28907
28908 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
28909 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
28910 formats, listed below.
28911
28912 @table @samp
28913 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
28914 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
28915 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
28916 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
28917
28918 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28919 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28920
28921 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
28922 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
28923 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
28924 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
28925 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
28926
28927 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28928 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28929
28930 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
28931 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
28932 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
28933 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
28934 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
28935
28936 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
28937 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
28938 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
28939
28940 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28941 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28942
28943 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
28944 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
28945 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
28946 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
28947 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
28948
28949 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28950 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
28951
28952 @item qXfer:siginfo:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
28953 @anchor{qXfer siginfo read}
28954 Read contents of the extra signal information on the target
28955 system. The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
28956 empty (@pxref{qXfer read}).
28957
28958 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28959 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
28960 (@pxref{qSupported}).
28961
28962 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
28963 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
28964 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
28965 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
28966 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
28967 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
28968 in that context to be accessed.
28969
28970 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
28971 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
28972 (@pxref{qSupported}).
28973
28974 @item qXfer:osdata:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
28975 @anchor{qXfer osdata read}
28976 Access the target's @dfn{operating system information}.
28977 @xref{Operating System Information}.
28978
28979 @end table
28980
28981 Reply:
28982 @table @samp
28983 @item m @var{data}
28984 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
28985 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
28986 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
28987 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
28988 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
28989 request.
28990
28991 @item l @var{data}
28992 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
28993 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
28994 than the @var{length} in the request.
28995
28996 @item l
28997 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
28998 There is no more data to be read.
28999
29000 @item E00
29001 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
29002
29003 @item E @var{nn}
29004 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
29005 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
29006
29007 @item
29008 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
29009 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
29010 @end table
29011
29012 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
29013 @cindex write data into object, remote request
29014 @anchor{qXfer write}
29015 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
29016 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
29017 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
29018 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
29019 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
29020 to access.
29021
29022 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
29023 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
29024 formats, listed below.
29025
29026 @table @samp
29027 @item qXfer:siginfo:write::@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
29028 @anchor{qXfer siginfo write}
29029 Write @var{data} to the extra signal information on the target system.
29030 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be
29031 empty (@pxref{qXfer write}).
29032
29033 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
29034 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response
29035 (@pxref{qSupported}).
29036
29037 @item qXfer:spu:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
29038 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
29039 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
29040 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
29041 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
29042 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
29043 in that context to be accessed.
29044
29045 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
29046 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
29047 @end table
29048
29049 Reply:
29050 @table @samp
29051 @item @var{nn}
29052 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
29053 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
29054
29055 @item E00
29056 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
29057
29058 @item E @var{nn}
29059 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
29060 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
29061
29062 @item
29063 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
29064 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
29065 @end table
29066
29067 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
29068 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
29069 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
29070 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
29071 must respond with an empty packet.
29072
29073 @item qAttached:@var{pid}
29074 @cindex query attached, remote request
29075 @cindex @samp{qAttached} packet
29076 Return an indication of whether the remote server attached to an
29077 existing process or created a new process. When the multiprocess
29078 protocol extensions are supported (@pxref{multiprocess extensions}),
29079 @var{pid} is an integer in hexadecimal format identifying the target
29080 process. Otherwise, @value{GDBN} will omit the @var{pid} field and
29081 the query packet will be simplified as @samp{qAttached}.
29082
29083 This query is used, for example, to know whether the remote process
29084 should be detached or killed when a @value{GDBN} session is ended with
29085 the @code{quit} command.
29086
29087 Reply:
29088 @table @samp
29089 @item 1
29090 The remote server attached to an existing process.
29091 @item 0
29092 The remote server created a new process.
29093 @item E @var{NN}
29094 A badly formed request or an error was encountered.
29095 @end table
29096
29097 @end table
29098
29099 @node Register Packet Format
29100 @section Register Packet Format
29101
29102 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
29103 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
29104 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
29105 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
29106 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
29107 most-significant - least-significant.
29108
29109 @table @r
29110
29111 @item MIPS32
29112
29113 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
29114 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
29115 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
29116
29117 @item MIPS64
29118
29119 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
29120 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
29121 as @code{MIPS32}.
29122
29123 @end table
29124
29125 @node Tracepoint Packets
29126 @section Tracepoint Packets
29127 @cindex tracepoint packets
29128 @cindex packets, tracepoint
29129
29130 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
29131 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
29132
29133 @table @samp
29134
29135 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}[:X@var{len},@var{bytes}]@r{[}-@r{]}
29136 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
29137 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
29138 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
29139 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If an @samp{X} is present,
29140 it introduces a tracepoint condition, which consists of a hexadecimal
29141 length, followed by a comma and hex-encoded bytes, in a manner similar
29142 to action encodings as described below. If the trailing @samp{-} is
29143 present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this
29144 tracepoint's actions.
29145
29146 Replies:
29147 @table @samp
29148 @item OK
29149 The packet was understood and carried out.
29150 @item
29151 The packet was not recognized.
29152 @end table
29153
29154 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
29155 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
29156 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
29157 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
29158 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
29159 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
29160 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
29161
29162 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
29163 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
29164 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
29165 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
29166 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
29167 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
29168 tracepoint actions.
29169
29170 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
29171 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
29172 following forms:
29173
29174 @table @samp
29175
29176 @item R @var{mask}
29177 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
29178 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
29179 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
29180 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
29181 not fit in a 32-bit word.
29182
29183 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
29184 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
29185 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
29186 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
29187 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
29188 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
29189 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
29190
29191 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
29192 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
29193 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
29194 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
29195 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
29196 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
29197 packet).
29198
29199 @end table
29200
29201 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
29202 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
29203 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
29204 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
29205 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
29206 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
29207 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
29208 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
29209
29210 Replies:
29211 @table @samp
29212 @item OK
29213 The packet was understood and carried out.
29214 @item
29215 The packet was not recognized.
29216 @end table
29217
29218 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
29219 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
29220 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
29221 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
29222
29223 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
29224 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
29225 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
29226 one of the following forms:
29227
29228 @table @samp
29229 @item F @var{f}
29230 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
29231 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
29232 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
29233
29234 @item T @var{t}
29235 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
29236 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
29237
29238 @end table
29239
29240 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
29241 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
29242 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
29243 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
29244
29245 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
29246 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
29247 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
29248 is a hexadecimal number.
29249
29250 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
29251 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
29252 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
29253 and @var{end} (exclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
29254 numbers.
29255
29256 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
29257 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
29258 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses.
29259
29260 @item QTStart
29261 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from tracepoint
29262 hits in the trace frame buffer.
29263
29264 @item QTStop
29265 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
29266
29267 @item QTinit
29268 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
29269
29270 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
29271 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
29272 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
29273 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
29274
29275 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
29276 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
29277 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
29278 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
29279
29280 @item qTStatus
29281 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
29282
29283 Replies:
29284 @table @samp
29285 @item T0
29286 There is no trace experiment running.
29287 @item T1
29288 There is a trace experiment running.
29289 @end table
29290
29291 @end table
29292
29293
29294 @node Host I/O Packets
29295 @section Host I/O Packets
29296 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
29297 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
29298
29299 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
29300 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
29301 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
29302 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
29303 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
29304 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
29305 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
29306 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
29307 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
29308 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
29309
29310 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
29311 its arguments. They have this format:
29312
29313 @table @samp
29314
29315 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
29316 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
29317 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
29318 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
29319 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
29320 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
29321 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
29322 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
29323 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
29324
29325 @end table
29326
29327 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
29328
29329 @table @samp
29330
29331 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
29332 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
29333 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
29334 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
29335 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
29336 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
29337 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
29338 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
29339 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
29340 @var{attachment}.
29341
29342 @item
29343 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
29344
29345 @end table
29346
29347 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
29348
29349 @table @samp
29350 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
29351 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
29352 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
29353 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
29354 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
29355 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
29356 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
29357
29358 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
29359 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
29360 -1 if an error occurs.
29361
29362 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
29363 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
29364 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
29365 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
29366 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
29367 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
29368 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
29369 @var{count} was zero.
29370
29371 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
29372 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
29373 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
29374 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
29375 some characters were escaped.
29376
29377 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
29378 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
29379 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
29380 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
29381 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
29382 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
29383 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
29384 error occurred.
29385
29386 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
29387 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
29388 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
29389
29390 @end table
29391
29392 @node Interrupts
29393 @section Interrupts
29394 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
29395
29396 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
29397 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C} or a @code{BREAK},
29398 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{remotebreak}
29399 setting (@pxref{set remotebreak}).
29400
29401 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
29402 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does not
29403 currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
29404 interfaces except for TCP, in which case @value{GDBN} sends the
29405 @code{telnet} BREAK sequence.
29406
29407 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
29408 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
29409 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
29410 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
29411 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
29412 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
29413 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
29414 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
29415
29416 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
29417 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
29418 implementation defined. If the target supports debugging of multiple
29419 threads and/or processes, it should attempt to interrupt all
29420 currently-executing threads and processes.
29421 If the stub is successful at interrupting the
29422 running program, it should send one of the stop
29423 reply packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
29424 of successfully stopping the program in all-stop mode, and a stop reply
29425 for each stopped thread in non-stop mode.
29426 Interrupts received while the
29427 program is stopped are discarded.
29428
29429 @node Notification Packets
29430 @section Notification Packets
29431 @cindex notification packets
29432 @cindex packets, notification
29433
29434 The @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol includes @dfn{notifications},
29435 packets that require no acknowledgment. Both the GDB and the stub
29436 may send notifications (although the only notifications defined at
29437 present are sent by the stub). Notifications carry information
29438 without incurring the round-trip latency of an acknowledgment, and so
29439 are useful for low-impact communications where occasional packet loss
29440 is not a problem.
29441
29442 A notification packet has the form @samp{% @var{data} #
29443 @var{checksum}}, where @var{data} is the content of the notification,
29444 and @var{checksum} is a checksum of @var{data}, computed and formatted
29445 as for ordinary @value{GDBN} packets. A notification's @var{data}
29446 never contains @samp{$}, @samp{%} or @samp{#} characters. Upon
29447 receiving a notification, the recipient sends no @samp{+} or @samp{-}
29448 to acknowledge the notification's receipt or to report its corruption.
29449
29450 Every notification's @var{data} begins with a name, which contains no
29451 colon characters, followed by a colon character.
29452
29453 Recipients should silently ignore corrupted notifications and
29454 notifications they do not understand. Recipients should restart
29455 timeout periods on receipt of a well-formed notification, whether or
29456 not they understand it.
29457
29458 Senders should only send the notifications described here when this
29459 protocol description specifies that they are permitted. In the
29460 future, we may extend the protocol to permit existing notifications in
29461 new contexts; this rule helps older senders avoid confusing newer
29462 recipients.
29463
29464 (Older versions of @value{GDBN} ignore bytes received until they see
29465 the @samp{$} byte that begins an ordinary packet, so new stubs may
29466 transmit notifications without fear of confusing older clients. There
29467 are no notifications defined for @value{GDBN} to send at the moment, but we
29468 assume that most older stubs would ignore them, as well.)
29469
29470 The following notification packets from the stub to @value{GDBN} are
29471 defined:
29472
29473 @table @samp
29474 @item Stop: @var{reply}
29475 Report an asynchronous stop event in non-stop mode.
29476 The @var{reply} has the form of a stop reply, as
29477 described in @ref{Stop Reply Packets}. Refer to @ref{Remote Non-Stop},
29478 for information on how these notifications are acknowledged by
29479 @value{GDBN}.
29480 @end table
29481
29482 @node Remote Non-Stop
29483 @section Remote Protocol Support for Non-Stop Mode
29484
29485 @value{GDBN}'s remote protocol supports non-stop debugging of
29486 multi-threaded programs, as described in @ref{Non-Stop Mode}. If the stub
29487 supports non-stop mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN} by including
29488 @samp{QNonStop+} in its @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
29489
29490 @value{GDBN} typically sends a @samp{QNonStop} packet only when
29491 establishing a new connection with the stub. Entering non-stop mode
29492 does not alter the state of any currently-running threads, but targets
29493 must stop all threads in any already-attached processes when entering
29494 all-stop mode. @value{GDBN} uses the @samp{?} packet as necessary to
29495 probe the target state after a mode change.
29496
29497 In non-stop mode, when an attached process encounters an event that
29498 would otherwise be reported with a stop reply, it uses the
29499 asynchronous notification mechanism (@pxref{Notification Packets}) to
29500 inform @value{GDBN}. In contrast to all-stop mode, where all threads
29501 in all processes are stopped when a stop reply is sent, in non-stop
29502 mode only the thread reporting the stop event is stopped. That is,
29503 when reporting a @samp{S} or @samp{T} response to indicate completion
29504 of a step operation, hitting a breakpoint, or a fault, only the
29505 affected thread is stopped; any other still-running threads continue
29506 to run. When reporting a @samp{W} or @samp{X} response, all running
29507 threads belonging to other attached processes continue to run.
29508
29509 Only one stop reply notification at a time may be pending; if
29510 additional stop events occur before @value{GDBN} has acknowledged the
29511 previous notification, they must be queued by the stub for later
29512 synchronous transmission in response to @samp{vStopped} packets from
29513 @value{GDBN}. Because the notification mechanism is unreliable,
29514 the stub is permitted to resend a stop reply notification
29515 if it believes @value{GDBN} may not have received it. @value{GDBN}
29516 ignores additional stop reply notifications received before it has
29517 finished processing a previous notification and the stub has completed
29518 sending any queued stop events.
29519
29520 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} must be prepared to receive a stop reply
29521 notification at any time. Specifically, they may appear when
29522 @value{GDBN} is not otherwise reading input from the stub, or when
29523 @value{GDBN} is expecting to read a normal synchronous response or a
29524 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgment to a packet it has sent.
29525 Notification packets are distinct from any other communication from
29526 the stub so there is no ambiguity.
29527
29528 After receiving a stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall
29529 acknowledge it by sending a @samp{vStopped} packet (@pxref{vStopped packet})
29530 as a regular, synchronous request to the stub. Such acknowledgment
29531 is not required to happen immediately, as @value{GDBN} is permitted to
29532 send other, unrelated packets to the stub first, which the stub should
29533 process normally.
29534
29535 Upon receiving a @samp{vStopped} packet, if the stub has other queued
29536 stop events to report to @value{GDBN}, it shall respond by sending a
29537 normal stop reply response. @value{GDBN} shall then send another
29538 @samp{vStopped} packet to solicit further responses; again, it is
29539 permitted to send other, unrelated packets as well which the stub
29540 should process normally.
29541
29542 If the stub receives a @samp{vStopped} packet and there are no
29543 additional stop events to report, the stub shall return an @samp{OK}
29544 response. At this point, if further stop events occur, the stub shall
29545 send a new stop reply notification, @value{GDBN} shall accept the
29546 notification, and the process shall be repeated.
29547
29548 In non-stop mode, the target shall respond to the @samp{?} packet as
29549 follows. First, any incomplete stop reply notification/@samp{vStopped}
29550 sequence in progress is abandoned. The target must begin a new
29551 sequence reporting stop events for all stopped threads, whether or not
29552 it has previously reported those events to @value{GDBN}. The first
29553 stop reply is sent as a synchronous reply to the @samp{?} packet, and
29554 subsequent stop replies are sent as responses to @samp{vStopped} packets
29555 using the mechanism described above. The target must not send
29556 asynchronous stop reply notifications until the sequence is complete.
29557 If all threads are running when the target receives the @samp{?} packet,
29558 or if the target is not attached to any process, it shall respond
29559 @samp{OK}.
29560
29561 @node Packet Acknowledgment
29562 @section Packet Acknowledgment
29563
29564 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
29565 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
29566 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
29567 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
29568 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
29569 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
29570 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
29571
29572 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
29573 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
29574 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
29575 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
29576 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
29577
29578 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
29579 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
29580 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
29581 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
29582
29583 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
29584 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
29585 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
29586 @pxref{qSupported}.
29587 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
29588 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
29589 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
29590 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
29591 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
29592 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
29593 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
29594
29595 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
29596 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
29597 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
29598 connection.
29599 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
29600 new connection is established,
29601 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
29602 for the current connection, once disabled.
29603
29604 @node Examples
29605 @section Examples
29606
29607 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
29608 does not get any direct output:
29609
29610 @smallexample
29611 -> @code{R00}
29612 <- @code{+}
29613 @emph{target restarts}
29614 -> @code{?}
29615 <- @code{+}
29616 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
29617 -> @code{+}
29618 @end smallexample
29619
29620 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
29621
29622 @smallexample
29623 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
29624 <- @code{+}
29625 -> @code{s}
29626 <- @code{+}
29627 @emph{time passes}
29628 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
29629 -> @code{+}
29630 -> @code{g}
29631 <- @code{+}
29632 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
29633 -> @code{+}
29634 @end smallexample
29635
29636 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
29637 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
29638 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
29639
29640 @menu
29641 * File-I/O Overview::
29642 * Protocol Basics::
29643 * The F Request Packet::
29644 * The F Reply Packet::
29645 * The Ctrl-C Message::
29646 * Console I/O::
29647 * List of Supported Calls::
29648 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
29649 * Constants::
29650 * File-I/O Examples::
29651 @end menu
29652
29653 @node File-I/O Overview
29654 @subsection File-I/O Overview
29655 @cindex file-i/o overview
29656
29657 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
29658 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
29659 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
29660 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
29661 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
29662 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
29663
29664 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
29665 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
29666 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
29667 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
29668 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
29669
29670 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
29671 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
29672 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
29673 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
29674 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
29675 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
29676 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
29677
29678 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
29679 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
29680 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
29681 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
29682 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
29683
29684 @smallexample
29685 (@value{GDBP}) continue
29686 <- target requests 'system call X'
29687 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
29688 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
29689 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
29690 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
29691 @end smallexample
29692
29693 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
29694 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
29695 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
29696 system are not supported by this protocol.
29697
29698 File I/O is not supported in non-stop mode.
29699
29700 @node Protocol Basics
29701 @subsection Protocol Basics
29702 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
29703
29704 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
29705 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
29706 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
29707 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
29708 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
29709 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
29710 to call the appropriate host system call:
29711
29712 @itemize @bullet
29713 @item
29714 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
29715
29716 @item
29717 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
29718 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
29719 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
29720 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
29721
29722 @end itemize
29723
29724 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
29725
29726 @itemize @bullet
29727 @item
29728 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
29729 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
29730 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
29731 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
29732 packet.
29733
29734 @item
29735 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
29736 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
29737
29738 @item
29739 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
29740
29741 @item
29742 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
29743
29744 @item
29745 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
29746 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
29747 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
29748 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
29749 packet.
29750
29751 @end itemize
29752
29753 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
29754 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
29755
29756 @itemize @bullet
29757 @item
29758 Return value.
29759
29760 @item
29761 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
29762
29763 @item
29764 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
29765
29766 @end itemize
29767
29768 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
29769 the latest continue or step action.
29770
29771 @node The F Request Packet
29772 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
29773 @cindex file-i/o request packet
29774 @cindex @code{F} request packet
29775
29776 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
29777
29778 @table @samp
29779 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
29780
29781 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
29782 This is just the name of the function.
29783
29784 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
29785 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
29786 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
29787 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
29788 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
29789 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
29790 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
29791
29792 @end table
29793
29794
29795
29796 @node The F Reply Packet
29797 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
29798 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
29799 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
29800
29801 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
29802
29803 @table @samp
29804
29805 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
29806
29807 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
29808
29809 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
29810 representation.
29811 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
29812
29813 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
29814 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
29815 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
29816
29817 @smallexample
29818 F0,0,C
29819 @end smallexample
29820
29821 @noindent
29822 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
29823
29824 @smallexample
29825 F-1,4,C
29826 @end smallexample
29827
29828 @noindent
29829 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
29830
29831 @end table
29832
29833
29834 @node The Ctrl-C Message
29835 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
29836 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
29837
29838 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
29839 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
29840 the target should behave as if it had
29841 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
29842 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
29843 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
29844 packet.
29845
29846 It's important for the target to know in which
29847 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
29848
29849 @itemize @bullet
29850 @item
29851 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
29852
29853 @item
29854 The system call on the host has been finished.
29855
29856 @end itemize
29857
29858 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
29859 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
29860 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
29861 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
29862 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
29863 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
29864
29865 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
29866 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
29867 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
29868 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
29869 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
29870 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
29871 or the full action has been completed.
29872
29873 @node Console I/O
29874 @subsection Console I/O
29875 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
29876
29877 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
29878 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
29879 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
29880 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
29881 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
29882 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
29883 conditions is met:
29884
29885 @itemize @bullet
29886 @item
29887 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
29888 @code{read}
29889 system call is treated as finished.
29890
29891 @item
29892 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
29893 newline.
29894
29895 @item
29896 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
29897 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
29898
29899 @end itemize
29900
29901 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
29902 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
29903 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
29904 is stopped at the user's request.
29905
29906
29907 @node List of Supported Calls
29908 @subsection List of Supported Calls
29909 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
29910
29911 @menu
29912 * open::
29913 * close::
29914 * read::
29915 * write::
29916 * lseek::
29917 * rename::
29918 * unlink::
29919 * stat/fstat::
29920 * gettimeofday::
29921 * isatty::
29922 * system::
29923 @end menu
29924
29925 @node open
29926 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
29927 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
29928
29929 @table @asis
29930 @item Synopsis:
29931 @smallexample
29932 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
29933 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
29934 @end smallexample
29935
29936 @item Request:
29937 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
29938
29939 @noindent
29940 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
29941
29942 @table @code
29943 @item O_CREAT
29944 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
29945 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
29946 are concerned.
29947
29948 @item O_EXCL
29949 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
29950 an error and open() fails.
29951
29952 @item O_TRUNC
29953 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
29954 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
29955 truncated to zero length.
29956
29957 @item O_APPEND
29958 The file is opened in append mode.
29959
29960 @item O_RDONLY
29961 The file is opened for reading only.
29962
29963 @item O_WRONLY
29964 The file is opened for writing only.
29965
29966 @item O_RDWR
29967 The file is opened for reading and writing.
29968 @end table
29969
29970 @noindent
29971 Other bits are silently ignored.
29972
29973
29974 @noindent
29975 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
29976
29977 @table @code
29978 @item S_IRUSR
29979 User has read permission.
29980
29981 @item S_IWUSR
29982 User has write permission.
29983
29984 @item S_IRGRP
29985 Group has read permission.
29986
29987 @item S_IWGRP
29988 Group has write permission.
29989
29990 @item S_IROTH
29991 Others have read permission.
29992
29993 @item S_IWOTH
29994 Others have write permission.
29995 @end table
29996
29997 @noindent
29998 Other bits are silently ignored.
29999
30000
30001 @item Return value:
30002 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
30003 occurred.
30004
30005 @item Errors:
30006
30007 @table @code
30008 @item EEXIST
30009 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
30010
30011 @item EISDIR
30012 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
30013
30014 @item EACCES
30015 The requested access is not allowed.
30016
30017 @item ENAMETOOLONG
30018 @var{pathname} was too long.
30019
30020 @item ENOENT
30021 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
30022
30023 @item ENODEV
30024 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
30025
30026 @item EROFS
30027 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
30028 write access was requested.
30029
30030 @item EFAULT
30031 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
30032
30033 @item ENOSPC
30034 No space on device to create the file.
30035
30036 @item EMFILE
30037 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
30038
30039 @item ENFILE
30040 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
30041 has been reached.
30042
30043 @item EINTR
30044 The call was interrupted by the user.
30045 @end table
30046
30047 @end table
30048
30049 @node close
30050 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
30051 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
30052
30053 @table @asis
30054 @item Synopsis:
30055 @smallexample
30056 int close(int fd);
30057 @end smallexample
30058
30059 @item Request:
30060 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
30061
30062 @item Return value:
30063 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
30064
30065 @item Errors:
30066
30067 @table @code
30068 @item EBADF
30069 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
30070
30071 @item EINTR
30072 The call was interrupted by the user.
30073 @end table
30074
30075 @end table
30076
30077 @node read
30078 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
30079 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
30080
30081 @table @asis
30082 @item Synopsis:
30083 @smallexample
30084 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
30085 @end smallexample
30086
30087 @item Request:
30088 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
30089
30090 @item Return value:
30091 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
30092 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
30093 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
30094
30095 @item Errors:
30096
30097 @table @code
30098 @item EBADF
30099 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
30100 reading.
30101
30102 @item EFAULT
30103 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
30104
30105 @item EINTR
30106 The call was interrupted by the user.
30107 @end table
30108
30109 @end table
30110
30111 @node write
30112 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
30113 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
30114
30115 @table @asis
30116 @item Synopsis:
30117 @smallexample
30118 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
30119 @end smallexample
30120
30121 @item Request:
30122 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
30123
30124 @item Return value:
30125 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
30126 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
30127 is returned.
30128
30129 @item Errors:
30130
30131 @table @code
30132 @item EBADF
30133 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
30134 writing.
30135
30136 @item EFAULT
30137 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
30138
30139 @item EFBIG
30140 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
30141 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
30142
30143 @item ENOSPC
30144 No space on device to write the data.
30145
30146 @item EINTR
30147 The call was interrupted by the user.
30148 @end table
30149
30150 @end table
30151
30152 @node lseek
30153 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
30154 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
30155
30156 @table @asis
30157 @item Synopsis:
30158 @smallexample
30159 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
30160 @end smallexample
30161
30162 @item Request:
30163 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
30164
30165 @var{flag} is one of:
30166
30167 @table @code
30168 @item SEEK_SET
30169 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
30170
30171 @item SEEK_CUR
30172 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
30173 bytes.
30174
30175 @item SEEK_END
30176 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
30177 bytes.
30178 @end table
30179
30180 @item Return value:
30181 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
30182 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
30183 value of -1 is returned.
30184
30185 @item Errors:
30186
30187 @table @code
30188 @item EBADF
30189 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
30190
30191 @item ESPIPE
30192 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
30193
30194 @item EINVAL
30195 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
30196
30197 @item EINTR
30198 The call was interrupted by the user.
30199 @end table
30200
30201 @end table
30202
30203 @node rename
30204 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
30205 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
30206
30207 @table @asis
30208 @item Synopsis:
30209 @smallexample
30210 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
30211 @end smallexample
30212
30213 @item Request:
30214 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
30215
30216 @item Return value:
30217 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
30218
30219 @item Errors:
30220
30221 @table @code
30222 @item EISDIR
30223 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
30224 directory.
30225
30226 @item EEXIST
30227 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
30228
30229 @item EBUSY
30230 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
30231 process.
30232
30233 @item EINVAL
30234 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
30235 of itself.
30236
30237 @item ENOTDIR
30238 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
30239 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
30240 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
30241
30242 @item EFAULT
30243 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
30244
30245 @item EACCES
30246 No access to the file or the path of the file.
30247
30248 @item ENAMETOOLONG
30249
30250 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
30251
30252 @item ENOENT
30253 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
30254
30255 @item EROFS
30256 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
30257
30258 @item ENOSPC
30259 The device containing the file has no room for the new
30260 directory entry.
30261
30262 @item EINTR
30263 The call was interrupted by the user.
30264 @end table
30265
30266 @end table
30267
30268 @node unlink
30269 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
30270 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
30271
30272 @table @asis
30273 @item Synopsis:
30274 @smallexample
30275 int unlink(const char *pathname);
30276 @end smallexample
30277
30278 @item Request:
30279 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
30280
30281 @item Return value:
30282 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
30283
30284 @item Errors:
30285
30286 @table @code
30287 @item EACCES
30288 No access to the file or the path of the file.
30289
30290 @item EPERM
30291 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
30292
30293 @item EBUSY
30294 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
30295 being used by another process.
30296
30297 @item EFAULT
30298 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
30299
30300 @item ENAMETOOLONG
30301 @var{pathname} was too long.
30302
30303 @item ENOENT
30304 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
30305
30306 @item ENOTDIR
30307 A component of the path is not a directory.
30308
30309 @item EROFS
30310 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
30311
30312 @item EINTR
30313 The call was interrupted by the user.
30314 @end table
30315
30316 @end table
30317
30318 @node stat/fstat
30319 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
30320 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
30321 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
30322
30323 @table @asis
30324 @item Synopsis:
30325 @smallexample
30326 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
30327 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
30328 @end smallexample
30329
30330 @item Request:
30331 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
30332 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
30333
30334 @item Return value:
30335 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
30336
30337 @item Errors:
30338
30339 @table @code
30340 @item EBADF
30341 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
30342
30343 @item ENOENT
30344 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
30345 path is an empty string.
30346
30347 @item ENOTDIR
30348 A component of the path is not a directory.
30349
30350 @item EFAULT
30351 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
30352
30353 @item EACCES
30354 No access to the file or the path of the file.
30355
30356 @item ENAMETOOLONG
30357 @var{pathname} was too long.
30358
30359 @item EINTR
30360 The call was interrupted by the user.
30361 @end table
30362
30363 @end table
30364
30365 @node gettimeofday
30366 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
30367 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
30368
30369 @table @asis
30370 @item Synopsis:
30371 @smallexample
30372 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
30373 @end smallexample
30374
30375 @item Request:
30376 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
30377
30378 @item Return value:
30379 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
30380
30381 @item Errors:
30382
30383 @table @code
30384 @item EINVAL
30385 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
30386
30387 @item EFAULT
30388 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
30389 @end table
30390
30391 @end table
30392
30393 @node isatty
30394 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
30395 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
30396
30397 @table @asis
30398 @item Synopsis:
30399 @smallexample
30400 int isatty(int fd);
30401 @end smallexample
30402
30403 @item Request:
30404 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
30405
30406 @item Return value:
30407 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
30408
30409 @item Errors:
30410
30411 @table @code
30412 @item EINTR
30413 The call was interrupted by the user.
30414 @end table
30415
30416 @end table
30417
30418 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
30419 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
30420 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
30421 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
30422 needed.
30423
30424
30425 @node system
30426 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
30427 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
30428
30429 @table @asis
30430 @item Synopsis:
30431 @smallexample
30432 int system(const char *command);
30433 @end smallexample
30434
30435 @item Request:
30436 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
30437
30438 @item Return value:
30439 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
30440 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
30441 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
30442 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
30443 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
30444 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
30445 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
30446
30447 @item Errors:
30448
30449 @table @code
30450 @item EINTR
30451 The call was interrupted by the user.
30452 @end table
30453
30454 @end table
30455
30456 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
30457 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
30458 the host is simplified before it's returned
30459 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
30460 is discarded, and the return value consists
30461 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
30462
30463 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
30464 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
30465 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
30466
30467 @table @code
30468 @item set remote system-call-allowed
30469 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
30470 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
30471 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
30472
30473 @item show remote system-call-allowed
30474 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
30475 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
30476 protocol.
30477 @end table
30478
30479 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
30480 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
30481 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
30482
30483 @menu
30484 * Integral Datatypes::
30485 * Pointer Values::
30486 * Memory Transfer::
30487 * struct stat::
30488 * struct timeval::
30489 @end menu
30490
30491 @node Integral Datatypes
30492 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
30493 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
30494
30495 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
30496 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
30497 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
30498
30499 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
30500 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
30501
30502 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
30503
30504 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
30505 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
30506
30507 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
30508
30509 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
30510 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
30511 byte order.
30512
30513 @node Pointer Values
30514 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
30515 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
30516
30517 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
30518 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
30519 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
30520 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
30521
30522 @smallexample
30523 @code{1aaf/12}
30524 @end smallexample
30525
30526 @noindent
30527 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
30528 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
30529 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
30530 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
30531
30532 @smallexample
30533 @code{123456/d}
30534 @end smallexample
30535
30536 @node Memory Transfer
30537 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
30538 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
30539
30540 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
30541 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
30542 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
30543 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
30544 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
30545 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
30546 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
30547
30548
30549 @node struct stat
30550 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
30551 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
30552
30553 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
30554 is defined as follows:
30555
30556 @smallexample
30557 struct stat @{
30558 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
30559 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
30560 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
30561 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
30562 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
30563 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
30564 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
30565 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
30566 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
30567 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
30568 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
30569 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
30570 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
30571 @};
30572 @end smallexample
30573
30574 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
30575 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
30576 structure is of size 64 bytes.
30577
30578 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
30579 range of values.
30580
30581 @table @code
30582
30583 @item st_dev
30584 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
30585
30586 @item st_ino
30587 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
30588
30589 @item st_mode
30590 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
30591 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
30592
30593 @item st_uid
30594 @itemx st_gid
30595 @itemx st_rdev
30596 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
30597
30598 @item st_atime
30599 @itemx st_mtime
30600 @itemx st_ctime
30601 These values have a host and file system dependent
30602 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
30603 support exact timing values.
30604 @end table
30605
30606 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
30607 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
30608 continuing.
30609
30610 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
30611 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
30612 get truncated on the target.
30613
30614 @node struct timeval
30615 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
30616 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
30617
30618 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
30619 is defined as follows:
30620
30621 @smallexample
30622 struct timeval @{
30623 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
30624 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
30625 @};
30626 @end smallexample
30627
30628 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
30629 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
30630 structure is of size 8 bytes.
30631
30632 @node Constants
30633 @subsection Constants
30634 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
30635
30636 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
30637 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
30638 values before and after the call as needed.
30639
30640 @menu
30641 * Open Flags::
30642 * mode_t Values::
30643 * Errno Values::
30644 * Lseek Flags::
30645 * Limits::
30646 @end menu
30647
30648 @node Open Flags
30649 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
30650 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
30651
30652 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
30653
30654 @smallexample
30655 O_RDONLY 0x0
30656 O_WRONLY 0x1
30657 O_RDWR 0x2
30658 O_APPEND 0x8
30659 O_CREAT 0x200
30660 O_TRUNC 0x400
30661 O_EXCL 0x800
30662 @end smallexample
30663
30664 @node mode_t Values
30665 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
30666 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
30667
30668 All values are given in octal representation.
30669
30670 @smallexample
30671 S_IFREG 0100000
30672 S_IFDIR 040000
30673 S_IRUSR 0400
30674 S_IWUSR 0200
30675 S_IXUSR 0100
30676 S_IRGRP 040
30677 S_IWGRP 020
30678 S_IXGRP 010
30679 S_IROTH 04
30680 S_IWOTH 02
30681 S_IXOTH 01
30682 @end smallexample
30683
30684 @node Errno Values
30685 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
30686 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
30687
30688 All values are given in decimal representation.
30689
30690 @smallexample
30691 EPERM 1
30692 ENOENT 2
30693 EINTR 4
30694 EBADF 9
30695 EACCES 13
30696 EFAULT 14
30697 EBUSY 16
30698 EEXIST 17
30699 ENODEV 19
30700 ENOTDIR 20
30701 EISDIR 21
30702 EINVAL 22
30703 ENFILE 23
30704 EMFILE 24
30705 EFBIG 27
30706 ENOSPC 28
30707 ESPIPE 29
30708 EROFS 30
30709 ENAMETOOLONG 91
30710 EUNKNOWN 9999
30711 @end smallexample
30712
30713 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
30714 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
30715
30716 @node Lseek Flags
30717 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
30718 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
30719
30720 @smallexample
30721 SEEK_SET 0
30722 SEEK_CUR 1
30723 SEEK_END 2
30724 @end smallexample
30725
30726 @node Limits
30727 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
30728 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
30729
30730 All values are given in decimal representation.
30731
30732 @smallexample
30733 INT_MIN -2147483648
30734 INT_MAX 2147483647
30735 UINT_MAX 4294967295
30736 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
30737 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
30738 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
30739 @end smallexample
30740
30741 @node File-I/O Examples
30742 @subsection File-I/O Examples
30743 @cindex file-i/o examples
30744
30745 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
30746 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
30747
30748 @smallexample
30749 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
30750 @emph{request memory read from target}
30751 -> @code{m1234,6}
30752 <- XXXXXX
30753 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
30754 -> @code{F6}
30755 @end smallexample
30756
30757 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
30758 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
30759
30760 @smallexample
30761 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
30762 @emph{request memory write to target}
30763 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
30764 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
30765 -> @code{F6}
30766 @end smallexample
30767
30768 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
30769 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
30770
30771 @smallexample
30772 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
30773 -> @code{F-1,9}
30774 @end smallexample
30775
30776 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
30777 host is called:
30778
30779 @smallexample
30780 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
30781 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
30782 <- @code{T02}
30783 @end smallexample
30784
30785 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
30786 host is called:
30787
30788 @smallexample
30789 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
30790 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
30791 <- @code{T02}
30792 @end smallexample
30793
30794 @node Library List Format
30795 @section Library List Format
30796 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
30797
30798 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
30799 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
30800 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
30801 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
30802 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
30803 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
30804 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
30805 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
30806 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
30807 are loaded.
30808
30809 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
30810 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
30811 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
30812 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
30813
30814 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
30815 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
30816 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
30817 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
30818 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
30819 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
30820
30821 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
30822 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
30823
30824 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
30825 offset, looks like this:
30826
30827 @smallexample
30828 <library-list>
30829 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
30830 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
30831 </library>
30832 </library-list>
30833 @end smallexample
30834
30835 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
30836 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
30837
30838 @smallexample
30839 <library-list>
30840 <library name="sharedlib.o">
30841 <section address="0x10000000"/>
30842 <section address="0x20000000"/>
30843 <section address="0x30000000"/>
30844 </library>
30845 </library-list>
30846 @end smallexample
30847
30848 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
30849
30850 @smallexample
30851 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
30852 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
30853 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
30854 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
30855 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
30856 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
30857 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
30858 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
30859 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
30860 @end smallexample
30861
30862 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
30863 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
30864 section for each library.
30865
30866 @node Memory Map Format
30867 @section Memory Map Format
30868 @cindex memory map format
30869
30870 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
30871 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
30872 memory map.
30873
30874 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
30875 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
30876 lists memory regions.
30877
30878 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
30879 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
30880
30881 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
30882
30883 @smallexample
30884 <?xml version="1.0"?>
30885 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
30886 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
30887 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
30888 <memory-map>
30889 region...
30890 </memory-map>
30891 @end smallexample
30892
30893 Each region can be either:
30894
30895 @itemize
30896
30897 @item
30898 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
30899 bytes from there:
30900
30901 @smallexample
30902 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
30903 @end smallexample
30904
30905
30906 @item
30907 A region of read-only memory:
30908
30909 @smallexample
30910 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
30911 @end smallexample
30912
30913
30914 @item
30915 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
30916 bytes in length:
30917
30918 @smallexample
30919 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
30920 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
30921 </memory>
30922 @end smallexample
30923
30924 @end itemize
30925
30926 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
30927 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
30928 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
30929
30930 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
30931
30932 @smallexample
30933 <!-- ................................................... -->
30934 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
30935 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
30936 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
30937 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
30938 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
30939 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
30940 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
30941 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
30942 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
30943 and its type, or device. -->
30944 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
30945 start CDATA #REQUIRED
30946 length CDATA #REQUIRED
30947 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
30948 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
30949 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
30950 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
30951 @end smallexample
30952
30953 @include agentexpr.texi
30954
30955 @node Target Descriptions
30956 @appendix Target Descriptions
30957 @cindex target descriptions
30958
30959 @strong{Warning:} target descriptions are still under active development,
30960 and the contents and format may change between @value{GDBN} releases.
30961 The format is expected to stabilize in the future.
30962
30963 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
30964 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
30965 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
30966 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or MIPS, for example ---
30967 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
30968 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
30969 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
30970
30971 @itemize @bullet
30972 @item
30973 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
30974 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
30975 @item
30976 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
30977 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
30978 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
30979 @item
30980 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
30981 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
30982 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
30983 @end itemize
30984
30985 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
30986 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
30987 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
30988 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
30989 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
30990
30991 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
30992 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
30993
30994 @menu
30995 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
30996 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
30997 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
30998 descriptions.
30999 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
31000 @end menu
31001
31002 @node Retrieving Descriptions
31003 @section Retrieving Descriptions
31004
31005 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
31006 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
31007 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
31008 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
31009 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
31010 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
31011 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
31012 Format}.
31013
31014 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
31015 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
31016 specify a file are:
31017
31018 @table @code
31019 @cindex set tdesc filename
31020 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
31021 Read the target description from @var{path}.
31022
31023 @cindex unset tdesc filename
31024 @item unset tdesc filename
31025 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
31026 will use the description supplied by the current target.
31027
31028 @cindex show tdesc filename
31029 @item show tdesc filename
31030 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
31031 @end table
31032
31033
31034 @node Target Description Format
31035 @section Target Description Format
31036 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
31037
31038 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
31039 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
31040 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
31041 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
31042 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
31043 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
31044 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
31045
31046 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
31047 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
31048 sets. They can also identify the OS ABI of the remote target.
31049 @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
31050 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
31051
31052 Here is a simple target description:
31053
31054 @smallexample
31055 <target version="1.0">
31056 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
31057 </target>
31058 @end smallexample
31059
31060 @noindent
31061 This minimal description only says that the target uses
31062 the x86-64 architecture.
31063
31064 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
31065 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
31066 are explained further below.
31067
31068 @smallexample
31069 <?xml version="1.0"?>
31070 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
31071 <target version="1.0">
31072 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
31073 @r{[}@var{osabi}@r{]}
31074 @r{[}@var{compatible}@r{]}
31075 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
31076 </target>
31077 @end smallexample
31078
31079 @noindent
31080 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
31081 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
31082 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
31083 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
31084 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
31085 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
31086 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
31087 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
31088 the version mismatch.
31089
31090 @subsection Inclusion
31091 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
31092 @cindex XInclude
31093 @ifnotinfo
31094 @cindex <xi:include>
31095 @end ifnotinfo
31096
31097 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
31098 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
31099 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
31100 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
31101 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
31102
31103 @smallexample
31104 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
31105 @end smallexample
31106
31107 @noindent
31108 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
31109 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
31110 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
31111 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
31112 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
31113 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
31114 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
31115 original description.
31116
31117 @subsection Architecture
31118 @cindex <architecture>
31119
31120 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
31121
31122 @smallexample
31123 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
31124 @end smallexample
31125
31126 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
31127 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
31128
31129 @subsection OS ABI
31130 @cindex @code{<osabi>}
31131
31132 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
31133 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
31134
31135 An @samp{<osabi>} element has this form:
31136
31137 @smallexample
31138 <osabi>@var{abi-name}</osabi>
31139 @end smallexample
31140
31141 @var{abi-name} is an OS ABI name from the same selection accepted by
31142 @w{@code{set osabi}} (@pxref{ABI, ,Configuring the Current ABI}).
31143
31144 @subsection Compatible Architecture
31145 @cindex @code{<compatible>}
31146
31147 This optional field was introduced in @value{GDBN} version 7.0.
31148 Previous versions of @value{GDBN} ignore it.
31149
31150 A @samp{<compatible>} element has this form:
31151
31152 @smallexample
31153 <compatible>@var{arch}</compatible>
31154 @end smallexample
31155
31156 @var{arch} is one of the architectures from the set accepted by
31157 @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
31158
31159 A @samp{<compatible>} element is used to specify that the target
31160 is able to run binaries in some other than the main target architecture
31161 given by the @samp{<architecture>} element. For example, on the
31162 Cell Broadband Engine, the main architecture is @code{powerpc:common}
31163 or @code{powerpc:common64}, but the system is able to run binaries
31164 in the @code{spu} architecture as well. The way to describe this
31165 capability with @samp{<compatible>} is as follows:
31166
31167 @smallexample
31168 <architecture>powerpc:common</architecture>
31169 <compatible>spu</compatible>
31170 @end smallexample
31171
31172 @subsection Features
31173 @cindex <feature>
31174
31175 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
31176 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
31177 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
31178 has this form:
31179
31180 @smallexample
31181 <feature name="@var{name}">
31182 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
31183 @var{reg}@dots{}
31184 </feature>
31185 @end smallexample
31186
31187 @noindent
31188 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
31189 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
31190 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
31191 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
31192
31193 @subsection Types
31194
31195 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
31196 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
31197 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
31198 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
31199 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
31200
31201 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
31202 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
31203 Types must be defined before they are used.
31204
31205 @cindex <vector>
31206 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
31207 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
31208 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
31209 @var{count}:
31210
31211 @smallexample
31212 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
31213 @end smallexample
31214
31215 @cindex <union>
31216 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
31217 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
31218 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
31219 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
31220
31221 @smallexample
31222 <union id="@var{id}">
31223 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
31224 @dots{}
31225 </union>
31226 @end smallexample
31227
31228 @subsection Registers
31229 @cindex <reg>
31230
31231 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
31232
31233 @smallexample
31234 <reg name="@var{name}"
31235 bitsize="@var{size}"
31236 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
31237 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
31238 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
31239 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
31240 @end smallexample
31241
31242 @noindent
31243 The components are as follows:
31244
31245 @table @var
31246
31247 @item name
31248 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
31249
31250 @item bitsize
31251 The register's size, in bits.
31252
31253 @item regnum
31254 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
31255 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
31256 a preceeding feature); the first register in the target description
31257 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
31258 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
31259 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
31260 in order of increasing register number.
31261
31262 @item save-restore
31263 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
31264 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
31265 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
31266 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
31267 ABI.
31268
31269 @item type
31270 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
31271 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
31272 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
31273 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
31274 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
31275 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
31276
31277 @item group
31278 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
31279 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
31280 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
31281 in @code{info registers}.
31282
31283 @end table
31284
31285 @node Predefined Target Types
31286 @section Predefined Target Types
31287 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
31288
31289 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
31290 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
31291 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
31292 types. The currently supported types are:
31293
31294 @table @code
31295
31296 @item int8
31297 @itemx int16
31298 @itemx int32
31299 @itemx int64
31300 @itemx int128
31301 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
31302
31303 @item uint8
31304 @itemx uint16
31305 @itemx uint32
31306 @itemx uint64
31307 @itemx uint128
31308 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
31309
31310 @item code_ptr
31311 @itemx data_ptr
31312 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
31313 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
31314 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
31315 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
31316 may be marked as data pointers.
31317
31318 @item ieee_single
31319 Single precision IEEE floating point.
31320
31321 @item ieee_double
31322 Double precision IEEE floating point.
31323
31324 @item arm_fpa_ext
31325 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
31326
31327 @end table
31328
31329 @node Standard Target Features
31330 @section Standard Target Features
31331 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
31332
31333 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
31334 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
31335 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
31336 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
31337 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
31338 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
31339 can recognize them.
31340
31341 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
31342 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
31343 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
31344 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
31345 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
31346 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
31347 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
31348 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
31349
31350 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
31351 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
31352 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
31353
31354 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
31355 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
31356 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
31357 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
31358
31359 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
31360 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
31361 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
31362
31363 @menu
31364 * ARM Features::
31365 * MIPS Features::
31366 * M68K Features::
31367 * PowerPC Features::
31368 @end menu
31369
31370
31371 @node ARM Features
31372 @subsection ARM Features
31373 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
31374
31375 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for ARM targets.
31376 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
31377 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
31378
31379 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
31380 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
31381
31382 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
31383 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
31384 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
31385 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
31386
31387 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} feature is optional. If present, it
31388 should contain at least registers @samp{d0} through @samp{d15}. If
31389 they are present, @samp{d16} through @samp{d31} should also be included.
31390 @value{GDBN} will synthesize the single-precision registers from
31391 halves of the double-precision registers.
31392
31393 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.neon} feature is optional. It does not
31394 need to contain registers; it instructs @value{GDBN} to display the
31395 VFP double-precision registers as vectors and to synthesize the
31396 quad-precision registers from pairs of double-precision registers.
31397 If this feature is present, @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.vfp} must also
31398 be present and include 32 double-precision registers.
31399
31400 @node MIPS Features
31401 @subsection MIPS Features
31402 @cindex target descriptions, MIPS features
31403
31404 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for MIPS targets.
31405 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
31406 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
31407 on the target.
31408
31409 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
31410 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
31411 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
31412
31413 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
31414 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
31415 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
31416 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
31417
31418 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
31419 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
31420 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
31421
31422 @node M68K Features
31423 @subsection M68K Features
31424 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
31425
31426 @table @code
31427 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
31428 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
31429 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
31430 One of those features must be always present.
31431 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m68k is
31432 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
31433 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
31434 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
31435
31436 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
31437 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
31438 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
31439 @samp{fpiaddr}.
31440 @end table
31441
31442 @node PowerPC Features
31443 @subsection PowerPC Features
31444 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
31445
31446 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
31447 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
31448 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
31449 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
31450
31451 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
31452 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
31453
31454 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
31455 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
31456 and @samp{vrsave}.
31457
31458 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.vsx} feature is optional. It should
31459 contain registers @samp{vs0h} through @samp{vs31h}. @value{GDBN}
31460 will combine these registers with the floating point registers
31461 (@samp{f0} through @samp{f31}) and the altivec registers (@samp{vr0}
31462 through @samp{vr31}) to present the 128-bit wide registers @samp{vs0}
31463 through @samp{vs63}, the set of vector registers for POWER7.
31464
31465 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
31466 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
31467 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
31468 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
31469 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
31470 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
31471 user.
31472
31473 @node Operating System Information
31474 @appendix Operating System Information
31475 @cindex operating system information
31476
31477 @menu
31478 * Process list::
31479 @end menu
31480
31481 Users of @value{GDBN} often wish to obtain information about the state of
31482 the operating system running on the target---for example the list of
31483 processes, or the list of open files. This section describes the
31484 mechanism that makes it possible. This mechanism is similar to the
31485 target features mechanism (@pxref{Target Descriptions}), but focuses
31486 on a different aspect of target.
31487
31488 Operating system information is retrived from the target via the
31489 remote protocol, using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{qXfer osdata
31490 read}). The object name in the request should be @samp{osdata}, and
31491 the @var{annex} identifies the data to be fetched.
31492
31493 @node Process list
31494 @appendixsection Process list
31495 @cindex operating system information, process list
31496
31497 When requesting the process list, the @var{annex} field in the
31498 @samp{qXfer} request should be @samp{processes}. The returned data is
31499 an XML document. The formal syntax of this document is defined in
31500 @file{gdb/features/osdata.dtd}.
31501
31502 An example document is:
31503
31504 @smallexample
31505 <?xml version="1.0"?>
31506 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "osdata.dtd">
31507 <osdata type="processes">
31508 <item>
31509 <column name="pid">1</column>
31510 <column name="user">root</column>
31511 <column name="command">/sbin/init</column>
31512 </item>
31513 </osdata>
31514 @end smallexample
31515
31516 Each item should include a column whose name is @samp{pid}. The value
31517 of that column should identify the process on the target. The
31518 @samp{user} and @samp{command} columns are optional, and will be
31519 displayed by @value{GDBN}. Target may provide additional columns,
31520 which @value{GDBN} currently ignores.
31521
31522 @include gpl.texi
31523
31524 @raisesections
31525 @include fdl.texi
31526 @lowersections
31527
31528 @node Index
31529 @unnumbered Index
31530
31531 @printindex cp
31532
31533 @tex
31534 % I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
31535 % meantime:
31536 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
31537 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
31538 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
31539 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
31540 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
31541 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
31542 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
31543 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
31544 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
31545 \page\colophon
31546 % Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.
31547 @end tex
31548
31549 @bye