gdb/doc/
[binutils-gdb.git] / gdb / doc / gdb.texinfo
1 \input texinfo @c -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c Copyright (C) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998,
3 @c 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
4 @c Free Software Foundation, Inc.
5 @c
6 @c %**start of header
7 @c makeinfo ignores cmds prev to setfilename, so its arg cannot make use
8 @c of @set vars. However, you can override filename with makeinfo -o.
9 @setfilename gdb.info
10 @c
11 @include gdb-cfg.texi
12 @c
13 @settitle Debugging with @value{GDBN}
14 @setchapternewpage odd
15 @c %**end of header
16
17 @iftex
18 @c @smallbook
19 @c @cropmarks
20 @end iftex
21
22 @finalout
23 @syncodeindex ky cp
24
25 @c readline appendices use @vindex, @findex and @ftable,
26 @c annotate.texi and gdbmi use @findex.
27 @syncodeindex vr cp
28 @syncodeindex fn cp
29
30 @c !!set GDB manual's edition---not the same as GDB version!
31 @c This is updated by GNU Press.
32 @set EDITION Ninth
33
34 @c !!set GDB edit command default editor
35 @set EDITOR /bin/ex
36
37 @c THIS MANUAL REQUIRES TEXINFO 4.0 OR LATER.
38
39 @c This is a dir.info fragment to support semi-automated addition of
40 @c manuals to an info tree.
41 @dircategory Software development
42 @direntry
43 * Gdb: (gdb). The GNU debugger.
44 @end direntry
45
46 @ifinfo
47 This file documents the @sc{gnu} debugger @value{GDBN}.
48
49
50 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, of @cite{Debugging with
51 @value{GDBN}: the @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger} for @value{GDBN}
52 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
53 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
54 @end ifset
55 Version @value{GDBVN}.
56
57 Copyright (C) 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1998,@*
58 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006@*
59 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
60
61 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
62 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or
63 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
64 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
65 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
66 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
67
68 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
69 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
70 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
71 @end ifinfo
72
73 @titlepage
74 @title Debugging with @value{GDBN}
75 @subtitle The @sc{gnu} Source-Level Debugger
76 @sp 1
77 @subtitle @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN}
78 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
79 @sp 1
80 @subtitle @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
81 @end ifset
82 @author Richard Stallman, Roland Pesch, Stan Shebs, et al.
83 @page
84 @tex
85 {\parskip=0pt
86 \hfill (Send bugs and comments on @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.)\par
87 \hfill {\it Debugging with @value{GDBN}}\par
88 \hfill \TeX{}info \texinfoversion\par
89 }
90 @end tex
91
92 @vskip 0pt plus 1filll
93 Copyright @copyright{} 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995,
94 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006
95 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
96 @sp 2
97 Published by the Free Software Foundation @*
98 51 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor,
99 Boston, MA 02110-1301, USA@*
100 ISBN 1-882114-77-9 @*
101
102 Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document
103 under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.1 or
104 any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with the
105 Invariant Sections being ``Free Software'' and ``Free Software Needs
106 Free Documentation'', with the Front-Cover Texts being ``A GNU Manual,''
107 and with the Back-Cover Texts as in (a) below.
108
109 (a) The FSF's Back-Cover Text is: ``You are free to copy and modify
110 this GNU Manual. Buying copies from GNU Press supports the FSF in
111 developing GNU and promoting software freedom.''
112 @page
113 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
114 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
115 software in general. We will miss him.
116 @end titlepage
117 @page
118
119 @ifnottex
120 @node Top, Summary, (dir), (dir)
121
122 @top Debugging with @value{GDBN}
123
124 This file describes @value{GDBN}, the @sc{gnu} symbolic debugger.
125
126 This is the @value{EDITION} Edition, for @value{GDBN}
127 @ifset VERSION_PACKAGE
128 @value{VERSION_PACKAGE}
129 @end ifset
130 Version @value{GDBVN}.
131
132 Copyright (C) 1988-2006 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
133
134 This edition of the GDB manual is dedicated to the memory of Fred
135 Fish. Fred was a long-standing contributor to GDB and to Free
136 software in general. We will miss him.
137
138 @menu
139 * Summary:: Summary of @value{GDBN}
140 * Sample Session:: A sample @value{GDBN} session
141
142 * Invocation:: Getting in and out of @value{GDBN}
143 * Commands:: @value{GDBN} commands
144 * Running:: Running programs under @value{GDBN}
145 * Stopping:: Stopping and continuing
146 * Stack:: Examining the stack
147 * Source:: Examining source files
148 * Data:: Examining data
149 * Macros:: Preprocessor Macros
150 * Tracepoints:: Debugging remote targets non-intrusively
151 * Overlays:: Debugging programs that use overlays
152
153 * Languages:: Using @value{GDBN} with different languages
154
155 * Symbols:: Examining the symbol table
156 * Altering:: Altering execution
157 * GDB Files:: @value{GDBN} files
158 * Targets:: Specifying a debugging target
159 * Remote Debugging:: Debugging remote programs
160 * Configurations:: Configuration-specific information
161 * Controlling GDB:: Controlling @value{GDBN}
162 * Extending GDB:: Extending @value{GDBN}
163 * Interpreters:: Command Interpreters
164 * TUI:: @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
165 * Emacs:: Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
166 * GDB/MI:: @value{GDBN}'s Machine Interface.
167 * Annotations:: @value{GDBN}'s annotation interface.
168
169 * GDB Bugs:: Reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
170
171 * Command Line Editing:: Command Line Editing
172 * Using History Interactively:: Using History Interactively
173 * Formatting Documentation:: How to format and print @value{GDBN} documentation
174 * Installing GDB:: Installing GDB
175 * Maintenance Commands:: Maintenance Commands
176 * Remote Protocol:: GDB Remote Serial Protocol
177 * Agent Expressions:: The GDB Agent Expression Mechanism
178 * Target Descriptions:: How targets can describe themselves to
179 @value{GDBN}
180 * Copying:: GNU General Public License says
181 how you can copy and share GDB
182 * GNU Free Documentation License:: The license for this documentation
183 * Index:: Index
184 @end menu
185
186 @end ifnottex
187
188 @contents
189
190 @node Summary
191 @unnumbered Summary of @value{GDBN}
192
193 The purpose of a debugger such as @value{GDBN} is to allow you to see what is
194 going on ``inside'' another program while it executes---or what another
195 program was doing at the moment it crashed.
196
197 @value{GDBN} can do four main kinds of things (plus other things in support of
198 these) to help you catch bugs in the act:
199
200 @itemize @bullet
201 @item
202 Start your program, specifying anything that might affect its behavior.
203
204 @item
205 Make your program stop on specified conditions.
206
207 @item
208 Examine what has happened, when your program has stopped.
209
210 @item
211 Change things in your program, so you can experiment with correcting the
212 effects of one bug and go on to learn about another.
213 @end itemize
214
215 You can use @value{GDBN} to debug programs written in C and C@t{++}.
216 For more information, see @ref{Supported Languages,,Supported Languages}.
217 For more information, see @ref{C,,C and C++}.
218
219 @cindex Modula-2
220 Support for Modula-2 is partial. For information on Modula-2, see
221 @ref{Modula-2,,Modula-2}.
222
223 @cindex Pascal
224 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
225 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
226 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
227 syntax.
228
229 @cindex Fortran
230 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, although
231 it may be necessary to refer to some variables with a trailing
232 underscore.
233
234 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Objective-C,
235 using either the Apple/NeXT or the GNU Objective-C runtime.
236
237 @menu
238 * Free Software:: Freely redistributable software
239 * Contributors:: Contributors to GDB
240 @end menu
241
242 @node Free Software
243 @unnumberedsec Free Software
244
245 @value{GDBN} is @dfn{free software}, protected by the @sc{gnu}
246 General Public License
247 (GPL). The GPL gives you the freedom to copy or adapt a licensed
248 program---but every person getting a copy also gets with it the
249 freedom to modify that copy (which means that they must get access to
250 the source code), and the freedom to distribute further copies.
251 Typical software companies use copyrights to limit your freedoms; the
252 Free Software Foundation uses the GPL to preserve these freedoms.
253
254 Fundamentally, the General Public License is a license which says that
255 you have these freedoms and that you cannot take these freedoms away
256 from anyone else.
257
258 @unnumberedsec Free Software Needs Free Documentation
259
260 The biggest deficiency in the free software community today is not in
261 the software---it is the lack of good free documentation that we can
262 include with the free software. Many of our most important
263 programs do not come with free reference manuals and free introductory
264 texts. Documentation is an essential part of any software package;
265 when an important free software package does not come with a free
266 manual and a free tutorial, that is a major gap. We have many such
267 gaps today.
268
269 Consider Perl, for instance. The tutorial manuals that people
270 normally use are non-free. How did this come about? Because the
271 authors of those manuals published them with restrictive terms---no
272 copying, no modification, source files not available---which exclude
273 them from the free software world.
274
275 That wasn't the first time this sort of thing happened, and it was far
276 from the last. Many times we have heard a GNU user eagerly describe a
277 manual that he is writing, his intended contribution to the community,
278 only to learn that he had ruined everything by signing a publication
279 contract to make it non-free.
280
281 Free documentation, like free software, is a matter of freedom, not
282 price. The problem with the non-free manual is not that publishers
283 charge a price for printed copies---that in itself is fine. (The Free
284 Software Foundation sells printed copies of manuals, too.) The
285 problem is the restrictions on the use of the manual. Free manuals
286 are available in source code form, and give you permission to copy and
287 modify. Non-free manuals do not allow this.
288
289 The criteria of freedom for a free manual are roughly the same as for
290 free software. Redistribution (including the normal kinds of
291 commercial redistribution) must be permitted, so that the manual can
292 accompany every copy of the program, both on-line and on paper.
293
294 Permission for modification of the technical content is crucial too.
295 When people modify the software, adding or changing features, if they
296 are conscientious they will change the manual too---so they can
297 provide accurate and clear documentation for the modified program. A
298 manual that leaves you no choice but to write a new manual to document
299 a changed version of the program is not really available to our
300 community.
301
302 Some kinds of limits on the way modification is handled are
303 acceptable. For example, requirements to preserve the original
304 author's copyright notice, the distribution terms, or the list of
305 authors, are ok. It is also no problem to require modified versions
306 to include notice that they were modified. Even entire sections that
307 may not be deleted or changed are acceptable, as long as they deal
308 with nontechnical topics (like this one). These kinds of restrictions
309 are acceptable because they don't obstruct the community's normal use
310 of the manual.
311
312 However, it must be possible to modify all the @emph{technical}
313 content of the manual, and then distribute the result in all the usual
314 media, through all the usual channels. Otherwise, the restrictions
315 obstruct the use of the manual, it is not free, and we need another
316 manual to replace it.
317
318 Please spread the word about this issue. Our community continues to
319 lose manuals to proprietary publishing. If we spread the word that
320 free software needs free reference manuals and free tutorials, perhaps
321 the next person who wants to contribute by writing documentation will
322 realize, before it is too late, that only free manuals contribute to
323 the free software community.
324
325 If you are writing documentation, please insist on publishing it under
326 the GNU Free Documentation License or another free documentation
327 license. Remember that this decision requires your approval---you
328 don't have to let the publisher decide. Some commercial publishers
329 will use a free license if you insist, but they will not propose the
330 option; it is up to you to raise the issue and say firmly that this is
331 what you want. If the publisher you are dealing with refuses, please
332 try other publishers. If you're not sure whether a proposed license
333 is free, write to @email{licensing@@gnu.org}.
334
335 You can encourage commercial publishers to sell more free, copylefted
336 manuals and tutorials by buying them, and particularly by buying
337 copies from the publishers that paid for their writing or for major
338 improvements. Meanwhile, try to avoid buying non-free documentation
339 at all. Check the distribution terms of a manual before you buy it,
340 and insist that whoever seeks your business must respect your freedom.
341 Check the history of the book, and try to reward the publishers that
342 have paid or pay the authors to work on it.
343
344 The Free Software Foundation maintains a list of free documentation
345 published by other publishers, at
346 @url{http://www.fsf.org/doc/other-free-books.html}.
347
348 @node Contributors
349 @unnumberedsec Contributors to @value{GDBN}
350
351 Richard Stallman was the original author of @value{GDBN}, and of many
352 other @sc{gnu} programs. Many others have contributed to its
353 development. This section attempts to credit major contributors. One
354 of the virtues of free software is that everyone is free to contribute
355 to it; with regret, we cannot actually acknowledge everyone here. The
356 file @file{ChangeLog} in the @value{GDBN} distribution approximates a
357 blow-by-blow account.
358
359 Changes much prior to version 2.0 are lost in the mists of time.
360
361 @quotation
362 @emph{Plea:} Additions to this section are particularly welcome. If you
363 or your friends (or enemies, to be evenhanded) have been unfairly
364 omitted from this list, we would like to add your names!
365 @end quotation
366
367 So that they may not regard their many labors as thankless, we
368 particularly thank those who shepherded @value{GDBN} through major
369 releases:
370 Andrew Cagney (releases 6.3, 6.2, 6.1, 6.0, 5.3, 5.2, 5.1 and 5.0);
371 Jim Blandy (release 4.18);
372 Jason Molenda (release 4.17);
373 Stan Shebs (release 4.14);
374 Fred Fish (releases 4.16, 4.15, 4.13, 4.12, 4.11, 4.10, and 4.9);
375 Stu Grossman and John Gilmore (releases 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, and 4.4);
376 John Gilmore (releases 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, and 3.9);
377 Jim Kingdon (releases 3.5, 3.4, and 3.3);
378 and Randy Smith (releases 3.2, 3.1, and 3.0).
379
380 Richard Stallman, assisted at various times by Peter TerMaat, Chris
381 Hanson, and Richard Mlynarik, handled releases through 2.8.
382
383 Michael Tiemann is the author of most of the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} support
384 in @value{GDBN}, with significant additional contributions from Per
385 Bothner and Daniel Berlin. James Clark wrote the @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
386 demangler. Early work on C@t{++} was by Peter TerMaat (who also did
387 much general update work leading to release 3.0).
388
389 @value{GDBN} uses the BFD subroutine library to examine multiple
390 object-file formats; BFD was a joint project of David V.
391 Henkel-Wallace, Rich Pixley, Steve Chamberlain, and John Gilmore.
392
393 David Johnson wrote the original COFF support; Pace Willison did
394 the original support for encapsulated COFF.
395
396 Brent Benson of Harris Computer Systems contributed DWARF 2 support.
397
398 Adam de Boor and Bradley Davis contributed the ISI Optimum V support.
399 Per Bothner, Noboyuki Hikichi, and Alessandro Forin contributed MIPS
400 support.
401 Jean-Daniel Fekete contributed Sun 386i support.
402 Chris Hanson improved the HP9000 support.
403 Noboyuki Hikichi and Tomoyuki Hasei contributed Sony/News OS 3 support.
404 David Johnson contributed Encore Umax support.
405 Jyrki Kuoppala contributed Altos 3068 support.
406 Jeff Law contributed HP PA and SOM support.
407 Keith Packard contributed NS32K support.
408 Doug Rabson contributed Acorn Risc Machine support.
409 Bob Rusk contributed Harris Nighthawk CX-UX support.
410 Chris Smith contributed Convex support (and Fortran debugging).
411 Jonathan Stone contributed Pyramid support.
412 Michael Tiemann contributed SPARC support.
413 Tim Tucker contributed support for the Gould NP1 and Gould Powernode.
414 Pace Willison contributed Intel 386 support.
415 Jay Vosburgh contributed Symmetry support.
416 Marko Mlinar contributed OpenRISC 1000 support.
417
418 Andreas Schwab contributed M68K @sc{gnu}/Linux support.
419
420 Rich Schaefer and Peter Schauer helped with support of SunOS shared
421 libraries.
422
423 Jay Fenlason and Roland McGrath ensured that @value{GDBN} and GAS agree
424 about several machine instruction sets.
425
426 Patrick Duval, Ted Goldstein, Vikram Koka and Glenn Engel helped develop
427 remote debugging. Intel Corporation, Wind River Systems, AMD, and ARM
428 contributed remote debugging modules for the i960, VxWorks, A29K UDI,
429 and RDI targets, respectively.
430
431 Brian Fox is the author of the readline libraries providing
432 command-line editing and command history.
433
434 Andrew Beers of SUNY Buffalo wrote the language-switching code, the
435 Modula-2 support, and contributed the Languages chapter of this manual.
436
437 Fred Fish wrote most of the support for Unix System Vr4.
438 He also enhanced the command-completion support to cover C@t{++} overloaded
439 symbols.
440
441 Hitachi America (now Renesas America), Ltd. sponsored the support for
442 H8/300, H8/500, and Super-H processors.
443
444 NEC sponsored the support for the v850, Vr4xxx, and Vr5xxx processors.
445
446 Mitsubishi (now Renesas) sponsored the support for D10V, D30V, and M32R/D
447 processors.
448
449 Toshiba sponsored the support for the TX39 Mips processor.
450
451 Matsushita sponsored the support for the MN10200 and MN10300 processors.
452
453 Fujitsu sponsored the support for SPARClite and FR30 processors.
454
455 Kung Hsu, Jeff Law, and Rick Sladkey added support for hardware
456 watchpoints.
457
458 Michael Snyder added support for tracepoints.
459
460 Stu Grossman wrote gdbserver.
461
462 Jim Kingdon, Peter Schauer, Ian Taylor, and Stu Grossman made
463 nearly innumerable bug fixes and cleanups throughout @value{GDBN}.
464
465 The following people at the Hewlett-Packard Company contributed
466 support for the PA-RISC 2.0 architecture, HP-UX 10.20, 10.30, and 11.0
467 (narrow mode), HP's implementation of kernel threads, HP's aC@t{++}
468 compiler, and the Text User Interface (nee Terminal User Interface):
469 Ben Krepp, Richard Title, John Bishop, Susan Macchia, Kathy Mann,
470 Satish Pai, India Paul, Steve Rehrauer, and Elena Zannoni. Kim Haase
471 provided HP-specific information in this manual.
472
473 DJ Delorie ported @value{GDBN} to MS-DOS, for the DJGPP project.
474 Robert Hoehne made significant contributions to the DJGPP port.
475
476 Cygnus Solutions has sponsored @value{GDBN} maintenance and much of its
477 development since 1991. Cygnus engineers who have worked on @value{GDBN}
478 fulltime include Mark Alexander, Jim Blandy, Per Bothner, Kevin
479 Buettner, Edith Epstein, Chris Faylor, Fred Fish, Martin Hunt, Jim
480 Ingham, John Gilmore, Stu Grossman, Kung Hsu, Jim Kingdon, John Metzler,
481 Fernando Nasser, Geoffrey Noer, Dawn Perchik, Rich Pixley, Zdenek
482 Radouch, Keith Seitz, Stan Shebs, David Taylor, and Elena Zannoni. In
483 addition, Dave Brolley, Ian Carmichael, Steve Chamberlain, Nick Clifton,
484 JT Conklin, Stan Cox, DJ Delorie, Ulrich Drepper, Frank Eigler, Doug
485 Evans, Sean Fagan, David Henkel-Wallace, Richard Henderson, Jeff
486 Holcomb, Jeff Law, Jim Lemke, Tom Lord, Bob Manson, Michael Meissner,
487 Jason Merrill, Catherine Moore, Drew Moseley, Ken Raeburn, Gavin
488 Romig-Koch, Rob Savoye, Jamie Smith, Mike Stump, Ian Taylor, Angela
489 Thomas, Michael Tiemann, Tom Tromey, Ron Unrau, Jim Wilson, and David
490 Zuhn have made contributions both large and small.
491
492 Andrew Cagney, Fernando Nasser, and Elena Zannoni, while working for
493 Cygnus Solutions, implemented the original @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
494
495 Jim Blandy added support for preprocessor macros, while working for Red
496 Hat.
497
498 Andrew Cagney designed @value{GDBN}'s architecture vector. Many
499 people including Andrew Cagney, Stephane Carrez, Randolph Chung, Nick
500 Duffek, Richard Henderson, Mark Kettenis, Grace Sainsbury, Kei
501 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Andreas Schwab, Jason
502 Thorpe, Corinna Vinschen, Ulrich Weigand, and Elena Zannoni, helped
503 with the migration of old architectures to this new framework.
504
505 Andrew Cagney completely re-designed and re-implemented @value{GDBN}'s
506 unwinder framework, this consisting of a fresh new design featuring
507 frame IDs, independent frame sniffers, and the sentinel frame. Mark
508 Kettenis implemented the @sc{dwarf 2} unwinder, Jeff Johnston the
509 libunwind unwinder, and Andrew Cagney the dummy, sentinel, tramp, and
510 trad unwinders. The architecture-specific changes, each involving a
511 complete rewrite of the architecture's frame code, were carried out by
512 Jim Blandy, Joel Brobecker, Kevin Buettner, Andrew Cagney, Stephane
513 Carrez, Randolph Chung, Orjan Friberg, Richard Henderson, Daniel
514 Jacobowitz, Jeff Johnston, Mark Kettenis, Theodore A. Roth, Kei
515 Sakamoto, Yoshinori Sato, Michael Snyder, Corinna Vinschen, and Ulrich
516 Weigand.
517
518 Christian Zankel, Ross Morley, Bob Wilson, and Maxim Grigoriev from
519 Tensilica, Inc.@: contributed support for Xtensa processors. Others
520 who have worked on the Xtensa port of @value{GDBN} in the past include
521 Steve Tjiang, John Newlin, and Scott Foehner.
522
523 @node Sample Session
524 @chapter A Sample @value{GDBN} Session
525
526 You can use this manual at your leisure to read all about @value{GDBN}.
527 However, a handful of commands are enough to get started using the
528 debugger. This chapter illustrates those commands.
529
530 @iftex
531 In this sample session, we emphasize user input like this: @b{input},
532 to make it easier to pick out from the surrounding output.
533 @end iftex
534
535 @c FIXME: this example may not be appropriate for some configs, where
536 @c FIXME...primary interest is in remote use.
537
538 One of the preliminary versions of @sc{gnu} @code{m4} (a generic macro
539 processor) exhibits the following bug: sometimes, when we change its
540 quote strings from the default, the commands used to capture one macro
541 definition within another stop working. In the following short @code{m4}
542 session, we define a macro @code{foo} which expands to @code{0000}; we
543 then use the @code{m4} built-in @code{defn} to define @code{bar} as the
544 same thing. However, when we change the open quote string to
545 @code{<QUOTE>} and the close quote string to @code{<UNQUOTE>}, the same
546 procedure fails to define a new synonym @code{baz}:
547
548 @smallexample
549 $ @b{cd gnu/m4}
550 $ @b{./m4}
551 @b{define(foo,0000)}
552
553 @b{foo}
554 0000
555 @b{define(bar,defn(`foo'))}
556
557 @b{bar}
558 0000
559 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
560
561 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
562 @b{baz}
563 @b{Ctrl-d}
564 m4: End of input: 0: fatal error: EOF in string
565 @end smallexample
566
567 @noindent
568 Let us use @value{GDBN} to try to see what is going on.
569
570 @smallexample
571 $ @b{@value{GDBP} m4}
572 @c FIXME: this falsifies the exact text played out, to permit smallbook
573 @c FIXME... format to come out better.
574 @value{GDBN} is free software and you are welcome to distribute copies
575 of it under certain conditions; type "show copying" to see
576 the conditions.
577 There is absolutely no warranty for @value{GDBN}; type "show warranty"
578 for details.
579
580 @value{GDBN} @value{GDBVN}, Copyright 1999 Free Software Foundation, Inc...
581 (@value{GDBP})
582 @end smallexample
583
584 @noindent
585 @value{GDBN} reads only enough symbol data to know where to find the
586 rest when needed; as a result, the first prompt comes up very quickly.
587 We now tell @value{GDBN} to use a narrower display width than usual, so
588 that examples fit in this manual.
589
590 @smallexample
591 (@value{GDBP}) @b{set width 70}
592 @end smallexample
593
594 @noindent
595 We need to see how the @code{m4} built-in @code{changequote} works.
596 Having looked at the source, we know the relevant subroutine is
597 @code{m4_changequote}, so we set a breakpoint there with the @value{GDBN}
598 @code{break} command.
599
600 @smallexample
601 (@value{GDBP}) @b{break m4_changequote}
602 Breakpoint 1 at 0x62f4: file builtin.c, line 879.
603 @end smallexample
604
605 @noindent
606 Using the @code{run} command, we start @code{m4} running under @value{GDBN}
607 control; as long as control does not reach the @code{m4_changequote}
608 subroutine, the program runs as usual:
609
610 @smallexample
611 (@value{GDBP}) @b{run}
612 Starting program: /work/Editorial/gdb/gnu/m4/m4
613 @b{define(foo,0000)}
614
615 @b{foo}
616 0000
617 @end smallexample
618
619 @noindent
620 To trigger the breakpoint, we call @code{changequote}. @value{GDBN}
621 suspends execution of @code{m4}, displaying information about the
622 context where it stops.
623
624 @smallexample
625 @b{changequote(<QUOTE>,<UNQUOTE>)}
626
627 Breakpoint 1, m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
628 at builtin.c:879
629 879 if (bad_argc(TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[0]),argc,1,3))
630 @end smallexample
631
632 @noindent
633 Now we use the command @code{n} (@code{next}) to advance execution to
634 the next line of the current function.
635
636 @smallexample
637 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
638 882 set_quotes((argc >= 2) ? TOKEN_DATA_TEXT(argv[1])\
639 : nil,
640 @end smallexample
641
642 @noindent
643 @code{set_quotes} looks like a promising subroutine. We can go into it
644 by using the command @code{s} (@code{step}) instead of @code{next}.
645 @code{step} goes to the next line to be executed in @emph{any}
646 subroutine, so it steps into @code{set_quotes}.
647
648 @smallexample
649 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
650 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
651 at input.c:530
652 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
653 @end smallexample
654
655 @noindent
656 The display that shows the subroutine where @code{m4} is now
657 suspended (and its arguments) is called a stack frame display. It
658 shows a summary of the stack. We can use the @code{backtrace}
659 command (which can also be spelled @code{bt}), to see where we are
660 in the stack as a whole: the @code{backtrace} command displays a
661 stack frame for each active subroutine.
662
663 @smallexample
664 (@value{GDBP}) @b{bt}
665 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<QUOTE>", rq=0x34c88 "<UNQUOTE>")
666 at input.c:530
667 #1 0x6344 in m4_changequote (argc=3, argv=0x33c70)
668 at builtin.c:882
669 #2 0x8174 in expand_macro (sym=0x33320) at macro.c:242
670 #3 0x7a88 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=209696, td=0xf7fffa30)
671 at macro.c:71
672 #4 0x79dc in expand_input () at macro.c:40
673 #5 0x2930 in main (argc=0, argv=0xf7fffb20) at m4.c:195
674 @end smallexample
675
676 @noindent
677 We step through a few more lines to see what happens. The first two
678 times, we can use @samp{s}; the next two times we use @code{n} to avoid
679 falling into the @code{xstrdup} subroutine.
680
681 @smallexample
682 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
683 0x3b5c 532 if (rquote != def_rquote)
684 (@value{GDBP}) @b{s}
685 0x3b80 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? \
686 def_lquote : xstrdup(lq);
687 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
688 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
689 : xstrdup(rq);
690 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
691 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
692 @end smallexample
693
694 @noindent
695 The last line displayed looks a little odd; we can examine the variables
696 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} to see if they are in fact the new left
697 and right quotes we specified. We use the command @code{p}
698 (@code{print}) to see their values.
699
700 @smallexample
701 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p lquote}
702 $1 = 0x35d40 "<QUOTE>"
703 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p rquote}
704 $2 = 0x35d50 "<UNQUOTE>"
705 @end smallexample
706
707 @noindent
708 @code{lquote} and @code{rquote} are indeed the new left and right quotes.
709 To look at some context, we can display ten lines of source
710 surrounding the current line with the @code{l} (@code{list}) command.
711
712 @smallexample
713 (@value{GDBP}) @b{l}
714 533 xfree(rquote);
715 534
716 535 lquote = (lq == nil || *lq == '\0') ? def_lquote\
717 : xstrdup (lq);
718 536 rquote = (rq == nil || *rq == '\0') ? def_rquote\
719 : xstrdup (rq);
720 537
721 538 len_lquote = strlen(rquote);
722 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
723 540 @}
724 541
725 542 void
726 @end smallexample
727
728 @noindent
729 Let us step past the two lines that set @code{len_lquote} and
730 @code{len_rquote}, and then examine the values of those variables.
731
732 @smallexample
733 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
734 539 len_rquote = strlen(lquote);
735 (@value{GDBP}) @b{n}
736 540 @}
737 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote}
738 $3 = 9
739 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote}
740 $4 = 7
741 @end smallexample
742
743 @noindent
744 That certainly looks wrong, assuming @code{len_lquote} and
745 @code{len_rquote} are meant to be the lengths of @code{lquote} and
746 @code{rquote} respectively. We can set them to better values using
747 the @code{p} command, since it can print the value of
748 any expression---and that expression can include subroutine calls and
749 assignments.
750
751 @smallexample
752 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_lquote=strlen(lquote)}
753 $5 = 7
754 (@value{GDBP}) @b{p len_rquote=strlen(rquote)}
755 $6 = 9
756 @end smallexample
757
758 @noindent
759 Is that enough to fix the problem of using the new quotes with the
760 @code{m4} built-in @code{defn}? We can allow @code{m4} to continue
761 executing with the @code{c} (@code{continue}) command, and then try the
762 example that caused trouble initially:
763
764 @smallexample
765 (@value{GDBP}) @b{c}
766 Continuing.
767
768 @b{define(baz,defn(<QUOTE>foo<UNQUOTE>))}
769
770 baz
771 0000
772 @end smallexample
773
774 @noindent
775 Success! The new quotes now work just as well as the default ones. The
776 problem seems to have been just the two typos defining the wrong
777 lengths. We allow @code{m4} exit by giving it an EOF as input:
778
779 @smallexample
780 @b{Ctrl-d}
781 Program exited normally.
782 @end smallexample
783
784 @noindent
785 The message @samp{Program exited normally.} is from @value{GDBN}; it
786 indicates @code{m4} has finished executing. We can end our @value{GDBN}
787 session with the @value{GDBN} @code{quit} command.
788
789 @smallexample
790 (@value{GDBP}) @b{quit}
791 @end smallexample
792
793 @node Invocation
794 @chapter Getting In and Out of @value{GDBN}
795
796 This chapter discusses how to start @value{GDBN}, and how to get out of it.
797 The essentials are:
798 @itemize @bullet
799 @item
800 type @samp{@value{GDBP}} to start @value{GDBN}.
801 @item
802 type @kbd{quit} or @kbd{Ctrl-d} to exit.
803 @end itemize
804
805 @menu
806 * Invoking GDB:: How to start @value{GDBN}
807 * Quitting GDB:: How to quit @value{GDBN}
808 * Shell Commands:: How to use shell commands inside @value{GDBN}
809 * Logging Output:: How to log @value{GDBN}'s output to a file
810 @end menu
811
812 @node Invoking GDB
813 @section Invoking @value{GDBN}
814
815 Invoke @value{GDBN} by running the program @code{@value{GDBP}}. Once started,
816 @value{GDBN} reads commands from the terminal until you tell it to exit.
817
818 You can also run @code{@value{GDBP}} with a variety of arguments and options,
819 to specify more of your debugging environment at the outset.
820
821 The command-line options described here are designed
822 to cover a variety of situations; in some environments, some of these
823 options may effectively be unavailable.
824
825 The most usual way to start @value{GDBN} is with one argument,
826 specifying an executable program:
827
828 @smallexample
829 @value{GDBP} @var{program}
830 @end smallexample
831
832 @noindent
833 You can also start with both an executable program and a core file
834 specified:
835
836 @smallexample
837 @value{GDBP} @var{program} @var{core}
838 @end smallexample
839
840 You can, instead, specify a process ID as a second argument, if you want
841 to debug a running process:
842
843 @smallexample
844 @value{GDBP} @var{program} 1234
845 @end smallexample
846
847 @noindent
848 would attach @value{GDBN} to process @code{1234} (unless you also have a file
849 named @file{1234}; @value{GDBN} does check for a core file first).
850
851 Taking advantage of the second command-line argument requires a fairly
852 complete operating system; when you use @value{GDBN} as a remote
853 debugger attached to a bare board, there may not be any notion of
854 ``process'', and there is often no way to get a core dump. @value{GDBN}
855 will warn you if it is unable to attach or to read core dumps.
856
857 You can optionally have @code{@value{GDBP}} pass any arguments after the
858 executable file to the inferior using @code{--args}. This option stops
859 option processing.
860 @smallexample
861 @value{GDBP} --args gcc -O2 -c foo.c
862 @end smallexample
863 This will cause @code{@value{GDBP}} to debug @code{gcc}, and to set
864 @code{gcc}'s command-line arguments (@pxref{Arguments}) to @samp{-O2 -c foo.c}.
865
866 You can run @code{@value{GDBP}} without printing the front material, which describes
867 @value{GDBN}'s non-warranty, by specifying @code{-silent}:
868
869 @smallexample
870 @value{GDBP} -silent
871 @end smallexample
872
873 @noindent
874 You can further control how @value{GDBN} starts up by using command-line
875 options. @value{GDBN} itself can remind you of the options available.
876
877 @noindent
878 Type
879
880 @smallexample
881 @value{GDBP} -help
882 @end smallexample
883
884 @noindent
885 to display all available options and briefly describe their use
886 (@samp{@value{GDBP} -h} is a shorter equivalent).
887
888 All options and command line arguments you give are processed
889 in sequential order. The order makes a difference when the
890 @samp{-x} option is used.
891
892
893 @menu
894 * File Options:: Choosing files
895 * Mode Options:: Choosing modes
896 * Startup:: What @value{GDBN} does during startup
897 @end menu
898
899 @node File Options
900 @subsection Choosing Files
901
902 When @value{GDBN} starts, it reads any arguments other than options as
903 specifying an executable file and core file (or process ID). This is
904 the same as if the arguments were specified by the @samp{-se} and
905 @samp{-c} (or @samp{-p}) options respectively. (@value{GDBN} reads the
906 first argument that does not have an associated option flag as
907 equivalent to the @samp{-se} option followed by that argument; and the
908 second argument that does not have an associated option flag, if any, as
909 equivalent to the @samp{-c}/@samp{-p} option followed by that argument.)
910 If the second argument begins with a decimal digit, @value{GDBN} will
911 first attempt to attach to it as a process, and if that fails, attempt
912 to open it as a corefile. If you have a corefile whose name begins with
913 a digit, you can prevent @value{GDBN} from treating it as a pid by
914 prefixing it with @file{./}, e.g.@: @file{./12345}.
915
916 If @value{GDBN} has not been configured to included core file support,
917 such as for most embedded targets, then it will complain about a second
918 argument and ignore it.
919
920 Many options have both long and short forms; both are shown in the
921 following list. @value{GDBN} also recognizes the long forms if you truncate
922 them, so long as enough of the option is present to be unambiguous.
923 (If you prefer, you can flag option arguments with @samp{--} rather
924 than @samp{-}, though we illustrate the more usual convention.)
925
926 @c NOTE: the @cindex entries here use double dashes ON PURPOSE. This
927 @c way, both those who look for -foo and --foo in the index, will find
928 @c it.
929
930 @table @code
931 @item -symbols @var{file}
932 @itemx -s @var{file}
933 @cindex @code{--symbols}
934 @cindex @code{-s}
935 Read symbol table from file @var{file}.
936
937 @item -exec @var{file}
938 @itemx -e @var{file}
939 @cindex @code{--exec}
940 @cindex @code{-e}
941 Use file @var{file} as the executable file to execute when appropriate,
942 and for examining pure data in conjunction with a core dump.
943
944 @item -se @var{file}
945 @cindex @code{--se}
946 Read symbol table from file @var{file} and use it as the executable
947 file.
948
949 @item -core @var{file}
950 @itemx -c @var{file}
951 @cindex @code{--core}
952 @cindex @code{-c}
953 Use file @var{file} as a core dump to examine.
954
955 @item -pid @var{number}
956 @itemx -p @var{number}
957 @cindex @code{--pid}
958 @cindex @code{-p}
959 Connect to process ID @var{number}, as with the @code{attach} command.
960
961 @item -command @var{file}
962 @itemx -x @var{file}
963 @cindex @code{--command}
964 @cindex @code{-x}
965 Execute @value{GDBN} commands from file @var{file}. @xref{Command
966 Files,, Command files}.
967
968 @item -eval-command @var{command}
969 @itemx -ex @var{command}
970 @cindex @code{--eval-command}
971 @cindex @code{-ex}
972 Execute a single @value{GDBN} command.
973
974 This option may be used multiple times to call multiple commands. It may
975 also be interleaved with @samp{-command} as required.
976
977 @smallexample
978 @value{GDBP} -ex 'target sim' -ex 'load' \
979 -x setbreakpoints -ex 'run' a.out
980 @end smallexample
981
982 @item -directory @var{directory}
983 @itemx -d @var{directory}
984 @cindex @code{--directory}
985 @cindex @code{-d}
986 Add @var{directory} to the path to search for source and script files.
987
988 @item -r
989 @itemx -readnow
990 @cindex @code{--readnow}
991 @cindex @code{-r}
992 Read each symbol file's entire symbol table immediately, rather than
993 the default, which is to read it incrementally as it is needed.
994 This makes startup slower, but makes future operations faster.
995
996 @end table
997
998 @node Mode Options
999 @subsection Choosing Modes
1000
1001 You can run @value{GDBN} in various alternative modes---for example, in
1002 batch mode or quiet mode.
1003
1004 @table @code
1005 @item -nx
1006 @itemx -n
1007 @cindex @code{--nx}
1008 @cindex @code{-n}
1009 Do not execute commands found in any initialization files. Normally,
1010 @value{GDBN} executes the commands in these files after all the command
1011 options and arguments have been processed. @xref{Command Files,,Command
1012 Files}.
1013
1014 @item -quiet
1015 @itemx -silent
1016 @itemx -q
1017 @cindex @code{--quiet}
1018 @cindex @code{--silent}
1019 @cindex @code{-q}
1020 ``Quiet''. Do not print the introductory and copyright messages. These
1021 messages are also suppressed in batch mode.
1022
1023 @item -batch
1024 @cindex @code{--batch}
1025 Run in batch mode. Exit with status @code{0} after processing all the
1026 command files specified with @samp{-x} (and all commands from
1027 initialization files, if not inhibited with @samp{-n}). Exit with
1028 nonzero status if an error occurs in executing the @value{GDBN} commands
1029 in the command files.
1030
1031 Batch mode may be useful for running @value{GDBN} as a filter, for
1032 example to download and run a program on another computer; in order to
1033 make this more useful, the message
1034
1035 @smallexample
1036 Program exited normally.
1037 @end smallexample
1038
1039 @noindent
1040 (which is ordinarily issued whenever a program running under
1041 @value{GDBN} control terminates) is not issued when running in batch
1042 mode.
1043
1044 @item -batch-silent
1045 @cindex @code{--batch-silent}
1046 Run in batch mode exactly like @samp{-batch}, but totally silently. All
1047 @value{GDBN} output to @code{stdout} is prevented (@code{stderr} is
1048 unaffected). This is much quieter than @samp{-silent} and would be useless
1049 for an interactive session.
1050
1051 This is particularly useful when using targets that give @samp{Loading section}
1052 messages, for example.
1053
1054 Note that targets that give their output via @value{GDBN}, as opposed to
1055 writing directly to @code{stdout}, will also be made silent.
1056
1057 @item -return-child-result
1058 @cindex @code{--return-child-result}
1059 The return code from @value{GDBN} will be the return code from the child
1060 process (the process being debugged), with the following exceptions:
1061
1062 @itemize @bullet
1063 @item
1064 @value{GDBN} exits abnormally. E.g., due to an incorrect argument or an
1065 internal error. In this case the exit code is the same as it would have been
1066 without @samp{-return-child-result}.
1067 @item
1068 The user quits with an explicit value. E.g., @samp{quit 1}.
1069 @item
1070 The child process never runs, or is not allowed to terminate, in which case
1071 the exit code will be -1.
1072 @end itemize
1073
1074 This option is useful in conjunction with @samp{-batch} or @samp{-batch-silent},
1075 when @value{GDBN} is being used as a remote program loader or simulator
1076 interface.
1077
1078 @item -nowindows
1079 @itemx -nw
1080 @cindex @code{--nowindows}
1081 @cindex @code{-nw}
1082 ``No windows''. If @value{GDBN} comes with a graphical user interface
1083 (GUI) built in, then this option tells @value{GDBN} to only use the command-line
1084 interface. If no GUI is available, this option has no effect.
1085
1086 @item -windows
1087 @itemx -w
1088 @cindex @code{--windows}
1089 @cindex @code{-w}
1090 If @value{GDBN} includes a GUI, then this option requires it to be
1091 used if possible.
1092
1093 @item -cd @var{directory}
1094 @cindex @code{--cd}
1095 Run @value{GDBN} using @var{directory} as its working directory,
1096 instead of the current directory.
1097
1098 @item -fullname
1099 @itemx -f
1100 @cindex @code{--fullname}
1101 @cindex @code{-f}
1102 @sc{gnu} Emacs sets this option when it runs @value{GDBN} as a
1103 subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to output the full file name and line
1104 number in a standard, recognizable fashion each time a stack frame is
1105 displayed (which includes each time your program stops). This
1106 recognizable format looks like two @samp{\032} characters, followed by
1107 the file name, line number and character position separated by colons,
1108 and a newline. The Emacs-to-@value{GDBN} interface program uses the two
1109 @samp{\032} characters as a signal to display the source code for the
1110 frame.
1111
1112 @item -epoch
1113 @cindex @code{--epoch}
1114 The Epoch Emacs-@value{GDBN} interface sets this option when it runs
1115 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess. It tells @value{GDBN} to modify its print
1116 routines so as to allow Epoch to display values of expressions in a
1117 separate window.
1118
1119 @item -annotate @var{level}
1120 @cindex @code{--annotate}
1121 This option sets the @dfn{annotation level} inside @value{GDBN}. Its
1122 effect is identical to using @samp{set annotate @var{level}}
1123 (@pxref{Annotations}). The annotation @var{level} controls how much
1124 information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt, values of
1125 expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0 is the
1126 normal, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a subprocess of
1127 @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable for programs
1128 that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 has been deprecated.
1129
1130 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
1131 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
1132
1133 @item --args
1134 @cindex @code{--args}
1135 Change interpretation of command line so that arguments following the
1136 executable file are passed as command line arguments to the inferior.
1137 This option stops option processing.
1138
1139 @item -baud @var{bps}
1140 @itemx -b @var{bps}
1141 @cindex @code{--baud}
1142 @cindex @code{-b}
1143 Set the line speed (baud rate or bits per second) of any serial
1144 interface used by @value{GDBN} for remote debugging.
1145
1146 @item -l @var{timeout}
1147 @cindex @code{-l}
1148 Set the timeout (in seconds) of any communication used by @value{GDBN}
1149 for remote debugging.
1150
1151 @item -tty @var{device}
1152 @itemx -t @var{device}
1153 @cindex @code{--tty}
1154 @cindex @code{-t}
1155 Run using @var{device} for your program's standard input and output.
1156 @c FIXME: kingdon thinks there is more to -tty. Investigate.
1157
1158 @c resolve the situation of these eventually
1159 @item -tui
1160 @cindex @code{--tui}
1161 Activate the @dfn{Text User Interface} when starting. The Text User
1162 Interface manages several text windows on the terminal, showing
1163 source, assembly, registers and @value{GDBN} command outputs
1164 (@pxref{TUI, ,@value{GDBN} Text User Interface}). Alternatively, the
1165 Text User Interface can be enabled by invoking the program
1166 @samp{@value{GDBTUI}}. Do not use this option if you run @value{GDBN} from
1167 Emacs (@pxref{Emacs, ,Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}).
1168
1169 @c @item -xdb
1170 @c @cindex @code{--xdb}
1171 @c Run in XDB compatibility mode, allowing the use of certain XDB commands.
1172 @c For information, see the file @file{xdb_trans.html}, which is usually
1173 @c installed in the directory @code{/opt/langtools/wdb/doc} on HP-UX
1174 @c systems.
1175
1176 @item -interpreter @var{interp}
1177 @cindex @code{--interpreter}
1178 Use the interpreter @var{interp} for interface with the controlling
1179 program or device. This option is meant to be set by programs which
1180 communicate with @value{GDBN} using it as a back end.
1181 @xref{Interpreters, , Command Interpreters}.
1182
1183 @samp{--interpreter=mi} (or @samp{--interpreter=mi2}) causes
1184 @value{GDBN} to use the @dfn{@sc{gdb/mi} interface} (@pxref{GDB/MI, ,
1185 The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface}) included since @value{GDBN} version 6.0. The
1186 previous @sc{gdb/mi} interface, included in @value{GDBN} version 5.3 and
1187 selected with @samp{--interpreter=mi1}, is deprecated. Earlier
1188 @sc{gdb/mi} interfaces are no longer supported.
1189
1190 @item -write
1191 @cindex @code{--write}
1192 Open the executable and core files for both reading and writing. This
1193 is equivalent to the @samp{set write on} command inside @value{GDBN}
1194 (@pxref{Patching}).
1195
1196 @item -statistics
1197 @cindex @code{--statistics}
1198 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print statistics about time and
1199 memory usage after it completes each command and returns to the prompt.
1200
1201 @item -version
1202 @cindex @code{--version}
1203 This option causes @value{GDBN} to print its version number and
1204 no-warranty blurb, and exit.
1205
1206 @end table
1207
1208 @node Startup
1209 @subsection What @value{GDBN} Does During Startup
1210 @cindex @value{GDBN} startup
1211
1212 Here's the description of what @value{GDBN} does during session startup:
1213
1214 @enumerate
1215 @item
1216 Sets up the command interpreter as specified by the command line
1217 (@pxref{Mode Options, interpreter}).
1218
1219 @item
1220 @cindex init file
1221 Reads the @dfn{init file} (if any) in your home directory@footnote{On
1222 DOS/Windows systems, the home directory is the one pointed to by the
1223 @code{HOME} environment variable.} and executes all the commands in
1224 that file.
1225
1226 @item
1227 Processes command line options and operands.
1228
1229 @item
1230 Reads and executes the commands from init file (if any) in the current
1231 working directory. This is only done if the current directory is
1232 different from your home directory. Thus, you can have more than one
1233 init file, one generic in your home directory, and another, specific
1234 to the program you are debugging, in the directory where you invoke
1235 @value{GDBN}.
1236
1237 @item
1238 Reads command files specified by the @samp{-x} option. @xref{Command
1239 Files}, for more details about @value{GDBN} command files.
1240
1241 @item
1242 Reads the command history recorded in the @dfn{history file}.
1243 @xref{Command History}, for more details about the command history and the
1244 files where @value{GDBN} records it.
1245 @end enumerate
1246
1247 Init files use the same syntax as @dfn{command files} (@pxref{Command
1248 Files}) and are processed by @value{GDBN} in the same way. The init
1249 file in your home directory can set options (such as @samp{set
1250 complaints}) that affect subsequent processing of command line options
1251 and operands. Init files are not executed if you use the @samp{-nx}
1252 option (@pxref{Mode Options, ,Choosing Modes}).
1253
1254 @cindex init file name
1255 @cindex @file{.gdbinit}
1256 @cindex @file{gdb.ini}
1257 The @value{GDBN} init files are normally called @file{.gdbinit}.
1258 The DJGPP port of @value{GDBN} uses the name @file{gdb.ini}, due to
1259 the limitations of file names imposed by DOS filesystems. The Windows
1260 ports of @value{GDBN} use the standard name, but if they find a
1261 @file{gdb.ini} file, they warn you about that and suggest to rename
1262 the file to the standard name.
1263
1264
1265 @node Quitting GDB
1266 @section Quitting @value{GDBN}
1267 @cindex exiting @value{GDBN}
1268 @cindex leaving @value{GDBN}
1269
1270 @table @code
1271 @kindex quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1272 @kindex q @r{(@code{quit})}
1273 @item quit @r{[}@var{expression}@r{]}
1274 @itemx q
1275 To exit @value{GDBN}, use the @code{quit} command (abbreviated
1276 @code{q}), or type an end-of-file character (usually @kbd{Ctrl-d}). If you
1277 do not supply @var{expression}, @value{GDBN} will terminate normally;
1278 otherwise it will terminate using the result of @var{expression} as the
1279 error code.
1280 @end table
1281
1282 @cindex interrupt
1283 An interrupt (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}) does not exit from @value{GDBN}, but rather
1284 terminates the action of any @value{GDBN} command that is in progress and
1285 returns to @value{GDBN} command level. It is safe to type the interrupt
1286 character at any time because @value{GDBN} does not allow it to take effect
1287 until a time when it is safe.
1288
1289 If you have been using @value{GDBN} to control an attached process or
1290 device, you can release it with the @code{detach} command
1291 (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running Process}).
1292
1293 @node Shell Commands
1294 @section Shell Commands
1295
1296 If you need to execute occasional shell commands during your
1297 debugging session, there is no need to leave or suspend @value{GDBN}; you can
1298 just use the @code{shell} command.
1299
1300 @table @code
1301 @kindex shell
1302 @cindex shell escape
1303 @item shell @var{command string}
1304 Invoke a standard shell to execute @var{command string}.
1305 If it exists, the environment variable @code{SHELL} determines which
1306 shell to run. Otherwise @value{GDBN} uses the default shell
1307 (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix systems, @file{COMMAND.COM} on MS-DOS, etc.).
1308 @end table
1309
1310 The utility @code{make} is often needed in development environments.
1311 You do not have to use the @code{shell} command for this purpose in
1312 @value{GDBN}:
1313
1314 @table @code
1315 @kindex make
1316 @cindex calling make
1317 @item make @var{make-args}
1318 Execute the @code{make} program with the specified
1319 arguments. This is equivalent to @samp{shell make @var{make-args}}.
1320 @end table
1321
1322 @node Logging Output
1323 @section Logging Output
1324 @cindex logging @value{GDBN} output
1325 @cindex save @value{GDBN} output to a file
1326
1327 You may want to save the output of @value{GDBN} commands to a file.
1328 There are several commands to control @value{GDBN}'s logging.
1329
1330 @table @code
1331 @kindex set logging
1332 @item set logging on
1333 Enable logging.
1334 @item set logging off
1335 Disable logging.
1336 @cindex logging file name
1337 @item set logging file @var{file}
1338 Change the name of the current logfile. The default logfile is @file{gdb.txt}.
1339 @item set logging overwrite [on|off]
1340 By default, @value{GDBN} will append to the logfile. Set @code{overwrite} if
1341 you want @code{set logging on} to overwrite the logfile instead.
1342 @item set logging redirect [on|off]
1343 By default, @value{GDBN} output will go to both the terminal and the logfile.
1344 Set @code{redirect} if you want output to go only to the log file.
1345 @kindex show logging
1346 @item show logging
1347 Show the current values of the logging settings.
1348 @end table
1349
1350 @node Commands
1351 @chapter @value{GDBN} Commands
1352
1353 You can abbreviate a @value{GDBN} command to the first few letters of the command
1354 name, if that abbreviation is unambiguous; and you can repeat certain
1355 @value{GDBN} commands by typing just @key{RET}. You can also use the @key{TAB}
1356 key to get @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest of a word in a command (or to
1357 show you the alternatives available, if there is more than one possibility).
1358
1359 @menu
1360 * Command Syntax:: How to give commands to @value{GDBN}
1361 * Completion:: Command completion
1362 * Help:: How to ask @value{GDBN} for help
1363 @end menu
1364
1365 @node Command Syntax
1366 @section Command Syntax
1367
1368 A @value{GDBN} command is a single line of input. There is no limit on
1369 how long it can be. It starts with a command name, which is followed by
1370 arguments whose meaning depends on the command name. For example, the
1371 command @code{step} accepts an argument which is the number of times to
1372 step, as in @samp{step 5}. You can also use the @code{step} command
1373 with no arguments. Some commands do not allow any arguments.
1374
1375 @cindex abbreviation
1376 @value{GDBN} command names may always be truncated if that abbreviation is
1377 unambiguous. Other possible command abbreviations are listed in the
1378 documentation for individual commands. In some cases, even ambiguous
1379 abbreviations are allowed; for example, @code{s} is specially defined as
1380 equivalent to @code{step} even though there are other commands whose
1381 names start with @code{s}. You can test abbreviations by using them as
1382 arguments to the @code{help} command.
1383
1384 @cindex repeating commands
1385 @kindex RET @r{(repeat last command)}
1386 A blank line as input to @value{GDBN} (typing just @key{RET}) means to
1387 repeat the previous command. Certain commands (for example, @code{run})
1388 will not repeat this way; these are commands whose unintentional
1389 repetition might cause trouble and which you are unlikely to want to
1390 repeat. User-defined commands can disable this feature; see
1391 @ref{Define, dont-repeat}.
1392
1393 The @code{list} and @code{x} commands, when you repeat them with
1394 @key{RET}, construct new arguments rather than repeating
1395 exactly as typed. This permits easy scanning of source or memory.
1396
1397 @value{GDBN} can also use @key{RET} in another way: to partition lengthy
1398 output, in a way similar to the common utility @code{more}
1399 (@pxref{Screen Size,,Screen Size}). Since it is easy to press one
1400 @key{RET} too many in this situation, @value{GDBN} disables command
1401 repetition after any command that generates this sort of display.
1402
1403 @kindex # @r{(a comment)}
1404 @cindex comment
1405 Any text from a @kbd{#} to the end of the line is a comment; it does
1406 nothing. This is useful mainly in command files (@pxref{Command
1407 Files,,Command Files}).
1408
1409 @cindex repeating command sequences
1410 @kindex Ctrl-o @r{(operate-and-get-next)}
1411 The @kbd{Ctrl-o} binding is useful for repeating a complex sequence of
1412 commands. This command accepts the current line, like @key{RET}, and
1413 then fetches the next line relative to the current line from the history
1414 for editing.
1415
1416 @node Completion
1417 @section Command Completion
1418
1419 @cindex completion
1420 @cindex word completion
1421 @value{GDBN} can fill in the rest of a word in a command for you, if there is
1422 only one possibility; it can also show you what the valid possibilities
1423 are for the next word in a command, at any time. This works for @value{GDBN}
1424 commands, @value{GDBN} subcommands, and the names of symbols in your program.
1425
1426 Press the @key{TAB} key whenever you want @value{GDBN} to fill out the rest
1427 of a word. If there is only one possibility, @value{GDBN} fills in the
1428 word, and waits for you to finish the command (or press @key{RET} to
1429 enter it). For example, if you type
1430
1431 @c FIXME "@key" does not distinguish its argument sufficiently to permit
1432 @c complete accuracy in these examples; space introduced for clarity.
1433 @c If texinfo enhancements make it unnecessary, it would be nice to
1434 @c replace " @key" by "@key" in the following...
1435 @smallexample
1436 (@value{GDBP}) info bre @key{TAB}
1437 @end smallexample
1438
1439 @noindent
1440 @value{GDBN} fills in the rest of the word @samp{breakpoints}, since that is
1441 the only @code{info} subcommand beginning with @samp{bre}:
1442
1443 @smallexample
1444 (@value{GDBP}) info breakpoints
1445 @end smallexample
1446
1447 @noindent
1448 You can either press @key{RET} at this point, to run the @code{info
1449 breakpoints} command, or backspace and enter something else, if
1450 @samp{breakpoints} does not look like the command you expected. (If you
1451 were sure you wanted @code{info breakpoints} in the first place, you
1452 might as well just type @key{RET} immediately after @samp{info bre},
1453 to exploit command abbreviations rather than command completion).
1454
1455 If there is more than one possibility for the next word when you press
1456 @key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} sounds a bell. You can either supply more
1457 characters and try again, or just press @key{TAB} a second time;
1458 @value{GDBN} displays all the possible completions for that word. For
1459 example, you might want to set a breakpoint on a subroutine whose name
1460 begins with @samp{make_}, but when you type @kbd{b make_@key{TAB}} @value{GDBN}
1461 just sounds the bell. Typing @key{TAB} again displays all the
1462 function names in your program that begin with those characters, for
1463 example:
1464
1465 @smallexample
1466 (@value{GDBP}) b make_ @key{TAB}
1467 @exdent @value{GDBN} sounds bell; press @key{TAB} again, to see:
1468 make_a_section_from_file make_environ
1469 make_abs_section make_function_type
1470 make_blockvector make_pointer_type
1471 make_cleanup make_reference_type
1472 make_command make_symbol_completion_list
1473 (@value{GDBP}) b make_
1474 @end smallexample
1475
1476 @noindent
1477 After displaying the available possibilities, @value{GDBN} copies your
1478 partial input (@samp{b make_} in the example) so you can finish the
1479 command.
1480
1481 If you just want to see the list of alternatives in the first place, you
1482 can press @kbd{M-?} rather than pressing @key{TAB} twice. @kbd{M-?}
1483 means @kbd{@key{META} ?}. You can type this either by holding down a
1484 key designated as the @key{META} shift on your keyboard (if there is
1485 one) while typing @kbd{?}, or as @key{ESC} followed by @kbd{?}.
1486
1487 @cindex quotes in commands
1488 @cindex completion of quoted strings
1489 Sometimes the string you need, while logically a ``word'', may contain
1490 parentheses or other characters that @value{GDBN} normally excludes from
1491 its notion of a word. To permit word completion to work in this
1492 situation, you may enclose words in @code{'} (single quote marks) in
1493 @value{GDBN} commands.
1494
1495 The most likely situation where you might need this is in typing the
1496 name of a C@t{++} function. This is because C@t{++} allows function
1497 overloading (multiple definitions of the same function, distinguished
1498 by argument type). For example, when you want to set a breakpoint you
1499 may need to distinguish whether you mean the version of @code{name}
1500 that takes an @code{int} parameter, @code{name(int)}, or the version
1501 that takes a @code{float} parameter, @code{name(float)}. To use the
1502 word-completion facilities in this situation, type a single quote
1503 @code{'} at the beginning of the function name. This alerts
1504 @value{GDBN} that it may need to consider more information than usual
1505 when you press @key{TAB} or @kbd{M-?} to request word completion:
1506
1507 @smallexample
1508 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble( @kbd{M-?}
1509 bubble(double,double) bubble(int,int)
1510 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1511 @end smallexample
1512
1513 In some cases, @value{GDBN} can tell that completing a name requires using
1514 quotes. When this happens, @value{GDBN} inserts the quote for you (while
1515 completing as much as it can) if you do not type the quote in the first
1516 place:
1517
1518 @smallexample
1519 (@value{GDBP}) b bub @key{TAB}
1520 @exdent @value{GDBN} alters your input line to the following, and rings a bell:
1521 (@value{GDBP}) b 'bubble(
1522 @end smallexample
1523
1524 @noindent
1525 In general, @value{GDBN} can tell that a quote is needed (and inserts it) if
1526 you have not yet started typing the argument list when you ask for
1527 completion on an overloaded symbol.
1528
1529 For more information about overloaded functions, see @ref{C Plus Plus
1530 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}. You can use the command @code{set
1531 overload-resolution off} to disable overload resolution;
1532 see @ref{Debugging C Plus Plus, ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
1533
1534 @cindex completion of structure field names
1535 @cindex structure field name completion
1536 @cindex completion of union field names
1537 @cindex union field name completion
1538 When completing in an expression which looks up a field in a
1539 structure, @value{GDBN} also tries@footnote{The completer can be
1540 confused by certain kinds of invalid expressions. Also, it only
1541 examines the static type of the expression, not the dynamic type.} to
1542 limit completions to the field names available in the type of the
1543 left-hand-side:
1544
1545 @smallexample
1546 (@value{GDBP}) p gdb_stdout.@kbd{M-?}
1547 magic to_delete to_fputs to_put to_rewind
1548 to_data to_flush to_isatty to_read to_write
1549 @end smallexample
1550
1551 @noindent
1552 This is because the @code{gdb_stdout} is a variable of the type
1553 @code{struct ui_file} that is defined in @value{GDBN} sources as
1554 follows:
1555
1556 @smallexample
1557 struct ui_file
1558 @{
1559 int *magic;
1560 ui_file_flush_ftype *to_flush;
1561 ui_file_write_ftype *to_write;
1562 ui_file_fputs_ftype *to_fputs;
1563 ui_file_read_ftype *to_read;
1564 ui_file_delete_ftype *to_delete;
1565 ui_file_isatty_ftype *to_isatty;
1566 ui_file_rewind_ftype *to_rewind;
1567 ui_file_put_ftype *to_put;
1568 void *to_data;
1569 @}
1570 @end smallexample
1571
1572
1573 @node Help
1574 @section Getting Help
1575 @cindex online documentation
1576 @kindex help
1577
1578 You can always ask @value{GDBN} itself for information on its commands,
1579 using the command @code{help}.
1580
1581 @table @code
1582 @kindex h @r{(@code{help})}
1583 @item help
1584 @itemx h
1585 You can use @code{help} (abbreviated @code{h}) with no arguments to
1586 display a short list of named classes of commands:
1587
1588 @smallexample
1589 (@value{GDBP}) help
1590 List of classes of commands:
1591
1592 aliases -- Aliases of other commands
1593 breakpoints -- Making program stop at certain points
1594 data -- Examining data
1595 files -- Specifying and examining files
1596 internals -- Maintenance commands
1597 obscure -- Obscure features
1598 running -- Running the program
1599 stack -- Examining the stack
1600 status -- Status inquiries
1601 support -- Support facilities
1602 tracepoints -- Tracing of program execution without
1603 stopping the program
1604 user-defined -- User-defined commands
1605
1606 Type "help" followed by a class name for a list of
1607 commands in that class.
1608 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1609 documentation.
1610 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1611 (@value{GDBP})
1612 @end smallexample
1613 @c the above line break eliminates huge line overfull...
1614
1615 @item help @var{class}
1616 Using one of the general help classes as an argument, you can get a
1617 list of the individual commands in that class. For example, here is the
1618 help display for the class @code{status}:
1619
1620 @smallexample
1621 (@value{GDBP}) help status
1622 Status inquiries.
1623
1624 List of commands:
1625
1626 @c Line break in "show" line falsifies real output, but needed
1627 @c to fit in smallbook page size.
1628 info -- Generic command for showing things
1629 about the program being debugged
1630 show -- Generic command for showing things
1631 about the debugger
1632
1633 Type "help" followed by command name for full
1634 documentation.
1635 Command name abbreviations are allowed if unambiguous.
1636 (@value{GDBP})
1637 @end smallexample
1638
1639 @item help @var{command}
1640 With a command name as @code{help} argument, @value{GDBN} displays a
1641 short paragraph on how to use that command.
1642
1643 @kindex apropos
1644 @item apropos @var{args}
1645 The @code{apropos} command searches through all of the @value{GDBN}
1646 commands, and their documentation, for the regular expression specified in
1647 @var{args}. It prints out all matches found. For example:
1648
1649 @smallexample
1650 apropos reload
1651 @end smallexample
1652
1653 @noindent
1654 results in:
1655
1656 @smallexample
1657 @c @group
1658 set symbol-reloading -- Set dynamic symbol table reloading
1659 multiple times in one run
1660 show symbol-reloading -- Show dynamic symbol table reloading
1661 multiple times in one run
1662 @c @end group
1663 @end smallexample
1664
1665 @kindex complete
1666 @item complete @var{args}
1667 The @code{complete @var{args}} command lists all the possible completions
1668 for the beginning of a command. Use @var{args} to specify the beginning of the
1669 command you want completed. For example:
1670
1671 @smallexample
1672 complete i
1673 @end smallexample
1674
1675 @noindent results in:
1676
1677 @smallexample
1678 @group
1679 if
1680 ignore
1681 info
1682 inspect
1683 @end group
1684 @end smallexample
1685
1686 @noindent This is intended for use by @sc{gnu} Emacs.
1687 @end table
1688
1689 In addition to @code{help}, you can use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{info}
1690 and @code{show} to inquire about the state of your program, or the state
1691 of @value{GDBN} itself. Each command supports many topics of inquiry; this
1692 manual introduces each of them in the appropriate context. The listings
1693 under @code{info} and under @code{show} in the Index point to
1694 all the sub-commands. @xref{Index}.
1695
1696 @c @group
1697 @table @code
1698 @kindex info
1699 @kindex i @r{(@code{info})}
1700 @item info
1701 This command (abbreviated @code{i}) is for describing the state of your
1702 program. For example, you can show the arguments passed to a function
1703 with @code{info args}, list the registers currently in use with @code{info
1704 registers}, or list the breakpoints you have set with @code{info breakpoints}.
1705 You can get a complete list of the @code{info} sub-commands with
1706 @w{@code{help info}}.
1707
1708 @kindex set
1709 @item set
1710 You can assign the result of an expression to an environment variable with
1711 @code{set}. For example, you can set the @value{GDBN} prompt to a $-sign with
1712 @code{set prompt $}.
1713
1714 @kindex show
1715 @item show
1716 In contrast to @code{info}, @code{show} is for describing the state of
1717 @value{GDBN} itself.
1718 You can change most of the things you can @code{show}, by using the
1719 related command @code{set}; for example, you can control what number
1720 system is used for displays with @code{set radix}, or simply inquire
1721 which is currently in use with @code{show radix}.
1722
1723 @kindex info set
1724 To display all the settable parameters and their current
1725 values, you can use @code{show} with no arguments; you may also use
1726 @code{info set}. Both commands produce the same display.
1727 @c FIXME: "info set" violates the rule that "info" is for state of
1728 @c FIXME...program. Ck w/ GNU: "info set" to be called something else,
1729 @c FIXME...or change desc of rule---eg "state of prog and debugging session"?
1730 @end table
1731 @c @end group
1732
1733 Here are three miscellaneous @code{show} subcommands, all of which are
1734 exceptional in lacking corresponding @code{set} commands:
1735
1736 @table @code
1737 @kindex show version
1738 @cindex @value{GDBN} version number
1739 @item show version
1740 Show what version of @value{GDBN} is running. You should include this
1741 information in @value{GDBN} bug-reports. If multiple versions of
1742 @value{GDBN} are in use at your site, you may need to determine which
1743 version of @value{GDBN} you are running; as @value{GDBN} evolves, new
1744 commands are introduced, and old ones may wither away. Also, many
1745 system vendors ship variant versions of @value{GDBN}, and there are
1746 variant versions of @value{GDBN} in @sc{gnu}/Linux distributions as well.
1747 The version number is the same as the one announced when you start
1748 @value{GDBN}.
1749
1750 @kindex show copying
1751 @kindex info copying
1752 @cindex display @value{GDBN} copyright
1753 @item show copying
1754 @itemx info copying
1755 Display information about permission for copying @value{GDBN}.
1756
1757 @kindex show warranty
1758 @kindex info warranty
1759 @item show warranty
1760 @itemx info warranty
1761 Display the @sc{gnu} ``NO WARRANTY'' statement, or a warranty,
1762 if your version of @value{GDBN} comes with one.
1763
1764 @end table
1765
1766 @node Running
1767 @chapter Running Programs Under @value{GDBN}
1768
1769 When you run a program under @value{GDBN}, you must first generate
1770 debugging information when you compile it.
1771
1772 You may start @value{GDBN} with its arguments, if any, in an environment
1773 of your choice. If you are doing native debugging, you may redirect
1774 your program's input and output, debug an already running process, or
1775 kill a child process.
1776
1777 @menu
1778 * Compilation:: Compiling for debugging
1779 * Starting:: Starting your program
1780 * Arguments:: Your program's arguments
1781 * Environment:: Your program's environment
1782
1783 * Working Directory:: Your program's working directory
1784 * Input/Output:: Your program's input and output
1785 * Attach:: Debugging an already-running process
1786 * Kill Process:: Killing the child process
1787
1788 * Threads:: Debugging programs with multiple threads
1789 * Processes:: Debugging programs with multiple processes
1790 * Checkpoint/Restart:: Setting a @emph{bookmark} to return to later
1791 @end menu
1792
1793 @node Compilation
1794 @section Compiling for Debugging
1795
1796 In order to debug a program effectively, you need to generate
1797 debugging information when you compile it. This debugging information
1798 is stored in the object file; it describes the data type of each
1799 variable or function and the correspondence between source line numbers
1800 and addresses in the executable code.
1801
1802 To request debugging information, specify the @samp{-g} option when you run
1803 the compiler.
1804
1805 Programs that are to be shipped to your customers are compiled with
1806 optimizations, using the @samp{-O} compiler option. However, many
1807 compilers are unable to handle the @samp{-g} and @samp{-O} options
1808 together. Using those compilers, you cannot generate optimized
1809 executables containing debugging information.
1810
1811 @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler, supports @samp{-g} with or
1812 without @samp{-O}, making it possible to debug optimized code. We
1813 recommend that you @emph{always} use @samp{-g} whenever you compile a
1814 program. You may think your program is correct, but there is no sense
1815 in pushing your luck.
1816
1817 @cindex optimized code, debugging
1818 @cindex debugging optimized code
1819 When you debug a program compiled with @samp{-g -O}, remember that the
1820 optimizer is rearranging your code; the debugger shows you what is
1821 really there. Do not be too surprised when the execution path does not
1822 exactly match your source file! An extreme example: if you define a
1823 variable, but never use it, @value{GDBN} never sees that
1824 variable---because the compiler optimizes it out of existence.
1825
1826 Some things do not work as well with @samp{-g -O} as with just
1827 @samp{-g}, particularly on machines with instruction scheduling. If in
1828 doubt, recompile with @samp{-g} alone, and if this fixes the problem,
1829 please report it to us as a bug (including a test case!).
1830 @xref{Variables}, for more information about debugging optimized code.
1831
1832 Older versions of the @sc{gnu} C compiler permitted a variant option
1833 @w{@samp{-gg}} for debugging information. @value{GDBN} no longer supports this
1834 format; if your @sc{gnu} C compiler has this option, do not use it.
1835
1836 @value{GDBN} knows about preprocessor macros and can show you their
1837 expansion (@pxref{Macros}). Most compilers do not include information
1838 about preprocessor macros in the debugging information if you specify
1839 the @option{-g} flag alone, because this information is rather large.
1840 Version 3.1 and later of @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C compiler,
1841 provides macro information if you specify the options
1842 @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3}; the former option requests
1843 debugging information in the Dwarf 2 format, and the latter requests
1844 ``extra information''. In the future, we hope to find more compact
1845 ways to represent macro information, so that it can be included with
1846 @option{-g} alone.
1847
1848 @need 2000
1849 @node Starting
1850 @section Starting your Program
1851 @cindex starting
1852 @cindex running
1853
1854 @table @code
1855 @kindex run
1856 @kindex r @r{(@code{run})}
1857 @item run
1858 @itemx r
1859 Use the @code{run} command to start your program under @value{GDBN}.
1860 You must first specify the program name (except on VxWorks) with an
1861 argument to @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Invocation, ,Getting In and Out of
1862 @value{GDBN}}), or by using the @code{file} or @code{exec-file} command
1863 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
1864
1865 @end table
1866
1867 If you are running your program in an execution environment that
1868 supports processes, @code{run} creates an inferior process and makes
1869 that process run your program. In some environments without processes,
1870 @code{run} jumps to the start of your program. Other targets,
1871 like @samp{remote}, are always running. If you get an error
1872 message like this one:
1873
1874 @smallexample
1875 The "remote" target does not support "run".
1876 Try "help target" or "continue".
1877 @end smallexample
1878
1879 @noindent
1880 then use @code{continue} to run your program. You may need @code{load}
1881 first (@pxref{load}).
1882
1883 The execution of a program is affected by certain information it
1884 receives from its superior. @value{GDBN} provides ways to specify this
1885 information, which you must do @emph{before} starting your program. (You
1886 can change it after starting your program, but such changes only affect
1887 your program the next time you start it.) This information may be
1888 divided into four categories:
1889
1890 @table @asis
1891 @item The @emph{arguments.}
1892 Specify the arguments to give your program as the arguments of the
1893 @code{run} command. If a shell is available on your target, the shell
1894 is used to pass the arguments, so that you may use normal conventions
1895 (such as wildcard expansion or variable substitution) in describing
1896 the arguments.
1897 In Unix systems, you can control which shell is used with the
1898 @code{SHELL} environment variable.
1899 @xref{Arguments, ,Your Program's Arguments}.
1900
1901 @item The @emph{environment.}
1902 Your program normally inherits its environment from @value{GDBN}, but you can
1903 use the @value{GDBN} commands @code{set environment} and @code{unset
1904 environment} to change parts of the environment that affect
1905 your program. @xref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}.
1906
1907 @item The @emph{working directory.}
1908 Your program inherits its working directory from @value{GDBN}. You can set
1909 the @value{GDBN} working directory with the @code{cd} command in @value{GDBN}.
1910 @xref{Working Directory, ,Your Program's Working Directory}.
1911
1912 @item The @emph{standard input and output.}
1913 Your program normally uses the same device for standard input and
1914 standard output as @value{GDBN} is using. You can redirect input and output
1915 in the @code{run} command line, or you can use the @code{tty} command to
1916 set a different device for your program.
1917 @xref{Input/Output, ,Your Program's Input and Output}.
1918
1919 @cindex pipes
1920 @emph{Warning:} While input and output redirection work, you cannot use
1921 pipes to pass the output of the program you are debugging to another
1922 program; if you attempt this, @value{GDBN} is likely to wind up debugging the
1923 wrong program.
1924 @end table
1925
1926 When you issue the @code{run} command, your program begins to execute
1927 immediately. @xref{Stopping, ,Stopping and Continuing}, for discussion
1928 of how to arrange for your program to stop. Once your program has
1929 stopped, you may call functions in your program, using the @code{print}
1930 or @code{call} commands. @xref{Data, ,Examining Data}.
1931
1932 If the modification time of your symbol file has changed since the last
1933 time @value{GDBN} read its symbols, @value{GDBN} discards its symbol
1934 table, and reads it again. When it does this, @value{GDBN} tries to retain
1935 your current breakpoints.
1936
1937 @table @code
1938 @kindex start
1939 @item start
1940 @cindex run to main procedure
1941 The name of the main procedure can vary from language to language.
1942 With C or C@t{++}, the main procedure name is always @code{main}, but
1943 other languages such as Ada do not require a specific name for their
1944 main procedure. The debugger provides a convenient way to start the
1945 execution of the program and to stop at the beginning of the main
1946 procedure, depending on the language used.
1947
1948 The @samp{start} command does the equivalent of setting a temporary
1949 breakpoint at the beginning of the main procedure and then invoking
1950 the @samp{run} command.
1951
1952 @cindex elaboration phase
1953 Some programs contain an @dfn{elaboration} phase where some startup code is
1954 executed before the main procedure is called. This depends on the
1955 languages used to write your program. In C@t{++}, for instance,
1956 constructors for static and global objects are executed before
1957 @code{main} is called. It is therefore possible that the debugger stops
1958 before reaching the main procedure. However, the temporary breakpoint
1959 will remain to halt execution.
1960
1961 Specify the arguments to give to your program as arguments to the
1962 @samp{start} command. These arguments will be given verbatim to the
1963 underlying @samp{run} command. Note that the same arguments will be
1964 reused if no argument is provided during subsequent calls to
1965 @samp{start} or @samp{run}.
1966
1967 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration. In
1968 these cases, using the @code{start} command would stop the execution of
1969 your program too late, as the program would have already completed the
1970 elaboration phase. Under these circumstances, insert breakpoints in your
1971 elaboration code before running your program.
1972
1973 @kindex set exec-wrapper
1974 @item set exec-wrapper @var{wrapper}
1975 @itemx show exec-wrapper
1976 @itemx unset exec-wrapper
1977 When @samp{exec-wrapper} is set, the specified wrapper is used to
1978 launch programs for debugging. @value{GDBN} starts your program
1979 with a shell command of the form @kbd{exec @var{wrapper}
1980 @var{program}}. Quoting is added to @var{program} and its
1981 arguments, but not to @var{wrapper}, so you should add quotes if
1982 appropriate for your shell. The wrapper runs until it executes
1983 your program, and then @value{GDBN} takes control.
1984
1985 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
1986 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
1987 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
1988 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
1989
1990 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
1991 the debugged program, without setting the variable in your shell's
1992 environment:
1993
1994 @smallexample
1995 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper env 'LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so'
1996 (@value{GDBP}) run
1997 @end smallexample
1998
1999 This command is available when debugging locally on most targets, excluding
2000 @sc{djgpp}, Cygwin, MS Windows, and QNX Neutrino.
2001
2002 @kindex set disable-randomization
2003 @item set disable-randomization
2004 @itemx set disable-randomization on
2005 This option (enabled by default in @value{GDBN}) will turn off the native
2006 randomization of the virtual address space of the started program. This option
2007 is useful for multiple debugging sessions to make the execution better
2008 reproducible and memory addresses reusable across debugging sessions.
2009
2010 This feature is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux. You can get the same
2011 behavior using
2012
2013 @smallexample
2014 (@value{GDBP}) set exec-wrapper setarch `uname -m` -R
2015 @end smallexample
2016
2017 @item set disable-randomization off
2018 Leave the behavior of the started executable unchanged. Some bugs rear their
2019 ugly heads only when the program is loaded at certain addresses. If your bug
2020 disappears when you run the program under @value{GDBN}, that might be because
2021 @value{GDBN} by default disables the address randomization on platforms, such
2022 as @sc{gnu}/Linux, which do that for stand-alone programs. Use @kbd{set
2023 disable-randomization off} to try to reproduce such elusive bugs.
2024
2025 The virtual address space randomization is implemented only on @sc{gnu}/Linux.
2026 It protects the programs against some kinds of security attacks. In these
2027 cases the attacker needs to know the exact location of a concrete executable
2028 code. Randomizing its location makes it impossible to inject jumps misusing
2029 a code at its expected addresses.
2030
2031 Prelinking shared libraries provides a startup performance advantage but it
2032 makes addresses in these libraries predictable for privileged processes by
2033 having just unprivileged access at the target system. Reading the shared
2034 library binary gives enough information for assembling the malicious code
2035 misusing it. Still even a prelinked shared library can get loaded at a new
2036 random address just requiring the regular relocation process during the
2037 startup. Shared libraries not already prelinked are always loaded at
2038 a randomly chosen address.
2039
2040 Position independent executables (PIE) contain position independent code
2041 similar to the shared libraries and therefore such executables get loaded at
2042 a randomly chosen address upon startup. PIE executables always load even
2043 already prelinked shared libraries at a random address. You can build such
2044 executable using @command{gcc -fPIE -pie}.
2045
2046 Heap (malloc storage), stack and custom mmap areas are always placed randomly
2047 (as long as the randomization is enabled).
2048
2049 @item show disable-randomization
2050 Show the current setting of the explicit disable of the native randomization of
2051 the virtual address space of the started program.
2052
2053 @end table
2054
2055 @node Arguments
2056 @section Your Program's Arguments
2057
2058 @cindex arguments (to your program)
2059 The arguments to your program can be specified by the arguments of the
2060 @code{run} command.
2061 They are passed to a shell, which expands wildcard characters and
2062 performs redirection of I/O, and thence to your program. Your
2063 @code{SHELL} environment variable (if it exists) specifies what shell
2064 @value{GDBN} uses. If you do not define @code{SHELL}, @value{GDBN} uses
2065 the default shell (@file{/bin/sh} on Unix).
2066
2067 On non-Unix systems, the program is usually invoked directly by
2068 @value{GDBN}, which emulates I/O redirection via the appropriate system
2069 calls, and the wildcard characters are expanded by the startup code of
2070 the program, not by the shell.
2071
2072 @code{run} with no arguments uses the same arguments used by the previous
2073 @code{run}, or those set by the @code{set args} command.
2074
2075 @table @code
2076 @kindex set args
2077 @item set args
2078 Specify the arguments to be used the next time your program is run. If
2079 @code{set args} has no arguments, @code{run} executes your program
2080 with no arguments. Once you have run your program with arguments,
2081 using @code{set args} before the next @code{run} is the only way to run
2082 it again without arguments.
2083
2084 @kindex show args
2085 @item show args
2086 Show the arguments to give your program when it is started.
2087 @end table
2088
2089 @node Environment
2090 @section Your Program's Environment
2091
2092 @cindex environment (of your program)
2093 The @dfn{environment} consists of a set of environment variables and
2094 their values. Environment variables conventionally record such things as
2095 your user name, your home directory, your terminal type, and your search
2096 path for programs to run. Usually you set up environment variables with
2097 the shell and they are inherited by all the other programs you run. When
2098 debugging, it can be useful to try running your program with a modified
2099 environment without having to start @value{GDBN} over again.
2100
2101 @table @code
2102 @kindex path
2103 @item path @var{directory}
2104 Add @var{directory} to the front of the @code{PATH} environment variable
2105 (the search path for executables) that will be passed to your program.
2106 The value of @code{PATH} used by @value{GDBN} does not change.
2107 You may specify several directory names, separated by whitespace or by a
2108 system-dependent separator character (@samp{:} on Unix, @samp{;} on
2109 MS-DOS and MS-Windows). If @var{directory} is already in the path, it
2110 is moved to the front, so it is searched sooner.
2111
2112 You can use the string @samp{$cwd} to refer to whatever is the current
2113 working directory at the time @value{GDBN} searches the path. If you
2114 use @samp{.} instead, it refers to the directory where you executed the
2115 @code{path} command. @value{GDBN} replaces @samp{.} in the
2116 @var{directory} argument (with the current path) before adding
2117 @var{directory} to the search path.
2118 @c 'path' is explicitly nonrepeatable, but RMS points out it is silly to
2119 @c document that, since repeating it would be a no-op.
2120
2121 @kindex show paths
2122 @item show paths
2123 Display the list of search paths for executables (the @code{PATH}
2124 environment variable).
2125
2126 @kindex show environment
2127 @item show environment @r{[}@var{varname}@r{]}
2128 Print the value of environment variable @var{varname} to be given to
2129 your program when it starts. If you do not supply @var{varname},
2130 print the names and values of all environment variables to be given to
2131 your program. You can abbreviate @code{environment} as @code{env}.
2132
2133 @kindex set environment
2134 @item set environment @var{varname} @r{[}=@var{value}@r{]}
2135 Set environment variable @var{varname} to @var{value}. The value
2136 changes for your program only, not for @value{GDBN} itself. @var{value} may
2137 be any string; the values of environment variables are just strings, and
2138 any interpretation is supplied by your program itself. The @var{value}
2139 parameter is optional; if it is eliminated, the variable is set to a
2140 null value.
2141 @c "any string" here does not include leading, trailing
2142 @c blanks. Gnu asks: does anyone care?
2143
2144 For example, this command:
2145
2146 @smallexample
2147 set env USER = foo
2148 @end smallexample
2149
2150 @noindent
2151 tells the debugged program, when subsequently run, that its user is named
2152 @samp{foo}. (The spaces around @samp{=} are used for clarity here; they
2153 are not actually required.)
2154
2155 @kindex unset environment
2156 @item unset environment @var{varname}
2157 Remove variable @var{varname} from the environment to be passed to your
2158 program. This is different from @samp{set env @var{varname} =};
2159 @code{unset environment} removes the variable from the environment,
2160 rather than assigning it an empty value.
2161 @end table
2162
2163 @emph{Warning:} On Unix systems, @value{GDBN} runs your program using
2164 the shell indicated
2165 by your @code{SHELL} environment variable if it exists (or
2166 @code{/bin/sh} if not). If your @code{SHELL} variable names a shell
2167 that runs an initialization file---such as @file{.cshrc} for C-shell, or
2168 @file{.bashrc} for BASH---any variables you set in that file affect
2169 your program. You may wish to move setting of environment variables to
2170 files that are only run when you sign on, such as @file{.login} or
2171 @file{.profile}.
2172
2173 @node Working Directory
2174 @section Your Program's Working Directory
2175
2176 @cindex working directory (of your program)
2177 Each time you start your program with @code{run}, it inherits its
2178 working directory from the current working directory of @value{GDBN}.
2179 The @value{GDBN} working directory is initially whatever it inherited
2180 from its parent process (typically the shell), but you can specify a new
2181 working directory in @value{GDBN} with the @code{cd} command.
2182
2183 The @value{GDBN} working directory also serves as a default for the commands
2184 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2185 Specify Files}.
2186
2187 @table @code
2188 @kindex cd
2189 @cindex change working directory
2190 @item cd @var{directory}
2191 Set the @value{GDBN} working directory to @var{directory}.
2192
2193 @kindex pwd
2194 @item pwd
2195 Print the @value{GDBN} working directory.
2196 @end table
2197
2198 It is generally impossible to find the current working directory of
2199 the process being debugged (since a program can change its directory
2200 during its run). If you work on a system where @value{GDBN} is
2201 configured with the @file{/proc} support, you can use the @code{info
2202 proc} command (@pxref{SVR4 Process Information}) to find out the
2203 current working directory of the debuggee.
2204
2205 @node Input/Output
2206 @section Your Program's Input and Output
2207
2208 @cindex redirection
2209 @cindex i/o
2210 @cindex terminal
2211 By default, the program you run under @value{GDBN} does input and output to
2212 the same terminal that @value{GDBN} uses. @value{GDBN} switches the terminal
2213 to its own terminal modes to interact with you, but it records the terminal
2214 modes your program was using and switches back to them when you continue
2215 running your program.
2216
2217 @table @code
2218 @kindex info terminal
2219 @item info terminal
2220 Displays information recorded by @value{GDBN} about the terminal modes your
2221 program is using.
2222 @end table
2223
2224 You can redirect your program's input and/or output using shell
2225 redirection with the @code{run} command. For example,
2226
2227 @smallexample
2228 run > outfile
2229 @end smallexample
2230
2231 @noindent
2232 starts your program, diverting its output to the file @file{outfile}.
2233
2234 @kindex tty
2235 @cindex controlling terminal
2236 Another way to specify where your program should do input and output is
2237 with the @code{tty} command. This command accepts a file name as
2238 argument, and causes this file to be the default for future @code{run}
2239 commands. It also resets the controlling terminal for the child
2240 process, for future @code{run} commands. For example,
2241
2242 @smallexample
2243 tty /dev/ttyb
2244 @end smallexample
2245
2246 @noindent
2247 directs that processes started with subsequent @code{run} commands
2248 default to do input and output on the terminal @file{/dev/ttyb} and have
2249 that as their controlling terminal.
2250
2251 An explicit redirection in @code{run} overrides the @code{tty} command's
2252 effect on the input/output device, but not its effect on the controlling
2253 terminal.
2254
2255 When you use the @code{tty} command or redirect input in the @code{run}
2256 command, only the input @emph{for your program} is affected. The input
2257 for @value{GDBN} still comes from your terminal. @code{tty} is an alias
2258 for @code{set inferior-tty}.
2259
2260 @cindex inferior tty
2261 @cindex set inferior controlling terminal
2262 You can use the @code{show inferior-tty} command to tell @value{GDBN} to
2263 display the name of the terminal that will be used for future runs of your
2264 program.
2265
2266 @table @code
2267 @item set inferior-tty /dev/ttyb
2268 @kindex set inferior-tty
2269 Set the tty for the program being debugged to /dev/ttyb.
2270
2271 @item show inferior-tty
2272 @kindex show inferior-tty
2273 Show the current tty for the program being debugged.
2274 @end table
2275
2276 @node Attach
2277 @section Debugging an Already-running Process
2278 @kindex attach
2279 @cindex attach
2280
2281 @table @code
2282 @item attach @var{process-id}
2283 This command attaches to a running process---one that was started
2284 outside @value{GDBN}. (@code{info files} shows your active
2285 targets.) The command takes as argument a process ID. The usual way to
2286 find out the @var{process-id} of a Unix process is with the @code{ps} utility,
2287 or with the @samp{jobs -l} shell command.
2288
2289 @code{attach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} a second time after
2290 executing the command.
2291 @end table
2292
2293 To use @code{attach}, your program must be running in an environment
2294 which supports processes; for example, @code{attach} does not work for
2295 programs on bare-board targets that lack an operating system. You must
2296 also have permission to send the process a signal.
2297
2298 When you use @code{attach}, the debugger finds the program running in
2299 the process first by looking in the current working directory, then (if
2300 the program is not found) by using the source file search path
2301 (@pxref{Source Path, ,Specifying Source Directories}). You can also use
2302 the @code{file} command to load the program. @xref{Files, ,Commands to
2303 Specify Files}.
2304
2305 The first thing @value{GDBN} does after arranging to debug the specified
2306 process is to stop it. You can examine and modify an attached process
2307 with all the @value{GDBN} commands that are ordinarily available when
2308 you start processes with @code{run}. You can insert breakpoints; you
2309 can step and continue; you can modify storage. If you would rather the
2310 process continue running, you may use the @code{continue} command after
2311 attaching @value{GDBN} to the process.
2312
2313 @table @code
2314 @kindex detach
2315 @item detach
2316 When you have finished debugging the attached process, you can use the
2317 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control. Detaching
2318 the process continues its execution. After the @code{detach} command,
2319 that process and @value{GDBN} become completely independent once more, and you
2320 are ready to @code{attach} another process or start one with @code{run}.
2321 @code{detach} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
2322 executing the command.
2323 @end table
2324
2325 If you exit @value{GDBN} while you have an attached process, you detach
2326 that process. If you use the @code{run} command, you kill that process.
2327 By default, @value{GDBN} asks for confirmation if you try to do either of these
2328 things; you can control whether or not you need to confirm by using the
2329 @code{set confirm} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
2330 Messages}).
2331
2332 @node Kill Process
2333 @section Killing the Child Process
2334
2335 @table @code
2336 @kindex kill
2337 @item kill
2338 Kill the child process in which your program is running under @value{GDBN}.
2339 @end table
2340
2341 This command is useful if you wish to debug a core dump instead of a
2342 running process. @value{GDBN} ignores any core dump file while your program
2343 is running.
2344
2345 On some operating systems, a program cannot be executed outside @value{GDBN}
2346 while you have breakpoints set on it inside @value{GDBN}. You can use the
2347 @code{kill} command in this situation to permit running your program
2348 outside the debugger.
2349
2350 The @code{kill} command is also useful if you wish to recompile and
2351 relink your program, since on many systems it is impossible to modify an
2352 executable file while it is running in a process. In this case, when you
2353 next type @code{run}, @value{GDBN} notices that the file has changed, and
2354 reads the symbol table again (while trying to preserve your current
2355 breakpoint settings).
2356
2357 @node Threads
2358 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads
2359
2360 @cindex threads of execution
2361 @cindex multiple threads
2362 @cindex switching threads
2363 In some operating systems, such as HP-UX and Solaris, a single program
2364 may have more than one @dfn{thread} of execution. The precise semantics
2365 of threads differ from one operating system to another, but in general
2366 the threads of a single program are akin to multiple processes---except
2367 that they share one address space (that is, they can all examine and
2368 modify the same variables). On the other hand, each thread has its own
2369 registers and execution stack, and perhaps private memory.
2370
2371 @value{GDBN} provides these facilities for debugging multi-thread
2372 programs:
2373
2374 @itemize @bullet
2375 @item automatic notification of new threads
2376 @item @samp{thread @var{threadno}}, a command to switch among threads
2377 @item @samp{info threads}, a command to inquire about existing threads
2378 @item @samp{thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{args}},
2379 a command to apply a command to a list of threads
2380 @item thread-specific breakpoints
2381 @item @samp{set print thread-events}, which controls printing of
2382 messages on thread start and exit.
2383 @end itemize
2384
2385 @quotation
2386 @emph{Warning:} These facilities are not yet available on every
2387 @value{GDBN} configuration where the operating system supports threads.
2388 If your @value{GDBN} does not support threads, these commands have no
2389 effect. For example, a system without thread support shows no output
2390 from @samp{info threads}, and always rejects the @code{thread} command,
2391 like this:
2392
2393 @smallexample
2394 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2395 (@value{GDBP}) thread 1
2396 Thread ID 1 not known. Use the "info threads" command to
2397 see the IDs of currently known threads.
2398 @end smallexample
2399 @c FIXME to implementors: how hard would it be to say "sorry, this GDB
2400 @c doesn't support threads"?
2401 @end quotation
2402
2403 @cindex focus of debugging
2404 @cindex current thread
2405 The @value{GDBN} thread debugging facility allows you to observe all
2406 threads while your program runs---but whenever @value{GDBN} takes
2407 control, one thread in particular is always the focus of debugging.
2408 This thread is called the @dfn{current thread}. Debugging commands show
2409 program information from the perspective of the current thread.
2410
2411 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message
2412 @cindex thread identifier (system)
2413 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2414 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2415 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2416 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2417 the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2418 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2419 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2420 @sc{gnu}/Linux, you might see
2421
2422 @smallexample
2423 [New Thread 46912507313328 (LWP 25582)]
2424 @end smallexample
2425
2426 @noindent
2427 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread. In contrast, on an SGI system,
2428 the @var{systag} is simply something like @samp{process 368}, with no
2429 further qualifier.
2430
2431 @c FIXME!! (1) Does the [New...] message appear even for the very first
2432 @c thread of a program, or does it only appear for the
2433 @c second---i.e.@: when it becomes obvious we have a multithread
2434 @c program?
2435 @c (2) *Is* there necessarily a first thread always? Or do some
2436 @c multithread systems permit starting a program with multiple
2437 @c threads ab initio?
2438
2439 @cindex thread number
2440 @cindex thread identifier (GDB)
2441 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2442 number---always a single integer---with each thread in your program.
2443
2444 @table @code
2445 @kindex info threads
2446 @item info threads
2447 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2448 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2449
2450 @enumerate
2451 @item
2452 the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2453
2454 @item
2455 the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2456
2457 @item
2458 the current stack frame summary for that thread
2459 @end enumerate
2460
2461 @noindent
2462 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2463 indicates the current thread.
2464
2465 For example,
2466 @end table
2467 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2468
2469 @smallexample
2470 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2471 3 process 35 thread 27 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2472 2 process 35 thread 23 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2473 * 1 process 35 thread 13 main (argc=1, argv=0x7ffffff8)
2474 at threadtest.c:68
2475 @end smallexample
2476
2477 On HP-UX systems:
2478
2479 @cindex debugging multithreaded programs (on HP-UX)
2480 @cindex thread identifier (GDB), on HP-UX
2481 For debugging purposes, @value{GDBN} associates its own thread
2482 number---a small integer assigned in thread-creation order---with each
2483 thread in your program.
2484
2485 @cindex @code{New} @var{systag} message, on HP-UX
2486 @cindex thread identifier (system), on HP-UX
2487 @c FIXME-implementors!! It would be more helpful if the [New...] message
2488 @c included GDB's numeric thread handle, so you could just go to that
2489 @c thread without first checking `info threads'.
2490 Whenever @value{GDBN} detects a new thread in your program, it displays
2491 both @value{GDBN}'s thread number and the target system's identification for the thread with a message in the
2492 form @samp{[New @var{systag}]}. @var{systag} is a thread identifier
2493 whose form varies depending on the particular system. For example, on
2494 HP-UX, you see
2495
2496 @smallexample
2497 [New thread 2 (system thread 26594)]
2498 @end smallexample
2499
2500 @noindent
2501 when @value{GDBN} notices a new thread.
2502
2503 @table @code
2504 @kindex info threads (HP-UX)
2505 @item info threads
2506 Display a summary of all threads currently in your
2507 program. @value{GDBN} displays for each thread (in this order):
2508
2509 @enumerate
2510 @item the thread number assigned by @value{GDBN}
2511
2512 @item the target system's thread identifier (@var{systag})
2513
2514 @item the current stack frame summary for that thread
2515 @end enumerate
2516
2517 @noindent
2518 An asterisk @samp{*} to the left of the @value{GDBN} thread number
2519 indicates the current thread.
2520
2521 For example,
2522 @end table
2523 @c end table here to get a little more width for example
2524
2525 @smallexample
2526 (@value{GDBP}) info threads
2527 * 3 system thread 26607 worker (wptr=0x7b09c318 "@@") \@*
2528 at quicksort.c:137
2529 2 system thread 26606 0x7b0030d8 in __ksleep () \@*
2530 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2531 1 system thread 27905 0x7b003498 in _brk () \@*
2532 from /usr/lib/libc.2
2533 @end smallexample
2534
2535 On Solaris, you can display more information about user threads with a
2536 Solaris-specific command:
2537
2538 @table @code
2539 @item maint info sol-threads
2540 @kindex maint info sol-threads
2541 @cindex thread info (Solaris)
2542 Display info on Solaris user threads.
2543 @end table
2544
2545 @table @code
2546 @kindex thread @var{threadno}
2547 @item thread @var{threadno}
2548 Make thread number @var{threadno} the current thread. The command
2549 argument @var{threadno} is the internal @value{GDBN} thread number, as
2550 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display.
2551 @value{GDBN} responds by displaying the system identifier of the thread
2552 you selected, and its current stack frame summary:
2553
2554 @smallexample
2555 @c FIXME!! This example made up; find a @value{GDBN} w/threads and get real one
2556 (@value{GDBP}) thread 2
2557 [Switching to process 35 thread 23]
2558 0x34e5 in sigpause ()
2559 @end smallexample
2560
2561 @noindent
2562 As with the @samp{[New @dots{}]} message, the form of the text after
2563 @samp{Switching to} depends on your system's conventions for identifying
2564 threads.
2565
2566 @kindex thread apply
2567 @cindex apply command to several threads
2568 @item thread apply [@var{threadno}] [@var{all}] @var{command}
2569 The @code{thread apply} command allows you to apply the named
2570 @var{command} to one or more threads. Specify the numbers of the
2571 threads that you want affected with the command argument
2572 @var{threadno}. It can be a single thread number, one of the numbers
2573 shown in the first field of the @samp{info threads} display; or it
2574 could be a range of thread numbers, as in @code{2-4}. To apply a
2575 command to all threads, type @kbd{thread apply all @var{command}}.
2576
2577 @kindex set print thread-events
2578 @cindex print messages on thread start and exit
2579 @item set print thread-events
2580 @itemx set print thread-events on
2581 @itemx set print thread-events off
2582 The @code{set print thread-events} command allows you to enable or
2583 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} notices that new threads have
2584 started or that threads have exited. By default, these messages will
2585 be printed if detection of these events is supported by the target.
2586 Note that these messages cannot be disabled on all targets.
2587
2588 @kindex show print thread-events
2589 @item show print thread-events
2590 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} detects that threads
2591 have started and exited.
2592 @end table
2593
2594 @xref{Thread Stops,,Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs}, for
2595 more information about how @value{GDBN} behaves when you stop and start
2596 programs with multiple threads.
2597
2598 @xref{Set Watchpoints,,Setting Watchpoints}, for information about
2599 watchpoints in programs with multiple threads.
2600
2601 @node Processes
2602 @section Debugging Programs with Multiple Processes
2603
2604 @cindex fork, debugging programs which call
2605 @cindex multiple processes
2606 @cindex processes, multiple
2607 On most systems, @value{GDBN} has no special support for debugging
2608 programs which create additional processes using the @code{fork}
2609 function. When a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug the
2610 parent process and the child process will run unimpeded. If you have
2611 set a breakpoint in any code which the child then executes, the child
2612 will get a @code{SIGTRAP} signal which (unless it catches the signal)
2613 will cause it to terminate.
2614
2615 However, if you want to debug the child process there is a workaround
2616 which isn't too painful. Put a call to @code{sleep} in the code which
2617 the child process executes after the fork. It may be useful to sleep
2618 only if a certain environment variable is set, or a certain file exists,
2619 so that the delay need not occur when you don't want to run @value{GDBN}
2620 on the child. While the child is sleeping, use the @code{ps} program to
2621 get its process ID. Then tell @value{GDBN} (a new invocation of
2622 @value{GDBN} if you are also debugging the parent process) to attach to
2623 the child process (@pxref{Attach}). From that point on you can debug
2624 the child process just like any other process which you attached to.
2625
2626 On some systems, @value{GDBN} provides support for debugging programs that
2627 create additional processes using the @code{fork} or @code{vfork} functions.
2628 Currently, the only platforms with this feature are HP-UX (11.x and later
2629 only?) and @sc{gnu}/Linux (kernel version 2.5.60 and later).
2630
2631 By default, when a program forks, @value{GDBN} will continue to debug
2632 the parent process and the child process will run unimpeded.
2633
2634 If you want to follow the child process instead of the parent process,
2635 use the command @w{@code{set follow-fork-mode}}.
2636
2637 @table @code
2638 @kindex set follow-fork-mode
2639 @item set follow-fork-mode @var{mode}
2640 Set the debugger response to a program call of @code{fork} or
2641 @code{vfork}. A call to @code{fork} or @code{vfork} creates a new
2642 process. The @var{mode} argument can be:
2643
2644 @table @code
2645 @item parent
2646 The original process is debugged after a fork. The child process runs
2647 unimpeded. This is the default.
2648
2649 @item child
2650 The new process is debugged after a fork. The parent process runs
2651 unimpeded.
2652
2653 @end table
2654
2655 @kindex show follow-fork-mode
2656 @item show follow-fork-mode
2657 Display the current debugger response to a @code{fork} or @code{vfork} call.
2658 @end table
2659
2660 @cindex debugging multiple processes
2661 On Linux, if you want to debug both the parent and child processes, use the
2662 command @w{@code{set detach-on-fork}}.
2663
2664 @table @code
2665 @kindex set detach-on-fork
2666 @item set detach-on-fork @var{mode}
2667 Tells gdb whether to detach one of the processes after a fork, or
2668 retain debugger control over them both.
2669
2670 @table @code
2671 @item on
2672 The child process (or parent process, depending on the value of
2673 @code{follow-fork-mode}) will be detached and allowed to run
2674 independently. This is the default.
2675
2676 @item off
2677 Both processes will be held under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2678 One process (child or parent, depending on the value of
2679 @code{follow-fork-mode}) is debugged as usual, while the other
2680 is held suspended.
2681
2682 @end table
2683
2684 @kindex show detach-on-fork
2685 @item show detach-on-fork
2686 Show whether detach-on-fork mode is on/off.
2687 @end table
2688
2689 If you choose to set @samp{detach-on-fork} mode off, then
2690 @value{GDBN} will retain control of all forked processes (including
2691 nested forks). You can list the forked processes under the control of
2692 @value{GDBN} by using the @w{@code{info forks}} command, and switch
2693 from one fork to another by using the @w{@code{fork}} command.
2694
2695 @table @code
2696 @kindex info forks
2697 @item info forks
2698 Print a list of all forked processes under the control of @value{GDBN}.
2699 The listing will include a fork id, a process id, and the current
2700 position (program counter) of the process.
2701
2702 @kindex fork @var{fork-id}
2703 @item fork @var{fork-id}
2704 Make fork number @var{fork-id} the current process. The argument
2705 @var{fork-id} is the internal fork number assigned by @value{GDBN},
2706 as shown in the first field of the @samp{info forks} display.
2707
2708 @kindex process @var{process-id}
2709 @item process @var{process-id}
2710 Make process number @var{process-id} the current process. The
2711 argument @var{process-id} must be one that is listed in the output of
2712 @samp{info forks}.
2713
2714 @end table
2715
2716 To quit debugging one of the forked processes, you can either detach
2717 from it by using the @w{@code{detach fork}} command (allowing it to
2718 run independently), or delete (and kill) it using the
2719 @w{@code{delete fork}} command.
2720
2721 @table @code
2722 @kindex detach fork @var{fork-id}
2723 @item detach fork @var{fork-id}
2724 Detach from the process identified by @value{GDBN} fork number
2725 @var{fork-id}, and remove it from the fork list. The process will be
2726 allowed to run independently.
2727
2728 @kindex delete fork @var{fork-id}
2729 @item delete fork @var{fork-id}
2730 Kill the process identified by @value{GDBN} fork number @var{fork-id},
2731 and remove it from the fork list.
2732
2733 @end table
2734
2735 If you ask to debug a child process and a @code{vfork} is followed by an
2736 @code{exec}, @value{GDBN} executes the new target up to the first
2737 breakpoint in the new target. If you have a breakpoint set on
2738 @code{main} in your original program, the breakpoint will also be set on
2739 the child process's @code{main}.
2740
2741 When a child process is spawned by @code{vfork}, you cannot debug the
2742 child or parent until an @code{exec} call completes.
2743
2744 If you issue a @code{run} command to @value{GDBN} after an @code{exec}
2745 call executes, the new target restarts. To restart the parent process,
2746 use the @code{file} command with the parent executable name as its
2747 argument.
2748
2749 You can use the @code{catch} command to make @value{GDBN} stop whenever
2750 a @code{fork}, @code{vfork}, or @code{exec} call is made. @xref{Set
2751 Catchpoints, ,Setting Catchpoints}.
2752
2753 @node Checkpoint/Restart
2754 @section Setting a @emph{Bookmark} to Return to Later
2755
2756 @cindex checkpoint
2757 @cindex restart
2758 @cindex bookmark
2759 @cindex snapshot of a process
2760 @cindex rewind program state
2761
2762 On certain operating systems@footnote{Currently, only
2763 @sc{gnu}/Linux.}, @value{GDBN} is able to save a @dfn{snapshot} of a
2764 program's state, called a @dfn{checkpoint}, and come back to it
2765 later.
2766
2767 Returning to a checkpoint effectively undoes everything that has
2768 happened in the program since the @code{checkpoint} was saved. This
2769 includes changes in memory, registers, and even (within some limits)
2770 system state. Effectively, it is like going back in time to the
2771 moment when the checkpoint was saved.
2772
2773 Thus, if you're stepping thru a program and you think you're
2774 getting close to the point where things go wrong, you can save
2775 a checkpoint. Then, if you accidentally go too far and miss
2776 the critical statement, instead of having to restart your program
2777 from the beginning, you can just go back to the checkpoint and
2778 start again from there.
2779
2780 This can be especially useful if it takes a lot of time or
2781 steps to reach the point where you think the bug occurs.
2782
2783 To use the @code{checkpoint}/@code{restart} method of debugging:
2784
2785 @table @code
2786 @kindex checkpoint
2787 @item checkpoint
2788 Save a snapshot of the debugged program's current execution state.
2789 The @code{checkpoint} command takes no arguments, but each checkpoint
2790 is assigned a small integer id, similar to a breakpoint id.
2791
2792 @kindex info checkpoints
2793 @item info checkpoints
2794 List the checkpoints that have been saved in the current debugging
2795 session. For each checkpoint, the following information will be
2796 listed:
2797
2798 @table @code
2799 @item Checkpoint ID
2800 @item Process ID
2801 @item Code Address
2802 @item Source line, or label
2803 @end table
2804
2805 @kindex restart @var{checkpoint-id}
2806 @item restart @var{checkpoint-id}
2807 Restore the program state that was saved as checkpoint number
2808 @var{checkpoint-id}. All program variables, registers, stack frames
2809 etc.@: will be returned to the values that they had when the checkpoint
2810 was saved. In essence, gdb will ``wind back the clock'' to the point
2811 in time when the checkpoint was saved.
2812
2813 Note that breakpoints, @value{GDBN} variables, command history etc.
2814 are not affected by restoring a checkpoint. In general, a checkpoint
2815 only restores things that reside in the program being debugged, not in
2816 the debugger.
2817
2818 @kindex delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
2819 @item delete checkpoint @var{checkpoint-id}
2820 Delete the previously-saved checkpoint identified by @var{checkpoint-id}.
2821
2822 @end table
2823
2824 Returning to a previously saved checkpoint will restore the user state
2825 of the program being debugged, plus a significant subset of the system
2826 (OS) state, including file pointers. It won't ``un-write'' data from
2827 a file, but it will rewind the file pointer to the previous location,
2828 so that the previously written data can be overwritten. For files
2829 opened in read mode, the pointer will also be restored so that the
2830 previously read data can be read again.
2831
2832 Of course, characters that have been sent to a printer (or other
2833 external device) cannot be ``snatched back'', and characters received
2834 from eg.@: a serial device can be removed from internal program buffers,
2835 but they cannot be ``pushed back'' into the serial pipeline, ready to
2836 be received again. Similarly, the actual contents of files that have
2837 been changed cannot be restored (at this time).
2838
2839 However, within those constraints, you actually can ``rewind'' your
2840 program to a previously saved point in time, and begin debugging it
2841 again --- and you can change the course of events so as to debug a
2842 different execution path this time.
2843
2844 @cindex checkpoints and process id
2845 Finally, there is one bit of internal program state that will be
2846 different when you return to a checkpoint --- the program's process
2847 id. Each checkpoint will have a unique process id (or @var{pid}),
2848 and each will be different from the program's original @var{pid}.
2849 If your program has saved a local copy of its process id, this could
2850 potentially pose a problem.
2851
2852 @subsection A Non-obvious Benefit of Using Checkpoints
2853
2854 On some systems such as @sc{gnu}/Linux, address space randomization
2855 is performed on new processes for security reasons. This makes it
2856 difficult or impossible to set a breakpoint, or watchpoint, on an
2857 absolute address if you have to restart the program, since the
2858 absolute location of a symbol will change from one execution to the
2859 next.
2860
2861 A checkpoint, however, is an @emph{identical} copy of a process.
2862 Therefore if you create a checkpoint at (eg.@:) the start of main,
2863 and simply return to that checkpoint instead of restarting the
2864 process, you can avoid the effects of address randomization and
2865 your symbols will all stay in the same place.
2866
2867 @node Stopping
2868 @chapter Stopping and Continuing
2869
2870 The principal purposes of using a debugger are so that you can stop your
2871 program before it terminates; or so that, if your program runs into
2872 trouble, you can investigate and find out why.
2873
2874 Inside @value{GDBN}, your program may stop for any of several reasons,
2875 such as a signal, a breakpoint, or reaching a new line after a
2876 @value{GDBN} command such as @code{step}. You may then examine and
2877 change variables, set new breakpoints or remove old ones, and then
2878 continue execution. Usually, the messages shown by @value{GDBN} provide
2879 ample explanation of the status of your program---but you can also
2880 explicitly request this information at any time.
2881
2882 @table @code
2883 @kindex info program
2884 @item info program
2885 Display information about the status of your program: whether it is
2886 running or not, what process it is, and why it stopped.
2887 @end table
2888
2889 @menu
2890 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints
2891 * Continuing and Stepping:: Resuming execution
2892 * Signals:: Signals
2893 * Thread Stops:: Stopping and starting multi-thread programs
2894 @end menu
2895
2896 @node Breakpoints
2897 @section Breakpoints, Watchpoints, and Catchpoints
2898
2899 @cindex breakpoints
2900 A @dfn{breakpoint} makes your program stop whenever a certain point in
2901 the program is reached. For each breakpoint, you can add conditions to
2902 control in finer detail whether your program stops. You can set
2903 breakpoints with the @code{break} command and its variants (@pxref{Set
2904 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}), to specify the place where your program
2905 should stop by line number, function name or exact address in the
2906 program.
2907
2908 On some systems, you can set breakpoints in shared libraries before
2909 the executable is run. There is a minor limitation on HP-UX systems:
2910 you must wait until the executable is run in order to set breakpoints
2911 in shared library routines that are not called directly by the program
2912 (for example, routines that are arguments in a @code{pthread_create}
2913 call).
2914
2915 @cindex watchpoints
2916 @cindex data breakpoints
2917 @cindex memory tracing
2918 @cindex breakpoint on memory address
2919 @cindex breakpoint on variable modification
2920 A @dfn{watchpoint} is a special breakpoint that stops your program
2921 when the value of an expression changes. The expression may be a value
2922 of a variable, or it could involve values of one or more variables
2923 combined by operators, such as @samp{a + b}. This is sometimes called
2924 @dfn{data breakpoints}. You must use a different command to set
2925 watchpoints (@pxref{Set Watchpoints, ,Setting Watchpoints}), but aside
2926 from that, you can manage a watchpoint like any other breakpoint: you
2927 enable, disable, and delete both breakpoints and watchpoints using the
2928 same commands.
2929
2930 You can arrange to have values from your program displayed automatically
2931 whenever @value{GDBN} stops at a breakpoint. @xref{Auto Display,,
2932 Automatic Display}.
2933
2934 @cindex catchpoints
2935 @cindex breakpoint on events
2936 A @dfn{catchpoint} is another special breakpoint that stops your program
2937 when a certain kind of event occurs, such as the throwing of a C@t{++}
2938 exception or the loading of a library. As with watchpoints, you use a
2939 different command to set a catchpoint (@pxref{Set Catchpoints, ,Setting
2940 Catchpoints}), but aside from that, you can manage a catchpoint like any
2941 other breakpoint. (To stop when your program receives a signal, use the
2942 @code{handle} command; see @ref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
2943
2944 @cindex breakpoint numbers
2945 @cindex numbers for breakpoints
2946 @value{GDBN} assigns a number to each breakpoint, watchpoint, or
2947 catchpoint when you create it; these numbers are successive integers
2948 starting with one. In many of the commands for controlling various
2949 features of breakpoints you use the breakpoint number to say which
2950 breakpoint you want to change. Each breakpoint may be @dfn{enabled} or
2951 @dfn{disabled}; if disabled, it has no effect on your program until you
2952 enable it again.
2953
2954 @cindex breakpoint ranges
2955 @cindex ranges of breakpoints
2956 Some @value{GDBN} commands accept a range of breakpoints on which to
2957 operate. A breakpoint range is either a single breakpoint number, like
2958 @samp{5}, or two such numbers, in increasing order, separated by a
2959 hyphen, like @samp{5-7}. When a breakpoint range is given to a command,
2960 all breakpoints in that range are operated on.
2961
2962 @menu
2963 * Set Breaks:: Setting breakpoints
2964 * Set Watchpoints:: Setting watchpoints
2965 * Set Catchpoints:: Setting catchpoints
2966 * Delete Breaks:: Deleting breakpoints
2967 * Disabling:: Disabling breakpoints
2968 * Conditions:: Break conditions
2969 * Break Commands:: Breakpoint command lists
2970 * Error in Breakpoints:: ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
2971 * Breakpoint-related Warnings:: ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
2972 @end menu
2973
2974 @node Set Breaks
2975 @subsection Setting Breakpoints
2976
2977 @c FIXME LMB what does GDB do if no code on line of breakpt?
2978 @c consider in particular declaration with/without initialization.
2979 @c
2980 @c FIXME 2 is there stuff on this already? break at fun start, already init?
2981
2982 @kindex break
2983 @kindex b @r{(@code{break})}
2984 @vindex $bpnum@r{, convenience variable}
2985 @cindex latest breakpoint
2986 Breakpoints are set with the @code{break} command (abbreviated
2987 @code{b}). The debugger convenience variable @samp{$bpnum} records the
2988 number of the breakpoint you've set most recently; see @ref{Convenience
2989 Vars,, Convenience Variables}, for a discussion of what you can do with
2990 convenience variables.
2991
2992 @table @code
2993 @item break @var{location}
2994 Set a breakpoint at the given @var{location}, which can specify a
2995 function name, a line number, or an address of an instruction.
2996 (@xref{Specify Location}, for a list of all the possible ways to
2997 specify a @var{location}.) The breakpoint will stop your program just
2998 before it executes any of the code in the specified @var{location}.
2999
3000 When using source languages that permit overloading of symbols, such as
3001 C@t{++}, a function name may refer to more than one possible place to break.
3002 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}, for a discussion of
3003 that situation.
3004
3005 @item break
3006 When called without any arguments, @code{break} sets a breakpoint at
3007 the next instruction to be executed in the selected stack frame
3008 (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the Stack}). In any selected frame but the
3009 innermost, this makes your program stop as soon as control
3010 returns to that frame. This is similar to the effect of a
3011 @code{finish} command in the frame inside the selected frame---except
3012 that @code{finish} does not leave an active breakpoint. If you use
3013 @code{break} without an argument in the innermost frame, @value{GDBN} stops
3014 the next time it reaches the current location; this may be useful
3015 inside loops.
3016
3017 @value{GDBN} normally ignores breakpoints when it resumes execution, until at
3018 least one instruction has been executed. If it did not do this, you
3019 would be unable to proceed past a breakpoint without first disabling the
3020 breakpoint. This rule applies whether or not the breakpoint already
3021 existed when your program stopped.
3022
3023 @item break @dots{} if @var{cond}
3024 Set a breakpoint with condition @var{cond}; evaluate the expression
3025 @var{cond} each time the breakpoint is reached, and stop only if the
3026 value is nonzero---that is, if @var{cond} evaluates as true.
3027 @samp{@dots{}} stands for one of the possible arguments described
3028 above (or no argument) specifying where to break. @xref{Conditions,
3029 ,Break Conditions}, for more information on breakpoint conditions.
3030
3031 @kindex tbreak
3032 @item tbreak @var{args}
3033 Set a breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args} are the
3034 same as for the @code{break} command, and the breakpoint is set in the same
3035 way, but the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the first time your
3036 program stops there. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3037
3038 @kindex hbreak
3039 @cindex hardware breakpoints
3040 @item hbreak @var{args}
3041 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint. @var{args} are the same as for the
3042 @code{break} command and the breakpoint is set in the same way, but the
3043 breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware may not
3044 have this support. The main purpose of this is EPROM/ROM code
3045 debugging, so you can set a breakpoint at an instruction without
3046 changing the instruction. This can be used with the new trap-generation
3047 provided by SPARClite DSU and most x86-based targets. These targets
3048 will generate traps when a program accesses some data or instruction
3049 address that is assigned to the debug registers. However the hardware
3050 breakpoint registers can take a limited number of breakpoints. For
3051 example, on the DSU, only two data breakpoints can be set at a time, and
3052 @value{GDBN} will reject this command if more than two are used. Delete
3053 or disable unused hardware breakpoints before setting new ones
3054 (@pxref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}).
3055 @xref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3056 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3057 breakpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3058 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3059
3060 @kindex thbreak
3061 @item thbreak @var{args}
3062 Set a hardware-assisted breakpoint enabled only for one stop. @var{args}
3063 are the same as for the @code{hbreak} command and the breakpoint is set in
3064 the same way. However, like the @code{tbreak} command,
3065 the breakpoint is automatically deleted after the
3066 first time your program stops there. Also, like the @code{hbreak}
3067 command, the breakpoint requires hardware support and some target hardware
3068 may not have this support. @xref{Disabling, ,Disabling Breakpoints}.
3069 See also @ref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}.
3070
3071 @kindex rbreak
3072 @cindex regular expression
3073 @cindex breakpoints in functions matching a regexp
3074 @cindex set breakpoints in many functions
3075 @item rbreak @var{regex}
3076 Set breakpoints on all functions matching the regular expression
3077 @var{regex}. This command sets an unconditional breakpoint on all
3078 matches, printing a list of all breakpoints it set. Once these
3079 breakpoints are set, they are treated just like the breakpoints set with
3080 the @code{break} command. You can delete them, disable them, or make
3081 them conditional the same way as any other breakpoint.
3082
3083 The syntax of the regular expression is the standard one used with tools
3084 like @file{grep}. Note that this is different from the syntax used by
3085 shells, so for instance @code{foo*} matches all functions that include
3086 an @code{fo} followed by zero or more @code{o}s. There is an implicit
3087 @code{.*} leading and trailing the regular expression you supply, so to
3088 match only functions that begin with @code{foo}, use @code{^foo}.
3089
3090 @cindex non-member C@t{++} functions, set breakpoint in
3091 When debugging C@t{++} programs, @code{rbreak} is useful for setting
3092 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
3093 classes.
3094
3095 @cindex set breakpoints on all functions
3096 The @code{rbreak} command can be used to set breakpoints in
3097 @strong{all} the functions in a program, like this:
3098
3099 @smallexample
3100 (@value{GDBP}) rbreak .
3101 @end smallexample
3102
3103 @kindex info breakpoints
3104 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info breakpoints}
3105 @item info breakpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3106 @itemx info break @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3107 @itemx info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3108 Print a table of all breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints set and
3109 not deleted. Optional argument @var{n} means print information only
3110 about the specified breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint). For
3111 each breakpoint, following columns are printed:
3112
3113 @table @emph
3114 @item Breakpoint Numbers
3115 @item Type
3116 Breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint.
3117 @item Disposition
3118 Whether the breakpoint is marked to be disabled or deleted when hit.
3119 @item Enabled or Disabled
3120 Enabled breakpoints are marked with @samp{y}. @samp{n} marks breakpoints
3121 that are not enabled.
3122 @item Address
3123 Where the breakpoint is in your program, as a memory address. For a
3124 pending breakpoint whose address is not yet known, this field will
3125 contain @samp{<PENDING>}. Such breakpoint won't fire until a shared
3126 library that has the symbol or line referred by breakpoint is loaded.
3127 See below for details. A breakpoint with several locations will
3128 have @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in this field---see below for details.
3129 @item What
3130 Where the breakpoint is in the source for your program, as a file and
3131 line number. For a pending breakpoint, the original string passed to
3132 the breakpoint command will be listed as it cannot be resolved until
3133 the appropriate shared library is loaded in the future.
3134 @end table
3135
3136 @noindent
3137 If a breakpoint is conditional, @code{info break} shows the condition on
3138 the line following the affected breakpoint; breakpoint commands, if any,
3139 are listed after that. A pending breakpoint is allowed to have a condition
3140 specified for it. The condition is not parsed for validity until a shared
3141 library is loaded that allows the pending breakpoint to resolve to a
3142 valid location.
3143
3144 @noindent
3145 @code{info break} with a breakpoint
3146 number @var{n} as argument lists only that breakpoint. The
3147 convenience variable @code{$_} and the default examining-address for
3148 the @code{x} command are set to the address of the last breakpoint
3149 listed (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}).
3150
3151 @noindent
3152 @code{info break} displays a count of the number of times the breakpoint
3153 has been hit. This is especially useful in conjunction with the
3154 @code{ignore} command. You can ignore a large number of breakpoint
3155 hits, look at the breakpoint info to see how many times the breakpoint
3156 was hit, and then run again, ignoring one less than that number. This
3157 will get you quickly to the last hit of that breakpoint.
3158 @end table
3159
3160 @value{GDBN} allows you to set any number of breakpoints at the same place in
3161 your program. There is nothing silly or meaningless about this. When
3162 the breakpoints are conditional, this is even useful
3163 (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
3164
3165 @cindex multiple locations, breakpoints
3166 @cindex breakpoints, multiple locations
3167 It is possible that a breakpoint corresponds to several locations
3168 in your program. Examples of this situation are:
3169
3170 @itemize @bullet
3171 @item
3172 For a C@t{++} constructor, the @value{NGCC} compiler generates several
3173 instances of the function body, used in different cases.
3174
3175 @item
3176 For a C@t{++} template function, a given line in the function can
3177 correspond to any number of instantiations.
3178
3179 @item
3180 For an inlined function, a given source line can correspond to
3181 several places where that function is inlined.
3182 @end itemize
3183
3184 In all those cases, @value{GDBN} will insert a breakpoint at all
3185 the relevant locations@footnote{
3186 As of this writing, multiple-location breakpoints work only if there's
3187 line number information for all the locations. This means that they
3188 will generally not work in system libraries, unless you have debug
3189 info with line numbers for them.}.
3190
3191 A breakpoint with multiple locations is displayed in the breakpoint
3192 table using several rows---one header row, followed by one row for
3193 each breakpoint location. The header row has @samp{<MULTIPLE>} in the
3194 address column. The rows for individual locations contain the actual
3195 addresses for locations, and show the functions to which those
3196 locations belong. The number column for a location is of the form
3197 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number}.
3198
3199 For example:
3200
3201 @smallexample
3202 Num Type Disp Enb Address What
3203 1 breakpoint keep y <MULTIPLE>
3204 stop only if i==1
3205 breakpoint already hit 1 time
3206 1.1 y 0x080486a2 in void foo<int>() at t.cc:8
3207 1.2 y 0x080486ca in void foo<double>() at t.cc:8
3208 @end smallexample
3209
3210 Each location can be individually enabled or disabled by passing
3211 @var{breakpoint-number}.@var{location-number} as argument to the
3212 @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands. Note that you cannot
3213 delete the individual locations from the list, you can only delete the
3214 entire list of locations that belong to their parent breakpoint (with
3215 the @kbd{delete @var{num}} command, where @var{num} is the number of
3216 the parent breakpoint, 1 in the above example). Disabling or enabling
3217 the parent breakpoint (@pxref{Disabling}) affects all of the locations
3218 that belong to that breakpoint.
3219
3220 @cindex pending breakpoints
3221 It's quite common to have a breakpoint inside a shared library.
3222 Shared libraries can be loaded and unloaded explicitly,
3223 and possibly repeatedly, as the program is executed. To support
3224 this use case, @value{GDBN} updates breakpoint locations whenever
3225 any shared library is loaded or unloaded. Typically, you would
3226 set a breakpoint in a shared library at the beginning of your
3227 debugging session, when the library is not loaded, and when the
3228 symbols from the library are not available. When you try to set
3229 breakpoint, @value{GDBN} will ask you if you want to set
3230 a so called @dfn{pending breakpoint}---breakpoint whose address
3231 is not yet resolved.
3232
3233 After the program is run, whenever a new shared library is loaded,
3234 @value{GDBN} reevaluates all the breakpoints. When a newly loaded
3235 shared library contains the symbol or line referred to by some
3236 pending breakpoint, that breakpoint is resolved and becomes an
3237 ordinary breakpoint. When a library is unloaded, all breakpoints
3238 that refer to its symbols or source lines become pending again.
3239
3240 This logic works for breakpoints with multiple locations, too. For
3241 example, if you have a breakpoint in a C@t{++} template function, and
3242 a newly loaded shared library has an instantiation of that template,
3243 a new location is added to the list of locations for the breakpoint.
3244
3245 Except for having unresolved address, pending breakpoints do not
3246 differ from regular breakpoints. You can set conditions or commands,
3247 enable and disable them and perform other breakpoint operations.
3248
3249 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling what
3250 happens when the @samp{break} command cannot resolve breakpoint
3251 address specification to an address:
3252
3253 @kindex set breakpoint pending
3254 @kindex show breakpoint pending
3255 @table @code
3256 @item set breakpoint pending auto
3257 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} cannot find the breakpoint
3258 location, it queries you whether a pending breakpoint should be created.
3259
3260 @item set breakpoint pending on
3261 This indicates that an unrecognized breakpoint location should automatically
3262 result in a pending breakpoint being created.
3263
3264 @item set breakpoint pending off
3265 This indicates that pending breakpoints are not to be created. Any
3266 unrecognized breakpoint location results in an error. This setting does
3267 not affect any pending breakpoints previously created.
3268
3269 @item show breakpoint pending
3270 Show the current behavior setting for creating pending breakpoints.
3271 @end table
3272
3273 The settings above only affect the @code{break} command and its
3274 variants. Once breakpoint is set, it will be automatically updated
3275 as shared libraries are loaded and unloaded.
3276
3277 @cindex automatic hardware breakpoints
3278 For some targets, @value{GDBN} can automatically decide if hardware or
3279 software breakpoints should be used, depending on whether the
3280 breakpoint address is read-only or read-write. This applies to
3281 breakpoints set with the @code{break} command as well as to internal
3282 breakpoints set by commands like @code{next} and @code{finish}. For
3283 breakpoints set with @code{hbreak}, @value{GDBN} will always use hardware
3284 breakpoints.
3285
3286 You can control this automatic behaviour with the following commands::
3287
3288 @kindex set breakpoint auto-hw
3289 @kindex show breakpoint auto-hw
3290 @table @code
3291 @item set breakpoint auto-hw on
3292 This is the default behavior. When @value{GDBN} sets a breakpoint, it
3293 will try to use the target memory map to decide if software or hardware
3294 breakpoint must be used.
3295
3296 @item set breakpoint auto-hw off
3297 This indicates @value{GDBN} should not automatically select breakpoint
3298 type. If the target provides a memory map, @value{GDBN} will warn when
3299 trying to set software breakpoint at a read-only address.
3300 @end table
3301
3302 @value{GDBN} normally implements breakpoints by replacing the program code
3303 at the breakpoint address with a special instruction, which, when
3304 executed, given control to the debugger. By default, the program
3305 code is so modified only when the program is resumed. As soon as
3306 the program stops, @value{GDBN} restores the original instructions. This
3307 behaviour guards against leaving breakpoints inserted in the
3308 target should gdb abrubptly disconnect. However, with slow remote
3309 targets, inserting and removing breakpoint can reduce the performance.
3310 This behavior can be controlled with the following commands::
3311
3312 @kindex set breakpoint always-inserted
3313 @kindex show breakpoint always-inserted
3314 @table @code
3315 @item set breakpoint always-inserted off
3316 This is the default behaviour. All breakpoints, including newly added
3317 by the user, are inserted in the target only when the target is
3318 resumed. All breakpoints are removed from the target when it stops.
3319
3320 @item set breakpoint always-inserted on
3321 Causes all breakpoints to be inserted in the target at all times. If
3322 the user adds a new breakpoint, or changes an existing breakpoint, the
3323 breakpoints in the target are updated immediately. A breakpoint is
3324 removed from the target only when breakpoint itself is removed.
3325 @end table
3326
3327 @cindex negative breakpoint numbers
3328 @cindex internal @value{GDBN} breakpoints
3329 @value{GDBN} itself sometimes sets breakpoints in your program for
3330 special purposes, such as proper handling of @code{longjmp} (in C
3331 programs). These internal breakpoints are assigned negative numbers,
3332 starting with @code{-1}; @samp{info breakpoints} does not display them.
3333 You can see these breakpoints with the @value{GDBN} maintenance command
3334 @samp{maint info breakpoints} (@pxref{maint info breakpoints}).
3335
3336
3337 @node Set Watchpoints
3338 @subsection Setting Watchpoints
3339
3340 @cindex setting watchpoints
3341 You can use a watchpoint to stop execution whenever the value of an
3342 expression changes, without having to predict a particular place where
3343 this may happen. (This is sometimes called a @dfn{data breakpoint}.)
3344 The expression may be as simple as the value of a single variable, or
3345 as complex as many variables combined by operators. Examples include:
3346
3347 @itemize @bullet
3348 @item
3349 A reference to the value of a single variable.
3350
3351 @item
3352 An address cast to an appropriate data type. For example,
3353 @samp{*(int *)0x12345678} will watch a 4-byte region at the specified
3354 address (assuming an @code{int} occupies 4 bytes).
3355
3356 @item
3357 An arbitrarily complex expression, such as @samp{a*b + c/d}. The
3358 expression can use any operators valid in the program's native
3359 language (@pxref{Languages}).
3360 @end itemize
3361
3362 You can set a watchpoint on an expression even if the expression can
3363 not be evaluated yet. For instance, you can set a watchpoint on
3364 @samp{*global_ptr} before @samp{global_ptr} is initialized.
3365 @value{GDBN} will stop when your program sets @samp{global_ptr} and
3366 the expression produces a valid value. If the expression becomes
3367 valid in some other way than changing a variable (e.g.@: if the memory
3368 pointed to by @samp{*global_ptr} becomes readable as the result of a
3369 @code{malloc} call), @value{GDBN} may not stop until the next time
3370 the expression changes.
3371
3372 @cindex software watchpoints
3373 @cindex hardware watchpoints
3374 Depending on your system, watchpoints may be implemented in software or
3375 hardware. @value{GDBN} does software watchpointing by single-stepping your
3376 program and testing the variable's value each time, which is hundreds of
3377 times slower than normal execution. (But this may still be worth it, to
3378 catch errors where you have no clue what part of your program is the
3379 culprit.)
3380
3381 On some systems, such as HP-UX, PowerPC, @sc{gnu}/Linux and most other
3382 x86-based targets, @value{GDBN} includes support for hardware
3383 watchpoints, which do not slow down the running of your program.
3384
3385 @table @code
3386 @kindex watch
3387 @item watch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3388 Set a watchpoint for an expression. @value{GDBN} will break when the
3389 expression @var{expr} is written into by the program and its value
3390 changes. The simplest (and the most popular) use of this command is
3391 to watch the value of a single variable:
3392
3393 @smallexample
3394 (@value{GDBP}) watch foo
3395 @end smallexample
3396
3397 If the command includes a @code{@r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}}
3398 clause, @value{GDBN} breaks only when the thread identified by
3399 @var{threadnum} changes the value of @var{expr}. If any other threads
3400 change the value of @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} will not break. Note
3401 that watchpoints restricted to a single thread in this way only work
3402 with Hardware Watchpoints.
3403
3404 @kindex rwatch
3405 @item rwatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3406 Set a watchpoint that will break when the value of @var{expr} is read
3407 by the program.
3408
3409 @kindex awatch
3410 @item awatch @var{expr} @r{[}thread @var{threadnum}@r{]}
3411 Set a watchpoint that will break when @var{expr} is either read from
3412 or written into by the program.
3413
3414 @kindex info watchpoints @r{[}@var{n}@r{]}
3415 @item info watchpoints
3416 This command prints a list of watchpoints, breakpoints, and catchpoints;
3417 it is the same as @code{info break} (@pxref{Set Breaks}).
3418 @end table
3419
3420 @value{GDBN} sets a @dfn{hardware watchpoint} if possible. Hardware
3421 watchpoints execute very quickly, and the debugger reports a change in
3422 value at the exact instruction where the change occurs. If @value{GDBN}
3423 cannot set a hardware watchpoint, it sets a software watchpoint, which
3424 executes more slowly and reports the change in value at the next
3425 @emph{statement}, not the instruction, after the change occurs.
3426
3427 @cindex use only software watchpoints
3428 You can force @value{GDBN} to use only software watchpoints with the
3429 @kbd{set can-use-hw-watchpoints 0} command. With this variable set to
3430 zero, @value{GDBN} will never try to use hardware watchpoints, even if
3431 the underlying system supports them. (Note that hardware-assisted
3432 watchpoints that were set @emph{before} setting
3433 @code{can-use-hw-watchpoints} to zero will still use the hardware
3434 mechanism of watching expression values.)
3435
3436 @table @code
3437 @item set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3438 @kindex set can-use-hw-watchpoints
3439 Set whether or not to use hardware watchpoints.
3440
3441 @item show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3442 @kindex show can-use-hw-watchpoints
3443 Show the current mode of using hardware watchpoints.
3444 @end table
3445
3446 For remote targets, you can restrict the number of hardware
3447 watchpoints @value{GDBN} will use, see @ref{set remote
3448 hardware-breakpoint-limit}.
3449
3450 When you issue the @code{watch} command, @value{GDBN} reports
3451
3452 @smallexample
3453 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: @var{expr}
3454 @end smallexample
3455
3456 @noindent
3457 if it was able to set a hardware watchpoint.
3458
3459 Currently, the @code{awatch} and @code{rwatch} commands can only set
3460 hardware watchpoints, because accesses to data that don't change the
3461 value of the watched expression cannot be detected without examining
3462 every instruction as it is being executed, and @value{GDBN} does not do
3463 that currently. If @value{GDBN} finds that it is unable to set a
3464 hardware breakpoint with the @code{awatch} or @code{rwatch} command, it
3465 will print a message like this:
3466
3467 @smallexample
3468 Expression cannot be implemented with read/access watchpoint.
3469 @end smallexample
3470
3471 Sometimes, @value{GDBN} cannot set a hardware watchpoint because the
3472 data type of the watched expression is wider than what a hardware
3473 watchpoint on the target machine can handle. For example, some systems
3474 can only watch regions that are up to 4 bytes wide; on such systems you
3475 cannot set hardware watchpoints for an expression that yields a
3476 double-precision floating-point number (which is typically 8 bytes
3477 wide). As a work-around, it might be possible to break the large region
3478 into a series of smaller ones and watch them with separate watchpoints.
3479
3480 If you set too many hardware watchpoints, @value{GDBN} might be unable
3481 to insert all of them when you resume the execution of your program.
3482 Since the precise number of active watchpoints is unknown until such
3483 time as the program is about to be resumed, @value{GDBN} might not be
3484 able to warn you about this when you set the watchpoints, and the
3485 warning will be printed only when the program is resumed:
3486
3487 @smallexample
3488 Hardware watchpoint @var{num}: Could not insert watchpoint
3489 @end smallexample
3490
3491 @noindent
3492 If this happens, delete or disable some of the watchpoints.
3493
3494 Watching complex expressions that reference many variables can also
3495 exhaust the resources available for hardware-assisted watchpoints.
3496 That's because @value{GDBN} needs to watch every variable in the
3497 expression with separately allocated resources.
3498
3499 If you call a function interactively using @code{print} or @code{call},
3500 any watchpoints you have set will be inactive until @value{GDBN} reaches another
3501 kind of breakpoint or the call completes.
3502
3503 @value{GDBN} automatically deletes watchpoints that watch local
3504 (automatic) variables, or expressions that involve such variables, when
3505 they go out of scope, that is, when the execution leaves the block in
3506 which these variables were defined. In particular, when the program
3507 being debugged terminates, @emph{all} local variables go out of scope,
3508 and so only watchpoints that watch global variables remain set. If you
3509 rerun the program, you will need to set all such watchpoints again. One
3510 way of doing that would be to set a code breakpoint at the entry to the
3511 @code{main} function and when it breaks, set all the watchpoints.
3512
3513 @cindex watchpoints and threads
3514 @cindex threads and watchpoints
3515 In multi-threaded programs, watchpoints will detect changes to the
3516 watched expression from every thread.
3517
3518 @quotation
3519 @emph{Warning:} In multi-threaded programs, software watchpoints
3520 have only limited usefulness. If @value{GDBN} creates a software
3521 watchpoint, it can only watch the value of an expression @emph{in a
3522 single thread}. If you are confident that the expression can only
3523 change due to the current thread's activity (and if you are also
3524 confident that no other thread can become current), then you can use
3525 software watchpoints as usual. However, @value{GDBN} may not notice
3526 when a non-current thread's activity changes the expression. (Hardware
3527 watchpoints, in contrast, watch an expression in all threads.)
3528 @end quotation
3529
3530 @xref{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}.
3531
3532 @node Set Catchpoints
3533 @subsection Setting Catchpoints
3534 @cindex catchpoints, setting
3535 @cindex exception handlers
3536 @cindex event handling
3537
3538 You can use @dfn{catchpoints} to cause the debugger to stop for certain
3539 kinds of program events, such as C@t{++} exceptions or the loading of a
3540 shared library. Use the @code{catch} command to set a catchpoint.
3541
3542 @table @code
3543 @kindex catch
3544 @item catch @var{event}
3545 Stop when @var{event} occurs. @var{event} can be any of the following:
3546 @table @code
3547 @item throw
3548 @cindex stop on C@t{++} exceptions
3549 The throwing of a C@t{++} exception.
3550
3551 @item catch
3552 The catching of a C@t{++} exception.
3553
3554 @item exception
3555 @cindex Ada exception catching
3556 @cindex catch Ada exceptions
3557 An Ada exception being raised. If an exception name is specified
3558 at the end of the command (eg @code{catch exception Program_Error}),
3559 the debugger will stop only when this specific exception is raised.
3560 Otherwise, the debugger stops execution when any Ada exception is raised.
3561
3562 @item exception unhandled
3563 An exception that was raised but is not handled by the program.
3564
3565 @item assert
3566 A failed Ada assertion.
3567
3568 @item exec
3569 @cindex break on fork/exec
3570 A call to @code{exec}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3571 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3572
3573 @item fork
3574 A call to @code{fork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3575 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3576
3577 @item vfork
3578 A call to @code{vfork}. This is currently only available for HP-UX
3579 and @sc{gnu}/Linux.
3580
3581 @item load
3582 @itemx load @var{libname}
3583 @cindex break on load/unload of shared library
3584 The dynamic loading of any shared library, or the loading of the library
3585 @var{libname}. This is currently only available for HP-UX.
3586
3587 @item unload
3588 @itemx unload @var{libname}
3589 The unloading of any dynamically loaded shared library, or the unloading
3590 of the library @var{libname}. This is currently only available for HP-UX.
3591 @end table
3592
3593 @item tcatch @var{event}
3594 Set a catchpoint that is enabled only for one stop. The catchpoint is
3595 automatically deleted after the first time the event is caught.
3596
3597 @end table
3598
3599 Use the @code{info break} command to list the current catchpoints.
3600
3601 There are currently some limitations to C@t{++} exception handling
3602 (@code{catch throw} and @code{catch catch}) in @value{GDBN}:
3603
3604 @itemize @bullet
3605 @item
3606 If you call a function interactively, @value{GDBN} normally returns
3607 control to you when the function has finished executing. If the call
3608 raises an exception, however, the call may bypass the mechanism that
3609 returns control to you and cause your program either to abort or to
3610 simply continue running until it hits a breakpoint, catches a signal
3611 that @value{GDBN} is listening for, or exits. This is the case even if
3612 you set a catchpoint for the exception; catchpoints on exceptions are
3613 disabled within interactive calls.
3614
3615 @item
3616 You cannot raise an exception interactively.
3617
3618 @item
3619 You cannot install an exception handler interactively.
3620 @end itemize
3621
3622 @cindex raise exceptions
3623 Sometimes @code{catch} is not the best way to debug exception handling:
3624 if you need to know exactly where an exception is raised, it is better to
3625 stop @emph{before} the exception handler is called, since that way you
3626 can see the stack before any unwinding takes place. If you set a
3627 breakpoint in an exception handler instead, it may not be easy to find
3628 out where the exception was raised.
3629
3630 To stop just before an exception handler is called, you need some
3631 knowledge of the implementation. In the case of @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, exceptions are
3632 raised by calling a library function named @code{__raise_exception}
3633 which has the following ANSI C interface:
3634
3635 @smallexample
3636 /* @var{addr} is where the exception identifier is stored.
3637 @var{id} is the exception identifier. */
3638 void __raise_exception (void **addr, void *id);
3639 @end smallexample
3640
3641 @noindent
3642 To make the debugger catch all exceptions before any stack
3643 unwinding takes place, set a breakpoint on @code{__raise_exception}
3644 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Exceptions}).
3645
3646 With a conditional breakpoint (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions})
3647 that depends on the value of @var{id}, you can stop your program when
3648 a specific exception is raised. You can use multiple conditional
3649 breakpoints to stop your program when any of a number of exceptions are
3650 raised.
3651
3652
3653 @node Delete Breaks
3654 @subsection Deleting Breakpoints
3655
3656 @cindex clearing breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
3657 @cindex deleting breakpoints, watchpoints, catchpoints
3658 It is often necessary to eliminate a breakpoint, watchpoint, or
3659 catchpoint once it has done its job and you no longer want your program
3660 to stop there. This is called @dfn{deleting} the breakpoint. A
3661 breakpoint that has been deleted no longer exists; it is forgotten.
3662
3663 With the @code{clear} command you can delete breakpoints according to
3664 where they are in your program. With the @code{delete} command you can
3665 delete individual breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints by specifying
3666 their breakpoint numbers.
3667
3668 It is not necessary to delete a breakpoint to proceed past it. @value{GDBN}
3669 automatically ignores breakpoints on the first instruction to be executed
3670 when you continue execution without changing the execution address.
3671
3672 @table @code
3673 @kindex clear
3674 @item clear
3675 Delete any breakpoints at the next instruction to be executed in the
3676 selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). When
3677 the innermost frame is selected, this is a good way to delete a
3678 breakpoint where your program just stopped.
3679
3680 @item clear @var{location}
3681 Delete any breakpoints set at the specified @var{location}.
3682 @xref{Specify Location}, for the various forms of @var{location}; the
3683 most useful ones are listed below:
3684
3685 @table @code
3686 @item clear @var{function}
3687 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{function}
3688 Delete any breakpoints set at entry to the named @var{function}.
3689
3690 @item clear @var{linenum}
3691 @itemx clear @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
3692 Delete any breakpoints set at or within the code of the specified
3693 @var{linenum} of the specified @var{filename}.
3694 @end table
3695
3696 @cindex delete breakpoints
3697 @kindex delete
3698 @kindex d @r{(@code{delete})}
3699 @item delete @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3700 Delete the breakpoints, watchpoints, or catchpoints of the breakpoint
3701 ranges specified as arguments. If no argument is specified, delete all
3702 breakpoints (@value{GDBN} asks confirmation, unless you have @code{set
3703 confirm off}). You can abbreviate this command as @code{d}.
3704 @end table
3705
3706 @node Disabling
3707 @subsection Disabling Breakpoints
3708
3709 @cindex enable/disable a breakpoint
3710 Rather than deleting a breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint, you might
3711 prefer to @dfn{disable} it. This makes the breakpoint inoperative as if
3712 it had been deleted, but remembers the information on the breakpoint so
3713 that you can @dfn{enable} it again later.
3714
3715 You disable and enable breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints with
3716 the @code{enable} and @code{disable} commands, optionally specifying one
3717 or more breakpoint numbers as arguments. Use @code{info break} or
3718 @code{info watch} to print a list of breakpoints, watchpoints, and
3719 catchpoints if you do not know which numbers to use.
3720
3721 Disabling and enabling a breakpoint that has multiple locations
3722 affects all of its locations.
3723
3724 A breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint can have any of four different
3725 states of enablement:
3726
3727 @itemize @bullet
3728 @item
3729 Enabled. The breakpoint stops your program. A breakpoint set
3730 with the @code{break} command starts out in this state.
3731 @item
3732 Disabled. The breakpoint has no effect on your program.
3733 @item
3734 Enabled once. The breakpoint stops your program, but then becomes
3735 disabled.
3736 @item
3737 Enabled for deletion. The breakpoint stops your program, but
3738 immediately after it does so it is deleted permanently. A breakpoint
3739 set with the @code{tbreak} command starts out in this state.
3740 @end itemize
3741
3742 You can use the following commands to enable or disable breakpoints,
3743 watchpoints, and catchpoints:
3744
3745 @table @code
3746 @kindex disable
3747 @kindex dis @r{(@code{disable})}
3748 @item disable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3749 Disable the specified breakpoints---or all breakpoints, if none are
3750 listed. A disabled breakpoint has no effect but is not forgotten. All
3751 options such as ignore-counts, conditions and commands are remembered in
3752 case the breakpoint is enabled again later. You may abbreviate
3753 @code{disable} as @code{dis}.
3754
3755 @kindex enable
3756 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} @r{[}@var{range}@dots{}@r{]}
3757 Enable the specified breakpoints (or all defined breakpoints). They
3758 become effective once again in stopping your program.
3759
3760 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} once @var{range}@dots{}
3761 Enable the specified breakpoints temporarily. @value{GDBN} disables any
3762 of these breakpoints immediately after stopping your program.
3763
3764 @item enable @r{[}breakpoints@r{]} delete @var{range}@dots{}
3765 Enable the specified breakpoints to work once, then die. @value{GDBN}
3766 deletes any of these breakpoints as soon as your program stops there.
3767 Breakpoints set by the @code{tbreak} command start out in this state.
3768 @end table
3769
3770 @c FIXME: I think the following ``Except for [...] @code{tbreak}'' is
3771 @c confusing: tbreak is also initially enabled.
3772 Except for a breakpoint set with @code{tbreak} (@pxref{Set Breaks,
3773 ,Setting Breakpoints}), breakpoints that you set are initially enabled;
3774 subsequently, they become disabled or enabled only when you use one of
3775 the commands above. (The command @code{until} can set and delete a
3776 breakpoint of its own, but it does not change the state of your other
3777 breakpoints; see @ref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and
3778 Stepping}.)
3779
3780 @node Conditions
3781 @subsection Break Conditions
3782 @cindex conditional breakpoints
3783 @cindex breakpoint conditions
3784
3785 @c FIXME what is scope of break condition expr? Context where wanted?
3786 @c in particular for a watchpoint?
3787 The simplest sort of breakpoint breaks every time your program reaches a
3788 specified place. You can also specify a @dfn{condition} for a
3789 breakpoint. A condition is just a Boolean expression in your
3790 programming language (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). A breakpoint with
3791 a condition evaluates the expression each time your program reaches it,
3792 and your program stops only if the condition is @emph{true}.
3793
3794 This is the converse of using assertions for program validation; in that
3795 situation, you want to stop when the assertion is violated---that is,
3796 when the condition is false. In C, if you want to test an assertion expressed
3797 by the condition @var{assert}, you should set the condition
3798 @samp{! @var{assert}} on the appropriate breakpoint.
3799
3800 Conditions are also accepted for watchpoints; you may not need them,
3801 since a watchpoint is inspecting the value of an expression anyhow---but
3802 it might be simpler, say, to just set a watchpoint on a variable name,
3803 and specify a condition that tests whether the new value is an interesting
3804 one.
3805
3806 Break conditions can have side effects, and may even call functions in
3807 your program. This can be useful, for example, to activate functions
3808 that log program progress, or to use your own print functions to
3809 format special data structures. The effects are completely predictable
3810 unless there is another enabled breakpoint at the same address. (In
3811 that case, @value{GDBN} might see the other breakpoint first and stop your
3812 program without checking the condition of this one.) Note that
3813 breakpoint commands are usually more convenient and flexible than break
3814 conditions for the
3815 purpose of performing side effects when a breakpoint is reached
3816 (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint Command Lists}).
3817
3818 Break conditions can be specified when a breakpoint is set, by using
3819 @samp{if} in the arguments to the @code{break} command. @xref{Set
3820 Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}. They can also be changed at any time
3821 with the @code{condition} command.
3822
3823 You can also use the @code{if} keyword with the @code{watch} command.
3824 The @code{catch} command does not recognize the @code{if} keyword;
3825 @code{condition} is the only way to impose a further condition on a
3826 catchpoint.
3827
3828 @table @code
3829 @kindex condition
3830 @item condition @var{bnum} @var{expression}
3831 Specify @var{expression} as the break condition for breakpoint,
3832 watchpoint, or catchpoint number @var{bnum}. After you set a condition,
3833 breakpoint @var{bnum} stops your program only if the value of
3834 @var{expression} is true (nonzero, in C). When you use
3835 @code{condition}, @value{GDBN} checks @var{expression} immediately for
3836 syntactic correctness, and to determine whether symbols in it have
3837 referents in the context of your breakpoint. If @var{expression} uses
3838 symbols not referenced in the context of the breakpoint, @value{GDBN}
3839 prints an error message:
3840
3841 @smallexample
3842 No symbol "foo" in current context.
3843 @end smallexample
3844
3845 @noindent
3846 @value{GDBN} does
3847 not actually evaluate @var{expression} at the time the @code{condition}
3848 command (or a command that sets a breakpoint with a condition, like
3849 @code{break if @dots{}}) is given, however. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
3850
3851 @item condition @var{bnum}
3852 Remove the condition from breakpoint number @var{bnum}. It becomes
3853 an ordinary unconditional breakpoint.
3854 @end table
3855
3856 @cindex ignore count (of breakpoint)
3857 A special case of a breakpoint condition is to stop only when the
3858 breakpoint has been reached a certain number of times. This is so
3859 useful that there is a special way to do it, using the @dfn{ignore
3860 count} of the breakpoint. Every breakpoint has an ignore count, which
3861 is an integer. Most of the time, the ignore count is zero, and
3862 therefore has no effect. But if your program reaches a breakpoint whose
3863 ignore count is positive, then instead of stopping, it just decrements
3864 the ignore count by one and continues. As a result, if the ignore count
3865 value is @var{n}, the breakpoint does not stop the next @var{n} times
3866 your program reaches it.
3867
3868 @table @code
3869 @kindex ignore
3870 @item ignore @var{bnum} @var{count}
3871 Set the ignore count of breakpoint number @var{bnum} to @var{count}.
3872 The next @var{count} times the breakpoint is reached, your program's
3873 execution does not stop; other than to decrement the ignore count, @value{GDBN}
3874 takes no action.
3875
3876 To make the breakpoint stop the next time it is reached, specify
3877 a count of zero.
3878
3879 When you use @code{continue} to resume execution of your program from a
3880 breakpoint, you can specify an ignore count directly as an argument to
3881 @code{continue}, rather than using @code{ignore}. @xref{Continuing and
3882 Stepping,,Continuing and Stepping}.
3883
3884 If a breakpoint has a positive ignore count and a condition, the
3885 condition is not checked. Once the ignore count reaches zero,
3886 @value{GDBN} resumes checking the condition.
3887
3888 You could achieve the effect of the ignore count with a condition such
3889 as @w{@samp{$foo-- <= 0}} using a debugger convenience variable that
3890 is decremented each time. @xref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
3891 Variables}.
3892 @end table
3893
3894 Ignore counts apply to breakpoints, watchpoints, and catchpoints.
3895
3896
3897 @node Break Commands
3898 @subsection Breakpoint Command Lists
3899
3900 @cindex breakpoint commands
3901 You can give any breakpoint (or watchpoint or catchpoint) a series of
3902 commands to execute when your program stops due to that breakpoint. For
3903 example, you might want to print the values of certain expressions, or
3904 enable other breakpoints.
3905
3906 @table @code
3907 @kindex commands
3908 @kindex end@r{ (breakpoint commands)}
3909 @item commands @r{[}@var{bnum}@r{]}
3910 @itemx @dots{} @var{command-list} @dots{}
3911 @itemx end
3912 Specify a list of commands for breakpoint number @var{bnum}. The commands
3913 themselves appear on the following lines. Type a line containing just
3914 @code{end} to terminate the commands.
3915
3916 To remove all commands from a breakpoint, type @code{commands} and
3917 follow it immediately with @code{end}; that is, give no commands.
3918
3919 With no @var{bnum} argument, @code{commands} refers to the last
3920 breakpoint, watchpoint, or catchpoint set (not to the breakpoint most
3921 recently encountered).
3922 @end table
3923
3924 Pressing @key{RET} as a means of repeating the last @value{GDBN} command is
3925 disabled within a @var{command-list}.
3926
3927 You can use breakpoint commands to start your program up again. Simply
3928 use the @code{continue} command, or @code{step}, or any other command
3929 that resumes execution.
3930
3931 Any other commands in the command list, after a command that resumes
3932 execution, are ignored. This is because any time you resume execution
3933 (even with a simple @code{next} or @code{step}), you may encounter
3934 another breakpoint---which could have its own command list, leading to
3935 ambiguities about which list to execute.
3936
3937 @kindex silent
3938 If the first command you specify in a command list is @code{silent}, the
3939 usual message about stopping at a breakpoint is not printed. This may
3940 be desirable for breakpoints that are to print a specific message and
3941 then continue. If none of the remaining commands print anything, you
3942 see no sign that the breakpoint was reached. @code{silent} is
3943 meaningful only at the beginning of a breakpoint command list.
3944
3945 The commands @code{echo}, @code{output}, and @code{printf} allow you to
3946 print precisely controlled output, and are often useful in silent
3947 breakpoints. @xref{Output, ,Commands for Controlled Output}.
3948
3949 For example, here is how you could use breakpoint commands to print the
3950 value of @code{x} at entry to @code{foo} whenever @code{x} is positive.
3951
3952 @smallexample
3953 break foo if x>0
3954 commands
3955 silent
3956 printf "x is %d\n",x
3957 cont
3958 end
3959 @end smallexample
3960
3961 One application for breakpoint commands is to compensate for one bug so
3962 you can test for another. Put a breakpoint just after the erroneous line
3963 of code, give it a condition to detect the case in which something
3964 erroneous has been done, and give it commands to assign correct values
3965 to any variables that need them. End with the @code{continue} command
3966 so that your program does not stop, and start with the @code{silent}
3967 command so that no output is produced. Here is an example:
3968
3969 @smallexample
3970 break 403
3971 commands
3972 silent
3973 set x = y + 4
3974 cont
3975 end
3976 @end smallexample
3977
3978 @c @ifclear BARETARGET
3979 @node Error in Breakpoints
3980 @subsection ``Cannot insert breakpoints''
3981 @c
3982 @c FIXME!! 14/6/95 Is there a real example of this? Let's use it.
3983 @c
3984 Under some operating systems, breakpoints cannot be used in a program if
3985 any other process is running that program. In this situation,
3986 attempting to run or continue a program with a breakpoint causes
3987 @value{GDBN} to print an error message:
3988
3989 @smallexample
3990 Cannot insert breakpoints.
3991 The same program may be running in another process.
3992 @end smallexample
3993
3994 When this happens, you have three ways to proceed:
3995
3996 @enumerate
3997 @item
3998 Remove or disable the breakpoints, then continue.
3999
4000 @item
4001 Suspend @value{GDBN}, and copy the file containing your program to a new
4002 name. Resume @value{GDBN} and use the @code{exec-file} command to specify
4003 that @value{GDBN} should run your program under that name.
4004 Then start your program again.
4005
4006 @item
4007 Relink your program so that the text segment is nonsharable, using the
4008 linker option @samp{-N}. The operating system limitation may not apply
4009 to nonsharable executables.
4010 @end enumerate
4011 @c @end ifclear
4012
4013 A similar message can be printed if you request too many active
4014 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints:
4015
4016 @c FIXME: the precise wording of this message may change; the relevant
4017 @c source change is not committed yet (Sep 3, 1999).
4018 @smallexample
4019 Stopped; cannot insert breakpoints.
4020 You may have requested too many hardware breakpoints and watchpoints.
4021 @end smallexample
4022
4023 @noindent
4024 This message is printed when you attempt to resume the program, since
4025 only then @value{GDBN} knows exactly how many hardware breakpoints and
4026 watchpoints it needs to insert.
4027
4028 When this message is printed, you need to disable or remove some of the
4029 hardware-assisted breakpoints and watchpoints, and then continue.
4030
4031 @node Breakpoint-related Warnings
4032 @subsection ``Breakpoint address adjusted...''
4033 @cindex breakpoint address adjusted
4034
4035 Some processor architectures place constraints on the addresses at
4036 which breakpoints may be placed. For architectures thus constrained,
4037 @value{GDBN} will attempt to adjust the breakpoint's address to comply
4038 with the constraints dictated by the architecture.
4039
4040 One example of such an architecture is the Fujitsu FR-V. The FR-V is
4041 a VLIW architecture in which a number of RISC-like instructions may be
4042 bundled together for parallel execution. The FR-V architecture
4043 constrains the location of a breakpoint instruction within such a
4044 bundle to the instruction with the lowest address. @value{GDBN}
4045 honors this constraint by adjusting a breakpoint's address to the
4046 first in the bundle.
4047
4048 It is not uncommon for optimized code to have bundles which contain
4049 instructions from different source statements, thus it may happen that
4050 a breakpoint's address will be adjusted from one source statement to
4051 another. Since this adjustment may significantly alter @value{GDBN}'s
4052 breakpoint related behavior from what the user expects, a warning is
4053 printed when the breakpoint is first set and also when the breakpoint
4054 is hit.
4055
4056 A warning like the one below is printed when setting a breakpoint
4057 that's been subject to address adjustment:
4058
4059 @smallexample
4060 warning: Breakpoint address adjusted from 0x00010414 to 0x00010410.
4061 @end smallexample
4062
4063 Such warnings are printed both for user settable and @value{GDBN}'s
4064 internal breakpoints. If you see one of these warnings, you should
4065 verify that a breakpoint set at the adjusted address will have the
4066 desired affect. If not, the breakpoint in question may be removed and
4067 other breakpoints may be set which will have the desired behavior.
4068 E.g., it may be sufficient to place the breakpoint at a later
4069 instruction. A conditional breakpoint may also be useful in some
4070 cases to prevent the breakpoint from triggering too often.
4071
4072 @value{GDBN} will also issue a warning when stopping at one of these
4073 adjusted breakpoints:
4074
4075 @smallexample
4076 warning: Breakpoint 1 address previously adjusted from 0x00010414
4077 to 0x00010410.
4078 @end smallexample
4079
4080 When this warning is encountered, it may be too late to take remedial
4081 action except in cases where the breakpoint is hit earlier or more
4082 frequently than expected.
4083
4084 @node Continuing and Stepping
4085 @section Continuing and Stepping
4086
4087 @cindex stepping
4088 @cindex continuing
4089 @cindex resuming execution
4090 @dfn{Continuing} means resuming program execution until your program
4091 completes normally. In contrast, @dfn{stepping} means executing just
4092 one more ``step'' of your program, where ``step'' may mean either one
4093 line of source code, or one machine instruction (depending on what
4094 particular command you use). Either when continuing or when stepping,
4095 your program may stop even sooner, due to a breakpoint or a signal. (If
4096 it stops due to a signal, you may want to use @code{handle}, or use
4097 @samp{signal 0} to resume execution. @xref{Signals, ,Signals}.)
4098
4099 @table @code
4100 @kindex continue
4101 @kindex c @r{(@code{continue})}
4102 @kindex fg @r{(resume foreground execution)}
4103 @item continue @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4104 @itemx c @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4105 @itemx fg @r{[}@var{ignore-count}@r{]}
4106 Resume program execution, at the address where your program last stopped;
4107 any breakpoints set at that address are bypassed. The optional argument
4108 @var{ignore-count} allows you to specify a further number of times to
4109 ignore a breakpoint at this location; its effect is like that of
4110 @code{ignore} (@pxref{Conditions, ,Break Conditions}).
4111
4112 The argument @var{ignore-count} is meaningful only when your program
4113 stopped due to a breakpoint. At other times, the argument to
4114 @code{continue} is ignored.
4115
4116 The synonyms @code{c} and @code{fg} (for @dfn{foreground}, as the
4117 debugged program is deemed to be the foreground program) are provided
4118 purely for convenience, and have exactly the same behavior as
4119 @code{continue}.
4120 @end table
4121
4122 To resume execution at a different place, you can use @code{return}
4123 (@pxref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}) to go back to the
4124 calling function; or @code{jump} (@pxref{Jumping, ,Continuing at a
4125 Different Address}) to go to an arbitrary location in your program.
4126
4127 A typical technique for using stepping is to set a breakpoint
4128 (@pxref{Breakpoints, ,Breakpoints; Watchpoints; and Catchpoints}) at the
4129 beginning of the function or the section of your program where a problem
4130 is believed to lie, run your program until it stops at that breakpoint,
4131 and then step through the suspect area, examining the variables that are
4132 interesting, until you see the problem happen.
4133
4134 @table @code
4135 @kindex step
4136 @kindex s @r{(@code{step})}
4137 @item step
4138 Continue running your program until control reaches a different source
4139 line, then stop it and return control to @value{GDBN}. This command is
4140 abbreviated @code{s}.
4141
4142 @quotation
4143 @c "without debugging information" is imprecise; actually "without line
4144 @c numbers in the debugging information". (gcc -g1 has debugging info but
4145 @c not line numbers). But it seems complex to try to make that
4146 @c distinction here.
4147 @emph{Warning:} If you use the @code{step} command while control is
4148 within a function that was compiled without debugging information,
4149 execution proceeds until control reaches a function that does have
4150 debugging information. Likewise, it will not step into a function which
4151 is compiled without debugging information. To step through functions
4152 without debugging information, use the @code{stepi} command, described
4153 below.
4154 @end quotation
4155
4156 The @code{step} command only stops at the first instruction of a source
4157 line. This prevents the multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4158 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc. @code{step} continues
4159 to stop if a function that has debugging information is called within
4160 the line. In other words, @code{step} @emph{steps inside} any functions
4161 called within the line.
4162
4163 Also, the @code{step} command only enters a function if there is line
4164 number information for the function. Otherwise it acts like the
4165 @code{next} command. This avoids problems when using @code{cc -gl}
4166 on MIPS machines. Previously, @code{step} entered subroutines if there
4167 was any debugging information about the routine.
4168
4169 @item step @var{count}
4170 Continue running as in @code{step}, but do so @var{count} times. If a
4171 breakpoint is reached, or a signal not related to stepping occurs before
4172 @var{count} steps, stepping stops right away.
4173
4174 @kindex next
4175 @kindex n @r{(@code{next})}
4176 @item next @r{[}@var{count}@r{]}
4177 Continue to the next source line in the current (innermost) stack frame.
4178 This is similar to @code{step}, but function calls that appear within
4179 the line of code are executed without stopping. Execution stops when
4180 control reaches a different line of code at the original stack level
4181 that was executing when you gave the @code{next} command. This command
4182 is abbreviated @code{n}.
4183
4184 An argument @var{count} is a repeat count, as for @code{step}.
4185
4186
4187 @c FIX ME!! Do we delete this, or is there a way it fits in with
4188 @c the following paragraph? --- Vctoria
4189 @c
4190 @c @code{next} within a function that lacks debugging information acts like
4191 @c @code{step}, but any function calls appearing within the code of the
4192 @c function are executed without stopping.
4193
4194 The @code{next} command only stops at the first instruction of a
4195 source line. This prevents multiple stops that could otherwise occur in
4196 @code{switch} statements, @code{for} loops, etc.
4197
4198 @kindex set step-mode
4199 @item set step-mode
4200 @cindex functions without line info, and stepping
4201 @cindex stepping into functions with no line info
4202 @itemx set step-mode on
4203 The @code{set step-mode on} command causes the @code{step} command to
4204 stop at the first instruction of a function which contains no debug line
4205 information rather than stepping over it.
4206
4207 This is useful in cases where you may be interested in inspecting the
4208 machine instructions of a function which has no symbolic info and do not
4209 want @value{GDBN} to automatically skip over this function.
4210
4211 @item set step-mode off
4212 Causes the @code{step} command to step over any functions which contains no
4213 debug information. This is the default.
4214
4215 @item show step-mode
4216 Show whether @value{GDBN} will stop in or step over functions without
4217 source line debug information.
4218
4219 @kindex finish
4220 @kindex fin @r{(@code{finish})}
4221 @item finish
4222 Continue running until just after function in the selected stack frame
4223 returns. Print the returned value (if any). This command can be
4224 abbreviated as @code{fin}.
4225
4226 Contrast this with the @code{return} command (@pxref{Returning,
4227 ,Returning from a Function}).
4228
4229 @kindex until
4230 @kindex u @r{(@code{until})}
4231 @cindex run until specified location
4232 @item until
4233 @itemx u
4234 Continue running until a source line past the current line, in the
4235 current stack frame, is reached. This command is used to avoid single
4236 stepping through a loop more than once. It is like the @code{next}
4237 command, except that when @code{until} encounters a jump, it
4238 automatically continues execution until the program counter is greater
4239 than the address of the jump.
4240
4241 This means that when you reach the end of a loop after single stepping
4242 though it, @code{until} makes your program continue execution until it
4243 exits the loop. In contrast, a @code{next} command at the end of a loop
4244 simply steps back to the beginning of the loop, which forces you to step
4245 through the next iteration.
4246
4247 @code{until} always stops your program if it attempts to exit the current
4248 stack frame.
4249
4250 @code{until} may produce somewhat counterintuitive results if the order
4251 of machine code does not match the order of the source lines. For
4252 example, in the following excerpt from a debugging session, the @code{f}
4253 (@code{frame}) command shows that execution is stopped at line
4254 @code{206}; yet when we use @code{until}, we get to line @code{195}:
4255
4256 @smallexample
4257 (@value{GDBP}) f
4258 #0 main (argc=4, argv=0xf7fffae8) at m4.c:206
4259 206 expand_input();
4260 (@value{GDBP}) until
4261 195 for ( ; argc > 0; NEXTARG) @{
4262 @end smallexample
4263
4264 This happened because, for execution efficiency, the compiler had
4265 generated code for the loop closure test at the end, rather than the
4266 start, of the loop---even though the test in a C @code{for}-loop is
4267 written before the body of the loop. The @code{until} command appeared
4268 to step back to the beginning of the loop when it advanced to this
4269 expression; however, it has not really gone to an earlier
4270 statement---not in terms of the actual machine code.
4271
4272 @code{until} with no argument works by means of single
4273 instruction stepping, and hence is slower than @code{until} with an
4274 argument.
4275
4276 @item until @var{location}
4277 @itemx u @var{location}
4278 Continue running your program until either the specified location is
4279 reached, or the current stack frame returns. @var{location} is any of
4280 the forms described in @ref{Specify Location}.
4281 This form of the command uses temporary breakpoints, and
4282 hence is quicker than @code{until} without an argument. The specified
4283 location is actually reached only if it is in the current frame. This
4284 implies that @code{until} can be used to skip over recursive function
4285 invocations. For instance in the code below, if the current location is
4286 line @code{96}, issuing @code{until 99} will execute the program up to
4287 line @code{99} in the same invocation of factorial, i.e., after the inner
4288 invocations have returned.
4289
4290 @smallexample
4291 94 int factorial (int value)
4292 95 @{
4293 96 if (value > 1) @{
4294 97 value *= factorial (value - 1);
4295 98 @}
4296 99 return (value);
4297 100 @}
4298 @end smallexample
4299
4300
4301 @kindex advance @var{location}
4302 @itemx advance @var{location}
4303 Continue running the program up to the given @var{location}. An argument is
4304 required, which should be of one of the forms described in
4305 @ref{Specify Location}.
4306 Execution will also stop upon exit from the current stack
4307 frame. This command is similar to @code{until}, but @code{advance} will
4308 not skip over recursive function calls, and the target location doesn't
4309 have to be in the same frame as the current one.
4310
4311
4312 @kindex stepi
4313 @kindex si @r{(@code{stepi})}
4314 @item stepi
4315 @itemx stepi @var{arg}
4316 @itemx si
4317 Execute one machine instruction, then stop and return to the debugger.
4318
4319 It is often useful to do @samp{display/i $pc} when stepping by machine
4320 instructions. This makes @value{GDBN} automatically display the next
4321 instruction to be executed, each time your program stops. @xref{Auto
4322 Display,, Automatic Display}.
4323
4324 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{step}.
4325
4326 @need 750
4327 @kindex nexti
4328 @kindex ni @r{(@code{nexti})}
4329 @item nexti
4330 @itemx nexti @var{arg}
4331 @itemx ni
4332 Execute one machine instruction, but if it is a function call,
4333 proceed until the function returns.
4334
4335 An argument is a repeat count, as in @code{next}.
4336 @end table
4337
4338 @node Signals
4339 @section Signals
4340 @cindex signals
4341
4342 A signal is an asynchronous event that can happen in a program. The
4343 operating system defines the possible kinds of signals, and gives each
4344 kind a name and a number. For example, in Unix @code{SIGINT} is the
4345 signal a program gets when you type an interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c});
4346 @code{SIGSEGV} is the signal a program gets from referencing a place in
4347 memory far away from all the areas in use; @code{SIGALRM} occurs when
4348 the alarm clock timer goes off (which happens only if your program has
4349 requested an alarm).
4350
4351 @cindex fatal signals
4352 Some signals, including @code{SIGALRM}, are a normal part of the
4353 functioning of your program. Others, such as @code{SIGSEGV}, indicate
4354 errors; these signals are @dfn{fatal} (they kill your program immediately) if the
4355 program has not specified in advance some other way to handle the signal.
4356 @code{SIGINT} does not indicate an error in your program, but it is normally
4357 fatal so it can carry out the purpose of the interrupt: to kill the program.
4358
4359 @value{GDBN} has the ability to detect any occurrence of a signal in your
4360 program. You can tell @value{GDBN} in advance what to do for each kind of
4361 signal.
4362
4363 @cindex handling signals
4364 Normally, @value{GDBN} is set up to let the non-erroneous signals like
4365 @code{SIGALRM} be silently passed to your program
4366 (so as not to interfere with their role in the program's functioning)
4367 but to stop your program immediately whenever an error signal happens.
4368 You can change these settings with the @code{handle} command.
4369
4370 @table @code
4371 @kindex info signals
4372 @kindex info handle
4373 @item info signals
4374 @itemx info handle
4375 Print a table of all the kinds of signals and how @value{GDBN} has been told to
4376 handle each one. You can use this to see the signal numbers of all
4377 the defined types of signals.
4378
4379 @item info signals @var{sig}
4380 Similar, but print information only about the specified signal number.
4381
4382 @code{info handle} is an alias for @code{info signals}.
4383
4384 @kindex handle
4385 @item handle @var{signal} @r{[}@var{keywords}@dots{}@r{]}
4386 Change the way @value{GDBN} handles signal @var{signal}. @var{signal}
4387 can be the number of a signal or its name (with or without the
4388 @samp{SIG} at the beginning); a list of signal numbers of the form
4389 @samp{@var{low}-@var{high}}; or the word @samp{all}, meaning all the
4390 known signals. Optional arguments @var{keywords}, described below,
4391 say what change to make.
4392 @end table
4393
4394 @c @group
4395 The keywords allowed by the @code{handle} command can be abbreviated.
4396 Their full names are:
4397
4398 @table @code
4399 @item nostop
4400 @value{GDBN} should not stop your program when this signal happens. It may
4401 still print a message telling you that the signal has come in.
4402
4403 @item stop
4404 @value{GDBN} should stop your program when this signal happens. This implies
4405 the @code{print} keyword as well.
4406
4407 @item print
4408 @value{GDBN} should print a message when this signal happens.
4409
4410 @item noprint
4411 @value{GDBN} should not mention the occurrence of the signal at all. This
4412 implies the @code{nostop} keyword as well.
4413
4414 @item pass
4415 @itemx noignore
4416 @value{GDBN} should allow your program to see this signal; your program
4417 can handle the signal, or else it may terminate if the signal is fatal
4418 and not handled. @code{pass} and @code{noignore} are synonyms.
4419
4420 @item nopass
4421 @itemx ignore
4422 @value{GDBN} should not allow your program to see this signal.
4423 @code{nopass} and @code{ignore} are synonyms.
4424 @end table
4425 @c @end group
4426
4427 When a signal stops your program, the signal is not visible to the
4428 program until you
4429 continue. Your program sees the signal then, if @code{pass} is in
4430 effect for the signal in question @emph{at that time}. In other words,
4431 after @value{GDBN} reports a signal, you can use the @code{handle}
4432 command with @code{pass} or @code{nopass} to control whether your
4433 program sees that signal when you continue.
4434
4435 The default is set to @code{nostop}, @code{noprint}, @code{pass} for
4436 non-erroneous signals such as @code{SIGALRM}, @code{SIGWINCH} and
4437 @code{SIGCHLD}, and to @code{stop}, @code{print}, @code{pass} for the
4438 erroneous signals.
4439
4440 You can also use the @code{signal} command to prevent your program from
4441 seeing a signal, or cause it to see a signal it normally would not see,
4442 or to give it any signal at any time. For example, if your program stopped
4443 due to some sort of memory reference error, you might store correct
4444 values into the erroneous variables and continue, hoping to see more
4445 execution; but your program would probably terminate immediately as
4446 a result of the fatal signal once it saw the signal. To prevent this,
4447 you can continue with @samp{signal 0}. @xref{Signaling, ,Giving your
4448 Program a Signal}.
4449
4450 @node Thread Stops
4451 @section Stopping and Starting Multi-thread Programs
4452
4453 @cindex stopped threads
4454 @cindex threads, stopped
4455
4456 @cindex continuing threads
4457 @cindex threads, continuing
4458
4459 @value{GDBN} supports debugging programs with multiple threads
4460 (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging Programs with Multiple Threads}). There
4461 are two modes of controlling execution of your program within the
4462 debugger. In the default mode, referred to as @dfn{all-stop mode},
4463 when any thread in your program stops (for example, at a breakpoint
4464 or while being stepped), all other threads in the program are also stopped by
4465 @value{GDBN}. On some targets, @value{GDBN} also supports
4466 @dfn{non-stop mode}, in which other threads can continue to run freely while
4467 you examine the stopped thread in the debugger.
4468
4469 @menu
4470 * All-Stop Mode:: All threads stop when GDB takes control
4471 * Non-Stop Mode:: Other threads continue to execute
4472 * Background Execution:: Running your program asynchronously
4473 * Thread-Specific Breakpoints:: Controlling breakpoints
4474 * Interrupted System Calls:: GDB may interfere with system calls
4475 @end menu
4476
4477 @node All-Stop Mode
4478 @subsection All-Stop Mode
4479
4480 @cindex all-stop mode
4481
4482 In all-stop mode, whenever your program stops under @value{GDBN} for any reason,
4483 @emph{all} threads of execution stop, not just the current thread. This
4484 allows you to examine the overall state of the program, including
4485 switching between threads, without worrying that things may change
4486 underfoot.
4487
4488 Conversely, whenever you restart the program, @emph{all} threads start
4489 executing. @emph{This is true even when single-stepping} with commands
4490 like @code{step} or @code{next}.
4491
4492 In particular, @value{GDBN} cannot single-step all threads in lockstep.
4493 Since thread scheduling is up to your debugging target's operating
4494 system (not controlled by @value{GDBN}), other threads may
4495 execute more than one statement while the current thread completes a
4496 single step. Moreover, in general other threads stop in the middle of a
4497 statement, rather than at a clean statement boundary, when the program
4498 stops.
4499
4500 You might even find your program stopped in another thread after
4501 continuing or even single-stepping. This happens whenever some other
4502 thread runs into a breakpoint, a signal, or an exception before the
4503 first thread completes whatever you requested.
4504
4505 @cindex automatic thread selection
4506 @cindex switching threads automatically
4507 @cindex threads, automatic switching
4508 Whenever @value{GDBN} stops your program, due to a breakpoint or a
4509 signal, it automatically selects the thread where that breakpoint or
4510 signal happened. @value{GDBN} alerts you to the context switch with a
4511 message such as @samp{[Switching to Thread @var{n}]} to identify the
4512 thread.
4513
4514 On some OSes, you can modify @value{GDBN}'s default behavior by
4515 locking the OS scheduler to allow only a single thread to run.
4516
4517 @table @code
4518 @item set scheduler-locking @var{mode}
4519 @cindex scheduler locking mode
4520 @cindex lock scheduler
4521 Set the scheduler locking mode. If it is @code{off}, then there is no
4522 locking and any thread may run at any time. If @code{on}, then only the
4523 current thread may run when the inferior is resumed. The @code{step}
4524 mode optimizes for single-stepping; it prevents other threads
4525 from preempting the current thread while you are stepping, so that
4526 the focus of debugging does not change unexpectedly.
4527 Other threads only rarely (or never) get a chance to run
4528 when you step. They are more likely to run when you @samp{next} over a
4529 function call, and they are completely free to run when you use commands
4530 like @samp{continue}, @samp{until}, or @samp{finish}. However, unless another
4531 thread hits a breakpoint during its timeslice, @value{GDBN} does not change
4532 the current thread away from the thread that you are debugging.
4533
4534 @item show scheduler-locking
4535 Display the current scheduler locking mode.
4536 @end table
4537
4538 @node Non-Stop Mode
4539 @subsection Non-Stop Mode
4540
4541 @cindex non-stop mode
4542
4543 @c This section is really only a place-holder, and needs to be expanded
4544 @c with more details.
4545
4546 For some multi-threaded targets, @value{GDBN} supports an optional
4547 mode of operation in which you can examine stopped program threads in
4548 the debugger while other threads continue to execute freely. This
4549 minimizes intrusion when debugging live systems, such as programs
4550 where some threads have real-time constraints or must continue to
4551 respond to external events. This is referred to as @dfn{non-stop} mode.
4552
4553 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops to report a debugging event,
4554 @emph{only} that thread is stopped; @value{GDBN} does not stop other
4555 threads as well, in contrast to the all-stop mode behavior. Additionally,
4556 execution commands such as @code{continue} and @code{step} apply by default
4557 only to the current thread in non-stop mode, rather than all threads as
4558 in all-stop mode. This allows you to control threads explicitly in
4559 ways that are not possible in all-stop mode --- for example, stepping
4560 one thread while allowing others to run freely, stepping
4561 one thread while holding all others stopped, or stepping several threads
4562 independently and simultaneously.
4563
4564 To enter non-stop mode, use this sequence of commands before you run
4565 or attach to your program:
4566
4567 @c FIXME: can we fix this recipe to avoid the linux-async/remote-async details?
4568
4569 @smallexample
4570 # Enable the async interface.
4571 # For target remote, use remote-async instead of linux-async.
4572 maint set linux-async 1
4573
4574 # With non-stop, breakpoints have to be always inserted.
4575 set breakpoint always-inserted 1
4576
4577 # If using the CLI, pagination breaks non-stop.
4578 set pagination off
4579
4580 # Finally, turn it on!
4581 set non-stop on
4582 @end smallexample
4583
4584 You can use these commands to manipulate the non-stop mode setting:
4585
4586 @table @code
4587 @kindex set non-stop
4588 @item set non-stop on
4589 Enable selection of non-stop mode.
4590 @item set non-stop off
4591 Disable selection of non-stop mode.
4592 @kindex show non-stop
4593 @item show non-stop
4594 Show the current non-stop enablement setting.
4595 @end table
4596
4597 Note these commands only reflect whether non-stop mode is enabled,
4598 not whether the currently-executing program is being run in non-stop mode.
4599 In particular, the @code{set non-stop} preference is only consulted when
4600 @value{GDBN} starts or connects to the target program, and it is generally
4601 not possible to switch modes once debugging has started. Furthermore,
4602 since not all targets support non-stop mode, even when you have enabled
4603 non-stop mode, @value{GDBN} may still fall back to all-stop operation by
4604 default.
4605
4606 In non-stop mode, all execution commands apply only to the current thread
4607 by default. That is, @code{continue} only continues one thread.
4608 To continue all threads, issue @code{continue -a} or @code{c -a}.
4609
4610 You can use @value{GDBN}'s background execution commands
4611 (@pxref{Background Execution}) to run some threads in the background
4612 while you continue to examine or step others from @value{GDBN}.
4613 The MI execution commands (@pxref{GDB/MI Program Execution}) are
4614 always executed asynchronously in non-stop mode.
4615
4616 Suspending execution is done with the @code{interrupt} command when
4617 running in the background, or @kbd{Ctrl-c} during foreground execution.
4618 In all-stop mode, this stops the whole process;
4619 but in non-stop mode the interrupt applies only to the current thread.
4620 To stop the whole program, use @code{interrupt -a}.
4621
4622 Other execution commands do not currently support the @code{-a} option.
4623
4624 In non-stop mode, when a thread stops, @value{GDBN} doesn't automatically make
4625 that thread current, as it does in all-stop mode. This is because the
4626 thread stop notifications are asynchronous with respect to @value{GDBN}'s
4627 command interpreter, and it would be confusing if @value{GDBN} unexpectedly
4628 changed to a different thread just as you entered a command to operate on the
4629 previously current thread.
4630
4631 @node Background Execution
4632 @subsection Background Execution
4633
4634 @cindex foreground execution
4635 @cindex background execution
4636 @cindex asynchronous execution
4637 @cindex execution, foreground, background and asynchronous
4638
4639 @value{GDBN}'s execution commands have two variants: the normal
4640 foreground (synchronous) behavior, and a background
4641 (asynchronous) behavior. In foreground execution, @value{GDBN} waits for
4642 the program to report that some thread has stopped before prompting for
4643 another command. In background execution, @value{GDBN} immediately gives
4644 a command prompt so that you can issue other commands while your program runs.
4645
4646 To specify background execution, add a @code{&} to the command. For example,
4647 the background form of the @code{continue} command is @code{continue&}, or
4648 just @code{c&}. The execution commands that accept background execution
4649 are:
4650
4651 @table @code
4652 @kindex run&
4653 @item run
4654 @xref{Starting, , Starting your Program}.
4655
4656 @item attach
4657 @kindex attach&
4658 @xref{Attach, , Debugging an Already-running Process}.
4659
4660 @item step
4661 @kindex step&
4662 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, step}.
4663
4664 @item stepi
4665 @kindex stepi&
4666 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, stepi}.
4667
4668 @item next
4669 @kindex next&
4670 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, next}.
4671
4672 @item continue
4673 @kindex continue&
4674 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, continue}.
4675
4676 @item finish
4677 @kindex finish&
4678 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, finish}.
4679
4680 @item until
4681 @kindex until&
4682 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, until}.
4683
4684 @end table
4685
4686 Background execution is especially useful in conjunction with non-stop
4687 mode for debugging programs with multiple threads; see @ref{Non-Stop Mode}.
4688 However, you can also use these commands in the normal all-stop mode with
4689 the restriction that you cannot issue another execution command until the
4690 previous one finishes. Examples of commands that are valid in all-stop
4691 mode while the program is running include @code{help} and @code{info break}.
4692
4693 You can interrupt your program while it is running in the background by
4694 using the @code{interrupt} command.
4695
4696 @table @code
4697 @kindex interrupt
4698 @item interrupt
4699 @itemx interrupt -a
4700
4701 Suspend execution of the running program. In all-stop mode,
4702 @code{interrupt} stops the whole process, but in non-stop mode, it stops
4703 only the current thread. To stop the whole program in non-stop mode,
4704 use @code{interrupt -a}.
4705 @end table
4706
4707 You may need to explicitly enable async mode before you can use background
4708 execution commands. @xref{Maintenance Commands}, for details. If the
4709 target doesn't support async mode, @value{GDBN} issues an error message
4710 if you attempt to use the background execution commands.
4711
4712 @node Thread-Specific Breakpoints
4713 @subsection Thread-Specific Breakpoints
4714
4715 When your program has multiple threads (@pxref{Threads,, Debugging
4716 Programs with Multiple Threads}), you can choose whether to set
4717 breakpoints on all threads, or on a particular thread.
4718
4719 @table @code
4720 @cindex breakpoints and threads
4721 @cindex thread breakpoints
4722 @kindex break @dots{} thread @var{threadno}
4723 @item break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno}
4724 @itemx break @var{linespec} thread @var{threadno} if @dots{}
4725 @var{linespec} specifies source lines; there are several ways of
4726 writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always to
4727 specify some source line.
4728
4729 Use the qualifier @samp{thread @var{threadno}} with a breakpoint command
4730 to specify that you only want @value{GDBN} to stop the program when a
4731 particular thread reaches this breakpoint. @var{threadno} is one of the
4732 numeric thread identifiers assigned by @value{GDBN}, shown in the first
4733 column of the @samp{info threads} display.
4734
4735 If you do not specify @samp{thread @var{threadno}} when you set a
4736 breakpoint, the breakpoint applies to @emph{all} threads of your
4737 program.
4738
4739 You can use the @code{thread} qualifier on conditional breakpoints as
4740 well; in this case, place @samp{thread @var{threadno}} before the
4741 breakpoint condition, like this:
4742
4743 @smallexample
4744 (@value{GDBP}) break frik.c:13 thread 28 if bartab > lim
4745 @end smallexample
4746
4747 @end table
4748
4749 @node Interrupted System Calls
4750 @subsection Interrupted System Calls
4751
4752 @cindex thread breakpoints and system calls
4753 @cindex system calls and thread breakpoints
4754 @cindex premature return from system calls
4755 There is an unfortunate side effect when using @value{GDBN} to debug
4756 multi-threaded programs. If one thread stops for a
4757 breakpoint, or for some other reason, and another thread is blocked in a
4758 system call, then the system call may return prematurely. This is a
4759 consequence of the interaction between multiple threads and the signals
4760 that @value{GDBN} uses to implement breakpoints and other events that
4761 stop execution.
4762
4763 To handle this problem, your program should check the return value of
4764 each system call and react appropriately. This is good programming
4765 style anyways.
4766
4767 For example, do not write code like this:
4768
4769 @smallexample
4770 sleep (10);
4771 @end smallexample
4772
4773 The call to @code{sleep} will return early if a different thread stops
4774 at a breakpoint or for some other reason.
4775
4776 Instead, write this:
4777
4778 @smallexample
4779 int unslept = 10;
4780 while (unslept > 0)
4781 unslept = sleep (unslept);
4782 @end smallexample
4783
4784 A system call is allowed to return early, so the system is still
4785 conforming to its specification. But @value{GDBN} does cause your
4786 multi-threaded program to behave differently than it would without
4787 @value{GDBN}.
4788
4789 Also, @value{GDBN} uses internal breakpoints in the thread library to
4790 monitor certain events such as thread creation and thread destruction.
4791 When such an event happens, a system call in another thread may return
4792 prematurely, even though your program does not appear to stop.
4793
4794
4795
4796 @node Stack
4797 @chapter Examining the Stack
4798
4799 When your program has stopped, the first thing you need to know is where it
4800 stopped and how it got there.
4801
4802 @cindex call stack
4803 Each time your program performs a function call, information about the call
4804 is generated.
4805 That information includes the location of the call in your program,
4806 the arguments of the call,
4807 and the local variables of the function being called.
4808 The information is saved in a block of data called a @dfn{stack frame}.
4809 The stack frames are allocated in a region of memory called the @dfn{call
4810 stack}.
4811
4812 When your program stops, the @value{GDBN} commands for examining the
4813 stack allow you to see all of this information.
4814
4815 @cindex selected frame
4816 One of the stack frames is @dfn{selected} by @value{GDBN} and many
4817 @value{GDBN} commands refer implicitly to the selected frame. In
4818 particular, whenever you ask @value{GDBN} for the value of a variable in
4819 your program, the value is found in the selected frame. There are
4820 special @value{GDBN} commands to select whichever frame you are
4821 interested in. @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
4822
4823 When your program stops, @value{GDBN} automatically selects the
4824 currently executing frame and describes it briefly, similar to the
4825 @code{frame} command (@pxref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}).
4826
4827 @menu
4828 * Frames:: Stack frames
4829 * Backtrace:: Backtraces
4830 * Selection:: Selecting a frame
4831 * Frame Info:: Information on a frame
4832
4833 @end menu
4834
4835 @node Frames
4836 @section Stack Frames
4837
4838 @cindex frame, definition
4839 @cindex stack frame
4840 The call stack is divided up into contiguous pieces called @dfn{stack
4841 frames}, or @dfn{frames} for short; each frame is the data associated
4842 with one call to one function. The frame contains the arguments given
4843 to the function, the function's local variables, and the address at
4844 which the function is executing.
4845
4846 @cindex initial frame
4847 @cindex outermost frame
4848 @cindex innermost frame
4849 When your program is started, the stack has only one frame, that of the
4850 function @code{main}. This is called the @dfn{initial} frame or the
4851 @dfn{outermost} frame. Each time a function is called, a new frame is
4852 made. Each time a function returns, the frame for that function invocation
4853 is eliminated. If a function is recursive, there can be many frames for
4854 the same function. The frame for the function in which execution is
4855 actually occurring is called the @dfn{innermost} frame. This is the most
4856 recently created of all the stack frames that still exist.
4857
4858 @cindex frame pointer
4859 Inside your program, stack frames are identified by their addresses. A
4860 stack frame consists of many bytes, each of which has its own address; each
4861 kind of computer has a convention for choosing one byte whose
4862 address serves as the address of the frame. Usually this address is kept
4863 in a register called the @dfn{frame pointer register}
4864 (@pxref{Registers, $fp}) while execution is going on in that frame.
4865
4866 @cindex frame number
4867 @value{GDBN} assigns numbers to all existing stack frames, starting with
4868 zero for the innermost frame, one for the frame that called it,
4869 and so on upward. These numbers do not really exist in your program;
4870 they are assigned by @value{GDBN} to give you a way of designating stack
4871 frames in @value{GDBN} commands.
4872
4873 @c The -fomit-frame-pointer below perennially causes hbox overflow
4874 @c underflow problems.
4875 @cindex frameless execution
4876 Some compilers provide a way to compile functions so that they operate
4877 without stack frames. (For example, the @value{NGCC} option
4878 @smallexample
4879 @samp{-fomit-frame-pointer}
4880 @end smallexample
4881 generates functions without a frame.)
4882 This is occasionally done with heavily used library functions to save
4883 the frame setup time. @value{GDBN} has limited facilities for dealing
4884 with these function invocations. If the innermost function invocation
4885 has no stack frame, @value{GDBN} nevertheless regards it as though
4886 it had a separate frame, which is numbered zero as usual, allowing
4887 correct tracing of the function call chain. However, @value{GDBN} has
4888 no provision for frameless functions elsewhere in the stack.
4889
4890 @table @code
4891 @kindex frame@r{, command}
4892 @cindex current stack frame
4893 @item frame @var{args}
4894 The @code{frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame to another,
4895 and to print the stack frame you select. @var{args} may be either the
4896 address of the frame or the stack frame number. Without an argument,
4897 @code{frame} prints the current stack frame.
4898
4899 @kindex select-frame
4900 @cindex selecting frame silently
4901 @item select-frame
4902 The @code{select-frame} command allows you to move from one stack frame
4903 to another without printing the frame. This is the silent version of
4904 @code{frame}.
4905 @end table
4906
4907 @node Backtrace
4908 @section Backtraces
4909
4910 @cindex traceback
4911 @cindex call stack traces
4912 A backtrace is a summary of how your program got where it is. It shows one
4913 line per frame, for many frames, starting with the currently executing
4914 frame (frame zero), followed by its caller (frame one), and on up the
4915 stack.
4916
4917 @table @code
4918 @kindex backtrace
4919 @kindex bt @r{(@code{backtrace})}
4920 @item backtrace
4921 @itemx bt
4922 Print a backtrace of the entire stack: one line per frame for all
4923 frames in the stack.
4924
4925 You can stop the backtrace at any time by typing the system interrupt
4926 character, normally @kbd{Ctrl-c}.
4927
4928 @item backtrace @var{n}
4929 @itemx bt @var{n}
4930 Similar, but print only the innermost @var{n} frames.
4931
4932 @item backtrace -@var{n}
4933 @itemx bt -@var{n}
4934 Similar, but print only the outermost @var{n} frames.
4935
4936 @item backtrace full
4937 @itemx bt full
4938 @itemx bt full @var{n}
4939 @itemx bt full -@var{n}
4940 Print the values of the local variables also. @var{n} specifies the
4941 number of frames to print, as described above.
4942 @end table
4943
4944 @kindex where
4945 @kindex info stack
4946 The names @code{where} and @code{info stack} (abbreviated @code{info s})
4947 are additional aliases for @code{backtrace}.
4948
4949 @cindex multiple threads, backtrace
4950 In a multi-threaded program, @value{GDBN} by default shows the
4951 backtrace only for the current thread. To display the backtrace for
4952 several or all of the threads, use the command @code{thread apply}
4953 (@pxref{Threads, thread apply}). For example, if you type @kbd{thread
4954 apply all backtrace}, @value{GDBN} will display the backtrace for all
4955 the threads; this is handy when you debug a core dump of a
4956 multi-threaded program.
4957
4958 Each line in the backtrace shows the frame number and the function name.
4959 The program counter value is also shown---unless you use @code{set
4960 print address off}. The backtrace also shows the source file name and
4961 line number, as well as the arguments to the function. The program
4962 counter value is omitted if it is at the beginning of the code for that
4963 line number.
4964
4965 Here is an example of a backtrace. It was made with the command
4966 @samp{bt 3}, so it shows the innermost three frames.
4967
4968 @smallexample
4969 @group
4970 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
4971 at builtin.c:993
4972 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=0x2b600) at macro.c:242
4973 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=177664, td=0xf7fffb08)
4974 at macro.c:71
4975 (More stack frames follow...)
4976 @end group
4977 @end smallexample
4978
4979 @noindent
4980 The display for frame zero does not begin with a program counter
4981 value, indicating that your program has stopped at the beginning of the
4982 code for line @code{993} of @code{builtin.c}.
4983
4984 @cindex value optimized out, in backtrace
4985 @cindex function call arguments, optimized out
4986 If your program was compiled with optimizations, some compilers will
4987 optimize away arguments passed to functions if those arguments are
4988 never used after the call. Such optimizations generate code that
4989 passes arguments through registers, but doesn't store those arguments
4990 in the stack frame. @value{GDBN} has no way of displaying such
4991 arguments in stack frames other than the innermost one. Here's what
4992 such a backtrace might look like:
4993
4994 @smallexample
4995 @group
4996 #0 m4_traceon (obs=0x24eb0, argc=1, argv=0x2b8c8)
4997 at builtin.c:993
4998 #1 0x6e38 in expand_macro (sym=<value optimized out>) at macro.c:242
4999 #2 0x6840 in expand_token (obs=0x0, t=<value optimized out>, td=0xf7fffb08)
5000 at macro.c:71
5001 (More stack frames follow...)
5002 @end group
5003 @end smallexample
5004
5005 @noindent
5006 The values of arguments that were not saved in their stack frames are
5007 shown as @samp{<value optimized out>}.
5008
5009 If you need to display the values of such optimized-out arguments,
5010 either deduce that from other variables whose values depend on the one
5011 you are interested in, or recompile without optimizations.
5012
5013 @cindex backtrace beyond @code{main} function
5014 @cindex program entry point
5015 @cindex startup code, and backtrace
5016 Most programs have a standard user entry point---a place where system
5017 libraries and startup code transition into user code. For C this is
5018 @code{main}@footnote{
5019 Note that embedded programs (the so-called ``free-standing''
5020 environment) are not required to have a @code{main} function as the
5021 entry point. They could even have multiple entry points.}.
5022 When @value{GDBN} finds the entry function in a backtrace
5023 it will terminate the backtrace, to avoid tracing into highly
5024 system-specific (and generally uninteresting) code.
5025
5026 If you need to examine the startup code, or limit the number of levels
5027 in a backtrace, you can change this behavior:
5028
5029 @table @code
5030 @item set backtrace past-main
5031 @itemx set backtrace past-main on
5032 @kindex set backtrace
5033 Backtraces will continue past the user entry point.
5034
5035 @item set backtrace past-main off
5036 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the user entry point. This is the
5037 default.
5038
5039 @item show backtrace past-main
5040 @kindex show backtrace
5041 Display the current user entry point backtrace policy.
5042
5043 @item set backtrace past-entry
5044 @itemx set backtrace past-entry on
5045 Backtraces will continue past the internal entry point of an application.
5046 This entry point is encoded by the linker when the application is built,
5047 and is likely before the user entry point @code{main} (or equivalent) is called.
5048
5049 @item set backtrace past-entry off
5050 Backtraces will stop when they encounter the internal entry point of an
5051 application. This is the default.
5052
5053 @item show backtrace past-entry
5054 Display the current internal entry point backtrace policy.
5055
5056 @item set backtrace limit @var{n}
5057 @itemx set backtrace limit 0
5058 @cindex backtrace limit
5059 Limit the backtrace to @var{n} levels. A value of zero means
5060 unlimited.
5061
5062 @item show backtrace limit
5063 Display the current limit on backtrace levels.
5064 @end table
5065
5066 @node Selection
5067 @section Selecting a Frame
5068
5069 Most commands for examining the stack and other data in your program work on
5070 whichever stack frame is selected at the moment. Here are the commands for
5071 selecting a stack frame; all of them finish by printing a brief description
5072 of the stack frame just selected.
5073
5074 @table @code
5075 @kindex frame@r{, selecting}
5076 @kindex f @r{(@code{frame})}
5077 @item frame @var{n}
5078 @itemx f @var{n}
5079 Select frame number @var{n}. Recall that frame zero is the innermost
5080 (currently executing) frame, frame one is the frame that called the
5081 innermost one, and so on. The highest-numbered frame is the one for
5082 @code{main}.
5083
5084 @item frame @var{addr}
5085 @itemx f @var{addr}
5086 Select the frame at address @var{addr}. This is useful mainly if the
5087 chaining of stack frames has been damaged by a bug, making it
5088 impossible for @value{GDBN} to assign numbers properly to all frames. In
5089 addition, this can be useful when your program has multiple stacks and
5090 switches between them.
5091
5092 On the SPARC architecture, @code{frame} needs two addresses to
5093 select an arbitrary frame: a frame pointer and a stack pointer.
5094
5095 On the MIPS and Alpha architecture, it needs two addresses: a stack
5096 pointer and a program counter.
5097
5098 On the 29k architecture, it needs three addresses: a register stack
5099 pointer, a program counter, and a memory stack pointer.
5100
5101 @kindex up
5102 @item up @var{n}
5103 Move @var{n} frames up the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5104 advances toward the outermost frame, to higher frame numbers, to frames
5105 that have existed longer. @var{n} defaults to one.
5106
5107 @kindex down
5108 @kindex do @r{(@code{down})}
5109 @item down @var{n}
5110 Move @var{n} frames down the stack. For positive numbers @var{n}, this
5111 advances toward the innermost frame, to lower frame numbers, to frames
5112 that were created more recently. @var{n} defaults to one. You may
5113 abbreviate @code{down} as @code{do}.
5114 @end table
5115
5116 All of these commands end by printing two lines of output describing the
5117 frame. The first line shows the frame number, the function name, the
5118 arguments, and the source file and line number of execution in that
5119 frame. The second line shows the text of that source line.
5120
5121 @need 1000
5122 For example:
5123
5124 @smallexample
5125 @group
5126 (@value{GDBP}) up
5127 #1 0x22f0 in main (argc=1, argv=0xf7fffbf4, env=0xf7fffbfc)
5128 at env.c:10
5129 10 read_input_file (argv[i]);
5130 @end group
5131 @end smallexample
5132
5133 After such a printout, the @code{list} command with no arguments
5134 prints ten lines centered on the point of execution in the frame.
5135 You can also edit the program at the point of execution with your favorite
5136 editing program by typing @code{edit}.
5137 @xref{List, ,Printing Source Lines},
5138 for details.
5139
5140 @table @code
5141 @kindex down-silently
5142 @kindex up-silently
5143 @item up-silently @var{n}
5144 @itemx down-silently @var{n}
5145 These two commands are variants of @code{up} and @code{down},
5146 respectively; they differ in that they do their work silently, without
5147 causing display of the new frame. They are intended primarily for use
5148 in @value{GDBN} command scripts, where the output might be unnecessary and
5149 distracting.
5150 @end table
5151
5152 @node Frame Info
5153 @section Information About a Frame
5154
5155 There are several other commands to print information about the selected
5156 stack frame.
5157
5158 @table @code
5159 @item frame
5160 @itemx f
5161 When used without any argument, this command does not change which
5162 frame is selected, but prints a brief description of the currently
5163 selected stack frame. It can be abbreviated @code{f}. With an
5164 argument, this command is used to select a stack frame.
5165 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5166
5167 @kindex info frame
5168 @kindex info f @r{(@code{info frame})}
5169 @item info frame
5170 @itemx info f
5171 This command prints a verbose description of the selected stack frame,
5172 including:
5173
5174 @itemize @bullet
5175 @item
5176 the address of the frame
5177 @item
5178 the address of the next frame down (called by this frame)
5179 @item
5180 the address of the next frame up (caller of this frame)
5181 @item
5182 the language in which the source code corresponding to this frame is written
5183 @item
5184 the address of the frame's arguments
5185 @item
5186 the address of the frame's local variables
5187 @item
5188 the program counter saved in it (the address of execution in the caller frame)
5189 @item
5190 which registers were saved in the frame
5191 @end itemize
5192
5193 @noindent The verbose description is useful when
5194 something has gone wrong that has made the stack format fail to fit
5195 the usual conventions.
5196
5197 @item info frame @var{addr}
5198 @itemx info f @var{addr}
5199 Print a verbose description of the frame at address @var{addr}, without
5200 selecting that frame. The selected frame remains unchanged by this
5201 command. This requires the same kind of address (more than one for some
5202 architectures) that you specify in the @code{frame} command.
5203 @xref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}.
5204
5205 @kindex info args
5206 @item info args
5207 Print the arguments of the selected frame, each on a separate line.
5208
5209 @item info locals
5210 @kindex info locals
5211 Print the local variables of the selected frame, each on a separate
5212 line. These are all variables (declared either static or automatic)
5213 accessible at the point of execution of the selected frame.
5214
5215 @kindex info catch
5216 @cindex catch exceptions, list active handlers
5217 @cindex exception handlers, how to list
5218 @item info catch
5219 Print a list of all the exception handlers that are active in the
5220 current stack frame at the current point of execution. To see other
5221 exception handlers, visit the associated frame (using the @code{up},
5222 @code{down}, or @code{frame} commands); then type @code{info catch}.
5223 @xref{Set Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
5224
5225 @end table
5226
5227
5228 @node Source
5229 @chapter Examining Source Files
5230
5231 @value{GDBN} can print parts of your program's source, since the debugging
5232 information recorded in the program tells @value{GDBN} what source files were
5233 used to build it. When your program stops, @value{GDBN} spontaneously prints
5234 the line where it stopped. Likewise, when you select a stack frame
5235 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}), @value{GDBN} prints the line where
5236 execution in that frame has stopped. You can print other portions of
5237 source files by explicit command.
5238
5239 If you use @value{GDBN} through its @sc{gnu} Emacs interface, you may
5240 prefer to use Emacs facilities to view source; see @ref{Emacs, ,Using
5241 @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs}.
5242
5243 @menu
5244 * List:: Printing source lines
5245 * Specify Location:: How to specify code locations
5246 * Edit:: Editing source files
5247 * Search:: Searching source files
5248 * Source Path:: Specifying source directories
5249 * Machine Code:: Source and machine code
5250 @end menu
5251
5252 @node List
5253 @section Printing Source Lines
5254
5255 @kindex list
5256 @kindex l @r{(@code{list})}
5257 To print lines from a source file, use the @code{list} command
5258 (abbreviated @code{l}). By default, ten lines are printed.
5259 There are several ways to specify what part of the file you want to
5260 print; see @ref{Specify Location}, for the full list.
5261
5262 Here are the forms of the @code{list} command most commonly used:
5263
5264 @table @code
5265 @item list @var{linenum}
5266 Print lines centered around line number @var{linenum} in the
5267 current source file.
5268
5269 @item list @var{function}
5270 Print lines centered around the beginning of function
5271 @var{function}.
5272
5273 @item list
5274 Print more lines. If the last lines printed were printed with a
5275 @code{list} command, this prints lines following the last lines
5276 printed; however, if the last line printed was a solitary line printed
5277 as part of displaying a stack frame (@pxref{Stack, ,Examining the
5278 Stack}), this prints lines centered around that line.
5279
5280 @item list -
5281 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
5282 @end table
5283
5284 @cindex @code{list}, how many lines to display
5285 By default, @value{GDBN} prints ten source lines with any of these forms of
5286 the @code{list} command. You can change this using @code{set listsize}:
5287
5288 @table @code
5289 @kindex set listsize
5290 @item set listsize @var{count}
5291 Make the @code{list} command display @var{count} source lines (unless
5292 the @code{list} argument explicitly specifies some other number).
5293
5294 @kindex show listsize
5295 @item show listsize
5296 Display the number of lines that @code{list} prints.
5297 @end table
5298
5299 Repeating a @code{list} command with @key{RET} discards the argument,
5300 so it is equivalent to typing just @code{list}. This is more useful
5301 than listing the same lines again. An exception is made for an
5302 argument of @samp{-}; that argument is preserved in repetition so that
5303 each repetition moves up in the source file.
5304
5305 In general, the @code{list} command expects you to supply zero, one or two
5306 @dfn{linespecs}. Linespecs specify source lines; there are several ways
5307 of writing them (@pxref{Specify Location}), but the effect is always
5308 to specify some source line.
5309
5310 Here is a complete description of the possible arguments for @code{list}:
5311
5312 @table @code
5313 @item list @var{linespec}
5314 Print lines centered around the line specified by @var{linespec}.
5315
5316 @item list @var{first},@var{last}
5317 Print lines from @var{first} to @var{last}. Both arguments are
5318 linespecs. When a @code{list} command has two linespecs, and the
5319 source file of the second linespec is omitted, this refers to
5320 the same source file as the first linespec.
5321
5322 @item list ,@var{last}
5323 Print lines ending with @var{last}.
5324
5325 @item list @var{first},
5326 Print lines starting with @var{first}.
5327
5328 @item list +
5329 Print lines just after the lines last printed.
5330
5331 @item list -
5332 Print lines just before the lines last printed.
5333
5334 @item list
5335 As described in the preceding table.
5336 @end table
5337
5338 @node Specify Location
5339 @section Specifying a Location
5340 @cindex specifying location
5341 @cindex linespec
5342
5343 Several @value{GDBN} commands accept arguments that specify a location
5344 of your program's code. Since @value{GDBN} is a source-level
5345 debugger, a location usually specifies some line in the source code;
5346 for that reason, locations are also known as @dfn{linespecs}.
5347
5348 Here are all the different ways of specifying a code location that
5349 @value{GDBN} understands:
5350
5351 @table @code
5352 @item @var{linenum}
5353 Specifies the line number @var{linenum} of the current source file.
5354
5355 @item -@var{offset}
5356 @itemx +@var{offset}
5357 Specifies the line @var{offset} lines before or after the @dfn{current
5358 line}. For the @code{list} command, the current line is the last one
5359 printed; for the breakpoint commands, this is the line at which
5360 execution stopped in the currently selected @dfn{stack frame}
5361 (@pxref{Frames, ,Frames}, for a description of stack frames.) When
5362 used as the second of the two linespecs in a @code{list} command,
5363 this specifies the line @var{offset} lines up or down from the first
5364 linespec.
5365
5366 @item @var{filename}:@var{linenum}
5367 Specifies the line @var{linenum} in the source file @var{filename}.
5368
5369 @item @var{function}
5370 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}.
5371 For example, in C, this is the line with the open brace.
5372
5373 @item @var{filename}:@var{function}
5374 Specifies the line that begins the body of the function @var{function}
5375 in the file @var{filename}. You only need the file name with a
5376 function name to avoid ambiguity when there are identically named
5377 functions in different source files.
5378
5379 @item *@var{address}
5380 Specifies the program address @var{address}. For line-oriented
5381 commands, such as @code{list} and @code{edit}, this specifies a source
5382 line that contains @var{address}. For @code{break} and other
5383 breakpoint oriented commands, this can be used to set breakpoints in
5384 parts of your program which do not have debugging information or
5385 source files.
5386
5387 Here @var{address} may be any expression valid in the current working
5388 language (@pxref{Languages, working language}) that specifies a code
5389 address. In addition, as a convenience, @value{GDBN} extends the
5390 semantics of expressions used in locations to cover the situations
5391 that frequently happen during debugging. Here are the various forms
5392 of @var{address}:
5393
5394 @table @code
5395 @item @var{expression}
5396 Any expression valid in the current working language.
5397
5398 @item @var{funcaddr}
5399 An address of a function or procedure derived from its name. In C,
5400 C@t{++}, Java, Objective-C, Fortran, minimal, and assembly, this is
5401 simply the function's name @var{function} (and actually a special case
5402 of a valid expression). In Pascal and Modula-2, this is
5403 @code{&@var{function}}. In Ada, this is @code{@var{function}'Address}
5404 (although the Pascal form also works).
5405
5406 This form specifies the address of the function's first instruction,
5407 before the stack frame and arguments have been set up.
5408
5409 @item '@var{filename}'::@var{funcaddr}
5410 Like @var{funcaddr} above, but also specifies the name of the source
5411 file explicitly. This is useful if the name of the function does not
5412 specify the function unambiguously, e.g., if there are several
5413 functions with identical names in different source files.
5414 @end table
5415
5416 @end table
5417
5418
5419 @node Edit
5420 @section Editing Source Files
5421 @cindex editing source files
5422
5423 @kindex edit
5424 @kindex e @r{(@code{edit})}
5425 To edit the lines in a source file, use the @code{edit} command.
5426 The editing program of your choice
5427 is invoked with the current line set to
5428 the active line in the program.
5429 Alternatively, there are several ways to specify what part of the file you
5430 want to print if you want to see other parts of the program:
5431
5432 @table @code
5433 @item edit @var{location}
5434 Edit the source file specified by @code{location}. Editing starts at
5435 that @var{location}, e.g., at the specified source line of the
5436 specified file. @xref{Specify Location}, for all the possible forms
5437 of the @var{location} argument; here are the forms of the @code{edit}
5438 command most commonly used:
5439
5440 @table @code
5441 @item edit @var{number}
5442 Edit the current source file with @var{number} as the active line number.
5443
5444 @item edit @var{function}
5445 Edit the file containing @var{function} at the beginning of its definition.
5446 @end table
5447
5448 @end table
5449
5450 @subsection Choosing your Editor
5451 You can customize @value{GDBN} to use any editor you want
5452 @footnote{
5453 The only restriction is that your editor (say @code{ex}), recognizes the
5454 following command-line syntax:
5455 @smallexample
5456 ex +@var{number} file
5457 @end smallexample
5458 The optional numeric value +@var{number} specifies the number of the line in
5459 the file where to start editing.}.
5460 By default, it is @file{@value{EDITOR}}, but you can change this
5461 by setting the environment variable @code{EDITOR} before using
5462 @value{GDBN}. For example, to configure @value{GDBN} to use the
5463 @code{vi} editor, you could use these commands with the @code{sh} shell:
5464 @smallexample
5465 EDITOR=/usr/bin/vi
5466 export EDITOR
5467 gdb @dots{}
5468 @end smallexample
5469 or in the @code{csh} shell,
5470 @smallexample
5471 setenv EDITOR /usr/bin/vi
5472 gdb @dots{}
5473 @end smallexample
5474
5475 @node Search
5476 @section Searching Source Files
5477 @cindex searching source files
5478
5479 There are two commands for searching through the current source file for a
5480 regular expression.
5481
5482 @table @code
5483 @kindex search
5484 @kindex forward-search
5485 @item forward-search @var{regexp}
5486 @itemx search @var{regexp}
5487 The command @samp{forward-search @var{regexp}} checks each line,
5488 starting with the one following the last line listed, for a match for
5489 @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can use the
5490 synonym @samp{search @var{regexp}} or abbreviate the command name as
5491 @code{fo}.
5492
5493 @kindex reverse-search
5494 @item reverse-search @var{regexp}
5495 The command @samp{reverse-search @var{regexp}} checks each line, starting
5496 with the one before the last line listed and going backward, for a match
5497 for @var{regexp}. It lists the line that is found. You can abbreviate
5498 this command as @code{rev}.
5499 @end table
5500
5501 @node Source Path
5502 @section Specifying Source Directories
5503
5504 @cindex source path
5505 @cindex directories for source files
5506 Executable programs sometimes do not record the directories of the source
5507 files from which they were compiled, just the names. Even when they do,
5508 the directories could be moved between the compilation and your debugging
5509 session. @value{GDBN} has a list of directories to search for source files;
5510 this is called the @dfn{source path}. Each time @value{GDBN} wants a source file,
5511 it tries all the directories in the list, in the order they are present
5512 in the list, until it finds a file with the desired name.
5513
5514 For example, suppose an executable references the file
5515 @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}, and our source path is
5516 @file{/mnt/cross}. The file is first looked up literally; if this
5517 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} is tried; if this
5518 fails, @file{/mnt/cross/foo.c} is opened; if this fails, an error
5519 message is printed. @value{GDBN} does not look up the parts of the
5520 source file name, such as @file{/mnt/cross/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}.
5521 Likewise, the subdirectories of the source path are not searched: if
5522 the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the binary refers to
5523 @file{foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would not find it under
5524 @file{/mnt/cross/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib}.
5525
5526 Plain file names, relative file names with leading directories, file
5527 names containing dots, etc.@: are all treated as described above; for
5528 instance, if the source path is @file{/mnt/cross}, and the source file
5529 is recorded as @file{../lib/foo.c}, @value{GDBN} would first try
5530 @file{../lib/foo.c}, then @file{/mnt/cross/../lib/foo.c}, and after
5531 that---@file{/mnt/cross/foo.c}.
5532
5533 Note that the executable search path is @emph{not} used to locate the
5534 source files.
5535
5536 Whenever you reset or rearrange the source path, @value{GDBN} clears out
5537 any information it has cached about where source files are found and where
5538 each line is in the file.
5539
5540 @kindex directory
5541 @kindex dir
5542 When you start @value{GDBN}, its source path includes only @samp{cdir}
5543 and @samp{cwd}, in that order.
5544 To add other directories, use the @code{directory} command.
5545
5546 The search path is used to find both program source files and @value{GDBN}
5547 script files (read using the @samp{-command} option and @samp{source} command).
5548
5549 In addition to the source path, @value{GDBN} provides a set of commands
5550 that manage a list of source path substitution rules. A @dfn{substitution
5551 rule} specifies how to rewrite source directories stored in the program's
5552 debug information in case the sources were moved to a different
5553 directory between compilation and debugging. A rule is made of
5554 two strings, the first specifying what needs to be rewritten in
5555 the path, and the second specifying how it should be rewritten.
5556 In @ref{set substitute-path}, we name these two parts @var{from} and
5557 @var{to} respectively. @value{GDBN} does a simple string replacement
5558 of @var{from} with @var{to} at the start of the directory part of the
5559 source file name, and uses that result instead of the original file
5560 name to look up the sources.
5561
5562 Using the previous example, suppose the @file{foo-1.0} tree has been
5563 moved from @file{/usr/src} to @file{/mnt/cross}, then you can tell
5564 @value{GDBN} to replace @file{/usr/src} in all source path names with
5565 @file{/mnt/cross}. The first lookup will then be
5566 @file{/mnt/cross/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c} in place of the original location
5567 of @file{/usr/src/foo-1.0/lib/foo.c}. To define a source path
5568 substitution rule, use the @code{set substitute-path} command
5569 (@pxref{set substitute-path}).
5570
5571 To avoid unexpected substitution results, a rule is applied only if the
5572 @var{from} part of the directory name ends at a directory separator.
5573 For instance, a rule substituting @file{/usr/source} into
5574 @file{/mnt/cross} will be applied to @file{/usr/source/foo-1.0} but
5575 not to @file{/usr/sourceware/foo-2.0}. And because the substitution
5576 is applied only at the beginning of the directory name, this rule will
5577 not be applied to @file{/root/usr/source/baz.c} either.
5578
5579 In many cases, you can achieve the same result using the @code{directory}
5580 command. However, @code{set substitute-path} can be more efficient in
5581 the case where the sources are organized in a complex tree with multiple
5582 subdirectories. With the @code{directory} command, you need to add each
5583 subdirectory of your project. If you moved the entire tree while
5584 preserving its internal organization, then @code{set substitute-path}
5585 allows you to direct the debugger to all the sources with one single
5586 command.
5587
5588 @code{set substitute-path} is also more than just a shortcut command.
5589 The source path is only used if the file at the original location no
5590 longer exists. On the other hand, @code{set substitute-path} modifies
5591 the debugger behavior to look at the rewritten location instead. So, if
5592 for any reason a source file that is not relevant to your executable is
5593 located at the original location, a substitution rule is the only
5594 method available to point @value{GDBN} at the new location.
5595
5596 @table @code
5597 @item directory @var{dirname} @dots{}
5598 @item dir @var{dirname} @dots{}
5599 Add directory @var{dirname} to the front of the source path. Several
5600 directory names may be given to this command, separated by @samp{:}
5601 (@samp{;} on MS-DOS and MS-Windows, where @samp{:} usually appears as
5602 part of absolute file names) or
5603 whitespace. You may specify a directory that is already in the source
5604 path; this moves it forward, so @value{GDBN} searches it sooner.
5605
5606 @kindex cdir
5607 @kindex cwd
5608 @vindex $cdir@r{, convenience variable}
5609 @vindex $cwd@r{, convenience variable}
5610 @cindex compilation directory
5611 @cindex current directory
5612 @cindex working directory
5613 @cindex directory, current
5614 @cindex directory, compilation
5615 You can use the string @samp{$cdir} to refer to the compilation
5616 directory (if one is recorded), and @samp{$cwd} to refer to the current
5617 working directory. @samp{$cwd} is not the same as @samp{.}---the former
5618 tracks the current working directory as it changes during your @value{GDBN}
5619 session, while the latter is immediately expanded to the current
5620 directory at the time you add an entry to the source path.
5621
5622 @item directory
5623 Reset the source path to its default value (@samp{$cdir:$cwd} on Unix systems). This requires confirmation.
5624
5625 @c RET-repeat for @code{directory} is explicitly disabled, but since
5626 @c repeating it would be a no-op we do not say that. (thanks to RMS)
5627
5628 @item show directories
5629 @kindex show directories
5630 Print the source path: show which directories it contains.
5631
5632 @anchor{set substitute-path}
5633 @item set substitute-path @var{from} @var{to}
5634 @kindex set substitute-path
5635 Define a source path substitution rule, and add it at the end of the
5636 current list of existing substitution rules. If a rule with the same
5637 @var{from} was already defined, then the old rule is also deleted.
5638
5639 For example, if the file @file{/foo/bar/baz.c} was moved to
5640 @file{/mnt/cross/baz.c}, then the command
5641
5642 @smallexample
5643 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/cross
5644 @end smallexample
5645
5646 @noindent
5647 will tell @value{GDBN} to replace @samp{/usr/src} with
5648 @samp{/mnt/cross}, which will allow @value{GDBN} to find the file
5649 @file{baz.c} even though it was moved.
5650
5651 In the case when more than one substitution rule have been defined,
5652 the rules are evaluated one by one in the order where they have been
5653 defined. The first one matching, if any, is selected to perform
5654 the substitution.
5655
5656 For instance, if we had entered the following commands:
5657
5658 @smallexample
5659 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src/include /mnt/include
5660 (@value{GDBP}) set substitute-path /usr/src /mnt/src
5661 @end smallexample
5662
5663 @noindent
5664 @value{GDBN} would then rewrite @file{/usr/src/include/defs.h} into
5665 @file{/mnt/include/defs.h} by using the first rule. However, it would
5666 use the second rule to rewrite @file{/usr/src/lib/foo.c} into
5667 @file{/mnt/src/lib/foo.c}.
5668
5669
5670 @item unset substitute-path [path]
5671 @kindex unset substitute-path
5672 If a path is specified, search the current list of substitution rules
5673 for a rule that would rewrite that path. Delete that rule if found.
5674 A warning is emitted by the debugger if no rule could be found.
5675
5676 If no path is specified, then all substitution rules are deleted.
5677
5678 @item show substitute-path [path]
5679 @kindex show substitute-path
5680 If a path is specified, then print the source path substitution rule
5681 which would rewrite that path, if any.
5682
5683 If no path is specified, then print all existing source path substitution
5684 rules.
5685
5686 @end table
5687
5688 If your source path is cluttered with directories that are no longer of
5689 interest, @value{GDBN} may sometimes cause confusion by finding the wrong
5690 versions of source. You can correct the situation as follows:
5691
5692 @enumerate
5693 @item
5694 Use @code{directory} with no argument to reset the source path to its default value.
5695
5696 @item
5697 Use @code{directory} with suitable arguments to reinstall the
5698 directories you want in the source path. You can add all the
5699 directories in one command.
5700 @end enumerate
5701
5702 @node Machine Code
5703 @section Source and Machine Code
5704 @cindex source line and its code address
5705
5706 You can use the command @code{info line} to map source lines to program
5707 addresses (and vice versa), and the command @code{disassemble} to display
5708 a range of addresses as machine instructions. When run under @sc{gnu} Emacs
5709 mode, the @code{info line} command causes the arrow to point to the
5710 line specified. Also, @code{info line} prints addresses in symbolic form as
5711 well as hex.
5712
5713 @table @code
5714 @kindex info line
5715 @item info line @var{linespec}
5716 Print the starting and ending addresses of the compiled code for
5717 source line @var{linespec}. You can specify source lines in any of
5718 the ways documented in @ref{Specify Location}.
5719 @end table
5720
5721 For example, we can use @code{info line} to discover the location of
5722 the object code for the first line of function
5723 @code{m4_changequote}:
5724
5725 @c FIXME: I think this example should also show the addresses in
5726 @c symbolic form, as they usually would be displayed.
5727 @smallexample
5728 (@value{GDBP}) info line m4_changequote
5729 Line 895 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x634c and ends at 0x6350.
5730 @end smallexample
5731
5732 @noindent
5733 @cindex code address and its source line
5734 We can also inquire (using @code{*@var{addr}} as the form for
5735 @var{linespec}) what source line covers a particular address:
5736 @smallexample
5737 (@value{GDBP}) info line *0x63ff
5738 Line 926 of "builtin.c" starts at pc 0x63e4 and ends at 0x6404.
5739 @end smallexample
5740
5741 @cindex @code{$_} and @code{info line}
5742 @cindex @code{x} command, default address
5743 @kindex x@r{(examine), and} info line
5744 After @code{info line}, the default address for the @code{x} command
5745 is changed to the starting address of the line, so that @samp{x/i} is
5746 sufficient to begin examining the machine code (@pxref{Memory,
5747 ,Examining Memory}). Also, this address is saved as the value of the
5748 convenience variable @code{$_} (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
5749 Variables}).
5750
5751 @table @code
5752 @kindex disassemble
5753 @cindex assembly instructions
5754 @cindex instructions, assembly
5755 @cindex machine instructions
5756 @cindex listing machine instructions
5757 @item disassemble
5758 @itemx disassemble /m
5759 This specialized command dumps a range of memory as machine
5760 instructions. It can also print mixed source+disassembly by specifying
5761 the @code{/m} modifier.
5762 The default memory range is the function surrounding the
5763 program counter of the selected frame. A single argument to this
5764 command is a program counter value; @value{GDBN} dumps the function
5765 surrounding this value. Two arguments specify a range of addresses
5766 (first inclusive, second exclusive) to dump.
5767 @end table
5768
5769 The following example shows the disassembly of a range of addresses of
5770 HP PA-RISC 2.0 code:
5771
5772 @smallexample
5773 (@value{GDBP}) disas 0x32c4 0x32e4
5774 Dump of assembler code from 0x32c4 to 0x32e4:
5775 0x32c4 <main+204>: addil 0,dp
5776 0x32c8 <main+208>: ldw 0x22c(sr0,r1),r26
5777 0x32cc <main+212>: ldil 0x3000,r31
5778 0x32d0 <main+216>: ble 0x3f8(sr4,r31)
5779 0x32d4 <main+220>: ldo 0(r31),rp
5780 0x32d8 <main+224>: addil -0x800,dp
5781 0x32dc <main+228>: ldo 0x588(r1),r26
5782 0x32e0 <main+232>: ldil 0x3000,r31
5783 End of assembler dump.
5784 @end smallexample
5785
5786 Here is an example showing mixed source+assembly for Intel x86:
5787
5788 @smallexample
5789 (@value{GDBP}) disas /m main
5790 Dump of assembler code for function main:
5791 5 @{
5792 0x08048330 <main+0>: push %ebp
5793 0x08048331 <main+1>: mov %esp,%ebp
5794 0x08048333 <main+3>: sub $0x8,%esp
5795 0x08048336 <main+6>: and $0xfffffff0,%esp
5796 0x08048339 <main+9>: sub $0x10,%esp
5797
5798 6 printf ("Hello.\n");
5799 0x0804833c <main+12>: movl $0x8048440,(%esp)
5800 0x08048343 <main+19>: call 0x8048284 <puts@@plt>
5801
5802 7 return 0;
5803 8 @}
5804 0x08048348 <main+24>: mov $0x0,%eax
5805 0x0804834d <main+29>: leave
5806 0x0804834e <main+30>: ret
5807
5808 End of assembler dump.
5809 @end smallexample
5810
5811 Some architectures have more than one commonly-used set of instruction
5812 mnemonics or other syntax.
5813
5814 For programs that were dynamically linked and use shared libraries,
5815 instructions that call functions or branch to locations in the shared
5816 libraries might show a seemingly bogus location---it's actually a
5817 location of the relocation table. On some architectures, @value{GDBN}
5818 might be able to resolve these to actual function names.
5819
5820 @table @code
5821 @kindex set disassembly-flavor
5822 @cindex Intel disassembly flavor
5823 @cindex AT&T disassembly flavor
5824 @item set disassembly-flavor @var{instruction-set}
5825 Select the instruction set to use when disassembling the
5826 program via the @code{disassemble} or @code{x/i} commands.
5827
5828 Currently this command is only defined for the Intel x86 family. You
5829 can set @var{instruction-set} to either @code{intel} or @code{att}.
5830 The default is @code{att}, the AT&T flavor used by default by Unix
5831 assemblers for x86-based targets.
5832
5833 @kindex show disassembly-flavor
5834 @item show disassembly-flavor
5835 Show the current setting of the disassembly flavor.
5836 @end table
5837
5838
5839 @node Data
5840 @chapter Examining Data
5841
5842 @cindex printing data
5843 @cindex examining data
5844 @kindex print
5845 @kindex inspect
5846 @c "inspect" is not quite a synonym if you are using Epoch, which we do not
5847 @c document because it is nonstandard... Under Epoch it displays in a
5848 @c different window or something like that.
5849 The usual way to examine data in your program is with the @code{print}
5850 command (abbreviated @code{p}), or its synonym @code{inspect}. It
5851 evaluates and prints the value of an expression of the language your
5852 program is written in (@pxref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with
5853 Different Languages}).
5854
5855 @table @code
5856 @item print @var{expr}
5857 @itemx print /@var{f} @var{expr}
5858 @var{expr} is an expression (in the source language). By default the
5859 value of @var{expr} is printed in a format appropriate to its data type;
5860 you can choose a different format by specifying @samp{/@var{f}}, where
5861 @var{f} is a letter specifying the format; see @ref{Output Formats,,Output
5862 Formats}.
5863
5864 @item print
5865 @itemx print /@var{f}
5866 @cindex reprint the last value
5867 If you omit @var{expr}, @value{GDBN} displays the last value again (from the
5868 @dfn{value history}; @pxref{Value History, ,Value History}). This allows you to
5869 conveniently inspect the same value in an alternative format.
5870 @end table
5871
5872 A more low-level way of examining data is with the @code{x} command.
5873 It examines data in memory at a specified address and prints it in a
5874 specified format. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
5875
5876 If you are interested in information about types, or about how the
5877 fields of a struct or a class are declared, use the @code{ptype @var{exp}}
5878 command rather than @code{print}. @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol
5879 Table}.
5880
5881 @menu
5882 * Expressions:: Expressions
5883 * Ambiguous Expressions:: Ambiguous Expressions
5884 * Variables:: Program variables
5885 * Arrays:: Artificial arrays
5886 * Output Formats:: Output formats
5887 * Memory:: Examining memory
5888 * Auto Display:: Automatic display
5889 * Print Settings:: Print settings
5890 * Value History:: Value history
5891 * Convenience Vars:: Convenience variables
5892 * Registers:: Registers
5893 * Floating Point Hardware:: Floating point hardware
5894 * Vector Unit:: Vector Unit
5895 * OS Information:: Auxiliary data provided by operating system
5896 * Memory Region Attributes:: Memory region attributes
5897 * Dump/Restore Files:: Copy between memory and a file
5898 * Core File Generation:: Cause a program dump its core
5899 * Character Sets:: Debugging programs that use a different
5900 character set than GDB does
5901 * Caching Remote Data:: Data caching for remote targets
5902 * Searching Memory:: Searching memory for a sequence of bytes
5903 @end menu
5904
5905 @node Expressions
5906 @section Expressions
5907
5908 @cindex expressions
5909 @code{print} and many other @value{GDBN} commands accept an expression and
5910 compute its value. Any kind of constant, variable or operator defined
5911 by the programming language you are using is valid in an expression in
5912 @value{GDBN}. This includes conditional expressions, function calls,
5913 casts, and string constants. It also includes preprocessor macros, if
5914 you compiled your program to include this information; see
5915 @ref{Compilation}.
5916
5917 @cindex arrays in expressions
5918 @value{GDBN} supports array constants in expressions input by
5919 the user. The syntax is @{@var{element}, @var{element}@dots{}@}. For example,
5920 you can use the command @code{print @{1, 2, 3@}} to create an array
5921 of three integers. If you pass an array to a function or assign it
5922 to a program variable, @value{GDBN} copies the array to memory that
5923 is @code{malloc}ed in the target program.
5924
5925 Because C is so widespread, most of the expressions shown in examples in
5926 this manual are in C. @xref{Languages, , Using @value{GDBN} with Different
5927 Languages}, for information on how to use expressions in other
5928 languages.
5929
5930 In this section, we discuss operators that you can use in @value{GDBN}
5931 expressions regardless of your programming language.
5932
5933 @cindex casts, in expressions
5934 Casts are supported in all languages, not just in C, because it is so
5935 useful to cast a number into a pointer in order to examine a structure
5936 at that address in memory.
5937 @c FIXME: casts supported---Mod2 true?
5938
5939 @value{GDBN} supports these operators, in addition to those common
5940 to programming languages:
5941
5942 @table @code
5943 @item @@
5944 @samp{@@} is a binary operator for treating parts of memory as arrays.
5945 @xref{Arrays, ,Artificial Arrays}, for more information.
5946
5947 @item ::
5948 @samp{::} allows you to specify a variable in terms of the file or
5949 function where it is defined. @xref{Variables, ,Program Variables}.
5950
5951 @cindex @{@var{type}@}
5952 @cindex type casting memory
5953 @cindex memory, viewing as typed object
5954 @cindex casts, to view memory
5955 @item @{@var{type}@} @var{addr}
5956 Refers to an object of type @var{type} stored at address @var{addr} in
5957 memory. @var{addr} may be any expression whose value is an integer or
5958 pointer (but parentheses are required around binary operators, just as in
5959 a cast). This construct is allowed regardless of what kind of data is
5960 normally supposed to reside at @var{addr}.
5961 @end table
5962
5963 @node Ambiguous Expressions
5964 @section Ambiguous Expressions
5965 @cindex ambiguous expressions
5966
5967 Expressions can sometimes contain some ambiguous elements. For instance,
5968 some programming languages (notably Ada, C@t{++} and Objective-C) permit
5969 a single function name to be defined several times, for application in
5970 different contexts. This is called @dfn{overloading}. Another example
5971 involving Ada is generics. A @dfn{generic package} is similar to C@t{++}
5972 templates and is typically instantiated several times, resulting in
5973 the same function name being defined in different contexts.
5974
5975 In some cases and depending on the language, it is possible to adjust
5976 the expression to remove the ambiguity. For instance in C@t{++}, you
5977 can specify the signature of the function you want to break on, as in
5978 @kbd{break @var{function}(@var{types})}. In Ada, using the fully
5979 qualified name of your function often makes the expression unambiguous
5980 as well.
5981
5982 When an ambiguity that needs to be resolved is detected, the debugger
5983 has the capability to display a menu of numbered choices for each
5984 possibility, and then waits for the selection with the prompt @samp{>}.
5985 The first option is always @samp{[0] cancel}, and typing @kbd{0 @key{RET}}
5986 aborts the current command. If the command in which the expression was
5987 used allows more than one choice to be selected, the next option in the
5988 menu is @samp{[1] all}, and typing @kbd{1 @key{RET}} selects all possible
5989 choices.
5990
5991 For example, the following session excerpt shows an attempt to set a
5992 breakpoint at the overloaded symbol @code{String::after}.
5993 We choose three particular definitions of that function name:
5994
5995 @c FIXME! This is likely to change to show arg type lists, at least
5996 @smallexample
5997 @group
5998 (@value{GDBP}) b String::after
5999 [0] cancel
6000 [1] all
6001 [2] file:String.cc; line number:867
6002 [3] file:String.cc; line number:860
6003 [4] file:String.cc; line number:875
6004 [5] file:String.cc; line number:853
6005 [6] file:String.cc; line number:846
6006 [7] file:String.cc; line number:735
6007 > 2 4 6
6008 Breakpoint 1 at 0xb26c: file String.cc, line 867.
6009 Breakpoint 2 at 0xb344: file String.cc, line 875.
6010 Breakpoint 3 at 0xafcc: file String.cc, line 846.
6011 Multiple breakpoints were set.
6012 Use the "delete" command to delete unwanted
6013 breakpoints.
6014 (@value{GDBP})
6015 @end group
6016 @end smallexample
6017
6018 @table @code
6019 @kindex set multiple-symbols
6020 @item set multiple-symbols @var{mode}
6021 @cindex multiple-symbols menu
6022
6023 This option allows you to adjust the debugger behavior when an expression
6024 is ambiguous.
6025
6026 By default, @var{mode} is set to @code{all}. If the command with which
6027 the expression is used allows more than one choice, then @value{GDBN}
6028 automatically selects all possible choices. For instance, inserting
6029 a breakpoint on a function using an ambiguous name results in a breakpoint
6030 inserted on each possible match. However, if a unique choice must be made,
6031 then @value{GDBN} uses the menu to help you disambiguate the expression.
6032 For instance, printing the address of an overloaded function will result
6033 in the use of the menu.
6034
6035 When @var{mode} is set to @code{ask}, the debugger always uses the menu
6036 when an ambiguity is detected.
6037
6038 Finally, when @var{mode} is set to @code{cancel}, the debugger reports
6039 an error due to the ambiguity and the command is aborted.
6040
6041 @kindex show multiple-symbols
6042 @item show multiple-symbols
6043 Show the current value of the @code{multiple-symbols} setting.
6044 @end table
6045
6046 @node Variables
6047 @section Program Variables
6048
6049 The most common kind of expression to use is the name of a variable
6050 in your program.
6051
6052 Variables in expressions are understood in the selected stack frame
6053 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}); they must be either:
6054
6055 @itemize @bullet
6056 @item
6057 global (or file-static)
6058 @end itemize
6059
6060 @noindent or
6061
6062 @itemize @bullet
6063 @item
6064 visible according to the scope rules of the
6065 programming language from the point of execution in that frame
6066 @end itemize
6067
6068 @noindent This means that in the function
6069
6070 @smallexample
6071 foo (a)
6072 int a;
6073 @{
6074 bar (a);
6075 @{
6076 int b = test ();
6077 bar (b);
6078 @}
6079 @}
6080 @end smallexample
6081
6082 @noindent
6083 you can examine and use the variable @code{a} whenever your program is
6084 executing within the function @code{foo}, but you can only use or
6085 examine the variable @code{b} while your program is executing inside
6086 the block where @code{b} is declared.
6087
6088 @cindex variable name conflict
6089 There is an exception: you can refer to a variable or function whose
6090 scope is a single source file even if the current execution point is not
6091 in this file. But it is possible to have more than one such variable or
6092 function with the same name (in different source files). If that
6093 happens, referring to that name has unpredictable effects. If you wish,
6094 you can specify a static variable in a particular function or file,
6095 using the colon-colon (@code{::}) notation:
6096
6097 @cindex colon-colon, context for variables/functions
6098 @ifnotinfo
6099 @c info cannot cope with a :: index entry, but why deprive hard copy readers?
6100 @cindex @code{::}, context for variables/functions
6101 @end ifnotinfo
6102 @smallexample
6103 @var{file}::@var{variable}
6104 @var{function}::@var{variable}
6105 @end smallexample
6106
6107 @noindent
6108 Here @var{file} or @var{function} is the name of the context for the
6109 static @var{variable}. In the case of file names, you can use quotes to
6110 make sure @value{GDBN} parses the file name as a single word---for example,
6111 to print a global value of @code{x} defined in @file{f2.c}:
6112
6113 @smallexample
6114 (@value{GDBP}) p 'f2.c'::x
6115 @end smallexample
6116
6117 @cindex C@t{++} scope resolution
6118 This use of @samp{::} is very rarely in conflict with the very similar
6119 use of the same notation in C@t{++}. @value{GDBN} also supports use of the C@t{++}
6120 scope resolution operator in @value{GDBN} expressions.
6121 @c FIXME: Um, so what happens in one of those rare cases where it's in
6122 @c conflict?? --mew
6123
6124 @cindex wrong values
6125 @cindex variable values, wrong
6126 @cindex function entry/exit, wrong values of variables
6127 @cindex optimized code, wrong values of variables
6128 @quotation
6129 @emph{Warning:} Occasionally, a local variable may appear to have the
6130 wrong value at certain points in a function---just after entry to a new
6131 scope, and just before exit.
6132 @end quotation
6133 You may see this problem when you are stepping by machine instructions.
6134 This is because, on most machines, it takes more than one instruction to
6135 set up a stack frame (including local variable definitions); if you are
6136 stepping by machine instructions, variables may appear to have the wrong
6137 values until the stack frame is completely built. On exit, it usually
6138 also takes more than one machine instruction to destroy a stack frame;
6139 after you begin stepping through that group of instructions, local
6140 variable definitions may be gone.
6141
6142 This may also happen when the compiler does significant optimizations.
6143 To be sure of always seeing accurate values, turn off all optimization
6144 when compiling.
6145
6146 @cindex ``No symbol "foo" in current context''
6147 Another possible effect of compiler optimizations is to optimize
6148 unused variables out of existence, or assign variables to registers (as
6149 opposed to memory addresses). Depending on the support for such cases
6150 offered by the debug info format used by the compiler, @value{GDBN}
6151 might not be able to display values for such local variables. If that
6152 happens, @value{GDBN} will print a message like this:
6153
6154 @smallexample
6155 No symbol "foo" in current context.
6156 @end smallexample
6157
6158 To solve such problems, either recompile without optimizations, or use a
6159 different debug info format, if the compiler supports several such
6160 formats. For example, @value{NGCC}, the @sc{gnu} C/C@t{++} compiler,
6161 usually supports the @option{-gstabs+} option. @option{-gstabs+}
6162 produces debug info in a format that is superior to formats such as
6163 COFF. You may be able to use DWARF 2 (@option{-gdwarf-2}), which is also
6164 an effective form for debug info. @xref{Debugging Options,,Options
6165 for Debugging Your Program or GCC, gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu}
6166 Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
6167 @xref{C, ,C and C@t{++}}, for more information about debug info formats
6168 that are best suited to C@t{++} programs.
6169
6170 If you ask to print an object whose contents are unknown to
6171 @value{GDBN}, e.g., because its data type is not completely specified
6172 by the debug information, @value{GDBN} will say @samp{<incomplete
6173 type>}. @xref{Symbols, incomplete type}, for more about this.
6174
6175 Strings are identified as arrays of @code{char} values without specified
6176 signedness. Arrays of either @code{signed char} or @code{unsigned char} get
6177 printed as arrays of 1 byte sized integers. @code{-fsigned-char} or
6178 @code{-funsigned-char} @value{NGCC} options have no effect as @value{GDBN}
6179 defines literal string type @code{"char"} as @code{char} without a sign.
6180 For program code
6181
6182 @smallexample
6183 char var0[] = "A";
6184 signed char var1[] = "A";
6185 @end smallexample
6186
6187 You get during debugging
6188 @smallexample
6189 (gdb) print var0
6190 $1 = "A"
6191 (gdb) print var1
6192 $2 = @{65 'A', 0 '\0'@}
6193 @end smallexample
6194
6195 @node Arrays
6196 @section Artificial Arrays
6197
6198 @cindex artificial array
6199 @cindex arrays
6200 @kindex @@@r{, referencing memory as an array}
6201 It is often useful to print out several successive objects of the
6202 same type in memory; a section of an array, or an array of
6203 dynamically determined size for which only a pointer exists in the
6204 program.
6205
6206 You can do this by referring to a contiguous span of memory as an
6207 @dfn{artificial array}, using the binary operator @samp{@@}. The left
6208 operand of @samp{@@} should be the first element of the desired array
6209 and be an individual object. The right operand should be the desired length
6210 of the array. The result is an array value whose elements are all of
6211 the type of the left argument. The first element is actually the left
6212 argument; the second element comes from bytes of memory immediately
6213 following those that hold the first element, and so on. Here is an
6214 example. If a program says
6215
6216 @smallexample
6217 int *array = (int *) malloc (len * sizeof (int));
6218 @end smallexample
6219
6220 @noindent
6221 you can print the contents of @code{array} with
6222
6223 @smallexample
6224 p *array@@len
6225 @end smallexample
6226
6227 The left operand of @samp{@@} must reside in memory. Array values made
6228 with @samp{@@} in this way behave just like other arrays in terms of
6229 subscripting, and are coerced to pointers when used in expressions.
6230 Artificial arrays most often appear in expressions via the value history
6231 (@pxref{Value History, ,Value History}), after printing one out.
6232
6233 Another way to create an artificial array is to use a cast.
6234 This re-interprets a value as if it were an array.
6235 The value need not be in memory:
6236 @smallexample
6237 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[2])0x12345678
6238 $1 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
6239 @end smallexample
6240
6241 As a convenience, if you leave the array length out (as in
6242 @samp{(@var{type}[])@var{value}}) @value{GDBN} calculates the size to fill
6243 the value (as @samp{sizeof(@var{value})/sizeof(@var{type})}:
6244 @smallexample
6245 (@value{GDBP}) p/x (short[])0x12345678
6246 $2 = @{0x1234, 0x5678@}
6247 @end smallexample
6248
6249 Sometimes the artificial array mechanism is not quite enough; in
6250 moderately complex data structures, the elements of interest may not
6251 actually be adjacent---for example, if you are interested in the values
6252 of pointers in an array. One useful work-around in this situation is
6253 to use a convenience variable (@pxref{Convenience Vars, ,Convenience
6254 Variables}) as a counter in an expression that prints the first
6255 interesting value, and then repeat that expression via @key{RET}. For
6256 instance, suppose you have an array @code{dtab} of pointers to
6257 structures, and you are interested in the values of a field @code{fv}
6258 in each structure. Here is an example of what you might type:
6259
6260 @smallexample
6261 set $i = 0
6262 p dtab[$i++]->fv
6263 @key{RET}
6264 @key{RET}
6265 @dots{}
6266 @end smallexample
6267
6268 @node Output Formats
6269 @section Output Formats
6270
6271 @cindex formatted output
6272 @cindex output formats
6273 By default, @value{GDBN} prints a value according to its data type. Sometimes
6274 this is not what you want. For example, you might want to print a number
6275 in hex, or a pointer in decimal. Or you might want to view data in memory
6276 at a certain address as a character string or as an instruction. To do
6277 these things, specify an @dfn{output format} when you print a value.
6278
6279 The simplest use of output formats is to say how to print a value
6280 already computed. This is done by starting the arguments of the
6281 @code{print} command with a slash and a format letter. The format
6282 letters supported are:
6283
6284 @table @code
6285 @item x
6286 Regard the bits of the value as an integer, and print the integer in
6287 hexadecimal.
6288
6289 @item d
6290 Print as integer in signed decimal.
6291
6292 @item u
6293 Print as integer in unsigned decimal.
6294
6295 @item o
6296 Print as integer in octal.
6297
6298 @item t
6299 Print as integer in binary. The letter @samp{t} stands for ``two''.
6300 @footnote{@samp{b} cannot be used because these format letters are also
6301 used with the @code{x} command, where @samp{b} stands for ``byte'';
6302 see @ref{Memory,,Examining Memory}.}
6303
6304 @item a
6305 @cindex unknown address, locating
6306 @cindex locate address
6307 Print as an address, both absolute in hexadecimal and as an offset from
6308 the nearest preceding symbol. You can use this format used to discover
6309 where (in what function) an unknown address is located:
6310
6311 @smallexample
6312 (@value{GDBP}) p/a 0x54320
6313 $3 = 0x54320 <_initialize_vx+396>
6314 @end smallexample
6315
6316 @noindent
6317 The command @code{info symbol 0x54320} yields similar results.
6318 @xref{Symbols, info symbol}.
6319
6320 @item c
6321 Regard as an integer and print it as a character constant. This
6322 prints both the numerical value and its character representation. The
6323 character representation is replaced with the octal escape @samp{\nnn}
6324 for characters outside the 7-bit @sc{ascii} range.
6325
6326 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays @code{char},
6327 @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} data as character
6328 constants. Single-byte members of vectors are displayed as integer
6329 data.
6330
6331 @item f
6332 Regard the bits of the value as a floating point number and print
6333 using typical floating point syntax.
6334
6335 @item s
6336 @cindex printing strings
6337 @cindex printing byte arrays
6338 Regard as a string, if possible. With this format, pointers to single-byte
6339 data are displayed as null-terminated strings and arrays of single-byte data
6340 are displayed as fixed-length strings. Other values are displayed in their
6341 natural types.
6342
6343 Without this format, @value{GDBN} displays pointers to and arrays of
6344 @code{char}, @w{@code{unsigned char}}, and @w{@code{signed char}} as
6345 strings. Single-byte members of a vector are displayed as an integer
6346 array.
6347 @end table
6348
6349 For example, to print the program counter in hex (@pxref{Registers}), type
6350
6351 @smallexample
6352 p/x $pc
6353 @end smallexample
6354
6355 @noindent
6356 Note that no space is required before the slash; this is because command
6357 names in @value{GDBN} cannot contain a slash.
6358
6359 To reprint the last value in the value history with a different format,
6360 you can use the @code{print} command with just a format and no
6361 expression. For example, @samp{p/x} reprints the last value in hex.
6362
6363 @node Memory
6364 @section Examining Memory
6365
6366 You can use the command @code{x} (for ``examine'') to examine memory in
6367 any of several formats, independently of your program's data types.
6368
6369 @cindex examining memory
6370 @table @code
6371 @kindex x @r{(examine memory)}
6372 @item x/@var{nfu} @var{addr}
6373 @itemx x @var{addr}
6374 @itemx x
6375 Use the @code{x} command to examine memory.
6376 @end table
6377
6378 @var{n}, @var{f}, and @var{u} are all optional parameters that specify how
6379 much memory to display and how to format it; @var{addr} is an
6380 expression giving the address where you want to start displaying memory.
6381 If you use defaults for @var{nfu}, you need not type the slash @samp{/}.
6382 Several commands set convenient defaults for @var{addr}.
6383
6384 @table @r
6385 @item @var{n}, the repeat count
6386 The repeat count is a decimal integer; the default is 1. It specifies
6387 how much memory (counting by units @var{u}) to display.
6388 @c This really is **decimal**; unaffected by 'set radix' as of GDB
6389 @c 4.1.2.
6390
6391 @item @var{f}, the display format
6392 The display format is one of the formats used by @code{print}
6393 (@samp{x}, @samp{d}, @samp{u}, @samp{o}, @samp{t}, @samp{a}, @samp{c},
6394 @samp{f}, @samp{s}), and in addition @samp{i} (for machine instructions).
6395 The default is @samp{x} (hexadecimal) initially. The default changes
6396 each time you use either @code{x} or @code{print}.
6397
6398 @item @var{u}, the unit size
6399 The unit size is any of
6400
6401 @table @code
6402 @item b
6403 Bytes.
6404 @item h
6405 Halfwords (two bytes).
6406 @item w
6407 Words (four bytes). This is the initial default.
6408 @item g
6409 Giant words (eight bytes).
6410 @end table
6411
6412 Each time you specify a unit size with @code{x}, that size becomes the
6413 default unit the next time you use @code{x}. (For the @samp{s} and
6414 @samp{i} formats, the unit size is ignored and is normally not written.)
6415
6416 @item @var{addr}, starting display address
6417 @var{addr} is the address where you want @value{GDBN} to begin displaying
6418 memory. The expression need not have a pointer value (though it may);
6419 it is always interpreted as an integer address of a byte of memory.
6420 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information on expressions. The default for
6421 @var{addr} is usually just after the last address examined---but several
6422 other commands also set the default address: @code{info breakpoints} (to
6423 the address of the last breakpoint listed), @code{info line} (to the
6424 starting address of a line), and @code{print} (if you use it to display
6425 a value from memory).
6426 @end table
6427
6428 For example, @samp{x/3uh 0x54320} is a request to display three halfwords
6429 (@code{h}) of memory, formatted as unsigned decimal integers (@samp{u}),
6430 starting at address @code{0x54320}. @samp{x/4xw $sp} prints the four
6431 words (@samp{w}) of memory above the stack pointer (here, @samp{$sp};
6432 @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}) in hexadecimal (@samp{x}).
6433
6434 Since the letters indicating unit sizes are all distinct from the
6435 letters specifying output formats, you do not have to remember whether
6436 unit size or format comes first; either order works. The output
6437 specifications @samp{4xw} and @samp{4wx} mean exactly the same thing.
6438 (However, the count @var{n} must come first; @samp{wx4} does not work.)
6439
6440 Even though the unit size @var{u} is ignored for the formats @samp{s}
6441 and @samp{i}, you might still want to use a count @var{n}; for example,
6442 @samp{3i} specifies that you want to see three machine instructions,
6443 including any operands. For convenience, especially when used with
6444 the @code{display} command, the @samp{i} format also prints branch delay
6445 slot instructions, if any, beyond the count specified, which immediately
6446 follow the last instruction that is within the count. The command
6447 @code{disassemble} gives an alternative way of inspecting machine
6448 instructions; see @ref{Machine Code,,Source and Machine Code}.
6449
6450 All the defaults for the arguments to @code{x} are designed to make it
6451 easy to continue scanning memory with minimal specifications each time
6452 you use @code{x}. For example, after you have inspected three machine
6453 instructions with @samp{x/3i @var{addr}}, you can inspect the next seven
6454 with just @samp{x/7}. If you use @key{RET} to repeat the @code{x} command,
6455 the repeat count @var{n} is used again; the other arguments default as
6456 for successive uses of @code{x}.
6457
6458 @cindex @code{$_}, @code{$__}, and value history
6459 The addresses and contents printed by the @code{x} command are not saved
6460 in the value history because there is often too much of them and they
6461 would get in the way. Instead, @value{GDBN} makes these values available for
6462 subsequent use in expressions as values of the convenience variables
6463 @code{$_} and @code{$__}. After an @code{x} command, the last address
6464 examined is available for use in expressions in the convenience variable
6465 @code{$_}. The contents of that address, as examined, are available in
6466 the convenience variable @code{$__}.
6467
6468 If the @code{x} command has a repeat count, the address and contents saved
6469 are from the last memory unit printed; this is not the same as the last
6470 address printed if several units were printed on the last line of output.
6471
6472 @cindex remote memory comparison
6473 @cindex verify remote memory image
6474 When you are debugging a program running on a remote target machine
6475 (@pxref{Remote Debugging}), you may wish to verify the program's image in the
6476 remote machine's memory against the executable file you downloaded to
6477 the target. The @code{compare-sections} command is provided for such
6478 situations.
6479
6480 @table @code
6481 @kindex compare-sections
6482 @item compare-sections @r{[}@var{section-name}@r{]}
6483 Compare the data of a loadable section @var{section-name} in the
6484 executable file of the program being debugged with the same section in
6485 the remote machine's memory, and report any mismatches. With no
6486 arguments, compares all loadable sections. This command's
6487 availability depends on the target's support for the @code{"qCRC"}
6488 remote request.
6489 @end table
6490
6491 @node Auto Display
6492 @section Automatic Display
6493 @cindex automatic display
6494 @cindex display of expressions
6495
6496 If you find that you want to print the value of an expression frequently
6497 (to see how it changes), you might want to add it to the @dfn{automatic
6498 display list} so that @value{GDBN} prints its value each time your program stops.
6499 Each expression added to the list is given a number to identify it;
6500 to remove an expression from the list, you specify that number.
6501 The automatic display looks like this:
6502
6503 @smallexample
6504 2: foo = 38
6505 3: bar[5] = (struct hack *) 0x3804
6506 @end smallexample
6507
6508 @noindent
6509 This display shows item numbers, expressions and their current values. As with
6510 displays you request manually using @code{x} or @code{print}, you can
6511 specify the output format you prefer; in fact, @code{display} decides
6512 whether to use @code{print} or @code{x} depending your format
6513 specification---it uses @code{x} if you specify either the @samp{i}
6514 or @samp{s} format, or a unit size; otherwise it uses @code{print}.
6515
6516 @table @code
6517 @kindex display
6518 @item display @var{expr}
6519 Add the expression @var{expr} to the list of expressions to display
6520 each time your program stops. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
6521
6522 @code{display} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
6523
6524 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{expr}
6525 For @var{fmt} specifying only a display format and not a size or
6526 count, add the expression @var{expr} to the auto-display list but
6527 arrange to display it each time in the specified format @var{fmt}.
6528 @xref{Output Formats,,Output Formats}.
6529
6530 @item display/@var{fmt} @var{addr}
6531 For @var{fmt} @samp{i} or @samp{s}, or including a unit-size or a
6532 number of units, add the expression @var{addr} as a memory address to
6533 be examined each time your program stops. Examining means in effect
6534 doing @samp{x/@var{fmt} @var{addr}}. @xref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}.
6535 @end table
6536
6537 For example, @samp{display/i $pc} can be helpful, to see the machine
6538 instruction about to be executed each time execution stops (@samp{$pc}
6539 is a common name for the program counter; @pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
6540
6541 @table @code
6542 @kindex delete display
6543 @kindex undisplay
6544 @item undisplay @var{dnums}@dots{}
6545 @itemx delete display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6546 Remove item numbers @var{dnums} from the list of expressions to display.
6547
6548 @code{undisplay} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
6549 (Otherwise you would just get the error @samp{No display number @dots{}}.)
6550
6551 @kindex disable display
6552 @item disable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6553 Disable the display of item numbers @var{dnums}. A disabled display
6554 item is not printed automatically, but is not forgotten. It may be
6555 enabled again later.
6556
6557 @kindex enable display
6558 @item enable display @var{dnums}@dots{}
6559 Enable display of item numbers @var{dnums}. It becomes effective once
6560 again in auto display of its expression, until you specify otherwise.
6561
6562 @item display
6563 Display the current values of the expressions on the list, just as is
6564 done when your program stops.
6565
6566 @kindex info display
6567 @item info display
6568 Print the list of expressions previously set up to display
6569 automatically, each one with its item number, but without showing the
6570 values. This includes disabled expressions, which are marked as such.
6571 It also includes expressions which would not be displayed right now
6572 because they refer to automatic variables not currently available.
6573 @end table
6574
6575 @cindex display disabled out of scope
6576 If a display expression refers to local variables, then it does not make
6577 sense outside the lexical context for which it was set up. Such an
6578 expression is disabled when execution enters a context where one of its
6579 variables is not defined. For example, if you give the command
6580 @code{display last_char} while inside a function with an argument
6581 @code{last_char}, @value{GDBN} displays this argument while your program
6582 continues to stop inside that function. When it stops elsewhere---where
6583 there is no variable @code{last_char}---the display is disabled
6584 automatically. The next time your program stops where @code{last_char}
6585 is meaningful, you can enable the display expression once again.
6586
6587 @node Print Settings
6588 @section Print Settings
6589
6590 @cindex format options
6591 @cindex print settings
6592 @value{GDBN} provides the following ways to control how arrays, structures,
6593 and symbols are printed.
6594
6595 @noindent
6596 These settings are useful for debugging programs in any language:
6597
6598 @table @code
6599 @kindex set print
6600 @item set print address
6601 @itemx set print address on
6602 @cindex print/don't print memory addresses
6603 @value{GDBN} prints memory addresses showing the location of stack
6604 traces, structure values, pointer values, breakpoints, and so forth,
6605 even when it also displays the contents of those addresses. The default
6606 is @code{on}. For example, this is what a stack frame display looks like with
6607 @code{set print address on}:
6608
6609 @smallexample
6610 @group
6611 (@value{GDBP}) f
6612 #0 set_quotes (lq=0x34c78 "<<", rq=0x34c88 ">>")
6613 at input.c:530
6614 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
6615 @end group
6616 @end smallexample
6617
6618 @item set print address off
6619 Do not print addresses when displaying their contents. For example,
6620 this is the same stack frame displayed with @code{set print address off}:
6621
6622 @smallexample
6623 @group
6624 (@value{GDBP}) set print addr off
6625 (@value{GDBP}) f
6626 #0 set_quotes (lq="<<", rq=">>") at input.c:530
6627 530 if (lquote != def_lquote)
6628 @end group
6629 @end smallexample
6630
6631 You can use @samp{set print address off} to eliminate all machine
6632 dependent displays from the @value{GDBN} interface. For example, with
6633 @code{print address off}, you should get the same text for backtraces on
6634 all machines---whether or not they involve pointer arguments.
6635
6636 @kindex show print
6637 @item show print address
6638 Show whether or not addresses are to be printed.
6639 @end table
6640
6641 When @value{GDBN} prints a symbolic address, it normally prints the
6642 closest earlier symbol plus an offset. If that symbol does not uniquely
6643 identify the address (for example, it is a name whose scope is a single
6644 source file), you may need to clarify. One way to do this is with
6645 @code{info line}, for example @samp{info line *0x4537}. Alternately,
6646 you can set @value{GDBN} to print the source file and line number when
6647 it prints a symbolic address:
6648
6649 @table @code
6650 @item set print symbol-filename on
6651 @cindex source file and line of a symbol
6652 @cindex symbol, source file and line
6653 Tell @value{GDBN} to print the source file name and line number of a
6654 symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
6655
6656 @item set print symbol-filename off
6657 Do not print source file name and line number of a symbol. This is the
6658 default.
6659
6660 @item show print symbol-filename
6661 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} will print the source file name and
6662 line number of a symbol in the symbolic form of an address.
6663 @end table
6664
6665 Another situation where it is helpful to show symbol filenames and line
6666 numbers is when disassembling code; @value{GDBN} shows you the line
6667 number and source file that corresponds to each instruction.
6668
6669 Also, you may wish to see the symbolic form only if the address being
6670 printed is reasonably close to the closest earlier symbol:
6671
6672 @table @code
6673 @item set print max-symbolic-offset @var{max-offset}
6674 @cindex maximum value for offset of closest symbol
6675 Tell @value{GDBN} to only display the symbolic form of an address if the
6676 offset between the closest earlier symbol and the address is less than
6677 @var{max-offset}. The default is 0, which tells @value{GDBN}
6678 to always print the symbolic form of an address if any symbol precedes it.
6679
6680 @item show print max-symbolic-offset
6681 Ask how large the maximum offset is that @value{GDBN} prints in a
6682 symbolic address.
6683 @end table
6684
6685 @cindex wild pointer, interpreting
6686 @cindex pointer, finding referent
6687 If you have a pointer and you are not sure where it points, try
6688 @samp{set print symbol-filename on}. Then you can determine the name
6689 and source file location of the variable where it points, using
6690 @samp{p/a @var{pointer}}. This interprets the address in symbolic form.
6691 For example, here @value{GDBN} shows that a variable @code{ptt} points
6692 at another variable @code{t}, defined in @file{hi2.c}:
6693
6694 @smallexample
6695 (@value{GDBP}) set print symbol-filename on
6696 (@value{GDBP}) p/a ptt
6697 $4 = 0xe008 <t in hi2.c>
6698 @end smallexample
6699
6700 @quotation
6701 @emph{Warning:} For pointers that point to a local variable, @samp{p/a}
6702 does not show the symbol name and filename of the referent, even with
6703 the appropriate @code{set print} options turned on.
6704 @end quotation
6705
6706 Other settings control how different kinds of objects are printed:
6707
6708 @table @code
6709 @item set print array
6710 @itemx set print array on
6711 @cindex pretty print arrays
6712 Pretty print arrays. This format is more convenient to read,
6713 but uses more space. The default is off.
6714
6715 @item set print array off
6716 Return to compressed format for arrays.
6717
6718 @item show print array
6719 Show whether compressed or pretty format is selected for displaying
6720 arrays.
6721
6722 @cindex print array indexes
6723 @item set print array-indexes
6724 @itemx set print array-indexes on
6725 Print the index of each element when displaying arrays. May be more
6726 convenient to locate a given element in the array or quickly find the
6727 index of a given element in that printed array. The default is off.
6728
6729 @item set print array-indexes off
6730 Stop printing element indexes when displaying arrays.
6731
6732 @item show print array-indexes
6733 Show whether the index of each element is printed when displaying
6734 arrays.
6735
6736 @item set print elements @var{number-of-elements}
6737 @cindex number of array elements to print
6738 @cindex limit on number of printed array elements
6739 Set a limit on how many elements of an array @value{GDBN} will print.
6740 If @value{GDBN} is printing a large array, it stops printing after it has
6741 printed the number of elements set by the @code{set print elements} command.
6742 This limit also applies to the display of strings.
6743 When @value{GDBN} starts, this limit is set to 200.
6744 Setting @var{number-of-elements} to zero means that the printing is unlimited.
6745
6746 @item show print elements
6747 Display the number of elements of a large array that @value{GDBN} will print.
6748 If the number is 0, then the printing is unlimited.
6749
6750 @item set print frame-arguments @var{value}
6751 @cindex printing frame argument values
6752 @cindex print all frame argument values
6753 @cindex print frame argument values for scalars only
6754 @cindex do not print frame argument values
6755 This command allows to control how the values of arguments are printed
6756 when the debugger prints a frame (@pxref{Frames}). The possible
6757 values are:
6758
6759 @table @code
6760 @item all
6761 The values of all arguments are printed. This is the default.
6762
6763 @item scalars
6764 Print the value of an argument only if it is a scalar. The value of more
6765 complex arguments such as arrays, structures, unions, etc, is replaced
6766 by @code{@dots{}}. Here is an example where only scalar arguments are shown:
6767
6768 @smallexample
6769 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=3, s=@dots{}, ss=0xbf8d508c, u=@dots{}, e=green)
6770 at frame-args.c:23
6771 @end smallexample
6772
6773 @item none
6774 None of the argument values are printed. Instead, the value of each argument
6775 is replaced by @code{@dots{}}. In this case, the example above now becomes:
6776
6777 @smallexample
6778 #1 0x08048361 in call_me (i=@dots{}, s=@dots{}, ss=@dots{}, u=@dots{}, e=@dots{})
6779 at frame-args.c:23
6780 @end smallexample
6781 @end table
6782
6783 By default, all argument values are always printed. But this command
6784 can be useful in several cases. For instance, it can be used to reduce
6785 the amount of information printed in each frame, making the backtrace
6786 more readable. Also, this command can be used to improve performance
6787 when displaying Ada frames, because the computation of large arguments
6788 can sometimes be CPU-intensive, especiallly in large applications.
6789 Setting @code{print frame-arguments} to @code{scalars} or @code{none}
6790 avoids this computation, thus speeding up the display of each Ada frame.
6791
6792 @item show print frame-arguments
6793 Show how the value of arguments should be displayed when printing a frame.
6794
6795 @item set print repeats
6796 @cindex repeated array elements
6797 Set the threshold for suppressing display of repeated array
6798 elements. When the number of consecutive identical elements of an
6799 array exceeds the threshold, @value{GDBN} prints the string
6800 @code{"<repeats @var{n} times>"}, where @var{n} is the number of
6801 identical repetitions, instead of displaying the identical elements
6802 themselves. Setting the threshold to zero will cause all elements to
6803 be individually printed. The default threshold is 10.
6804
6805 @item show print repeats
6806 Display the current threshold for printing repeated identical
6807 elements.
6808
6809 @item set print null-stop
6810 @cindex @sc{null} elements in arrays
6811 Cause @value{GDBN} to stop printing the characters of an array when the first
6812 @sc{null} is encountered. This is useful when large arrays actually
6813 contain only short strings.
6814 The default is off.
6815
6816 @item show print null-stop
6817 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops printing an array on the first
6818 @sc{null} character.
6819
6820 @item set print pretty on
6821 @cindex print structures in indented form
6822 @cindex indentation in structure display
6823 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in an indented format with one member
6824 per line, like this:
6825
6826 @smallexample
6827 @group
6828 $1 = @{
6829 next = 0x0,
6830 flags = @{
6831 sweet = 1,
6832 sour = 1
6833 @},
6834 meat = 0x54 "Pork"
6835 @}
6836 @end group
6837 @end smallexample
6838
6839 @item set print pretty off
6840 Cause @value{GDBN} to print structures in a compact format, like this:
6841
6842 @smallexample
6843 @group
6844 $1 = @{next = 0x0, flags = @{sweet = 1, sour = 1@}, \
6845 meat = 0x54 "Pork"@}
6846 @end group
6847 @end smallexample
6848
6849 @noindent
6850 This is the default format.
6851
6852 @item show print pretty
6853 Show which format @value{GDBN} is using to print structures.
6854
6855 @item set print sevenbit-strings on
6856 @cindex eight-bit characters in strings
6857 @cindex octal escapes in strings
6858 Print using only seven-bit characters; if this option is set,
6859 @value{GDBN} displays any eight-bit characters (in strings or
6860 character values) using the notation @code{\}@var{nnn}. This setting is
6861 best if you are working in English (@sc{ascii}) and you use the
6862 high-order bit of characters as a marker or ``meta'' bit.
6863
6864 @item set print sevenbit-strings off
6865 Print full eight-bit characters. This allows the use of more
6866 international character sets, and is the default.
6867
6868 @item show print sevenbit-strings
6869 Show whether or not @value{GDBN} is printing only seven-bit characters.
6870
6871 @item set print union on
6872 @cindex unions in structures, printing
6873 Tell @value{GDBN} to print unions which are contained in structures
6874 and other unions. This is the default setting.
6875
6876 @item set print union off
6877 Tell @value{GDBN} not to print unions which are contained in
6878 structures and other unions. @value{GDBN} will print @code{"@{...@}"}
6879 instead.
6880
6881 @item show print union
6882 Ask @value{GDBN} whether or not it will print unions which are contained in
6883 structures and other unions.
6884
6885 For example, given the declarations
6886
6887 @smallexample
6888 typedef enum @{Tree, Bug@} Species;
6889 typedef enum @{Big_tree, Acorn, Seedling@} Tree_forms;
6890 typedef enum @{Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly@}
6891 Bug_forms;
6892
6893 struct thing @{
6894 Species it;
6895 union @{
6896 Tree_forms tree;
6897 Bug_forms bug;
6898 @} form;
6899 @};
6900
6901 struct thing foo = @{Tree, @{Acorn@}@};
6902 @end smallexample
6903
6904 @noindent
6905 with @code{set print union on} in effect @samp{p foo} would print
6906
6907 @smallexample
6908 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{tree = Acorn, bug = Cocoon@}@}
6909 @end smallexample
6910
6911 @noindent
6912 and with @code{set print union off} in effect it would print
6913
6914 @smallexample
6915 $1 = @{it = Tree, form = @{...@}@}
6916 @end smallexample
6917
6918 @noindent
6919 @code{set print union} affects programs written in C-like languages
6920 and in Pascal.
6921 @end table
6922
6923 @need 1000
6924 @noindent
6925 These settings are of interest when debugging C@t{++} programs:
6926
6927 @table @code
6928 @cindex demangling C@t{++} names
6929 @item set print demangle
6930 @itemx set print demangle on
6931 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than in the encoded
6932 (``mangled'') form passed to the assembler and linker for type-safe
6933 linkage. The default is on.
6934
6935 @item show print demangle
6936 Show whether C@t{++} names are printed in mangled or demangled form.
6937
6938 @item set print asm-demangle
6939 @itemx set print asm-demangle on
6940 Print C@t{++} names in their source form rather than their mangled form, even
6941 in assembler code printouts such as instruction disassemblies.
6942 The default is off.
6943
6944 @item show print asm-demangle
6945 Show whether C@t{++} names in assembly listings are printed in mangled
6946 or demangled form.
6947
6948 @cindex C@t{++} symbol decoding style
6949 @cindex symbol decoding style, C@t{++}
6950 @kindex set demangle-style
6951 @item set demangle-style @var{style}
6952 Choose among several encoding schemes used by different compilers to
6953 represent C@t{++} names. The choices for @var{style} are currently:
6954
6955 @table @code
6956 @item auto
6957 Allow @value{GDBN} to choose a decoding style by inspecting your program.
6958
6959 @item gnu
6960 Decode based on the @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler (@code{g++}) encoding algorithm.
6961 This is the default.
6962
6963 @item hp
6964 Decode based on the HP ANSI C@t{++} (@code{aCC}) encoding algorithm.
6965
6966 @item lucid
6967 Decode based on the Lucid C@t{++} compiler (@code{lcc}) encoding algorithm.
6968
6969 @item arm
6970 Decode using the algorithm in the @cite{C@t{++} Annotated Reference Manual}.
6971 @strong{Warning:} this setting alone is not sufficient to allow
6972 debugging @code{cfront}-generated executables. @value{GDBN} would
6973 require further enhancement to permit that.
6974
6975 @end table
6976 If you omit @var{style}, you will see a list of possible formats.
6977
6978 @item show demangle-style
6979 Display the encoding style currently in use for decoding C@t{++} symbols.
6980
6981 @item set print object
6982 @itemx set print object on
6983 @cindex derived type of an object, printing
6984 @cindex display derived types
6985 When displaying a pointer to an object, identify the @emph{actual}
6986 (derived) type of the object rather than the @emph{declared} type, using
6987 the virtual function table.
6988
6989 @item set print object off
6990 Display only the declared type of objects, without reference to the
6991 virtual function table. This is the default setting.
6992
6993 @item show print object
6994 Show whether actual, or declared, object types are displayed.
6995
6996 @item set print static-members
6997 @itemx set print static-members on
6998 @cindex static members of C@t{++} objects
6999 Print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object. The default is on.
7000
7001 @item set print static-members off
7002 Do not print static members when displaying a C@t{++} object.
7003
7004 @item show print static-members
7005 Show whether C@t{++} static members are printed or not.
7006
7007 @item set print pascal_static-members
7008 @itemx set print pascal_static-members on
7009 @cindex static members of Pascal objects
7010 @cindex Pascal objects, static members display
7011 Print static members when displaying a Pascal object. The default is on.
7012
7013 @item set print pascal_static-members off
7014 Do not print static members when displaying a Pascal object.
7015
7016 @item show print pascal_static-members
7017 Show whether Pascal static members are printed or not.
7018
7019 @c These don't work with HP ANSI C++ yet.
7020 @item set print vtbl
7021 @itemx set print vtbl on
7022 @cindex pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables
7023 @cindex virtual functions (C@t{++}) display
7024 @cindex VTBL display
7025 Pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables. The default is off.
7026 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
7027 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
7028
7029 @item set print vtbl off
7030 Do not pretty print C@t{++} virtual function tables.
7031
7032 @item show print vtbl
7033 Show whether C@t{++} virtual function tables are pretty printed, or not.
7034 @end table
7035
7036 @node Value History
7037 @section Value History
7038
7039 @cindex value history
7040 @cindex history of values printed by @value{GDBN}
7041 Values printed by the @code{print} command are saved in the @value{GDBN}
7042 @dfn{value history}. This allows you to refer to them in other expressions.
7043 Values are kept until the symbol table is re-read or discarded
7044 (for example with the @code{file} or @code{symbol-file} commands).
7045 When the symbol table changes, the value history is discarded,
7046 since the values may contain pointers back to the types defined in the
7047 symbol table.
7048
7049 @cindex @code{$}
7050 @cindex @code{$$}
7051 @cindex history number
7052 The values printed are given @dfn{history numbers} by which you can
7053 refer to them. These are successive integers starting with one.
7054 @code{print} shows you the history number assigned to a value by
7055 printing @samp{$@var{num} = } before the value; here @var{num} is the
7056 history number.
7057
7058 To refer to any previous value, use @samp{$} followed by the value's
7059 history number. The way @code{print} labels its output is designed to
7060 remind you of this. Just @code{$} refers to the most recent value in
7061 the history, and @code{$$} refers to the value before that.
7062 @code{$$@var{n}} refers to the @var{n}th value from the end; @code{$$2}
7063 is the value just prior to @code{$$}, @code{$$1} is equivalent to
7064 @code{$$}, and @code{$$0} is equivalent to @code{$}.
7065
7066 For example, suppose you have just printed a pointer to a structure and
7067 want to see the contents of the structure. It suffices to type
7068
7069 @smallexample
7070 p *$
7071 @end smallexample
7072
7073 If you have a chain of structures where the component @code{next} points
7074 to the next one, you can print the contents of the next one with this:
7075
7076 @smallexample
7077 p *$.next
7078 @end smallexample
7079
7080 @noindent
7081 You can print successive links in the chain by repeating this
7082 command---which you can do by just typing @key{RET}.
7083
7084 Note that the history records values, not expressions. If the value of
7085 @code{x} is 4 and you type these commands:
7086
7087 @smallexample
7088 print x
7089 set x=5
7090 @end smallexample
7091
7092 @noindent
7093 then the value recorded in the value history by the @code{print} command
7094 remains 4 even though the value of @code{x} has changed.
7095
7096 @table @code
7097 @kindex show values
7098 @item show values
7099 Print the last ten values in the value history, with their item numbers.
7100 This is like @samp{p@ $$9} repeated ten times, except that @code{show
7101 values} does not change the history.
7102
7103 @item show values @var{n}
7104 Print ten history values centered on history item number @var{n}.
7105
7106 @item show values +
7107 Print ten history values just after the values last printed. If no more
7108 values are available, @code{show values +} produces no display.
7109 @end table
7110
7111 Pressing @key{RET} to repeat @code{show values @var{n}} has exactly the
7112 same effect as @samp{show values +}.
7113
7114 @node Convenience Vars
7115 @section Convenience Variables
7116
7117 @cindex convenience variables
7118 @cindex user-defined variables
7119 @value{GDBN} provides @dfn{convenience variables} that you can use within
7120 @value{GDBN} to hold on to a value and refer to it later. These variables
7121 exist entirely within @value{GDBN}; they are not part of your program, and
7122 setting a convenience variable has no direct effect on further execution
7123 of your program. That is why you can use them freely.
7124
7125 Convenience variables are prefixed with @samp{$}. Any name preceded by
7126 @samp{$} can be used for a convenience variable, unless it is one of
7127 the predefined machine-specific register names (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}).
7128 (Value history references, in contrast, are @emph{numbers} preceded
7129 by @samp{$}. @xref{Value History, ,Value History}.)
7130
7131 You can save a value in a convenience variable with an assignment
7132 expression, just as you would set a variable in your program.
7133 For example:
7134
7135 @smallexample
7136 set $foo = *object_ptr
7137 @end smallexample
7138
7139 @noindent
7140 would save in @code{$foo} the value contained in the object pointed to by
7141 @code{object_ptr}.
7142
7143 Using a convenience variable for the first time creates it, but its
7144 value is @code{void} until you assign a new value. You can alter the
7145 value with another assignment at any time.
7146
7147 Convenience variables have no fixed types. You can assign a convenience
7148 variable any type of value, including structures and arrays, even if
7149 that variable already has a value of a different type. The convenience
7150 variable, when used as an expression, has the type of its current value.
7151
7152 @table @code
7153 @kindex show convenience
7154 @cindex show all user variables
7155 @item show convenience
7156 Print a list of convenience variables used so far, and their values.
7157 Abbreviated @code{show conv}.
7158
7159 @kindex init-if-undefined
7160 @cindex convenience variables, initializing
7161 @item init-if-undefined $@var{variable} = @var{expression}
7162 Set a convenience variable if it has not already been set. This is useful
7163 for user-defined commands that keep some state. It is similar, in concept,
7164 to using local static variables with initializers in C (except that
7165 convenience variables are global). It can also be used to allow users to
7166 override default values used in a command script.
7167
7168 If the variable is already defined then the expression is not evaluated so
7169 any side-effects do not occur.
7170 @end table
7171
7172 One of the ways to use a convenience variable is as a counter to be
7173 incremented or a pointer to be advanced. For example, to print
7174 a field from successive elements of an array of structures:
7175
7176 @smallexample
7177 set $i = 0
7178 print bar[$i++]->contents
7179 @end smallexample
7180
7181 @noindent
7182 Repeat that command by typing @key{RET}.
7183
7184 Some convenience variables are created automatically by @value{GDBN} and given
7185 values likely to be useful.
7186
7187 @table @code
7188 @vindex $_@r{, convenience variable}
7189 @item $_
7190 The variable @code{$_} is automatically set by the @code{x} command to
7191 the last address examined (@pxref{Memory, ,Examining Memory}). Other
7192 commands which provide a default address for @code{x} to examine also
7193 set @code{$_} to that address; these commands include @code{info line}
7194 and @code{info breakpoint}. The type of @code{$_} is @code{void *}
7195 except when set by the @code{x} command, in which case it is a pointer
7196 to the type of @code{$__}.
7197
7198 @vindex $__@r{, convenience variable}
7199 @item $__
7200 The variable @code{$__} is automatically set by the @code{x} command
7201 to the value found in the last address examined. Its type is chosen
7202 to match the format in which the data was printed.
7203
7204 @item $_exitcode
7205 @vindex $_exitcode@r{, convenience variable}
7206 The variable @code{$_exitcode} is automatically set to the exit code when
7207 the program being debugged terminates.
7208 @end table
7209
7210 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
7211 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
7212 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
7213
7214 @node Registers
7215 @section Registers
7216
7217 @cindex registers
7218 You can refer to machine register contents, in expressions, as variables
7219 with names starting with @samp{$}. The names of registers are different
7220 for each machine; use @code{info registers} to see the names used on
7221 your machine.
7222
7223 @table @code
7224 @kindex info registers
7225 @item info registers
7226 Print the names and values of all registers except floating-point
7227 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
7228
7229 @kindex info all-registers
7230 @cindex floating point registers
7231 @item info all-registers
7232 Print the names and values of all registers, including floating-point
7233 and vector registers (in the selected stack frame).
7234
7235 @item info registers @var{regname} @dots{}
7236 Print the @dfn{relativized} value of each specified register @var{regname}.
7237 As discussed in detail below, register values are normally relative to
7238 the selected stack frame. @var{regname} may be any register name valid on
7239 the machine you are using, with or without the initial @samp{$}.
7240 @end table
7241
7242 @cindex stack pointer register
7243 @cindex program counter register
7244 @cindex process status register
7245 @cindex frame pointer register
7246 @cindex standard registers
7247 @value{GDBN} has four ``standard'' register names that are available (in
7248 expressions) on most machines---whenever they do not conflict with an
7249 architecture's canonical mnemonics for registers. The register names
7250 @code{$pc} and @code{$sp} are used for the program counter register and
7251 the stack pointer. @code{$fp} is used for a register that contains a
7252 pointer to the current stack frame, and @code{$ps} is used for a
7253 register that contains the processor status. For example,
7254 you could print the program counter in hex with
7255
7256 @smallexample
7257 p/x $pc
7258 @end smallexample
7259
7260 @noindent
7261 or print the instruction to be executed next with
7262
7263 @smallexample
7264 x/i $pc
7265 @end smallexample
7266
7267 @noindent
7268 or add four to the stack pointer@footnote{This is a way of removing
7269 one word from the stack, on machines where stacks grow downward in
7270 memory (most machines, nowadays). This assumes that the innermost
7271 stack frame is selected; setting @code{$sp} is not allowed when other
7272 stack frames are selected. To pop entire frames off the stack,
7273 regardless of machine architecture, use @code{return};
7274 see @ref{Returning, ,Returning from a Function}.} with
7275
7276 @smallexample
7277 set $sp += 4
7278 @end smallexample
7279
7280 Whenever possible, these four standard register names are available on
7281 your machine even though the machine has different canonical mnemonics,
7282 so long as there is no conflict. The @code{info registers} command
7283 shows the canonical names. For example, on the SPARC, @code{info
7284 registers} displays the processor status register as @code{$psr} but you
7285 can also refer to it as @code{$ps}; and on x86-based machines @code{$ps}
7286 is an alias for the @sc{eflags} register.
7287
7288 @value{GDBN} always considers the contents of an ordinary register as an
7289 integer when the register is examined in this way. Some machines have
7290 special registers which can hold nothing but floating point; these
7291 registers are considered to have floating point values. There is no way
7292 to refer to the contents of an ordinary register as floating point value
7293 (although you can @emph{print} it as a floating point value with
7294 @samp{print/f $@var{regname}}).
7295
7296 Some registers have distinct ``raw'' and ``virtual'' data formats. This
7297 means that the data format in which the register contents are saved by
7298 the operating system is not the same one that your program normally
7299 sees. For example, the registers of the 68881 floating point
7300 coprocessor are always saved in ``extended'' (raw) format, but all C
7301 programs expect to work with ``double'' (virtual) format. In such
7302 cases, @value{GDBN} normally works with the virtual format only (the format
7303 that makes sense for your program), but the @code{info registers} command
7304 prints the data in both formats.
7305
7306 @cindex SSE registers (x86)
7307 @cindex MMX registers (x86)
7308 Some machines have special registers whose contents can be interpreted
7309 in several different ways. For example, modern x86-based machines
7310 have SSE and MMX registers that can hold several values packed
7311 together in several different formats. @value{GDBN} refers to such
7312 registers in @code{struct} notation:
7313
7314 @smallexample
7315 (@value{GDBP}) print $xmm1
7316 $1 = @{
7317 v4_float = @{0, 3.43859137e-038, 1.54142831e-044, 1.821688e-044@},
7318 v2_double = @{9.92129282474342e-303, 2.7585945287983262e-313@},
7319 v16_int8 = "\000\000\000\000\3706;\001\v\000\000\000\r\000\000",
7320 v8_int16 = @{0, 0, 14072, 315, 11, 0, 13, 0@},
7321 v4_int32 = @{0, 20657912, 11, 13@},
7322 v2_int64 = @{88725056443645952, 55834574859@},
7323 uint128 = 0x0000000d0000000b013b36f800000000
7324 @}
7325 @end smallexample
7326
7327 @noindent
7328 To set values of such registers, you need to tell @value{GDBN} which
7329 view of the register you wish to change, as if you were assigning
7330 value to a @code{struct} member:
7331
7332 @smallexample
7333 (@value{GDBP}) set $xmm1.uint128 = 0x000000000000000000000000FFFFFFFF
7334 @end smallexample
7335
7336 Normally, register values are relative to the selected stack frame
7337 (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a Frame}). This means that you get the
7338 value that the register would contain if all stack frames farther in
7339 were exited and their saved registers restored. In order to see the
7340 true contents of hardware registers, you must select the innermost
7341 frame (with @samp{frame 0}).
7342
7343 However, @value{GDBN} must deduce where registers are saved, from the machine
7344 code generated by your compiler. If some registers are not saved, or if
7345 @value{GDBN} is unable to locate the saved registers, the selected stack
7346 frame makes no difference.
7347
7348 @node Floating Point Hardware
7349 @section Floating Point Hardware
7350 @cindex floating point
7351
7352 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give
7353 you more information about the status of the floating point hardware.
7354
7355 @table @code
7356 @kindex info float
7357 @item info float
7358 Display hardware-dependent information about the floating
7359 point unit. The exact contents and layout vary depending on the
7360 floating point chip. Currently, @samp{info float} is supported on
7361 the ARM and x86 machines.
7362 @end table
7363
7364 @node Vector Unit
7365 @section Vector Unit
7366 @cindex vector unit
7367
7368 Depending on the configuration, @value{GDBN} may be able to give you
7369 more information about the status of the vector unit.
7370
7371 @table @code
7372 @kindex info vector
7373 @item info vector
7374 Display information about the vector unit. The exact contents and
7375 layout vary depending on the hardware.
7376 @end table
7377
7378 @node OS Information
7379 @section Operating System Auxiliary Information
7380 @cindex OS information
7381
7382 @value{GDBN} provides interfaces to useful OS facilities that can help
7383 you debug your program.
7384
7385 @cindex @code{ptrace} system call
7386 @cindex @code{struct user} contents
7387 When @value{GDBN} runs on a @dfn{Posix system} (such as GNU or Unix
7388 machines), it interfaces with the inferior via the @code{ptrace}
7389 system call. The operating system creates a special sata structure,
7390 called @code{struct user}, for this interface. You can use the
7391 command @code{info udot} to display the contents of this data
7392 structure.
7393
7394 @table @code
7395 @item info udot
7396 @kindex info udot
7397 Display the contents of the @code{struct user} maintained by the OS
7398 kernel for the program being debugged. @value{GDBN} displays the
7399 contents of @code{struct user} as a list of hex numbers, similar to
7400 the @code{examine} command.
7401 @end table
7402
7403 @cindex auxiliary vector
7404 @cindex vector, auxiliary
7405 Some operating systems supply an @dfn{auxiliary vector} to programs at
7406 startup. This is akin to the arguments and environment that you
7407 specify for a program, but contains a system-dependent variety of
7408 binary values that tell system libraries important details about the
7409 hardware, operating system, and process. Each value's purpose is
7410 identified by an integer tag; the meanings are well-known but system-specific.
7411 Depending on the configuration and operating system facilities,
7412 @value{GDBN} may be able to show you this information. For remote
7413 targets, this functionality may further depend on the remote stub's
7414 support of the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet, see
7415 @ref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}.
7416
7417 @table @code
7418 @kindex info auxv
7419 @item info auxv
7420 Display the auxiliary vector of the inferior, which can be either a
7421 live process or a core dump file. @value{GDBN} prints each tag value
7422 numerically, and also shows names and text descriptions for recognized
7423 tags. Some values in the vector are numbers, some bit masks, and some
7424 pointers to strings or other data. @value{GDBN} displays each value in the
7425 most appropriate form for a recognized tag, and in hexadecimal for
7426 an unrecognized tag.
7427 @end table
7428
7429
7430 @node Memory Region Attributes
7431 @section Memory Region Attributes
7432 @cindex memory region attributes
7433
7434 @dfn{Memory region attributes} allow you to describe special handling
7435 required by regions of your target's memory. @value{GDBN} uses
7436 attributes to determine whether to allow certain types of memory
7437 accesses; whether to use specific width accesses; and whether to cache
7438 target memory. By default the description of memory regions is
7439 fetched from the target (if the current target supports this), but the
7440 user can override the fetched regions.
7441
7442 Defined memory regions can be individually enabled and disabled. When a
7443 memory region is disabled, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when
7444 accessing memory in that region. Similarly, if no memory regions have
7445 been defined, @value{GDBN} uses the default attributes when accessing
7446 all memory.
7447
7448 When a memory region is defined, it is given a number to identify it;
7449 to enable, disable, or remove a memory region, you specify that number.
7450
7451 @table @code
7452 @kindex mem
7453 @item mem @var{lower} @var{upper} @var{attributes}@dots{}
7454 Define a memory region bounded by @var{lower} and @var{upper} with
7455 attributes @var{attributes}@dots{}, and add it to the list of regions
7456 monitored by @value{GDBN}. Note that @var{upper} == 0 is a special
7457 case: it is treated as the target's maximum memory address.
7458 (0xffff on 16 bit targets, 0xffffffff on 32 bit targets, etc.)
7459
7460 @item mem auto
7461 Discard any user changes to the memory regions and use target-supplied
7462 regions, if available, or no regions if the target does not support.
7463
7464 @kindex delete mem
7465 @item delete mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7466 Remove memory regions @var{nums}@dots{} from the list of regions
7467 monitored by @value{GDBN}.
7468
7469 @kindex disable mem
7470 @item disable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7471 Disable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
7472 A disabled memory region is not forgotten.
7473 It may be enabled again later.
7474
7475 @kindex enable mem
7476 @item enable mem @var{nums}@dots{}
7477 Enable monitoring of memory regions @var{nums}@dots{}.
7478
7479 @kindex info mem
7480 @item info mem
7481 Print a table of all defined memory regions, with the following columns
7482 for each region:
7483
7484 @table @emph
7485 @item Memory Region Number
7486 @item Enabled or Disabled.
7487 Enabled memory regions are marked with @samp{y}.
7488 Disabled memory regions are marked with @samp{n}.
7489
7490 @item Lo Address
7491 The address defining the inclusive lower bound of the memory region.
7492
7493 @item Hi Address
7494 The address defining the exclusive upper bound of the memory region.
7495
7496 @item Attributes
7497 The list of attributes set for this memory region.
7498 @end table
7499 @end table
7500
7501
7502 @subsection Attributes
7503
7504 @subsubsection Memory Access Mode
7505 The access mode attributes set whether @value{GDBN} may make read or
7506 write accesses to a memory region.
7507
7508 While these attributes prevent @value{GDBN} from performing invalid
7509 memory accesses, they do nothing to prevent the target system, I/O DMA,
7510 etc.@: from accessing memory.
7511
7512 @table @code
7513 @item ro
7514 Memory is read only.
7515 @item wo
7516 Memory is write only.
7517 @item rw
7518 Memory is read/write. This is the default.
7519 @end table
7520
7521 @subsubsection Memory Access Size
7522 The access size attribute tells @value{GDBN} to use specific sized
7523 accesses in the memory region. Often memory mapped device registers
7524 require specific sized accesses. If no access size attribute is
7525 specified, @value{GDBN} may use accesses of any size.
7526
7527 @table @code
7528 @item 8
7529 Use 8 bit memory accesses.
7530 @item 16
7531 Use 16 bit memory accesses.
7532 @item 32
7533 Use 32 bit memory accesses.
7534 @item 64
7535 Use 64 bit memory accesses.
7536 @end table
7537
7538 @c @subsubsection Hardware/Software Breakpoints
7539 @c The hardware/software breakpoint attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
7540 @c will use hardware or software breakpoints for the internal breakpoints
7541 @c used by the step, next, finish, until, etc. commands.
7542 @c
7543 @c @table @code
7544 @c @item hwbreak
7545 @c Always use hardware breakpoints
7546 @c @item swbreak (default)
7547 @c @end table
7548
7549 @subsubsection Data Cache
7550 The data cache attributes set whether @value{GDBN} will cache target
7551 memory. While this generally improves performance by reducing debug
7552 protocol overhead, it can lead to incorrect results because @value{GDBN}
7553 does not know about volatile variables or memory mapped device
7554 registers.
7555
7556 @table @code
7557 @item cache
7558 Enable @value{GDBN} to cache target memory.
7559 @item nocache
7560 Disable @value{GDBN} from caching target memory. This is the default.
7561 @end table
7562
7563 @subsection Memory Access Checking
7564 @value{GDBN} can be instructed to refuse accesses to memory that is
7565 not explicitly described. This can be useful if accessing such
7566 regions has undesired effects for a specific target, or to provide
7567 better error checking. The following commands control this behaviour.
7568
7569 @table @code
7570 @kindex set mem inaccessible-by-default
7571 @item set mem inaccessible-by-default [on|off]
7572 If @code{on} is specified, make @value{GDBN} treat memory not
7573 explicitly described by the memory ranges as non-existent and refuse accesses
7574 to such memory. The checks are only performed if there's at least one
7575 memory range defined. If @code{off} is specified, make @value{GDBN}
7576 treat the memory not explicitly described by the memory ranges as RAM.
7577 The default value is @code{on}.
7578 @kindex show mem inaccessible-by-default
7579 @item show mem inaccessible-by-default
7580 Show the current handling of accesses to unknown memory.
7581 @end table
7582
7583
7584 @c @subsubsection Memory Write Verification
7585 @c The memory write verification attributes set whether @value{GDBN}
7586 @c will re-reads data after each write to verify the write was successful.
7587 @c
7588 @c @table @code
7589 @c @item verify
7590 @c @item noverify (default)
7591 @c @end table
7592
7593 @node Dump/Restore Files
7594 @section Copy Between Memory and a File
7595 @cindex dump/restore files
7596 @cindex append data to a file
7597 @cindex dump data to a file
7598 @cindex restore data from a file
7599
7600 You can use the commands @code{dump}, @code{append}, and
7601 @code{restore} to copy data between target memory and a file. The
7602 @code{dump} and @code{append} commands write data to a file, and the
7603 @code{restore} command reads data from a file back into the inferior's
7604 memory. Files may be in binary, Motorola S-record, Intel hex, or
7605 Tektronix Hex format; however, @value{GDBN} can only append to binary
7606 files.
7607
7608 @table @code
7609
7610 @kindex dump
7611 @item dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
7612 @itemx dump @r{[}@var{format}@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
7613 Dump the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
7614 or the value of @var{expr}, to @var{filename} in the given format.
7615
7616 The @var{format} parameter may be any one of:
7617 @table @code
7618 @item binary
7619 Raw binary form.
7620 @item ihex
7621 Intel hex format.
7622 @item srec
7623 Motorola S-record format.
7624 @item tekhex
7625 Tektronix Hex format.
7626 @end table
7627
7628 @value{GDBN} uses the same definitions of these formats as the
7629 @sc{gnu} binary utilities, like @samp{objdump} and @samp{objcopy}. If
7630 @var{format} is omitted, @value{GDBN} dumps the data in raw binary
7631 form.
7632
7633 @kindex append
7634 @item append @r{[}binary@r{]} memory @var{filename} @var{start_addr} @var{end_addr}
7635 @itemx append @r{[}binary@r{]} value @var{filename} @var{expr}
7636 Append the contents of memory from @var{start_addr} to @var{end_addr},
7637 or the value of @var{expr}, to the file @var{filename}, in raw binary form.
7638 (@value{GDBN} can only append data to files in raw binary form.)
7639
7640 @kindex restore
7641 @item restore @var{filename} @r{[}binary@r{]} @var{bias} @var{start} @var{end}
7642 Restore the contents of file @var{filename} into memory. The
7643 @code{restore} command can automatically recognize any known @sc{bfd}
7644 file format, except for raw binary. To restore a raw binary file you
7645 must specify the optional keyword @code{binary} after the filename.
7646
7647 If @var{bias} is non-zero, its value will be added to the addresses
7648 contained in the file. Binary files always start at address zero, so
7649 they will be restored at address @var{bias}. Other bfd files have
7650 a built-in location; they will be restored at offset @var{bias}
7651 from that location.
7652
7653 If @var{start} and/or @var{end} are non-zero, then only data between
7654 file offset @var{start} and file offset @var{end} will be restored.
7655 These offsets are relative to the addresses in the file, before
7656 the @var{bias} argument is applied.
7657
7658 @end table
7659
7660 @node Core File Generation
7661 @section How to Produce a Core File from Your Program
7662 @cindex dump core from inferior
7663
7664 A @dfn{core file} or @dfn{core dump} is a file that records the memory
7665 image of a running process and its process status (register values
7666 etc.). Its primary use is post-mortem debugging of a program that
7667 crashed while it ran outside a debugger. A program that crashes
7668 automatically produces a core file, unless this feature is disabled by
7669 the user. @xref{Files}, for information on invoking @value{GDBN} in
7670 the post-mortem debugging mode.
7671
7672 Occasionally, you may wish to produce a core file of the program you
7673 are debugging in order to preserve a snapshot of its state.
7674 @value{GDBN} has a special command for that.
7675
7676 @table @code
7677 @kindex gcore
7678 @kindex generate-core-file
7679 @item generate-core-file [@var{file}]
7680 @itemx gcore [@var{file}]
7681 Produce a core dump of the inferior process. The optional argument
7682 @var{file} specifies the file name where to put the core dump. If not
7683 specified, the file name defaults to @file{core.@var{pid}}, where
7684 @var{pid} is the inferior process ID.
7685
7686 Note that this command is implemented only for some systems (as of
7687 this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, Unixware, and S390).
7688 @end table
7689
7690 @node Character Sets
7691 @section Character Sets
7692 @cindex character sets
7693 @cindex charset
7694 @cindex translating between character sets
7695 @cindex host character set
7696 @cindex target character set
7697
7698 If the program you are debugging uses a different character set to
7699 represent characters and strings than the one @value{GDBN} uses itself,
7700 @value{GDBN} can automatically translate between the character sets for
7701 you. The character set @value{GDBN} uses we call the @dfn{host
7702 character set}; the one the inferior program uses we call the
7703 @dfn{target character set}.
7704
7705 For example, if you are running @value{GDBN} on a @sc{gnu}/Linux system, which
7706 uses the ISO Latin 1 character set, but you are using @value{GDBN}'s
7707 remote protocol (@pxref{Remote Debugging}) to debug a program
7708 running on an IBM mainframe, which uses the @sc{ebcdic} character set,
7709 then the host character set is Latin-1, and the target character set is
7710 @sc{ebcdic}. If you give @value{GDBN} the command @code{set
7711 target-charset EBCDIC-US}, then @value{GDBN} translates between
7712 @sc{ebcdic} and Latin 1 as you print character or string values, or use
7713 character and string literals in expressions.
7714
7715 @value{GDBN} has no way to automatically recognize which character set
7716 the inferior program uses; you must tell it, using the @code{set
7717 target-charset} command, described below.
7718
7719 Here are the commands for controlling @value{GDBN}'s character set
7720 support:
7721
7722 @table @code
7723 @item set target-charset @var{charset}
7724 @kindex set target-charset
7725 Set the current target character set to @var{charset}. We list the
7726 character set names @value{GDBN} recognizes below, but if you type
7727 @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} will
7728 list the target character sets it supports.
7729 @end table
7730
7731 @table @code
7732 @item set host-charset @var{charset}
7733 @kindex set host-charset
7734 Set the current host character set to @var{charset}.
7735
7736 By default, @value{GDBN} uses a host character set appropriate to the
7737 system it is running on; you can override that default using the
7738 @code{set host-charset} command.
7739
7740 @value{GDBN} can only use certain character sets as its host character
7741 set. We list the character set names @value{GDBN} recognizes below, and
7742 indicate which can be host character sets, but if you type
7743 @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB}, @value{GDBN} will
7744 list the host character sets it supports.
7745
7746 @item set charset @var{charset}
7747 @kindex set charset
7748 Set the current host and target character sets to @var{charset}. As
7749 above, if you type @code{set charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
7750 @value{GDBN} will list the name of the character sets that can be used
7751 for both host and target.
7752
7753
7754 @item show charset
7755 @kindex show charset
7756 Show the names of the current host and target charsets.
7757
7758 @itemx show host-charset
7759 @kindex show host-charset
7760 Show the name of the current host charset.
7761
7762 @itemx show target-charset
7763 @kindex show target-charset
7764 Show the name of the current target charset.
7765
7766 @end table
7767
7768 @value{GDBN} currently includes support for the following character
7769 sets:
7770
7771 @table @code
7772
7773 @item ASCII
7774 @cindex ASCII character set
7775 Seven-bit U.S. @sc{ascii}. @value{GDBN} can use this as its host
7776 character set.
7777
7778 @item ISO-8859-1
7779 @cindex ISO 8859-1 character set
7780 @cindex ISO Latin 1 character set
7781 The ISO Latin 1 character set. This extends @sc{ascii} with accented
7782 characters needed for French, German, and Spanish. @value{GDBN} can use
7783 this as its host character set.
7784
7785 @item EBCDIC-US
7786 @itemx IBM1047
7787 @cindex EBCDIC character set
7788 @cindex IBM1047 character set
7789 Variants of the @sc{ebcdic} character set, used on some of IBM's
7790 mainframe operating systems. (@sc{gnu}/Linux on the S/390 uses U.S. @sc{ascii}.)
7791 @value{GDBN} cannot use these as its host character set.
7792
7793 @end table
7794
7795 Note that these are all single-byte character sets. More work inside
7796 @value{GDBN} is needed to support multi-byte or variable-width character
7797 encodings, like the UTF-8 and UCS-2 encodings of Unicode.
7798
7799 Here is an example of @value{GDBN}'s character set support in action.
7800 Assume that the following source code has been placed in the file
7801 @file{charset-test.c}:
7802
7803 @smallexample
7804 #include <stdio.h>
7805
7806 char ascii_hello[]
7807 = @{72, 101, 108, 108, 111, 44, 32, 119,
7808 111, 114, 108, 100, 33, 10, 0@};
7809 char ibm1047_hello[]
7810 = @{200, 133, 147, 147, 150, 107, 64, 166,
7811 150, 153, 147, 132, 90, 37, 0@};
7812
7813 main ()
7814 @{
7815 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
7816 @}
7817 @end smallexample
7818
7819 In this program, @code{ascii_hello} and @code{ibm1047_hello} are arrays
7820 containing the string @samp{Hello, world!} followed by a newline,
7821 encoded in the @sc{ascii} and @sc{ibm1047} character sets.
7822
7823 We compile the program, and invoke the debugger on it:
7824
7825 @smallexample
7826 $ gcc -g charset-test.c -o charset-test
7827 $ gdb -nw charset-test
7828 GNU gdb 2001-12-19-cvs
7829 Copyright 2001 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
7830 @dots{}
7831 (@value{GDBP})
7832 @end smallexample
7833
7834 We can use the @code{show charset} command to see what character sets
7835 @value{GDBN} is currently using to interpret and display characters and
7836 strings:
7837
7838 @smallexample
7839 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
7840 The current host and target character set is `ISO-8859-1'.
7841 (@value{GDBP})
7842 @end smallexample
7843
7844 For the sake of printing this manual, let's use @sc{ascii} as our
7845 initial character set:
7846 @smallexample
7847 (@value{GDBP}) set charset ASCII
7848 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
7849 The current host and target character set is `ASCII'.
7850 (@value{GDBP})
7851 @end smallexample
7852
7853 Let's assume that @sc{ascii} is indeed the correct character set for our
7854 host system --- in other words, let's assume that if @value{GDBN} prints
7855 characters using the @sc{ascii} character set, our terminal will display
7856 them properly. Since our current target character set is also
7857 @sc{ascii}, the contents of @code{ascii_hello} print legibly:
7858
7859 @smallexample
7860 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
7861 $1 = 0x401698 "Hello, world!\n"
7862 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
7863 $2 = 72 'H'
7864 (@value{GDBP})
7865 @end smallexample
7866
7867 @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and string
7868 literals you use in expressions:
7869
7870 @smallexample
7871 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
7872 $3 = 43 '+'
7873 (@value{GDBP})
7874 @end smallexample
7875
7876 The @sc{ascii} character set uses the number 43 to encode the @samp{+}
7877 character.
7878
7879 @value{GDBN} relies on the user to tell it which character set the
7880 target program uses. If we print @code{ibm1047_hello} while our target
7881 character set is still @sc{ascii}, we get jibberish:
7882
7883 @smallexample
7884 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
7885 $4 = 0x4016a8 "\310\205\223\223\226k@@\246\226\231\223\204Z%"
7886 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
7887 $5 = 200 '\310'
7888 (@value{GDBP})
7889 @end smallexample
7890
7891 If we invoke the @code{set target-charset} followed by @key{TAB}@key{TAB},
7892 @value{GDBN} tells us the character sets it supports:
7893
7894 @smallexample
7895 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
7896 ASCII EBCDIC-US IBM1047 ISO-8859-1
7897 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset
7898 @end smallexample
7899
7900 We can select @sc{ibm1047} as our target character set, and examine the
7901 program's strings again. Now the @sc{ascii} string is wrong, but
7902 @value{GDBN} translates the contents of @code{ibm1047_hello} from the
7903 target character set, @sc{ibm1047}, to the host character set,
7904 @sc{ascii}, and they display correctly:
7905
7906 @smallexample
7907 (@value{GDBP}) set target-charset IBM1047
7908 (@value{GDBP}) show charset
7909 The current host character set is `ASCII'.
7910 The current target character set is `IBM1047'.
7911 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello
7912 $6 = 0x401698 "\110\145%%?\054\040\167?\162%\144\041\012"
7913 (@value{GDBP}) print ascii_hello[0]
7914 $7 = 72 '\110'
7915 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello
7916 $8 = 0x4016a8 "Hello, world!\n"
7917 (@value{GDBP}) print ibm1047_hello[0]
7918 $9 = 200 'H'
7919 (@value{GDBP})
7920 @end smallexample
7921
7922 As above, @value{GDBN} uses the target character set for character and
7923 string literals you use in expressions:
7924
7925 @smallexample
7926 (@value{GDBP}) print '+'
7927 $10 = 78 '+'
7928 (@value{GDBP})
7929 @end smallexample
7930
7931 The @sc{ibm1047} character set uses the number 78 to encode the @samp{+}
7932 character.
7933
7934 @node Caching Remote Data
7935 @section Caching Data of Remote Targets
7936 @cindex caching data of remote targets
7937
7938 @value{GDBN} can cache data exchanged between the debugger and a
7939 remote target (@pxref{Remote Debugging}). Such caching generally improves
7940 performance, because it reduces the overhead of the remote protocol by
7941 bundling memory reads and writes into large chunks. Unfortunately,
7942 @value{GDBN} does not currently know anything about volatile
7943 registers, and thus data caching will produce incorrect results when
7944 volatile registers are in use.
7945
7946 @table @code
7947 @kindex set remotecache
7948 @item set remotecache on
7949 @itemx set remotecache off
7950 Set caching state for remote targets. When @code{ON}, use data
7951 caching. By default, this option is @code{OFF}.
7952
7953 @kindex show remotecache
7954 @item show remotecache
7955 Show the current state of data caching for remote targets.
7956
7957 @kindex info dcache
7958 @item info dcache
7959 Print the information about the data cache performance. The
7960 information displayed includes: the dcache width and depth; and for
7961 each cache line, how many times it was referenced, and its data and
7962 state (dirty, bad, ok, etc.). This command is useful for debugging
7963 the data cache operation.
7964 @end table
7965
7966 @node Searching Memory
7967 @section Search Memory
7968 @cindex searching memory
7969
7970 Memory can be searched for a particular sequence of bytes with the
7971 @code{find} command.
7972
7973 @table @code
7974 @kindex find
7975 @item find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, +@var{len}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
7976 @itemx find @r{[}/@var{sn}@r{]} @var{start_addr}, @var{end_addr}, @var{val1} @r{[}, @var{val2}, @dots{}@r{]}
7977 Search memory for the sequence of bytes specified by @var{val1}, @var{val2},
7978 etc. The search begins at address @var{start_addr} and continues for either
7979 @var{len} bytes or through to @var{end_addr} inclusive.
7980 @end table
7981
7982 @var{s} and @var{n} are optional parameters.
7983 They may be specified in either order, apart or together.
7984
7985 @table @r
7986 @item @var{s}, search query size
7987 The size of each search query value.
7988
7989 @table @code
7990 @item b
7991 bytes
7992 @item h
7993 halfwords (two bytes)
7994 @item w
7995 words (four bytes)
7996 @item g
7997 giant words (eight bytes)
7998 @end table
7999
8000 All values are interpreted in the current language.
8001 This means, for example, that if the current source language is C/C@t{++}
8002 then searching for the string ``hello'' includes the trailing '\0'.
8003
8004 If the value size is not specified, it is taken from the
8005 value's type in the current language.
8006 This is useful when one wants to specify the search
8007 pattern as a mixture of types.
8008 Note that this means, for example, that in the case of C-like languages
8009 a search for an untyped 0x42 will search for @samp{(int) 0x42}
8010 which is typically four bytes.
8011
8012 @item @var{n}, maximum number of finds
8013 The maximum number of matches to print. The default is to print all finds.
8014 @end table
8015
8016 You can use strings as search values. Quote them with double-quotes
8017 (@code{"}).
8018 The string value is copied into the search pattern byte by byte,
8019 regardless of the endianness of the target and the size specification.
8020
8021 The address of each match found is printed as well as a count of the
8022 number of matches found.
8023
8024 The address of the last value found is stored in convenience variable
8025 @samp{$_}.
8026 A count of the number of matches is stored in @samp{$numfound}.
8027
8028 For example, if stopped at the @code{printf} in this function:
8029
8030 @smallexample
8031 void
8032 hello ()
8033 @{
8034 static char hello[] = "hello-hello";
8035 static struct @{ char c; short s; int i; @}
8036 __attribute__ ((packed)) mixed
8037 = @{ 'c', 0x1234, 0x87654321 @};
8038 printf ("%s\n", hello);
8039 @}
8040 @end smallexample
8041
8042 @noindent
8043 you get during debugging:
8044
8045 @smallexample
8046 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), "hello"
8047 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
8048 1 pattern found
8049 (gdb) find &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 'e', 'l', 'l', 'o'
8050 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
8051 0x804956d <hello.1620+6>
8052 2 patterns found
8053 (gdb) find /b1 &hello[0], +sizeof(hello), 'h', 0x65, 'l'
8054 0x8049567 <hello.1620>
8055 1 pattern found
8056 (gdb) find &mixed, +sizeof(mixed), (char) 'c', (short) 0x1234, (int) 0x87654321
8057 0x8049560 <mixed.1625>
8058 1 pattern found
8059 (gdb) print $numfound
8060 $1 = 1
8061 (gdb) print $_
8062 $2 = (void *) 0x8049560
8063 @end smallexample
8064
8065 @node Macros
8066 @chapter C Preprocessor Macros
8067
8068 Some languages, such as C and C@t{++}, provide a way to define and invoke
8069 ``preprocessor macros'' which expand into strings of tokens.
8070 @value{GDBN} can evaluate expressions containing macro invocations, show
8071 the result of macro expansion, and show a macro's definition, including
8072 where it was defined.
8073
8074 You may need to compile your program specially to provide @value{GDBN}
8075 with information about preprocessor macros. Most compilers do not
8076 include macros in their debugging information, even when you compile
8077 with the @option{-g} flag. @xref{Compilation}.
8078
8079 A program may define a macro at one point, remove that definition later,
8080 and then provide a different definition after that. Thus, at different
8081 points in the program, a macro may have different definitions, or have
8082 no definition at all. If there is a current stack frame, @value{GDBN}
8083 uses the macros in scope at that frame's source code line. Otherwise,
8084 @value{GDBN} uses the macros in scope at the current listing location;
8085 see @ref{List}.
8086
8087 At the moment, @value{GDBN} does not support the @code{##}
8088 token-splicing operator, the @code{#} stringification operator, or
8089 variable-arity macros.
8090
8091 Whenever @value{GDBN} evaluates an expression, it always expands any
8092 macro invocations present in the expression. @value{GDBN} also provides
8093 the following commands for working with macros explicitly.
8094
8095 @table @code
8096
8097 @kindex macro expand
8098 @cindex macro expansion, showing the results of preprocessor
8099 @cindex preprocessor macro expansion, showing the results of
8100 @cindex expanding preprocessor macros
8101 @item macro expand @var{expression}
8102 @itemx macro exp @var{expression}
8103 Show the results of expanding all preprocessor macro invocations in
8104 @var{expression}. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does
8105 not parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression;
8106 it can be any string of tokens.
8107
8108 @kindex macro exp1
8109 @item macro expand-once @var{expression}
8110 @itemx macro exp1 @var{expression}
8111 @cindex expand macro once
8112 @i{(This command is not yet implemented.)} Show the results of
8113 expanding those preprocessor macro invocations that appear explicitly in
8114 @var{expression}. Macro invocations appearing in that expansion are
8115 left unchanged. This command allows you to see the effect of a
8116 particular macro more clearly, without being confused by further
8117 expansions. Since @value{GDBN} simply expands macros, but does not
8118 parse the result, @var{expression} need not be a valid expression; it
8119 can be any string of tokens.
8120
8121 @kindex info macro
8122 @cindex macro definition, showing
8123 @cindex definition, showing a macro's
8124 @item info macro @var{macro}
8125 Show the definition of the macro named @var{macro}, and describe the
8126 source location where that definition was established.
8127
8128 @kindex macro define
8129 @cindex user-defined macros
8130 @cindex defining macros interactively
8131 @cindex macros, user-defined
8132 @item macro define @var{macro} @var{replacement-list}
8133 @itemx macro define @var{macro}(@var{arglist}) @var{replacement-list}
8134 Introduce a definition for a preprocessor macro named @var{macro},
8135 invocations of which are replaced by the tokens given in
8136 @var{replacement-list}. The first form of this command defines an
8137 ``object-like'' macro, which takes no arguments; the second form
8138 defines a ``function-like'' macro, which takes the arguments given in
8139 @var{arglist}.
8140
8141 A definition introduced by this command is in scope in every
8142 expression evaluated in @value{GDBN}, until it is removed with the
8143 @code{macro undef} command, described below. The definition overrides
8144 all definitions for @var{macro} present in the program being debugged,
8145 as well as any previous user-supplied definition.
8146
8147 @kindex macro undef
8148 @item macro undef @var{macro}
8149 Remove any user-supplied definition for the macro named @var{macro}.
8150 This command only affects definitions provided with the @code{macro
8151 define} command, described above; it cannot remove definitions present
8152 in the program being debugged.
8153
8154 @kindex macro list
8155 @item macro list
8156 List all the macros defined using the @code{macro define} command.
8157 @end table
8158
8159 @cindex macros, example of debugging with
8160 Here is a transcript showing the above commands in action. First, we
8161 show our source files:
8162
8163 @smallexample
8164 $ cat sample.c
8165 #include <stdio.h>
8166 #include "sample.h"
8167
8168 #define M 42
8169 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8170
8171 main ()
8172 @{
8173 #define N 28
8174 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8175 #undef N
8176 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8177 #define N 1729
8178 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
8179 @}
8180 $ cat sample.h
8181 #define Q <
8182 $
8183 @end smallexample
8184
8185 Now, we compile the program using the @sc{gnu} C compiler, @value{NGCC}.
8186 We pass the @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-g3} flags to ensure the
8187 compiler includes information about preprocessor macros in the debugging
8188 information.
8189
8190 @smallexample
8191 $ gcc -gdwarf-2 -g3 sample.c -o sample
8192 $
8193 @end smallexample
8194
8195 Now, we start @value{GDBN} on our sample program:
8196
8197 @smallexample
8198 $ gdb -nw sample
8199 GNU gdb 2002-05-06-cvs
8200 Copyright 2002 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
8201 GDB is free software, @dots{}
8202 (@value{GDBP})
8203 @end smallexample
8204
8205 We can expand macros and examine their definitions, even when the
8206 program is not running. @value{GDBN} uses the current listing position
8207 to decide which macro definitions are in scope:
8208
8209 @smallexample
8210 (@value{GDBP}) list main
8211 3
8212 4 #define M 42
8213 5 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8214 6
8215 7 main ()
8216 8 @{
8217 9 #define N 28
8218 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8219 11 #undef N
8220 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8221 (@value{GDBP}) info macro ADD
8222 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:5
8223 #define ADD(x) (M + x)
8224 (@value{GDBP}) info macro Q
8225 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.h:1
8226 included at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:2
8227 #define Q <
8228 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand ADD(1)
8229 expands to: (42 + 1)
8230 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand-once ADD(1)
8231 expands to: once (M + 1)
8232 (@value{GDBP})
8233 @end smallexample
8234
8235 In the example above, note that @code{macro expand-once} expands only
8236 the macro invocation explicit in the original text --- the invocation of
8237 @code{ADD} --- but does not expand the invocation of the macro @code{M},
8238 which was introduced by @code{ADD}.
8239
8240 Once the program is running, @value{GDBN} uses the macro definitions in
8241 force at the source line of the current stack frame:
8242
8243 @smallexample
8244 (@value{GDBP}) break main
8245 Breakpoint 1 at 0x8048370: file sample.c, line 10.
8246 (@value{GDBP}) run
8247 Starting program: /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample
8248
8249 Breakpoint 1, main () at sample.c:10
8250 10 printf ("Hello, world!\n");
8251 (@value{GDBP})
8252 @end smallexample
8253
8254 At line 10, the definition of the macro @code{N} at line 9 is in force:
8255
8256 @smallexample
8257 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8258 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:9
8259 #define N 28
8260 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
8261 expands to: 28 < 42
8262 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
8263 $1 = 1
8264 (@value{GDBP})
8265 @end smallexample
8266
8267 As we step over directives that remove @code{N}'s definition, and then
8268 give it a new definition, @value{GDBN} finds the definition (or lack
8269 thereof) in force at each point:
8270
8271 @smallexample
8272 (@value{GDBP}) next
8273 Hello, world!
8274 12 printf ("We're so creative.\n");
8275 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8276 The symbol `N' has no definition as a C/C++ preprocessor macro
8277 at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:12
8278 (@value{GDBP}) next
8279 We're so creative.
8280 14 printf ("Goodbye, world!\n");
8281 (@value{GDBP}) info macro N
8282 Defined at /home/jimb/gdb/macros/play/sample.c:13
8283 #define N 1729
8284 (@value{GDBP}) macro expand N Q M
8285 expands to: 1729 < 42
8286 (@value{GDBP}) print N Q M
8287 $2 = 0
8288 (@value{GDBP})
8289 @end smallexample
8290
8291
8292 @node Tracepoints
8293 @chapter Tracepoints
8294 @c This chapter is based on the documentation written by Michael
8295 @c Snyder, David Taylor, Jim Blandy, and Elena Zannoni.
8296
8297 @cindex tracepoints
8298 In some applications, it is not feasible for the debugger to interrupt
8299 the program's execution long enough for the developer to learn
8300 anything helpful about its behavior. If the program's correctness
8301 depends on its real-time behavior, delays introduced by a debugger
8302 might cause the program to change its behavior drastically, or perhaps
8303 fail, even when the code itself is correct. It is useful to be able
8304 to observe the program's behavior without interrupting it.
8305
8306 Using @value{GDBN}'s @code{trace} and @code{collect} commands, you can
8307 specify locations in the program, called @dfn{tracepoints}, and
8308 arbitrary expressions to evaluate when those tracepoints are reached.
8309 Later, using the @code{tfind} command, you can examine the values
8310 those expressions had when the program hit the tracepoints. The
8311 expressions may also denote objects in memory---structures or arrays,
8312 for example---whose values @value{GDBN} should record; while visiting
8313 a particular tracepoint, you may inspect those objects as if they were
8314 in memory at that moment. However, because @value{GDBN} records these
8315 values without interacting with you, it can do so quickly and
8316 unobtrusively, hopefully not disturbing the program's behavior.
8317
8318 The tracepoint facility is currently available only for remote
8319 targets. @xref{Targets}. In addition, your remote target must know
8320 how to collect trace data. This functionality is implemented in the
8321 remote stub; however, none of the stubs distributed with @value{GDBN}
8322 support tracepoints as of this writing. The format of the remote
8323 packets used to implement tracepoints are described in @ref{Tracepoint
8324 Packets}.
8325
8326 This chapter describes the tracepoint commands and features.
8327
8328 @menu
8329 * Set Tracepoints::
8330 * Analyze Collected Data::
8331 * Tracepoint Variables::
8332 @end menu
8333
8334 @node Set Tracepoints
8335 @section Commands to Set Tracepoints
8336
8337 Before running such a @dfn{trace experiment}, an arbitrary number of
8338 tracepoints can be set. Like a breakpoint (@pxref{Set Breaks}), a
8339 tracepoint has a number assigned to it by @value{GDBN}. Like with
8340 breakpoints, tracepoint numbers are successive integers starting from
8341 one. Many of the commands associated with tracepoints take the
8342 tracepoint number as their argument, to identify which tracepoint to
8343 work on.
8344
8345 For each tracepoint, you can specify, in advance, some arbitrary set
8346 of data that you want the target to collect in the trace buffer when
8347 it hits that tracepoint. The collected data can include registers,
8348 local variables, or global data. Later, you can use @value{GDBN}
8349 commands to examine the values these data had at the time the
8350 tracepoint was hit.
8351
8352 This section describes commands to set tracepoints and associated
8353 conditions and actions.
8354
8355 @menu
8356 * Create and Delete Tracepoints::
8357 * Enable and Disable Tracepoints::
8358 * Tracepoint Passcounts::
8359 * Tracepoint Actions::
8360 * Listing Tracepoints::
8361 * Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments::
8362 @end menu
8363
8364 @node Create and Delete Tracepoints
8365 @subsection Create and Delete Tracepoints
8366
8367 @table @code
8368 @cindex set tracepoint
8369 @kindex trace
8370 @item trace
8371 The @code{trace} command is very similar to the @code{break} command.
8372 Its argument can be a source line, a function name, or an address in
8373 the target program. @xref{Set Breaks}. The @code{trace} command
8374 defines a tracepoint, which is a point in the target program where the
8375 debugger will briefly stop, collect some data, and then allow the
8376 program to continue. Setting a tracepoint or changing its commands
8377 doesn't take effect until the next @code{tstart} command; thus, you
8378 cannot change the tracepoint attributes once a trace experiment is
8379 running.
8380
8381 Here are some examples of using the @code{trace} command:
8382
8383 @smallexample
8384 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo.c:121} // a source file and line number
8385
8386 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace +2} // 2 lines forward
8387
8388 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace my_function} // first source line of function
8389
8390 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *my_function} // EXACT start address of function
8391
8392 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace *0x2117c4} // an address
8393 @end smallexample
8394
8395 @noindent
8396 You can abbreviate @code{trace} as @code{tr}.
8397
8398 @vindex $tpnum
8399 @cindex last tracepoint number
8400 @cindex recent tracepoint number
8401 @cindex tracepoint number
8402 The convenience variable @code{$tpnum} records the tracepoint number
8403 of the most recently set tracepoint.
8404
8405 @kindex delete tracepoint
8406 @cindex tracepoint deletion
8407 @item delete tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8408 Permanently delete one or more tracepoints. With no argument, the
8409 default is to delete all tracepoints.
8410
8411 Examples:
8412
8413 @smallexample
8414 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace 1 2 3} // remove three tracepoints
8415
8416 (@value{GDBP}) @b{delete trace} // remove all tracepoints
8417 @end smallexample
8418
8419 @noindent
8420 You can abbreviate this command as @code{del tr}.
8421 @end table
8422
8423 @node Enable and Disable Tracepoints
8424 @subsection Enable and Disable Tracepoints
8425
8426 @table @code
8427 @kindex disable tracepoint
8428 @item disable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8429 Disable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints if no argument
8430 @var{num} is given. A disabled tracepoint will have no effect during
8431 the next trace experiment, but it is not forgotten. You can re-enable
8432 a disabled tracepoint using the @code{enable tracepoint} command.
8433
8434 @kindex enable tracepoint
8435 @item enable tracepoint @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8436 Enable tracepoint @var{num}, or all tracepoints. The enabled
8437 tracepoints will become effective the next time a trace experiment is
8438 run.
8439 @end table
8440
8441 @node Tracepoint Passcounts
8442 @subsection Tracepoint Passcounts
8443
8444 @table @code
8445 @kindex passcount
8446 @cindex tracepoint pass count
8447 @item passcount @r{[}@var{n} @r{[}@var{num}@r{]]}
8448 Set the @dfn{passcount} of a tracepoint. The passcount is a way to
8449 automatically stop a trace experiment. If a tracepoint's passcount is
8450 @var{n}, then the trace experiment will be automatically stopped on
8451 the @var{n}'th time that tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number
8452 @var{num} is not specified, the @code{passcount} command sets the
8453 passcount of the most recently defined tracepoint. If no passcount is
8454 given, the trace experiment will run until stopped explicitly by the
8455 user.
8456
8457 Examples:
8458
8459 @smallexample
8460 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 5 2} // Stop on the 5th execution of
8461 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// tracepoint 2}
8462
8463 (@value{GDBP}) @b{passcount 12} // Stop on the 12th execution of the
8464 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// most recently defined tracepoint.}
8465 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
8466 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 3}
8467 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace bar}
8468 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 2}
8469 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace baz}
8470 (@value{GDBP}) @b{pass 1} // Stop tracing when foo has been
8471 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// executed 3 times OR when bar has}
8472 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// been executed 2 times}
8473 @exdent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @code{// OR when baz has been executed 1 time.}
8474 @end smallexample
8475 @end table
8476
8477 @node Tracepoint Actions
8478 @subsection Tracepoint Action Lists
8479
8480 @table @code
8481 @kindex actions
8482 @cindex tracepoint actions
8483 @item actions @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8484 This command will prompt for a list of actions to be taken when the
8485 tracepoint is hit. If the tracepoint number @var{num} is not
8486 specified, this command sets the actions for the one that was most
8487 recently defined (so that you can define a tracepoint and then say
8488 @code{actions} without bothering about its number). You specify the
8489 actions themselves on the following lines, one action at a time, and
8490 terminate the actions list with a line containing just @code{end}. So
8491 far, the only defined actions are @code{collect} and
8492 @code{while-stepping}.
8493
8494 @cindex remove actions from a tracepoint
8495 To remove all actions from a tracepoint, type @samp{actions @var{num}}
8496 and follow it immediately with @samp{end}.
8497
8498 @smallexample
8499 (@value{GDBP}) @b{collect @var{data}} // collect some data
8500
8501 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while-stepping 5} // single-step 5 times, collect data
8502
8503 (@value{GDBP}) @b{end} // signals the end of actions.
8504 @end smallexample
8505
8506 In the following example, the action list begins with @code{collect}
8507 commands indicating the things to be collected when the tracepoint is
8508 hit. Then, in order to single-step and collect additional data
8509 following the tracepoint, a @code{while-stepping} command is used,
8510 followed by the list of things to be collected while stepping. The
8511 @code{while-stepping} command is terminated by its own separate
8512 @code{end} command. Lastly, the action list is terminated by an
8513 @code{end} command.
8514
8515 @smallexample
8516 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace foo}
8517 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
8518 Enter actions for tracepoint 1, one per line:
8519 > collect bar,baz
8520 > collect $regs
8521 > while-stepping 12
8522 > collect $fp, $sp
8523 > end
8524 end
8525 @end smallexample
8526
8527 @kindex collect @r{(tracepoints)}
8528 @item collect @var{expr1}, @var{expr2}, @dots{}
8529 Collect values of the given expressions when the tracepoint is hit.
8530 This command accepts a comma-separated list of any valid expressions.
8531 In addition to global, static, or local variables, the following
8532 special arguments are supported:
8533
8534 @table @code
8535 @item $regs
8536 collect all registers
8537
8538 @item $args
8539 collect all function arguments
8540
8541 @item $locals
8542 collect all local variables.
8543 @end table
8544
8545 You can give several consecutive @code{collect} commands, each one
8546 with a single argument, or one @code{collect} command with several
8547 arguments separated by commas: the effect is the same.
8548
8549 The command @code{info scope} (@pxref{Symbols, info scope}) is
8550 particularly useful for figuring out what data to collect.
8551
8552 @kindex while-stepping @r{(tracepoints)}
8553 @item while-stepping @var{n}
8554 Perform @var{n} single-step traces after the tracepoint, collecting
8555 new data at each step. The @code{while-stepping} command is
8556 followed by the list of what to collect while stepping (followed by
8557 its own @code{end} command):
8558
8559 @smallexample
8560 > while-stepping 12
8561 > collect $regs, myglobal
8562 > end
8563 >
8564 @end smallexample
8565
8566 @noindent
8567 You may abbreviate @code{while-stepping} as @code{ws} or
8568 @code{stepping}.
8569 @end table
8570
8571 @node Listing Tracepoints
8572 @subsection Listing Tracepoints
8573
8574 @table @code
8575 @kindex info tracepoints
8576 @kindex info tp
8577 @cindex information about tracepoints
8578 @item info tracepoints @r{[}@var{num}@r{]}
8579 Display information about the tracepoint @var{num}. If you don't specify
8580 a tracepoint number, displays information about all the tracepoints
8581 defined so far. For each tracepoint, the following information is
8582 shown:
8583
8584 @itemize @bullet
8585 @item
8586 its number
8587 @item
8588 whether it is enabled or disabled
8589 @item
8590 its address
8591 @item
8592 its passcount as given by the @code{passcount @var{n}} command
8593 @item
8594 its step count as given by the @code{while-stepping @var{n}} command
8595 @item
8596 where in the source files is the tracepoint set
8597 @item
8598 its action list as given by the @code{actions} command
8599 @end itemize
8600
8601 @smallexample
8602 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info trace}
8603 Num Enb Address PassC StepC What
8604 1 y 0x002117c4 0 0 <gdb_asm>
8605 2 y 0x0020dc64 0 0 in g_test at g_test.c:1375
8606 3 y 0x0020b1f4 0 0 in get_data at ../foo.c:41
8607 (@value{GDBP})
8608 @end smallexample
8609
8610 @noindent
8611 This command can be abbreviated @code{info tp}.
8612 @end table
8613
8614 @node Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
8615 @subsection Starting and Stopping Trace Experiments
8616
8617 @table @code
8618 @kindex tstart
8619 @cindex start a new trace experiment
8620 @cindex collected data discarded
8621 @item tstart
8622 This command takes no arguments. It starts the trace experiment, and
8623 begins collecting data. This has the side effect of discarding all
8624 the data collected in the trace buffer during the previous trace
8625 experiment.
8626
8627 @kindex tstop
8628 @cindex stop a running trace experiment
8629 @item tstop
8630 This command takes no arguments. It ends the trace experiment, and
8631 stops collecting data.
8632
8633 @strong{Note}: a trace experiment and data collection may stop
8634 automatically if any tracepoint's passcount is reached
8635 (@pxref{Tracepoint Passcounts}), or if the trace buffer becomes full.
8636
8637 @kindex tstatus
8638 @cindex status of trace data collection
8639 @cindex trace experiment, status of
8640 @item tstatus
8641 This command displays the status of the current trace data
8642 collection.
8643 @end table
8644
8645 Here is an example of the commands we described so far:
8646
8647 @smallexample
8648 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace gdb_c_test}
8649 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
8650 Enter actions for tracepoint #1, one per line.
8651 > collect $regs,$locals,$args
8652 > while-stepping 11
8653 > collect $regs
8654 > end
8655 > end
8656 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
8657 [time passes @dots{}]
8658 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstop}
8659 @end smallexample
8660
8661
8662 @node Analyze Collected Data
8663 @section Using the Collected Data
8664
8665 After the tracepoint experiment ends, you use @value{GDBN} commands
8666 for examining the trace data. The basic idea is that each tracepoint
8667 collects a trace @dfn{snapshot} every time it is hit and another
8668 snapshot every time it single-steps. All these snapshots are
8669 consecutively numbered from zero and go into a buffer, and you can
8670 examine them later. The way you examine them is to @dfn{focus} on a
8671 specific trace snapshot. When the remote stub is focused on a trace
8672 snapshot, it will respond to all @value{GDBN} requests for memory and
8673 registers by reading from the buffer which belongs to that snapshot,
8674 rather than from @emph{real} memory or registers of the program being
8675 debugged. This means that @strong{all} @value{GDBN} commands
8676 (@code{print}, @code{info registers}, @code{backtrace}, etc.) will
8677 behave as if we were currently debugging the program state as it was
8678 when the tracepoint occurred. Any requests for data that are not in
8679 the buffer will fail.
8680
8681 @menu
8682 * tfind:: How to select a trace snapshot
8683 * tdump:: How to display all data for a snapshot
8684 * save-tracepoints:: How to save tracepoints for a future run
8685 @end menu
8686
8687 @node tfind
8688 @subsection @code{tfind @var{n}}
8689
8690 @kindex tfind
8691 @cindex select trace snapshot
8692 @cindex find trace snapshot
8693 The basic command for selecting a trace snapshot from the buffer is
8694 @code{tfind @var{n}}, which finds trace snapshot number @var{n},
8695 counting from zero. If no argument @var{n} is given, the next
8696 snapshot is selected.
8697
8698 Here are the various forms of using the @code{tfind} command.
8699
8700 @table @code
8701 @item tfind start
8702 Find the first snapshot in the buffer. This is a synonym for
8703 @code{tfind 0} (since 0 is the number of the first snapshot).
8704
8705 @item tfind none
8706 Stop debugging trace snapshots, resume @emph{live} debugging.
8707
8708 @item tfind end
8709 Same as @samp{tfind none}.
8710
8711 @item tfind
8712 No argument means find the next trace snapshot.
8713
8714 @item tfind -
8715 Find the previous trace snapshot before the current one. This permits
8716 retracing earlier steps.
8717
8718 @item tfind tracepoint @var{num}
8719 Find the next snapshot associated with tracepoint @var{num}. Search
8720 proceeds forward from the last examined trace snapshot. If no
8721 argument @var{num} is given, it means find the next snapshot collected
8722 for the same tracepoint as the current snapshot.
8723
8724 @item tfind pc @var{addr}
8725 Find the next snapshot associated with the value @var{addr} of the
8726 program counter. Search proceeds forward from the last examined trace
8727 snapshot. If no argument @var{addr} is given, it means find the next
8728 snapshot with the same value of PC as the current snapshot.
8729
8730 @item tfind outside @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
8731 Find the next snapshot whose PC is outside the given range of
8732 addresses.
8733
8734 @item tfind range @var{addr1}, @var{addr2}
8735 Find the next snapshot whose PC is between @var{addr1} and
8736 @var{addr2}. @c FIXME: Is the range inclusive or exclusive?
8737
8738 @item tfind line @r{[}@var{file}:@r{]}@var{n}
8739 Find the next snapshot associated with the source line @var{n}. If
8740 the optional argument @var{file} is given, refer to line @var{n} in
8741 that source file. Search proceeds forward from the last examined
8742 trace snapshot. If no argument @var{n} is given, it means find the
8743 next line other than the one currently being examined; thus saying
8744 @code{tfind line} repeatedly can appear to have the same effect as
8745 stepping from line to line in a @emph{live} debugging session.
8746 @end table
8747
8748 The default arguments for the @code{tfind} commands are specifically
8749 designed to make it easy to scan through the trace buffer. For
8750 instance, @code{tfind} with no argument selects the next trace
8751 snapshot, and @code{tfind -} with no argument selects the previous
8752 trace snapshot. So, by giving one @code{tfind} command, and then
8753 simply hitting @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine all the trace
8754 snapshots in order. Or, by saying @code{tfind -} and then hitting
8755 @key{RET} repeatedly you can examine the snapshots in reverse order.
8756 The @code{tfind line} command with no argument selects the snapshot
8757 for the next source line executed. The @code{tfind pc} command with
8758 no argument selects the next snapshot with the same program counter
8759 (PC) as the current frame. The @code{tfind tracepoint} command with
8760 no argument selects the next trace snapshot collected by the same
8761 tracepoint as the current one.
8762
8763 In addition to letting you scan through the trace buffer manually,
8764 these commands make it easy to construct @value{GDBN} scripts that
8765 scan through the trace buffer and print out whatever collected data
8766 you are interested in. Thus, if we want to examine the PC, FP, and SP
8767 registers from each trace frame in the buffer, we can say this:
8768
8769 @smallexample
8770 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
8771 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
8772 > printf "Frame %d, PC = %08X, SP = %08X, FP = %08X\n", \
8773 $trace_frame, $pc, $sp, $fp
8774 > tfind
8775 > end
8776
8777 Frame 0, PC = 0020DC64, SP = 0030BF3C, FP = 0030BF44
8778 Frame 1, PC = 0020DC6C, SP = 0030BF38, FP = 0030BF44
8779 Frame 2, PC = 0020DC70, SP = 0030BF34, FP = 0030BF44
8780 Frame 3, PC = 0020DC74, SP = 0030BF30, FP = 0030BF44
8781 Frame 4, PC = 0020DC78, SP = 0030BF2C, FP = 0030BF44
8782 Frame 5, PC = 0020DC7C, SP = 0030BF28, FP = 0030BF44
8783 Frame 6, PC = 0020DC80, SP = 0030BF24, FP = 0030BF44
8784 Frame 7, PC = 0020DC84, SP = 0030BF20, FP = 0030BF44
8785 Frame 8, PC = 0020DC88, SP = 0030BF1C, FP = 0030BF44
8786 Frame 9, PC = 0020DC8E, SP = 0030BF18, FP = 0030BF44
8787 Frame 10, PC = 00203F6C, SP = 0030BE3C, FP = 0030BF14
8788 @end smallexample
8789
8790 Or, if we want to examine the variable @code{X} at each source line in
8791 the buffer:
8792
8793 @smallexample
8794 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
8795 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while ($trace_frame != -1)}
8796 > printf "Frame %d, X == %d\n", $trace_frame, X
8797 > tfind line
8798 > end
8799
8800 Frame 0, X = 1
8801 Frame 7, X = 2
8802 Frame 13, X = 255
8803 @end smallexample
8804
8805 @node tdump
8806 @subsection @code{tdump}
8807 @kindex tdump
8808 @cindex dump all data collected at tracepoint
8809 @cindex tracepoint data, display
8810
8811 This command takes no arguments. It prints all the data collected at
8812 the current trace snapshot.
8813
8814 @smallexample
8815 (@value{GDBP}) @b{trace 444}
8816 (@value{GDBP}) @b{actions}
8817 Enter actions for tracepoint #2, one per line:
8818 > collect $regs, $locals, $args, gdb_long_test
8819 > end
8820
8821 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tstart}
8822
8823 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind line 444}
8824 #0 gdb_test (p1=0x11, p2=0x22, p3=0x33, p4=0x44, p5=0x55, p6=0x66)
8825 at gdb_test.c:444
8826 444 printp( "%s: arguments = 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X 0x%X\n", )
8827
8828 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tdump}
8829 Data collected at tracepoint 2, trace frame 1:
8830 d0 0xc4aa0085 -995491707
8831 d1 0x18 24
8832 d2 0x80 128
8833 d3 0x33 51
8834 d4 0x71aea3d 119204413
8835 d5 0x22 34
8836 d6 0xe0 224
8837 d7 0x380035 3670069
8838 a0 0x19e24a 1696330
8839 a1 0x3000668 50333288
8840 a2 0x100 256
8841 a3 0x322000 3284992
8842 a4 0x3000698 50333336
8843 a5 0x1ad3cc 1758156
8844 fp 0x30bf3c 0x30bf3c
8845 sp 0x30bf34 0x30bf34
8846 ps 0x0 0
8847 pc 0x20b2c8 0x20b2c8
8848 fpcontrol 0x0 0
8849 fpstatus 0x0 0
8850 fpiaddr 0x0 0
8851 p = 0x20e5b4 "gdb-test"
8852 p1 = (void *) 0x11
8853 p2 = (void *) 0x22
8854 p3 = (void *) 0x33
8855 p4 = (void *) 0x44
8856 p5 = (void *) 0x55
8857 p6 = (void *) 0x66
8858 gdb_long_test = 17 '\021'
8859
8860 (@value{GDBP})
8861 @end smallexample
8862
8863 @node save-tracepoints
8864 @subsection @code{save-tracepoints @var{filename}}
8865 @kindex save-tracepoints
8866 @cindex save tracepoints for future sessions
8867
8868 This command saves all current tracepoint definitions together with
8869 their actions and passcounts, into a file @file{@var{filename}}
8870 suitable for use in a later debugging session. To read the saved
8871 tracepoint definitions, use the @code{source} command (@pxref{Command
8872 Files}).
8873
8874 @node Tracepoint Variables
8875 @section Convenience Variables for Tracepoints
8876 @cindex tracepoint variables
8877 @cindex convenience variables for tracepoints
8878
8879 @table @code
8880 @vindex $trace_frame
8881 @item (int) $trace_frame
8882 The current trace snapshot (a.k.a.@: @dfn{frame}) number, or -1 if no
8883 snapshot is selected.
8884
8885 @vindex $tracepoint
8886 @item (int) $tracepoint
8887 The tracepoint for the current trace snapshot.
8888
8889 @vindex $trace_line
8890 @item (int) $trace_line
8891 The line number for the current trace snapshot.
8892
8893 @vindex $trace_file
8894 @item (char []) $trace_file
8895 The source file for the current trace snapshot.
8896
8897 @vindex $trace_func
8898 @item (char []) $trace_func
8899 The name of the function containing @code{$tracepoint}.
8900 @end table
8901
8902 Note: @code{$trace_file} is not suitable for use in @code{printf},
8903 use @code{output} instead.
8904
8905 Here's a simple example of using these convenience variables for
8906 stepping through all the trace snapshots and printing some of their
8907 data.
8908
8909 @smallexample
8910 (@value{GDBP}) @b{tfind start}
8911
8912 (@value{GDBP}) @b{while $trace_frame != -1}
8913 > output $trace_file
8914 > printf ", line %d (tracepoint #%d)\n", $trace_line, $tracepoint
8915 > tfind
8916 > end
8917 @end smallexample
8918
8919 @node Overlays
8920 @chapter Debugging Programs That Use Overlays
8921 @cindex overlays
8922
8923 If your program is too large to fit completely in your target system's
8924 memory, you can sometimes use @dfn{overlays} to work around this
8925 problem. @value{GDBN} provides some support for debugging programs that
8926 use overlays.
8927
8928 @menu
8929 * How Overlays Work:: A general explanation of overlays.
8930 * Overlay Commands:: Managing overlays in @value{GDBN}.
8931 * Automatic Overlay Debugging:: @value{GDBN} can find out which overlays are
8932 mapped by asking the inferior.
8933 * Overlay Sample Program:: A sample program using overlays.
8934 @end menu
8935
8936 @node How Overlays Work
8937 @section How Overlays Work
8938 @cindex mapped overlays
8939 @cindex unmapped overlays
8940 @cindex load address, overlay's
8941 @cindex mapped address
8942 @cindex overlay area
8943
8944 Suppose you have a computer whose instruction address space is only 64
8945 kilobytes long, but which has much more memory which can be accessed by
8946 other means: special instructions, segment registers, or memory
8947 management hardware, for example. Suppose further that you want to
8948 adapt a program which is larger than 64 kilobytes to run on this system.
8949
8950 One solution is to identify modules of your program which are relatively
8951 independent, and need not call each other directly; call these modules
8952 @dfn{overlays}. Separate the overlays from the main program, and place
8953 their machine code in the larger memory. Place your main program in
8954 instruction memory, but leave at least enough space there to hold the
8955 largest overlay as well.
8956
8957 Now, to call a function located in an overlay, you must first copy that
8958 overlay's machine code from the large memory into the space set aside
8959 for it in the instruction memory, and then jump to its entry point
8960 there.
8961
8962 @c NB: In the below the mapped area's size is greater or equal to the
8963 @c size of all overlays. This is intentional to remind the developer
8964 @c that overlays don't necessarily need to be the same size.
8965
8966 @smallexample
8967 @group
8968 Data Instruction Larger
8969 Address Space Address Space Address Space
8970 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+
8971 | | | | | |
8972 +-----------+ +-----------+ +-----------+<-- overlay 1
8973 | program | | main | .----| overlay 1 | load address
8974 | variables | | program | | +-----------+
8975 | and heap | | | | | |
8976 +-----------+ | | | +-----------+<-- overlay 2
8977 | | +-----------+ | | | load address
8978 +-----------+ | | | .-| overlay 2 |
8979 | | | | | |
8980 mapped --->+-----------+ | | +-----------+
8981 address | | | | | |
8982 | overlay | <-' | | |
8983 | area | <---' +-----------+<-- overlay 3
8984 | | <---. | | load address
8985 +-----------+ `--| overlay 3 |
8986 | | | |
8987 +-----------+ | |
8988 +-----------+
8989 | |
8990 +-----------+
8991
8992 @anchor{A code overlay}A code overlay
8993 @end group
8994 @end smallexample
8995
8996 The diagram (@pxref{A code overlay}) shows a system with separate data
8997 and instruction address spaces. To map an overlay, the program copies
8998 its code from the larger address space to the instruction address space.
8999 Since the overlays shown here all use the same mapped address, only one
9000 may be mapped at a time. For a system with a single address space for
9001 data and instructions, the diagram would be similar, except that the
9002 program variables and heap would share an address space with the main
9003 program and the overlay area.
9004
9005 An overlay loaded into instruction memory and ready for use is called a
9006 @dfn{mapped} overlay; its @dfn{mapped address} is its address in the
9007 instruction memory. An overlay not present (or only partially present)
9008 in instruction memory is called @dfn{unmapped}; its @dfn{load address}
9009 is its address in the larger memory. The mapped address is also called
9010 the @dfn{virtual memory address}, or @dfn{VMA}; the load address is also
9011 called the @dfn{load memory address}, or @dfn{LMA}.
9012
9013 Unfortunately, overlays are not a completely transparent way to adapt a
9014 program to limited instruction memory. They introduce a new set of
9015 global constraints you must keep in mind as you design your program:
9016
9017 @itemize @bullet
9018
9019 @item
9020 Before calling or returning to a function in an overlay, your program
9021 must make sure that overlay is actually mapped. Otherwise, the call or
9022 return will transfer control to the right address, but in the wrong
9023 overlay, and your program will probably crash.
9024
9025 @item
9026 If the process of mapping an overlay is expensive on your system, you
9027 will need to choose your overlays carefully to minimize their effect on
9028 your program's performance.
9029
9030 @item
9031 The executable file you load onto your system must contain each
9032 overlay's instructions, appearing at the overlay's load address, not its
9033 mapped address. However, each overlay's instructions must be relocated
9034 and its symbols defined as if the overlay were at its mapped address.
9035 You can use GNU linker scripts to specify different load and relocation
9036 addresses for pieces of your program; see @ref{Overlay Description,,,
9037 ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}.
9038
9039 @item
9040 The procedure for loading executable files onto your system must be able
9041 to load their contents into the larger address space as well as the
9042 instruction and data spaces.
9043
9044 @end itemize
9045
9046 The overlay system described above is rather simple, and could be
9047 improved in many ways:
9048
9049 @itemize @bullet
9050
9051 @item
9052 If your system has suitable bank switch registers or memory management
9053 hardware, you could use those facilities to make an overlay's load area
9054 contents simply appear at their mapped address in instruction space.
9055 This would probably be faster than copying the overlay to its mapped
9056 area in the usual way.
9057
9058 @item
9059 If your overlays are small enough, you could set aside more than one
9060 overlay area, and have more than one overlay mapped at a time.
9061
9062 @item
9063 You can use overlays to manage data, as well as instructions. In
9064 general, data overlays are even less transparent to your design than
9065 code overlays: whereas code overlays only require care when you call or
9066 return to functions, data overlays require care every time you access
9067 the data. Also, if you change the contents of a data overlay, you
9068 must copy its contents back out to its load address before you can copy a
9069 different data overlay into the same mapped area.
9070
9071 @end itemize
9072
9073
9074 @node Overlay Commands
9075 @section Overlay Commands
9076
9077 To use @value{GDBN}'s overlay support, each overlay in your program must
9078 correspond to a separate section of the executable file. The section's
9079 virtual memory address and load memory address must be the overlay's
9080 mapped and load addresses. Identifying overlays with sections allows
9081 @value{GDBN} to determine the appropriate address of a function or
9082 variable, depending on whether the overlay is mapped or not.
9083
9084 @value{GDBN}'s overlay commands all start with the word @code{overlay};
9085 you can abbreviate this as @code{ov} or @code{ovly}. The commands are:
9086
9087 @table @code
9088 @item overlay off
9089 @kindex overlay
9090 Disable @value{GDBN}'s overlay support. When overlay support is
9091 disabled, @value{GDBN} assumes that all functions and variables are
9092 always present at their mapped addresses. By default, @value{GDBN}'s
9093 overlay support is disabled.
9094
9095 @item overlay manual
9096 @cindex manual overlay debugging
9097 Enable @dfn{manual} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
9098 relies on you to tell it which overlays are mapped, and which are not,
9099 using the @code{overlay map-overlay} and @code{overlay unmap-overlay}
9100 commands described below.
9101
9102 @item overlay map-overlay @var{overlay}
9103 @itemx overlay map @var{overlay}
9104 @cindex map an overlay
9105 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is now mapped; @var{overlay} must
9106 be the name of the object file section containing the overlay. When an
9107 overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the overlay's
9108 functions and variables at their mapped addresses. @value{GDBN} assumes
9109 that any other overlays whose mapped ranges overlap that of
9110 @var{overlay} are now unmapped.
9111
9112 @item overlay unmap-overlay @var{overlay}
9113 @itemx overlay unmap @var{overlay}
9114 @cindex unmap an overlay
9115 Tell @value{GDBN} that @var{overlay} is no longer mapped; @var{overlay}
9116 must be the name of the object file section containing the overlay.
9117 When an overlay is unmapped, @value{GDBN} assumes it can find the
9118 overlay's functions and variables at their load addresses.
9119
9120 @item overlay auto
9121 Enable @dfn{automatic} overlay debugging. In this mode, @value{GDBN}
9122 consults a data structure the overlay manager maintains in the inferior
9123 to see which overlays are mapped. For details, see @ref{Automatic
9124 Overlay Debugging}.
9125
9126 @item overlay load-target
9127 @itemx overlay load
9128 @cindex reloading the overlay table
9129 Re-read the overlay table from the inferior. Normally, @value{GDBN}
9130 re-reads the table @value{GDBN} automatically each time the inferior
9131 stops, so this command should only be necessary if you have changed the
9132 overlay mapping yourself using @value{GDBN}. This command is only
9133 useful when using automatic overlay debugging.
9134
9135 @item overlay list-overlays
9136 @itemx overlay list
9137 @cindex listing mapped overlays
9138 Display a list of the overlays currently mapped, along with their mapped
9139 addresses, load addresses, and sizes.
9140
9141 @end table
9142
9143 Normally, when @value{GDBN} prints a code address, it includes the name
9144 of the function the address falls in:
9145
9146 @smallexample
9147 (@value{GDBP}) print main
9148 $3 = @{int ()@} 0x11a0 <main>
9149 @end smallexample
9150 @noindent
9151 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} recognizes code in
9152 unmapped overlays, and prints the names of unmapped functions with
9153 asterisks around them. For example, if @code{foo} is a function in an
9154 unmapped overlay, @value{GDBN} prints it this way:
9155
9156 @smallexample
9157 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
9158 No sections are mapped.
9159 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
9160 $5 = @{int (int)@} 0x100000 <*foo*>
9161 @end smallexample
9162 @noindent
9163 When @code{foo}'s overlay is mapped, @value{GDBN} prints the function's
9164 name normally:
9165
9166 @smallexample
9167 (@value{GDBP}) overlay list
9168 Section .ov.foo.text, loaded at 0x100000 - 0x100034,
9169 mapped at 0x1016 - 0x104a
9170 (@value{GDBP}) print foo
9171 $6 = @{int (int)@} 0x1016 <foo>
9172 @end smallexample
9173
9174 When overlay debugging is enabled, @value{GDBN} can find the correct
9175 address for functions and variables in an overlay, whether or not the
9176 overlay is mapped. This allows most @value{GDBN} commands, like
9177 @code{break} and @code{disassemble}, to work normally, even on unmapped
9178 code. However, @value{GDBN}'s breakpoint support has some limitations:
9179
9180 @itemize @bullet
9181 @item
9182 @cindex breakpoints in overlays
9183 @cindex overlays, setting breakpoints in
9184 You can set breakpoints in functions in unmapped overlays, as long as
9185 @value{GDBN} can write to the overlay at its load address.
9186 @item
9187 @value{GDBN} can not set hardware or simulator-based breakpoints in
9188 unmapped overlays. However, if you set a breakpoint at the end of your
9189 overlay manager (and tell @value{GDBN} which overlays are now mapped, if
9190 you are using manual overlay management), @value{GDBN} will re-set its
9191 breakpoints properly.
9192 @end itemize
9193
9194
9195 @node Automatic Overlay Debugging
9196 @section Automatic Overlay Debugging
9197 @cindex automatic overlay debugging
9198
9199 @value{GDBN} can automatically track which overlays are mapped and which
9200 are not, given some simple co-operation from the overlay manager in the
9201 inferior. If you enable automatic overlay debugging with the
9202 @code{overlay auto} command (@pxref{Overlay Commands}), @value{GDBN}
9203 looks in the inferior's memory for certain variables describing the
9204 current state of the overlays.
9205
9206 Here are the variables your overlay manager must define to support
9207 @value{GDBN}'s automatic overlay debugging:
9208
9209 @table @asis
9210
9211 @item @code{_ovly_table}:
9212 This variable must be an array of the following structures:
9213
9214 @smallexample
9215 struct
9216 @{
9217 /* The overlay's mapped address. */
9218 unsigned long vma;
9219
9220 /* The size of the overlay, in bytes. */
9221 unsigned long size;
9222
9223 /* The overlay's load address. */
9224 unsigned long lma;
9225
9226 /* Non-zero if the overlay is currently mapped;
9227 zero otherwise. */
9228 unsigned long mapped;
9229 @}
9230 @end smallexample
9231
9232 @item @code{_novlys}:
9233 This variable must be a four-byte signed integer, holding the total
9234 number of elements in @code{_ovly_table}.
9235
9236 @end table
9237
9238 To decide whether a particular overlay is mapped or not, @value{GDBN}
9239 looks for an entry in @w{@code{_ovly_table}} whose @code{vma} and
9240 @code{lma} members equal the VMA and LMA of the overlay's section in the
9241 executable file. When @value{GDBN} finds a matching entry, it consults
9242 the entry's @code{mapped} member to determine whether the overlay is
9243 currently mapped.
9244
9245 In addition, your overlay manager may define a function called
9246 @code{_ovly_debug_event}. If this function is defined, @value{GDBN}
9247 will silently set a breakpoint there. If the overlay manager then
9248 calls this function whenever it has changed the overlay table, this
9249 will enable @value{GDBN} to accurately keep track of which overlays
9250 are in program memory, and update any breakpoints that may be set
9251 in overlays. This will allow breakpoints to work even if the
9252 overlays are kept in ROM or other non-writable memory while they
9253 are not being executed.
9254
9255 @node Overlay Sample Program
9256 @section Overlay Sample Program
9257 @cindex overlay example program
9258
9259 When linking a program which uses overlays, you must place the overlays
9260 at their load addresses, while relocating them to run at their mapped
9261 addresses. To do this, you must write a linker script (@pxref{Overlay
9262 Description,,, ld.info, Using ld: the GNU linker}). Unfortunately,
9263 since linker scripts are specific to a particular host system, target
9264 architecture, and target memory layout, this manual cannot provide
9265 portable sample code demonstrating @value{GDBN}'s overlay support.
9266
9267 However, the @value{GDBN} source distribution does contain an overlaid
9268 program, with linker scripts for a few systems, as part of its test
9269 suite. The program consists of the following files from
9270 @file{gdb/testsuite/gdb.base}:
9271
9272 @table @file
9273 @item overlays.c
9274 The main program file.
9275 @item ovlymgr.c
9276 A simple overlay manager, used by @file{overlays.c}.
9277 @item foo.c
9278 @itemx bar.c
9279 @itemx baz.c
9280 @itemx grbx.c
9281 Overlay modules, loaded and used by @file{overlays.c}.
9282 @item d10v.ld
9283 @itemx m32r.ld
9284 Linker scripts for linking the test program on the @code{d10v-elf}
9285 and @code{m32r-elf} targets.
9286 @end table
9287
9288 You can build the test program using the @code{d10v-elf} GCC
9289 cross-compiler like this:
9290
9291 @smallexample
9292 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c overlays.c
9293 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c ovlymgr.c
9294 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c foo.c
9295 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c bar.c
9296 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c baz.c
9297 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g -c grbx.c
9298 $ d10v-elf-gcc -g overlays.o ovlymgr.o foo.o bar.o \
9299 baz.o grbx.o -Wl,-Td10v.ld -o overlays
9300 @end smallexample
9301
9302 The build process is identical for any other architecture, except that
9303 you must substitute the appropriate compiler and linker script for the
9304 target system for @code{d10v-elf-gcc} and @code{d10v.ld}.
9305
9306
9307 @node Languages
9308 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages
9309 @cindex languages
9310
9311 Although programming languages generally have common aspects, they are
9312 rarely expressed in the same manner. For instance, in ANSI C,
9313 dereferencing a pointer @code{p} is accomplished by @code{*p}, but in
9314 Modula-2, it is accomplished by @code{p^}. Values can also be
9315 represented (and displayed) differently. Hex numbers in C appear as
9316 @samp{0x1ae}, while in Modula-2 they appear as @samp{1AEH}.
9317
9318 @cindex working language
9319 Language-specific information is built into @value{GDBN} for some languages,
9320 allowing you to express operations like the above in your program's
9321 native language, and allowing @value{GDBN} to output values in a manner
9322 consistent with the syntax of your program's native language. The
9323 language you use to build expressions is called the @dfn{working
9324 language}.
9325
9326 @menu
9327 * Setting:: Switching between source languages
9328 * Show:: Displaying the language
9329 * Checks:: Type and range checks
9330 * Supported Languages:: Supported languages
9331 * Unsupported Languages:: Unsupported languages
9332 @end menu
9333
9334 @node Setting
9335 @section Switching Between Source Languages
9336
9337 There are two ways to control the working language---either have @value{GDBN}
9338 set it automatically, or select it manually yourself. You can use the
9339 @code{set language} command for either purpose. On startup, @value{GDBN}
9340 defaults to setting the language automatically. The working language is
9341 used to determine how expressions you type are interpreted, how values
9342 are printed, etc.
9343
9344 In addition to the working language, every source file that
9345 @value{GDBN} knows about has its own working language. For some object
9346 file formats, the compiler might indicate which language a particular
9347 source file is in. However, most of the time @value{GDBN} infers the
9348 language from the name of the file. The language of a source file
9349 controls whether C@t{++} names are demangled---this way @code{backtrace} can
9350 show each frame appropriately for its own language. There is no way to
9351 set the language of a source file from within @value{GDBN}, but you can
9352 set the language associated with a filename extension. @xref{Show, ,
9353 Displaying the Language}.
9354
9355 This is most commonly a problem when you use a program, such
9356 as @code{cfront} or @code{f2c}, that generates C but is written in
9357 another language. In that case, make the
9358 program use @code{#line} directives in its C output; that way
9359 @value{GDBN} will know the correct language of the source code of the original
9360 program, and will display that source code, not the generated C code.
9361
9362 @menu
9363 * Filenames:: Filename extensions and languages.
9364 * Manually:: Setting the working language manually
9365 * Automatically:: Having @value{GDBN} infer the source language
9366 @end menu
9367
9368 @node Filenames
9369 @subsection List of Filename Extensions and Languages
9370
9371 If a source file name ends in one of the following extensions, then
9372 @value{GDBN} infers that its language is the one indicated.
9373
9374 @table @file
9375 @item .ada
9376 @itemx .ads
9377 @itemx .adb
9378 @itemx .a
9379 Ada source file.
9380
9381 @item .c
9382 C source file
9383
9384 @item .C
9385 @itemx .cc
9386 @itemx .cp
9387 @itemx .cpp
9388 @itemx .cxx
9389 @itemx .c++
9390 C@t{++} source file
9391
9392 @item .m
9393 Objective-C source file
9394
9395 @item .f
9396 @itemx .F
9397 Fortran source file
9398
9399 @item .mod
9400 Modula-2 source file
9401
9402 @item .s
9403 @itemx .S
9404 Assembler source file. This actually behaves almost like C, but
9405 @value{GDBN} does not skip over function prologues when stepping.
9406 @end table
9407
9408 In addition, you may set the language associated with a filename
9409 extension. @xref{Show, , Displaying the Language}.
9410
9411 @node Manually
9412 @subsection Setting the Working Language
9413
9414 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically,
9415 expressions are interpreted the same way in your debugging session and
9416 your program.
9417
9418 @kindex set language
9419 If you wish, you may set the language manually. To do this, issue the
9420 command @samp{set language @var{lang}}, where @var{lang} is the name of
9421 a language, such as
9422 @code{c} or @code{modula-2}.
9423 For a list of the supported languages, type @samp{set language}.
9424
9425 Setting the language manually prevents @value{GDBN} from updating the working
9426 language automatically. This can lead to confusion if you try
9427 to debug a program when the working language is not the same as the
9428 source language, when an expression is acceptable to both
9429 languages---but means different things. For instance, if the current
9430 source file were written in C, and @value{GDBN} was parsing Modula-2, a
9431 command such as:
9432
9433 @smallexample
9434 print a = b + c
9435 @end smallexample
9436
9437 @noindent
9438 might not have the effect you intended. In C, this means to add
9439 @code{b} and @code{c} and place the result in @code{a}. The result
9440 printed would be the value of @code{a}. In Modula-2, this means to compare
9441 @code{a} to the result of @code{b+c}, yielding a @code{BOOLEAN} value.
9442
9443 @node Automatically
9444 @subsection Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language
9445
9446 To have @value{GDBN} set the working language automatically, use
9447 @samp{set language local} or @samp{set language auto}. @value{GDBN}
9448 then infers the working language. That is, when your program stops in a
9449 frame (usually by encountering a breakpoint), @value{GDBN} sets the
9450 working language to the language recorded for the function in that
9451 frame. If the language for a frame is unknown (that is, if the function
9452 or block corresponding to the frame was defined in a source file that
9453 does not have a recognized extension), the current working language is
9454 not changed, and @value{GDBN} issues a warning.
9455
9456 This may not seem necessary for most programs, which are written
9457 entirely in one source language. However, program modules and libraries
9458 written in one source language can be used by a main program written in
9459 a different source language. Using @samp{set language auto} in this
9460 case frees you from having to set the working language manually.
9461
9462 @node Show
9463 @section Displaying the Language
9464
9465 The following commands help you find out which language is the
9466 working language, and also what language source files were written in.
9467
9468 @table @code
9469 @item show language
9470 @kindex show language
9471 Display the current working language. This is the
9472 language you can use with commands such as @code{print} to
9473 build and compute expressions that may involve variables in your program.
9474
9475 @item info frame
9476 @kindex info frame@r{, show the source language}
9477 Display the source language for this frame. This language becomes the
9478 working language if you use an identifier from this frame.
9479 @xref{Frame Info, ,Information about a Frame}, to identify the other
9480 information listed here.
9481
9482 @item info source
9483 @kindex info source@r{, show the source language}
9484 Display the source language of this source file.
9485 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}, to identify the other
9486 information listed here.
9487 @end table
9488
9489 In unusual circumstances, you may have source files with extensions
9490 not in the standard list. You can then set the extension associated
9491 with a language explicitly:
9492
9493 @table @code
9494 @item set extension-language @var{ext} @var{language}
9495 @kindex set extension-language
9496 Tell @value{GDBN} that source files with extension @var{ext} are to be
9497 assumed as written in the source language @var{language}.
9498
9499 @item info extensions
9500 @kindex info extensions
9501 List all the filename extensions and the associated languages.
9502 @end table
9503
9504 @node Checks
9505 @section Type and Range Checking
9506
9507 @quotation
9508 @emph{Warning:} In this release, the @value{GDBN} commands for type and range
9509 checking are included, but they do not yet have any effect. This
9510 section documents the intended facilities.
9511 @end quotation
9512 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range code added
9513
9514 Some languages are designed to guard you against making seemingly common
9515 errors through a series of compile- and run-time checks. These include
9516 checking the type of arguments to functions and operators, and making
9517 sure mathematical overflows are caught at run time. Checks such as
9518 these help to ensure a program's correctness once it has been compiled
9519 by eliminating type mismatches, and providing active checks for range
9520 errors when your program is running.
9521
9522 @value{GDBN} can check for conditions like the above if you wish.
9523 Although @value{GDBN} does not check the statements in your program,
9524 it can check expressions entered directly into @value{GDBN} for
9525 evaluation via the @code{print} command, for example. As with the
9526 working language, @value{GDBN} can also decide whether or not to check
9527 automatically based on your program's source language.
9528 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default
9529 settings of supported languages.
9530
9531 @menu
9532 * Type Checking:: An overview of type checking
9533 * Range Checking:: An overview of range checking
9534 @end menu
9535
9536 @cindex type checking
9537 @cindex checks, type
9538 @node Type Checking
9539 @subsection An Overview of Type Checking
9540
9541 Some languages, such as Modula-2, are strongly typed, meaning that the
9542 arguments to operators and functions have to be of the correct type,
9543 otherwise an error occurs. These checks prevent type mismatch
9544 errors from ever causing any run-time problems. For example,
9545
9546 @smallexample
9547 1 + 2 @result{} 3
9548 @exdent but
9549 @error{} 1 + 2.3
9550 @end smallexample
9551
9552 The second example fails because the @code{CARDINAL} 1 is not
9553 type-compatible with the @code{REAL} 2.3.
9554
9555 For the expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell the
9556 @value{GDBN} type checker to skip checking;
9557 to treat any mismatches as errors and abandon the expression;
9558 or to only issue warnings when type mismatches occur,
9559 but evaluate the expression anyway. When you choose the last of
9560 these, @value{GDBN} evaluates expressions like the second example above, but
9561 also issues a warning.
9562
9563 Even if you turn type checking off, there may be other reasons
9564 related to type that prevent @value{GDBN} from evaluating an expression.
9565 For instance, @value{GDBN} does not know how to add an @code{int} and
9566 a @code{struct foo}. These particular type errors have nothing to do
9567 with the language in use, and usually arise from expressions, such as
9568 the one described above, which make little sense to evaluate anyway.
9569
9570 Each language defines to what degree it is strict about type. For
9571 instance, both Modula-2 and C require the arguments to arithmetical
9572 operators to be numbers. In C, enumerated types and pointers can be
9573 represented as numbers, so that they are valid arguments to mathematical
9574 operators. @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for further
9575 details on specific languages.
9576
9577 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the type checker:
9578
9579 @kindex set check type
9580 @kindex show check type
9581 @table @code
9582 @item set check type auto
9583 Set type checking on or off based on the current working language.
9584 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
9585 each language.
9586
9587 @item set check type on
9588 @itemx set check type off
9589 Set type checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
9590 current working language. Issue a warning if the setting does not
9591 match the language default. If any type mismatches occur in
9592 evaluating an expression while type checking is on, @value{GDBN} prints a
9593 message and aborts evaluation of the expression.
9594
9595 @item set check type warn
9596 Cause the type checker to issue warnings, but to always attempt to
9597 evaluate the expression. Evaluating the expression may still
9598 be impossible for other reasons. For example, @value{GDBN} cannot add
9599 numbers and structures.
9600
9601 @item show type
9602 Show the current setting of the type checker, and whether or not @value{GDBN}
9603 is setting it automatically.
9604 @end table
9605
9606 @cindex range checking
9607 @cindex checks, range
9608 @node Range Checking
9609 @subsection An Overview of Range Checking
9610
9611 In some languages (such as Modula-2), it is an error to exceed the
9612 bounds of a type; this is enforced with run-time checks. Such range
9613 checking is meant to ensure program correctness by making sure
9614 computations do not overflow, or indices on an array element access do
9615 not exceed the bounds of the array.
9616
9617 For expressions you use in @value{GDBN} commands, you can tell
9618 @value{GDBN} to treat range errors in one of three ways: ignore them,
9619 always treat them as errors and abandon the expression, or issue
9620 warnings but evaluate the expression anyway.
9621
9622 A range error can result from numerical overflow, from exceeding an
9623 array index bound, or when you type a constant that is not a member
9624 of any type. Some languages, however, do not treat overflows as an
9625 error. In many implementations of C, mathematical overflow causes the
9626 result to ``wrap around'' to lower values---for example, if @var{m} is
9627 the largest integer value, and @var{s} is the smallest, then
9628
9629 @smallexample
9630 @var{m} + 1 @result{} @var{s}
9631 @end smallexample
9632
9633 This, too, is specific to individual languages, and in some cases
9634 specific to individual compilers or machines. @xref{Supported Languages, ,
9635 Supported Languages}, for further details on specific languages.
9636
9637 @value{GDBN} provides some additional commands for controlling the range checker:
9638
9639 @kindex set check range
9640 @kindex show check range
9641 @table @code
9642 @item set check range auto
9643 Set range checking on or off based on the current working language.
9644 @xref{Supported Languages, ,Supported Languages}, for the default settings for
9645 each language.
9646
9647 @item set check range on
9648 @itemx set check range off
9649 Set range checking on or off, overriding the default setting for the
9650 current working language. A warning is issued if the setting does not
9651 match the language default. If a range error occurs and range checking is on,
9652 then a message is printed and evaluation of the expression is aborted.
9653
9654 @item set check range warn
9655 Output messages when the @value{GDBN} range checker detects a range error,
9656 but attempt to evaluate the expression anyway. Evaluating the
9657 expression may still be impossible for other reasons, such as accessing
9658 memory that the process does not own (a typical example from many Unix
9659 systems).
9660
9661 @item show range
9662 Show the current setting of the range checker, and whether or not it is
9663 being set automatically by @value{GDBN}.
9664 @end table
9665
9666 @node Supported Languages
9667 @section Supported Languages
9668
9669 @value{GDBN} supports C, C@t{++}, Objective-C, Fortran, Java, Pascal,
9670 assembly, Modula-2, and Ada.
9671 @c This is false ...
9672 Some @value{GDBN} features may be used in expressions regardless of the
9673 language you use: the @value{GDBN} @code{@@} and @code{::} operators,
9674 and the @samp{@{type@}addr} construct (@pxref{Expressions,
9675 ,Expressions}) can be used with the constructs of any supported
9676 language.
9677
9678 The following sections detail to what degree each source language is
9679 supported by @value{GDBN}. These sections are not meant to be language
9680 tutorials or references, but serve only as a reference guide to what the
9681 @value{GDBN} expression parser accepts, and what input and output
9682 formats should look like for different languages. There are many good
9683 books written on each of these languages; please look to these for a
9684 language reference or tutorial.
9685
9686 @menu
9687 * C:: C and C@t{++}
9688 * Objective-C:: Objective-C
9689 * Fortran:: Fortran
9690 * Pascal:: Pascal
9691 * Modula-2:: Modula-2
9692 * Ada:: Ada
9693 @end menu
9694
9695 @node C
9696 @subsection C and C@t{++}
9697
9698 @cindex C and C@t{++}
9699 @cindex expressions in C or C@t{++}
9700
9701 Since C and C@t{++} are so closely related, many features of @value{GDBN} apply
9702 to both languages. Whenever this is the case, we discuss those languages
9703 together.
9704
9705 @cindex C@t{++}
9706 @cindex @code{g++}, @sc{gnu} C@t{++} compiler
9707 @cindex @sc{gnu} C@t{++}
9708 The C@t{++} debugging facilities are jointly implemented by the C@t{++}
9709 compiler and @value{GDBN}. Therefore, to debug your C@t{++} code
9710 effectively, you must compile your C@t{++} programs with a supported
9711 C@t{++} compiler, such as @sc{gnu} @code{g++}, or the HP ANSI C@t{++}
9712 compiler (@code{aCC}).
9713
9714 For best results when using @sc{gnu} C@t{++}, use the DWARF 2 debugging
9715 format; if it doesn't work on your system, try the stabs+ debugging
9716 format. You can select those formats explicitly with the @code{g++}
9717 command-line options @option{-gdwarf-2} and @option{-gstabs+}.
9718 @xref{Debugging Options,,Options for Debugging Your Program or GCC,
9719 gcc.info, Using the @sc{gnu} Compiler Collection (GCC)}.
9720
9721 @menu
9722 * C Operators:: C and C@t{++} operators
9723 * C Constants:: C and C@t{++} constants
9724 * C Plus Plus Expressions:: C@t{++} expressions
9725 * C Defaults:: Default settings for C and C@t{++}
9726 * C Checks:: C and C@t{++} type and range checks
9727 * Debugging C:: @value{GDBN} and C
9728 * Debugging C Plus Plus:: @value{GDBN} features for C@t{++}
9729 * Decimal Floating Point:: Numbers in Decimal Floating Point format
9730 @end menu
9731
9732 @node C Operators
9733 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Operators
9734
9735 @cindex C and C@t{++} operators
9736
9737 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
9738 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
9739 often defined on groups of types.
9740
9741 For the purposes of C and C@t{++}, the following definitions hold:
9742
9743 @itemize @bullet
9744
9745 @item
9746 @emph{Integral types} include @code{int} with any of its storage-class
9747 specifiers; @code{char}; @code{enum}; and, for C@t{++}, @code{bool}.
9748
9749 @item
9750 @emph{Floating-point types} include @code{float}, @code{double}, and
9751 @code{long double} (if supported by the target platform).
9752
9753 @item
9754 @emph{Pointer types} include all types defined as @code{(@var{type} *)}.
9755
9756 @item
9757 @emph{Scalar types} include all of the above.
9758
9759 @end itemize
9760
9761 @noindent
9762 The following operators are supported. They are listed here
9763 in order of increasing precedence:
9764
9765 @table @code
9766 @item ,
9767 The comma or sequencing operator. Expressions in a comma-separated list
9768 are evaluated from left to right, with the result of the entire
9769 expression being the last expression evaluated.
9770
9771 @item =
9772 Assignment. The value of an assignment expression is the value
9773 assigned. Defined on scalar types.
9774
9775 @item @var{op}=
9776 Used in an expression of the form @w{@code{@var{a} @var{op}= @var{b}}},
9777 and translated to @w{@code{@var{a} = @var{a op b}}}.
9778 @w{@code{@var{op}=}} and @code{=} have the same precedence.
9779 @var{op} is any one of the operators @code{|}, @code{^}, @code{&},
9780 @code{<<}, @code{>>}, @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{%}.
9781
9782 @item ?:
9783 The ternary operator. @code{@var{a} ? @var{b} : @var{c}} can be thought
9784 of as: if @var{a} then @var{b} else @var{c}. @var{a} should be of an
9785 integral type.
9786
9787 @item ||
9788 Logical @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
9789
9790 @item &&
9791 Logical @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
9792
9793 @item |
9794 Bitwise @sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
9795
9796 @item ^
9797 Bitwise exclusive-@sc{or}. Defined on integral types.
9798
9799 @item &
9800 Bitwise @sc{and}. Defined on integral types.
9801
9802 @item ==@r{, }!=
9803 Equality and inequality. Defined on scalar types. The value of these
9804 expressions is 0 for false and non-zero for true.
9805
9806 @item <@r{, }>@r{, }<=@r{, }>=
9807 Less than, greater than, less than or equal, greater than or equal.
9808 Defined on scalar types. The value of these expressions is 0 for false
9809 and non-zero for true.
9810
9811 @item <<@r{, }>>
9812 left shift, and right shift. Defined on integral types.
9813
9814 @item @@
9815 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
9816
9817 @item +@r{, }-
9818 Addition and subtraction. Defined on integral types, floating-point types and
9819 pointer types.
9820
9821 @item *@r{, }/@r{, }%
9822 Multiplication, division, and modulus. Multiplication and division are
9823 defined on integral and floating-point types. Modulus is defined on
9824 integral types.
9825
9826 @item ++@r{, }--
9827 Increment and decrement. When appearing before a variable, the
9828 operation is performed before the variable is used in an expression;
9829 when appearing after it, the variable's value is used before the
9830 operation takes place.
9831
9832 @item *
9833 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types. Same precedence as
9834 @code{++}.
9835
9836 @item &
9837 Address operator. Defined on variables. Same precedence as @code{++}.
9838
9839 For debugging C@t{++}, @value{GDBN} implements a use of @samp{&} beyond what is
9840 allowed in the C@t{++} language itself: you can use @samp{&(&@var{ref})}
9841 to examine the address
9842 where a C@t{++} reference variable (declared with @samp{&@var{ref}}) is
9843 stored.
9844
9845 @item -
9846 Negative. Defined on integral and floating-point types. Same
9847 precedence as @code{++}.
9848
9849 @item !
9850 Logical negation. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
9851 @code{++}.
9852
9853 @item ~
9854 Bitwise complement operator. Defined on integral types. Same precedence as
9855 @code{++}.
9856
9857
9858 @item .@r{, }->
9859 Structure member, and pointer-to-structure member. For convenience,
9860 @value{GDBN} regards the two as equivalent, choosing whether to dereference a
9861 pointer based on the stored type information.
9862 Defined on @code{struct} and @code{union} data.
9863
9864 @item .*@r{, }->*
9865 Dereferences of pointers to members.
9866
9867 @item []
9868 Array indexing. @code{@var{a}[@var{i}]} is defined as
9869 @code{*(@var{a}+@var{i})}. Same precedence as @code{->}.
9870
9871 @item ()
9872 Function parameter list. Same precedence as @code{->}.
9873
9874 @item ::
9875 C@t{++} scope resolution operator. Defined on @code{struct}, @code{union},
9876 and @code{class} types.
9877
9878 @item ::
9879 Doubled colons also represent the @value{GDBN} scope operator
9880 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). Same precedence as @code{::},
9881 above.
9882 @end table
9883
9884 If an operator is redefined in the user code, @value{GDBN} usually
9885 attempts to invoke the redefined version instead of using the operator's
9886 predefined meaning.
9887
9888 @node C Constants
9889 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Constants
9890
9891 @cindex C and C@t{++} constants
9892
9893 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of C and C@t{++} in the
9894 following ways:
9895
9896 @itemize @bullet
9897 @item
9898 Integer constants are a sequence of digits. Octal constants are
9899 specified by a leading @samp{0} (i.e.@: zero), and hexadecimal constants
9900 by a leading @samp{0x} or @samp{0X}. Constants may also end with a letter
9901 @samp{l}, specifying that the constant should be treated as a
9902 @code{long} value.
9903
9904 @item
9905 Floating point constants are a sequence of digits, followed by a decimal
9906 point, followed by a sequence of digits, and optionally followed by an
9907 exponent. An exponent is of the form:
9908 @samp{@w{e@r{[[}+@r{]|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}}, where @var{nnn} is another
9909 sequence of digits. The @samp{+} is optional for positive exponents.
9910 A floating-point constant may also end with a letter @samp{f} or
9911 @samp{F}, specifying that the constant should be treated as being of
9912 the @code{float} (as opposed to the default @code{double}) type; or with
9913 a letter @samp{l} or @samp{L}, which specifies a @code{long double}
9914 constant.
9915
9916 @item
9917 Enumerated constants consist of enumerated identifiers, or their
9918 integral equivalents.
9919
9920 @item
9921 Character constants are a single character surrounded by single quotes
9922 (@code{'}), or a number---the ordinal value of the corresponding character
9923 (usually its @sc{ascii} value). Within quotes, the single character may
9924 be represented by a letter or by @dfn{escape sequences}, which are of
9925 the form @samp{\@var{nnn}}, where @var{nnn} is the octal representation
9926 of the character's ordinal value; or of the form @samp{\@var{x}}, where
9927 @samp{@var{x}} is a predefined special character---for example,
9928 @samp{\n} for newline.
9929
9930 @item
9931 String constants are a sequence of character constants surrounded by
9932 double quotes (@code{"}). Any valid character constant (as described
9933 above) may appear. Double quotes within the string must be preceded by
9934 a backslash, so for instance @samp{"a\"b'c"} is a string of five
9935 characters.
9936
9937 @item
9938 Pointer constants are an integral value. You can also write pointers
9939 to constants using the C operator @samp{&}.
9940
9941 @item
9942 Array constants are comma-separated lists surrounded by braces @samp{@{}
9943 and @samp{@}}; for example, @samp{@{1,2,3@}} is a three-element array of
9944 integers, @samp{@{@{1,2@}, @{3,4@}, @{5,6@}@}} is a three-by-two array,
9945 and @samp{@{&"hi", &"there", &"fred"@}} is a three-element array of pointers.
9946 @end itemize
9947
9948 @node C Plus Plus Expressions
9949 @subsubsection C@t{++} Expressions
9950
9951 @cindex expressions in C@t{++}
9952 @value{GDBN} expression handling can interpret most C@t{++} expressions.
9953
9954 @cindex debugging C@t{++} programs
9955 @cindex C@t{++} compilers
9956 @cindex debug formats and C@t{++}
9957 @cindex @value{NGCC} and C@t{++}
9958 @quotation
9959 @emph{Warning:} @value{GDBN} can only debug C@t{++} code if you use the
9960 proper compiler and the proper debug format. Currently, @value{GDBN}
9961 works best when debugging C@t{++} code that is compiled with
9962 @value{NGCC} 2.95.3 or with @value{NGCC} 3.1 or newer, using the options
9963 @option{-gdwarf-2} or @option{-gstabs+}. DWARF 2 is preferred over
9964 stabs+. Most configurations of @value{NGCC} emit either DWARF 2 or
9965 stabs+ as their default debug format, so you usually don't need to
9966 specify a debug format explicitly. Other compilers and/or debug formats
9967 are likely to work badly or not at all when using @value{GDBN} to debug
9968 C@t{++} code.
9969 @end quotation
9970
9971 @enumerate
9972
9973 @cindex member functions
9974 @item
9975 Member function calls are allowed; you can use expressions like
9976
9977 @smallexample
9978 count = aml->GetOriginal(x, y)
9979 @end smallexample
9980
9981 @vindex this@r{, inside C@t{++} member functions}
9982 @cindex namespace in C@t{++}
9983 @item
9984 While a member function is active (in the selected stack frame), your
9985 expressions have the same namespace available as the member function;
9986 that is, @value{GDBN} allows implicit references to the class instance
9987 pointer @code{this} following the same rules as C@t{++}.
9988
9989 @cindex call overloaded functions
9990 @cindex overloaded functions, calling
9991 @cindex type conversions in C@t{++}
9992 @item
9993 You can call overloaded functions; @value{GDBN} resolves the function
9994 call to the right definition, with some restrictions. @value{GDBN} does not
9995 perform overload resolution involving user-defined type conversions,
9996 calls to constructors, or instantiations of templates that do not exist
9997 in the program. It also cannot handle ellipsis argument lists or
9998 default arguments.
9999
10000 It does perform integral conversions and promotions, floating-point
10001 promotions, arithmetic conversions, pointer conversions, conversions of
10002 class objects to base classes, and standard conversions such as those of
10003 functions or arrays to pointers; it requires an exact match on the
10004 number of function arguments.
10005
10006 Overload resolution is always performed, unless you have specified
10007 @code{set overload-resolution off}. @xref{Debugging C Plus Plus,
10008 ,@value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}}.
10009
10010 You must specify @code{set overload-resolution off} in order to use an
10011 explicit function signature to call an overloaded function, as in
10012 @smallexample
10013 p 'foo(char,int)'('x', 13)
10014 @end smallexample
10015
10016 The @value{GDBN} command-completion facility can simplify this;
10017 see @ref{Completion, ,Command Completion}.
10018
10019 @cindex reference declarations
10020 @item
10021 @value{GDBN} understands variables declared as C@t{++} references; you can use
10022 them in expressions just as you do in C@t{++} source---they are automatically
10023 dereferenced.
10024
10025 In the parameter list shown when @value{GDBN} displays a frame, the values of
10026 reference variables are not displayed (unlike other variables); this
10027 avoids clutter, since references are often used for large structures.
10028 The @emph{address} of a reference variable is always shown, unless
10029 you have specified @samp{set print address off}.
10030
10031 @item
10032 @value{GDBN} supports the C@t{++} name resolution operator @code{::}---your
10033 expressions can use it just as expressions in your program do. Since
10034 one scope may be defined in another, you can use @code{::} repeatedly if
10035 necessary, for example in an expression like
10036 @samp{@var{scope1}::@var{scope2}::@var{name}}. @value{GDBN} also allows
10037 resolving name scope by reference to source files, in both C and C@t{++}
10038 debugging (@pxref{Variables, ,Program Variables}).
10039 @end enumerate
10040
10041 In addition, when used with HP's C@t{++} compiler, @value{GDBN} supports
10042 calling virtual functions correctly, printing out virtual bases of
10043 objects, calling functions in a base subobject, casting objects, and
10044 invoking user-defined operators.
10045
10046 @node C Defaults
10047 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Defaults
10048
10049 @cindex C and C@t{++} defaults
10050
10051 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set type and range checking automatically, they
10052 both default to @code{off} whenever the working language changes to
10053 C or C@t{++}. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
10054 selects the working language.
10055
10056 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, it
10057 recognizes source files whose names end with @file{.c}, @file{.C}, or
10058 @file{.cc}, etc, and when @value{GDBN} enters code compiled from one of
10059 these files, it sets the working language to C or C@t{++}.
10060 @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN} Infer the Source Language},
10061 for further details.
10062
10063 @c Type checking is (a) primarily motivated by Modula-2, and (b)
10064 @c unimplemented. If (b) changes, it might make sense to let this node
10065 @c appear even if Mod-2 does not, but meanwhile ignore it. roland 16jul93.
10066
10067 @node C Checks
10068 @subsubsection C and C@t{++} Type and Range Checks
10069
10070 @cindex C and C@t{++} checks
10071
10072 By default, when @value{GDBN} parses C or C@t{++} expressions, type checking
10073 is not used. However, if you turn type checking on, @value{GDBN}
10074 considers two variables type equivalent if:
10075
10076 @itemize @bullet
10077 @item
10078 The two variables are structured and have the same structure, union, or
10079 enumerated tag.
10080
10081 @item
10082 The two variables have the same type name, or types that have been
10083 declared equivalent through @code{typedef}.
10084
10085 @ignore
10086 @c leaving this out because neither J Gilmore nor R Pesch understand it.
10087 @c FIXME--beers?
10088 @item
10089 The two @code{struct}, @code{union}, or @code{enum} variables are
10090 declared in the same declaration. (Note: this may not be true for all C
10091 compilers.)
10092 @end ignore
10093 @end itemize
10094
10095 Range checking, if turned on, is done on mathematical operations. Array
10096 indices are not checked, since they are often used to index a pointer
10097 that is not itself an array.
10098
10099 @node Debugging C
10100 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and C
10101
10102 The @code{set print union} and @code{show print union} commands apply to
10103 the @code{union} type. When set to @samp{on}, any @code{union} that is
10104 inside a @code{struct} or @code{class} is also printed. Otherwise, it
10105 appears as @samp{@{...@}}.
10106
10107 The @code{@@} operator aids in the debugging of dynamic arrays, formed
10108 with pointers and a memory allocation function. @xref{Expressions,
10109 ,Expressions}.
10110
10111 @node Debugging C Plus Plus
10112 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} Features for C@t{++}
10113
10114 @cindex commands for C@t{++}
10115
10116 Some @value{GDBN} commands are particularly useful with C@t{++}, and some are
10117 designed specifically for use with C@t{++}. Here is a summary:
10118
10119 @table @code
10120 @cindex break in overloaded functions
10121 @item @r{breakpoint menus}
10122 When you want a breakpoint in a function whose name is overloaded,
10123 @value{GDBN} has the capability to display a menu of possible breakpoint
10124 locations to help you specify which function definition you want.
10125 @xref{Ambiguous Expressions,,Ambiguous Expressions}.
10126
10127 @cindex overloading in C@t{++}
10128 @item rbreak @var{regex}
10129 Setting breakpoints using regular expressions is helpful for setting
10130 breakpoints on overloaded functions that are not members of any special
10131 classes.
10132 @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
10133
10134 @cindex C@t{++} exception handling
10135 @item catch throw
10136 @itemx catch catch
10137 Debug C@t{++} exception handling using these commands. @xref{Set
10138 Catchpoints, , Setting Catchpoints}.
10139
10140 @cindex inheritance
10141 @item ptype @var{typename}
10142 Print inheritance relationships as well as other information for type
10143 @var{typename}.
10144 @xref{Symbols, ,Examining the Symbol Table}.
10145
10146 @cindex C@t{++} symbol display
10147 @item set print demangle
10148 @itemx show print demangle
10149 @itemx set print asm-demangle
10150 @itemx show print asm-demangle
10151 Control whether C@t{++} symbols display in their source form, both when
10152 displaying code as C@t{++} source and when displaying disassemblies.
10153 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10154
10155 @item set print object
10156 @itemx show print object
10157 Choose whether to print derived (actual) or declared types of objects.
10158 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10159
10160 @item set print vtbl
10161 @itemx show print vtbl
10162 Control the format for printing virtual function tables.
10163 @xref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}.
10164 (The @code{vtbl} commands do not work on programs compiled with the HP
10165 ANSI C@t{++} compiler (@code{aCC}).)
10166
10167 @kindex set overload-resolution
10168 @cindex overloaded functions, overload resolution
10169 @item set overload-resolution on
10170 Enable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. The default
10171 is on. For overloaded functions, @value{GDBN} evaluates the arguments
10172 and searches for a function whose signature matches the argument types,
10173 using the standard C@t{++} conversion rules (see @ref{C Plus Plus
10174 Expressions, ,C@t{++} Expressions}, for details).
10175 If it cannot find a match, it emits a message.
10176
10177 @item set overload-resolution off
10178 Disable overload resolution for C@t{++} expression evaluation. For
10179 overloaded functions that are not class member functions, @value{GDBN}
10180 chooses the first function of the specified name that it finds in the
10181 symbol table, whether or not its arguments are of the correct type. For
10182 overloaded functions that are class member functions, @value{GDBN}
10183 searches for a function whose signature @emph{exactly} matches the
10184 argument types.
10185
10186 @kindex show overload-resolution
10187 @item show overload-resolution
10188 Show the current setting of overload resolution.
10189
10190 @item @r{Overloaded symbol names}
10191 You can specify a particular definition of an overloaded symbol, using
10192 the same notation that is used to declare such symbols in C@t{++}: type
10193 @code{@var{symbol}(@var{types})} rather than just @var{symbol}. You can
10194 also use the @value{GDBN} command-line word completion facilities to list the
10195 available choices, or to finish the type list for you.
10196 @xref{Completion,, Command Completion}, for details on how to do this.
10197 @end table
10198
10199 @node Decimal Floating Point
10200 @subsubsection Decimal Floating Point format
10201 @cindex decimal floating point format
10202
10203 @value{GDBN} can examine, set and perform computations with numbers in
10204 decimal floating point format, which in the C language correspond to the
10205 @code{_Decimal32}, @code{_Decimal64} and @code{_Decimal128} types as
10206 specified by the extension to support decimal floating-point arithmetic.
10207
10208 There are two encodings in use, depending on the architecture: BID (Binary
10209 Integer Decimal) for x86 and x86-64, and DPD (Densely Packed Decimal) for
10210 PowerPC. @value{GDBN} will use the appropriate encoding for the configured
10211 target.
10212
10213 Because of a limitation in @file{libdecnumber}, the library used by @value{GDBN}
10214 to manipulate decimal floating point numbers, it is not possible to convert
10215 (using a cast, for example) integers wider than 32-bit to decimal float.
10216
10217 In addition, in order to imitate @value{GDBN}'s behaviour with binary floating
10218 point computations, error checking in decimal float operations ignores
10219 underflow, overflow and divide by zero exceptions.
10220
10221 In the PowerPC architecture, @value{GDBN} provides a set of pseudo-registers
10222 to inspect @code{_Decimal128} values stored in floating point registers. See
10223 @ref{PowerPC,,PowerPC} for more details.
10224
10225 @node Objective-C
10226 @subsection Objective-C
10227
10228 @cindex Objective-C
10229 This section provides information about some commands and command
10230 options that are useful for debugging Objective-C code. See also
10231 @ref{Symbols, info classes}, and @ref{Symbols, info selectors}, for a
10232 few more commands specific to Objective-C support.
10233
10234 @menu
10235 * Method Names in Commands::
10236 * The Print Command with Objective-C::
10237 @end menu
10238
10239 @node Method Names in Commands
10240 @subsubsection Method Names in Commands
10241
10242 The following commands have been extended to accept Objective-C method
10243 names as line specifications:
10244
10245 @kindex clear@r{, and Objective-C}
10246 @kindex break@r{, and Objective-C}
10247 @kindex info line@r{, and Objective-C}
10248 @kindex jump@r{, and Objective-C}
10249 @kindex list@r{, and Objective-C}
10250 @itemize
10251 @item @code{clear}
10252 @item @code{break}
10253 @item @code{info line}
10254 @item @code{jump}
10255 @item @code{list}
10256 @end itemize
10257
10258 A fully qualified Objective-C method name is specified as
10259
10260 @smallexample
10261 -[@var{Class} @var{methodName}]
10262 @end smallexample
10263
10264 where the minus sign is used to indicate an instance method and a
10265 plus sign (not shown) is used to indicate a class method. The class
10266 name @var{Class} and method name @var{methodName} are enclosed in
10267 brackets, similar to the way messages are specified in Objective-C
10268 source code. For example, to set a breakpoint at the @code{create}
10269 instance method of class @code{Fruit} in the program currently being
10270 debugged, enter:
10271
10272 @smallexample
10273 break -[Fruit create]
10274 @end smallexample
10275
10276 To list ten program lines around the @code{initialize} class method,
10277 enter:
10278
10279 @smallexample
10280 list +[NSText initialize]
10281 @end smallexample
10282
10283 In the current version of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus sign is
10284 required. In future versions of @value{GDBN}, the plus or minus
10285 sign will be optional, but you can use it to narrow the search. It
10286 is also possible to specify just a method name:
10287
10288 @smallexample
10289 break create
10290 @end smallexample
10291
10292 You must specify the complete method name, including any colons. If
10293 your program's source files contain more than one @code{create} method,
10294 you'll be presented with a numbered list of classes that implement that
10295 method. Indicate your choice by number, or type @samp{0} to exit if
10296 none apply.
10297
10298 As another example, to clear a breakpoint established at the
10299 @code{makeKeyAndOrderFront:} method of the @code{NSWindow} class, enter:
10300
10301 @smallexample
10302 clear -[NSWindow makeKeyAndOrderFront:]
10303 @end smallexample
10304
10305 @node The Print Command with Objective-C
10306 @subsubsection The Print Command With Objective-C
10307 @cindex Objective-C, print objects
10308 @kindex print-object
10309 @kindex po @r{(@code{print-object})}
10310
10311 The print command has also been extended to accept methods. For example:
10312
10313 @smallexample
10314 print -[@var{object} hash]
10315 @end smallexample
10316
10317 @cindex print an Objective-C object description
10318 @cindex @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, and printing Objective-C objects
10319 @noindent
10320 will tell @value{GDBN} to send the @code{hash} message to @var{object}
10321 and print the result. Also, an additional command has been added,
10322 @code{print-object} or @code{po} for short, which is meant to print
10323 the description of an object. However, this command may only work
10324 with certain Objective-C libraries that have a particular hook
10325 function, @code{_NSPrintForDebugger}, defined.
10326
10327 @node Fortran
10328 @subsection Fortran
10329 @cindex Fortran-specific support in @value{GDBN}
10330
10331 @value{GDBN} can be used to debug programs written in Fortran, but it
10332 currently supports only the features of Fortran 77 language.
10333
10334 @cindex trailing underscore, in Fortran symbols
10335 Some Fortran compilers (@sc{gnu} Fortran 77 and Fortran 95 compilers
10336 among them) append an underscore to the names of variables and
10337 functions. When you debug programs compiled by those compilers, you
10338 will need to refer to variables and functions with a trailing
10339 underscore.
10340
10341 @menu
10342 * Fortran Operators:: Fortran operators and expressions
10343 * Fortran Defaults:: Default settings for Fortran
10344 * Special Fortran Commands:: Special @value{GDBN} commands for Fortran
10345 @end menu
10346
10347 @node Fortran Operators
10348 @subsubsection Fortran Operators and Expressions
10349
10350 @cindex Fortran operators and expressions
10351
10352 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
10353 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on characters or other non-
10354 arithmetic types. Operators are often defined on groups of types.
10355
10356 @table @code
10357 @item **
10358 The exponentiation operator. It raises the first operand to the power
10359 of the second one.
10360
10361 @item :
10362 The range operator. Normally used in the form of array(low:high) to
10363 represent a section of array.
10364
10365 @item %
10366 The access component operator. Normally used to access elements in derived
10367 types. Also suitable for unions. As unions aren't part of regular Fortran,
10368 this can only happen when accessing a register that uses a gdbarch-defined
10369 union type.
10370 @end table
10371
10372 @node Fortran Defaults
10373 @subsubsection Fortran Defaults
10374
10375 @cindex Fortran Defaults
10376
10377 Fortran symbols are usually case-insensitive, so @value{GDBN} by
10378 default uses case-insensitive matches for Fortran symbols. You can
10379 change that with the @samp{set case-insensitive} command, see
10380 @ref{Symbols}, for the details.
10381
10382 @node Special Fortran Commands
10383 @subsubsection Special Fortran Commands
10384
10385 @cindex Special Fortran commands
10386
10387 @value{GDBN} has some commands to support Fortran-specific features,
10388 such as displaying common blocks.
10389
10390 @table @code
10391 @cindex @code{COMMON} blocks, Fortran
10392 @kindex info common
10393 @item info common @r{[}@var{common-name}@r{]}
10394 This command prints the values contained in the Fortran @code{COMMON}
10395 block whose name is @var{common-name}. With no argument, the names of
10396 all @code{COMMON} blocks visible at the current program location are
10397 printed.
10398 @end table
10399
10400 @node Pascal
10401 @subsection Pascal
10402
10403 @cindex Pascal support in @value{GDBN}, limitations
10404 Debugging Pascal programs which use sets, subranges, file variables, or
10405 nested functions does not currently work. @value{GDBN} does not support
10406 entering expressions, printing values, or similar features using Pascal
10407 syntax.
10408
10409 The Pascal-specific command @code{set print pascal_static-members}
10410 controls whether static members of Pascal objects are displayed.
10411 @xref{Print Settings, pascal_static-members}.
10412
10413 @node Modula-2
10414 @subsection Modula-2
10415
10416 @cindex Modula-2, @value{GDBN} support
10417
10418 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} to support Modula-2 only support
10419 output from the @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler (which is currently being
10420 developed). Other Modula-2 compilers are not currently supported, and
10421 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
10422 to give an error as @value{GDBN} reads in the executable's symbol
10423 table.
10424
10425 @cindex expressions in Modula-2
10426 @menu
10427 * M2 Operators:: Built-in operators
10428 * Built-In Func/Proc:: Built-in functions and procedures
10429 * M2 Constants:: Modula-2 constants
10430 * M2 Types:: Modula-2 types
10431 * M2 Defaults:: Default settings for Modula-2
10432 * Deviations:: Deviations from standard Modula-2
10433 * M2 Checks:: Modula-2 type and range checks
10434 * M2 Scope:: The scope operators @code{::} and @code{.}
10435 * GDB/M2:: @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
10436 @end menu
10437
10438 @node M2 Operators
10439 @subsubsection Operators
10440 @cindex Modula-2 operators
10441
10442 Operators must be defined on values of specific types. For instance,
10443 @code{+} is defined on numbers, but not on structures. Operators are
10444 often defined on groups of types. For the purposes of Modula-2, the
10445 following definitions hold:
10446
10447 @itemize @bullet
10448
10449 @item
10450 @emph{Integral types} consist of @code{INTEGER}, @code{CARDINAL}, and
10451 their subranges.
10452
10453 @item
10454 @emph{Character types} consist of @code{CHAR} and its subranges.
10455
10456 @item
10457 @emph{Floating-point types} consist of @code{REAL}.
10458
10459 @item
10460 @emph{Pointer types} consist of anything declared as @code{POINTER TO
10461 @var{type}}.
10462
10463 @item
10464 @emph{Scalar types} consist of all of the above.
10465
10466 @item
10467 @emph{Set types} consist of @code{SET} and @code{BITSET} types.
10468
10469 @item
10470 @emph{Boolean types} consist of @code{BOOLEAN}.
10471 @end itemize
10472
10473 @noindent
10474 The following operators are supported, and appear in order of
10475 increasing precedence:
10476
10477 @table @code
10478 @item ,
10479 Function argument or array index separator.
10480
10481 @item :=
10482 Assignment. The value of @var{var} @code{:=} @var{value} is
10483 @var{value}.
10484
10485 @item <@r{, }>
10486 Less than, greater than on integral, floating-point, or enumerated
10487 types.
10488
10489 @item <=@r{, }>=
10490 Less than or equal to, greater than or equal to
10491 on integral, floating-point and enumerated types, or set inclusion on
10492 set types. Same precedence as @code{<}.
10493
10494 @item =@r{, }<>@r{, }#
10495 Equality and two ways of expressing inequality, valid on scalar types.
10496 Same precedence as @code{<}. In @value{GDBN} scripts, only @code{<>} is
10497 available for inequality, since @code{#} conflicts with the script
10498 comment character.
10499
10500 @item IN
10501 Set membership. Defined on set types and the types of their members.
10502 Same precedence as @code{<}.
10503
10504 @item OR
10505 Boolean disjunction. Defined on boolean types.
10506
10507 @item AND@r{, }&
10508 Boolean conjunction. Defined on boolean types.
10509
10510 @item @@
10511 The @value{GDBN} ``artificial array'' operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}).
10512
10513 @item +@r{, }-
10514 Addition and subtraction on integral and floating-point types, or union
10515 and difference on set types.
10516
10517 @item *
10518 Multiplication on integral and floating-point types, or set intersection
10519 on set types.
10520
10521 @item /
10522 Division on floating-point types, or symmetric set difference on set
10523 types. Same precedence as @code{*}.
10524
10525 @item DIV@r{, }MOD
10526 Integer division and remainder. Defined on integral types. Same
10527 precedence as @code{*}.
10528
10529 @item -
10530 Negative. Defined on @code{INTEGER} and @code{REAL} data.
10531
10532 @item ^
10533 Pointer dereferencing. Defined on pointer types.
10534
10535 @item NOT
10536 Boolean negation. Defined on boolean types. Same precedence as
10537 @code{^}.
10538
10539 @item .
10540 @code{RECORD} field selector. Defined on @code{RECORD} data. Same
10541 precedence as @code{^}.
10542
10543 @item []
10544 Array indexing. Defined on @code{ARRAY} data. Same precedence as @code{^}.
10545
10546 @item ()
10547 Procedure argument list. Defined on @code{PROCEDURE} objects. Same precedence
10548 as @code{^}.
10549
10550 @item ::@r{, }.
10551 @value{GDBN} and Modula-2 scope operators.
10552 @end table
10553
10554 @quotation
10555 @emph{Warning:} Set expressions and their operations are not yet supported, so @value{GDBN}
10556 treats the use of the operator @code{IN}, or the use of operators
10557 @code{+}, @code{-}, @code{*}, @code{/}, @code{=}, , @code{<>}, @code{#},
10558 @code{<=}, and @code{>=} on sets as an error.
10559 @end quotation
10560
10561
10562 @node Built-In Func/Proc
10563 @subsubsection Built-in Functions and Procedures
10564 @cindex Modula-2 built-ins
10565
10566 Modula-2 also makes available several built-in procedures and functions.
10567 In describing these, the following metavariables are used:
10568
10569 @table @var
10570
10571 @item a
10572 represents an @code{ARRAY} variable.
10573
10574 @item c
10575 represents a @code{CHAR} constant or variable.
10576
10577 @item i
10578 represents a variable or constant of integral type.
10579
10580 @item m
10581 represents an identifier that belongs to a set. Generally used in the
10582 same function with the metavariable @var{s}. The type of @var{s} should
10583 be @code{SET OF @var{mtype}} (where @var{mtype} is the type of @var{m}).
10584
10585 @item n
10586 represents a variable or constant of integral or floating-point type.
10587
10588 @item r
10589 represents a variable or constant of floating-point type.
10590
10591 @item t
10592 represents a type.
10593
10594 @item v
10595 represents a variable.
10596
10597 @item x
10598 represents a variable or constant of one of many types. See the
10599 explanation of the function for details.
10600 @end table
10601
10602 All Modula-2 built-in procedures also return a result, described below.
10603
10604 @table @code
10605 @item ABS(@var{n})
10606 Returns the absolute value of @var{n}.
10607
10608 @item CAP(@var{c})
10609 If @var{c} is a lower case letter, it returns its upper case
10610 equivalent, otherwise it returns its argument.
10611
10612 @item CHR(@var{i})
10613 Returns the character whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
10614
10615 @item DEC(@var{v})
10616 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
10617
10618 @item DEC(@var{v},@var{i})
10619 Decrements the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
10620 new value.
10621
10622 @item EXCL(@var{m},@var{s})
10623 Removes the element @var{m} from the set @var{s}. Returns the new
10624 set.
10625
10626 @item FLOAT(@var{i})
10627 Returns the floating point equivalent of the integer @var{i}.
10628
10629 @item HIGH(@var{a})
10630 Returns the index of the last member of @var{a}.
10631
10632 @item INC(@var{v})
10633 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by one. Returns the new value.
10634
10635 @item INC(@var{v},@var{i})
10636 Increments the value in the variable @var{v} by @var{i}. Returns the
10637 new value.
10638
10639 @item INCL(@var{m},@var{s})
10640 Adds the element @var{m} to the set @var{s} if it is not already
10641 there. Returns the new set.
10642
10643 @item MAX(@var{t})
10644 Returns the maximum value of the type @var{t}.
10645
10646 @item MIN(@var{t})
10647 Returns the minimum value of the type @var{t}.
10648
10649 @item ODD(@var{i})
10650 Returns boolean TRUE if @var{i} is an odd number.
10651
10652 @item ORD(@var{x})
10653 Returns the ordinal value of its argument. For example, the ordinal
10654 value of a character is its @sc{ascii} value (on machines supporting the
10655 @sc{ascii} character set). @var{x} must be of an ordered type, which include
10656 integral, character and enumerated types.
10657
10658 @item SIZE(@var{x})
10659 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
10660
10661 @item TRUNC(@var{r})
10662 Returns the integral part of @var{r}.
10663
10664 @item TSIZE(@var{x})
10665 Returns the size of its argument. @var{x} can be a variable or a type.
10666
10667 @item VAL(@var{t},@var{i})
10668 Returns the member of the type @var{t} whose ordinal value is @var{i}.
10669 @end table
10670
10671 @quotation
10672 @emph{Warning:} Sets and their operations are not yet supported, so
10673 @value{GDBN} treats the use of procedures @code{INCL} and @code{EXCL} as
10674 an error.
10675 @end quotation
10676
10677 @cindex Modula-2 constants
10678 @node M2 Constants
10679 @subsubsection Constants
10680
10681 @value{GDBN} allows you to express the constants of Modula-2 in the following
10682 ways:
10683
10684 @itemize @bullet
10685
10686 @item
10687 Integer constants are simply a sequence of digits. When used in an
10688 expression, a constant is interpreted to be type-compatible with the
10689 rest of the expression. Hexadecimal integers are specified by a
10690 trailing @samp{H}, and octal integers by a trailing @samp{B}.
10691
10692 @item
10693 Floating point constants appear as a sequence of digits, followed by a
10694 decimal point and another sequence of digits. An optional exponent can
10695 then be specified, in the form @samp{E@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}}, where
10696 @samp{@r{[}+@r{|}-@r{]}@var{nnn}} is the desired exponent. All of the
10697 digits of the floating point constant must be valid decimal (base 10)
10698 digits.
10699
10700 @item
10701 Character constants consist of a single character enclosed by a pair of
10702 like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}). They may
10703 also be expressed by their ordinal value (their @sc{ascii} value, usually)
10704 followed by a @samp{C}.
10705
10706 @item
10707 String constants consist of a sequence of characters enclosed by a
10708 pair of like quotes, either single (@code{'}) or double (@code{"}).
10709 Escape sequences in the style of C are also allowed. @xref{C
10710 Constants, ,C and C@t{++} Constants}, for a brief explanation of escape
10711 sequences.
10712
10713 @item
10714 Enumerated constants consist of an enumerated identifier.
10715
10716 @item
10717 Boolean constants consist of the identifiers @code{TRUE} and
10718 @code{FALSE}.
10719
10720 @item
10721 Pointer constants consist of integral values only.
10722
10723 @item
10724 Set constants are not yet supported.
10725 @end itemize
10726
10727 @node M2 Types
10728 @subsubsection Modula-2 Types
10729 @cindex Modula-2 types
10730
10731 Currently @value{GDBN} can print the following data types in Modula-2
10732 syntax: array types, record types, set types, pointer types, procedure
10733 types, enumerated types, subrange types and base types. You can also
10734 print the contents of variables declared using these type.
10735 This section gives a number of simple source code examples together with
10736 sample @value{GDBN} sessions.
10737
10738 The first example contains the following section of code:
10739
10740 @smallexample
10741 VAR
10742 s: SET OF CHAR ;
10743 r: [20..40] ;
10744 @end smallexample
10745
10746 @noindent
10747 and you can request @value{GDBN} to interrogate the type and value of
10748 @code{r} and @code{s}.
10749
10750 @smallexample
10751 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10752 @{'A'..'C', 'Z'@}
10753 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10754 SET OF CHAR
10755 (@value{GDBP}) print r
10756 21
10757 (@value{GDBP}) ptype r
10758 [20..40]
10759 @end smallexample
10760
10761 @noindent
10762 Likewise if your source code declares @code{s} as:
10763
10764 @smallexample
10765 VAR
10766 s: SET ['A'..'Z'] ;
10767 @end smallexample
10768
10769 @noindent
10770 then you may query the type of @code{s} by:
10771
10772 @smallexample
10773 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10774 type = SET ['A'..'Z']
10775 @end smallexample
10776
10777 @noindent
10778 Note that at present you cannot interactively manipulate set
10779 expressions using the debugger.
10780
10781 The following example shows how you might declare an array in Modula-2
10782 and how you can interact with @value{GDBN} to print its type and contents:
10783
10784 @smallexample
10785 VAR
10786 s: ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR ;
10787 @end smallexample
10788
10789 @smallexample
10790 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10791 ARRAY [-10..10] OF CHAR
10792 @end smallexample
10793
10794 Note that the array handling is not yet complete and although the type
10795 is printed correctly, expression handling still assumes that all
10796 arrays have a lower bound of zero and not @code{-10} as in the example
10797 above.
10798
10799 Here are some more type related Modula-2 examples:
10800
10801 @smallexample
10802 TYPE
10803 colour = (blue, red, yellow, green) ;
10804 t = [blue..yellow] ;
10805 VAR
10806 s: t ;
10807 BEGIN
10808 s := blue ;
10809 @end smallexample
10810
10811 @noindent
10812 The @value{GDBN} interaction shows how you can query the data type
10813 and value of a variable.
10814
10815 @smallexample
10816 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10817 $1 = blue
10818 (@value{GDBP}) ptype t
10819 type = [blue..yellow]
10820 @end smallexample
10821
10822 @noindent
10823 In this example a Modula-2 array is declared and its contents
10824 displayed. Observe that the contents are written in the same way as
10825 their @code{C} counterparts.
10826
10827 @smallexample
10828 VAR
10829 s: ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
10830 BEGIN
10831 s[1] := 1 ;
10832 @end smallexample
10833
10834 @smallexample
10835 (@value{GDBP}) print s
10836 $1 = @{1, 0, 0, 0, 0@}
10837 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10838 type = ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
10839 @end smallexample
10840
10841 The Modula-2 language interface to @value{GDBN} also understands
10842 pointer types as shown in this example:
10843
10844 @smallexample
10845 VAR
10846 s: POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL ;
10847 BEGIN
10848 NEW(s) ;
10849 s^[1] := 1 ;
10850 @end smallexample
10851
10852 @noindent
10853 and you can request that @value{GDBN} describes the type of @code{s}.
10854
10855 @smallexample
10856 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10857 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [1..5] OF CARDINAL
10858 @end smallexample
10859
10860 @value{GDBN} handles compound types as we can see in this example.
10861 Here we combine array types, record types, pointer types and subrange
10862 types:
10863
10864 @smallexample
10865 TYPE
10866 foo = RECORD
10867 f1: CARDINAL ;
10868 f2: CHAR ;
10869 f3: myarray ;
10870 END ;
10871
10872 myarray = ARRAY myrange OF CARDINAL ;
10873 myrange = [-2..2] ;
10874 VAR
10875 s: POINTER TO ARRAY myrange OF foo ;
10876 @end smallexample
10877
10878 @noindent
10879 and you can ask @value{GDBN} to describe the type of @code{s} as shown
10880 below.
10881
10882 @smallexample
10883 (@value{GDBP}) ptype s
10884 type = POINTER TO ARRAY [-2..2] OF foo = RECORD
10885 f1 : CARDINAL;
10886 f2 : CHAR;
10887 f3 : ARRAY [-2..2] OF CARDINAL;
10888 END
10889 @end smallexample
10890
10891 @node M2 Defaults
10892 @subsubsection Modula-2 Defaults
10893 @cindex Modula-2 defaults
10894
10895 If type and range checking are set automatically by @value{GDBN}, they
10896 both default to @code{on} whenever the working language changes to
10897 Modula-2. This happens regardless of whether you or @value{GDBN}
10898 selected the working language.
10899
10900 If you allow @value{GDBN} to set the language automatically, then entering
10901 code compiled from a file whose name ends with @file{.mod} sets the
10902 working language to Modula-2. @xref{Automatically, ,Having @value{GDBN}
10903 Infer the Source Language}, for further details.
10904
10905 @node Deviations
10906 @subsubsection Deviations from Standard Modula-2
10907 @cindex Modula-2, deviations from
10908
10909 A few changes have been made to make Modula-2 programs easier to debug.
10910 This is done primarily via loosening its type strictness:
10911
10912 @itemize @bullet
10913 @item
10914 Unlike in standard Modula-2, pointer constants can be formed by
10915 integers. This allows you to modify pointer variables during
10916 debugging. (In standard Modula-2, the actual address contained in a
10917 pointer variable is hidden from you; it can only be modified
10918 through direct assignment to another pointer variable or expression that
10919 returned a pointer.)
10920
10921 @item
10922 C escape sequences can be used in strings and characters to represent
10923 non-printable characters. @value{GDBN} prints out strings with these
10924 escape sequences embedded. Single non-printable characters are
10925 printed using the @samp{CHR(@var{nnn})} format.
10926
10927 @item
10928 The assignment operator (@code{:=}) returns the value of its right-hand
10929 argument.
10930
10931 @item
10932 All built-in procedures both modify @emph{and} return their argument.
10933 @end itemize
10934
10935 @node M2 Checks
10936 @subsubsection Modula-2 Type and Range Checks
10937 @cindex Modula-2 checks
10938
10939 @quotation
10940 @emph{Warning:} in this release, @value{GDBN} does not yet perform type or
10941 range checking.
10942 @end quotation
10943 @c FIXME remove warning when type/range checks added
10944
10945 @value{GDBN} considers two Modula-2 variables type equivalent if:
10946
10947 @itemize @bullet
10948 @item
10949 They are of types that have been declared equivalent via a @code{TYPE
10950 @var{t1} = @var{t2}} statement
10951
10952 @item
10953 They have been declared on the same line. (Note: This is true of the
10954 @sc{gnu} Modula-2 compiler, but it may not be true of other compilers.)
10955 @end itemize
10956
10957 As long as type checking is enabled, any attempt to combine variables
10958 whose types are not equivalent is an error.
10959
10960 Range checking is done on all mathematical operations, assignment, array
10961 index bounds, and all built-in functions and procedures.
10962
10963 @node M2 Scope
10964 @subsubsection The Scope Operators @code{::} and @code{.}
10965 @cindex scope
10966 @cindex @code{.}, Modula-2 scope operator
10967 @cindex colon, doubled as scope operator
10968 @ifinfo
10969 @vindex colon-colon@r{, in Modula-2}
10970 @c Info cannot handle :: but TeX can.
10971 @end ifinfo
10972 @iftex
10973 @vindex ::@r{, in Modula-2}
10974 @end iftex
10975
10976 There are a few subtle differences between the Modula-2 scope operator
10977 (@code{.}) and the @value{GDBN} scope operator (@code{::}). The two have
10978 similar syntax:
10979
10980 @smallexample
10981
10982 @var{module} . @var{id}
10983 @var{scope} :: @var{id}
10984 @end smallexample
10985
10986 @noindent
10987 where @var{scope} is the name of a module or a procedure,
10988 @var{module} the name of a module, and @var{id} is any declared
10989 identifier within your program, except another module.
10990
10991 Using the @code{::} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the scope
10992 specified by @var{scope} for the identifier @var{id}. If it is not
10993 found in the specified scope, then @value{GDBN} searches all scopes
10994 enclosing the one specified by @var{scope}.
10995
10996 Using the @code{.} operator makes @value{GDBN} search the current scope for
10997 the identifier specified by @var{id} that was imported from the
10998 definition module specified by @var{module}. With this operator, it is
10999 an error if the identifier @var{id} was not imported from definition
11000 module @var{module}, or if @var{id} is not an identifier in
11001 @var{module}.
11002
11003 @node GDB/M2
11004 @subsubsection @value{GDBN} and Modula-2
11005
11006 Some @value{GDBN} commands have little use when debugging Modula-2 programs.
11007 Five subcommands of @code{set print} and @code{show print} apply
11008 specifically to C and C@t{++}: @samp{vtbl}, @samp{demangle},
11009 @samp{asm-demangle}, @samp{object}, and @samp{union}. The first four
11010 apply to C@t{++}, and the last to the C @code{union} type, which has no direct
11011 analogue in Modula-2.
11012
11013 The @code{@@} operator (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}), while available
11014 with any language, is not useful with Modula-2. Its
11015 intent is to aid the debugging of @dfn{dynamic arrays}, which cannot be
11016 created in Modula-2 as they can in C or C@t{++}. However, because an
11017 address can be specified by an integral constant, the construct
11018 @samp{@{@var{type}@}@var{adrexp}} is still useful.
11019
11020 @cindex @code{#} in Modula-2
11021 In @value{GDBN} scripts, the Modula-2 inequality operator @code{#} is
11022 interpreted as the beginning of a comment. Use @code{<>} instead.
11023
11024 @node Ada
11025 @subsection Ada
11026 @cindex Ada
11027
11028 The extensions made to @value{GDBN} for Ada only support
11029 output from the @sc{gnu} Ada (GNAT) compiler.
11030 Other Ada compilers are not currently supported, and
11031 attempting to debug executables produced by them is most likely
11032 to be difficult.
11033
11034
11035 @cindex expressions in Ada
11036 @menu
11037 * Ada Mode Intro:: General remarks on the Ada syntax
11038 and semantics supported by Ada mode
11039 in @value{GDBN}.
11040 * Omissions from Ada:: Restrictions on the Ada expression syntax.
11041 * Additions to Ada:: Extensions of the Ada expression syntax.
11042 * Stopping Before Main Program:: Debugging the program during elaboration.
11043 * Ada Glitches:: Known peculiarities of Ada mode.
11044 @end menu
11045
11046 @node Ada Mode Intro
11047 @subsubsection Introduction
11048 @cindex Ada mode, general
11049
11050 The Ada mode of @value{GDBN} supports a fairly large subset of Ada expression
11051 syntax, with some extensions.
11052 The philosophy behind the design of this subset is
11053
11054 @itemize @bullet
11055 @item
11056 That @value{GDBN} should provide basic literals and access to operations for
11057 arithmetic, dereferencing, field selection, indexing, and subprogram calls,
11058 leaving more sophisticated computations to subprograms written into the
11059 program (which therefore may be called from @value{GDBN}).
11060
11061 @item
11062 That type safety and strict adherence to Ada language restrictions
11063 are not particularly important to the @value{GDBN} user.
11064
11065 @item
11066 That brevity is important to the @value{GDBN} user.
11067 @end itemize
11068
11069 Thus, for brevity, the debugger acts as if there were
11070 implicit @code{with} and @code{use} clauses in effect for all user-written
11071 packages, making it unnecessary to fully qualify most names with
11072 their packages, regardless of context. Where this causes ambiguity,
11073 @value{GDBN} asks the user's intent.
11074
11075 The debugger will start in Ada mode if it detects an Ada main program.
11076 As for other languages, it will enter Ada mode when stopped in a program that
11077 was translated from an Ada source file.
11078
11079 While in Ada mode, you may use `@t{--}' for comments. This is useful
11080 mostly for documenting command files. The standard @value{GDBN} comment
11081 (@samp{#}) still works at the beginning of a line in Ada mode, but not in the
11082 middle (to allow based literals).
11083
11084 The debugger supports limited overloading. Given a subprogram call in which
11085 the function symbol has multiple definitions, it will use the number of
11086 actual parameters and some information about their types to attempt to narrow
11087 the set of definitions. It also makes very limited use of context, preferring
11088 procedures to functions in the context of the @code{call} command, and
11089 functions to procedures elsewhere.
11090
11091 @node Omissions from Ada
11092 @subsubsection Omissions from Ada
11093 @cindex Ada, omissions from
11094
11095 Here are the notable omissions from the subset:
11096
11097 @itemize @bullet
11098 @item
11099 Only a subset of the attributes are supported:
11100
11101 @itemize @minus
11102 @item
11103 @t{'First}, @t{'Last}, and @t{'Length}
11104 on array objects (not on types and subtypes).
11105
11106 @item
11107 @t{'Min} and @t{'Max}.
11108
11109 @item
11110 @t{'Pos} and @t{'Val}.
11111
11112 @item
11113 @t{'Tag}.
11114
11115 @item
11116 @t{'Range} on array objects (not subtypes), but only as the right
11117 operand of the membership (@code{in}) operator.
11118
11119 @item
11120 @t{'Access}, @t{'Unchecked_Access}, and
11121 @t{'Unrestricted_Access} (a GNAT extension).
11122
11123 @item
11124 @t{'Address}.
11125 @end itemize
11126
11127 @item
11128 The names in
11129 @code{Characters.Latin_1} are not available and
11130 concatenation is not implemented. Thus, escape characters in strings are
11131 not currently available.
11132
11133 @item
11134 Equality tests (@samp{=} and @samp{/=}) on arrays test for bitwise
11135 equality of representations. They will generally work correctly
11136 for strings and arrays whose elements have integer or enumeration types.
11137 They may not work correctly for arrays whose element
11138 types have user-defined equality, for arrays of real values
11139 (in particular, IEEE-conformant floating point, because of negative
11140 zeroes and NaNs), and for arrays whose elements contain unused bits with
11141 indeterminate values.
11142
11143 @item
11144 The other component-by-component array operations (@code{and}, @code{or},
11145 @code{xor}, @code{not}, and relational tests other than equality)
11146 are not implemented.
11147
11148 @item
11149 @cindex array aggregates (Ada)
11150 @cindex record aggregates (Ada)
11151 @cindex aggregates (Ada)
11152 There is limited support for array and record aggregates. They are
11153 permitted only on the right sides of assignments, as in these examples:
11154
11155 @smallexample
11156 set An_Array := (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
11157 set An_Array := (1, others => 0)
11158 set An_Array := (0|4 => 1, 1..3 => 2, 5 => 6)
11159 set A_2D_Array := ((1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 6), (7, 8, 9))
11160 set A_Record := (1, "Peter", True);
11161 set A_Record := (Name => "Peter", Id => 1, Alive => True)
11162 @end smallexample
11163
11164 Changing a
11165 discriminant's value by assigning an aggregate has an
11166 undefined effect if that discriminant is used within the record.
11167 However, you can first modify discriminants by directly assigning to
11168 them (which normally would not be allowed in Ada), and then performing an
11169 aggregate assignment. For example, given a variable @code{A_Rec}
11170 declared to have a type such as:
11171
11172 @smallexample
11173 type Rec (Len : Small_Integer := 0) is record
11174 Id : Integer;
11175 Vals : IntArray (1 .. Len);
11176 end record;
11177 @end smallexample
11178
11179 you can assign a value with a different size of @code{Vals} with two
11180 assignments:
11181
11182 @smallexample
11183 set A_Rec.Len := 4
11184 set A_Rec := (Id => 42, Vals => (1, 2, 3, 4))
11185 @end smallexample
11186
11187 As this example also illustrates, @value{GDBN} is very loose about the usual
11188 rules concerning aggregates. You may leave out some of the
11189 components of an array or record aggregate (such as the @code{Len}
11190 component in the assignment to @code{A_Rec} above); they will retain their
11191 original values upon assignment. You may freely use dynamic values as
11192 indices in component associations. You may even use overlapping or
11193 redundant component associations, although which component values are
11194 assigned in such cases is not defined.
11195
11196 @item
11197 Calls to dispatching subprograms are not implemented.
11198
11199 @item
11200 The overloading algorithm is much more limited (i.e., less selective)
11201 than that of real Ada. It makes only limited use of the context in
11202 which a subexpression appears to resolve its meaning, and it is much
11203 looser in its rules for allowing type matches. As a result, some
11204 function calls will be ambiguous, and the user will be asked to choose
11205 the proper resolution.
11206
11207 @item
11208 The @code{new} operator is not implemented.
11209
11210 @item
11211 Entry calls are not implemented.
11212
11213 @item
11214 Aside from printing, arithmetic operations on the native VAX floating-point
11215 formats are not supported.
11216
11217 @item
11218 It is not possible to slice a packed array.
11219 @end itemize
11220
11221 @node Additions to Ada
11222 @subsubsection Additions to Ada
11223 @cindex Ada, deviations from
11224
11225 As it does for other languages, @value{GDBN} makes certain generic
11226 extensions to Ada (@pxref{Expressions}):
11227
11228 @itemize @bullet
11229 @item
11230 If the expression @var{E} is a variable residing in memory (typically
11231 a local variable or array element) and @var{N} is a positive integer,
11232 then @code{@var{E}@@@var{N}} displays the values of @var{E} and the
11233 @var{N}-1 adjacent variables following it in memory as an array. In
11234 Ada, this operator is generally not necessary, since its prime use is
11235 in displaying parts of an array, and slicing will usually do this in
11236 Ada. However, there are occasional uses when debugging programs in
11237 which certain debugging information has been optimized away.
11238
11239 @item
11240 @code{@var{B}::@var{var}} means ``the variable named @var{var} that
11241 appears in function or file @var{B}.'' When @var{B} is a file name,
11242 you must typically surround it in single quotes.
11243
11244 @item
11245 The expression @code{@{@var{type}@} @var{addr}} means ``the variable of type
11246 @var{type} that appears at address @var{addr}.''
11247
11248 @item
11249 A name starting with @samp{$} is a convenience variable
11250 (@pxref{Convenience Vars}) or a machine register (@pxref{Registers}).
11251 @end itemize
11252
11253 In addition, @value{GDBN} provides a few other shortcuts and outright
11254 additions specific to Ada:
11255
11256 @itemize @bullet
11257 @item
11258 The assignment statement is allowed as an expression, returning
11259 its right-hand operand as its value. Thus, you may enter
11260
11261 @smallexample
11262 set x := y + 3
11263 print A(tmp := y + 1)
11264 @end smallexample
11265
11266 @item
11267 The semicolon is allowed as an ``operator,'' returning as its value
11268 the value of its right-hand operand.
11269 This allows, for example,
11270 complex conditional breaks:
11271
11272 @smallexample
11273 break f
11274 condition 1 (report(i); k += 1; A(k) > 100)
11275 @end smallexample
11276
11277 @item
11278 Rather than use catenation and symbolic character names to introduce special
11279 characters into strings, one may instead use a special bracket notation,
11280 which is also used to print strings. A sequence of characters of the form
11281 @samp{["@var{XX}"]} within a string or character literal denotes the
11282 (single) character whose numeric encoding is @var{XX} in hexadecimal. The
11283 sequence of characters @samp{["""]} also denotes a single quotation mark
11284 in strings. For example,
11285 @smallexample
11286 "One line.["0a"]Next line.["0a"]"
11287 @end smallexample
11288 @noindent
11289 contains an ASCII newline character (@code{Ada.Characters.Latin_1.LF})
11290 after each period.
11291
11292 @item
11293 The subtype used as a prefix for the attributes @t{'Pos}, @t{'Min}, and
11294 @t{'Max} is optional (and is ignored in any case). For example, it is valid
11295 to write
11296
11297 @smallexample
11298 print 'max(x, y)
11299 @end smallexample
11300
11301 @item
11302 When printing arrays, @value{GDBN} uses positional notation when the
11303 array has a lower bound of 1, and uses a modified named notation otherwise.
11304 For example, a one-dimensional array of three integers with a lower bound
11305 of 3 might print as
11306
11307 @smallexample
11308 (3 => 10, 17, 1)
11309 @end smallexample
11310
11311 @noindent
11312 That is, in contrast to valid Ada, only the first component has a @code{=>}
11313 clause.
11314
11315 @item
11316 You may abbreviate attributes in expressions with any unique,
11317 multi-character subsequence of
11318 their names (an exact match gets preference).
11319 For example, you may use @t{a'len}, @t{a'gth}, or @t{a'lh}
11320 in place of @t{a'length}.
11321
11322 @item
11323 @cindex quoting Ada internal identifiers
11324 Since Ada is case-insensitive, the debugger normally maps identifiers you type
11325 to lower case. The GNAT compiler uses upper-case characters for
11326 some of its internal identifiers, which are normally of no interest to users.
11327 For the rare occasions when you actually have to look at them,
11328 enclose them in angle brackets to avoid the lower-case mapping.
11329 For example,
11330 @smallexample
11331 @value{GDBP} print <JMPBUF_SAVE>[0]
11332 @end smallexample
11333
11334 @item
11335 Printing an object of class-wide type or dereferencing an
11336 access-to-class-wide value will display all the components of the object's
11337 specific type (as indicated by its run-time tag). Likewise, component
11338 selection on such a value will operate on the specific type of the
11339 object.
11340
11341 @end itemize
11342
11343 @node Stopping Before Main Program
11344 @subsubsection Stopping at the Very Beginning
11345
11346 @cindex breakpointing Ada elaboration code
11347 It is sometimes necessary to debug the program during elaboration, and
11348 before reaching the main procedure.
11349 As defined in the Ada Reference
11350 Manual, the elaboration code is invoked from a procedure called
11351 @code{adainit}. To run your program up to the beginning of
11352 elaboration, simply use the following two commands:
11353 @code{tbreak adainit} and @code{run}.
11354
11355 @node Ada Glitches
11356 @subsubsection Known Peculiarities of Ada Mode
11357 @cindex Ada, problems
11358
11359 Besides the omissions listed previously (@pxref{Omissions from Ada}),
11360 we know of several problems with and limitations of Ada mode in
11361 @value{GDBN},
11362 some of which will be fixed with planned future releases of the debugger
11363 and the GNU Ada compiler.
11364
11365 @itemize @bullet
11366 @item
11367 Currently, the debugger
11368 has insufficient information to determine whether certain pointers represent
11369 pointers to objects or the objects themselves.
11370 Thus, the user may have to tack an extra @code{.all} after an expression
11371 to get it printed properly.
11372
11373 @item
11374 Static constants that the compiler chooses not to materialize as objects in
11375 storage are invisible to the debugger.
11376
11377 @item
11378 Named parameter associations in function argument lists are ignored (the
11379 argument lists are treated as positional).
11380
11381 @item
11382 Many useful library packages are currently invisible to the debugger.
11383
11384 @item
11385 Fixed-point arithmetic, conversions, input, and output is carried out using
11386 floating-point arithmetic, and may give results that only approximate those on
11387 the host machine.
11388
11389 @item
11390 The type of the @t{'Address} attribute may not be @code{System.Address}.
11391
11392 @item
11393 The GNAT compiler never generates the prefix @code{Standard} for any of
11394 the standard symbols defined by the Ada language. @value{GDBN} knows about
11395 this: it will strip the prefix from names when you use it, and will never
11396 look for a name you have so qualified among local symbols, nor match against
11397 symbols in other packages or subprograms. If you have
11398 defined entities anywhere in your program other than parameters and
11399 local variables whose simple names match names in @code{Standard},
11400 GNAT's lack of qualification here can cause confusion. When this happens,
11401 you can usually resolve the confusion
11402 by qualifying the problematic names with package
11403 @code{Standard} explicitly.
11404 @end itemize
11405
11406 @node Unsupported Languages
11407 @section Unsupported Languages
11408
11409 @cindex unsupported languages
11410 @cindex minimal language
11411 In addition to the other fully-supported programming languages,
11412 @value{GDBN} also provides a pseudo-language, called @code{minimal}.
11413 It does not represent a real programming language, but provides a set
11414 of capabilities close to what the C or assembly languages provide.
11415 This should allow most simple operations to be performed while debugging
11416 an application that uses a language currently not supported by @value{GDBN}.
11417
11418 If the language is set to @code{auto}, @value{GDBN} will automatically
11419 select this language if the current frame corresponds to an unsupported
11420 language.
11421
11422 @node Symbols
11423 @chapter Examining the Symbol Table
11424
11425 The commands described in this chapter allow you to inquire about the
11426 symbols (names of variables, functions and types) defined in your
11427 program. This information is inherent in the text of your program and
11428 does not change as your program executes. @value{GDBN} finds it in your
11429 program's symbol table, in the file indicated when you started @value{GDBN}
11430 (@pxref{File Options, ,Choosing Files}), or by one of the
11431 file-management commands (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
11432
11433 @cindex symbol names
11434 @cindex names of symbols
11435 @cindex quoting names
11436 Occasionally, you may need to refer to symbols that contain unusual
11437 characters, which @value{GDBN} ordinarily treats as word delimiters. The
11438 most frequent case is in referring to static variables in other
11439 source files (@pxref{Variables,,Program Variables}). File names
11440 are recorded in object files as debugging symbols, but @value{GDBN} would
11441 ordinarily parse a typical file name, like @file{foo.c}, as the three words
11442 @samp{foo} @samp{.} @samp{c}. To allow @value{GDBN} to recognize
11443 @samp{foo.c} as a single symbol, enclose it in single quotes; for example,
11444
11445 @smallexample
11446 p 'foo.c'::x
11447 @end smallexample
11448
11449 @noindent
11450 looks up the value of @code{x} in the scope of the file @file{foo.c}.
11451
11452 @table @code
11453 @cindex case-insensitive symbol names
11454 @cindex case sensitivity in symbol names
11455 @kindex set case-sensitive
11456 @item set case-sensitive on
11457 @itemx set case-sensitive off
11458 @itemx set case-sensitive auto
11459 Normally, when @value{GDBN} looks up symbols, it matches their names
11460 with case sensitivity determined by the current source language.
11461 Occasionally, you may wish to control that. The command @code{set
11462 case-sensitive} lets you do that by specifying @code{on} for
11463 case-sensitive matches or @code{off} for case-insensitive ones. If
11464 you specify @code{auto}, case sensitivity is reset to the default
11465 suitable for the source language. The default is case-sensitive
11466 matches for all languages except for Fortran, for which the default is
11467 case-insensitive matches.
11468
11469 @kindex show case-sensitive
11470 @item show case-sensitive
11471 This command shows the current setting of case sensitivity for symbols
11472 lookups.
11473
11474 @kindex info address
11475 @cindex address of a symbol
11476 @item info address @var{symbol}
11477 Describe where the data for @var{symbol} is stored. For a register
11478 variable, this says which register it is kept in. For a non-register
11479 local variable, this prints the stack-frame offset at which the variable
11480 is always stored.
11481
11482 Note the contrast with @samp{print &@var{symbol}}, which does not work
11483 at all for a register variable, and for a stack local variable prints
11484 the exact address of the current instantiation of the variable.
11485
11486 @kindex info symbol
11487 @cindex symbol from address
11488 @cindex closest symbol and offset for an address
11489 @item info symbol @var{addr}
11490 Print the name of a symbol which is stored at the address @var{addr}.
11491 If no symbol is stored exactly at @var{addr}, @value{GDBN} prints the
11492 nearest symbol and an offset from it:
11493
11494 @smallexample
11495 (@value{GDBP}) info symbol 0x54320
11496 _initialize_vx + 396 in section .text
11497 @end smallexample
11498
11499 @noindent
11500 This is the opposite of the @code{info address} command. You can use
11501 it to find out the name of a variable or a function given its address.
11502
11503 @kindex whatis
11504 @item whatis [@var{arg}]
11505 Print the data type of @var{arg}, which can be either an expression or
11506 a data type. With no argument, print the data type of @code{$}, the
11507 last value in the value history. If @var{arg} is an expression, it is
11508 not actually evaluated, and any side-effecting operations (such as
11509 assignments or function calls) inside it do not take place. If
11510 @var{arg} is a type name, it may be the name of a type or typedef, or
11511 for C code it may have the form @samp{class @var{class-name}},
11512 @samp{struct @var{struct-tag}}, @samp{union @var{union-tag}} or
11513 @samp{enum @var{enum-tag}}.
11514 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
11515
11516 @kindex ptype
11517 @item ptype [@var{arg}]
11518 @code{ptype} accepts the same arguments as @code{whatis}, but prints a
11519 detailed description of the type, instead of just the name of the type.
11520 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}.
11521
11522 For example, for this variable declaration:
11523
11524 @smallexample
11525 struct complex @{double real; double imag;@} v;
11526 @end smallexample
11527
11528 @noindent
11529 the two commands give this output:
11530
11531 @smallexample
11532 @group
11533 (@value{GDBP}) whatis v
11534 type = struct complex
11535 (@value{GDBP}) ptype v
11536 type = struct complex @{
11537 double real;
11538 double imag;
11539 @}
11540 @end group
11541 @end smallexample
11542
11543 @noindent
11544 As with @code{whatis}, using @code{ptype} without an argument refers to
11545 the type of @code{$}, the last value in the value history.
11546
11547 @cindex incomplete type
11548 Sometimes, programs use opaque data types or incomplete specifications
11549 of complex data structure. If the debug information included in the
11550 program does not allow @value{GDBN} to display a full declaration of
11551 the data type, it will say @samp{<incomplete type>}. For example,
11552 given these declarations:
11553
11554 @smallexample
11555 struct foo;
11556 struct foo *fooptr;
11557 @end smallexample
11558
11559 @noindent
11560 but no definition for @code{struct foo} itself, @value{GDBN} will say:
11561
11562 @smallexample
11563 (@value{GDBP}) ptype foo
11564 $1 = <incomplete type>
11565 @end smallexample
11566
11567 @noindent
11568 ``Incomplete type'' is C terminology for data types that are not
11569 completely specified.
11570
11571 @kindex info types
11572 @item info types @var{regexp}
11573 @itemx info types
11574 Print a brief description of all types whose names match the regular
11575 expression @var{regexp} (or all types in your program, if you supply
11576 no argument). Each complete typename is matched as though it were a
11577 complete line; thus, @samp{i type value} gives information on all
11578 types in your program whose names include the string @code{value}, but
11579 @samp{i type ^value$} gives information only on types whose complete
11580 name is @code{value}.
11581
11582 This command differs from @code{ptype} in two ways: first, like
11583 @code{whatis}, it does not print a detailed description; second, it
11584 lists all source files where a type is defined.
11585
11586 @kindex info scope
11587 @cindex local variables
11588 @item info scope @var{location}
11589 List all the variables local to a particular scope. This command
11590 accepts a @var{location} argument---a function name, a source line, or
11591 an address preceded by a @samp{*}, and prints all the variables local
11592 to the scope defined by that location. (@xref{Specify Location}, for
11593 details about supported forms of @var{location}.) For example:
11594
11595 @smallexample
11596 (@value{GDBP}) @b{info scope command_line_handler}
11597 Scope for command_line_handler:
11598 Symbol rl is an argument at stack/frame offset 8, length 4.
11599 Symbol linebuffer is in static storage at address 0x150a18, length 4.
11600 Symbol linelength is in static storage at address 0x150a1c, length 4.
11601 Symbol p is a local variable in register $esi, length 4.
11602 Symbol p1 is a local variable in register $ebx, length 4.
11603 Symbol nline is a local variable in register $edx, length 4.
11604 Symbol repeat is a local variable at frame offset -8, length 4.
11605 @end smallexample
11606
11607 @noindent
11608 This command is especially useful for determining what data to collect
11609 during a @dfn{trace experiment}, see @ref{Tracepoint Actions,
11610 collect}.
11611
11612 @kindex info source
11613 @item info source
11614 Show information about the current source file---that is, the source file for
11615 the function containing the current point of execution:
11616 @itemize @bullet
11617 @item
11618 the name of the source file, and the directory containing it,
11619 @item
11620 the directory it was compiled in,
11621 @item
11622 its length, in lines,
11623 @item
11624 which programming language it is written in,
11625 @item
11626 whether the executable includes debugging information for that file, and
11627 if so, what format the information is in (e.g., STABS, Dwarf 2, etc.), and
11628 @item
11629 whether the debugging information includes information about
11630 preprocessor macros.
11631 @end itemize
11632
11633
11634 @kindex info sources
11635 @item info sources
11636 Print the names of all source files in your program for which there is
11637 debugging information, organized into two lists: files whose symbols
11638 have already been read, and files whose symbols will be read when needed.
11639
11640 @kindex info functions
11641 @item info functions
11642 Print the names and data types of all defined functions.
11643
11644 @item info functions @var{regexp}
11645 Print the names and data types of all defined functions
11646 whose names contain a match for regular expression @var{regexp}.
11647 Thus, @samp{info fun step} finds all functions whose names
11648 include @code{step}; @samp{info fun ^step} finds those whose names
11649 start with @code{step}. If a function name contains characters
11650 that conflict with the regular expression language (e.g.@:
11651 @samp{operator*()}), they may be quoted with a backslash.
11652
11653 @kindex info variables
11654 @item info variables
11655 Print the names and data types of all variables that are declared
11656 outside of functions (i.e.@: excluding local variables).
11657
11658 @item info variables @var{regexp}
11659 Print the names and data types of all variables (except for local
11660 variables) whose names contain a match for regular expression
11661 @var{regexp}.
11662
11663 @kindex info classes
11664 @cindex Objective-C, classes and selectors
11665 @item info classes
11666 @itemx info classes @var{regexp}
11667 Display all Objective-C classes in your program, or
11668 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
11669 expression.
11670
11671 @kindex info selectors
11672 @item info selectors
11673 @itemx info selectors @var{regexp}
11674 Display all Objective-C selectors in your program, or
11675 (with the @var{regexp} argument) all those matching a particular regular
11676 expression.
11677
11678 @ignore
11679 This was never implemented.
11680 @kindex info methods
11681 @item info methods
11682 @itemx info methods @var{regexp}
11683 The @code{info methods} command permits the user to examine all defined
11684 methods within C@t{++} program, or (with the @var{regexp} argument) a
11685 specific set of methods found in the various C@t{++} classes. Many
11686 C@t{++} classes provide a large number of methods. Thus, the output
11687 from the @code{ptype} command can be overwhelming and hard to use. The
11688 @code{info-methods} command filters the methods, printing only those
11689 which match the regular-expression @var{regexp}.
11690 @end ignore
11691
11692 @cindex reloading symbols
11693 Some systems allow individual object files that make up your program to
11694 be replaced without stopping and restarting your program. For example,
11695 in VxWorks you can simply recompile a defective object file and keep on
11696 running. If you are running on one of these systems, you can allow
11697 @value{GDBN} to reload the symbols for automatically relinked modules:
11698
11699 @table @code
11700 @kindex set symbol-reloading
11701 @item set symbol-reloading on
11702 Replace symbol definitions for the corresponding source file when an
11703 object file with a particular name is seen again.
11704
11705 @item set symbol-reloading off
11706 Do not replace symbol definitions when encountering object files of the
11707 same name more than once. This is the default state; if you are not
11708 running on a system that permits automatic relinking of modules, you
11709 should leave @code{symbol-reloading} off, since otherwise @value{GDBN}
11710 may discard symbols when linking large programs, that may contain
11711 several modules (from different directories or libraries) with the same
11712 name.
11713
11714 @kindex show symbol-reloading
11715 @item show symbol-reloading
11716 Show the current @code{on} or @code{off} setting.
11717 @end table
11718
11719 @cindex opaque data types
11720 @kindex set opaque-type-resolution
11721 @item set opaque-type-resolution on
11722 Tell @value{GDBN} to resolve opaque types. An opaque type is a type
11723 declared as a pointer to a @code{struct}, @code{class}, or
11724 @code{union}---for example, @code{struct MyType *}---that is used in one
11725 source file although the full declaration of @code{struct MyType} is in
11726 another source file. The default is on.
11727
11728 A change in the setting of this subcommand will not take effect until
11729 the next time symbols for a file are loaded.
11730
11731 @item set opaque-type-resolution off
11732 Tell @value{GDBN} not to resolve opaque types. In this case, the type
11733 is printed as follows:
11734 @smallexample
11735 @{<no data fields>@}
11736 @end smallexample
11737
11738 @kindex show opaque-type-resolution
11739 @item show opaque-type-resolution
11740 Show whether opaque types are resolved or not.
11741
11742 @kindex set print symbol-loading
11743 @cindex print messages when symbols are loaded
11744 @item set print symbol-loading
11745 @itemx set print symbol-loading on
11746 @itemx set print symbol-loading off
11747 The @code{set print symbol-loading} command allows you to enable or
11748 disable printing of messages when @value{GDBN} loads symbols.
11749 By default, these messages will be printed, and normally this is what
11750 you want. Disabling these messages is useful when debugging applications
11751 with lots of shared libraries where the quantity of output can be more
11752 annoying than useful.
11753
11754 @kindex show print symbol-loading
11755 @item show print symbol-loading
11756 Show whether messages will be printed when @value{GDBN} loads symbols.
11757
11758 @kindex maint print symbols
11759 @cindex symbol dump
11760 @kindex maint print psymbols
11761 @cindex partial symbol dump
11762 @item maint print symbols @var{filename}
11763 @itemx maint print psymbols @var{filename}
11764 @itemx maint print msymbols @var{filename}
11765 Write a dump of debugging symbol data into the file @var{filename}.
11766 These commands are used to debug the @value{GDBN} symbol-reading code. Only
11767 symbols with debugging data are included. If you use @samp{maint print
11768 symbols}, @value{GDBN} includes all the symbols for which it has already
11769 collected full details: that is, @var{filename} reflects symbols for
11770 only those files whose symbols @value{GDBN} has read. You can use the
11771 command @code{info sources} to find out which files these are. If you
11772 use @samp{maint print psymbols} instead, the dump shows information about
11773 symbols that @value{GDBN} only knows partially---that is, symbols defined in
11774 files that @value{GDBN} has skimmed, but not yet read completely. Finally,
11775 @samp{maint print msymbols} dumps just the minimal symbol information
11776 required for each object file from which @value{GDBN} has read some symbols.
11777 @xref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}, for a discussion of how
11778 @value{GDBN} reads symbols (in the description of @code{symbol-file}).
11779
11780 @kindex maint info symtabs
11781 @kindex maint info psymtabs
11782 @cindex listing @value{GDBN}'s internal symbol tables
11783 @cindex symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
11784 @cindex full symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
11785 @cindex partial symbol tables, listing @value{GDBN}'s internal
11786 @item maint info symtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
11787 @itemx maint info psymtabs @r{[} @var{regexp} @r{]}
11788
11789 List the @code{struct symtab} or @code{struct partial_symtab}
11790 structures whose names match @var{regexp}. If @var{regexp} is not
11791 given, list them all. The output includes expressions which you can
11792 copy into a @value{GDBN} debugging this one to examine a particular
11793 structure in more detail. For example:
11794
11795 @smallexample
11796 (@value{GDBP}) maint info psymtabs dwarf2read
11797 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
11798 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
11799 @{ psymtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
11800 ((struct partial_symtab *) 0x8474b10)
11801 readin no
11802 fullname (null)
11803 text addresses 0x814d3c8 -- 0x8158074
11804 globals (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x8507a08 @@ 9)
11805 statics (* (struct partial_symbol **) 0x40e95b78 @@ 2882)
11806 dependencies (none)
11807 @}
11808 @}
11809 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
11810 (@value{GDBP})
11811 @end smallexample
11812 @noindent
11813 We see that there is one partial symbol table whose filename contains
11814 the string @samp{dwarf2read}, belonging to the @samp{gdb} executable;
11815 and we see that @value{GDBN} has not read in any symtabs yet at all.
11816 If we set a breakpoint on a function, that will cause @value{GDBN} to
11817 read the symtab for the compilation unit containing that function:
11818
11819 @smallexample
11820 (@value{GDBP}) break dwarf2_psymtab_to_symtab
11821 Breakpoint 1 at 0x814e5da: file /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c,
11822 line 1574.
11823 (@value{GDBP}) maint info symtabs
11824 @{ objfile /home/gnu/build/gdb/gdb
11825 ((struct objfile *) 0x82e69d0)
11826 @{ symtab /home/gnu/src/gdb/dwarf2read.c
11827 ((struct symtab *) 0x86c1f38)
11828 dirname (null)
11829 fullname (null)
11830 blockvector ((struct blockvector *) 0x86c1bd0) (primary)
11831 linetable ((struct linetable *) 0x8370fa0)
11832 debugformat DWARF 2
11833 @}
11834 @}
11835 (@value{GDBP})
11836 @end smallexample
11837 @end table
11838
11839
11840 @node Altering
11841 @chapter Altering Execution
11842
11843 Once you think you have found an error in your program, you might want to
11844 find out for certain whether correcting the apparent error would lead to
11845 correct results in the rest of the run. You can find the answer by
11846 experiment, using the @value{GDBN} features for altering execution of the
11847 program.
11848
11849 For example, you can store new values into variables or memory
11850 locations, give your program a signal, restart it at a different
11851 address, or even return prematurely from a function.
11852
11853 @menu
11854 * Assignment:: Assignment to variables
11855 * Jumping:: Continuing at a different address
11856 * Signaling:: Giving your program a signal
11857 * Returning:: Returning from a function
11858 * Calling:: Calling your program's functions
11859 * Patching:: Patching your program
11860 @end menu
11861
11862 @node Assignment
11863 @section Assignment to Variables
11864
11865 @cindex assignment
11866 @cindex setting variables
11867 To alter the value of a variable, evaluate an assignment expression.
11868 @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}. For example,
11869
11870 @smallexample
11871 print x=4
11872 @end smallexample
11873
11874 @noindent
11875 stores the value 4 into the variable @code{x}, and then prints the
11876 value of the assignment expression (which is 4).
11877 @xref{Languages, ,Using @value{GDBN} with Different Languages}, for more
11878 information on operators in supported languages.
11879
11880 @kindex set variable
11881 @cindex variables, setting
11882 If you are not interested in seeing the value of the assignment, use the
11883 @code{set} command instead of the @code{print} command. @code{set} is
11884 really the same as @code{print} except that the expression's value is
11885 not printed and is not put in the value history (@pxref{Value History,
11886 ,Value History}). The expression is evaluated only for its effects.
11887
11888 If the beginning of the argument string of the @code{set} command
11889 appears identical to a @code{set} subcommand, use the @code{set
11890 variable} command instead of just @code{set}. This command is identical
11891 to @code{set} except for its lack of subcommands. For example, if your
11892 program has a variable @code{width}, you get an error if you try to set
11893 a new value with just @samp{set width=13}, because @value{GDBN} has the
11894 command @code{set width}:
11895
11896 @smallexample
11897 (@value{GDBP}) whatis width
11898 type = double
11899 (@value{GDBP}) p width
11900 $4 = 13
11901 (@value{GDBP}) set width=47
11902 Invalid syntax in expression.
11903 @end smallexample
11904
11905 @noindent
11906 The invalid expression, of course, is @samp{=47}. In
11907 order to actually set the program's variable @code{width}, use
11908
11909 @smallexample
11910 (@value{GDBP}) set var width=47
11911 @end smallexample
11912
11913 Because the @code{set} command has many subcommands that can conflict
11914 with the names of program variables, it is a good idea to use the
11915 @code{set variable} command instead of just @code{set}. For example, if
11916 your program has a variable @code{g}, you run into problems if you try
11917 to set a new value with just @samp{set g=4}, because @value{GDBN} has
11918 the command @code{set gnutarget}, abbreviated @code{set g}:
11919
11920 @smallexample
11921 @group
11922 (@value{GDBP}) whatis g
11923 type = double
11924 (@value{GDBP}) p g
11925 $1 = 1
11926 (@value{GDBP}) set g=4
11927 (@value{GDBP}) p g
11928 $2 = 1
11929 (@value{GDBP}) r
11930 The program being debugged has been started already.
11931 Start it from the beginning? (y or n) y
11932 Starting program: /home/smith/cc_progs/a.out
11933 "/home/smith/cc_progs/a.out": can't open to read symbols:
11934 Invalid bfd target.
11935 (@value{GDBP}) show g
11936 The current BFD target is "=4".
11937 @end group
11938 @end smallexample
11939
11940 @noindent
11941 The program variable @code{g} did not change, and you silently set the
11942 @code{gnutarget} to an invalid value. In order to set the variable
11943 @code{g}, use
11944
11945 @smallexample
11946 (@value{GDBP}) set var g=4
11947 @end smallexample
11948
11949 @value{GDBN} allows more implicit conversions in assignments than C; you can
11950 freely store an integer value into a pointer variable or vice versa,
11951 and you can convert any structure to any other structure that is the
11952 same length or shorter.
11953 @comment FIXME: how do structs align/pad in these conversions?
11954 @comment /doc@cygnus.com 18dec1990
11955
11956 To store values into arbitrary places in memory, use the @samp{@{@dots{}@}}
11957 construct to generate a value of specified type at a specified address
11958 (@pxref{Expressions, ,Expressions}). For example, @code{@{int@}0x83040} refers
11959 to memory location @code{0x83040} as an integer (which implies a certain size
11960 and representation in memory), and
11961
11962 @smallexample
11963 set @{int@}0x83040 = 4
11964 @end smallexample
11965
11966 @noindent
11967 stores the value 4 into that memory location.
11968
11969 @node Jumping
11970 @section Continuing at a Different Address
11971
11972 Ordinarily, when you continue your program, you do so at the place where
11973 it stopped, with the @code{continue} command. You can instead continue at
11974 an address of your own choosing, with the following commands:
11975
11976 @table @code
11977 @kindex jump
11978 @item jump @var{linespec}
11979 @itemx jump @var{location}
11980 Resume execution at line @var{linespec} or at address given by
11981 @var{location}. Execution stops again immediately if there is a
11982 breakpoint there. @xref{Specify Location}, for a description of the
11983 different forms of @var{linespec} and @var{location}. It is common
11984 practice to use the @code{tbreak} command in conjunction with
11985 @code{jump}. @xref{Set Breaks, ,Setting Breakpoints}.
11986
11987 The @code{jump} command does not change the current stack frame, or
11988 the stack pointer, or the contents of any memory location or any
11989 register other than the program counter. If line @var{linespec} is in
11990 a different function from the one currently executing, the results may
11991 be bizarre if the two functions expect different patterns of arguments or
11992 of local variables. For this reason, the @code{jump} command requests
11993 confirmation if the specified line is not in the function currently
11994 executing. However, even bizarre results are predictable if you are
11995 well acquainted with the machine-language code of your program.
11996 @end table
11997
11998 @c Doesn't work on HP-UX; have to set $pcoqh and $pcoqt.
11999 On many systems, you can get much the same effect as the @code{jump}
12000 command by storing a new value into the register @code{$pc}. The
12001 difference is that this does not start your program running; it only
12002 changes the address of where it @emph{will} run when you continue. For
12003 example,
12004
12005 @smallexample
12006 set $pc = 0x485
12007 @end smallexample
12008
12009 @noindent
12010 makes the next @code{continue} command or stepping command execute at
12011 address @code{0x485}, rather than at the address where your program stopped.
12012 @xref{Continuing and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}.
12013
12014 The most common occasion to use the @code{jump} command is to back
12015 up---perhaps with more breakpoints set---over a portion of a program
12016 that has already executed, in order to examine its execution in more
12017 detail.
12018
12019 @c @group
12020 @node Signaling
12021 @section Giving your Program a Signal
12022 @cindex deliver a signal to a program
12023
12024 @table @code
12025 @kindex signal
12026 @item signal @var{signal}
12027 Resume execution where your program stopped, but immediately give it the
12028 signal @var{signal}. @var{signal} can be the name or the number of a
12029 signal. For example, on many systems @code{signal 2} and @code{signal
12030 SIGINT} are both ways of sending an interrupt signal.
12031
12032 Alternatively, if @var{signal} is zero, continue execution without
12033 giving a signal. This is useful when your program stopped on account of
12034 a signal and would ordinary see the signal when resumed with the
12035 @code{continue} command; @samp{signal 0} causes it to resume without a
12036 signal.
12037
12038 @code{signal} does not repeat when you press @key{RET} a second time
12039 after executing the command.
12040 @end table
12041 @c @end group
12042
12043 Invoking the @code{signal} command is not the same as invoking the
12044 @code{kill} utility from the shell. Sending a signal with @code{kill}
12045 causes @value{GDBN} to decide what to do with the signal depending on
12046 the signal handling tables (@pxref{Signals}). The @code{signal} command
12047 passes the signal directly to your program.
12048
12049
12050 @node Returning
12051 @section Returning from a Function
12052
12053 @table @code
12054 @cindex returning from a function
12055 @kindex return
12056 @item return
12057 @itemx return @var{expression}
12058 You can cancel execution of a function call with the @code{return}
12059 command. If you give an
12060 @var{expression} argument, its value is used as the function's return
12061 value.
12062 @end table
12063
12064 When you use @code{return}, @value{GDBN} discards the selected stack frame
12065 (and all frames within it). You can think of this as making the
12066 discarded frame return prematurely. If you wish to specify a value to
12067 be returned, give that value as the argument to @code{return}.
12068
12069 This pops the selected stack frame (@pxref{Selection, ,Selecting a
12070 Frame}), and any other frames inside of it, leaving its caller as the
12071 innermost remaining frame. That frame becomes selected. The
12072 specified value is stored in the registers used for returning values
12073 of functions.
12074
12075 The @code{return} command does not resume execution; it leaves the
12076 program stopped in the state that would exist if the function had just
12077 returned. In contrast, the @code{finish} command (@pxref{Continuing
12078 and Stepping, ,Continuing and Stepping}) resumes execution until the
12079 selected stack frame returns naturally.
12080
12081 @node Calling
12082 @section Calling Program Functions
12083
12084 @table @code
12085 @cindex calling functions
12086 @cindex inferior functions, calling
12087 @item print @var{expr}
12088 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} and display the resulting value.
12089 @var{expr} may include calls to functions in the program being
12090 debugged.
12091
12092 @kindex call
12093 @item call @var{expr}
12094 Evaluate the expression @var{expr} without displaying @code{void}
12095 returned values.
12096
12097 You can use this variant of the @code{print} command if you want to
12098 execute a function from your program that does not return anything
12099 (a.k.a.@: @dfn{a void function}), but without cluttering the output
12100 with @code{void} returned values that @value{GDBN} will otherwise
12101 print. If the result is not void, it is printed and saved in the
12102 value history.
12103 @end table
12104
12105 It is possible for the function you call via the @code{print} or
12106 @code{call} command to generate a signal (e.g., if there's a bug in
12107 the function, or if you passed it incorrect arguments). What happens
12108 in that case is controlled by the @code{set unwindonsignal} command.
12109
12110 @table @code
12111 @item set unwindonsignal
12112 @kindex set unwindonsignal
12113 @cindex unwind stack in called functions
12114 @cindex call dummy stack unwinding
12115 Set unwinding of the stack if a signal is received while in a function
12116 that @value{GDBN} called in the program being debugged. If set to on,
12117 @value{GDBN} unwinds the stack it created for the call and restores
12118 the context to what it was before the call. If set to off (the
12119 default), @value{GDBN} stops in the frame where the signal was
12120 received.
12121
12122 @item show unwindonsignal
12123 @kindex show unwindonsignal
12124 Show the current setting of stack unwinding in the functions called by
12125 @value{GDBN}.
12126 @end table
12127
12128 @cindex weak alias functions
12129 Sometimes, a function you wish to call is actually a @dfn{weak alias}
12130 for another function. In such case, @value{GDBN} might not pick up
12131 the type information, including the types of the function arguments,
12132 which causes @value{GDBN} to call the inferior function incorrectly.
12133 As a result, the called function will function erroneously and may
12134 even crash. A solution to that is to use the name of the aliased
12135 function instead.
12136
12137 @node Patching
12138 @section Patching Programs
12139
12140 @cindex patching binaries
12141 @cindex writing into executables
12142 @cindex writing into corefiles
12143
12144 By default, @value{GDBN} opens the file containing your program's
12145 executable code (or the corefile) read-only. This prevents accidental
12146 alterations to machine code; but it also prevents you from intentionally
12147 patching your program's binary.
12148
12149 If you'd like to be able to patch the binary, you can specify that
12150 explicitly with the @code{set write} command. For example, you might
12151 want to turn on internal debugging flags, or even to make emergency
12152 repairs.
12153
12154 @table @code
12155 @kindex set write
12156 @item set write on
12157 @itemx set write off
12158 If you specify @samp{set write on}, @value{GDBN} opens executable and
12159 core files for both reading and writing; if you specify @samp{set write
12160 off} (the default), @value{GDBN} opens them read-only.
12161
12162 If you have already loaded a file, you must load it again (using the
12163 @code{exec-file} or @code{core-file} command) after changing @code{set
12164 write}, for your new setting to take effect.
12165
12166 @item show write
12167 @kindex show write
12168 Display whether executable files and core files are opened for writing
12169 as well as reading.
12170 @end table
12171
12172 @node GDB Files
12173 @chapter @value{GDBN} Files
12174
12175 @value{GDBN} needs to know the file name of the program to be debugged,
12176 both in order to read its symbol table and in order to start your
12177 program. To debug a core dump of a previous run, you must also tell
12178 @value{GDBN} the name of the core dump file.
12179
12180 @menu
12181 * Files:: Commands to specify files
12182 * Separate Debug Files:: Debugging information in separate files
12183 * Symbol Errors:: Errors reading symbol files
12184 @end menu
12185
12186 @node Files
12187 @section Commands to Specify Files
12188
12189 @cindex symbol table
12190 @cindex core dump file
12191
12192 You may want to specify executable and core dump file names. The usual
12193 way to do this is at start-up time, using the arguments to
12194 @value{GDBN}'s start-up commands (@pxref{Invocation, , Getting In and
12195 Out of @value{GDBN}}).
12196
12197 Occasionally it is necessary to change to a different file during a
12198 @value{GDBN} session. Or you may run @value{GDBN} and forget to
12199 specify a file you want to use. Or you are debugging a remote target
12200 via @code{gdbserver} (@pxref{Server, file, Using the @code{gdbserver}
12201 Program}). In these situations the @value{GDBN} commands to specify
12202 new files are useful.
12203
12204 @table @code
12205 @cindex executable file
12206 @kindex file
12207 @item file @var{filename}
12208 Use @var{filename} as the program to be debugged. It is read for its
12209 symbols and for the contents of pure memory. It is also the program
12210 executed when you use the @code{run} command. If you do not specify a
12211 directory and the file is not found in the @value{GDBN} working directory,
12212 @value{GDBN} uses the environment variable @code{PATH} as a list of
12213 directories to search, just as the shell does when looking for a program
12214 to run. You can change the value of this variable, for both @value{GDBN}
12215 and your program, using the @code{path} command.
12216
12217 @cindex unlinked object files
12218 @cindex patching object files
12219 You can load unlinked object @file{.o} files into @value{GDBN} using
12220 the @code{file} command. You will not be able to ``run'' an object
12221 file, but you can disassemble functions and inspect variables. Also,
12222 if the underlying BFD functionality supports it, you could use
12223 @kbd{gdb -write} to patch object files using this technique. Note
12224 that @value{GDBN} can neither interpret nor modify relocations in this
12225 case, so branches and some initialized variables will appear to go to
12226 the wrong place. But this feature is still handy from time to time.
12227
12228 @item file
12229 @code{file} with no argument makes @value{GDBN} discard any information it
12230 has on both executable file and the symbol table.
12231
12232 @kindex exec-file
12233 @item exec-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
12234 Specify that the program to be run (but not the symbol table) is found
12235 in @var{filename}. @value{GDBN} searches the environment variable @code{PATH}
12236 if necessary to locate your program. Omitting @var{filename} means to
12237 discard information on the executable file.
12238
12239 @kindex symbol-file
12240 @item symbol-file @r{[} @var{filename} @r{]}
12241 Read symbol table information from file @var{filename}. @code{PATH} is
12242 searched when necessary. Use the @code{file} command to get both symbol
12243 table and program to run from the same file.
12244
12245 @code{symbol-file} with no argument clears out @value{GDBN} information on your
12246 program's symbol table.
12247
12248 The @code{symbol-file} command causes @value{GDBN} to forget the contents of
12249 some breakpoints and auto-display expressions. This is because they may
12250 contain pointers to the internal data recording symbols and data types,
12251 which are part of the old symbol table data being discarded inside
12252 @value{GDBN}.
12253
12254 @code{symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after
12255 executing it once.
12256
12257 When @value{GDBN} is configured for a particular environment, it
12258 understands debugging information in whatever format is the standard
12259 generated for that environment; you may use either a @sc{gnu} compiler, or
12260 other compilers that adhere to the local conventions.
12261 Best results are usually obtained from @sc{gnu} compilers; for example,
12262 using @code{@value{NGCC}} you can generate debugging information for
12263 optimized code.
12264
12265 For most kinds of object files, with the exception of old SVR3 systems
12266 using COFF, the @code{symbol-file} command does not normally read the
12267 symbol table in full right away. Instead, it scans the symbol table
12268 quickly to find which source files and which symbols are present. The
12269 details are read later, one source file at a time, as they are needed.
12270
12271 The purpose of this two-stage reading strategy is to make @value{GDBN}
12272 start up faster. For the most part, it is invisible except for
12273 occasional pauses while the symbol table details for a particular source
12274 file are being read. (The @code{set verbose} command can turn these
12275 pauses into messages if desired. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional
12276 Warnings and Messages}.)
12277
12278 We have not implemented the two-stage strategy for COFF yet. When the
12279 symbol table is stored in COFF format, @code{symbol-file} reads the
12280 symbol table data in full right away. Note that ``stabs-in-COFF''
12281 still does the two-stage strategy, since the debug info is actually
12282 in stabs format.
12283
12284 @kindex readnow
12285 @cindex reading symbols immediately
12286 @cindex symbols, reading immediately
12287 @item symbol-file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
12288 @itemx file @var{filename} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
12289 You can override the @value{GDBN} two-stage strategy for reading symbol
12290 tables by using the @samp{-readnow} option with any of the commands that
12291 load symbol table information, if you want to be sure @value{GDBN} has the
12292 entire symbol table available.
12293
12294 @c FIXME: for now no mention of directories, since this seems to be in
12295 @c flux. 13mar1992 status is that in theory GDB would look either in
12296 @c current dir or in same dir as myprog; but issues like competing
12297 @c GDB's, or clutter in system dirs, mean that in practice right now
12298 @c only current dir is used. FFish says maybe a special GDB hierarchy
12299 @c (eg rooted in val of env var GDBSYMS) could exist for mappable symbol
12300 @c files.
12301
12302 @kindex core-file
12303 @item core-file @r{[}@var{filename}@r{]}
12304 @itemx core
12305 Specify the whereabouts of a core dump file to be used as the ``contents
12306 of memory''. Traditionally, core files contain only some parts of the
12307 address space of the process that generated them; @value{GDBN} can access the
12308 executable file itself for other parts.
12309
12310 @code{core-file} with no argument specifies that no core file is
12311 to be used.
12312
12313 Note that the core file is ignored when your program is actually running
12314 under @value{GDBN}. So, if you have been running your program and you
12315 wish to debug a core file instead, you must kill the subprocess in which
12316 the program is running. To do this, use the @code{kill} command
12317 (@pxref{Kill Process, ,Killing the Child Process}).
12318
12319 @kindex add-symbol-file
12320 @cindex dynamic linking
12321 @item add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address}
12322 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @var{address} @r{[} -readnow @r{]}
12323 @itemx add-symbol-file @var{filename} @r{-s}@var{section} @var{address} @dots{}
12324 The @code{add-symbol-file} command reads additional symbol table
12325 information from the file @var{filename}. You would use this command
12326 when @var{filename} has been dynamically loaded (by some other means)
12327 into the program that is running. @var{address} should be the memory
12328 address at which the file has been loaded; @value{GDBN} cannot figure
12329 this out for itself. You can additionally specify an arbitrary number
12330 of @samp{@r{-s}@var{section} @var{address}} pairs, to give an explicit
12331 section name and base address for that section. You can specify any
12332 @var{address} as an expression.
12333
12334 The symbol table of the file @var{filename} is added to the symbol table
12335 originally read with the @code{symbol-file} command. You can use the
12336 @code{add-symbol-file} command any number of times; the new symbol data
12337 thus read keeps adding to the old. To discard all old symbol data
12338 instead, use the @code{symbol-file} command without any arguments.
12339
12340 @cindex relocatable object files, reading symbols from
12341 @cindex object files, relocatable, reading symbols from
12342 @cindex reading symbols from relocatable object files
12343 @cindex symbols, reading from relocatable object files
12344 @cindex @file{.o} files, reading symbols from
12345 Although @var{filename} is typically a shared library file, an
12346 executable file, or some other object file which has been fully
12347 relocated for loading into a process, you can also load symbolic
12348 information from relocatable @file{.o} files, as long as:
12349
12350 @itemize @bullet
12351 @item
12352 the file's symbolic information refers only to linker symbols defined in
12353 that file, not to symbols defined by other object files,
12354 @item
12355 every section the file's symbolic information refers to has actually
12356 been loaded into the inferior, as it appears in the file, and
12357 @item
12358 you can determine the address at which every section was loaded, and
12359 provide these to the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
12360 @end itemize
12361
12362 @noindent
12363 Some embedded operating systems, like Sun Chorus and VxWorks, can load
12364 relocatable files into an already running program; such systems
12365 typically make the requirements above easy to meet. However, it's
12366 important to recognize that many native systems use complex link
12367 procedures (@code{.linkonce} section factoring and C@t{++} constructor table
12368 assembly, for example) that make the requirements difficult to meet. In
12369 general, one cannot assume that using @code{add-symbol-file} to read a
12370 relocatable object file's symbolic information will have the same effect
12371 as linking the relocatable object file into the program in the normal
12372 way.
12373
12374 @code{add-symbol-file} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} after using it.
12375
12376 @kindex add-symbol-file-from-memory
12377 @cindex @code{syscall DSO}
12378 @cindex load symbols from memory
12379 @item add-symbol-file-from-memory @var{address}
12380 Load symbols from the given @var{address} in a dynamically loaded
12381 object file whose image is mapped directly into the inferior's memory.
12382 For example, the Linux kernel maps a @code{syscall DSO} into each
12383 process's address space; this DSO provides kernel-specific code for
12384 some system calls. The argument can be any expression whose
12385 evaluation yields the address of the file's shared object file header.
12386 For this command to work, you must have used @code{symbol-file} or
12387 @code{exec-file} commands in advance.
12388
12389 @kindex add-shared-symbol-files
12390 @kindex assf
12391 @item add-shared-symbol-files @var{library-file}
12392 @itemx assf @var{library-file}
12393 The @code{add-shared-symbol-files} command can currently be used only
12394 in the Cygwin build of @value{GDBN} on MS-Windows OS, where it is an
12395 alias for the @code{dll-symbols} command (@pxref{Cygwin Native}).
12396 @value{GDBN} automatically looks for shared libraries, however if
12397 @value{GDBN} does not find yours, you can invoke
12398 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}. It takes one argument: the shared
12399 library's file name. @code{assf} is a shorthand alias for
12400 @code{add-shared-symbol-files}.
12401
12402 @kindex section
12403 @item section @var{section} @var{addr}
12404 The @code{section} command changes the base address of the named
12405 @var{section} of the exec file to @var{addr}. This can be used if the
12406 exec file does not contain section addresses, (such as in the
12407 @code{a.out} format), or when the addresses specified in the file
12408 itself are wrong. Each section must be changed separately. The
12409 @code{info files} command, described below, lists all the sections and
12410 their addresses.
12411
12412 @kindex info files
12413 @kindex info target
12414 @item info files
12415 @itemx info target
12416 @code{info files} and @code{info target} are synonymous; both print the
12417 current target (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}),
12418 including the names of the executable and core dump files currently in
12419 use by @value{GDBN}, and the files from which symbols were loaded. The
12420 command @code{help target} lists all possible targets rather than
12421 current ones.
12422
12423 @kindex maint info sections
12424 @item maint info sections
12425 Another command that can give you extra information about program sections
12426 is @code{maint info sections}. In addition to the section information
12427 displayed by @code{info files}, this command displays the flags and file
12428 offset of each section in the executable and core dump files. In addition,
12429 @code{maint info sections} provides the following command options (which
12430 may be arbitrarily combined):
12431
12432 @table @code
12433 @item ALLOBJ
12434 Display sections for all loaded object files, including shared libraries.
12435 @item @var{sections}
12436 Display info only for named @var{sections}.
12437 @item @var{section-flags}
12438 Display info only for sections for which @var{section-flags} are true.
12439 The section flags that @value{GDBN} currently knows about are:
12440 @table @code
12441 @item ALLOC
12442 Section will have space allocated in the process when loaded.
12443 Set for all sections except those containing debug information.
12444 @item LOAD
12445 Section will be loaded from the file into the child process memory.
12446 Set for pre-initialized code and data, clear for @code{.bss} sections.
12447 @item RELOC
12448 Section needs to be relocated before loading.
12449 @item READONLY
12450 Section cannot be modified by the child process.
12451 @item CODE
12452 Section contains executable code only.
12453 @item DATA
12454 Section contains data only (no executable code).
12455 @item ROM
12456 Section will reside in ROM.
12457 @item CONSTRUCTOR
12458 Section contains data for constructor/destructor lists.
12459 @item HAS_CONTENTS
12460 Section is not empty.
12461 @item NEVER_LOAD
12462 An instruction to the linker to not output the section.
12463 @item COFF_SHARED_LIBRARY
12464 A notification to the linker that the section contains
12465 COFF shared library information.
12466 @item IS_COMMON
12467 Section contains common symbols.
12468 @end table
12469 @end table
12470 @kindex set trust-readonly-sections
12471 @cindex read-only sections
12472 @item set trust-readonly-sections on
12473 Tell @value{GDBN} that readonly sections in your object file
12474 really are read-only (i.e.@: that their contents will not change).
12475 In that case, @value{GDBN} can fetch values from these sections
12476 out of the object file, rather than from the target program.
12477 For some targets (notably embedded ones), this can be a significant
12478 enhancement to debugging performance.
12479
12480 The default is off.
12481
12482 @item set trust-readonly-sections off
12483 Tell @value{GDBN} not to trust readonly sections. This means that
12484 the contents of the section might change while the program is running,
12485 and must therefore be fetched from the target when needed.
12486
12487 @item show trust-readonly-sections
12488 Show the current setting of trusting readonly sections.
12489 @end table
12490
12491 All file-specifying commands allow both absolute and relative file names
12492 as arguments. @value{GDBN} always converts the file name to an absolute file
12493 name and remembers it that way.
12494
12495 @cindex shared libraries
12496 @anchor{Shared Libraries}
12497 @value{GDBN} supports @sc{gnu}/Linux, MS-Windows, HP-UX, SunOS, SVr4, Irix,
12498 and IBM RS/6000 AIX shared libraries.
12499
12500 On MS-Windows @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support
12501 shared libraries. @xref{Expat}.
12502
12503 @value{GDBN} automatically loads symbol definitions from shared libraries
12504 when you use the @code{run} command, or when you examine a core file.
12505 (Before you issue the @code{run} command, @value{GDBN} does not understand
12506 references to a function in a shared library, however---unless you are
12507 debugging a core file).
12508
12509 On HP-UX, if the program loads a library explicitly, @value{GDBN}
12510 automatically loads the symbols at the time of the @code{shl_load} call.
12511
12512 @c FIXME: some @value{GDBN} release may permit some refs to undef
12513 @c FIXME...symbols---eg in a break cmd---assuming they are from a shared
12514 @c FIXME...lib; check this from time to time when updating manual
12515
12516 There are times, however, when you may wish to not automatically load
12517 symbol definitions from shared libraries, such as when they are
12518 particularly large or there are many of them.
12519
12520 To control the automatic loading of shared library symbols, use the
12521 commands:
12522
12523 @table @code
12524 @kindex set auto-solib-add
12525 @item set auto-solib-add @var{mode}
12526 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, symbols from all shared object libraries
12527 will be loaded automatically when the inferior begins execution, you
12528 attach to an independently started inferior, or when the dynamic linker
12529 informs @value{GDBN} that a new library has been loaded. If @var{mode}
12530 is @code{off}, symbols must be loaded manually, using the
12531 @code{sharedlibrary} command. The default value is @code{on}.
12532
12533 @cindex memory used for symbol tables
12534 If your program uses lots of shared libraries with debug info that
12535 takes large amounts of memory, you can decrease the @value{GDBN}
12536 memory footprint by preventing it from automatically loading the
12537 symbols from shared libraries. To that end, type @kbd{set
12538 auto-solib-add off} before running the inferior, then load each
12539 library whose debug symbols you do need with @kbd{sharedlibrary
12540 @var{regexp}}, where @var{regexp} is a regular expression that matches
12541 the libraries whose symbols you want to be loaded.
12542
12543 @kindex show auto-solib-add
12544 @item show auto-solib-add
12545 Display the current autoloading mode.
12546 @end table
12547
12548 @cindex load shared library
12549 To explicitly load shared library symbols, use the @code{sharedlibrary}
12550 command:
12551
12552 @table @code
12553 @kindex info sharedlibrary
12554 @kindex info share
12555 @item info share
12556 @itemx info sharedlibrary
12557 Print the names of the shared libraries which are currently loaded.
12558
12559 @kindex sharedlibrary
12560 @kindex share
12561 @item sharedlibrary @var{regex}
12562 @itemx share @var{regex}
12563 Load shared object library symbols for files matching a
12564 Unix regular expression.
12565 As with files loaded automatically, it only loads shared libraries
12566 required by your program for a core file or after typing @code{run}. If
12567 @var{regex} is omitted all shared libraries required by your program are
12568 loaded.
12569
12570 @item nosharedlibrary
12571 @kindex nosharedlibrary
12572 @cindex unload symbols from shared libraries
12573 Unload all shared object library symbols. This discards all symbols
12574 that have been loaded from all shared libraries. Symbols from shared
12575 libraries that were loaded by explicit user requests are not
12576 discarded.
12577 @end table
12578
12579 Sometimes you may wish that @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control
12580 when any of shared library events happen. Use the @code{set
12581 stop-on-solib-events} command for this:
12582
12583 @table @code
12584 @item set stop-on-solib-events
12585 @kindex set stop-on-solib-events
12586 This command controls whether @value{GDBN} should give you control
12587 when the dynamic linker notifies it about some shared library event.
12588 The most common event of interest is loading or unloading of a new
12589 shared library.
12590
12591 @item show stop-on-solib-events
12592 @kindex show stop-on-solib-events
12593 Show whether @value{GDBN} stops and gives you control when shared
12594 library events happen.
12595 @end table
12596
12597 Shared libraries are also supported in many cross or remote debugging
12598 configurations. A copy of the target's libraries need to be present on the
12599 host system; they need to be the same as the target libraries, although the
12600 copies on the target can be stripped as long as the copies on the host are
12601 not.
12602
12603 @cindex where to look for shared libraries
12604 For remote debugging, you need to tell @value{GDBN} where the target
12605 libraries are, so that it can load the correct copies---otherwise, it
12606 may try to load the host's libraries. @value{GDBN} has two variables
12607 to specify the search directories for target libraries.
12608
12609 @table @code
12610 @cindex prefix for shared library file names
12611 @cindex system root, alternate
12612 @kindex set solib-absolute-prefix
12613 @kindex set sysroot
12614 @item set sysroot @var{path}
12615 Use @var{path} as the system root for the program being debugged. Any
12616 absolute shared library paths will be prefixed with @var{path}; many
12617 runtime loaders store the absolute paths to the shared library in the
12618 target program's memory. If you use @code{set sysroot} to find shared
12619 libraries, they need to be laid out in the same way that they are on
12620 the target, with e.g.@: a @file{/lib} and @file{/usr/lib} hierarchy
12621 under @var{path}.
12622
12623 The @code{set solib-absolute-prefix} command is an alias for @code{set
12624 sysroot}.
12625
12626 @cindex default system root
12627 @cindex @samp{--with-sysroot}
12628 You can set the default system root by using the configure-time
12629 @samp{--with-sysroot} option. If the system root is inside
12630 @value{GDBN}'s configured binary prefix (set with @samp{--prefix} or
12631 @samp{--exec-prefix}), then the default system root will be updated
12632 automatically if the installed @value{GDBN} is moved to a new
12633 location.
12634
12635 @kindex show sysroot
12636 @item show sysroot
12637 Display the current shared library prefix.
12638
12639 @kindex set solib-search-path
12640 @item set solib-search-path @var{path}
12641 If this variable is set, @var{path} is a colon-separated list of
12642 directories to search for shared libraries. @samp{solib-search-path}
12643 is used after @samp{sysroot} fails to locate the library, or if the
12644 path to the library is relative instead of absolute. If you want to
12645 use @samp{solib-search-path} instead of @samp{sysroot}, be sure to set
12646 @samp{sysroot} to a nonexistent directory to prevent @value{GDBN} from
12647 finding your host's libraries. @samp{sysroot} is preferred; setting
12648 it to a nonexistent directory may interfere with automatic loading
12649 of shared library symbols.
12650
12651 @kindex show solib-search-path
12652 @item show solib-search-path
12653 Display the current shared library search path.
12654 @end table
12655
12656
12657 @node Separate Debug Files
12658 @section Debugging Information in Separate Files
12659 @cindex separate debugging information files
12660 @cindex debugging information in separate files
12661 @cindex @file{.debug} subdirectories
12662 @cindex debugging information directory, global
12663 @cindex global debugging information directory
12664 @cindex build ID, and separate debugging files
12665 @cindex @file{.build-id} directory
12666
12667 @value{GDBN} allows you to put a program's debugging information in a
12668 file separate from the executable itself, in a way that allows
12669 @value{GDBN} to find and load the debugging information automatically.
12670 Since debugging information can be very large---sometimes larger
12671 than the executable code itself---some systems distribute debugging
12672 information for their executables in separate files, which users can
12673 install only when they need to debug a problem.
12674
12675 @value{GDBN} supports two ways of specifying the separate debug info
12676 file:
12677
12678 @itemize @bullet
12679 @item
12680 The executable contains a @dfn{debug link} that specifies the name of
12681 the separate debug info file. The separate debug file's name is
12682 usually @file{@var{executable}.debug}, where @var{executable} is the
12683 name of the corresponding executable file without leading directories
12684 (e.g., @file{ls.debug} for @file{/usr/bin/ls}). In addition, the
12685 debug link specifies a CRC32 checksum for the debug file, which
12686 @value{GDBN} uses to validate that the executable and the debug file
12687 came from the same build.
12688
12689 @item
12690 The executable contains a @dfn{build ID}, a unique bit string that is
12691 also present in the corresponding debug info file. (This is supported
12692 only on some operating systems, notably those which use the ELF format
12693 for binary files and the @sc{gnu} Binutils.) For more details about
12694 this feature, see the description of the @option{--build-id}
12695 command-line option in @ref{Options, , Command Line Options, ld.info,
12696 The GNU Linker}. The debug info file's name is not specified
12697 explicitly by the build ID, but can be computed from the build ID, see
12698 below.
12699 @end itemize
12700
12701 Depending on the way the debug info file is specified, @value{GDBN}
12702 uses two different methods of looking for the debug file:
12703
12704 @itemize @bullet
12705 @item
12706 For the ``debug link'' method, @value{GDBN} looks up the named file in
12707 the directory of the executable file, then in a subdirectory of that
12708 directory named @file{.debug}, and finally under the global debug
12709 directory, in a subdirectory whose name is identical to the leading
12710 directories of the executable's absolute file name.
12711
12712 @item
12713 For the ``build ID'' method, @value{GDBN} looks in the
12714 @file{.build-id} subdirectory of the global debug directory for a file
12715 named @file{@var{nn}/@var{nnnnnnnn}.debug}, where @var{nn} are the
12716 first 2 hex characters of the build ID bit string, and @var{nnnnnnnn}
12717 are the rest of the bit string. (Real build ID strings are 32 or more
12718 hex characters, not 10.)
12719 @end itemize
12720
12721 So, for example, suppose you ask @value{GDBN} to debug
12722 @file{/usr/bin/ls}, which has a debug link that specifies the
12723 file @file{ls.debug}, and a build ID whose value in hex is
12724 @code{abcdef1234}. If the global debug directory is
12725 @file{/usr/lib/debug}, then @value{GDBN} will look for the following
12726 debug information files, in the indicated order:
12727
12728 @itemize @minus
12729 @item
12730 @file{/usr/lib/debug/.build-id/ab/cdef1234.debug}
12731 @item
12732 @file{/usr/bin/ls.debug}
12733 @item
12734 @file{/usr/bin/.debug/ls.debug}
12735 @item
12736 @file{/usr/lib/debug/usr/bin/ls.debug}.
12737 @end itemize
12738
12739 You can set the global debugging info directory's name, and view the
12740 name @value{GDBN} is currently using.
12741
12742 @table @code
12743
12744 @kindex set debug-file-directory
12745 @item set debug-file-directory @var{directory}
12746 Set the directory which @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
12747 information files to @var{directory}.
12748
12749 @kindex show debug-file-directory
12750 @item show debug-file-directory
12751 Show the directory @value{GDBN} searches for separate debugging
12752 information files.
12753
12754 @end table
12755
12756 @cindex @code{.gnu_debuglink} sections
12757 @cindex debug link sections
12758 A debug link is a special section of the executable file named
12759 @code{.gnu_debuglink}. The section must contain:
12760
12761 @itemize
12762 @item
12763 A filename, with any leading directory components removed, followed by
12764 a zero byte,
12765 @item
12766 zero to three bytes of padding, as needed to reach the next four-byte
12767 boundary within the section, and
12768 @item
12769 a four-byte CRC checksum, stored in the same endianness used for the
12770 executable file itself. The checksum is computed on the debugging
12771 information file's full contents by the function given below, passing
12772 zero as the @var{crc} argument.
12773 @end itemize
12774
12775 Any executable file format can carry a debug link, as long as it can
12776 contain a section named @code{.gnu_debuglink} with the contents
12777 described above.
12778
12779 @cindex @code{.note.gnu.build-id} sections
12780 @cindex build ID sections
12781 The build ID is a special section in the executable file (and in other
12782 ELF binary files that @value{GDBN} may consider). This section is
12783 often named @code{.note.gnu.build-id}, but that name is not mandatory.
12784 It contains unique identification for the built files---the ID remains
12785 the same across multiple builds of the same build tree. The default
12786 algorithm SHA1 produces 160 bits (40 hexadecimal characters) of the
12787 content for the build ID string. The same section with an identical
12788 value is present in the original built binary with symbols, in its
12789 stripped variant, and in the separate debugging information file.
12790
12791 The debugging information file itself should be an ordinary
12792 executable, containing a full set of linker symbols, sections, and
12793 debugging information. The sections of the debugging information file
12794 should have the same names, addresses, and sizes as the original file,
12795 but they need not contain any data---much like a @code{.bss} section
12796 in an ordinary executable.
12797
12798 The @sc{gnu} binary utilities (Binutils) package includes the
12799 @samp{objcopy} utility that can produce
12800 the separated executable / debugging information file pairs using the
12801 following commands:
12802
12803 @smallexample
12804 @kbd{objcopy --only-keep-debug foo foo.debug}
12805 @kbd{strip -g foo}
12806 @end smallexample
12807
12808 @noindent
12809 These commands remove the debugging
12810 information from the executable file @file{foo} and place it in the file
12811 @file{foo.debug}. You can use the first, second or both methods to link the
12812 two files:
12813
12814 @itemize @bullet
12815 @item
12816 The debug link method needs the following additional command to also leave
12817 behind a debug link in @file{foo}:
12818
12819 @smallexample
12820 @kbd{objcopy --add-gnu-debuglink=foo.debug foo}
12821 @end smallexample
12822
12823 Ulrich Drepper's @file{elfutils} package, starting with version 0.53, contains
12824 a version of the @code{strip} command such that the command @kbd{strip foo -f
12825 foo.debug} has the same functionality as the two @code{objcopy} commands and
12826 the @code{ln -s} command above, together.
12827
12828 @item
12829 Build ID gets embedded into the main executable using @code{ld --build-id} or
12830 the @value{NGCC} counterpart @code{gcc -Wl,--build-id}. Build ID support plus
12831 compatibility fixes for debug files separation are present in @sc{gnu} binary
12832 utilities (Binutils) package since version 2.18.
12833 @end itemize
12834
12835 @noindent
12836
12837 Since there are many different ways to compute CRC's for the debug
12838 link (different polynomials, reversals, byte ordering, etc.), the
12839 simplest way to describe the CRC used in @code{.gnu_debuglink}
12840 sections is to give the complete code for a function that computes it:
12841
12842 @kindex gnu_debuglink_crc32
12843 @smallexample
12844 unsigned long
12845 gnu_debuglink_crc32 (unsigned long crc,
12846 unsigned char *buf, size_t len)
12847 @{
12848 static const unsigned long crc32_table[256] =
12849 @{
12850 0x00000000, 0x77073096, 0xee0e612c, 0x990951ba, 0x076dc419,
12851 0x706af48f, 0xe963a535, 0x9e6495a3, 0x0edb8832, 0x79dcb8a4,
12852 0xe0d5e91e, 0x97d2d988, 0x09b64c2b, 0x7eb17cbd, 0xe7b82d07,
12853 0x90bf1d91, 0x1db71064, 0x6ab020f2, 0xf3b97148, 0x84be41de,
12854 0x1adad47d, 0x6ddde4eb, 0xf4d4b551, 0x83d385c7, 0x136c9856,
12855 0x646ba8c0, 0xfd62f97a, 0x8a65c9ec, 0x14015c4f, 0x63066cd9,
12856 0xfa0f3d63, 0x8d080df5, 0x3b6e20c8, 0x4c69105e, 0xd56041e4,
12857 0xa2677172, 0x3c03e4d1, 0x4b04d447, 0xd20d85fd, 0xa50ab56b,
12858 0x35b5a8fa, 0x42b2986c, 0xdbbbc9d6, 0xacbcf940, 0x32d86ce3,
12859 0x45df5c75, 0xdcd60dcf, 0xabd13d59, 0x26d930ac, 0x51de003a,
12860 0xc8d75180, 0xbfd06116, 0x21b4f4b5, 0x56b3c423, 0xcfba9599,
12861 0xb8bda50f, 0x2802b89e, 0x5f058808, 0xc60cd9b2, 0xb10be924,
12862 0x2f6f7c87, 0x58684c11, 0xc1611dab, 0xb6662d3d, 0x76dc4190,
12863 0x01db7106, 0x98d220bc, 0xefd5102a, 0x71b18589, 0x06b6b51f,
12864 0x9fbfe4a5, 0xe8b8d433, 0x7807c9a2, 0x0f00f934, 0x9609a88e,
12865 0xe10e9818, 0x7f6a0dbb, 0x086d3d2d, 0x91646c97, 0xe6635c01,
12866 0x6b6b51f4, 0x1c6c6162, 0x856530d8, 0xf262004e, 0x6c0695ed,
12867 0x1b01a57b, 0x8208f4c1, 0xf50fc457, 0x65b0d9c6, 0x12b7e950,
12868 0x8bbeb8ea, 0xfcb9887c, 0x62dd1ddf, 0x15da2d49, 0x8cd37cf3,
12869 0xfbd44c65, 0x4db26158, 0x3ab551ce, 0xa3bc0074, 0xd4bb30e2,
12870 0x4adfa541, 0x3dd895d7, 0xa4d1c46d, 0xd3d6f4fb, 0x4369e96a,
12871 0x346ed9fc, 0xad678846, 0xda60b8d0, 0x44042d73, 0x33031de5,
12872 0xaa0a4c5f, 0xdd0d7cc9, 0x5005713c, 0x270241aa, 0xbe0b1010,
12873 0xc90c2086, 0x5768b525, 0x206f85b3, 0xb966d409, 0xce61e49f,
12874 0x5edef90e, 0x29d9c998, 0xb0d09822, 0xc7d7a8b4, 0x59b33d17,
12875 0x2eb40d81, 0xb7bd5c3b, 0xc0ba6cad, 0xedb88320, 0x9abfb3b6,
12876 0x03b6e20c, 0x74b1d29a, 0xead54739, 0x9dd277af, 0x04db2615,
12877 0x73dc1683, 0xe3630b12, 0x94643b84, 0x0d6d6a3e, 0x7a6a5aa8,
12878 0xe40ecf0b, 0x9309ff9d, 0x0a00ae27, 0x7d079eb1, 0xf00f9344,
12879 0x8708a3d2, 0x1e01f268, 0x6906c2fe, 0xf762575d, 0x806567cb,
12880 0x196c3671, 0x6e6b06e7, 0xfed41b76, 0x89d32be0, 0x10da7a5a,
12881 0x67dd4acc, 0xf9b9df6f, 0x8ebeeff9, 0x17b7be43, 0x60b08ed5,
12882 0xd6d6a3e8, 0xa1d1937e, 0x38d8c2c4, 0x4fdff252, 0xd1bb67f1,
12883 0xa6bc5767, 0x3fb506dd, 0x48b2364b, 0xd80d2bda, 0xaf0a1b4c,
12884 0x36034af6, 0x41047a60, 0xdf60efc3, 0xa867df55, 0x316e8eef,
12885 0x4669be79, 0xcb61b38c, 0xbc66831a, 0x256fd2a0, 0x5268e236,
12886 0xcc0c7795, 0xbb0b4703, 0x220216b9, 0x5505262f, 0xc5ba3bbe,
12887 0xb2bd0b28, 0x2bb45a92, 0x5cb36a04, 0xc2d7ffa7, 0xb5d0cf31,
12888 0x2cd99e8b, 0x5bdeae1d, 0x9b64c2b0, 0xec63f226, 0x756aa39c,
12889 0x026d930a, 0x9c0906a9, 0xeb0e363f, 0x72076785, 0x05005713,
12890 0x95bf4a82, 0xe2b87a14, 0x7bb12bae, 0x0cb61b38, 0x92d28e9b,
12891 0xe5d5be0d, 0x7cdcefb7, 0x0bdbdf21, 0x86d3d2d4, 0xf1d4e242,
12892 0x68ddb3f8, 0x1fda836e, 0x81be16cd, 0xf6b9265b, 0x6fb077e1,
12893 0x18b74777, 0x88085ae6, 0xff0f6a70, 0x66063bca, 0x11010b5c,
12894 0x8f659eff, 0xf862ae69, 0x616bffd3, 0x166ccf45, 0xa00ae278,
12895 0xd70dd2ee, 0x4e048354, 0x3903b3c2, 0xa7672661, 0xd06016f7,
12896 0x4969474d, 0x3e6e77db, 0xaed16a4a, 0xd9d65adc, 0x40df0b66,
12897 0x37d83bf0, 0xa9bcae53, 0xdebb9ec5, 0x47b2cf7f, 0x30b5ffe9,
12898 0xbdbdf21c, 0xcabac28a, 0x53b39330, 0x24b4a3a6, 0xbad03605,
12899 0xcdd70693, 0x54de5729, 0x23d967bf, 0xb3667a2e, 0xc4614ab8,
12900 0x5d681b02, 0x2a6f2b94, 0xb40bbe37, 0xc30c8ea1, 0x5a05df1b,
12901 0x2d02ef8d
12902 @};
12903 unsigned char *end;
12904
12905 crc = ~crc & 0xffffffff;
12906 for (end = buf + len; buf < end; ++buf)
12907 crc = crc32_table[(crc ^ *buf) & 0xff] ^ (crc >> 8);
12908 return ~crc & 0xffffffff;
12909 @}
12910 @end smallexample
12911
12912 @noindent
12913 This computation does not apply to the ``build ID'' method.
12914
12915
12916 @node Symbol Errors
12917 @section Errors Reading Symbol Files
12918
12919 While reading a symbol file, @value{GDBN} occasionally encounters problems,
12920 such as symbol types it does not recognize, or known bugs in compiler
12921 output. By default, @value{GDBN} does not notify you of such problems, since
12922 they are relatively common and primarily of interest to people
12923 debugging compilers. If you are interested in seeing information
12924 about ill-constructed symbol tables, you can either ask @value{GDBN} to print
12925 only one message about each such type of problem, no matter how many
12926 times the problem occurs; or you can ask @value{GDBN} to print more messages,
12927 to see how many times the problems occur, with the @code{set
12928 complaints} command (@pxref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
12929 Messages}).
12930
12931 The messages currently printed, and their meanings, include:
12932
12933 @table @code
12934 @item inner block not inside outer block in @var{symbol}
12935
12936 The symbol information shows where symbol scopes begin and end
12937 (such as at the start of a function or a block of statements). This
12938 error indicates that an inner scope block is not fully contained
12939 in its outer scope blocks.
12940
12941 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the inner block as if it had
12942 the same scope as the outer block. In the error message, @var{symbol}
12943 may be shown as ``@code{(don't know)}'' if the outer block is not a
12944 function.
12945
12946 @item block at @var{address} out of order
12947
12948 The symbol information for symbol scope blocks should occur in
12949 order of increasing addresses. This error indicates that it does not
12950 do so.
12951
12952 @value{GDBN} does not circumvent this problem, and has trouble
12953 locating symbols in the source file whose symbols it is reading. (You
12954 can often determine what source file is affected by specifying
12955 @code{set verbose on}. @xref{Messages/Warnings, ,Optional Warnings and
12956 Messages}.)
12957
12958 @item bad block start address patched
12959
12960 The symbol information for a symbol scope block has a start address
12961 smaller than the address of the preceding source line. This is known
12962 to occur in the SunOS 4.1.1 (and earlier) C compiler.
12963
12964 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by treating the symbol scope block as
12965 starting on the previous source line.
12966
12967 @item bad string table offset in symbol @var{n}
12968
12969 @cindex foo
12970 Symbol number @var{n} contains a pointer into the string table which is
12971 larger than the size of the string table.
12972
12973 @value{GDBN} circumvents the problem by considering the symbol to have the
12974 name @code{foo}, which may cause other problems if many symbols end up
12975 with this name.
12976
12977 @item unknown symbol type @code{0x@var{nn}}
12978
12979 The symbol information contains new data types that @value{GDBN} does
12980 not yet know how to read. @code{0x@var{nn}} is the symbol type of the
12981 uncomprehended information, in hexadecimal.
12982
12983 @value{GDBN} circumvents the error by ignoring this symbol information.
12984 This usually allows you to debug your program, though certain symbols
12985 are not accessible. If you encounter such a problem and feel like
12986 debugging it, you can debug @code{@value{GDBP}} with itself, breakpoint
12987 on @code{complain}, then go up to the function @code{read_dbx_symtab}
12988 and examine @code{*bufp} to see the symbol.
12989
12990 @item stub type has NULL name
12991
12992 @value{GDBN} could not find the full definition for a struct or class.
12993
12994 @item const/volatile indicator missing (ok if using g++ v1.x), got@dots{}
12995 The symbol information for a C@t{++} member function is missing some
12996 information that recent versions of the compiler should have output for
12997 it.
12998
12999 @item info mismatch between compiler and debugger
13000
13001 @value{GDBN} could not parse a type specification output by the compiler.
13002
13003 @end table
13004
13005 @node Targets
13006 @chapter Specifying a Debugging Target
13007
13008 @cindex debugging target
13009 A @dfn{target} is the execution environment occupied by your program.
13010
13011 Often, @value{GDBN} runs in the same host environment as your program;
13012 in that case, the debugging target is specified as a side effect when
13013 you use the @code{file} or @code{core} commands. When you need more
13014 flexibility---for example, running @value{GDBN} on a physically separate
13015 host, or controlling a standalone system over a serial port or a
13016 realtime system over a TCP/IP connection---you can use the @code{target}
13017 command to specify one of the target types configured for @value{GDBN}
13018 (@pxref{Target Commands, ,Commands for Managing Targets}).
13019
13020 @cindex target architecture
13021 It is possible to build @value{GDBN} for several different @dfn{target
13022 architectures}. When @value{GDBN} is built like that, you can choose
13023 one of the available architectures with the @kbd{set architecture}
13024 command.
13025
13026 @table @code
13027 @kindex set architecture
13028 @kindex show architecture
13029 @item set architecture @var{arch}
13030 This command sets the current target architecture to @var{arch}. The
13031 value of @var{arch} can be @code{"auto"}, in addition to one of the
13032 supported architectures.
13033
13034 @item show architecture
13035 Show the current target architecture.
13036
13037 @item set processor
13038 @itemx processor
13039 @kindex set processor
13040 @kindex show processor
13041 These are alias commands for, respectively, @code{set architecture}
13042 and @code{show architecture}.
13043 @end table
13044
13045 @menu
13046 * Active Targets:: Active targets
13047 * Target Commands:: Commands for managing targets
13048 * Byte Order:: Choosing target byte order
13049 @end menu
13050
13051 @node Active Targets
13052 @section Active Targets
13053
13054 @cindex stacking targets
13055 @cindex active targets
13056 @cindex multiple targets
13057
13058 There are three classes of targets: processes, core files, and
13059 executable files. @value{GDBN} can work concurrently on up to three
13060 active targets, one in each class. This allows you to (for example)
13061 start a process and inspect its activity without abandoning your work on
13062 a core file.
13063
13064 For example, if you execute @samp{gdb a.out}, then the executable file
13065 @code{a.out} is the only active target. If you designate a core file as
13066 well---presumably from a prior run that crashed and coredumped---then
13067 @value{GDBN} has two active targets and uses them in tandem, looking
13068 first in the corefile target, then in the executable file, to satisfy
13069 requests for memory addresses. (Typically, these two classes of target
13070 are complementary, since core files contain only a program's
13071 read-write memory---variables and so on---plus machine status, while
13072 executable files contain only the program text and initialized data.)
13073
13074 When you type @code{run}, your executable file becomes an active process
13075 target as well. When a process target is active, all @value{GDBN}
13076 commands requesting memory addresses refer to that target; addresses in
13077 an active core file or executable file target are obscured while the
13078 process target is active.
13079
13080 Use the @code{core-file} and @code{exec-file} commands to select a new
13081 core file or executable target (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify
13082 Files}). To specify as a target a process that is already running, use
13083 the @code{attach} command (@pxref{Attach, ,Debugging an Already-running
13084 Process}).
13085
13086 @node Target Commands
13087 @section Commands for Managing Targets
13088
13089 @table @code
13090 @item target @var{type} @var{parameters}
13091 Connects the @value{GDBN} host environment to a target machine or
13092 process. A target is typically a protocol for talking to debugging
13093 facilities. You use the argument @var{type} to specify the type or
13094 protocol of the target machine.
13095
13096 Further @var{parameters} are interpreted by the target protocol, but
13097 typically include things like device names or host names to connect
13098 with, process numbers, and baud rates.
13099
13100 The @code{target} command does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again
13101 after executing the command.
13102
13103 @kindex help target
13104 @item help target
13105 Displays the names of all targets available. To display targets
13106 currently selected, use either @code{info target} or @code{info files}
13107 (@pxref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}).
13108
13109 @item help target @var{name}
13110 Describe a particular target, including any parameters necessary to
13111 select it.
13112
13113 @kindex set gnutarget
13114 @item set gnutarget @var{args}
13115 @value{GDBN} uses its own library BFD to read your files. @value{GDBN}
13116 knows whether it is reading an @dfn{executable},
13117 a @dfn{core}, or a @dfn{.o} file; however, you can specify the file format
13118 with the @code{set gnutarget} command. Unlike most @code{target} commands,
13119 with @code{gnutarget} the @code{target} refers to a program, not a machine.
13120
13121 @quotation
13122 @emph{Warning:} To specify a file format with @code{set gnutarget},
13123 you must know the actual BFD name.
13124 @end quotation
13125
13126 @noindent
13127 @xref{Files, , Commands to Specify Files}.
13128
13129 @kindex show gnutarget
13130 @item show gnutarget
13131 Use the @code{show gnutarget} command to display what file format
13132 @code{gnutarget} is set to read. If you have not set @code{gnutarget},
13133 @value{GDBN} will determine the file format for each file automatically,
13134 and @code{show gnutarget} displays @samp{The current BDF target is "auto"}.
13135 @end table
13136
13137 @cindex common targets
13138 Here are some common targets (available, or not, depending on the GDB
13139 configuration):
13140
13141 @table @code
13142 @kindex target
13143 @item target exec @var{program}
13144 @cindex executable file target
13145 An executable file. @samp{target exec @var{program}} is the same as
13146 @samp{exec-file @var{program}}.
13147
13148 @item target core @var{filename}
13149 @cindex core dump file target
13150 A core dump file. @samp{target core @var{filename}} is the same as
13151 @samp{core-file @var{filename}}.
13152
13153 @item target remote @var{medium}
13154 @cindex remote target
13155 A remote system connected to @value{GDBN} via a serial line or network
13156 connection. This command tells @value{GDBN} to use its own remote
13157 protocol over @var{medium} for debugging. @xref{Remote Debugging}.
13158
13159 For example, if you have a board connected to @file{/dev/ttya} on the
13160 machine running @value{GDBN}, you could say:
13161
13162 @smallexample
13163 target remote /dev/ttya
13164 @end smallexample
13165
13166 @code{target remote} supports the @code{load} command. This is only
13167 useful if you have some other way of getting the stub to the target
13168 system, and you can put it somewhere in memory where it won't get
13169 clobbered by the download.
13170
13171 @item target sim
13172 @cindex built-in simulator target
13173 Builtin CPU simulator. @value{GDBN} includes simulators for most architectures.
13174 In general,
13175 @smallexample
13176 target sim
13177 load
13178 run
13179 @end smallexample
13180 @noindent
13181 works; however, you cannot assume that a specific memory map, device
13182 drivers, or even basic I/O is available, although some simulators do
13183 provide these. For info about any processor-specific simulator details,
13184 see the appropriate section in @ref{Embedded Processors, ,Embedded
13185 Processors}.
13186
13187 @end table
13188
13189 Some configurations may include these targets as well:
13190
13191 @table @code
13192
13193 @item target nrom @var{dev}
13194 @cindex NetROM ROM emulator target
13195 NetROM ROM emulator. This target only supports downloading.
13196
13197 @end table
13198
13199 Different targets are available on different configurations of @value{GDBN};
13200 your configuration may have more or fewer targets.
13201
13202 Many remote targets require you to download the executable's code once
13203 you've successfully established a connection. You may wish to control
13204 various aspects of this process.
13205
13206 @table @code
13207
13208 @item set hash
13209 @kindex set hash@r{, for remote monitors}
13210 @cindex hash mark while downloading
13211 This command controls whether a hash mark @samp{#} is displayed while
13212 downloading a file to the remote monitor. If on, a hash mark is
13213 displayed after each S-record is successfully downloaded to the
13214 monitor.
13215
13216 @item show hash
13217 @kindex show hash@r{, for remote monitors}
13218 Show the current status of displaying the hash mark.
13219
13220 @item set debug monitor
13221 @kindex set debug monitor
13222 @cindex display remote monitor communications
13223 Enable or disable display of communications messages between
13224 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
13225
13226 @item show debug monitor
13227 @kindex show debug monitor
13228 Show the current status of displaying communications between
13229 @value{GDBN} and the remote monitor.
13230 @end table
13231
13232 @table @code
13233
13234 @kindex load @var{filename}
13235 @item load @var{filename}
13236 @anchor{load}
13237 Depending on what remote debugging facilities are configured into
13238 @value{GDBN}, the @code{load} command may be available. Where it exists, it
13239 is meant to make @var{filename} (an executable) available for debugging
13240 on the remote system---by downloading, or dynamic linking, for example.
13241 @code{load} also records the @var{filename} symbol table in @value{GDBN}, like
13242 the @code{add-symbol-file} command.
13243
13244 If your @value{GDBN} does not have a @code{load} command, attempting to
13245 execute it gets the error message ``@code{You can't do that when your
13246 target is @dots{}}''
13247
13248 The file is loaded at whatever address is specified in the executable.
13249 For some object file formats, you can specify the load address when you
13250 link the program; for other formats, like a.out, the object file format
13251 specifies a fixed address.
13252 @c FIXME! This would be a good place for an xref to the GNU linker doc.
13253
13254 Depending on the remote side capabilities, @value{GDBN} may be able to
13255 load programs into flash memory.
13256
13257 @code{load} does not repeat if you press @key{RET} again after using it.
13258 @end table
13259
13260 @node Byte Order
13261 @section Choosing Target Byte Order
13262
13263 @cindex choosing target byte order
13264 @cindex target byte order
13265
13266 Some types of processors, such as the MIPS, PowerPC, and Renesas SH,
13267 offer the ability to run either big-endian or little-endian byte
13268 orders. Usually the executable or symbol will include a bit to
13269 designate the endian-ness, and you will not need to worry about
13270 which to use. However, you may still find it useful to adjust
13271 @value{GDBN}'s idea of processor endian-ness manually.
13272
13273 @table @code
13274 @kindex set endian
13275 @item set endian big
13276 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is big-endian.
13277
13278 @item set endian little
13279 Instruct @value{GDBN} to assume the target is little-endian.
13280
13281 @item set endian auto
13282 Instruct @value{GDBN} to use the byte order associated with the
13283 executable.
13284
13285 @item show endian
13286 Display @value{GDBN}'s current idea of the target byte order.
13287
13288 @end table
13289
13290 Note that these commands merely adjust interpretation of symbolic
13291 data on the host, and that they have absolutely no effect on the
13292 target system.
13293
13294
13295 @node Remote Debugging
13296 @chapter Debugging Remote Programs
13297 @cindex remote debugging
13298
13299 If you are trying to debug a program running on a machine that cannot run
13300 @value{GDBN} in the usual way, it is often useful to use remote debugging.
13301 For example, you might use remote debugging on an operating system kernel,
13302 or on a small system which does not have a general purpose operating system
13303 powerful enough to run a full-featured debugger.
13304
13305 Some configurations of @value{GDBN} have special serial or TCP/IP interfaces
13306 to make this work with particular debugging targets. In addition,
13307 @value{GDBN} comes with a generic serial protocol (specific to @value{GDBN},
13308 but not specific to any particular target system) which you can use if you
13309 write the remote stubs---the code that runs on the remote system to
13310 communicate with @value{GDBN}.
13311
13312 Other remote targets may be available in your
13313 configuration of @value{GDBN}; use @code{help target} to list them.
13314
13315 @menu
13316 * Connecting:: Connecting to a remote target
13317 * File Transfer:: Sending files to a remote system
13318 * Server:: Using the gdbserver program
13319 * Remote Configuration:: Remote configuration
13320 * Remote Stub:: Implementing a remote stub
13321 @end menu
13322
13323 @node Connecting
13324 @section Connecting to a Remote Target
13325
13326 On the @value{GDBN} host machine, you will need an unstripped copy of
13327 your program, since @value{GDBN} needs symbol and debugging information.
13328 Start up @value{GDBN} as usual, using the name of the local copy of your
13329 program as the first argument.
13330
13331 @cindex @code{target remote}
13332 @value{GDBN} can communicate with the target over a serial line, or
13333 over an @acronym{IP} network using @acronym{TCP} or @acronym{UDP}. In
13334 each case, @value{GDBN} uses the same protocol for debugging your
13335 program; only the medium carrying the debugging packets varies. The
13336 @code{target remote} command establishes a connection to the target.
13337 Its arguments indicate which medium to use:
13338
13339 @table @code
13340
13341 @item target remote @var{serial-device}
13342 @cindex serial line, @code{target remote}
13343 Use @var{serial-device} to communicate with the target. For example,
13344 to use a serial line connected to the device named @file{/dev/ttyb}:
13345
13346 @smallexample
13347 target remote /dev/ttyb
13348 @end smallexample
13349
13350 If you're using a serial line, you may want to give @value{GDBN} the
13351 @w{@samp{--baud}} option, or use the @code{set remotebaud} command
13352 (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remotebaud}) before the
13353 @code{target} command.
13354
13355 @item target remote @code{@var{host}:@var{port}}
13356 @itemx target remote @code{tcp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
13357 @cindex @acronym{TCP} port, @code{target remote}
13358 Debug using a @acronym{TCP} connection to @var{port} on @var{host}.
13359 The @var{host} may be either a host name or a numeric @acronym{IP}
13360 address; @var{port} must be a decimal number. The @var{host} could be
13361 the target machine itself, if it is directly connected to the net, or
13362 it might be a terminal server which in turn has a serial line to the
13363 target.
13364
13365 For example, to connect to port 2828 on a terminal server named
13366 @code{manyfarms}:
13367
13368 @smallexample
13369 target remote manyfarms:2828
13370 @end smallexample
13371
13372 If your remote target is actually running on the same machine as your
13373 debugger session (e.g.@: a simulator for your target running on the
13374 same host), you can omit the hostname. For example, to connect to
13375 port 1234 on your local machine:
13376
13377 @smallexample
13378 target remote :1234
13379 @end smallexample
13380 @noindent
13381
13382 Note that the colon is still required here.
13383
13384 @item target remote @code{udp:@var{host}:@var{port}}
13385 @cindex @acronym{UDP} port, @code{target remote}
13386 Debug using @acronym{UDP} packets to @var{port} on @var{host}. For example, to
13387 connect to @acronym{UDP} port 2828 on a terminal server named @code{manyfarms}:
13388
13389 @smallexample
13390 target remote udp:manyfarms:2828
13391 @end smallexample
13392
13393 When using a @acronym{UDP} connection for remote debugging, you should
13394 keep in mind that the `U' stands for ``Unreliable''. @acronym{UDP}
13395 can silently drop packets on busy or unreliable networks, which will
13396 cause havoc with your debugging session.
13397
13398 @item target remote | @var{command}
13399 @cindex pipe, @code{target remote} to
13400 Run @var{command} in the background and communicate with it using a
13401 pipe. The @var{command} is a shell command, to be parsed and expanded
13402 by the system's command shell, @code{/bin/sh}; it should expect remote
13403 protocol packets on its standard input, and send replies on its
13404 standard output. You could use this to run a stand-alone simulator
13405 that speaks the remote debugging protocol, to make net connections
13406 using programs like @code{ssh}, or for other similar tricks.
13407
13408 If @var{command} closes its standard output (perhaps by exiting),
13409 @value{GDBN} will try to send it a @code{SIGTERM} signal. (If the
13410 program has already exited, this will have no effect.)
13411
13412 @end table
13413
13414 Once the connection has been established, you can use all the usual
13415 commands to examine and change data. The remote program is already
13416 running; you can use @kbd{step} and @kbd{continue}, and you do not
13417 need to use @kbd{run}.
13418
13419 @cindex interrupting remote programs
13420 @cindex remote programs, interrupting
13421 Whenever @value{GDBN} is waiting for the remote program, if you type the
13422 interrupt character (often @kbd{Ctrl-c}), @value{GDBN} attempts to stop the
13423 program. This may or may not succeed, depending in part on the hardware
13424 and the serial drivers the remote system uses. If you type the
13425 interrupt character once again, @value{GDBN} displays this prompt:
13426
13427 @smallexample
13428 Interrupted while waiting for the program.
13429 Give up (and stop debugging it)? (y or n)
13430 @end smallexample
13431
13432 If you type @kbd{y}, @value{GDBN} abandons the remote debugging session.
13433 (If you decide you want to try again later, you can use @samp{target
13434 remote} again to connect once more.) If you type @kbd{n}, @value{GDBN}
13435 goes back to waiting.
13436
13437 @table @code
13438 @kindex detach (remote)
13439 @item detach
13440 When you have finished debugging the remote program, you can use the
13441 @code{detach} command to release it from @value{GDBN} control.
13442 Detaching from the target normally resumes its execution, but the results
13443 will depend on your particular remote stub. After the @code{detach}
13444 command, @value{GDBN} is free to connect to another target.
13445
13446 @kindex disconnect
13447 @item disconnect
13448 The @code{disconnect} command behaves like @code{detach}, except that
13449 the target is generally not resumed. It will wait for @value{GDBN}
13450 (this instance or another one) to connect and continue debugging. After
13451 the @code{disconnect} command, @value{GDBN} is again free to connect to
13452 another target.
13453
13454 @cindex send command to remote monitor
13455 @cindex extend @value{GDBN} for remote targets
13456 @cindex add new commands for external monitor
13457 @kindex monitor
13458 @item monitor @var{cmd}
13459 This command allows you to send arbitrary commands directly to the
13460 remote monitor. Since @value{GDBN} doesn't care about the commands it
13461 sends like this, this command is the way to extend @value{GDBN}---you
13462 can add new commands that only the external monitor will understand
13463 and implement.
13464 @end table
13465
13466 @node File Transfer
13467 @section Sending files to a remote system
13468 @cindex remote target, file transfer
13469 @cindex file transfer
13470 @cindex sending files to remote systems
13471
13472 Some remote targets offer the ability to transfer files over the same
13473 connection used to communicate with @value{GDBN}. This is convenient
13474 for targets accessible through other means, e.g.@: @sc{gnu}/Linux systems
13475 running @code{gdbserver} over a network interface. For other targets,
13476 e.g.@: embedded devices with only a single serial port, this may be
13477 the only way to upload or download files.
13478
13479 Not all remote targets support these commands.
13480
13481 @table @code
13482 @kindex remote put
13483 @item remote put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
13484 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
13485 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
13486
13487 @kindex remote get
13488 @item remote get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
13489 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
13490 on the host system.
13491
13492 @kindex remote delete
13493 @item remote delete @var{targetfile}
13494 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
13495
13496 @end table
13497
13498 @node Server
13499 @section Using the @code{gdbserver} Program
13500
13501 @kindex gdbserver
13502 @cindex remote connection without stubs
13503 @code{gdbserver} is a control program for Unix-like systems, which
13504 allows you to connect your program with a remote @value{GDBN} via
13505 @code{target remote}---but without linking in the usual debugging stub.
13506
13507 @code{gdbserver} is not a complete replacement for the debugging stubs,
13508 because it requires essentially the same operating-system facilities
13509 that @value{GDBN} itself does. In fact, a system that can run
13510 @code{gdbserver} to connect to a remote @value{GDBN} could also run
13511 @value{GDBN} locally! @code{gdbserver} is sometimes useful nevertheless,
13512 because it is a much smaller program than @value{GDBN} itself. It is
13513 also easier to port than all of @value{GDBN}, so you may be able to get
13514 started more quickly on a new system by using @code{gdbserver}.
13515 Finally, if you develop code for real-time systems, you may find that
13516 the tradeoffs involved in real-time operation make it more convenient to
13517 do as much development work as possible on another system, for example
13518 by cross-compiling. You can use @code{gdbserver} to make a similar
13519 choice for debugging.
13520
13521 @value{GDBN} and @code{gdbserver} communicate via either a serial line
13522 or a TCP connection, using the standard @value{GDBN} remote serial
13523 protocol.
13524
13525 @quotation
13526 @emph{Warning:} @code{gdbserver} does not have any built-in security.
13527 Do not run @code{gdbserver} connected to any public network; a
13528 @value{GDBN} connection to @code{gdbserver} provides access to the
13529 target system with the same privileges as the user running
13530 @code{gdbserver}.
13531 @end quotation
13532
13533 @subsection Running @code{gdbserver}
13534 @cindex arguments, to @code{gdbserver}
13535
13536 Run @code{gdbserver} on the target system. You need a copy of the
13537 program you want to debug, including any libraries it requires.
13538 @code{gdbserver} does not need your program's symbol table, so you can
13539 strip the program if necessary to save space. @value{GDBN} on the host
13540 system does all the symbol handling.
13541
13542 To use the server, you must tell it how to communicate with @value{GDBN};
13543 the name of your program; and the arguments for your program. The usual
13544 syntax is:
13545
13546 @smallexample
13547 target> gdbserver @var{comm} @var{program} [ @var{args} @dots{} ]
13548 @end smallexample
13549
13550 @var{comm} is either a device name (to use a serial line) or a TCP
13551 hostname and portnumber. For example, to debug Emacs with the argument
13552 @samp{foo.txt} and communicate with @value{GDBN} over the serial port
13553 @file{/dev/com1}:
13554
13555 @smallexample
13556 target> gdbserver /dev/com1 emacs foo.txt
13557 @end smallexample
13558
13559 @code{gdbserver} waits passively for the host @value{GDBN} to communicate
13560 with it.
13561
13562 To use a TCP connection instead of a serial line:
13563
13564 @smallexample
13565 target> gdbserver host:2345 emacs foo.txt
13566 @end smallexample
13567
13568 The only difference from the previous example is the first argument,
13569 specifying that you are communicating with the host @value{GDBN} via
13570 TCP. The @samp{host:2345} argument means that @code{gdbserver} is to
13571 expect a TCP connection from machine @samp{host} to local TCP port 2345.
13572 (Currently, the @samp{host} part is ignored.) You can choose any number
13573 you want for the port number as long as it does not conflict with any
13574 TCP ports already in use on the target system (for example, @code{23} is
13575 reserved for @code{telnet}).@footnote{If you choose a port number that
13576 conflicts with another service, @code{gdbserver} prints an error message
13577 and exits.} You must use the same port number with the host @value{GDBN}
13578 @code{target remote} command.
13579
13580 @subsubsection Attaching to a Running Program
13581
13582 On some targets, @code{gdbserver} can also attach to running programs.
13583 This is accomplished via the @code{--attach} argument. The syntax is:
13584
13585 @smallexample
13586 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} @var{pid}
13587 @end smallexample
13588
13589 @var{pid} is the process ID of a currently running process. It isn't necessary
13590 to point @code{gdbserver} at a binary for the running process.
13591
13592 @pindex pidof
13593 @cindex attach to a program by name
13594 You can debug processes by name instead of process ID if your target has the
13595 @code{pidof} utility:
13596
13597 @smallexample
13598 target> gdbserver --attach @var{comm} `pidof @var{program}`
13599 @end smallexample
13600
13601 In case more than one copy of @var{program} is running, or @var{program}
13602 has multiple threads, most versions of @code{pidof} support the
13603 @code{-s} option to only return the first process ID.
13604
13605 @subsubsection Multi-Process Mode for @code{gdbserver}
13606 @cindex gdbserver, multiple processes
13607 @cindex multiple processes with gdbserver
13608
13609 When you connect to @code{gdbserver} using @code{target remote},
13610 @code{gdbserver} debugs the specified program only once. When the
13611 program exits, or you detach from it, @value{GDBN} closes the connection
13612 and @code{gdbserver} exits.
13613
13614 If you connect using @kbd{target extended-remote}, @code{gdbserver}
13615 enters multi-process mode. When the debugged program exits, or you
13616 detach from it, @value{GDBN} stays connected to @code{gdbserver} even
13617 though no program is running. The @code{run} and @code{attach}
13618 commands instruct @code{gdbserver} to run or attach to a new program.
13619 The @code{run} command uses @code{set remote exec-file} (@pxref{set
13620 remote exec-file}) to select the program to run. Command line
13621 arguments are supported, except for wildcard expansion and I/O
13622 redirection (@pxref{Arguments}).
13623
13624 To start @code{gdbserver} without supplying an initial command to run
13625 or process ID to attach, use the @option{--multi} command line option.
13626 Then you can connect using @kbd{target extended-remote} and start
13627 the program you want to debug.
13628
13629 @code{gdbserver} does not automatically exit in multi-process mode.
13630 You can terminate it by using @code{monitor exit}
13631 (@pxref{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}).
13632
13633 @subsubsection Other Command-Line Arguments for @code{gdbserver}
13634
13635 You can include @option{--debug} on the @code{gdbserver} command line.
13636 @code{gdbserver} will display extra status information about the debugging
13637 process. This option is intended for @code{gdbserver} development and
13638 for bug reports to the developers.
13639
13640 The @option{--wrapper} option specifies a wrapper to launch programs
13641 for debugging. The option should be followed by the name of the
13642 wrapper, then any command-line arguments to pass to the wrapper, then
13643 @kbd{--} indicating the end of the wrapper arguments.
13644
13645 @code{gdbserver} runs the specified wrapper program with a combined
13646 command line including the wrapper arguments, then the name of the
13647 program to debug, then any arguments to the program. The wrapper
13648 runs until it executes your program, and then @value{GDBN} gains control.
13649
13650 You can use any program that eventually calls @code{execve} with
13651 its arguments as a wrapper. Several standard Unix utilities do
13652 this, e.g.@: @code{env} and @code{nohup}. Any Unix shell script ending
13653 with @code{exec "$@@"} will also work.
13654
13655 For example, you can use @code{env} to pass an environment variable to
13656 the debugged program, without setting the variable in @code{gdbserver}'s
13657 environment:
13658
13659 @smallexample
13660 $ gdbserver --wrapper env LD_PRELOAD=libtest.so -- :2222 ./testprog
13661 @end smallexample
13662
13663 @subsection Connecting to @code{gdbserver}
13664
13665 Run @value{GDBN} on the host system.
13666
13667 First make sure you have the necessary symbol files. Load symbols for
13668 your application using the @code{file} command before you connect. Use
13669 @code{set sysroot} to locate target libraries (unless your @value{GDBN}
13670 was compiled with the correct sysroot using @code{--with-sysroot}).
13671
13672 The symbol file and target libraries must exactly match the executable
13673 and libraries on the target, with one exception: the files on the host
13674 system should not be stripped, even if the files on the target system
13675 are. Mismatched or missing files will lead to confusing results
13676 during debugging. On @sc{gnu}/Linux targets, mismatched or missing
13677 files may also prevent @code{gdbserver} from debugging multi-threaded
13678 programs.
13679
13680 Connect to your target (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
13681 For TCP connections, you must start up @code{gdbserver} prior to using
13682 the @code{target remote} command. Otherwise you may get an error whose
13683 text depends on the host system, but which usually looks something like
13684 @samp{Connection refused}. Don't use the @code{load}
13685 command in @value{GDBN} when using @code{gdbserver}, since the program is
13686 already on the target.
13687
13688 @subsection Monitor Commands for @code{gdbserver}
13689 @cindex monitor commands, for @code{gdbserver}
13690 @anchor{Monitor Commands for gdbserver}
13691
13692 During a @value{GDBN} session using @code{gdbserver}, you can use the
13693 @code{monitor} command to send special requests to @code{gdbserver}.
13694 Here are the available commands.
13695
13696 @table @code
13697 @item monitor help
13698 List the available monitor commands.
13699
13700 @item monitor set debug 0
13701 @itemx monitor set debug 1
13702 Disable or enable general debugging messages.
13703
13704 @item monitor set remote-debug 0
13705 @itemx monitor set remote-debug 1
13706 Disable or enable specific debugging messages associated with the remote
13707 protocol (@pxref{Remote Protocol}).
13708
13709 @item monitor exit
13710 Tell gdbserver to exit immediately. This command should be followed by
13711 @code{disconnect} to close the debugging session. @code{gdbserver} will
13712 detach from any attached processes and kill any processes it created.
13713 Use @code{monitor exit} to terminate @code{gdbserver} at the end
13714 of a multi-process mode debug session.
13715
13716 @end table
13717
13718 @node Remote Configuration
13719 @section Remote Configuration
13720
13721 @kindex set remote
13722 @kindex show remote
13723 This section documents the configuration options available when
13724 debugging remote programs. For the options related to the File I/O
13725 extensions of the remote protocol, see @ref{system,
13726 system-call-allowed}.
13727
13728 @table @code
13729 @item set remoteaddresssize @var{bits}
13730 @cindex address size for remote targets
13731 @cindex bits in remote address
13732 Set the maximum size of address in a memory packet to the specified
13733 number of bits. @value{GDBN} will mask off the address bits above
13734 that number, when it passes addresses to the remote target. The
13735 default value is the number of bits in the target's address.
13736
13737 @item show remoteaddresssize
13738 Show the current value of remote address size in bits.
13739
13740 @item set remotebaud @var{n}
13741 @cindex baud rate for remote targets
13742 Set the baud rate for the remote serial I/O to @var{n} baud. The
13743 value is used to set the speed of the serial port used for debugging
13744 remote targets.
13745
13746 @item show remotebaud
13747 Show the current speed of the remote connection.
13748
13749 @item set remotebreak
13750 @cindex interrupt remote programs
13751 @cindex BREAK signal instead of Ctrl-C
13752 @anchor{set remotebreak}
13753 If set to on, @value{GDBN} sends a @code{BREAK} signal to the remote
13754 when you type @kbd{Ctrl-c} to interrupt the program running
13755 on the remote. If set to off, @value{GDBN} sends the @samp{Ctrl-C}
13756 character instead. The default is off, since most remote systems
13757 expect to see @samp{Ctrl-C} as the interrupt signal.
13758
13759 @item show remotebreak
13760 Show whether @value{GDBN} sends @code{BREAK} or @samp{Ctrl-C} to
13761 interrupt the remote program.
13762
13763 @item set remoteflow on
13764 @itemx set remoteflow off
13765 @kindex set remoteflow
13766 Enable or disable hardware flow control (@code{RTS}/@code{CTS})
13767 on the serial port used to communicate to the remote target.
13768
13769 @item show remoteflow
13770 @kindex show remoteflow
13771 Show the current setting of hardware flow control.
13772
13773 @item set remotelogbase @var{base}
13774 Set the base (a.k.a.@: radix) of logging serial protocol
13775 communications to @var{base}. Supported values of @var{base} are:
13776 @code{ascii}, @code{octal}, and @code{hex}. The default is
13777 @code{ascii}.
13778
13779 @item show remotelogbase
13780 Show the current setting of the radix for logging remote serial
13781 protocol.
13782
13783 @item set remotelogfile @var{file}
13784 @cindex record serial communications on file
13785 Record remote serial communications on the named @var{file}. The
13786 default is not to record at all.
13787
13788 @item show remotelogfile.
13789 Show the current setting of the file name on which to record the
13790 serial communications.
13791
13792 @item set remotetimeout @var{num}
13793 @cindex timeout for serial communications
13794 @cindex remote timeout
13795 Set the timeout limit to wait for the remote target to respond to
13796 @var{num} seconds. The default is 2 seconds.
13797
13798 @item show remotetimeout
13799 Show the current number of seconds to wait for the remote target
13800 responses.
13801
13802 @cindex limit hardware breakpoints and watchpoints
13803 @cindex remote target, limit break- and watchpoints
13804 @anchor{set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit}
13805 @anchor{set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit}
13806 @item set remote hardware-watchpoint-limit @var{limit}
13807 @itemx set remote hardware-breakpoint-limit @var{limit}
13808 Restrict @value{GDBN} to using @var{limit} remote hardware breakpoint or
13809 watchpoints. A limit of -1, the default, is treated as unlimited.
13810
13811 @item set remote exec-file @var{filename}
13812 @itemx show remote exec-file
13813 @anchor{set remote exec-file}
13814 @cindex executable file, for remote target
13815 Select the file used for @code{run} with @code{target
13816 extended-remote}. This should be set to a filename valid on the
13817 target system. If it is not set, the target will use a default
13818 filename (e.g.@: the last program run).
13819 @end table
13820
13821 @cindex remote packets, enabling and disabling
13822 The @value{GDBN} remote protocol autodetects the packets supported by
13823 your debugging stub. If you need to override the autodetection, you
13824 can use these commands to enable or disable individual packets. Each
13825 packet can be set to @samp{on} (the remote target supports this
13826 packet), @samp{off} (the remote target does not support this packet),
13827 or @samp{auto} (detect remote target support for this packet). They
13828 all default to @samp{auto}. For more information about each packet,
13829 see @ref{Remote Protocol}.
13830
13831 During normal use, you should not have to use any of these commands.
13832 If you do, that may be a bug in your remote debugging stub, or a bug
13833 in @value{GDBN}. You may want to report the problem to the
13834 @value{GDBN} developers.
13835
13836 For each packet @var{name}, the command to enable or disable the
13837 packet is @code{set remote @var{name}-packet}. The available settings
13838 are:
13839
13840 @multitable @columnfractions 0.28 0.32 0.25
13841 @item Command Name
13842 @tab Remote Packet
13843 @tab Related Features
13844
13845 @item @code{fetch-register}
13846 @tab @code{p}
13847 @tab @code{info registers}
13848
13849 @item @code{set-register}
13850 @tab @code{P}
13851 @tab @code{set}
13852
13853 @item @code{binary-download}
13854 @tab @code{X}
13855 @tab @code{load}, @code{set}
13856
13857 @item @code{read-aux-vector}
13858 @tab @code{qXfer:auxv:read}
13859 @tab @code{info auxv}
13860
13861 @item @code{symbol-lookup}
13862 @tab @code{qSymbol}
13863 @tab Detecting multiple threads
13864
13865 @item @code{attach}
13866 @tab @code{vAttach}
13867 @tab @code{attach}
13868
13869 @item @code{verbose-resume}
13870 @tab @code{vCont}
13871 @tab Stepping or resuming multiple threads
13872
13873 @item @code{run}
13874 @tab @code{vRun}
13875 @tab @code{run}
13876
13877 @item @code{software-breakpoint}
13878 @tab @code{Z0}
13879 @tab @code{break}
13880
13881 @item @code{hardware-breakpoint}
13882 @tab @code{Z1}
13883 @tab @code{hbreak}
13884
13885 @item @code{write-watchpoint}
13886 @tab @code{Z2}
13887 @tab @code{watch}
13888
13889 @item @code{read-watchpoint}
13890 @tab @code{Z3}
13891 @tab @code{rwatch}
13892
13893 @item @code{access-watchpoint}
13894 @tab @code{Z4}
13895 @tab @code{awatch}
13896
13897 @item @code{target-features}
13898 @tab @code{qXfer:features:read}
13899 @tab @code{set architecture}
13900
13901 @item @code{library-info}
13902 @tab @code{qXfer:libraries:read}
13903 @tab @code{info sharedlibrary}
13904
13905 @item @code{memory-map}
13906 @tab @code{qXfer:memory-map:read}
13907 @tab @code{info mem}
13908
13909 @item @code{read-spu-object}
13910 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:read}
13911 @tab @code{info spu}
13912
13913 @item @code{write-spu-object}
13914 @tab @code{qXfer:spu:write}
13915 @tab @code{info spu}
13916
13917 @item @code{get-thread-local-@*storage-address}
13918 @tab @code{qGetTLSAddr}
13919 @tab Displaying @code{__thread} variables
13920
13921 @item @code{search-memory}
13922 @tab @code{qSearch:memory}
13923 @tab @code{find}
13924
13925 @item @code{supported-packets}
13926 @tab @code{qSupported}
13927 @tab Remote communications parameters
13928
13929 @item @code{pass-signals}
13930 @tab @code{QPassSignals}
13931 @tab @code{handle @var{signal}}
13932
13933 @item @code{hostio-close-packet}
13934 @tab @code{vFile:close}
13935 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
13936
13937 @item @code{hostio-open-packet}
13938 @tab @code{vFile:open}
13939 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
13940
13941 @item @code{hostio-pread-packet}
13942 @tab @code{vFile:pread}
13943 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
13944
13945 @item @code{hostio-pwrite-packet}
13946 @tab @code{vFile:pwrite}
13947 @tab @code{remote get}, @code{remote put}
13948
13949 @item @code{hostio-unlink-packet}
13950 @tab @code{vFile:unlink}
13951 @tab @code{remote delete}
13952
13953 @item @code{noack-packet}
13954 @tab @code{QStartNoAckMode}
13955 @tab Packet acknowledgment
13956 @end multitable
13957
13958 @node Remote Stub
13959 @section Implementing a Remote Stub
13960
13961 @cindex debugging stub, example
13962 @cindex remote stub, example
13963 @cindex stub example, remote debugging
13964 The stub files provided with @value{GDBN} implement the target side of the
13965 communication protocol, and the @value{GDBN} side is implemented in the
13966 @value{GDBN} source file @file{remote.c}. Normally, you can simply allow
13967 these subroutines to communicate, and ignore the details. (If you're
13968 implementing your own stub file, you can still ignore the details: start
13969 with one of the existing stub files. @file{sparc-stub.c} is the best
13970 organized, and therefore the easiest to read.)
13971
13972 @cindex remote serial debugging, overview
13973 To debug a program running on another machine (the debugging
13974 @dfn{target} machine), you must first arrange for all the usual
13975 prerequisites for the program to run by itself. For example, for a C
13976 program, you need:
13977
13978 @enumerate
13979 @item
13980 A startup routine to set up the C runtime environment; these usually
13981 have a name like @file{crt0}. The startup routine may be supplied by
13982 your hardware supplier, or you may have to write your own.
13983
13984 @item
13985 A C subroutine library to support your program's
13986 subroutine calls, notably managing input and output.
13987
13988 @item
13989 A way of getting your program to the other machine---for example, a
13990 download program. These are often supplied by the hardware
13991 manufacturer, but you may have to write your own from hardware
13992 documentation.
13993 @end enumerate
13994
13995 The next step is to arrange for your program to use a serial port to
13996 communicate with the machine where @value{GDBN} is running (the @dfn{host}
13997 machine). In general terms, the scheme looks like this:
13998
13999 @table @emph
14000 @item On the host,
14001 @value{GDBN} already understands how to use this protocol; when everything
14002 else is set up, you can simply use the @samp{target remote} command
14003 (@pxref{Targets,,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
14004
14005 @item On the target,
14006 you must link with your program a few special-purpose subroutines that
14007 implement the @value{GDBN} remote serial protocol. The file containing these
14008 subroutines is called a @dfn{debugging stub}.
14009
14010 On certain remote targets, you can use an auxiliary program
14011 @code{gdbserver} instead of linking a stub into your program.
14012 @xref{Server,,Using the @code{gdbserver} Program}, for details.
14013 @end table
14014
14015 The debugging stub is specific to the architecture of the remote
14016 machine; for example, use @file{sparc-stub.c} to debug programs on
14017 @sc{sparc} boards.
14018
14019 @cindex remote serial stub list
14020 These working remote stubs are distributed with @value{GDBN}:
14021
14022 @table @code
14023
14024 @item i386-stub.c
14025 @cindex @file{i386-stub.c}
14026 @cindex Intel
14027 @cindex i386
14028 For Intel 386 and compatible architectures.
14029
14030 @item m68k-stub.c
14031 @cindex @file{m68k-stub.c}
14032 @cindex Motorola 680x0
14033 @cindex m680x0
14034 For Motorola 680x0 architectures.
14035
14036 @item sh-stub.c
14037 @cindex @file{sh-stub.c}
14038 @cindex Renesas
14039 @cindex SH
14040 For Renesas SH architectures.
14041
14042 @item sparc-stub.c
14043 @cindex @file{sparc-stub.c}
14044 @cindex Sparc
14045 For @sc{sparc} architectures.
14046
14047 @item sparcl-stub.c
14048 @cindex @file{sparcl-stub.c}
14049 @cindex Fujitsu
14050 @cindex SparcLite
14051 For Fujitsu @sc{sparclite} architectures.
14052
14053 @end table
14054
14055 The @file{README} file in the @value{GDBN} distribution may list other
14056 recently added stubs.
14057
14058 @menu
14059 * Stub Contents:: What the stub can do for you
14060 * Bootstrapping:: What you must do for the stub
14061 * Debug Session:: Putting it all together
14062 @end menu
14063
14064 @node Stub Contents
14065 @subsection What the Stub Can Do for You
14066
14067 @cindex remote serial stub
14068 The debugging stub for your architecture supplies these three
14069 subroutines:
14070
14071 @table @code
14072 @item set_debug_traps
14073 @findex set_debug_traps
14074 @cindex remote serial stub, initialization
14075 This routine arranges for @code{handle_exception} to run when your
14076 program stops. You must call this subroutine explicitly near the
14077 beginning of your program.
14078
14079 @item handle_exception
14080 @findex handle_exception
14081 @cindex remote serial stub, main routine
14082 This is the central workhorse, but your program never calls it
14083 explicitly---the setup code arranges for @code{handle_exception} to
14084 run when a trap is triggered.
14085
14086 @code{handle_exception} takes control when your program stops during
14087 execution (for example, on a breakpoint), and mediates communications
14088 with @value{GDBN} on the host machine. This is where the communications
14089 protocol is implemented; @code{handle_exception} acts as the @value{GDBN}
14090 representative on the target machine. It begins by sending summary
14091 information on the state of your program, then continues to execute,
14092 retrieving and transmitting any information @value{GDBN} needs, until you
14093 execute a @value{GDBN} command that makes your program resume; at that point,
14094 @code{handle_exception} returns control to your own code on the target
14095 machine.
14096
14097 @item breakpoint
14098 @cindex @code{breakpoint} subroutine, remote
14099 Use this auxiliary subroutine to make your program contain a
14100 breakpoint. Depending on the particular situation, this may be the only
14101 way for @value{GDBN} to get control. For instance, if your target
14102 machine has some sort of interrupt button, you won't need to call this;
14103 pressing the interrupt button transfers control to
14104 @code{handle_exception}---in effect, to @value{GDBN}. On some machines,
14105 simply receiving characters on the serial port may also trigger a trap;
14106 again, in that situation, you don't need to call @code{breakpoint} from
14107 your own program---simply running @samp{target remote} from the host
14108 @value{GDBN} session gets control.
14109
14110 Call @code{breakpoint} if none of these is true, or if you simply want
14111 to make certain your program stops at a predetermined point for the
14112 start of your debugging session.
14113 @end table
14114
14115 @node Bootstrapping
14116 @subsection What You Must Do for the Stub
14117
14118 @cindex remote stub, support routines
14119 The debugging stubs that come with @value{GDBN} are set up for a particular
14120 chip architecture, but they have no information about the rest of your
14121 debugging target machine.
14122
14123 First of all you need to tell the stub how to communicate with the
14124 serial port.
14125
14126 @table @code
14127 @item int getDebugChar()
14128 @findex getDebugChar
14129 Write this subroutine to read a single character from the serial port.
14130 It may be identical to @code{getchar} for your target system; a
14131 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
14132
14133 @item void putDebugChar(int)
14134 @findex putDebugChar
14135 Write this subroutine to write a single character to the serial port.
14136 It may be identical to @code{putchar} for your target system; a
14137 different name is used to allow you to distinguish the two if you wish.
14138 @end table
14139
14140 @cindex control C, and remote debugging
14141 @cindex interrupting remote targets
14142 If you want @value{GDBN} to be able to stop your program while it is
14143 running, you need to use an interrupt-driven serial driver, and arrange
14144 for it to stop when it receives a @code{^C} (@samp{\003}, the control-C
14145 character). That is the character which @value{GDBN} uses to tell the
14146 remote system to stop.
14147
14148 Getting the debugging target to return the proper status to @value{GDBN}
14149 probably requires changes to the standard stub; one quick and dirty way
14150 is to just execute a breakpoint instruction (the ``dirty'' part is that
14151 @value{GDBN} reports a @code{SIGTRAP} instead of a @code{SIGINT}).
14152
14153 Other routines you need to supply are:
14154
14155 @table @code
14156 @item void exceptionHandler (int @var{exception_number}, void *@var{exception_address})
14157 @findex exceptionHandler
14158 Write this function to install @var{exception_address} in the exception
14159 handling tables. You need to do this because the stub does not have any
14160 way of knowing what the exception handling tables on your target system
14161 are like (for example, the processor's table might be in @sc{rom},
14162 containing entries which point to a table in @sc{ram}).
14163 @var{exception_number} is the exception number which should be changed;
14164 its meaning is architecture-dependent (for example, different numbers
14165 might represent divide by zero, misaligned access, etc). When this
14166 exception occurs, control should be transferred directly to
14167 @var{exception_address}, and the processor state (stack, registers,
14168 and so on) should be just as it is when a processor exception occurs. So if
14169 you want to use a jump instruction to reach @var{exception_address}, it
14170 should be a simple jump, not a jump to subroutine.
14171
14172 For the 386, @var{exception_address} should be installed as an interrupt
14173 gate so that interrupts are masked while the handler runs. The gate
14174 should be at privilege level 0 (the most privileged level). The
14175 @sc{sparc} and 68k stubs are able to mask interrupts themselves without
14176 help from @code{exceptionHandler}.
14177
14178 @item void flush_i_cache()
14179 @findex flush_i_cache
14180 On @sc{sparc} and @sc{sparclite} only, write this subroutine to flush the
14181 instruction cache, if any, on your target machine. If there is no
14182 instruction cache, this subroutine may be a no-op.
14183
14184 On target machines that have instruction caches, @value{GDBN} requires this
14185 function to make certain that the state of your program is stable.
14186 @end table
14187
14188 @noindent
14189 You must also make sure this library routine is available:
14190
14191 @table @code
14192 @item void *memset(void *, int, int)
14193 @findex memset
14194 This is the standard library function @code{memset} that sets an area of
14195 memory to a known value. If you have one of the free versions of
14196 @code{libc.a}, @code{memset} can be found there; otherwise, you must
14197 either obtain it from your hardware manufacturer, or write your own.
14198 @end table
14199
14200 If you do not use the GNU C compiler, you may need other standard
14201 library subroutines as well; this varies from one stub to another,
14202 but in general the stubs are likely to use any of the common library
14203 subroutines which @code{@value{NGCC}} generates as inline code.
14204
14205
14206 @node Debug Session
14207 @subsection Putting it All Together
14208
14209 @cindex remote serial debugging summary
14210 In summary, when your program is ready to debug, you must follow these
14211 steps.
14212
14213 @enumerate
14214 @item
14215 Make sure you have defined the supporting low-level routines
14216 (@pxref{Bootstrapping,,What You Must Do for the Stub}):
14217 @display
14218 @code{getDebugChar}, @code{putDebugChar},
14219 @code{flush_i_cache}, @code{memset}, @code{exceptionHandler}.
14220 @end display
14221
14222 @item
14223 Insert these lines near the top of your program:
14224
14225 @smallexample
14226 set_debug_traps();
14227 breakpoint();
14228 @end smallexample
14229
14230 @item
14231 For the 680x0 stub only, you need to provide a variable called
14232 @code{exceptionHook}. Normally you just use:
14233
14234 @smallexample
14235 void (*exceptionHook)() = 0;
14236 @end smallexample
14237
14238 @noindent
14239 but if before calling @code{set_debug_traps}, you set it to point to a
14240 function in your program, that function is called when
14241 @code{@value{GDBN}} continues after stopping on a trap (for example, bus
14242 error). The function indicated by @code{exceptionHook} is called with
14243 one parameter: an @code{int} which is the exception number.
14244
14245 @item
14246 Compile and link together: your program, the @value{GDBN} debugging stub for
14247 your target architecture, and the supporting subroutines.
14248
14249 @item
14250 Make sure you have a serial connection between your target machine and
14251 the @value{GDBN} host, and identify the serial port on the host.
14252
14253 @item
14254 @c The "remote" target now provides a `load' command, so we should
14255 @c document that. FIXME.
14256 Download your program to your target machine (or get it there by
14257 whatever means the manufacturer provides), and start it.
14258
14259 @item
14260 Start @value{GDBN} on the host, and connect to the target
14261 (@pxref{Connecting,,Connecting to a Remote Target}).
14262
14263 @end enumerate
14264
14265 @node Configurations
14266 @chapter Configuration-Specific Information
14267
14268 While nearly all @value{GDBN} commands are available for all native and
14269 cross versions of the debugger, there are some exceptions. This chapter
14270 describes things that are only available in certain configurations.
14271
14272 There are three major categories of configurations: native
14273 configurations, where the host and target are the same, embedded
14274 operating system configurations, which are usually the same for several
14275 different processor architectures, and bare embedded processors, which
14276 are quite different from each other.
14277
14278 @menu
14279 * Native::
14280 * Embedded OS::
14281 * Embedded Processors::
14282 * Architectures::
14283 @end menu
14284
14285 @node Native
14286 @section Native
14287
14288 This section describes details specific to particular native
14289 configurations.
14290
14291 @menu
14292 * HP-UX:: HP-UX
14293 * BSD libkvm Interface:: Debugging BSD kernel memory images
14294 * SVR4 Process Information:: SVR4 process information
14295 * DJGPP Native:: Features specific to the DJGPP port
14296 * Cygwin Native:: Features specific to the Cygwin port
14297 * Hurd Native:: Features specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd
14298 * Neutrino:: Features specific to QNX Neutrino
14299 @end menu
14300
14301 @node HP-UX
14302 @subsection HP-UX
14303
14304 On HP-UX systems, if you refer to a function or variable name that
14305 begins with a dollar sign, @value{GDBN} searches for a user or system
14306 name first, before it searches for a convenience variable.
14307
14308
14309 @node BSD libkvm Interface
14310 @subsection BSD libkvm Interface
14311
14312 @cindex libkvm
14313 @cindex kernel memory image
14314 @cindex kernel crash dump
14315
14316 BSD-derived systems (FreeBSD/NetBSD/OpenBSD) have a kernel memory
14317 interface that provides a uniform interface for accessing kernel virtual
14318 memory images, including live systems and crash dumps. @value{GDBN}
14319 uses this interface to allow you to debug live kernels and kernel crash
14320 dumps on many native BSD configurations. This is implemented as a
14321 special @code{kvm} debugging target. For debugging a live system, load
14322 the currently running kernel into @value{GDBN} and connect to the
14323 @code{kvm} target:
14324
14325 @smallexample
14326 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm}
14327 @end smallexample
14328
14329 For debugging crash dumps, provide the file name of the crash dump as an
14330 argument:
14331
14332 @smallexample
14333 (@value{GDBP}) @b{target kvm /var/crash/bsd.0}
14334 @end smallexample
14335
14336 Once connected to the @code{kvm} target, the following commands are
14337 available:
14338
14339 @table @code
14340 @kindex kvm
14341 @item kvm pcb
14342 Set current context from the @dfn{Process Control Block} (PCB) address.
14343
14344 @item kvm proc
14345 Set current context from proc address. This command isn't available on
14346 modern FreeBSD systems.
14347 @end table
14348
14349 @node SVR4 Process Information
14350 @subsection SVR4 Process Information
14351 @cindex /proc
14352 @cindex examine process image
14353 @cindex process info via @file{/proc}
14354
14355 Many versions of SVR4 and compatible systems provide a facility called
14356 @samp{/proc} that can be used to examine the image of a running
14357 process using file-system subroutines. If @value{GDBN} is configured
14358 for an operating system with this facility, the command @code{info
14359 proc} is available to report information about the process running
14360 your program, or about any process running on your system. @code{info
14361 proc} works only on SVR4 systems that include the @code{procfs} code.
14362 This includes, as of this writing, @sc{gnu}/Linux, OSF/1 (Digital
14363 Unix), Solaris, Irix, and Unixware, but not HP-UX, for example.
14364
14365 @table @code
14366 @kindex info proc
14367 @cindex process ID
14368 @item info proc
14369 @itemx info proc @var{process-id}
14370 Summarize available information about any running process. If a
14371 process ID is specified by @var{process-id}, display information about
14372 that process; otherwise display information about the program being
14373 debugged. The summary includes the debugged process ID, the command
14374 line used to invoke it, its current working directory, and its
14375 executable file's absolute file name.
14376
14377 On some systems, @var{process-id} can be of the form
14378 @samp{[@var{pid}]/@var{tid}} which specifies a certain thread ID
14379 within a process. If the optional @var{pid} part is missing, it means
14380 a thread from the process being debugged (the leading @samp{/} still
14381 needs to be present, or else @value{GDBN} will interpret the number as
14382 a process ID rather than a thread ID).
14383
14384 @item info proc mappings
14385 @cindex memory address space mappings
14386 Report the memory address space ranges accessible in the program, with
14387 information on whether the process has read, write, or execute access
14388 rights to each range. On @sc{gnu}/Linux systems, each memory range
14389 includes the object file which is mapped to that range, instead of the
14390 memory access rights to that range.
14391
14392 @item info proc stat
14393 @itemx info proc status
14394 @cindex process detailed status information
14395 These subcommands are specific to @sc{gnu}/Linux systems. They show
14396 the process-related information, including the user ID and group ID;
14397 how many threads are there in the process; its virtual memory usage;
14398 the signals that are pending, blocked, and ignored; its TTY; its
14399 consumption of system and user time; its stack size; its @samp{nice}
14400 value; etc. For more information, see the @samp{proc} man page
14401 (type @kbd{man 5 proc} from your shell prompt).
14402
14403 @item info proc all
14404 Show all the information about the process described under all of the
14405 above @code{info proc} subcommands.
14406
14407 @ignore
14408 @comment These sub-options of 'info proc' were not included when
14409 @comment procfs.c was re-written. Keep their descriptions around
14410 @comment against the day when someone finds the time to put them back in.
14411 @kindex info proc times
14412 @item info proc times
14413 Starting time, user CPU time, and system CPU time for your program and
14414 its children.
14415
14416 @kindex info proc id
14417 @item info proc id
14418 Report on the process IDs related to your program: its own process ID,
14419 the ID of its parent, the process group ID, and the session ID.
14420 @end ignore
14421
14422 @item set procfs-trace
14423 @kindex set procfs-trace
14424 @cindex @code{procfs} API calls
14425 This command enables and disables tracing of @code{procfs} API calls.
14426
14427 @item show procfs-trace
14428 @kindex show procfs-trace
14429 Show the current state of @code{procfs} API call tracing.
14430
14431 @item set procfs-file @var{file}
14432 @kindex set procfs-file
14433 Tell @value{GDBN} to write @code{procfs} API trace to the named
14434 @var{file}. @value{GDBN} appends the trace info to the previous
14435 contents of the file. The default is to display the trace on the
14436 standard output.
14437
14438 @item show procfs-file
14439 @kindex show procfs-file
14440 Show the file to which @code{procfs} API trace is written.
14441
14442 @item proc-trace-entry
14443 @itemx proc-trace-exit
14444 @itemx proc-untrace-entry
14445 @itemx proc-untrace-exit
14446 @kindex proc-trace-entry
14447 @kindex proc-trace-exit
14448 @kindex proc-untrace-entry
14449 @kindex proc-untrace-exit
14450 These commands enable and disable tracing of entries into and exits
14451 from the @code{syscall} interface.
14452
14453 @item info pidlist
14454 @kindex info pidlist
14455 @cindex process list, QNX Neutrino
14456 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all the
14457 processes and all the threads within each process.
14458
14459 @item info meminfo
14460 @kindex info meminfo
14461 @cindex mapinfo list, QNX Neutrino
14462 For QNX Neutrino only, this command displays the list of all mapinfos.
14463 @end table
14464
14465 @node DJGPP Native
14466 @subsection Features for Debugging @sc{djgpp} Programs
14467 @cindex @sc{djgpp} debugging
14468 @cindex native @sc{djgpp} debugging
14469 @cindex MS-DOS-specific commands
14470
14471 @cindex DPMI
14472 @sc{djgpp} is a port of the @sc{gnu} development tools to MS-DOS and
14473 MS-Windows. @sc{djgpp} programs are 32-bit protected-mode programs
14474 that use the @dfn{DPMI} (DOS Protected-Mode Interface) API to run on
14475 top of real-mode DOS systems and their emulations.
14476
14477 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of @sc{djgpp} programs, and
14478 defines a few commands specific to the @sc{djgpp} port. This
14479 subsection describes those commands.
14480
14481 @table @code
14482 @kindex info dos
14483 @item info dos
14484 This is a prefix of @sc{djgpp}-specific commands which print
14485 information about the target system and important OS structures.
14486
14487 @kindex sysinfo
14488 @cindex MS-DOS system info
14489 @cindex free memory information (MS-DOS)
14490 @item info dos sysinfo
14491 This command displays assorted information about the underlying
14492 platform: the CPU type and features, the OS version and flavor, the
14493 DPMI version, and the available conventional and DPMI memory.
14494
14495 @cindex GDT
14496 @cindex LDT
14497 @cindex IDT
14498 @cindex segment descriptor tables
14499 @cindex descriptor tables display
14500 @item info dos gdt
14501 @itemx info dos ldt
14502 @itemx info dos idt
14503 These 3 commands display entries from, respectively, Global, Local,
14504 and Interrupt Descriptor Tables (GDT, LDT, and IDT). The descriptor
14505 tables are data structures which store a descriptor for each segment
14506 that is currently in use. The segment's selector is an index into a
14507 descriptor table; the table entry for that index holds the
14508 descriptor's base address and limit, and its attributes and access
14509 rights.
14510
14511 A typical @sc{djgpp} program uses 3 segments: a code segment, a data
14512 segment (used for both data and the stack), and a DOS segment (which
14513 allows access to DOS/BIOS data structures and absolute addresses in
14514 conventional memory). However, the DPMI host will usually define
14515 additional segments in order to support the DPMI environment.
14516
14517 @cindex garbled pointers
14518 These commands allow to display entries from the descriptor tables.
14519 Without an argument, all entries from the specified table are
14520 displayed. An argument, which should be an integer expression, means
14521 display a single entry whose index is given by the argument. For
14522 example, here's a convenient way to display information about the
14523 debugged program's data segment:
14524
14525 @smallexample
14526 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos ldt $ds}
14527 @exdent @code{0x13f: base=0x11970000 limit=0x0009ffff 32-Bit Data (Read/Write, Exp-up)}
14528 @end smallexample
14529
14530 @noindent
14531 This comes in handy when you want to see whether a pointer is outside
14532 the data segment's limit (i.e.@: @dfn{garbled}).
14533
14534 @cindex page tables display (MS-DOS)
14535 @item info dos pde
14536 @itemx info dos pte
14537 These two commands display entries from, respectively, the Page
14538 Directory and the Page Tables. Page Directories and Page Tables are
14539 data structures which control how virtual memory addresses are mapped
14540 into physical addresses. A Page Table includes an entry for every
14541 page of memory that is mapped into the program's address space; there
14542 may be several Page Tables, each one holding up to 4096 entries. A
14543 Page Directory has up to 4096 entries, one each for every Page Table
14544 that is currently in use.
14545
14546 Without an argument, @kbd{info dos pde} displays the entire Page
14547 Directory, and @kbd{info dos pte} displays all the entries in all of
14548 the Page Tables. An argument, an integer expression, given to the
14549 @kbd{info dos pde} command means display only that entry from the Page
14550 Directory table. An argument given to the @kbd{info dos pte} command
14551 means display entries from a single Page Table, the one pointed to by
14552 the specified entry in the Page Directory.
14553
14554 @cindex direct memory access (DMA) on MS-DOS
14555 These commands are useful when your program uses @dfn{DMA} (Direct
14556 Memory Access), which needs physical addresses to program the DMA
14557 controller.
14558
14559 These commands are supported only with some DPMI servers.
14560
14561 @cindex physical address from linear address
14562 @item info dos address-pte @var{addr}
14563 This command displays the Page Table entry for a specified linear
14564 address. The argument @var{addr} is a linear address which should
14565 already have the appropriate segment's base address added to it,
14566 because this command accepts addresses which may belong to @emph{any}
14567 segment. For example, here's how to display the Page Table entry for
14568 the page where a variable @code{i} is stored:
14569
14570 @smallexample
14571 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte __djgpp_base_address + (char *)&i}
14572 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x11a00d30:}
14573 @exdent @code{Base=0x02698000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0xd30}
14574 @end smallexample
14575
14576 @noindent
14577 This says that @code{i} is stored at offset @code{0xd30} from the page
14578 whose physical base address is @code{0x02698000}, and shows all the
14579 attributes of that page.
14580
14581 Note that you must cast the addresses of variables to a @code{char *},
14582 since otherwise the value of @code{__djgpp_base_address}, the base
14583 address of all variables and functions in a @sc{djgpp} program, will
14584 be added using the rules of C pointer arithmetics: if @code{i} is
14585 declared an @code{int}, @value{GDBN} will add 4 times the value of
14586 @code{__djgpp_base_address} to the address of @code{i}.
14587
14588 Here's another example, it displays the Page Table entry for the
14589 transfer buffer:
14590
14591 @smallexample
14592 @exdent @code{(@value{GDBP}) info dos address-pte *((unsigned *)&_go32_info_block + 3)}
14593 @exdent @code{Page Table entry for address 0x29110:}
14594 @exdent @code{Base=0x00029000 Dirty Acc. Not-Cached Write-Back Usr Read-Write +0x110}
14595 @end smallexample
14596
14597 @noindent
14598 (The @code{+ 3} offset is because the transfer buffer's address is the
14599 3rd member of the @code{_go32_info_block} structure.) The output
14600 clearly shows that this DPMI server maps the addresses in conventional
14601 memory 1:1, i.e.@: the physical (@code{0x00029000} + @code{0x110}) and
14602 linear (@code{0x29110}) addresses are identical.
14603
14604 This command is supported only with some DPMI servers.
14605 @end table
14606
14607 @cindex DOS serial data link, remote debugging
14608 In addition to native debugging, the DJGPP port supports remote
14609 debugging via a serial data link. The following commands are specific
14610 to remote serial debugging in the DJGPP port of @value{GDBN}.
14611
14612 @table @code
14613 @kindex set com1base
14614 @kindex set com1irq
14615 @kindex set com2base
14616 @kindex set com2irq
14617 @kindex set com3base
14618 @kindex set com3irq
14619 @kindex set com4base
14620 @kindex set com4irq
14621 @item set com1base @var{addr}
14622 This command sets the base I/O port address of the @file{COM1} serial
14623 port.
14624
14625 @item set com1irq @var{irq}
14626 This command sets the @dfn{Interrupt Request} (@code{IRQ}) line to use
14627 for the @file{COM1} serial port.
14628
14629 There are similar commands @samp{set com2base}, @samp{set com3irq},
14630 etc.@: for setting the port address and the @code{IRQ} lines for the
14631 other 3 COM ports.
14632
14633 @kindex show com1base
14634 @kindex show com1irq
14635 @kindex show com2base
14636 @kindex show com2irq
14637 @kindex show com3base
14638 @kindex show com3irq
14639 @kindex show com4base
14640 @kindex show com4irq
14641 The related commands @samp{show com1base}, @samp{show com1irq} etc.@:
14642 display the current settings of the base address and the @code{IRQ}
14643 lines used by the COM ports.
14644
14645 @item info serial
14646 @kindex info serial
14647 @cindex DOS serial port status
14648 This command prints the status of the 4 DOS serial ports. For each
14649 port, it prints whether it's active or not, its I/O base address and
14650 IRQ number, whether it uses a 16550-style FIFO, its baudrate, and the
14651 counts of various errors encountered so far.
14652 @end table
14653
14654
14655 @node Cygwin Native
14656 @subsection Features for Debugging MS Windows PE Executables
14657 @cindex MS Windows debugging
14658 @cindex native Cygwin debugging
14659 @cindex Cygwin-specific commands
14660
14661 @value{GDBN} supports native debugging of MS Windows programs, including
14662 DLLs with and without symbolic debugging information. There are various
14663 additional Cygwin-specific commands, described in this section.
14664 Working with DLLs that have no debugging symbols is described in
14665 @ref{Non-debug DLL Symbols}.
14666
14667 @table @code
14668 @kindex info w32
14669 @item info w32
14670 This is a prefix of MS Windows-specific commands which print
14671 information about the target system and important OS structures.
14672
14673 @item info w32 selector
14674 This command displays information returned by
14675 the Win32 API @code{GetThreadSelectorEntry} function.
14676 It takes an optional argument that is evaluated to
14677 a long value to give the information about this given selector.
14678 Without argument, this command displays information
14679 about the six segment registers.
14680
14681 @kindex info dll
14682 @item info dll
14683 This is a Cygwin-specific alias of @code{info shared}.
14684
14685 @kindex dll-symbols
14686 @item dll-symbols
14687 This command loads symbols from a dll similarly to
14688 add-sym command but without the need to specify a base address.
14689
14690 @kindex set cygwin-exceptions
14691 @cindex debugging the Cygwin DLL
14692 @cindex Cygwin DLL, debugging
14693 @item set cygwin-exceptions @var{mode}
14694 If @var{mode} is @code{on}, @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that
14695 happen inside the Cygwin DLL. If @var{mode} is @code{off},
14696 @value{GDBN} will delay recognition of exceptions, and may ignore some
14697 exceptions which seem to be caused by internal Cygwin DLL
14698 ``bookkeeping''. This option is meant primarily for debugging the
14699 Cygwin DLL itself; the default value is @code{off} to avoid annoying
14700 @value{GDBN} users with false @code{SIGSEGV} signals.
14701
14702 @kindex show cygwin-exceptions
14703 @item show cygwin-exceptions
14704 Displays whether @value{GDBN} will break on exceptions that happen
14705 inside the Cygwin DLL itself.
14706
14707 @kindex set new-console
14708 @item set new-console @var{mode}
14709 If @var{mode} is @code{on} the debuggee will
14710 be started in a new console on next start.
14711 If @var{mode} is @code{off}i, the debuggee will
14712 be started in the same console as the debugger.
14713
14714 @kindex show new-console
14715 @item show new-console
14716 Displays whether a new console is used
14717 when the debuggee is started.
14718
14719 @kindex set new-group
14720 @item set new-group @var{mode}
14721 This boolean value controls whether the debuggee should
14722 start a new group or stay in the same group as the debugger.
14723 This affects the way the Windows OS handles
14724 @samp{Ctrl-C}.
14725
14726 @kindex show new-group
14727 @item show new-group
14728 Displays current value of new-group boolean.
14729
14730 @kindex set debugevents
14731 @item set debugevents
14732 This boolean value adds debug output concerning kernel events related
14733 to the debuggee seen by the debugger. This includes events that
14734 signal thread and process creation and exit, DLL loading and
14735 unloading, console interrupts, and debugging messages produced by the
14736 Windows @code{OutputDebugString} API call.
14737
14738 @kindex set debugexec
14739 @item set debugexec
14740 This boolean value adds debug output concerning execute events
14741 (such as resume thread) seen by the debugger.
14742
14743 @kindex set debugexceptions
14744 @item set debugexceptions
14745 This boolean value adds debug output concerning exceptions in the
14746 debuggee seen by the debugger.
14747
14748 @kindex set debugmemory
14749 @item set debugmemory
14750 This boolean value adds debug output concerning debuggee memory reads
14751 and writes by the debugger.
14752
14753 @kindex set shell
14754 @item set shell
14755 This boolean values specifies whether the debuggee is called
14756 via a shell or directly (default value is on).
14757
14758 @kindex show shell
14759 @item show shell
14760 Displays if the debuggee will be started with a shell.
14761
14762 @end table
14763
14764 @menu
14765 * Non-debug DLL Symbols:: Support for DLLs without debugging symbols
14766 @end menu
14767
14768 @node Non-debug DLL Symbols
14769 @subsubsection Support for DLLs without Debugging Symbols
14770 @cindex DLLs with no debugging symbols
14771 @cindex Minimal symbols and DLLs
14772
14773 Very often on windows, some of the DLLs that your program relies on do
14774 not include symbolic debugging information (for example,
14775 @file{kernel32.dll}). When @value{GDBN} doesn't recognize any debugging
14776 symbols in a DLL, it relies on the minimal amount of symbolic
14777 information contained in the DLL's export table. This section
14778 describes working with such symbols, known internally to @value{GDBN} as
14779 ``minimal symbols''.
14780
14781 Note that before the debugged program has started execution, no DLLs
14782 will have been loaded. The easiest way around this problem is simply to
14783 start the program --- either by setting a breakpoint or letting the
14784 program run once to completion. It is also possible to force
14785 @value{GDBN} to load a particular DLL before starting the executable ---
14786 see the shared library information in @ref{Files}, or the
14787 @code{dll-symbols} command in @ref{Cygwin Native}. Currently,
14788 explicitly loading symbols from a DLL with no debugging information will
14789 cause the symbol names to be duplicated in @value{GDBN}'s lookup table,
14790 which may adversely affect symbol lookup performance.
14791
14792 @subsubsection DLL Name Prefixes
14793
14794 In keeping with the naming conventions used by the Microsoft debugging
14795 tools, DLL export symbols are made available with a prefix based on the
14796 DLL name, for instance @code{KERNEL32!CreateFileA}. The plain name is
14797 also entered into the symbol table, so @code{CreateFileA} is often
14798 sufficient. In some cases there will be name clashes within a program
14799 (particularly if the executable itself includes full debugging symbols)
14800 necessitating the use of the fully qualified name when referring to the
14801 contents of the DLL. Use single-quotes around the name to avoid the
14802 exclamation mark (``!'') being interpreted as a language operator.
14803
14804 Note that the internal name of the DLL may be all upper-case, even
14805 though the file name of the DLL is lower-case, or vice-versa. Since
14806 symbols within @value{GDBN} are @emph{case-sensitive} this may cause
14807 some confusion. If in doubt, try the @code{info functions} and
14808 @code{info variables} commands or even @code{maint print msymbols}
14809 (@pxref{Symbols}). Here's an example:
14810
14811 @smallexample
14812 (@value{GDBP}) info function CreateFileA
14813 All functions matching regular expression "CreateFileA":
14814
14815 Non-debugging symbols:
14816 0x77e885f4 CreateFileA
14817 0x77e885f4 KERNEL32!CreateFileA
14818 @end smallexample
14819
14820 @smallexample
14821 (@value{GDBP}) info function !
14822 All functions matching regular expression "!":
14823
14824 Non-debugging symbols:
14825 0x6100114c cygwin1!__assert
14826 0x61004034 cygwin1!_dll_crt0@@0
14827 0x61004240 cygwin1!dll_crt0(per_process *)
14828 [etc...]
14829 @end smallexample
14830
14831 @subsubsection Working with Minimal Symbols
14832
14833 Symbols extracted from a DLL's export table do not contain very much
14834 type information. All that @value{GDBN} can do is guess whether a symbol
14835 refers to a function or variable depending on the linker section that
14836 contains the symbol. Also note that the actual contents of the memory
14837 contained in a DLL are not available unless the program is running. This
14838 means that you cannot examine the contents of a variable or disassemble
14839 a function within a DLL without a running program.
14840
14841 Variables are generally treated as pointers and dereferenced
14842 automatically. For this reason, it is often necessary to prefix a
14843 variable name with the address-of operator (``&'') and provide explicit
14844 type information in the command. Here's an example of the type of
14845 problem:
14846
14847 @smallexample
14848 (@value{GDBP}) print 'cygwin1!__argv'
14849 $1 = 268572168
14850 @end smallexample
14851
14852 @smallexample
14853 (@value{GDBP}) x 'cygwin1!__argv'
14854 0x10021610: "\230y\""
14855 @end smallexample
14856
14857 And two possible solutions:
14858
14859 @smallexample
14860 (@value{GDBP}) print ((char **)'cygwin1!__argv')[0]
14861 $2 = 0x22fd98 "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
14862 @end smallexample
14863
14864 @smallexample
14865 (@value{GDBP}) x/2x &'cygwin1!__argv'
14866 0x610c0aa8 <cygwin1!__argv>: 0x10021608 0x00000000
14867 (@value{GDBP}) x/x 0x10021608
14868 0x10021608: 0x0022fd98
14869 (@value{GDBP}) x/s 0x0022fd98
14870 0x22fd98: "/cygdrive/c/mydirectory/myprogram"
14871 @end smallexample
14872
14873 Setting a break point within a DLL is possible even before the program
14874 starts execution. However, under these circumstances, @value{GDBN} can't
14875 examine the initial instructions of the function in order to skip the
14876 function's frame set-up code. You can work around this by using ``*&''
14877 to set the breakpoint at a raw memory address:
14878
14879 @smallexample
14880 (@value{GDBP}) break *&'python22!PyOS_Readline'
14881 Breakpoint 1 at 0x1e04eff0
14882 @end smallexample
14883
14884 The author of these extensions is not entirely convinced that setting a
14885 break point within a shared DLL like @file{kernel32.dll} is completely
14886 safe.
14887
14888 @node Hurd Native
14889 @subsection Commands Specific to @sc{gnu} Hurd Systems
14890 @cindex @sc{gnu} Hurd debugging
14891
14892 This subsection describes @value{GDBN} commands specific to the
14893 @sc{gnu} Hurd native debugging.
14894
14895 @table @code
14896 @item set signals
14897 @itemx set sigs
14898 @kindex set signals@r{, Hurd command}
14899 @kindex set sigs@r{, Hurd command}
14900 This command toggles the state of inferior signal interception by
14901 @value{GDBN}. Mach exceptions, such as breakpoint traps, are not
14902 affected by this command. @code{sigs} is a shorthand alias for
14903 @code{signals}.
14904
14905 @item show signals
14906 @itemx show sigs
14907 @kindex show signals@r{, Hurd command}
14908 @kindex show sigs@r{, Hurd command}
14909 Show the current state of intercepting inferior's signals.
14910
14911 @item set signal-thread
14912 @itemx set sigthread
14913 @kindex set signal-thread
14914 @kindex set sigthread
14915 This command tells @value{GDBN} which thread is the @code{libc} signal
14916 thread. That thread is run when a signal is delivered to a running
14917 process. @code{set sigthread} is the shorthand alias of @code{set
14918 signal-thread}.
14919
14920 @item show signal-thread
14921 @itemx show sigthread
14922 @kindex show signal-thread
14923 @kindex show sigthread
14924 These two commands show which thread will run when the inferior is
14925 delivered a signal.
14926
14927 @item set stopped
14928 @kindex set stopped@r{, Hurd command}
14929 This commands tells @value{GDBN} that the inferior process is stopped,
14930 as with the @code{SIGSTOP} signal. The stopped process can be
14931 continued by delivering a signal to it.
14932
14933 @item show stopped
14934 @kindex show stopped@r{, Hurd command}
14935 This command shows whether @value{GDBN} thinks the debuggee is
14936 stopped.
14937
14938 @item set exceptions
14939 @kindex set exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
14940 Use this command to turn off trapping of exceptions in the inferior.
14941 When exception trapping is off, neither breakpoints nor
14942 single-stepping will work. To restore the default, set exception
14943 trapping on.
14944
14945 @item show exceptions
14946 @kindex show exceptions@r{, Hurd command}
14947 Show the current state of trapping exceptions in the inferior.
14948
14949 @item set task pause
14950 @kindex set task@r{, Hurd commands}
14951 @cindex task attributes (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
14952 @cindex pause current task (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
14953 This command toggles task suspension when @value{GDBN} has control.
14954 Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the task is suspended
14955 whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to off will take
14956 effect the next time the inferior is continued. If this option is set
14957 to off, you can use @code{set thread default pause on} or @code{set
14958 thread pause on} (see below) to pause individual threads.
14959
14960 @item show task pause
14961 @kindex show task@r{, Hurd commands}
14962 Show the current state of task suspension.
14963
14964 @item set task detach-suspend-count
14965 @cindex task suspend count
14966 @cindex detach from task, @sc{gnu} Hurd
14967 This command sets the suspend count the task will be left with when
14968 @value{GDBN} detaches from it.
14969
14970 @item show task detach-suspend-count
14971 Show the suspend count the task will be left with when detaching.
14972
14973 @item set task exception-port
14974 @itemx set task excp
14975 @cindex task exception port, @sc{gnu} Hurd
14976 This command sets the task exception port to which @value{GDBN} will
14977 forward exceptions. The argument should be the value of the @dfn{send
14978 rights} of the task. @code{set task excp} is a shorthand alias.
14979
14980 @item set noninvasive
14981 @cindex noninvasive task options
14982 This command switches @value{GDBN} to a mode that is the least
14983 invasive as far as interfering with the inferior is concerned. This
14984 is the same as using @code{set task pause}, @code{set exceptions}, and
14985 @code{set signals} to values opposite to the defaults.
14986
14987 @item info send-rights
14988 @itemx info receive-rights
14989 @itemx info port-rights
14990 @itemx info port-sets
14991 @itemx info dead-names
14992 @itemx info ports
14993 @itemx info psets
14994 @cindex send rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
14995 @cindex receive rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
14996 @cindex port rights, @sc{gnu} Hurd
14997 @cindex port sets, @sc{gnu} Hurd
14998 @cindex dead names, @sc{gnu} Hurd
14999 These commands display information about, respectively, send rights,
15000 receive rights, port rights, port sets, and dead names of a task.
15001 There are also shorthand aliases: @code{info ports} for @code{info
15002 port-rights} and @code{info psets} for @code{info port-sets}.
15003
15004 @item set thread pause
15005 @kindex set thread@r{, Hurd command}
15006 @cindex thread properties, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15007 @cindex pause current thread (@sc{gnu} Hurd)
15008 This command toggles current thread suspension when @value{GDBN} has
15009 control. Setting it to on takes effect immediately, and the current
15010 thread is suspended whenever @value{GDBN} gets control. Setting it to
15011 off will take effect the next time the inferior is continued.
15012 Normally, this command has no effect, since when @value{GDBN} has
15013 control, the whole task is suspended. However, if you used @code{set
15014 task pause off} (see above), this command comes in handy to suspend
15015 only the current thread.
15016
15017 @item show thread pause
15018 @kindex show thread@r{, Hurd command}
15019 This command shows the state of current thread suspension.
15020
15021 @item set thread run
15022 This command sets whether the current thread is allowed to run.
15023
15024 @item show thread run
15025 Show whether the current thread is allowed to run.
15026
15027 @item set thread detach-suspend-count
15028 @cindex thread suspend count, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15029 @cindex detach from thread, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15030 This command sets the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on a
15031 thread when detaching. This number is relative to the suspend count
15032 found by @value{GDBN} when it notices the thread; use @code{set thread
15033 takeover-suspend-count} to force it to an absolute value.
15034
15035 @item show thread detach-suspend-count
15036 Show the suspend count @value{GDBN} will leave on the thread when
15037 detaching.
15038
15039 @item set thread exception-port
15040 @itemx set thread excp
15041 Set the thread exception port to which to forward exceptions. This
15042 overrides the port set by @code{set task exception-port} (see above).
15043 @code{set thread excp} is the shorthand alias.
15044
15045 @item set thread takeover-suspend-count
15046 Normally, @value{GDBN}'s thread suspend counts are relative to the
15047 value @value{GDBN} finds when it notices each thread. This command
15048 changes the suspend counts to be absolute instead.
15049
15050 @item set thread default
15051 @itemx show thread default
15052 @cindex thread default settings, @sc{gnu} Hurd
15053 Each of the above @code{set thread} commands has a @code{set thread
15054 default} counterpart (e.g., @code{set thread default pause}, @code{set
15055 thread default exception-port}, etc.). The @code{thread default}
15056 variety of commands sets the default thread properties for all
15057 threads; you can then change the properties of individual threads with
15058 the non-default commands.
15059 @end table
15060
15061
15062 @node Neutrino
15063 @subsection QNX Neutrino
15064 @cindex QNX Neutrino
15065
15066 @value{GDBN} provides the following commands specific to the QNX
15067 Neutrino target:
15068
15069 @table @code
15070 @item set debug nto-debug
15071 @kindex set debug nto-debug
15072 When set to on, enables debugging messages specific to the QNX
15073 Neutrino support.
15074
15075 @item show debug nto-debug
15076 @kindex show debug nto-debug
15077 Show the current state of QNX Neutrino messages.
15078 @end table
15079
15080
15081 @node Embedded OS
15082 @section Embedded Operating Systems
15083
15084 This section describes configurations involving the debugging of
15085 embedded operating systems that are available for several different
15086 architectures.
15087
15088 @menu
15089 * VxWorks:: Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
15090 @end menu
15091
15092 @value{GDBN} includes the ability to debug programs running on
15093 various real-time operating systems.
15094
15095 @node VxWorks
15096 @subsection Using @value{GDBN} with VxWorks
15097
15098 @cindex VxWorks
15099
15100 @table @code
15101
15102 @kindex target vxworks
15103 @item target vxworks @var{machinename}
15104 A VxWorks system, attached via TCP/IP. The argument @var{machinename}
15105 is the target system's machine name or IP address.
15106
15107 @end table
15108
15109 On VxWorks, @code{load} links @var{filename} dynamically on the
15110 current target system as well as adding its symbols in @value{GDBN}.
15111
15112 @value{GDBN} enables developers to spawn and debug tasks running on networked
15113 VxWorks targets from a Unix host. Already-running tasks spawned from
15114 the VxWorks shell can also be debugged. @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
15115 both the Unix host and on the VxWorks target. The program
15116 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host. (It may be
15117 installed with the name @code{vxgdb}, to distinguish it from a
15118 @value{GDBN} for debugging programs on the host itself.)
15119
15120 @table @code
15121 @item VxWorks-timeout @var{args}
15122 @kindex vxworks-timeout
15123 All VxWorks-based targets now support the option @code{vxworks-timeout}.
15124 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
15125 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses to rpc's. You might use this if
15126 your VxWorks target is a slow software simulator or is on the far side
15127 of a thin network line.
15128 @end table
15129
15130 The following information on connecting to VxWorks was current when
15131 this manual was produced; newer releases of VxWorks may use revised
15132 procedures.
15133
15134 @findex INCLUDE_RDB
15135 To use @value{GDBN} with VxWorks, you must rebuild your VxWorks kernel
15136 to include the remote debugging interface routines in the VxWorks
15137 library @file{rdb.a}. To do this, define @code{INCLUDE_RDB} in the
15138 VxWorks configuration file @file{configAll.h} and rebuild your VxWorks
15139 kernel. The resulting kernel contains @file{rdb.a}, and spawns the
15140 source debugging task @code{tRdbTask} when VxWorks is booted. For more
15141 information on configuring and remaking VxWorks, see the manufacturer's
15142 manual.
15143 @c VxWorks, see the @cite{VxWorks Programmer's Guide}.
15144
15145 Once you have included @file{rdb.a} in your VxWorks system image and set
15146 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
15147 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}} (or
15148 @code{vxgdb}, depending on your installation).
15149
15150 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
15151
15152 @smallexample
15153 (vxgdb)
15154 @end smallexample
15155
15156 @menu
15157 * VxWorks Connection:: Connecting to VxWorks
15158 * VxWorks Download:: VxWorks download
15159 * VxWorks Attach:: Running tasks
15160 @end menu
15161
15162 @node VxWorks Connection
15163 @subsubsection Connecting to VxWorks
15164
15165 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a VxWorks target on the
15166 network. To connect to a target whose host name is ``@code{tt}'', type:
15167
15168 @smallexample
15169 (vxgdb) target vxworks tt
15170 @end smallexample
15171
15172 @need 750
15173 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
15174
15175 @smallexample
15176 Attaching remote machine across net...
15177 Connected to tt.
15178 @end smallexample
15179
15180 @need 1000
15181 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol tables of any object modules
15182 loaded into the VxWorks target since it was last booted. @value{GDBN} locates
15183 these files by searching the directories listed in the command search
15184 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}); if it fails
15185 to find an object file, it displays a message such as:
15186
15187 @smallexample
15188 prog.o: No such file or directory.
15189 @end smallexample
15190
15191 When this happens, add the appropriate directory to the search path with
15192 the @value{GDBN} command @code{path}, and execute the @code{target}
15193 command again.
15194
15195 @node VxWorks Download
15196 @subsubsection VxWorks Download
15197
15198 @cindex download to VxWorks
15199 If you have connected to the VxWorks target and you want to debug an
15200 object that has not yet been loaded, you can use the @value{GDBN}
15201 @code{load} command to download a file from Unix to VxWorks
15202 incrementally. The object file given as an argument to the @code{load}
15203 command is actually opened twice: first by the VxWorks target in order
15204 to download the code, then by @value{GDBN} in order to read the symbol
15205 table. This can lead to problems if the current working directories on
15206 the two systems differ. If both systems have NFS mounted the same
15207 filesystems, you can avoid these problems by using absolute paths.
15208 Otherwise, it is simplest to set the working directory on both systems
15209 to the directory in which the object file resides, and then to reference
15210 the file by its name, without any path. For instance, a program
15211 @file{prog.o} may reside in @file{@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb} in VxWorks
15212 and in @file{@var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb} on the host. To load this
15213 program, type this on VxWorks:
15214
15215 @smallexample
15216 -> cd "@var{vxpath}/vw/demo/rdb"
15217 @end smallexample
15218
15219 @noindent
15220 Then, in @value{GDBN}, type:
15221
15222 @smallexample
15223 (vxgdb) cd @var{hostpath}/vw/demo/rdb
15224 (vxgdb) load prog.o
15225 @end smallexample
15226
15227 @value{GDBN} displays a response similar to this:
15228
15229 @smallexample
15230 Reading symbol data from wherever/vw/demo/rdb/prog.o... done.
15231 @end smallexample
15232
15233 You can also use the @code{load} command to reload an object module
15234 after editing and recompiling the corresponding source file. Note that
15235 this makes @value{GDBN} delete all currently-defined breakpoints,
15236 auto-displays, and convenience variables, and to clear the value
15237 history. (This is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of
15238 debugger's data structures that reference the target system's symbol
15239 table.)
15240
15241 @node VxWorks Attach
15242 @subsubsection Running Tasks
15243
15244 @cindex running VxWorks tasks
15245 You can also attach to an existing task using the @code{attach} command as
15246 follows:
15247
15248 @smallexample
15249 (vxgdb) attach @var{task}
15250 @end smallexample
15251
15252 @noindent
15253 where @var{task} is the VxWorks hexadecimal task ID. The task can be running
15254 or suspended when you attach to it. Running tasks are suspended at
15255 the time of attachment.
15256
15257 @node Embedded Processors
15258 @section Embedded Processors
15259
15260 This section goes into details specific to particular embedded
15261 configurations.
15262
15263 @cindex send command to simulator
15264 Whenever a specific embedded processor has a simulator, @value{GDBN}
15265 allows to send an arbitrary command to the simulator.
15266
15267 @table @code
15268 @item sim @var{command}
15269 @kindex sim@r{, a command}
15270 Send an arbitrary @var{command} string to the simulator. Consult the
15271 documentation for the specific simulator in use for information about
15272 acceptable commands.
15273 @end table
15274
15275
15276 @menu
15277 * ARM:: ARM RDI
15278 * M32R/D:: Renesas M32R/D
15279 * M68K:: Motorola M68K
15280 * MIPS Embedded:: MIPS Embedded
15281 * OpenRISC 1000:: OpenRisc 1000
15282 * PA:: HP PA Embedded
15283 * PowerPC Embedded:: PowerPC Embedded
15284 * Sparclet:: Tsqware Sparclet
15285 * Sparclite:: Fujitsu Sparclite
15286 * Z8000:: Zilog Z8000
15287 * AVR:: Atmel AVR
15288 * CRIS:: CRIS
15289 * Super-H:: Renesas Super-H
15290 @end menu
15291
15292 @node ARM
15293 @subsection ARM
15294 @cindex ARM RDI
15295
15296 @table @code
15297 @kindex target rdi
15298 @item target rdi @var{dev}
15299 ARM Angel monitor, via RDI library interface to ADP protocol. You may
15300 use this target to communicate with both boards running the Angel
15301 monitor, or with the EmbeddedICE JTAG debug device.
15302
15303 @kindex target rdp
15304 @item target rdp @var{dev}
15305 ARM Demon monitor.
15306
15307 @end table
15308
15309 @value{GDBN} provides the following ARM-specific commands:
15310
15311 @table @code
15312 @item set arm disassembler
15313 @kindex set arm
15314 This commands selects from a list of disassembly styles. The
15315 @code{"std"} style is the standard style.
15316
15317 @item show arm disassembler
15318 @kindex show arm
15319 Show the current disassembly style.
15320
15321 @item set arm apcs32
15322 @cindex ARM 32-bit mode
15323 This command toggles ARM operation mode between 32-bit and 26-bit.
15324
15325 @item show arm apcs32
15326 Display the current usage of the ARM 32-bit mode.
15327
15328 @item set arm fpu @var{fputype}
15329 This command sets the ARM floating-point unit (FPU) type. The
15330 argument @var{fputype} can be one of these:
15331
15332 @table @code
15333 @item auto
15334 Determine the FPU type by querying the OS ABI.
15335 @item softfpa
15336 Software FPU, with mixed-endian doubles on little-endian ARM
15337 processors.
15338 @item fpa
15339 GCC-compiled FPA co-processor.
15340 @item softvfp
15341 Software FPU with pure-endian doubles.
15342 @item vfp
15343 VFP co-processor.
15344 @end table
15345
15346 @item show arm fpu
15347 Show the current type of the FPU.
15348
15349 @item set arm abi
15350 This command forces @value{GDBN} to use the specified ABI.
15351
15352 @item show arm abi
15353 Show the currently used ABI.
15354
15355 @item set arm fallback-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
15356 @value{GDBN} uses the symbol table, when available, to determine
15357 whether instructions are ARM or Thumb. This command controls
15358 @value{GDBN}'s default behavior when the symbol table is not
15359 available. The default is @samp{auto}, which causes @value{GDBN} to
15360 use the current execution mode (from the @code{T} bit in the @code{CPSR}
15361 register).
15362
15363 @item show arm fallback-mode
15364 Show the current fallback instruction mode.
15365
15366 @item set arm force-mode (arm|thumb|auto)
15367 This command overrides use of the symbol table to determine whether
15368 instructions are ARM or Thumb. The default is @samp{auto}, which
15369 causes @value{GDBN} to use the symbol table and then the setting
15370 of @samp{set arm fallback-mode}.
15371
15372 @item show arm force-mode
15373 Show the current forced instruction mode.
15374
15375 @item set debug arm
15376 Toggle whether to display ARM-specific debugging messages from the ARM
15377 target support subsystem.
15378
15379 @item show debug arm
15380 Show whether ARM-specific debugging messages are enabled.
15381 @end table
15382
15383 The following commands are available when an ARM target is debugged
15384 using the RDI interface:
15385
15386 @table @code
15387 @item rdilogfile @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
15388 @kindex rdilogfile
15389 @cindex ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) logging
15390 Set the filename for the ADP (Angel Debugger Protocol) packet log.
15391 With an argument, sets the log file to the specified @var{file}. With
15392 no argument, show the current log file name. The default log file is
15393 @file{rdi.log}.
15394
15395 @item rdilogenable @r{[}@var{arg}@r{]}
15396 @kindex rdilogenable
15397 Control logging of ADP packets. With an argument of 1 or @code{"yes"}
15398 enables logging, with an argument 0 or @code{"no"} disables it. With
15399 no arguments displays the current setting. When logging is enabled,
15400 ADP packets exchanged between @value{GDBN} and the RDI target device
15401 are logged to a file.
15402
15403 @item set rdiromatzero
15404 @kindex set rdiromatzero
15405 @cindex ROM at zero address, RDI
15406 Tell @value{GDBN} whether the target has ROM at address 0. If on,
15407 vector catching is disabled, so that zero address can be used. If off
15408 (the default), vector catching is enabled. For this command to take
15409 effect, it needs to be invoked prior to the @code{target rdi} command.
15410
15411 @item show rdiromatzero
15412 @kindex show rdiromatzero
15413 Show the current setting of ROM at zero address.
15414
15415 @item set rdiheartbeat
15416 @kindex set rdiheartbeat
15417 @cindex RDI heartbeat
15418 Enable or disable RDI heartbeat packets. It is not recommended to
15419 turn on this option, since it confuses ARM and EPI JTAG interface, as
15420 well as the Angel monitor.
15421
15422 @item show rdiheartbeat
15423 @kindex show rdiheartbeat
15424 Show the setting of RDI heartbeat packets.
15425 @end table
15426
15427
15428 @node M32R/D
15429 @subsection Renesas M32R/D and M32R/SDI
15430
15431 @table @code
15432 @kindex target m32r
15433 @item target m32r @var{dev}
15434 Renesas M32R/D ROM monitor.
15435
15436 @kindex target m32rsdi
15437 @item target m32rsdi @var{dev}
15438 Renesas M32R SDI server, connected via parallel port to the board.
15439 @end table
15440
15441 The following @value{GDBN} commands are specific to the M32R monitor:
15442
15443 @table @code
15444 @item set download-path @var{path}
15445 @kindex set download-path
15446 @cindex find downloadable @sc{srec} files (M32R)
15447 Set the default path for finding downloadable @sc{srec} files.
15448
15449 @item show download-path
15450 @kindex show download-path
15451 Show the default path for downloadable @sc{srec} files.
15452
15453 @item set board-address @var{addr}
15454 @kindex set board-address
15455 @cindex M32-EVA target board address
15456 Set the IP address for the M32R-EVA target board.
15457
15458 @item show board-address
15459 @kindex show board-address
15460 Show the current IP address of the target board.
15461
15462 @item set server-address @var{addr}
15463 @kindex set server-address
15464 @cindex download server address (M32R)
15465 Set the IP address for the download server, which is the @value{GDBN}'s
15466 host machine.
15467
15468 @item show server-address
15469 @kindex show server-address
15470 Display the IP address of the download server.
15471
15472 @item upload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
15473 @kindex upload@r{, M32R}
15474 Upload the specified @sc{srec} @var{file} via the monitor's Ethernet
15475 upload capability. If no @var{file} argument is given, the current
15476 executable file is uploaded.
15477
15478 @item tload @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
15479 @kindex tload@r{, M32R}
15480 Test the @code{upload} command.
15481 @end table
15482
15483 The following commands are available for M32R/SDI:
15484
15485 @table @code
15486 @item sdireset
15487 @kindex sdireset
15488 @cindex reset SDI connection, M32R
15489 This command resets the SDI connection.
15490
15491 @item sdistatus
15492 @kindex sdistatus
15493 This command shows the SDI connection status.
15494
15495 @item debug_chaos
15496 @kindex debug_chaos
15497 @cindex M32R/Chaos debugging
15498 Instructs the remote that M32R/Chaos debugging is to be used.
15499
15500 @item use_debug_dma
15501 @kindex use_debug_dma
15502 Instructs the remote to use the DEBUG_DMA method of accessing memory.
15503
15504 @item use_mon_code
15505 @kindex use_mon_code
15506 Instructs the remote to use the MON_CODE method of accessing memory.
15507
15508 @item use_ib_break
15509 @kindex use_ib_break
15510 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by IB break.
15511
15512 @item use_dbt_break
15513 @kindex use_dbt_break
15514 Instructs the remote to set breakpoints by DBT.
15515 @end table
15516
15517 @node M68K
15518 @subsection M68k
15519
15520 The Motorola m68k configuration includes ColdFire support, and a
15521 target command for the following ROM monitor.
15522
15523 @table @code
15524
15525 @kindex target dbug
15526 @item target dbug @var{dev}
15527 dBUG ROM monitor for Motorola ColdFire.
15528
15529 @end table
15530
15531 @node MIPS Embedded
15532 @subsection MIPS Embedded
15533
15534 @cindex MIPS boards
15535 @value{GDBN} can use the MIPS remote debugging protocol to talk to a
15536 MIPS board attached to a serial line. This is available when
15537 you configure @value{GDBN} with @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.
15538
15539 @need 1000
15540 Use these @value{GDBN} commands to specify the connection to your target board:
15541
15542 @table @code
15543 @item target mips @var{port}
15544 @kindex target mips @var{port}
15545 To run a program on the board, start up @code{@value{GDBP}} with the
15546 name of your program as the argument. To connect to the board, use the
15547 command @samp{target mips @var{port}}, where @var{port} is the name of
15548 the serial port connected to the board. If the program has not already
15549 been downloaded to the board, you may use the @code{load} command to
15550 download it. You can then use all the usual @value{GDBN} commands.
15551
15552 For example, this sequence connects to the target board through a serial
15553 port, and loads and runs a program called @var{prog} through the
15554 debugger:
15555
15556 @smallexample
15557 host$ @value{GDBP} @var{prog}
15558 @value{GDBN} is free software and @dots{}
15559 (@value{GDBP}) target mips /dev/ttyb
15560 (@value{GDBP}) load @var{prog}
15561 (@value{GDBP}) run
15562 @end smallexample
15563
15564 @item target mips @var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}
15565 On some @value{GDBN} host configurations, you can specify a TCP
15566 connection (for instance, to a serial line managed by a terminal
15567 concentrator) instead of a serial port, using the syntax
15568 @samp{@var{hostname}:@var{portnumber}}.
15569
15570 @item target pmon @var{port}
15571 @kindex target pmon @var{port}
15572 PMON ROM monitor.
15573
15574 @item target ddb @var{port}
15575 @kindex target ddb @var{port}
15576 NEC's DDB variant of PMON for Vr4300.
15577
15578 @item target lsi @var{port}
15579 @kindex target lsi @var{port}
15580 LSI variant of PMON.
15581
15582 @kindex target r3900
15583 @item target r3900 @var{dev}
15584 Densan DVE-R3900 ROM monitor for Toshiba R3900 Mips.
15585
15586 @kindex target array
15587 @item target array @var{dev}
15588 Array Tech LSI33K RAID controller board.
15589
15590 @end table
15591
15592
15593 @noindent
15594 @value{GDBN} also supports these special commands for MIPS targets:
15595
15596 @table @code
15597 @item set mipsfpu double
15598 @itemx set mipsfpu single
15599 @itemx set mipsfpu none
15600 @itemx set mipsfpu auto
15601 @itemx show mipsfpu
15602 @kindex set mipsfpu
15603 @kindex show mipsfpu
15604 @cindex MIPS remote floating point
15605 @cindex floating point, MIPS remote
15606 If your target board does not support the MIPS floating point
15607 coprocessor, you should use the command @samp{set mipsfpu none} (if you
15608 need this, you may wish to put the command in your @value{GDBN} init
15609 file). This tells @value{GDBN} how to find the return value of
15610 functions which return floating point values. It also allows
15611 @value{GDBN} to avoid saving the floating point registers when calling
15612 functions on the board. If you are using a floating point coprocessor
15613 with only single precision floating point support, as on the @sc{r4650}
15614 processor, use the command @samp{set mipsfpu single}. The default
15615 double precision floating point coprocessor may be selected using
15616 @samp{set mipsfpu double}.
15617
15618 In previous versions the only choices were double precision or no
15619 floating point, so @samp{set mipsfpu on} will select double precision
15620 and @samp{set mipsfpu off} will select no floating point.
15621
15622 As usual, you can inquire about the @code{mipsfpu} variable with
15623 @samp{show mipsfpu}.
15624
15625 @item set timeout @var{seconds}
15626 @itemx set retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}
15627 @itemx show timeout
15628 @itemx show retransmit-timeout
15629 @cindex @code{timeout}, MIPS protocol
15630 @cindex @code{retransmit-timeout}, MIPS protocol
15631 @kindex set timeout
15632 @kindex show timeout
15633 @kindex set retransmit-timeout
15634 @kindex show retransmit-timeout
15635 You can control the timeout used while waiting for a packet, in the MIPS
15636 remote protocol, with the @code{set timeout @var{seconds}} command. The
15637 default is 5 seconds. Similarly, you can control the timeout used while
15638 waiting for an acknowledgment of a packet with the @code{set
15639 retransmit-timeout @var{seconds}} command. The default is 3 seconds.
15640 You can inspect both values with @code{show timeout} and @code{show
15641 retransmit-timeout}. (These commands are @emph{only} available when
15642 @value{GDBN} is configured for @samp{--target=mips-idt-ecoff}.)
15643
15644 The timeout set by @code{set timeout} does not apply when @value{GDBN}
15645 is waiting for your program to stop. In that case, @value{GDBN} waits
15646 forever because it has no way of knowing how long the program is going
15647 to run before stopping.
15648
15649 @item set syn-garbage-limit @var{num}
15650 @kindex set syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
15651 @cindex synchronize with remote MIPS target
15652 Limit the maximum number of characters @value{GDBN} should ignore when
15653 it tries to synchronize with the remote target. The default is 10
15654 characters. Setting the limit to -1 means there's no limit.
15655
15656 @item show syn-garbage-limit
15657 @kindex show syn-garbage-limit@r{, MIPS remote}
15658 Show the current limit on the number of characters to ignore when
15659 trying to synchronize with the remote system.
15660
15661 @item set monitor-prompt @var{prompt}
15662 @kindex set monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
15663 @cindex remote monitor prompt
15664 Tell @value{GDBN} to expect the specified @var{prompt} string from the
15665 remote monitor. The default depends on the target:
15666 @table @asis
15667 @item pmon target
15668 @samp{PMON}
15669 @item ddb target
15670 @samp{NEC010}
15671 @item lsi target
15672 @samp{PMON>}
15673 @end table
15674
15675 @item show monitor-prompt
15676 @kindex show monitor-prompt@r{, MIPS remote}
15677 Show the current strings @value{GDBN} expects as the prompt from the
15678 remote monitor.
15679
15680 @item set monitor-warnings
15681 @kindex set monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
15682 Enable or disable monitor warnings about hardware breakpoints. This
15683 has effect only for the @code{lsi} target. When on, @value{GDBN} will
15684 display warning messages whose codes are returned by the @code{lsi}
15685 PMON monitor for breakpoint commands.
15686
15687 @item show monitor-warnings
15688 @kindex show monitor-warnings@r{, MIPS remote}
15689 Show the current setting of printing monitor warnings.
15690
15691 @item pmon @var{command}
15692 @kindex pmon@r{, MIPS remote}
15693 @cindex send PMON command
15694 This command allows sending an arbitrary @var{command} string to the
15695 monitor. The monitor must be in debug mode for this to work.
15696 @end table
15697
15698 @node OpenRISC 1000
15699 @subsection OpenRISC 1000
15700 @cindex OpenRISC 1000
15701
15702 @cindex or1k boards
15703 See OR1k Architecture document (@uref{www.opencores.org}) for more information
15704 about platform and commands.
15705
15706 @table @code
15707
15708 @kindex target jtag
15709 @item target jtag jtag://@var{host}:@var{port}
15710
15711 Connects to remote JTAG server.
15712 JTAG remote server can be either an or1ksim or JTAG server,
15713 connected via parallel port to the board.
15714
15715 Example: @code{target jtag jtag://localhost:9999}
15716
15717 @kindex or1ksim
15718 @item or1ksim @var{command}
15719 If connected to @code{or1ksim} OpenRISC 1000 Architectural
15720 Simulator, proprietary commands can be executed.
15721
15722 @kindex info or1k spr
15723 @item info or1k spr
15724 Displays spr groups.
15725
15726 @item info or1k spr @var{group}
15727 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno}
15728 Displays register names in selected group.
15729
15730 @item info or1k spr @var{group} @var{register}
15731 @itemx info or1k spr @var{register}
15732 @itemx info or1k spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno}
15733 @itemx info or1k spr @var{registerno}
15734 Shows information about specified spr register.
15735
15736 @kindex spr
15737 @item spr @var{group} @var{register} @var{value}
15738 @itemx spr @var{register @var{value}}
15739 @itemx spr @var{groupno} @var{registerno @var{value}}
15740 @itemx spr @var{registerno @var{value}}
15741 Writes @var{value} to specified spr register.
15742 @end table
15743
15744 Some implementations of OpenRISC 1000 Architecture also have hardware trace.
15745 It is very similar to @value{GDBN} trace, except it does not interfere with normal
15746 program execution and is thus much faster. Hardware breakpoints/watchpoint
15747 triggers can be set using:
15748 @table @code
15749 @item $LEA/$LDATA
15750 Load effective address/data
15751 @item $SEA/$SDATA
15752 Store effective address/data
15753 @item $AEA/$ADATA
15754 Access effective address ($SEA or $LEA) or data ($SDATA/$LDATA)
15755 @item $FETCH
15756 Fetch data
15757 @end table
15758
15759 When triggered, it can capture low level data, like: @code{PC}, @code{LSEA},
15760 @code{LDATA}, @code{SDATA}, @code{READSPR}, @code{WRITESPR}, @code{INSTR}.
15761
15762 @code{htrace} commands:
15763 @cindex OpenRISC 1000 htrace
15764 @table @code
15765 @kindex hwatch
15766 @item hwatch @var{conditional}
15767 Set hardware watchpoint on combination of Load/Store Effective Address(es)
15768 or Data. For example:
15769
15770 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
15771
15772 @code{hwatch ($LEA == my_var) && ($LDATA < 50) || ($SEA == my_var) && ($SDATA >= 50)}
15773
15774 @kindex htrace
15775 @item htrace info
15776 Display information about current HW trace configuration.
15777
15778 @item htrace trigger @var{conditional}
15779 Set starting criteria for HW trace.
15780
15781 @item htrace qualifier @var{conditional}
15782 Set acquisition qualifier for HW trace.
15783
15784 @item htrace stop @var{conditional}
15785 Set HW trace stopping criteria.
15786
15787 @item htrace record [@var{data}]*
15788 Selects the data to be recorded, when qualifier is met and HW trace was
15789 triggered.
15790
15791 @item htrace enable
15792 @itemx htrace disable
15793 Enables/disables the HW trace.
15794
15795 @item htrace rewind [@var{filename}]
15796 Clears currently recorded trace data.
15797
15798 If filename is specified, new trace file is made and any newly collected data
15799 will be written there.
15800
15801 @item htrace print [@var{start} [@var{len}]]
15802 Prints trace buffer, using current record configuration.
15803
15804 @item htrace mode continuous
15805 Set continuous trace mode.
15806
15807 @item htrace mode suspend
15808 Set suspend trace mode.
15809
15810 @end table
15811
15812 @node PowerPC Embedded
15813 @subsection PowerPC Embedded
15814
15815 @value{GDBN} provides the following PowerPC-specific commands:
15816
15817 @table @code
15818 @kindex set powerpc
15819 @item set powerpc soft-float
15820 @itemx show powerpc soft-float
15821 Force @value{GDBN} to use (or not use) a software floating point calling
15822 convention. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention based
15823 on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
15824
15825 @item set powerpc vector-abi
15826 @itemx show powerpc vector-abi
15827 Force @value{GDBN} to use the specified calling convention for vector
15828 arguments and return values. The valid options are @samp{auto};
15829 @samp{generic}, to avoid vector registers even if they are present;
15830 @samp{altivec}, to use AltiVec registers; and @samp{spe} to use SPE
15831 registers. By default, @value{GDBN} selects the calling convention
15832 based on the selected architecture and the provided executable file.
15833
15834 @kindex target dink32
15835 @item target dink32 @var{dev}
15836 DINK32 ROM monitor.
15837
15838 @kindex target ppcbug
15839 @item target ppcbug @var{dev}
15840 @kindex target ppcbug1
15841 @item target ppcbug1 @var{dev}
15842 PPCBUG ROM monitor for PowerPC.
15843
15844 @kindex target sds
15845 @item target sds @var{dev}
15846 SDS monitor, running on a PowerPC board (such as Motorola's ADS).
15847 @end table
15848
15849 @cindex SDS protocol
15850 The following commands specific to the SDS protocol are supported
15851 by @value{GDBN}:
15852
15853 @table @code
15854 @item set sdstimeout @var{nsec}
15855 @kindex set sdstimeout
15856 Set the timeout for SDS protocol reads to be @var{nsec} seconds. The
15857 default is 2 seconds.
15858
15859 @item show sdstimeout
15860 @kindex show sdstimeout
15861 Show the current value of the SDS timeout.
15862
15863 @item sds @var{command}
15864 @kindex sds@r{, a command}
15865 Send the specified @var{command} string to the SDS monitor.
15866 @end table
15867
15868
15869 @node PA
15870 @subsection HP PA Embedded
15871
15872 @table @code
15873
15874 @kindex target op50n
15875 @item target op50n @var{dev}
15876 OP50N monitor, running on an OKI HPPA board.
15877
15878 @kindex target w89k
15879 @item target w89k @var{dev}
15880 W89K monitor, running on a Winbond HPPA board.
15881
15882 @end table
15883
15884 @node Sparclet
15885 @subsection Tsqware Sparclet
15886
15887 @cindex Sparclet
15888
15889 @value{GDBN} enables developers to debug tasks running on
15890 Sparclet targets from a Unix host.
15891 @value{GDBN} uses code that runs on
15892 both the Unix host and on the Sparclet target. The program
15893 @code{@value{GDBP}} is installed and executed on the Unix host.
15894
15895 @table @code
15896 @item remotetimeout @var{args}
15897 @kindex remotetimeout
15898 @value{GDBN} supports the option @code{remotetimeout}.
15899 This option is set by the user, and @var{args} represents the number of
15900 seconds @value{GDBN} waits for responses.
15901 @end table
15902
15903 @cindex compiling, on Sparclet
15904 When compiling for debugging, include the options @samp{-g} to get debug
15905 information and @samp{-Ttext} to relocate the program to where you wish to
15906 load it on the target. You may also want to add the options @samp{-n} or
15907 @samp{-N} in order to reduce the size of the sections. Example:
15908
15909 @smallexample
15910 sparclet-aout-gcc prog.c -Ttext 0x12010000 -g -o prog -N
15911 @end smallexample
15912
15913 You can use @code{objdump} to verify that the addresses are what you intended:
15914
15915 @smallexample
15916 sparclet-aout-objdump --headers --syms prog
15917 @end smallexample
15918
15919 @cindex running, on Sparclet
15920 Once you have set
15921 your Unix execution search path to find @value{GDBN}, you are ready to
15922 run @value{GDBN}. From your Unix host, run @code{@value{GDBP}}
15923 (or @code{sparclet-aout-gdb}, depending on your installation).
15924
15925 @value{GDBN} comes up showing the prompt:
15926
15927 @smallexample
15928 (gdbslet)
15929 @end smallexample
15930
15931 @menu
15932 * Sparclet File:: Setting the file to debug
15933 * Sparclet Connection:: Connecting to Sparclet
15934 * Sparclet Download:: Sparclet download
15935 * Sparclet Execution:: Running and debugging
15936 @end menu
15937
15938 @node Sparclet File
15939 @subsubsection Setting File to Debug
15940
15941 The @value{GDBN} command @code{file} lets you choose with program to debug.
15942
15943 @smallexample
15944 (gdbslet) file prog
15945 @end smallexample
15946
15947 @need 1000
15948 @value{GDBN} then attempts to read the symbol table of @file{prog}.
15949 @value{GDBN} locates
15950 the file by searching the directories listed in the command search
15951 path.
15952 If the file was compiled with debug information (option @samp{-g}), source
15953 files will be searched as well.
15954 @value{GDBN} locates
15955 the source files by searching the directories listed in the directory search
15956 path (@pxref{Environment, ,Your Program's Environment}).
15957 If it fails
15958 to find a file, it displays a message such as:
15959
15960 @smallexample
15961 prog: No such file or directory.
15962 @end smallexample
15963
15964 When this happens, add the appropriate directories to the search paths with
15965 the @value{GDBN} commands @code{path} and @code{dir}, and execute the
15966 @code{target} command again.
15967
15968 @node Sparclet Connection
15969 @subsubsection Connecting to Sparclet
15970
15971 The @value{GDBN} command @code{target} lets you connect to a Sparclet target.
15972 To connect to a target on serial port ``@code{ttya}'', type:
15973
15974 @smallexample
15975 (gdbslet) target sparclet /dev/ttya
15976 Remote target sparclet connected to /dev/ttya
15977 main () at ../prog.c:3
15978 @end smallexample
15979
15980 @need 750
15981 @value{GDBN} displays messages like these:
15982
15983 @smallexample
15984 Connected to ttya.
15985 @end smallexample
15986
15987 @node Sparclet Download
15988 @subsubsection Sparclet Download
15989
15990 @cindex download to Sparclet
15991 Once connected to the Sparclet target,
15992 you can use the @value{GDBN}
15993 @code{load} command to download the file from the host to the target.
15994 The file name and load offset should be given as arguments to the @code{load}
15995 command.
15996 Since the file format is aout, the program must be loaded to the starting
15997 address. You can use @code{objdump} to find out what this value is. The load
15998 offset is an offset which is added to the VMA (virtual memory address)
15999 of each of the file's sections.
16000 For instance, if the program
16001 @file{prog} was linked to text address 0x1201000, with data at 0x12010160
16002 and bss at 0x12010170, in @value{GDBN}, type:
16003
16004 @smallexample
16005 (gdbslet) load prog 0x12010000
16006 Loading section .text, size 0xdb0 vma 0x12010000
16007 @end smallexample
16008
16009 If the code is loaded at a different address then what the program was linked
16010 to, you may need to use the @code{section} and @code{add-symbol-file} commands
16011 to tell @value{GDBN} where to map the symbol table.
16012
16013 @node Sparclet Execution
16014 @subsubsection Running and Debugging
16015
16016 @cindex running and debugging Sparclet programs
16017 You can now begin debugging the task using @value{GDBN}'s execution control
16018 commands, @code{b}, @code{step}, @code{run}, etc. See the @value{GDBN}
16019 manual for the list of commands.
16020
16021 @smallexample
16022 (gdbslet) b main
16023 Breakpoint 1 at 0x12010000: file prog.c, line 3.
16024 (gdbslet) run
16025 Starting program: prog
16026 Breakpoint 1, main (argc=1, argv=0xeffff21c) at prog.c:3
16027 3 char *symarg = 0;
16028 (gdbslet) step
16029 4 char *execarg = "hello!";
16030 (gdbslet)
16031 @end smallexample
16032
16033 @node Sparclite
16034 @subsection Fujitsu Sparclite
16035
16036 @table @code
16037
16038 @kindex target sparclite
16039 @item target sparclite @var{dev}
16040 Fujitsu sparclite boards, used only for the purpose of loading.
16041 You must use an additional command to debug the program.
16042 For example: target remote @var{dev} using @value{GDBN} standard
16043 remote protocol.
16044
16045 @end table
16046
16047 @node Z8000
16048 @subsection Zilog Z8000
16049
16050 @cindex Z8000
16051 @cindex simulator, Z8000
16052 @cindex Zilog Z8000 simulator
16053
16054 When configured for debugging Zilog Z8000 targets, @value{GDBN} includes
16055 a Z8000 simulator.
16056
16057 For the Z8000 family, @samp{target sim} simulates either the Z8002 (the
16058 unsegmented variant of the Z8000 architecture) or the Z8001 (the
16059 segmented variant). The simulator recognizes which architecture is
16060 appropriate by inspecting the object code.
16061
16062 @table @code
16063 @item target sim @var{args}
16064 @kindex sim
16065 @kindex target sim@r{, with Z8000}
16066 Debug programs on a simulated CPU. If the simulator supports setup
16067 options, specify them via @var{args}.
16068 @end table
16069
16070 @noindent
16071 After specifying this target, you can debug programs for the simulated
16072 CPU in the same style as programs for your host computer; use the
16073 @code{file} command to load a new program image, the @code{run} command
16074 to run your program, and so on.
16075
16076 As well as making available all the usual machine registers
16077 (@pxref{Registers, ,Registers}), the Z8000 simulator provides three
16078 additional items of information as specially named registers:
16079
16080 @table @code
16081
16082 @item cycles
16083 Counts clock-ticks in the simulator.
16084
16085 @item insts
16086 Counts instructions run in the simulator.
16087
16088 @item time
16089 Execution time in 60ths of a second.
16090
16091 @end table
16092
16093 You can refer to these values in @value{GDBN} expressions with the usual
16094 conventions; for example, @w{@samp{b fputc if $cycles>5000}} sets a
16095 conditional breakpoint that suspends only after at least 5000
16096 simulated clock ticks.
16097
16098 @node AVR
16099 @subsection Atmel AVR
16100 @cindex AVR
16101
16102 When configured for debugging the Atmel AVR, @value{GDBN} supports the
16103 following AVR-specific commands:
16104
16105 @table @code
16106 @item info io_registers
16107 @kindex info io_registers@r{, AVR}
16108 @cindex I/O registers (Atmel AVR)
16109 This command displays information about the AVR I/O registers. For
16110 each register, @value{GDBN} prints its number and value.
16111 @end table
16112
16113 @node CRIS
16114 @subsection CRIS
16115 @cindex CRIS
16116
16117 When configured for debugging CRIS, @value{GDBN} provides the
16118 following CRIS-specific commands:
16119
16120 @table @code
16121 @item set cris-version @var{ver}
16122 @cindex CRIS version
16123 Set the current CRIS version to @var{ver}, either @samp{10} or @samp{32}.
16124 The CRIS version affects register names and sizes. This command is useful in
16125 case autodetection of the CRIS version fails.
16126
16127 @item show cris-version
16128 Show the current CRIS version.
16129
16130 @item set cris-dwarf2-cfi
16131 @cindex DWARF-2 CFI and CRIS
16132 Set the usage of DWARF-2 CFI for CRIS debugging. The default is @samp{on}.
16133 Change to @samp{off} when using @code{gcc-cris} whose version is below
16134 @code{R59}.
16135
16136 @item show cris-dwarf2-cfi
16137 Show the current state of using DWARF-2 CFI.
16138
16139 @item set cris-mode @var{mode}
16140 @cindex CRIS mode
16141 Set the current CRIS mode to @var{mode}. It should only be changed when
16142 debugging in guru mode, in which case it should be set to
16143 @samp{guru} (the default is @samp{normal}).
16144
16145 @item show cris-mode
16146 Show the current CRIS mode.
16147 @end table
16148
16149 @node Super-H
16150 @subsection Renesas Super-H
16151 @cindex Super-H
16152
16153 For the Renesas Super-H processor, @value{GDBN} provides these
16154 commands:
16155
16156 @table @code
16157 @item regs
16158 @kindex regs@r{, Super-H}
16159 Show the values of all Super-H registers.
16160
16161 @item set sh calling-convention @var{convention}
16162 @kindex set sh calling-convention
16163 Set the calling-convention used when calling functions from @value{GDBN}.
16164 Allowed values are @samp{gcc}, which is the default setting, and @samp{renesas}.
16165 With the @samp{gcc} setting, functions are called using the @value{NGCC} calling
16166 convention. If the DWARF-2 information of the called function specifies
16167 that the function follows the Renesas calling convention, the function
16168 is called using the Renesas calling convention. If the calling convention
16169 is set to @samp{renesas}, the Renesas calling convention is always used,
16170 regardless of the DWARF-2 information. This can be used to override the
16171 default of @samp{gcc} if debug information is missing, or the compiler
16172 does not emit the DWARF-2 calling convention entry for a function.
16173
16174 @item show sh calling-convention
16175 @kindex show sh calling-convention
16176 Show the current calling convention setting.
16177
16178 @end table
16179
16180
16181 @node Architectures
16182 @section Architectures
16183
16184 This section describes characteristics of architectures that affect
16185 all uses of @value{GDBN} with the architecture, both native and cross.
16186
16187 @menu
16188 * i386::
16189 * A29K::
16190 * Alpha::
16191 * MIPS::
16192 * HPPA:: HP PA architecture
16193 * SPU:: Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
16194 * PowerPC::
16195 @end menu
16196
16197 @node i386
16198 @subsection x86 Architecture-specific Issues
16199
16200 @table @code
16201 @item set struct-convention @var{mode}
16202 @kindex set struct-convention
16203 @cindex struct return convention
16204 @cindex struct/union returned in registers
16205 Set the convention used by the inferior to return @code{struct}s and
16206 @code{union}s from functions to @var{mode}. Possible values of
16207 @var{mode} are @code{"pcc"}, @code{"reg"}, and @code{"default"} (the
16208 default). @code{"default"} or @code{"pcc"} means that @code{struct}s
16209 are returned on the stack, while @code{"reg"} means that a
16210 @code{struct} or a @code{union} whose size is 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes will
16211 be returned in a register.
16212
16213 @item show struct-convention
16214 @kindex show struct-convention
16215 Show the current setting of the convention to return @code{struct}s
16216 from functions.
16217 @end table
16218
16219 @node A29K
16220 @subsection A29K
16221
16222 @table @code
16223
16224 @kindex set rstack_high_address
16225 @cindex AMD 29K register stack
16226 @cindex register stack, AMD29K
16227 @item set rstack_high_address @var{address}
16228 On AMD 29000 family processors, registers are saved in a separate
16229 @dfn{register stack}. There is no way for @value{GDBN} to determine the
16230 extent of this stack. Normally, @value{GDBN} just assumes that the
16231 stack is ``large enough''. This may result in @value{GDBN} referencing
16232 memory locations that do not exist. If necessary, you can get around
16233 this problem by specifying the ending address of the register stack with
16234 the @code{set rstack_high_address} command. The argument should be an
16235 address, which you probably want to precede with @samp{0x} to specify in
16236 hexadecimal.
16237
16238 @kindex show rstack_high_address
16239 @item show rstack_high_address
16240 Display the current limit of the register stack, on AMD 29000 family
16241 processors.
16242
16243 @end table
16244
16245 @node Alpha
16246 @subsection Alpha
16247
16248 See the following section.
16249
16250 @node MIPS
16251 @subsection MIPS
16252
16253 @cindex stack on Alpha
16254 @cindex stack on MIPS
16255 @cindex Alpha stack
16256 @cindex MIPS stack
16257 Alpha- and MIPS-based computers use an unusual stack frame, which
16258 sometimes requires @value{GDBN} to search backward in the object code to
16259 find the beginning of a function.
16260
16261 @cindex response time, MIPS debugging
16262 To improve response time (especially for embedded applications, where
16263 @value{GDBN} may be restricted to a slow serial line for this search)
16264 you may want to limit the size of this search, using one of these
16265 commands:
16266
16267 @table @code
16268 @cindex @code{heuristic-fence-post} (Alpha, MIPS)
16269 @item set heuristic-fence-post @var{limit}
16270 Restrict @value{GDBN} to examining at most @var{limit} bytes in its
16271 search for the beginning of a function. A value of @var{0} (the
16272 default) means there is no limit. However, except for @var{0}, the
16273 larger the limit the more bytes @code{heuristic-fence-post} must search
16274 and therefore the longer it takes to run. You should only need to use
16275 this command when debugging a stripped executable.
16276
16277 @item show heuristic-fence-post
16278 Display the current limit.
16279 @end table
16280
16281 @noindent
16282 These commands are available @emph{only} when @value{GDBN} is configured
16283 for debugging programs on Alpha or MIPS processors.
16284
16285 Several MIPS-specific commands are available when debugging MIPS
16286 programs:
16287
16288 @table @code
16289 @item set mips abi @var{arg}
16290 @kindex set mips abi
16291 @cindex set ABI for MIPS
16292 Tell @value{GDBN} which MIPS ABI is used by the inferior. Possible
16293 values of @var{arg} are:
16294
16295 @table @samp
16296 @item auto
16297 The default ABI associated with the current binary (this is the
16298 default).
16299 @item o32
16300 @item o64
16301 @item n32
16302 @item n64
16303 @item eabi32
16304 @item eabi64
16305 @item auto
16306 @end table
16307
16308 @item show mips abi
16309 @kindex show mips abi
16310 Show the MIPS ABI used by @value{GDBN} to debug the inferior.
16311
16312 @item set mipsfpu
16313 @itemx show mipsfpu
16314 @xref{MIPS Embedded, set mipsfpu}.
16315
16316 @item set mips mask-address @var{arg}
16317 @kindex set mips mask-address
16318 @cindex MIPS addresses, masking
16319 This command determines whether the most-significant 32 bits of 64-bit
16320 MIPS addresses are masked off. The argument @var{arg} can be
16321 @samp{on}, @samp{off}, or @samp{auto}. The latter is the default
16322 setting, which lets @value{GDBN} determine the correct value.
16323
16324 @item show mips mask-address
16325 @kindex show mips mask-address
16326 Show whether the upper 32 bits of MIPS addresses are masked off or
16327 not.
16328
16329 @item set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16330 @kindex set remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16331 This command controls compatibility with 64-bit MIPS targets that
16332 transfer data in 32-bit quantities. If you have an old MIPS 64 target
16333 that transfers 32 bits for some registers, like @sc{sr} and @sc{fsr},
16334 and 64 bits for other registers, set this option to @samp{on}.
16335
16336 @item show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16337 @kindex show remote-mips64-transfers-32bit-regs
16338 Show the current setting of compatibility with older MIPS 64 targets.
16339
16340 @item set debug mips
16341 @kindex set debug mips
16342 This command turns on and off debugging messages for the MIPS-specific
16343 target code in @value{GDBN}.
16344
16345 @item show debug mips
16346 @kindex show debug mips
16347 Show the current setting of MIPS debugging messages.
16348 @end table
16349
16350
16351 @node HPPA
16352 @subsection HPPA
16353 @cindex HPPA support
16354
16355 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the HP PA architecture, it provides the
16356 following special commands:
16357
16358 @table @code
16359 @item set debug hppa
16360 @kindex set debug hppa
16361 This command determines whether HPPA architecture-specific debugging
16362 messages are to be displayed.
16363
16364 @item show debug hppa
16365 Show whether HPPA debugging messages are displayed.
16366
16367 @item maint print unwind @var{address}
16368 @kindex maint print unwind@r{, HPPA}
16369 This command displays the contents of the unwind table entry at the
16370 given @var{address}.
16371
16372 @end table
16373
16374
16375 @node SPU
16376 @subsection Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture
16377 @cindex Cell Broadband Engine
16378 @cindex SPU
16379
16380 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the Cell Broadband Engine SPU architecture,
16381 it provides the following special commands:
16382
16383 @table @code
16384 @item info spu event
16385 @kindex info spu
16386 Display SPU event facility status. Shows current event mask
16387 and pending event status.
16388
16389 @item info spu signal
16390 Display SPU signal notification facility status. Shows pending
16391 signal-control word and signal notification mode of both signal
16392 notification channels.
16393
16394 @item info spu mailbox
16395 Display SPU mailbox facility status. Shows all pending entries,
16396 in order of processing, in each of the SPU Write Outbound,
16397 SPU Write Outbound Interrupt, and SPU Read Inbound mailboxes.
16398
16399 @item info spu dma
16400 Display MFC DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
16401 DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
16402 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
16403
16404 @item info spu proxydma
16405 Display MFC Proxy-DMA status. Shows all pending commands in the MFC
16406 Proxy-DMA queue. For each entry, opcode, tag, class IDs, effective
16407 and local store addresses and transfer size are shown.
16408
16409 @end table
16410
16411 @node PowerPC
16412 @subsection PowerPC
16413 @cindex PowerPC architecture
16414
16415 When @value{GDBN} is debugging the PowerPC architecture, it provides a set of
16416 pseudo-registers to enable inspection of 128-bit wide Decimal Floating Point
16417 numbers stored in the floating point registers. These values must be stored
16418 in two consecutive registers, always starting at an even register like
16419 @code{f0} or @code{f2}.
16420
16421 The pseudo-registers go from @code{$dl0} through @code{$dl15}, and are formed
16422 by joining the even/odd register pairs @code{f0} and @code{f1} for @code{$dl0},
16423 @code{f2} and @code{f3} for @code{$dl1} and so on.
16424
16425
16426 @node Controlling GDB
16427 @chapter Controlling @value{GDBN}
16428
16429 You can alter the way @value{GDBN} interacts with you by using the
16430 @code{set} command. For commands controlling how @value{GDBN} displays
16431 data, see @ref{Print Settings, ,Print Settings}. Other settings are
16432 described here.
16433
16434 @menu
16435 * Prompt:: Prompt
16436 * Editing:: Command editing
16437 * Command History:: Command history
16438 * Screen Size:: Screen size
16439 * Numbers:: Numbers
16440 * ABI:: Configuring the current ABI
16441 * Messages/Warnings:: Optional warnings and messages
16442 * Debugging Output:: Optional messages about internal happenings
16443 @end menu
16444
16445 @node Prompt
16446 @section Prompt
16447
16448 @cindex prompt
16449
16450 @value{GDBN} indicates its readiness to read a command by printing a string
16451 called the @dfn{prompt}. This string is normally @samp{(@value{GDBP})}. You
16452 can change the prompt string with the @code{set prompt} command. For
16453 instance, when debugging @value{GDBN} with @value{GDBN}, it is useful to change
16454 the prompt in one of the @value{GDBN} sessions so that you can always tell
16455 which one you are talking to.
16456
16457 @emph{Note:} @code{set prompt} does not add a space for you after the
16458 prompt you set. This allows you to set a prompt which ends in a space
16459 or a prompt that does not.
16460
16461 @table @code
16462 @kindex set prompt
16463 @item set prompt @var{newprompt}
16464 Directs @value{GDBN} to use @var{newprompt} as its prompt string henceforth.
16465
16466 @kindex show prompt
16467 @item show prompt
16468 Prints a line of the form: @samp{Gdb's prompt is: @var{your-prompt}}
16469 @end table
16470
16471 @node Editing
16472 @section Command Editing
16473 @cindex readline
16474 @cindex command line editing
16475
16476 @value{GDBN} reads its input commands via the @dfn{Readline} interface. This
16477 @sc{gnu} library provides consistent behavior for programs which provide a
16478 command line interface to the user. Advantages are @sc{gnu} Emacs-style
16479 or @dfn{vi}-style inline editing of commands, @code{csh}-like history
16480 substitution, and a storage and recall of command history across
16481 debugging sessions.
16482
16483 You may control the behavior of command line editing in @value{GDBN} with the
16484 command @code{set}.
16485
16486 @table @code
16487 @kindex set editing
16488 @cindex editing
16489 @item set editing
16490 @itemx set editing on
16491 Enable command line editing (enabled by default).
16492
16493 @item set editing off
16494 Disable command line editing.
16495
16496 @kindex show editing
16497 @item show editing
16498 Show whether command line editing is enabled.
16499 @end table
16500
16501 @xref{Command Line Editing}, for more details about the Readline
16502 interface. Users unfamiliar with @sc{gnu} Emacs or @code{vi} are
16503 encouraged to read that chapter.
16504
16505 @node Command History
16506 @section Command History
16507 @cindex command history
16508
16509 @value{GDBN} can keep track of the commands you type during your
16510 debugging sessions, so that you can be certain of precisely what
16511 happened. Use these commands to manage the @value{GDBN} command
16512 history facility.
16513
16514 @value{GDBN} uses the @sc{gnu} History library, a part of the Readline
16515 package, to provide the history facility. @xref{Using History
16516 Interactively}, for the detailed description of the History library.
16517
16518 To issue a command to @value{GDBN} without affecting certain aspects of
16519 the state which is seen by users, prefix it with @samp{server }
16520 (@pxref{Server Prefix}). This
16521 means that this command will not affect the command history, nor will it
16522 affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which command to repeat if @key{RET} is
16523 pressed on a line by itself.
16524
16525 @cindex @code{server}, command prefix
16526 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
16527 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
16528 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
16529
16530 Here is the description of @value{GDBN} commands related to command
16531 history.
16532
16533 @table @code
16534 @cindex history substitution
16535 @cindex history file
16536 @kindex set history filename
16537 @cindex @env{GDBHISTFILE}, environment variable
16538 @item set history filename @var{fname}
16539 Set the name of the @value{GDBN} command history file to @var{fname}.
16540 This is the file where @value{GDBN} reads an initial command history
16541 list, and where it writes the command history from this session when it
16542 exits. You can access this list through history expansion or through
16543 the history command editing characters listed below. This file defaults
16544 to the value of the environment variable @code{GDBHISTFILE}, or to
16545 @file{./.gdb_history} (@file{./_gdb_history} on MS-DOS) if this variable
16546 is not set.
16547
16548 @cindex save command history
16549 @kindex set history save
16550 @item set history save
16551 @itemx set history save on
16552 Record command history in a file, whose name may be specified with the
16553 @code{set history filename} command. By default, this option is disabled.
16554
16555 @item set history save off
16556 Stop recording command history in a file.
16557
16558 @cindex history size
16559 @kindex set history size
16560 @cindex @env{HISTSIZE}, environment variable
16561 @item set history size @var{size}
16562 Set the number of commands which @value{GDBN} keeps in its history list.
16563 This defaults to the value of the environment variable
16564 @code{HISTSIZE}, or to 256 if this variable is not set.
16565 @end table
16566
16567 History expansion assigns special meaning to the character @kbd{!}.
16568 @xref{Event Designators}, for more details.
16569
16570 @cindex history expansion, turn on/off
16571 Since @kbd{!} is also the logical not operator in C, history expansion
16572 is off by default. If you decide to enable history expansion with the
16573 @code{set history expansion on} command, you may sometimes need to
16574 follow @kbd{!} (when it is used as logical not, in an expression) with
16575 a space or a tab to prevent it from being expanded. The readline
16576 history facilities do not attempt substitution on the strings
16577 @kbd{!=} and @kbd{!(}, even when history expansion is enabled.
16578
16579 The commands to control history expansion are:
16580
16581 @table @code
16582 @item set history expansion on
16583 @itemx set history expansion
16584 @kindex set history expansion
16585 Enable history expansion. History expansion is off by default.
16586
16587 @item set history expansion off
16588 Disable history expansion.
16589
16590 @c @group
16591 @kindex show history
16592 @item show history
16593 @itemx show history filename
16594 @itemx show history save
16595 @itemx show history size
16596 @itemx show history expansion
16597 These commands display the state of the @value{GDBN} history parameters.
16598 @code{show history} by itself displays all four states.
16599 @c @end group
16600 @end table
16601
16602 @table @code
16603 @kindex show commands
16604 @cindex show last commands
16605 @cindex display command history
16606 @item show commands
16607 Display the last ten commands in the command history.
16608
16609 @item show commands @var{n}
16610 Print ten commands centered on command number @var{n}.
16611
16612 @item show commands +
16613 Print ten commands just after the commands last printed.
16614 @end table
16615
16616 @node Screen Size
16617 @section Screen Size
16618 @cindex size of screen
16619 @cindex pauses in output
16620
16621 Certain commands to @value{GDBN} may produce large amounts of
16622 information output to the screen. To help you read all of it,
16623 @value{GDBN} pauses and asks you for input at the end of each page of
16624 output. Type @key{RET} when you want to continue the output, or @kbd{q}
16625 to discard the remaining output. Also, the screen width setting
16626 determines when to wrap lines of output. Depending on what is being
16627 printed, @value{GDBN} tries to break the line at a readable place,
16628 rather than simply letting it overflow onto the following line.
16629
16630 Normally @value{GDBN} knows the size of the screen from the terminal
16631 driver software. For example, on Unix @value{GDBN} uses the termcap data base
16632 together with the value of the @code{TERM} environment variable and the
16633 @code{stty rows} and @code{stty cols} settings. If this is not correct,
16634 you can override it with the @code{set height} and @code{set
16635 width} commands:
16636
16637 @table @code
16638 @kindex set height
16639 @kindex set width
16640 @kindex show width
16641 @kindex show height
16642 @item set height @var{lpp}
16643 @itemx show height
16644 @itemx set width @var{cpl}
16645 @itemx show width
16646 These @code{set} commands specify a screen height of @var{lpp} lines and
16647 a screen width of @var{cpl} characters. The associated @code{show}
16648 commands display the current settings.
16649
16650 If you specify a height of zero lines, @value{GDBN} does not pause during
16651 output no matter how long the output is. This is useful if output is to a
16652 file or to an editor buffer.
16653
16654 Likewise, you can specify @samp{set width 0} to prevent @value{GDBN}
16655 from wrapping its output.
16656
16657 @item set pagination on
16658 @itemx set pagination off
16659 @kindex set pagination
16660 Turn the output pagination on or off; the default is on. Turning
16661 pagination off is the alternative to @code{set height 0}.
16662
16663 @item show pagination
16664 @kindex show pagination
16665 Show the current pagination mode.
16666 @end table
16667
16668 @node Numbers
16669 @section Numbers
16670 @cindex number representation
16671 @cindex entering numbers
16672
16673 You can always enter numbers in octal, decimal, or hexadecimal in
16674 @value{GDBN} by the usual conventions: octal numbers begin with
16675 @samp{0}, decimal numbers end with @samp{.}, and hexadecimal numbers
16676 begin with @samp{0x}. Numbers that neither begin with @samp{0} or
16677 @samp{0x}, nor end with a @samp{.} are, by default, entered in base
16678 10; likewise, the default display for numbers---when no particular
16679 format is specified---is base 10. You can change the default base for
16680 both input and output with the commands described below.
16681
16682 @table @code
16683 @kindex set input-radix
16684 @item set input-radix @var{base}
16685 Set the default base for numeric input. Supported choices
16686 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
16687 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix; for
16688 example, any of
16689
16690 @smallexample
16691 set input-radix 012
16692 set input-radix 10.
16693 set input-radix 0xa
16694 @end smallexample
16695
16696 @noindent
16697 sets the input base to decimal. On the other hand, @samp{set input-radix 10}
16698 leaves the input radix unchanged, no matter what it was, since
16699 @samp{10}, being without any leading or trailing signs of its base, is
16700 interpreted in the current radix. Thus, if the current radix is 16,
16701 @samp{10} is interpreted in hex, i.e.@: as 16 decimal, which doesn't
16702 change the radix.
16703
16704 @kindex set output-radix
16705 @item set output-radix @var{base}
16706 Set the default base for numeric display. Supported choices
16707 for @var{base} are decimal 8, 10, or 16. @var{base} must itself be
16708 specified either unambiguously or using the current input radix.
16709
16710 @kindex show input-radix
16711 @item show input-radix
16712 Display the current default base for numeric input.
16713
16714 @kindex show output-radix
16715 @item show output-radix
16716 Display the current default base for numeric display.
16717
16718 @item set radix @r{[}@var{base}@r{]}
16719 @itemx show radix
16720 @kindex set radix
16721 @kindex show radix
16722 These commands set and show the default base for both input and output
16723 of numbers. @code{set radix} sets the radix of input and output to
16724 the same base; without an argument, it resets the radix back to its
16725 default value of 10.
16726
16727 @end table
16728
16729 @node ABI
16730 @section Configuring the Current ABI
16731
16732 @value{GDBN} can determine the @dfn{ABI} (Application Binary Interface) of your
16733 application automatically. However, sometimes you need to override its
16734 conclusions. Use these commands to manage @value{GDBN}'s view of the
16735 current ABI.
16736
16737 @cindex OS ABI
16738 @kindex set osabi
16739 @kindex show osabi
16740
16741 One @value{GDBN} configuration can debug binaries for multiple operating
16742 system targets, either via remote debugging or native emulation.
16743 @value{GDBN} will autodetect the @dfn{OS ABI} (Operating System ABI) in use,
16744 but you can override its conclusion using the @code{set osabi} command.
16745 One example where this is useful is in debugging of binaries which use
16746 an alternate C library (e.g.@: @sc{uClibc} for @sc{gnu}/Linux) which does
16747 not have the same identifying marks that the standard C library for your
16748 platform provides.
16749
16750 @table @code
16751 @item show osabi
16752 Show the OS ABI currently in use.
16753
16754 @item set osabi
16755 With no argument, show the list of registered available OS ABI's.
16756
16757 @item set osabi @var{abi}
16758 Set the current OS ABI to @var{abi}.
16759 @end table
16760
16761 @cindex float promotion
16762
16763 Generally, the way that an argument of type @code{float} is passed to a
16764 function depends on whether the function is prototyped. For a prototyped
16765 (i.e.@: ANSI/ISO style) function, @code{float} arguments are passed unchanged,
16766 according to the architecture's convention for @code{float}. For unprototyped
16767 (i.e.@: K&R style) functions, @code{float} arguments are first promoted to type
16768 @code{double} and then passed.
16769
16770 Unfortunately, some forms of debug information do not reliably indicate whether
16771 a function is prototyped. If @value{GDBN} calls a function that is not marked
16772 as prototyped, it consults @kbd{set coerce-float-to-double}.
16773
16774 @table @code
16775 @kindex set coerce-float-to-double
16776 @item set coerce-float-to-double
16777 @itemx set coerce-float-to-double on
16778 Arguments of type @code{float} will be promoted to @code{double} when passed
16779 to an unprototyped function. This is the default setting.
16780
16781 @item set coerce-float-to-double off
16782 Arguments of type @code{float} will be passed directly to unprototyped
16783 functions.
16784
16785 @kindex show coerce-float-to-double
16786 @item show coerce-float-to-double
16787 Show the current setting of promoting @code{float} to @code{double}.
16788 @end table
16789
16790 @kindex set cp-abi
16791 @kindex show cp-abi
16792 @value{GDBN} needs to know the ABI used for your program's C@t{++}
16793 objects. The correct C@t{++} ABI depends on which C@t{++} compiler was
16794 used to build your application. @value{GDBN} only fully supports
16795 programs with a single C@t{++} ABI; if your program contains code using
16796 multiple C@t{++} ABI's or if @value{GDBN} can not identify your
16797 program's ABI correctly, you can tell @value{GDBN} which ABI to use.
16798 Currently supported ABI's include ``gnu-v2'', for @code{g++} versions
16799 before 3.0, ``gnu-v3'', for @code{g++} versions 3.0 and later, and
16800 ``hpaCC'' for the HP ANSI C@t{++} compiler. Other C@t{++} compilers may
16801 use the ``gnu-v2'' or ``gnu-v3'' ABI's as well. The default setting is
16802 ``auto''.
16803
16804 @table @code
16805 @item show cp-abi
16806 Show the C@t{++} ABI currently in use.
16807
16808 @item set cp-abi
16809 With no argument, show the list of supported C@t{++} ABI's.
16810
16811 @item set cp-abi @var{abi}
16812 @itemx set cp-abi auto
16813 Set the current C@t{++} ABI to @var{abi}, or return to automatic detection.
16814 @end table
16815
16816 @node Messages/Warnings
16817 @section Optional Warnings and Messages
16818
16819 @cindex verbose operation
16820 @cindex optional warnings
16821 By default, @value{GDBN} is silent about its inner workings. If you are
16822 running on a slow machine, you may want to use the @code{set verbose}
16823 command. This makes @value{GDBN} tell you when it does a lengthy
16824 internal operation, so you will not think it has crashed.
16825
16826 Currently, the messages controlled by @code{set verbose} are those
16827 which announce that the symbol table for a source file is being read;
16828 see @code{symbol-file} in @ref{Files, ,Commands to Specify Files}.
16829
16830 @table @code
16831 @kindex set verbose
16832 @item set verbose on
16833 Enables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
16834
16835 @item set verbose off
16836 Disables @value{GDBN} output of certain informational messages.
16837
16838 @kindex show verbose
16839 @item show verbose
16840 Displays whether @code{set verbose} is on or off.
16841 @end table
16842
16843 By default, if @value{GDBN} encounters bugs in the symbol table of an
16844 object file, it is silent; but if you are debugging a compiler, you may
16845 find this information useful (@pxref{Symbol Errors, ,Errors Reading
16846 Symbol Files}).
16847
16848 @table @code
16849
16850 @kindex set complaints
16851 @item set complaints @var{limit}
16852 Permits @value{GDBN} to output @var{limit} complaints about each type of
16853 unusual symbols before becoming silent about the problem. Set
16854 @var{limit} to zero to suppress all complaints; set it to a large number
16855 to prevent complaints from being suppressed.
16856
16857 @kindex show complaints
16858 @item show complaints
16859 Displays how many symbol complaints @value{GDBN} is permitted to produce.
16860
16861 @end table
16862
16863 By default, @value{GDBN} is cautious, and asks what sometimes seems to be a
16864 lot of stupid questions to confirm certain commands. For example, if
16865 you try to run a program which is already running:
16866
16867 @smallexample
16868 (@value{GDBP}) run
16869 The program being debugged has been started already.
16870 Start it from the beginning? (y or n)
16871 @end smallexample
16872
16873 If you are willing to unflinchingly face the consequences of your own
16874 commands, you can disable this ``feature'':
16875
16876 @table @code
16877
16878 @kindex set confirm
16879 @cindex flinching
16880 @cindex confirmation
16881 @cindex stupid questions
16882 @item set confirm off
16883 Disables confirmation requests.
16884
16885 @item set confirm on
16886 Enables confirmation requests (the default).
16887
16888 @kindex show confirm
16889 @item show confirm
16890 Displays state of confirmation requests.
16891
16892 @end table
16893
16894 @cindex command tracing
16895 If you need to debug user-defined commands or sourced files you may find it
16896 useful to enable @dfn{command tracing}. In this mode each command will be
16897 printed as it is executed, prefixed with one or more @samp{+} symbols, the
16898 quantity denoting the call depth of each command.
16899
16900 @table @code
16901 @kindex set trace-commands
16902 @cindex command scripts, debugging
16903 @item set trace-commands on
16904 Enable command tracing.
16905 @item set trace-commands off
16906 Disable command tracing.
16907 @item show trace-commands
16908 Display the current state of command tracing.
16909 @end table
16910
16911 @node Debugging Output
16912 @section Optional Messages about Internal Happenings
16913 @cindex optional debugging messages
16914
16915 @value{GDBN} has commands that enable optional debugging messages from
16916 various @value{GDBN} subsystems; normally these commands are of
16917 interest to @value{GDBN} maintainers, or when reporting a bug. This
16918 section documents those commands.
16919
16920 @table @code
16921 @kindex set exec-done-display
16922 @item set exec-done-display
16923 Turns on or off the notification of asynchronous commands'
16924 completion. When on, @value{GDBN} will print a message when an
16925 asynchronous command finishes its execution. The default is off.
16926 @kindex show exec-done-display
16927 @item show exec-done-display
16928 Displays the current setting of asynchronous command completion
16929 notification.
16930 @kindex set debug
16931 @cindex gdbarch debugging info
16932 @cindex architecture debugging info
16933 @item set debug arch
16934 Turns on or off display of gdbarch debugging info. The default is off
16935 @kindex show debug
16936 @item show debug arch
16937 Displays the current state of displaying gdbarch debugging info.
16938 @item set debug aix-thread
16939 @cindex AIX threads
16940 Display debugging messages about inner workings of the AIX thread
16941 module.
16942 @item show debug aix-thread
16943 Show the current state of AIX thread debugging info display.
16944 @item set debug displaced
16945 @cindex displaced stepping debugging info
16946 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for the
16947 displaced stepping support. The default is off.
16948 @item show debug displaced
16949 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} debugging info
16950 related to displaced stepping.
16951 @item set debug event
16952 @cindex event debugging info
16953 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} event debugging info. The
16954 default is off.
16955 @item show debug event
16956 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} event debugging
16957 info.
16958 @item set debug expression
16959 @cindex expression debugging info
16960 Turns on or off display of debugging info about @value{GDBN}
16961 expression parsing. The default is off.
16962 @item show debug expression
16963 Displays the current state of displaying debugging info about
16964 @value{GDBN} expression parsing.
16965 @item set debug frame
16966 @cindex frame debugging info
16967 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} frame debugging info. The
16968 default is off.
16969 @item show debug frame
16970 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} frame debugging
16971 info.
16972 @item set debug infrun
16973 @cindex inferior debugging info
16974 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} debugging info for running the inferior.
16975 The default is off. @file{infrun.c} contains GDB's runtime state machine used
16976 for implementing operations such as single-stepping the inferior.
16977 @item show debug infrun
16978 Displays the current state of @value{GDBN} inferior debugging.
16979 @item set debug lin-lwp
16980 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP debug messages
16981 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
16982 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP debug support.
16983 @item show debug lin-lwp
16984 Show the current state of Linux LWP debugging messages.
16985 @item set debug lin-lwp-async
16986 @cindex @sc{gnu}/Linux LWP async debug messages
16987 @cindex Linux lightweight processes
16988 Turns on or off debugging messages from the Linux LWP async debug support.
16989 @item show debug lin-lwp-async
16990 Show the current state of Linux LWP async debugging messages.
16991 @item set debug observer
16992 @cindex observer debugging info
16993 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} observer debugging. This
16994 includes info such as the notification of observable events.
16995 @item show debug observer
16996 Displays the current state of observer debugging.
16997 @item set debug overload
16998 @cindex C@t{++} overload debugging info
16999 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload debugging
17000 info. This includes info such as ranking of functions, etc. The default
17001 is off.
17002 @item show debug overload
17003 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} C@t{++} overload
17004 debugging info.
17005 @cindex packets, reporting on stdout
17006 @cindex serial connections, debugging
17007 @cindex debug remote protocol
17008 @cindex remote protocol debugging
17009 @cindex display remote packets
17010 @item set debug remote
17011 Turns on or off display of reports on all packets sent back and forth across
17012 the serial line to the remote machine. The info is printed on the
17013 @value{GDBN} standard output stream. The default is off.
17014 @item show debug remote
17015 Displays the state of display of remote packets.
17016 @item set debug serial
17017 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} serial debugging info. The
17018 default is off.
17019 @item show debug serial
17020 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} serial debugging
17021 info.
17022 @item set debug solib-frv
17023 @cindex FR-V shared-library debugging
17024 Turns on or off debugging messages for FR-V shared-library code.
17025 @item show debug solib-frv
17026 Display the current state of FR-V shared-library code debugging
17027 messages.
17028 @item set debug target
17029 @cindex target debugging info
17030 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} target debugging info. This info
17031 includes what is going on at the target level of GDB, as it happens. The
17032 default is 0. Set it to 1 to track events, and to 2 to also track the
17033 value of large memory transfers. Changes to this flag do not take effect
17034 until the next time you connect to a target or use the @code{run} command.
17035 @item show debug target
17036 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} target debugging
17037 info.
17038 @item set debug timestamp
17039 @cindex timestampping debugging info
17040 Turns on or off display of timestamps with @value{GDBN} debugging info.
17041 When enabled, seconds and microseconds are displayed before each debugging
17042 message.
17043 @item show debug timestamp
17044 Displays the current state of displaying timestamps with @value{GDBN}
17045 debugging info.
17046 @item set debugvarobj
17047 @cindex variable object debugging info
17048 Turns on or off display of @value{GDBN} variable object debugging
17049 info. The default is off.
17050 @item show debugvarobj
17051 Displays the current state of displaying @value{GDBN} variable object
17052 debugging info.
17053 @item set debug xml
17054 @cindex XML parser debugging
17055 Turns on or off debugging messages for built-in XML parsers.
17056 @item show debug xml
17057 Displays the current state of XML debugging messages.
17058 @end table
17059
17060 @node Extending GDB
17061 @chapter Extending @value{GDBN}
17062 @cindex extending GDB
17063
17064 @value{GDBN} provides two mechanisms for extension. The first is based
17065 on composition of @value{GDBN} commands, and the second is based on the
17066 Python scripting language.
17067
17068 @menu
17069 * Sequences:: Canned Sequences of Commands
17070 * Python:: Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
17071 @end menu
17072
17073 @node Sequences
17074 @section Canned Sequences of Commands
17075
17076 Aside from breakpoint commands (@pxref{Break Commands, ,Breakpoint
17077 Command Lists}), @value{GDBN} provides two ways to store sequences of
17078 commands for execution as a unit: user-defined commands and command
17079 files.
17080
17081 @menu
17082 * Define:: How to define your own commands
17083 * Hooks:: Hooks for user-defined commands
17084 * Command Files:: How to write scripts of commands to be stored in a file
17085 * Output:: Commands for controlled output
17086 @end menu
17087
17088 @node Define
17089 @subsection User-defined Commands
17090
17091 @cindex user-defined command
17092 @cindex arguments, to user-defined commands
17093 A @dfn{user-defined command} is a sequence of @value{GDBN} commands to
17094 which you assign a new name as a command. This is done with the
17095 @code{define} command. User commands may accept up to 10 arguments
17096 separated by whitespace. Arguments are accessed within the user command
17097 via @code{$arg0@dots{}$arg9}. A trivial example:
17098
17099 @smallexample
17100 define adder
17101 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
17102 end
17103 @end smallexample
17104
17105 @noindent
17106 To execute the command use:
17107
17108 @smallexample
17109 adder 1 2 3
17110 @end smallexample
17111
17112 @noindent
17113 This defines the command @code{adder}, which prints the sum of
17114 its three arguments. Note the arguments are text substitutions, so they may
17115 reference variables, use complex expressions, or even perform inferior
17116 functions calls.
17117
17118 @cindex argument count in user-defined commands
17119 @cindex how many arguments (user-defined commands)
17120 In addition, @code{$argc} may be used to find out how many arguments have
17121 been passed. This expands to a number in the range 0@dots{}10.
17122
17123 @smallexample
17124 define adder
17125 if $argc == 2
17126 print $arg0 + $arg1
17127 end
17128 if $argc == 3
17129 print $arg0 + $arg1 + $arg2
17130 end
17131 end
17132 @end smallexample
17133
17134 @table @code
17135
17136 @kindex define
17137 @item define @var{commandname}
17138 Define a command named @var{commandname}. If there is already a command
17139 by that name, you are asked to confirm that you want to redefine it.
17140
17141 The definition of the command is made up of other @value{GDBN} command lines,
17142 which are given following the @code{define} command. The end of these
17143 commands is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
17144
17145 @kindex document
17146 @kindex end@r{ (user-defined commands)}
17147 @item document @var{commandname}
17148 Document the user-defined command @var{commandname}, so that it can be
17149 accessed by @code{help}. The command @var{commandname} must already be
17150 defined. This command reads lines of documentation just as @code{define}
17151 reads the lines of the command definition, ending with @code{end}.
17152 After the @code{document} command is finished, @code{help} on command
17153 @var{commandname} displays the documentation you have written.
17154
17155 You may use the @code{document} command again to change the
17156 documentation of a command. Redefining the command with @code{define}
17157 does not change the documentation.
17158
17159 @kindex dont-repeat
17160 @cindex don't repeat command
17161 @item dont-repeat
17162 Used inside a user-defined command, this tells @value{GDBN} that this
17163 command should not be repeated when the user hits @key{RET}
17164 (@pxref{Command Syntax, repeat last command}).
17165
17166 @kindex help user-defined
17167 @item help user-defined
17168 List all user-defined commands, with the first line of the documentation
17169 (if any) for each.
17170
17171 @kindex show user
17172 @item show user
17173 @itemx show user @var{commandname}
17174 Display the @value{GDBN} commands used to define @var{commandname} (but
17175 not its documentation). If no @var{commandname} is given, display the
17176 definitions for all user-defined commands.
17177
17178 @cindex infinite recursion in user-defined commands
17179 @kindex show max-user-call-depth
17180 @kindex set max-user-call-depth
17181 @item show max-user-call-depth
17182 @itemx set max-user-call-depth
17183 The value of @code{max-user-call-depth} controls how many recursion
17184 levels are allowed in user-defined commands before @value{GDBN} suspects an
17185 infinite recursion and aborts the command.
17186 @end table
17187
17188 In addition to the above commands, user-defined commands frequently
17189 use control flow commands, described in @ref{Command Files}.
17190
17191 When user-defined commands are executed, the
17192 commands of the definition are not printed. An error in any command
17193 stops execution of the user-defined command.
17194
17195 If used interactively, commands that would ask for confirmation proceed
17196 without asking when used inside a user-defined command. Many @value{GDBN}
17197 commands that normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the
17198 messages when used in a user-defined command.
17199
17200 @node Hooks
17201 @subsection User-defined Command Hooks
17202 @cindex command hooks
17203 @cindex hooks, for commands
17204 @cindex hooks, pre-command
17205
17206 @kindex hook
17207 You may define @dfn{hooks}, which are a special kind of user-defined
17208 command. Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined
17209 command @samp{hook-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments)
17210 before that command.
17211
17212 @cindex hooks, post-command
17213 @kindex hookpost
17214 A hook may also be defined which is run after the command you executed.
17215 Whenever you run the command @samp{foo}, if the user-defined command
17216 @samp{hookpost-foo} exists, it is executed (with no arguments) after
17217 that command. Post-execution hooks may exist simultaneously with
17218 pre-execution hooks, for the same command.
17219
17220 It is valid for a hook to call the command which it hooks. If this
17221 occurs, the hook is not re-executed, thereby avoiding infinite recursion.
17222
17223 @c It would be nice if hookpost could be passed a parameter indicating
17224 @c if the command it hooks executed properly or not. FIXME!
17225
17226 @kindex stop@r{, a pseudo-command}
17227 In addition, a pseudo-command, @samp{stop} exists. Defining
17228 (@samp{hook-stop}) makes the associated commands execute every time
17229 execution stops in your program: before breakpoint commands are run,
17230 displays are printed, or the stack frame is printed.
17231
17232 For example, to ignore @code{SIGALRM} signals while
17233 single-stepping, but treat them normally during normal execution,
17234 you could define:
17235
17236 @smallexample
17237 define hook-stop
17238 handle SIGALRM nopass
17239 end
17240
17241 define hook-run
17242 handle SIGALRM pass
17243 end
17244
17245 define hook-continue
17246 handle SIGALRM pass
17247 end
17248 @end smallexample
17249
17250 As a further example, to hook at the beginning and end of the @code{echo}
17251 command, and to add extra text to the beginning and end of the message,
17252 you could define:
17253
17254 @smallexample
17255 define hook-echo
17256 echo <<<---
17257 end
17258
17259 define hookpost-echo
17260 echo --->>>\n
17261 end
17262
17263 (@value{GDBP}) echo Hello World
17264 <<<---Hello World--->>>
17265 (@value{GDBP})
17266
17267 @end smallexample
17268
17269 You can define a hook for any single-word command in @value{GDBN}, but
17270 not for command aliases; you should define a hook for the basic command
17271 name, e.g.@: @code{backtrace} rather than @code{bt}.
17272 @c FIXME! So how does Joe User discover whether a command is an alias
17273 @c or not?
17274 If an error occurs during the execution of your hook, execution of
17275 @value{GDBN} commands stops and @value{GDBN} issues a prompt
17276 (before the command that you actually typed had a chance to run).
17277
17278 If you try to define a hook which does not match any known command, you
17279 get a warning from the @code{define} command.
17280
17281 @node Command Files
17282 @subsection Command Files
17283
17284 @cindex command files
17285 @cindex scripting commands
17286 A command file for @value{GDBN} is a text file made of lines that are
17287 @value{GDBN} commands. Comments (lines starting with @kbd{#}) may
17288 also be included. An empty line in a command file does nothing; it
17289 does not mean to repeat the last command, as it would from the
17290 terminal.
17291
17292 You can request the execution of a command file with the @code{source}
17293 command:
17294
17295 @table @code
17296 @kindex source
17297 @cindex execute commands from a file
17298 @item source [@code{-v}] @var{filename}
17299 Execute the command file @var{filename}.
17300 @end table
17301
17302 The lines in a command file are generally executed sequentially,
17303 unless the order of execution is changed by one of the
17304 @emph{flow-control commands} described below. The commands are not
17305 printed as they are executed. An error in any command terminates
17306 execution of the command file and control is returned to the console.
17307
17308 @value{GDBN} searches for @var{filename} in the current directory and then
17309 on the search path (specified with the @samp{directory} command).
17310
17311 If @code{-v}, for verbose mode, is given then @value{GDBN} displays
17312 each command as it is executed. The option must be given before
17313 @var{filename}, and is interpreted as part of the filename anywhere else.
17314
17315 Commands that would ask for confirmation if used interactively proceed
17316 without asking when used in a command file. Many @value{GDBN} commands that
17317 normally print messages to say what they are doing omit the messages
17318 when called from command files.
17319
17320 @value{GDBN} also accepts command input from standard input. In this
17321 mode, normal output goes to standard output and error output goes to
17322 standard error. Errors in a command file supplied on standard input do
17323 not terminate execution of the command file---execution continues with
17324 the next command.
17325
17326 @smallexample
17327 gdb < cmds > log 2>&1
17328 @end smallexample
17329
17330 (The syntax above will vary depending on the shell used.) This example
17331 will execute commands from the file @file{cmds}. All output and errors
17332 would be directed to @file{log}.
17333
17334 Since commands stored on command files tend to be more general than
17335 commands typed interactively, they frequently need to deal with
17336 complicated situations, such as different or unexpected values of
17337 variables and symbols, changes in how the program being debugged is
17338 built, etc. @value{GDBN} provides a set of flow-control commands to
17339 deal with these complexities. Using these commands, you can write
17340 complex scripts that loop over data structures, execute commands
17341 conditionally, etc.
17342
17343 @table @code
17344 @kindex if
17345 @kindex else
17346 @item if
17347 @itemx else
17348 This command allows to include in your script conditionally executed
17349 commands. The @code{if} command takes a single argument, which is an
17350 expression to evaluate. It is followed by a series of commands that
17351 are executed only if the expression is true (its value is nonzero).
17352 There can then optionally be an @code{else} line, followed by a series
17353 of commands that are only executed if the expression was false. The
17354 end of the list is marked by a line containing @code{end}.
17355
17356 @kindex while
17357 @item while
17358 This command allows to write loops. Its syntax is similar to
17359 @code{if}: the command takes a single argument, which is an expression
17360 to evaluate, and must be followed by the commands to execute, one per
17361 line, terminated by an @code{end}. These commands are called the
17362 @dfn{body} of the loop. The commands in the body of @code{while} are
17363 executed repeatedly as long as the expression evaluates to true.
17364
17365 @kindex loop_break
17366 @item loop_break
17367 This command exits the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included.
17368 Execution of the script continues after that @code{while}s @code{end}
17369 line.
17370
17371 @kindex loop_continue
17372 @item loop_continue
17373 This command skips the execution of the rest of the body of commands
17374 in the @code{while} loop in whose body it is included. Execution
17375 branches to the beginning of the @code{while} loop, where it evaluates
17376 the controlling expression.
17377
17378 @kindex end@r{ (if/else/while commands)}
17379 @item end
17380 Terminate the block of commands that are the body of @code{if},
17381 @code{else}, or @code{while} flow-control commands.
17382 @end table
17383
17384
17385 @node Output
17386 @subsection Commands for Controlled Output
17387
17388 During the execution of a command file or a user-defined command, normal
17389 @value{GDBN} output is suppressed; the only output that appears is what is
17390 explicitly printed by the commands in the definition. This section
17391 describes three commands useful for generating exactly the output you
17392 want.
17393
17394 @table @code
17395 @kindex echo
17396 @item echo @var{text}
17397 @c I do not consider backslash-space a standard C escape sequence
17398 @c because it is not in ANSI.
17399 Print @var{text}. Nonprinting characters can be included in
17400 @var{text} using C escape sequences, such as @samp{\n} to print a
17401 newline. @strong{No newline is printed unless you specify one.}
17402 In addition to the standard C escape sequences, a backslash followed
17403 by a space stands for a space. This is useful for displaying a
17404 string with spaces at the beginning or the end, since leading and
17405 trailing spaces are otherwise trimmed from all arguments.
17406 To print @samp{@w{ }and foo =@w{ }}, use the command
17407 @samp{echo \@w{ }and foo = \@w{ }}.
17408
17409 A backslash at the end of @var{text} can be used, as in C, to continue
17410 the command onto subsequent lines. For example,
17411
17412 @smallexample
17413 echo This is some text\n\
17414 which is continued\n\
17415 onto several lines.\n
17416 @end smallexample
17417
17418 produces the same output as
17419
17420 @smallexample
17421 echo This is some text\n
17422 echo which is continued\n
17423 echo onto several lines.\n
17424 @end smallexample
17425
17426 @kindex output
17427 @item output @var{expression}
17428 Print the value of @var{expression} and nothing but that value: no
17429 newlines, no @samp{$@var{nn} = }. The value is not entered in the
17430 value history either. @xref{Expressions, ,Expressions}, for more information
17431 on expressions.
17432
17433 @item output/@var{fmt} @var{expression}
17434 Print the value of @var{expression} in format @var{fmt}. You can use
17435 the same formats as for @code{print}. @xref{Output Formats,,Output
17436 Formats}, for more information.
17437
17438 @kindex printf
17439 @item printf @var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{}
17440 Print the values of one or more @var{expressions} under the control of
17441 the string @var{template}. To print several values, make
17442 @var{expressions} be a comma-separated list of individual expressions,
17443 which may be either numbers or pointers. Their values are printed as
17444 specified by @var{template}, exactly as a C program would do by
17445 executing the code below:
17446
17447 @smallexample
17448 printf (@var{template}, @var{expressions}@dots{});
17449 @end smallexample
17450
17451 As in @code{C} @code{printf}, ordinary characters in @var{template}
17452 are printed verbatim, while @dfn{conversion specification} introduced
17453 by the @samp{%} character cause subsequent @var{expressions} to be
17454 evaluated, their values converted and formatted according to type and
17455 style information encoded in the conversion specifications, and then
17456 printed.
17457
17458 For example, you can print two values in hex like this:
17459
17460 @smallexample
17461 printf "foo, bar-foo = 0x%x, 0x%x\n", foo, bar-foo
17462 @end smallexample
17463
17464 @code{printf} supports all the standard @code{C} conversion
17465 specifications, including the flags and modifiers between the @samp{%}
17466 character and the conversion letter, with the following exceptions:
17467
17468 @itemize @bullet
17469 @item
17470 The argument-ordering modifiers, such as @samp{2$}, are not supported.
17471
17472 @item
17473 The modifier @samp{*} is not supported for specifying precision or
17474 width.
17475
17476 @item
17477 The @samp{'} flag (for separation of digits into groups according to
17478 @code{LC_NUMERIC'}) is not supported.
17479
17480 @item
17481 The type modifiers @samp{hh}, @samp{j}, @samp{t}, and @samp{z} are not
17482 supported.
17483
17484 @item
17485 The conversion letter @samp{n} (as in @samp{%n}) is not supported.
17486
17487 @item
17488 The conversion letters @samp{a} and @samp{A} are not supported.
17489 @end itemize
17490
17491 @noindent
17492 Note that the @samp{ll} type modifier is supported only if the
17493 underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} supports
17494 the @code{long long int} type, and the @samp{L} type modifier is
17495 supported only if @code{long double} type is available.
17496
17497 As in @code{C}, @code{printf} supports simple backslash-escape
17498 sequences, such as @code{\n}, @samp{\t}, @samp{\\}, @samp{\"},
17499 @samp{\a}, and @samp{\f}, that consist of backslash followed by a
17500 single character. Octal and hexadecimal escape sequences are not
17501 supported.
17502
17503 Additionally, @code{printf} supports conversion specifications for DFP
17504 (@dfn{Decimal Floating Point}) types using the following length modifiers
17505 together with a floating point specifier.
17506 letters:
17507
17508 @itemize @bullet
17509 @item
17510 @samp{H} for printing @code{Decimal32} types.
17511
17512 @item
17513 @samp{D} for printing @code{Decimal64} types.
17514
17515 @item
17516 @samp{DD} for printing @code{Decimal128} types.
17517 @end itemize
17518
17519 If the underlying @code{C} implementation used to build @value{GDBN} has
17520 support for the three length modifiers for DFP types, other modifiers
17521 such as width and precision will also be available for @value{GDBN} to use.
17522
17523 In case there is no such @code{C} support, no additional modifiers will be
17524 available and the value will be printed in the standard way.
17525
17526 Here's an example of printing DFP types using the above conversion letters:
17527 @smallexample
17528 printf "D32: %Hf - D64: %Df - D128: %DDf\n",1.2345df,1.2E10dd,1.2E1dl
17529 @end smallexample
17530
17531 @end table
17532
17533 @node Python
17534 @section Scripting @value{GDBN} using Python
17535 @cindex python scripting
17536 @cindex scripting with python
17537
17538 You can script @value{GDBN} using the @uref{http://www.python.org/,
17539 Python programming language}. This feature is available only if
17540 @value{GDBN} was configured using @option{--with-python}.
17541
17542 @menu
17543 * Python Commands:: Accessing Python from @value{GDBN}.
17544 * Python API:: Accessing @value{GDBN} from Python.
17545 @end menu
17546
17547 @node Python Commands
17548 @subsection Python Commands
17549 @cindex python commands
17550 @cindex commands to access python
17551
17552 @value{GDBN} provides one command for accessing the Python interpreter,
17553 and one related setting:
17554
17555 @table @code
17556 @kindex python
17557 @item python @r{[}@var{code}@r{]}
17558 The @code{python} command can be used to evaluate Python code.
17559
17560 If given an argument, the @code{python} command will evaluate the
17561 argument as a Python command. For example:
17562
17563 @smallexample
17564 (@value{GDBP}) python print 23
17565 23
17566 @end smallexample
17567
17568 If you do not provide an argument to @code{python}, it will act as a
17569 multi-line command, like @code{define}. In this case, the Python
17570 script is made up of subsequent command lines, given after the
17571 @code{python} command. This command list is terminated using a line
17572 containing @code{end}. For example:
17573
17574 @smallexample
17575 (@value{GDBP}) python
17576 Type python script
17577 End with a line saying just "end".
17578 >print 23
17579 >end
17580 23
17581 @end smallexample
17582
17583 @kindex maint set python print-stack
17584 @item maint set python print-stack
17585 By default, @value{GDBN} will print a stack trace when an error occurs
17586 in a Python script. This can be controlled using @code{maint set
17587 python print-stack}: if @code{on}, the default, then Python stack
17588 printing is enabled; if @code{off}, then Python stack printing is
17589 disabled.
17590 @end table
17591
17592 @node Python API
17593 @subsection Python API
17594 @cindex python api
17595 @cindex programming in python
17596
17597 @cindex python stdout
17598 @cindex python pagination
17599 At startup, @value{GDBN} overrides Python's @code{sys.stdout} and
17600 @code{sys.stderr} to print using @value{GDBN}'s output-paging streams.
17601 A Python program which outputs to one of these streams may have its
17602 output interrupted by the user (@pxref{Screen Size}). In this
17603 situation, a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt} exception is thrown.
17604
17605 @menu
17606 * Basic Python:: Basic Python Functions.
17607 * Exception Handling::
17608 @end menu
17609
17610 @node Basic Python
17611 @subsubsection Basic Python
17612
17613 @cindex python functions
17614 @cindex python module
17615 @cindex gdb module
17616 @value{GDBN} introduces a new Python module, named @code{gdb}. All
17617 methods and classes added by @value{GDBN} are placed in this module.
17618 @value{GDBN} automatically @code{import}s the @code{gdb} module for
17619 use in all scripts evaluated by the @code{python} command.
17620
17621 @findex gdb.execute
17622 @defun execute command
17623 Evaluate @var{command}, a string, as a @value{GDBN} CLI command.
17624 If a GDB exception happens while @var{command} runs, it is
17625 translated as described in @ref{Exception Handling,,Exception Handling}.
17626 If no exceptions occur, this function returns @code{None}.
17627 @end defun
17628
17629 @findex gdb.get_parameter
17630 @defun get_parameter parameter
17631 Return the value of a @value{GDBN} parameter. @var{parameter} is a
17632 string naming the parameter to look up; @var{parameter} may contain
17633 spaces if the parameter has a multi-part name. For example,
17634 @samp{print object} is a valid parameter name.
17635
17636 If the named parameter does not exist, this function throws a
17637 @code{RuntimeError}. Otherwise, the parameter's value is converted to
17638 a Python value of the appropriate type, and returned.
17639 @end defun
17640
17641 @findex gdb.write
17642 @defun write string
17643 Print a string to @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream.
17644 Writing to @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically
17645 call this function.
17646 @end defun
17647
17648 @findex gdb.flush
17649 @defun flush
17650 Flush @value{GDBN}'s paginated standard output stream. Flushing
17651 @code{sys.stdout} or @code{sys.stderr} will automatically call this
17652 function.
17653 @end defun
17654
17655 @node Exception Handling
17656 @subsubsection Exception Handling
17657 @cindex python exceptions
17658 @cindex exceptions, python
17659
17660 When executing the @code{python} command, Python exceptions
17661 uncaught within the Python code are translated to calls to
17662 @value{GDBN} error-reporting mechanism. If the command that called
17663 @code{python} does not handle the error, @value{GDBN} will
17664 terminate it and print an error message containing the Python
17665 exception name, the associated value, and the Python call stack
17666 backtrace at the point where the exception was raised. Example:
17667
17668 @smallexample
17669 (@value{GDBP}) python print foo
17670 Traceback (most recent call last):
17671 File "<string>", line 1, in <module>
17672 NameError: name 'foo' is not defined
17673 @end smallexample
17674
17675 @value{GDBN} errors that happen in @value{GDBN} commands invoked by Python
17676 code are converted to Python @code{RuntimeError} exceptions. User
17677 interrupt (via @kbd{C-c} or by typing @kbd{q} at a pagination
17678 prompt) is translated to a Python @code{KeyboardInterrupt}
17679 exception. If you catch these exceptions in your Python code, your
17680 exception handler will see @code{RuntimeError} or
17681 @code{KeyboardInterrupt} as the exception type, the @value{GDBN} error
17682 message as its value, and the Python call stack backtrace at the
17683 Python statement closest to where the @value{GDBN} error occured as the
17684 traceback.
17685
17686 @node Interpreters
17687 @chapter Command Interpreters
17688 @cindex command interpreters
17689
17690 @value{GDBN} supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
17691 infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
17692 between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
17693
17694 @value{GDBN} currently supports two command interpreters, the console
17695 interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or @sc{cli})
17696 and the machine interface interpreter (or @sc{gdb/mi}). This manual
17697 describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
17698
17699 By default, @value{GDBN} will start with the console interpreter.
17700 However, the user may choose to start @value{GDBN} with another
17701 interpreter by specifying the @option{-i} or @option{--interpreter}
17702 startup options. Defined interpreters include:
17703
17704 @table @code
17705 @item console
17706 @cindex console interpreter
17707 The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
17708 used interpreter with @value{GDBN}. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
17709 @value{GDBN} will use this interpreter.
17710
17711 @item mi
17712 @cindex mi interpreter
17713 The newest @sc{gdb/mi} interface (currently @code{mi2}). Used primarily
17714 by programs wishing to use @value{GDBN} as a backend for a debugger GUI
17715 or an IDE. For more information, see @ref{GDB/MI, ,The @sc{gdb/mi}
17716 Interface}.
17717
17718 @item mi2
17719 @cindex mi2 interpreter
17720 The current @sc{gdb/mi} interface.
17721
17722 @item mi1
17723 @cindex mi1 interpreter
17724 The @sc{gdb/mi} interface included in @value{GDBN} 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
17725
17726 @end table
17727
17728 @cindex invoke another interpreter
17729 The interpreter being used by @value{GDBN} may not be dynamically
17730 switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
17731 precarious situation. Consider an IDE using @sc{gdb/mi}. If a user
17732 enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
17733 @value{GDBN} would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
17734 the IDE inoperable!
17735
17736 @kindex interpreter-exec
17737 Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
17738 commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
17739 command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
17740 @code{interpreter-exec} command:
17741
17742 @smallexample
17743 interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
17744 @end smallexample
17745
17746 @sc{gdb/mi} has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
17747 @value{GDBN} which support @sc{gdb/mi} version 2 (or greater).
17748
17749 @node TUI
17750 @chapter @value{GDBN} Text User Interface
17751 @cindex TUI
17752 @cindex Text User Interface
17753
17754 @menu
17755 * TUI Overview:: TUI overview
17756 * TUI Keys:: TUI key bindings
17757 * TUI Single Key Mode:: TUI single key mode
17758 * TUI Commands:: TUI-specific commands
17759 * TUI Configuration:: TUI configuration variables
17760 @end menu
17761
17762 The @value{GDBN} Text User Interface (TUI) is a terminal
17763 interface which uses the @code{curses} library to show the source
17764 file, the assembly output, the program registers and @value{GDBN}
17765 commands in separate text windows. The TUI mode is supported only
17766 on platforms where a suitable version of the @code{curses} library
17767 is available.
17768
17769 @pindex @value{GDBTUI}
17770 The TUI mode is enabled by default when you invoke @value{GDBN} as
17771 either @samp{@value{GDBTUI}} or @samp{@value{GDBP} -tui}.
17772 You can also switch in and out of TUI mode while @value{GDBN} runs by
17773 using various TUI commands and key bindings, such as @kbd{C-x C-a}.
17774 @xref{TUI Keys, ,TUI Key Bindings}.
17775
17776 @node TUI Overview
17777 @section TUI Overview
17778
17779 In TUI mode, @value{GDBN} can display several text windows:
17780
17781 @table @emph
17782 @item command
17783 This window is the @value{GDBN} command window with the @value{GDBN}
17784 prompt and the @value{GDBN} output. The @value{GDBN} input is still
17785 managed using readline.
17786
17787 @item source
17788 The source window shows the source file of the program. The current
17789 line and active breakpoints are displayed in this window.
17790
17791 @item assembly
17792 The assembly window shows the disassembly output of the program.
17793
17794 @item register
17795 This window shows the processor registers. Registers are highlighted
17796 when their values change.
17797 @end table
17798
17799 The source and assembly windows show the current program position
17800 by highlighting the current line and marking it with a @samp{>} marker.
17801 Breakpoints are indicated with two markers. The first marker
17802 indicates the breakpoint type:
17803
17804 @table @code
17805 @item B
17806 Breakpoint which was hit at least once.
17807
17808 @item b
17809 Breakpoint which was never hit.
17810
17811 @item H
17812 Hardware breakpoint which was hit at least once.
17813
17814 @item h
17815 Hardware breakpoint which was never hit.
17816 @end table
17817
17818 The second marker indicates whether the breakpoint is enabled or not:
17819
17820 @table @code
17821 @item +
17822 Breakpoint is enabled.
17823
17824 @item -
17825 Breakpoint is disabled.
17826 @end table
17827
17828 The source, assembly and register windows are updated when the current
17829 thread changes, when the frame changes, or when the program counter
17830 changes.
17831
17832 These windows are not all visible at the same time. The command
17833 window is always visible. The others can be arranged in several
17834 layouts:
17835
17836 @itemize @bullet
17837 @item
17838 source only,
17839
17840 @item
17841 assembly only,
17842
17843 @item
17844 source and assembly,
17845
17846 @item
17847 source and registers, or
17848
17849 @item
17850 assembly and registers.
17851 @end itemize
17852
17853 A status line above the command window shows the following information:
17854
17855 @table @emph
17856 @item target
17857 Indicates the current @value{GDBN} target.
17858 (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a Debugging Target}).
17859
17860 @item process
17861 Gives the current process or thread number.
17862 When no process is being debugged, this field is set to @code{No process}.
17863
17864 @item function
17865 Gives the current function name for the selected frame.
17866 The name is demangled if demangling is turned on (@pxref{Print Settings}).
17867 When there is no symbol corresponding to the current program counter,
17868 the string @code{??} is displayed.
17869
17870 @item line
17871 Indicates the current line number for the selected frame.
17872 When the current line number is not known, the string @code{??} is displayed.
17873
17874 @item pc
17875 Indicates the current program counter address.
17876 @end table
17877
17878 @node TUI Keys
17879 @section TUI Key Bindings
17880 @cindex TUI key bindings
17881
17882 The TUI installs several key bindings in the readline keymaps
17883 (@pxref{Command Line Editing}). The following key bindings
17884 are installed for both TUI mode and the @value{GDBN} standard mode.
17885
17886 @table @kbd
17887 @kindex C-x C-a
17888 @item C-x C-a
17889 @kindex C-x a
17890 @itemx C-x a
17891 @kindex C-x A
17892 @itemx C-x A
17893 Enter or leave the TUI mode. When leaving the TUI mode,
17894 the curses window management stops and @value{GDBN} operates using
17895 its standard mode, writing on the terminal directly. When reentering
17896 the TUI mode, control is given back to the curses windows.
17897 The screen is then refreshed.
17898
17899 @kindex C-x 1
17900 @item C-x 1
17901 Use a TUI layout with only one window. The layout will
17902 either be @samp{source} or @samp{assembly}. When the TUI mode
17903 is not active, it will switch to the TUI mode.
17904
17905 Think of this key binding as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 1} binding.
17906
17907 @kindex C-x 2
17908 @item C-x 2
17909 Use a TUI layout with at least two windows. When the current
17910 layout already has two windows, the next layout with two windows is used.
17911 When a new layout is chosen, one window will always be common to the
17912 previous layout and the new one.
17913
17914 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x 2} binding.
17915
17916 @kindex C-x o
17917 @item C-x o
17918 Change the active window. The TUI associates several key bindings
17919 (like scrolling and arrow keys) with the active window. This command
17920 gives the focus to the next TUI window.
17921
17922 Think of it as the Emacs @kbd{C-x o} binding.
17923
17924 @kindex C-x s
17925 @item C-x s
17926 Switch in and out of the TUI SingleKey mode that binds single
17927 keys to @value{GDBN} commands (@pxref{TUI Single Key Mode}).
17928 @end table
17929
17930 The following key bindings only work in the TUI mode:
17931
17932 @table @asis
17933 @kindex PgUp
17934 @item @key{PgUp}
17935 Scroll the active window one page up.
17936
17937 @kindex PgDn
17938 @item @key{PgDn}
17939 Scroll the active window one page down.
17940
17941 @kindex Up
17942 @item @key{Up}
17943 Scroll the active window one line up.
17944
17945 @kindex Down
17946 @item @key{Down}
17947 Scroll the active window one line down.
17948
17949 @kindex Left
17950 @item @key{Left}
17951 Scroll the active window one column left.
17952
17953 @kindex Right
17954 @item @key{Right}
17955 Scroll the active window one column right.
17956
17957 @kindex C-L
17958 @item @kbd{C-L}
17959 Refresh the screen.
17960 @end table
17961
17962 Because the arrow keys scroll the active window in the TUI mode, they
17963 are not available for their normal use by readline unless the command
17964 window has the focus. When another window is active, you must use
17965 other readline key bindings such as @kbd{C-p}, @kbd{C-n}, @kbd{C-b}
17966 and @kbd{C-f} to control the command window.
17967
17968 @node TUI Single Key Mode
17969 @section TUI Single Key Mode
17970 @cindex TUI single key mode
17971
17972 The TUI also provides a @dfn{SingleKey} mode, which binds several
17973 frequently used @value{GDBN} commands to single keys. Type @kbd{C-x s} to
17974 switch into this mode, where the following key bindings are used:
17975
17976 @table @kbd
17977 @kindex c @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
17978 @item c
17979 continue
17980
17981 @kindex d @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
17982 @item d
17983 down
17984
17985 @kindex f @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
17986 @item f
17987 finish
17988
17989 @kindex n @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
17990 @item n
17991 next
17992
17993 @kindex q @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
17994 @item q
17995 exit the SingleKey mode.
17996
17997 @kindex r @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
17998 @item r
17999 run
18000
18001 @kindex s @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18002 @item s
18003 step
18004
18005 @kindex u @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18006 @item u
18007 up
18008
18009 @kindex v @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18010 @item v
18011 info locals
18012
18013 @kindex w @r{(SingleKey TUI key)}
18014 @item w
18015 where
18016 @end table
18017
18018 Other keys temporarily switch to the @value{GDBN} command prompt.
18019 The key that was pressed is inserted in the editing buffer so that
18020 it is possible to type most @value{GDBN} commands without interaction
18021 with the TUI SingleKey mode. Once the command is entered the TUI
18022 SingleKey mode is restored. The only way to permanently leave
18023 this mode is by typing @kbd{q} or @kbd{C-x s}.
18024
18025
18026 @node TUI Commands
18027 @section TUI-specific Commands
18028 @cindex TUI commands
18029
18030 The TUI has specific commands to control the text windows.
18031 These commands are always available, even when @value{GDBN} is not in
18032 the TUI mode. When @value{GDBN} is in the standard mode, most
18033 of these commands will automatically switch to the TUI mode.
18034
18035 @table @code
18036 @item info win
18037 @kindex info win
18038 List and give the size of all displayed windows.
18039
18040 @item layout next
18041 @kindex layout
18042 Display the next layout.
18043
18044 @item layout prev
18045 Display the previous layout.
18046
18047 @item layout src
18048 Display the source window only.
18049
18050 @item layout asm
18051 Display the assembly window only.
18052
18053 @item layout split
18054 Display the source and assembly window.
18055
18056 @item layout regs
18057 Display the register window together with the source or assembly window.
18058
18059 @item focus next
18060 @kindex focus
18061 Make the next window active for scrolling.
18062
18063 @item focus prev
18064 Make the previous window active for scrolling.
18065
18066 @item focus src
18067 Make the source window active for scrolling.
18068
18069 @item focus asm
18070 Make the assembly window active for scrolling.
18071
18072 @item focus regs
18073 Make the register window active for scrolling.
18074
18075 @item focus cmd
18076 Make the command window active for scrolling.
18077
18078 @item refresh
18079 @kindex refresh
18080 Refresh the screen. This is similar to typing @kbd{C-L}.
18081
18082 @item tui reg float
18083 @kindex tui reg
18084 Show the floating point registers in the register window.
18085
18086 @item tui reg general
18087 Show the general registers in the register window.
18088
18089 @item tui reg next
18090 Show the next register group. The list of register groups as well as
18091 their order is target specific. The predefined register groups are the
18092 following: @code{general}, @code{float}, @code{system}, @code{vector},
18093 @code{all}, @code{save}, @code{restore}.
18094
18095 @item tui reg system
18096 Show the system registers in the register window.
18097
18098 @item update
18099 @kindex update
18100 Update the source window and the current execution point.
18101
18102 @item winheight @var{name} +@var{count}
18103 @itemx winheight @var{name} -@var{count}
18104 @kindex winheight
18105 Change the height of the window @var{name} by @var{count}
18106 lines. Positive counts increase the height, while negative counts
18107 decrease it.
18108
18109 @item tabset @var{nchars}
18110 @kindex tabset
18111 Set the width of tab stops to be @var{nchars} characters.
18112 @end table
18113
18114 @node TUI Configuration
18115 @section TUI Configuration Variables
18116 @cindex TUI configuration variables
18117
18118 Several configuration variables control the appearance of TUI windows.
18119
18120 @table @code
18121 @item set tui border-kind @var{kind}
18122 @kindex set tui border-kind
18123 Select the border appearance for the source, assembly and register windows.
18124 The possible values are the following:
18125 @table @code
18126 @item space
18127 Use a space character to draw the border.
18128
18129 @item ascii
18130 Use @sc{ascii} characters @samp{+}, @samp{-} and @samp{|} to draw the border.
18131
18132 @item acs
18133 Use the Alternate Character Set to draw the border. The border is
18134 drawn using character line graphics if the terminal supports them.
18135 @end table
18136
18137 @item set tui border-mode @var{mode}
18138 @kindex set tui border-mode
18139 @itemx set tui active-border-mode @var{mode}
18140 @kindex set tui active-border-mode
18141 Select the display attributes for the borders of the inactive windows
18142 or the active window. The @var{mode} can be one of the following:
18143 @table @code
18144 @item normal
18145 Use normal attributes to display the border.
18146
18147 @item standout
18148 Use standout mode.
18149
18150 @item reverse
18151 Use reverse video mode.
18152
18153 @item half
18154 Use half bright mode.
18155
18156 @item half-standout
18157 Use half bright and standout mode.
18158
18159 @item bold
18160 Use extra bright or bold mode.
18161
18162 @item bold-standout
18163 Use extra bright or bold and standout mode.
18164 @end table
18165 @end table
18166
18167 @node Emacs
18168 @chapter Using @value{GDBN} under @sc{gnu} Emacs
18169
18170 @cindex Emacs
18171 @cindex @sc{gnu} Emacs
18172 A special interface allows you to use @sc{gnu} Emacs to view (and
18173 edit) the source files for the program you are debugging with
18174 @value{GDBN}.
18175
18176 To use this interface, use the command @kbd{M-x gdb} in Emacs. Give the
18177 executable file you want to debug as an argument. This command starts
18178 @value{GDBN} as a subprocess of Emacs, with input and output through a newly
18179 created Emacs buffer.
18180 @c (Do not use the @code{-tui} option to run @value{GDBN} from Emacs.)
18181
18182 Running @value{GDBN} under Emacs can be just like running @value{GDBN} normally except for two
18183 things:
18184
18185 @itemize @bullet
18186 @item
18187 All ``terminal'' input and output goes through an Emacs buffer, called
18188 the GUD buffer.
18189
18190 This applies both to @value{GDBN} commands and their output, and to the input
18191 and output done by the program you are debugging.
18192
18193 This is useful because it means that you can copy the text of previous
18194 commands and input them again; you can even use parts of the output
18195 in this way.
18196
18197 All the facilities of Emacs' Shell mode are available for interacting
18198 with your program. In particular, you can send signals the usual
18199 way---for example, @kbd{C-c C-c} for an interrupt, @kbd{C-c C-z} for a
18200 stop.
18201
18202 @item
18203 @value{GDBN} displays source code through Emacs.
18204
18205 Each time @value{GDBN} displays a stack frame, Emacs automatically finds the
18206 source file for that frame and puts an arrow (@samp{=>}) at the
18207 left margin of the current line. Emacs uses a separate buffer for
18208 source display, and splits the screen to show both your @value{GDBN} session
18209 and the source.
18210
18211 Explicit @value{GDBN} @code{list} or search commands still produce output as
18212 usual, but you probably have no reason to use them from Emacs.
18213 @end itemize
18214
18215 We call this @dfn{text command mode}. Emacs 22.1, and later, also uses
18216 a graphical mode, enabled by default, which provides further buffers
18217 that can control the execution and describe the state of your program.
18218 @xref{GDB Graphical Interface,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}.
18219
18220 If you specify an absolute file name when prompted for the @kbd{M-x
18221 gdb} argument, then Emacs sets your current working directory to where
18222 your program resides. If you only specify the file name, then Emacs
18223 sets your current working directory to to the directory associated
18224 with the previous buffer. In this case, @value{GDBN} may find your
18225 program by searching your environment's @code{PATH} variable, but on
18226 some operating systems it might not find the source. So, although the
18227 @value{GDBN} input and output session proceeds normally, the auxiliary
18228 buffer does not display the current source and line of execution.
18229
18230 The initial working directory of @value{GDBN} is printed on the top
18231 line of the GUD buffer and this serves as a default for the commands
18232 that specify files for @value{GDBN} to operate on. @xref{Files,
18233 ,Commands to Specify Files}.
18234
18235 By default, @kbd{M-x gdb} calls the program called @file{gdb}. If you
18236 need to call @value{GDBN} by a different name (for example, if you
18237 keep several configurations around, with different names) you can
18238 customize the Emacs variable @code{gud-gdb-command-name} to run the
18239 one you want.
18240
18241 In the GUD buffer, you can use these special Emacs commands in
18242 addition to the standard Shell mode commands:
18243
18244 @table @kbd
18245 @item C-h m
18246 Describe the features of Emacs' GUD Mode.
18247
18248 @item C-c C-s
18249 Execute to another source line, like the @value{GDBN} @code{step} command; also
18250 update the display window to show the current file and location.
18251
18252 @item C-c C-n
18253 Execute to next source line in this function, skipping all function
18254 calls, like the @value{GDBN} @code{next} command. Then update the display window
18255 to show the current file and location.
18256
18257 @item C-c C-i
18258 Execute one instruction, like the @value{GDBN} @code{stepi} command; update
18259 display window accordingly.
18260
18261 @item C-c C-f
18262 Execute until exit from the selected stack frame, like the @value{GDBN}
18263 @code{finish} command.
18264
18265 @item C-c C-r
18266 Continue execution of your program, like the @value{GDBN} @code{continue}
18267 command.
18268
18269 @item C-c <
18270 Go up the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument
18271 (@pxref{Arguments, , Numeric Arguments, Emacs, The @sc{gnu} Emacs Manual}),
18272 like the @value{GDBN} @code{up} command.
18273
18274 @item C-c >
18275 Go down the number of frames indicated by the numeric argument, like the
18276 @value{GDBN} @code{down} command.
18277 @end table
18278
18279 In any source file, the Emacs command @kbd{C-x @key{SPC}} (@code{gud-break})
18280 tells @value{GDBN} to set a breakpoint on the source line point is on.
18281
18282 In text command mode, if you type @kbd{M-x speedbar}, Emacs displays a
18283 separate frame which shows a backtrace when the GUD buffer is current.
18284 Move point to any frame in the stack and type @key{RET} to make it
18285 become the current frame and display the associated source in the
18286 source buffer. Alternatively, click @kbd{Mouse-2} to make the
18287 selected frame become the current one. In graphical mode, the
18288 speedbar displays watch expressions.
18289
18290 If you accidentally delete the source-display buffer, an easy way to get
18291 it back is to type the command @code{f} in the @value{GDBN} buffer, to
18292 request a frame display; when you run under Emacs, this recreates
18293 the source buffer if necessary to show you the context of the current
18294 frame.
18295
18296 The source files displayed in Emacs are in ordinary Emacs buffers
18297 which are visiting the source files in the usual way. You can edit
18298 the files with these buffers if you wish; but keep in mind that @value{GDBN}
18299 communicates with Emacs in terms of line numbers. If you add or
18300 delete lines from the text, the line numbers that @value{GDBN} knows cease
18301 to correspond properly with the code.
18302
18303 A more detailed description of Emacs' interaction with @value{GDBN} is
18304 given in the Emacs manual (@pxref{Debuggers,,, Emacs, The @sc{gnu}
18305 Emacs Manual}).
18306
18307 @c The following dropped because Epoch is nonstandard. Reactivate
18308 @c if/when v19 does something similar. ---doc@cygnus.com 19dec1990
18309 @ignore
18310 @kindex Emacs Epoch environment
18311 @kindex Epoch
18312 @kindex inspect
18313
18314 Version 18 of @sc{gnu} Emacs has a built-in window system
18315 called the @code{epoch}
18316 environment. Users of this environment can use a new command,
18317 @code{inspect} which performs identically to @code{print} except that
18318 each value is printed in its own window.
18319 @end ignore
18320
18321
18322 @node GDB/MI
18323 @chapter The @sc{gdb/mi} Interface
18324
18325 @unnumberedsec Function and Purpose
18326
18327 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, its purpose
18328 @sc{gdb/mi} is a line based machine oriented text interface to
18329 @value{GDBN} and is activated by specifying using the
18330 @option{--interpreter} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}). It
18331 is specifically intended to support the development of systems which
18332 use the debugger as just one small component of a larger system.
18333
18334 This chapter is a specification of the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. It is written
18335 in the form of a reference manual.
18336
18337 Note that @sc{gdb/mi} is still under construction, so some of the
18338 features described below are incomplete and subject to change
18339 (@pxref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, , @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends}).
18340
18341 @unnumberedsec Notation and Terminology
18342
18343 @cindex notational conventions, for @sc{gdb/mi}
18344 This chapter uses the following notation:
18345
18346 @itemize @bullet
18347 @item
18348 @code{|} separates two alternatives.
18349
18350 @item
18351 @code{[ @var{something} ]} indicates that @var{something} is optional:
18352 it may or may not be given.
18353
18354 @item
18355 @code{( @var{group} )*} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
18356 may repeat zero or more times.
18357
18358 @item
18359 @code{( @var{group} )+} means that @var{group} inside the parentheses
18360 may repeat one or more times.
18361
18362 @item
18363 @code{"@var{string}"} means a literal @var{string}.
18364 @end itemize
18365
18366 @ignore
18367 @heading Dependencies
18368 @end ignore
18369
18370 @menu
18371 * GDB/MI Command Syntax::
18372 * GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI::
18373 * GDB/MI Development and Front Ends::
18374 * GDB/MI Output Records::
18375 * GDB/MI Simple Examples::
18376 * GDB/MI Command Description Format::
18377 * GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands::
18378 * GDB/MI Program Context::
18379 * GDB/MI Thread Commands::
18380 * GDB/MI Program Execution::
18381 * GDB/MI Stack Manipulation::
18382 * GDB/MI Variable Objects::
18383 * GDB/MI Data Manipulation::
18384 * GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands::
18385 * GDB/MI Symbol Query::
18386 * GDB/MI File Commands::
18387 @ignore
18388 * GDB/MI Kod Commands::
18389 * GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands::
18390 * GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands::
18391 @end ignore
18392 * GDB/MI Target Manipulation::
18393 * GDB/MI File Transfer Commands::
18394 * GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands::
18395 @end menu
18396
18397 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
18398 @node GDB/MI Command Syntax
18399 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Syntax
18400
18401 @menu
18402 * GDB/MI Input Syntax::
18403 * GDB/MI Output Syntax::
18404 @end menu
18405
18406 @node GDB/MI Input Syntax
18407 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Input Syntax
18408
18409 @cindex input syntax for @sc{gdb/mi}
18410 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, input syntax
18411 @table @code
18412 @item @var{command} @expansion{}
18413 @code{@var{cli-command} | @var{mi-command}}
18414
18415 @item @var{cli-command} @expansion{}
18416 @code{[ @var{token} ] @var{cli-command} @var{nl}}, where
18417 @var{cli-command} is any existing @value{GDBN} CLI command.
18418
18419 @item @var{mi-command} @expansion{}
18420 @code{[ @var{token} ] "-" @var{operation} ( " " @var{option} )*
18421 @code{[} " --" @code{]} ( " " @var{parameter} )* @var{nl}}
18422
18423 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
18424 "any sequence of digits"
18425
18426 @item @var{option} @expansion{}
18427 @code{"-" @var{parameter} [ " " @var{parameter} ]}
18428
18429 @item @var{parameter} @expansion{}
18430 @code{@var{non-blank-sequence} | @var{c-string}}
18431
18432 @item @var{operation} @expansion{}
18433 @emph{any of the operations described in this chapter}
18434
18435 @item @var{non-blank-sequence} @expansion{}
18436 @emph{anything, provided it doesn't contain special characters such as
18437 "-", @var{nl}, """ and of course " "}
18438
18439 @item @var{c-string} @expansion{}
18440 @code{""" @var{seven-bit-iso-c-string-content} """}
18441
18442 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
18443 @code{CR | CR-LF}
18444 @end table
18445
18446 @noindent
18447 Notes:
18448
18449 @itemize @bullet
18450 @item
18451 The CLI commands are still handled by the @sc{mi} interpreter; their
18452 output is described below.
18453
18454 @item
18455 The @code{@var{token}}, when present, is passed back when the command
18456 finishes.
18457
18458 @item
18459 Some @sc{mi} commands accept optional arguments as part of the parameter
18460 list. Each option is identified by a leading @samp{-} (dash) and may be
18461 followed by an optional argument parameter. Options occur first in the
18462 parameter list and can be delimited from normal parameters using
18463 @samp{--} (this is useful when some parameters begin with a dash).
18464 @end itemize
18465
18466 Pragmatics:
18467
18468 @itemize @bullet
18469 @item
18470 We want easy access to the existing CLI syntax (for debugging).
18471
18472 @item
18473 We want it to be easy to spot a @sc{mi} operation.
18474 @end itemize
18475
18476 @node GDB/MI Output Syntax
18477 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax
18478
18479 @cindex output syntax of @sc{gdb/mi}
18480 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, output syntax
18481 The output from @sc{gdb/mi} consists of zero or more out-of-band records
18482 followed, optionally, by a single result record. This result record
18483 is for the most recent command. The sequence of output records is
18484 terminated by @samp{(gdb)}.
18485
18486 If an input command was prefixed with a @code{@var{token}} then the
18487 corresponding output for that command will also be prefixed by that same
18488 @var{token}.
18489
18490 @table @code
18491 @item @var{output} @expansion{}
18492 @code{( @var{out-of-band-record} )* [ @var{result-record} ] "(gdb)" @var{nl}}
18493
18494 @item @var{result-record} @expansion{}
18495 @code{ [ @var{token} ] "^" @var{result-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
18496
18497 @item @var{out-of-band-record} @expansion{}
18498 @code{@var{async-record} | @var{stream-record}}
18499
18500 @item @var{async-record} @expansion{}
18501 @code{@var{exec-async-output} | @var{status-async-output} | @var{notify-async-output}}
18502
18503 @item @var{exec-async-output} @expansion{}
18504 @code{[ @var{token} ] "*" @var{async-output}}
18505
18506 @item @var{status-async-output} @expansion{}
18507 @code{[ @var{token} ] "+" @var{async-output}}
18508
18509 @item @var{notify-async-output} @expansion{}
18510 @code{[ @var{token} ] "=" @var{async-output}}
18511
18512 @item @var{async-output} @expansion{}
18513 @code{@var{async-class} ( "," @var{result} )* @var{nl}}
18514
18515 @item @var{result-class} @expansion{}
18516 @code{"done" | "running" | "connected" | "error" | "exit"}
18517
18518 @item @var{async-class} @expansion{}
18519 @code{"stopped" | @var{others}} (where @var{others} will be added
18520 depending on the needs---this is still in development).
18521
18522 @item @var{result} @expansion{}
18523 @code{ @var{variable} "=" @var{value}}
18524
18525 @item @var{variable} @expansion{}
18526 @code{ @var{string} }
18527
18528 @item @var{value} @expansion{}
18529 @code{ @var{const} | @var{tuple} | @var{list} }
18530
18531 @item @var{const} @expansion{}
18532 @code{@var{c-string}}
18533
18534 @item @var{tuple} @expansion{}
18535 @code{ "@{@}" | "@{" @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "@}" }
18536
18537 @item @var{list} @expansion{}
18538 @code{ "[]" | "[" @var{value} ( "," @var{value} )* "]" | "["
18539 @var{result} ( "," @var{result} )* "]" }
18540
18541 @item @var{stream-record} @expansion{}
18542 @code{@var{console-stream-output} | @var{target-stream-output} | @var{log-stream-output}}
18543
18544 @item @var{console-stream-output} @expansion{}
18545 @code{"~" @var{c-string}}
18546
18547 @item @var{target-stream-output} @expansion{}
18548 @code{"@@" @var{c-string}}
18549
18550 @item @var{log-stream-output} @expansion{}
18551 @code{"&" @var{c-string}}
18552
18553 @item @var{nl} @expansion{}
18554 @code{CR | CR-LF}
18555
18556 @item @var{token} @expansion{}
18557 @emph{any sequence of digits}.
18558 @end table
18559
18560 @noindent
18561 Notes:
18562
18563 @itemize @bullet
18564 @item
18565 All output sequences end in a single line containing a period.
18566
18567 @item
18568 The @code{@var{token}} is from the corresponding request. Note that
18569 for all async output, while the token is allowed by the grammar and
18570 may be output by future versions of @value{GDBN} for select async
18571 output messages, it is generally omitted. Frontends should treat
18572 all async output as reporting general changes in the state of the
18573 target and there should be no need to associate async output to any
18574 prior command.
18575
18576 @item
18577 @cindex status output in @sc{gdb/mi}
18578 @var{status-async-output} contains on-going status information about the
18579 progress of a slow operation. It can be discarded. All status output is
18580 prefixed by @samp{+}.
18581
18582 @item
18583 @cindex async output in @sc{gdb/mi}
18584 @var{exec-async-output} contains asynchronous state change on the target
18585 (stopped, started, disappeared). All async output is prefixed by
18586 @samp{*}.
18587
18588 @item
18589 @cindex notify output in @sc{gdb/mi}
18590 @var{notify-async-output} contains supplementary information that the
18591 client should handle (e.g., a new breakpoint information). All notify
18592 output is prefixed by @samp{=}.
18593
18594 @item
18595 @cindex console output in @sc{gdb/mi}
18596 @var{console-stream-output} is output that should be displayed as is in the
18597 console. It is the textual response to a CLI command. All the console
18598 output is prefixed by @samp{~}.
18599
18600 @item
18601 @cindex target output in @sc{gdb/mi}
18602 @var{target-stream-output} is the output produced by the target program.
18603 All the target output is prefixed by @samp{@@}.
18604
18605 @item
18606 @cindex log output in @sc{gdb/mi}
18607 @var{log-stream-output} is output text coming from @value{GDBN}'s internals, for
18608 instance messages that should be displayed as part of an error log. All
18609 the log output is prefixed by @samp{&}.
18610
18611 @item
18612 @cindex list output in @sc{gdb/mi}
18613 New @sc{gdb/mi} commands should only output @var{lists} containing
18614 @var{values}.
18615
18616
18617 @end itemize
18618
18619 @xref{GDB/MI Stream Records, , @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records}, for more
18620 details about the various output records.
18621
18622 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
18623 @node GDB/MI Compatibility with CLI
18624 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Compatibility with CLI
18625
18626 @cindex compatibility, @sc{gdb/mi} and CLI
18627 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, compatibility with CLI
18628
18629 For the developers convenience CLI commands can be entered directly,
18630 but there may be some unexpected behaviour. For example, commands
18631 that query the user will behave as if the user replied yes, breakpoint
18632 command lists are not executed and some CLI commands, such as
18633 @code{if}, @code{when} and @code{define}, prompt for further input with
18634 @samp{>}, which is not valid MI output.
18635
18636 This feature may be removed at some stage in the future and it is
18637 recommended that front ends use the @code{-interpreter-exec} command
18638 (@pxref{-interpreter-exec}).
18639
18640 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
18641 @node GDB/MI Development and Front Ends
18642 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Development and Front Ends
18643 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi} development
18644
18645 The application which takes the MI output and presents the state of the
18646 program being debugged to the user is called a @dfn{front end}.
18647
18648 Although @sc{gdb/mi} is still incomplete, it is currently being used
18649 by a variety of front ends to @value{GDBN}. This makes it difficult
18650 to introduce new functionality without breaking existing usage. This
18651 section tries to minimize the problems by describing how the protocol
18652 might change.
18653
18654 Some changes in MI need not break a carefully designed front end, and
18655 for these the MI version will remain unchanged. The following is a
18656 list of changes that may occur within one level, so front ends should
18657 parse MI output in a way that can handle them:
18658
18659 @itemize @bullet
18660 @item
18661 New MI commands may be added.
18662
18663 @item
18664 New fields may be added to the output of any MI command.
18665
18666 @item
18667 The range of values for fields with specified values, e.g.,
18668 @code{in_scope} (@pxref{-var-update}) may be extended.
18669
18670 @c The format of field's content e.g type prefix, may change so parse it
18671 @c at your own risk. Yes, in general?
18672
18673 @c The order of fields may change? Shouldn't really matter but it might
18674 @c resolve inconsistencies.
18675 @end itemize
18676
18677 If the changes are likely to break front ends, the MI version level
18678 will be increased by one. This will allow the front end to parse the
18679 output according to the MI version. Apart from mi0, new versions of
18680 @value{GDBN} will not support old versions of MI and it will be the
18681 responsibility of the front end to work with the new one.
18682
18683 @c Starting with mi3, add a new command -mi-version that prints the MI
18684 @c version?
18685
18686 The best way to avoid unexpected changes in MI that might break your front
18687 end is to make your project known to @value{GDBN} developers and
18688 follow development on @email{gdb@@sourceware.org} and
18689 @email{gdb-patches@@sourceware.org}.
18690 @cindex mailing lists
18691
18692 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
18693 @node GDB/MI Output Records
18694 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Output Records
18695
18696 @menu
18697 * GDB/MI Result Records::
18698 * GDB/MI Stream Records::
18699 * GDB/MI Async Records::
18700 @end menu
18701
18702 @node GDB/MI Result Records
18703 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Result Records
18704
18705 @cindex result records in @sc{gdb/mi}
18706 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, result records
18707 In addition to a number of out-of-band notifications, the response to a
18708 @sc{gdb/mi} command includes one of the following result indications:
18709
18710 @table @code
18711 @findex ^done
18712 @item "^done" [ "," @var{results} ]
18713 The synchronous operation was successful, @code{@var{results}} are the return
18714 values.
18715
18716 @item "^running"
18717 @findex ^running
18718 @c Is this one correct? Should it be an out-of-band notification?
18719 The asynchronous operation was successfully started. The target is
18720 running.
18721
18722 @item "^connected"
18723 @findex ^connected
18724 @value{GDBN} has connected to a remote target.
18725
18726 @item "^error" "," @var{c-string}
18727 @findex ^error
18728 The operation failed. The @code{@var{c-string}} contains the corresponding
18729 error message.
18730
18731 @item "^exit"
18732 @findex ^exit
18733 @value{GDBN} has terminated.
18734
18735 @end table
18736
18737 @node GDB/MI Stream Records
18738 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Stream Records
18739
18740 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, stream records
18741 @cindex stream records in @sc{gdb/mi}
18742 @value{GDBN} internally maintains a number of output streams: the console, the
18743 target, and the log. The output intended for each of these streams is
18744 funneled through the @sc{gdb/mi} interface using @dfn{stream records}.
18745
18746 Each stream record begins with a unique @dfn{prefix character} which
18747 identifies its stream (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, , @sc{gdb/mi} Output
18748 Syntax}). In addition to the prefix, each stream record contains a
18749 @code{@var{string-output}}. This is either raw text (with an implicit new
18750 line) or a quoted C string (which does not contain an implicit newline).
18751
18752 @table @code
18753 @item "~" @var{string-output}
18754 The console output stream contains text that should be displayed in the
18755 CLI console window. It contains the textual responses to CLI commands.
18756
18757 @item "@@" @var{string-output}
18758 The target output stream contains any textual output from the running
18759 target. This is only present when GDB's event loop is truly
18760 asynchronous, which is currently only the case for remote targets.
18761
18762 @item "&" @var{string-output}
18763 The log stream contains debugging messages being produced by @value{GDBN}'s
18764 internals.
18765 @end table
18766
18767 @node GDB/MI Async Records
18768 @subsection @sc{gdb/mi} Async Records
18769
18770 @cindex async records in @sc{gdb/mi}
18771 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, async records
18772 @dfn{Async} records are used to notify the @sc{gdb/mi} client of
18773 additional changes that have occurred. Those changes can either be a
18774 consequence of @sc{gdb/mi} commands (e.g., a breakpoint modified) or a result of
18775 target activity (e.g., target stopped).
18776
18777 The following is the list of possible async records:
18778
18779 @table @code
18780
18781 @item *running,thread-id="@var{thread}"
18782 The target is now running. The @var{thread} field tells which
18783 specific thread is now running, and can be @samp{all} if all threads
18784 are running. The frontend should assume that no interaction with a
18785 running thread is possible after this notification is produced.
18786 The frontend should not assume that this notification is output
18787 only once for any command. @value{GDBN} may emit this notification
18788 several times, either for different threads, because it cannot resume
18789 all threads together, or even for a single thread, if the thread must
18790 be stepped though some code before letting it run freely.
18791
18792 @item *stopped,reason="@var{reason}"
18793 The target has stopped. The @var{reason} field can have one of the
18794 following values:
18795
18796 @table @code
18797 @item breakpoint-hit
18798 A breakpoint was reached.
18799 @item watchpoint-trigger
18800 A watchpoint was triggered.
18801 @item read-watchpoint-trigger
18802 A read watchpoint was triggered.
18803 @item access-watchpoint-trigger
18804 An access watchpoint was triggered.
18805 @item function-finished
18806 An -exec-finish or similar CLI command was accomplished.
18807 @item location-reached
18808 An -exec-until or similar CLI command was accomplished.
18809 @item watchpoint-scope
18810 A watchpoint has gone out of scope.
18811 @item end-stepping-range
18812 An -exec-next, -exec-next-instruction, -exec-step, -exec-step-instruction or
18813 similar CLI command was accomplished.
18814 @item exited-signalled
18815 The inferior exited because of a signal.
18816 @item exited
18817 The inferior exited.
18818 @item exited-normally
18819 The inferior exited normally.
18820 @item signal-received
18821 A signal was received by the inferior.
18822 @end table
18823
18824 @item =thread-created,id="@var{id}"
18825 @itemx =thread-exited,id="@var{id}"
18826 A thread either was created, or has exited. The @var{id} field
18827 contains the @value{GDBN} identifier of the thread.
18828 @end table
18829
18830
18831
18832 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
18833 @node GDB/MI Simple Examples
18834 @section Simple Examples of @sc{gdb/mi} Interaction
18835 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, simple examples
18836
18837 This subsection presents several simple examples of interaction using
18838 the @sc{gdb/mi} interface. In these examples, @samp{->} means that the
18839 following line is passed to @sc{gdb/mi} as input, while @samp{<-} means
18840 the output received from @sc{gdb/mi}.
18841
18842 Note the line breaks shown in the examples are here only for
18843 readability, they don't appear in the real output.
18844
18845 @subheading Setting a Breakpoint
18846
18847 Setting a breakpoint generates synchronous output which contains detailed
18848 information of the breakpoint.
18849
18850 @smallexample
18851 -> -break-insert main
18852 <- ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
18853 enabled="y",addr="0x08048564",func="main",file="myprog.c",
18854 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68",times="0"@}
18855 <- (gdb)
18856 @end smallexample
18857
18858 @subheading Program Execution
18859
18860 Program execution generates asynchronous records and MI gives the
18861 reason that execution stopped.
18862
18863 @smallexample
18864 -> -exec-run
18865 <- ^running
18866 <- (gdb)
18867 <- *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
18868 frame=@{addr="0x08048564",func="main",
18869 args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},@{name="argv",value="0xbfc4d4d4"@}],
18870 file="myprog.c",fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="68"@}
18871 <- (gdb)
18872 -> -exec-continue
18873 <- ^running
18874 <- (gdb)
18875 <- *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
18876 <- (gdb)
18877 @end smallexample
18878
18879 @subheading Quitting @value{GDBN}
18880
18881 Quitting @value{GDBN} just prints the result class @samp{^exit}.
18882
18883 @smallexample
18884 -> (gdb)
18885 <- -gdb-exit
18886 <- ^exit
18887 @end smallexample
18888
18889 @subheading A Bad Command
18890
18891 Here's what happens if you pass a non-existent command:
18892
18893 @smallexample
18894 -> -rubbish
18895 <- ^error,msg="Undefined MI command: rubbish"
18896 <- (gdb)
18897 @end smallexample
18898
18899
18900 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
18901 @node GDB/MI Command Description Format
18902 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Command Description Format
18903
18904 The remaining sections describe blocks of commands. Each block of
18905 commands is laid out in a fashion similar to this section.
18906
18907 @subheading Motivation
18908
18909 The motivation for this collection of commands.
18910
18911 @subheading Introduction
18912
18913 A brief introduction to this collection of commands as a whole.
18914
18915 @subheading Commands
18916
18917 For each command in the block, the following is described:
18918
18919 @subsubheading Synopsis
18920
18921 @smallexample
18922 -command @var{args}@dots{}
18923 @end smallexample
18924
18925 @subsubheading Result
18926
18927 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
18928
18929 The corresponding @value{GDBN} CLI command(s), if any.
18930
18931 @subsubheading Example
18932
18933 Example(s) formatted for readability. Some of the described commands have
18934 not been implemented yet and these are labeled N.A.@: (not available).
18935
18936
18937 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
18938 @node GDB/MI Breakpoint Commands
18939 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Breakpoint Commands
18940
18941 @cindex breakpoint commands for @sc{gdb/mi}
18942 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, breakpoint commands
18943 This section documents @sc{gdb/mi} commands for manipulating
18944 breakpoints.
18945
18946 @subheading The @code{-break-after} Command
18947 @findex -break-after
18948
18949 @subsubheading Synopsis
18950
18951 @smallexample
18952 -break-after @var{number} @var{count}
18953 @end smallexample
18954
18955 The breakpoint number @var{number} is not in effect until it has been
18956 hit @var{count} times. To see how this is reflected in the output of
18957 the @samp{-break-list} command, see the description of the
18958 @samp{-break-list} command below.
18959
18960 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
18961
18962 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ignore}.
18963
18964 @subsubheading Example
18965
18966 @smallexample
18967 (gdb)
18968 -break-insert main
18969 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",
18970 enabled="y",addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",
18971 fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",line="5",times="0"@}
18972 (gdb)
18973 -break-after 1 3
18974 ~
18975 ^done
18976 (gdb)
18977 -break-list
18978 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
18979 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
18980 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
18981 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
18982 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
18983 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
18984 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
18985 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
18986 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
18987 line="5",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
18988 (gdb)
18989 @end smallexample
18990
18991 @ignore
18992 @subheading The @code{-break-catch} Command
18993 @findex -break-catch
18994
18995 @subheading The @code{-break-commands} Command
18996 @findex -break-commands
18997 @end ignore
18998
18999
19000 @subheading The @code{-break-condition} Command
19001 @findex -break-condition
19002
19003 @subsubheading Synopsis
19004
19005 @smallexample
19006 -break-condition @var{number} @var{expr}
19007 @end smallexample
19008
19009 Breakpoint @var{number} will stop the program only if the condition in
19010 @var{expr} is true. The condition becomes part of the
19011 @samp{-break-list} output (see the description of the @samp{-break-list}
19012 command below).
19013
19014 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19015
19016 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{condition}.
19017
19018 @subsubheading Example
19019
19020 @smallexample
19021 (gdb)
19022 -break-condition 1 1
19023 ^done
19024 (gdb)
19025 -break-list
19026 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
19027 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19028 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19029 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19030 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19031 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19032 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19033 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19034 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
19035 line="5",cond="1",times="0",ignore="3"@}]@}
19036 (gdb)
19037 @end smallexample
19038
19039 @subheading The @code{-break-delete} Command
19040 @findex -break-delete
19041
19042 @subsubheading Synopsis
19043
19044 @smallexample
19045 -break-delete ( @var{breakpoint} )+
19046 @end smallexample
19047
19048 Delete the breakpoint(s) whose number(s) are specified in the argument
19049 list. This is obviously reflected in the breakpoint list.
19050
19051 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19052
19053 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{delete}.
19054
19055 @subsubheading Example
19056
19057 @smallexample
19058 (gdb)
19059 -break-delete 1
19060 ^done
19061 (gdb)
19062 -break-list
19063 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
19064 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19065 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19066 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19067 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19068 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19069 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19070 body=[]@}
19071 (gdb)
19072 @end smallexample
19073
19074 @subheading The @code{-break-disable} Command
19075 @findex -break-disable
19076
19077 @subsubheading Synopsis
19078
19079 @smallexample
19080 -break-disable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
19081 @end smallexample
19082
19083 Disable the named @var{breakpoint}(s). The field @samp{enabled} in the
19084 break list is now set to @samp{n} for the named @var{breakpoint}(s).
19085
19086 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19087
19088 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disable}.
19089
19090 @subsubheading Example
19091
19092 @smallexample
19093 (gdb)
19094 -break-disable 2
19095 ^done
19096 (gdb)
19097 -break-list
19098 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
19099 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19100 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19101 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19102 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19103 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19104 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19105 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="n",
19106 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
19107 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
19108 (gdb)
19109 @end smallexample
19110
19111 @subheading The @code{-break-enable} Command
19112 @findex -break-enable
19113
19114 @subsubheading Synopsis
19115
19116 @smallexample
19117 -break-enable ( @var{breakpoint} )+
19118 @end smallexample
19119
19120 Enable (previously disabled) @var{breakpoint}(s).
19121
19122 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19123
19124 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{enable}.
19125
19126 @subsubheading Example
19127
19128 @smallexample
19129 (gdb)
19130 -break-enable 2
19131 ^done
19132 (gdb)
19133 -break-list
19134 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
19135 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19136 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19137 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19138 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19139 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19140 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19141 body=[bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19142 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
19143 line="5",times="0"@}]@}
19144 (gdb)
19145 @end smallexample
19146
19147 @subheading The @code{-break-info} Command
19148 @findex -break-info
19149
19150 @subsubheading Synopsis
19151
19152 @smallexample
19153 -break-info @var{breakpoint}
19154 @end smallexample
19155
19156 @c REDUNDANT???
19157 Get information about a single breakpoint.
19158
19159 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19160
19161 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break @var{breakpoint}}.
19162
19163 @subsubheading Example
19164 N.A.
19165
19166 @subheading The @code{-break-insert} Command
19167 @findex -break-insert
19168
19169 @subsubheading Synopsis
19170
19171 @smallexample
19172 -break-insert [ -t ] [ -h ] [ -f ]
19173 [ -c @var{condition} ] [ -i @var{ignore-count} ]
19174 [ -p @var{thread} ] [ @var{location} ]
19175 @end smallexample
19176
19177 @noindent
19178 If specified, @var{location}, can be one of:
19179
19180 @itemize @bullet
19181 @item function
19182 @c @item +offset
19183 @c @item -offset
19184 @c @item linenum
19185 @item filename:linenum
19186 @item filename:function
19187 @item *address
19188 @end itemize
19189
19190 The possible optional parameters of this command are:
19191
19192 @table @samp
19193 @item -t
19194 Insert a temporary breakpoint.
19195 @item -h
19196 Insert a hardware breakpoint.
19197 @item -c @var{condition}
19198 Make the breakpoint conditional on @var{condition}.
19199 @item -i @var{ignore-count}
19200 Initialize the @var{ignore-count}.
19201 @item -f
19202 If @var{location} cannot be parsed (for example if it
19203 refers to unknown files or functions), create a pending
19204 breakpoint. Without this flag, @value{GDBN} will report
19205 an error, and won't create a breakpoint, if @var{location}
19206 cannot be parsed.
19207 @end table
19208
19209 @subsubheading Result
19210
19211 The result is in the form:
19212
19213 @smallexample
19214 ^done,bkpt=@{number="@var{number}",type="@var{type}",disp="del"|"keep",
19215 enabled="y"|"n",addr="@var{hex}",func="@var{funcname}",file="@var{filename}",
19216 fullname="@var{full_filename}",line="@var{lineno}",[thread="@var{threadno},]
19217 times="@var{times}"@}
19218 @end smallexample
19219
19220 @noindent
19221 where @var{number} is the @value{GDBN} number for this breakpoint,
19222 @var{funcname} is the name of the function where the breakpoint was
19223 inserted, @var{filename} is the name of the source file which contains
19224 this function, @var{lineno} is the source line number within that file
19225 and @var{times} the number of times that the breakpoint has been hit
19226 (always 0 for -break-insert but may be greater for -break-info or -break-list
19227 which use the same output).
19228
19229 Note: this format is open to change.
19230 @c An out-of-band breakpoint instead of part of the result?
19231
19232 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19233
19234 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{break}, @samp{tbreak},
19235 @samp{hbreak}, @samp{thbreak}, and @samp{rbreak}.
19236
19237 @subsubheading Example
19238
19239 @smallexample
19240 (gdb)
19241 -break-insert main
19242 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",
19243 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="4",times="0"@}
19244 (gdb)
19245 -break-insert -t foo
19246 ^done,bkpt=@{number="2",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c",
19247 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,line="11",times="0"@}
19248 (gdb)
19249 -break-list
19250 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
19251 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19252 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19253 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19254 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19255 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19256 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19257 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19258 addr="0x0001072c", func="main",file="recursive2.c",
19259 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c,"line="4",times="0"@},
19260 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="del",enabled="y",
19261 addr="0x00010774",func="foo",file="recursive2.c",
19262 fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}]@}
19263 (gdb)
19264 -break-insert -r foo.*
19265 ~int foo(int, int);
19266 ^done,bkpt=@{number="3",addr="0x00010774",file="recursive2.c,
19267 "fullname="/home/foo/recursive2.c",line="11",times="0"@}
19268 (gdb)
19269 @end smallexample
19270
19271 @subheading The @code{-break-list} Command
19272 @findex -break-list
19273
19274 @subsubheading Synopsis
19275
19276 @smallexample
19277 -break-list
19278 @end smallexample
19279
19280 Displays the list of inserted breakpoints, showing the following fields:
19281
19282 @table @samp
19283 @item Number
19284 number of the breakpoint
19285 @item Type
19286 type of the breakpoint: @samp{breakpoint} or @samp{watchpoint}
19287 @item Disposition
19288 should the breakpoint be deleted or disabled when it is hit: @samp{keep}
19289 or @samp{nokeep}
19290 @item Enabled
19291 is the breakpoint enabled or no: @samp{y} or @samp{n}
19292 @item Address
19293 memory location at which the breakpoint is set
19294 @item What
19295 logical location of the breakpoint, expressed by function name, file
19296 name, line number
19297 @item Times
19298 number of times the breakpoint has been hit
19299 @end table
19300
19301 If there are no breakpoints or watchpoints, the @code{BreakpointTable}
19302 @code{body} field is an empty list.
19303
19304 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19305
19306 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info break}.
19307
19308 @subsubheading Example
19309
19310 @smallexample
19311 (gdb)
19312 -break-list
19313 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
19314 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19315 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19316 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19317 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19318 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19319 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19320 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19321 addr="0x000100d0",func="main",file="hello.c",line="5",times="0"@},
19322 bkpt=@{number="2",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19323 addr="0x00010114",func="foo",file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/hello.c",
19324 line="13",times="0"@}]@}
19325 (gdb)
19326 @end smallexample
19327
19328 Here's an example of the result when there are no breakpoints:
19329
19330 @smallexample
19331 (gdb)
19332 -break-list
19333 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="0",nr_cols="6",
19334 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19335 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19336 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19337 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19338 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19339 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19340 body=[]@}
19341 (gdb)
19342 @end smallexample
19343
19344 @subheading The @code{-break-watch} Command
19345 @findex -break-watch
19346
19347 @subsubheading Synopsis
19348
19349 @smallexample
19350 -break-watch [ -a | -r ]
19351 @end smallexample
19352
19353 Create a watchpoint. With the @samp{-a} option it will create an
19354 @dfn{access} watchpoint, i.e., a watchpoint that triggers either on a
19355 read from or on a write to the memory location. With the @samp{-r}
19356 option, the watchpoint created is a @dfn{read} watchpoint, i.e., it will
19357 trigger only when the memory location is accessed for reading. Without
19358 either of the options, the watchpoint created is a regular watchpoint,
19359 i.e., it will trigger when the memory location is accessed for writing.
19360 @xref{Set Watchpoints, , Setting Watchpoints}.
19361
19362 Note that @samp{-break-list} will report a single list of watchpoints and
19363 breakpoints inserted.
19364
19365 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19366
19367 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{watch}, @samp{awatch}, and
19368 @samp{rwatch}.
19369
19370 @subsubheading Example
19371
19372 Setting a watchpoint on a variable in the @code{main} function:
19373
19374 @smallexample
19375 (gdb)
19376 -break-watch x
19377 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@}
19378 (gdb)
19379 -exec-continue
19380 ^running
19381 (gdb)
19382 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="x"@},
19383 value=@{old="-268439212",new="55"@},
19384 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
19385 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="5"@}
19386 (gdb)
19387 @end smallexample
19388
19389 Setting a watchpoint on a variable local to a function. @value{GDBN} will stop
19390 the program execution twice: first for the variable changing value, then
19391 for the watchpoint going out of scope.
19392
19393 @smallexample
19394 (gdb)
19395 -break-watch C
19396 ^done,wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@}
19397 (gdb)
19398 -exec-continue
19399 ^running
19400 (gdb)
19401 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",
19402 wpt=@{number="5",exp="C"@},value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
19403 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
19404 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
19405 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
19406 (gdb)
19407 -exec-continue
19408 ^running
19409 (gdb)
19410 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="5",
19411 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
19412 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
19413 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
19414 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
19415 (gdb)
19416 @end smallexample
19417
19418 Listing breakpoints and watchpoints, at different points in the program
19419 execution. Note that once the watchpoint goes out of scope, it is
19420 deleted.
19421
19422 @smallexample
19423 (gdb)
19424 -break-watch C
19425 ^done,wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@}
19426 (gdb)
19427 -break-list
19428 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
19429 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19430 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19431 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19432 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19433 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19434 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19435 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19436 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
19437 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
19438 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c"line="8",times="1"@},
19439 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
19440 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="0"@}]@}
19441 (gdb)
19442 -exec-continue
19443 ^running
19444 (gdb)
19445 *stopped,reason="watchpoint-trigger",wpt=@{number="2",exp="C"@},
19446 value=@{old="-276895068",new="3"@},
19447 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
19448 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
19449 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="13"@}
19450 (gdb)
19451 -break-list
19452 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="2",nr_cols="6",
19453 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19454 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19455 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19456 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19457 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19458 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19459 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19460 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
19461 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
19462 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",times="1"@},
19463 bkpt=@{number="2",type="watchpoint",disp="keep",
19464 enabled="y",addr="",what="C",times="-5"@}]@}
19465 (gdb)
19466 -exec-continue
19467 ^running
19468 ^done,reason="watchpoint-scope",wpnum="2",
19469 frame=@{func="callee3",args=[@{name="strarg",
19470 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
19471 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
19472 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
19473 (gdb)
19474 -break-list
19475 ^done,BreakpointTable=@{nr_rows="1",nr_cols="6",
19476 hdr=[@{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="number",colhdr="Num"@},
19477 @{width="14",alignment="-1",col_name="type",colhdr="Type"@},
19478 @{width="4",alignment="-1",col_name="disp",colhdr="Disp"@},
19479 @{width="3",alignment="-1",col_name="enabled",colhdr="Enb"@},
19480 @{width="10",alignment="-1",col_name="addr",colhdr="Address"@},
19481 @{width="40",alignment="2",col_name="what",colhdr="What"@}],
19482 body=[bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
19483 addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
19484 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
19485 fullname="/home/foo/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8",
19486 times="1"@}]@}
19487 (gdb)
19488 @end smallexample
19489
19490 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19491 @node GDB/MI Program Context
19492 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Context
19493
19494 @subheading The @code{-exec-arguments} Command
19495 @findex -exec-arguments
19496
19497
19498 @subsubheading Synopsis
19499
19500 @smallexample
19501 -exec-arguments @var{args}
19502 @end smallexample
19503
19504 Set the inferior program arguments, to be used in the next
19505 @samp{-exec-run}.
19506
19507 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19508
19509 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set args}.
19510
19511 @subsubheading Example
19512
19513 @smallexample
19514 (gdb)
19515 -exec-arguments -v word
19516 ^done
19517 (gdb)
19518 @end smallexample
19519
19520
19521 @subheading The @code{-exec-show-arguments} Command
19522 @findex -exec-show-arguments
19523
19524 @subsubheading Synopsis
19525
19526 @smallexample
19527 -exec-show-arguments
19528 @end smallexample
19529
19530 Print the arguments of the program.
19531
19532 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19533
19534 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show args}.
19535
19536 @subsubheading Example
19537 N.A.
19538
19539
19540 @subheading The @code{-environment-cd} Command
19541 @findex -environment-cd
19542
19543 @subsubheading Synopsis
19544
19545 @smallexample
19546 -environment-cd @var{pathdir}
19547 @end smallexample
19548
19549 Set @value{GDBN}'s working directory.
19550
19551 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19552
19553 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{cd}.
19554
19555 @subsubheading Example
19556
19557 @smallexample
19558 (gdb)
19559 -environment-cd /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
19560 ^done
19561 (gdb)
19562 @end smallexample
19563
19564
19565 @subheading The @code{-environment-directory} Command
19566 @findex -environment-directory
19567
19568 @subsubheading Synopsis
19569
19570 @smallexample
19571 -environment-directory [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
19572 @end smallexample
19573
19574 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for source files.
19575 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the default
19576 search path. If directories @var{pathdir} are supplied in addition to the
19577 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
19578 occurs as normal.
19579 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
19580 multiple directories in a single command
19581 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
19582 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
19583 If blanks are needed as
19584 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
19585 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
19586 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
19587 character must not be used
19588 in any directory name.
19589 If no directories are specified, the current search path is displayed.
19590
19591 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19592
19593 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{dir}.
19594
19595 @subsubheading Example
19596
19597 @smallexample
19598 (gdb)
19599 -environment-directory /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb
19600 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
19601 (gdb)
19602 -environment-directory ""
19603 ^done,source-path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb:$cdir:$cwd"
19604 (gdb)
19605 -environment-directory -r /home/jjohnstn/src/gdb /usr/src
19606 ^done,source-path="/home/jjohnstn/src/gdb:/usr/src:$cdir:$cwd"
19607 (gdb)
19608 -environment-directory -r
19609 ^done,source-path="$cdir:$cwd"
19610 (gdb)
19611 @end smallexample
19612
19613
19614 @subheading The @code{-environment-path} Command
19615 @findex -environment-path
19616
19617 @subsubheading Synopsis
19618
19619 @smallexample
19620 -environment-path [ -r ] [ @var{pathdir} ]+
19621 @end smallexample
19622
19623 Add directories @var{pathdir} to beginning of search path for object files.
19624 If the @samp{-r} option is used, the search path is reset to the original
19625 search path that existed at gdb start-up. If directories @var{pathdir} are
19626 supplied in addition to the
19627 @samp{-r} option, the search path is first reset and then addition
19628 occurs as normal.
19629 Multiple directories may be specified, separated by blanks. Specifying
19630 multiple directories in a single command
19631 results in the directories added to the beginning of the
19632 search path in the same order they were presented in the command.
19633 If blanks are needed as
19634 part of a directory name, double-quotes should be used around
19635 the name. In the command output, the path will show up separated
19636 by the system directory-separator character. The directory-separator
19637 character must not be used
19638 in any directory name.
19639 If no directories are specified, the current path is displayed.
19640
19641
19642 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19643
19644 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{path}.
19645
19646 @subsubheading Example
19647
19648 @smallexample
19649 (gdb)
19650 -environment-path
19651 ^done,path="/usr/bin"
19652 (gdb)
19653 -environment-path /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb /bin
19654 ^done,path="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/ppc-eabi/gdb:/bin:/usr/bin"
19655 (gdb)
19656 -environment-path -r /usr/local/bin
19657 ^done,path="/usr/local/bin:/usr/bin"
19658 (gdb)
19659 @end smallexample
19660
19661
19662 @subheading The @code{-environment-pwd} Command
19663 @findex -environment-pwd
19664
19665 @subsubheading Synopsis
19666
19667 @smallexample
19668 -environment-pwd
19669 @end smallexample
19670
19671 Show the current working directory.
19672
19673 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19674
19675 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{pwd}.
19676
19677 @subsubheading Example
19678
19679 @smallexample
19680 (gdb)
19681 -environment-pwd
19682 ^done,cwd="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb"
19683 (gdb)
19684 @end smallexample
19685
19686 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19687 @node GDB/MI Thread Commands
19688 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Thread Commands
19689
19690
19691 @subheading The @code{-thread-info} Command
19692 @findex -thread-info
19693
19694 @subsubheading Synopsis
19695
19696 @smallexample
19697 -thread-info [ @var{thread-id} ]
19698 @end smallexample
19699
19700 Reports information about either a specific thread, if
19701 the @var{thread-id} parameter is present, or about all
19702 threads. When printing information about all threads,
19703 also reports the current thread.
19704
19705 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19706
19707 The @samp{info thread} command prints the same information
19708 about all threads.
19709
19710 @subsubheading Example
19711
19712 @smallexample
19713 -thread-info
19714 ^done,threads=[
19715 @{id="2",target-id="Thread 0xb7e14b90 (LWP 21257)",
19716 frame=@{level="0",addr="0xffffe410",func="__kernel_vsyscall",args=[]@},
19717 @{id="1",target-id="Thread 0xb7e156b0 (LWP 21254)",
19718 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0804891f",func="foo",args=[@{name="i",value="10"@}],
19719 file="/tmp/a.c",fullname="/tmp/a.c",line="158"@}@}],
19720 current-thread-id="1"
19721 (gdb)
19722 @end smallexample
19723
19724 @subheading The @code{-thread-list-ids} Command
19725 @findex -thread-list-ids
19726
19727 @subsubheading Synopsis
19728
19729 @smallexample
19730 -thread-list-ids
19731 @end smallexample
19732
19733 Produces a list of the currently known @value{GDBN} thread ids. At the
19734 end of the list it also prints the total number of such threads.
19735
19736 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19737
19738 Part of @samp{info threads} supplies the same information.
19739
19740 @subsubheading Example
19741
19742 No threads present, besides the main process:
19743
19744 @smallexample
19745 (gdb)
19746 -thread-list-ids
19747 ^done,thread-ids=@{@},number-of-threads="0"
19748 (gdb)
19749 @end smallexample
19750
19751
19752 Several threads:
19753
19754 @smallexample
19755 (gdb)
19756 -thread-list-ids
19757 ^done,thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
19758 number-of-threads="3"
19759 (gdb)
19760 @end smallexample
19761
19762
19763 @subheading The @code{-thread-select} Command
19764 @findex -thread-select
19765
19766 @subsubheading Synopsis
19767
19768 @smallexample
19769 -thread-select @var{threadnum}
19770 @end smallexample
19771
19772 Make @var{threadnum} the current thread. It prints the number of the new
19773 current thread, and the topmost frame for that thread.
19774
19775 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19776
19777 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{thread}.
19778
19779 @subsubheading Example
19780
19781 @smallexample
19782 (gdb)
19783 -exec-next
19784 ^running
19785 (gdb)
19786 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",thread-id="2",line="187",
19787 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.threads/linux-dp.c"
19788 (gdb)
19789 -thread-list-ids
19790 ^done,
19791 thread-ids=@{thread-id="3",thread-id="2",thread-id="1"@},
19792 number-of-threads="3"
19793 (gdb)
19794 -thread-select 3
19795 ^done,new-thread-id="3",
19796 frame=@{level="0",func="vprintf",
19797 args=[@{name="format",value="0x8048e9c \"%*s%c %d %c\\n\""@},
19798 @{name="arg",value="0x2"@}],file="vprintf.c",line="31"@}
19799 (gdb)
19800 @end smallexample
19801
19802 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
19803 @node GDB/MI Program Execution
19804 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Program Execution
19805
19806 These are the asynchronous commands which generate the out-of-band
19807 record @samp{*stopped}. Currently @value{GDBN} only really executes
19808 asynchronously with remote targets and this interaction is mimicked in
19809 other cases.
19810
19811 @subheading The @code{-exec-continue} Command
19812 @findex -exec-continue
19813
19814 @subsubheading Synopsis
19815
19816 @smallexample
19817 -exec-continue
19818 @end smallexample
19819
19820 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until a breakpoint is
19821 encountered, or until the inferior exits.
19822
19823 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19824
19825 The corresponding @value{GDBN} corresponding is @samp{continue}.
19826
19827 @subsubheading Example
19828
19829 @smallexample
19830 -exec-continue
19831 ^running
19832 (gdb)
19833 @@Hello world
19834 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="2",frame=@{
19835 func="foo",args=[],file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",
19836 line="13"@}
19837 (gdb)
19838 @end smallexample
19839
19840
19841 @subheading The @code{-exec-finish} Command
19842 @findex -exec-finish
19843
19844 @subsubheading Synopsis
19845
19846 @smallexample
19847 -exec-finish
19848 @end smallexample
19849
19850 Resumes the execution of the inferior program until the current
19851 function is exited. Displays the results returned by the function.
19852
19853 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19854
19855 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{finish}.
19856
19857 @subsubheading Example
19858
19859 Function returning @code{void}.
19860
19861 @smallexample
19862 -exec-finish
19863 ^running
19864 (gdb)
19865 @@hello from foo
19866 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
19867 file="hello.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/hello.c",line="7"@}
19868 (gdb)
19869 @end smallexample
19870
19871 Function returning other than @code{void}. The name of the internal
19872 @value{GDBN} variable storing the result is printed, together with the
19873 value itself.
19874
19875 @smallexample
19876 -exec-finish
19877 ^running
19878 (gdb)
19879 *stopped,reason="function-finished",frame=@{addr="0x000107b0",func="foo",
19880 args=[@{name="a",value="1"],@{name="b",value="9"@}@},
19881 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
19882 gdb-result-var="$1",return-value="0"
19883 (gdb)
19884 @end smallexample
19885
19886
19887 @subheading The @code{-exec-interrupt} Command
19888 @findex -exec-interrupt
19889
19890 @subsubheading Synopsis
19891
19892 @smallexample
19893 -exec-interrupt
19894 @end smallexample
19895
19896 Interrupts the background execution of the target. Note how the token
19897 associated with the stop message is the one for the execution command
19898 that has been interrupted. The token for the interrupt itself only
19899 appears in the @samp{^done} output. If the user is trying to
19900 interrupt a non-running program, an error message will be printed.
19901
19902 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19903
19904 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interrupt}.
19905
19906 @subsubheading Example
19907
19908 @smallexample
19909 (gdb)
19910 111-exec-continue
19911 111^running
19912
19913 (gdb)
19914 222-exec-interrupt
19915 222^done
19916 (gdb)
19917 111*stopped,signal-name="SIGINT",signal-meaning="Interrupt",
19918 frame=@{addr="0x00010140",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
19919 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="13"@}
19920 (gdb)
19921
19922 (gdb)
19923 -exec-interrupt
19924 ^error,msg="mi_cmd_exec_interrupt: Inferior not executing."
19925 (gdb)
19926 @end smallexample
19927
19928
19929 @subheading The @code{-exec-next} Command
19930 @findex -exec-next
19931
19932 @subsubheading Synopsis
19933
19934 @smallexample
19935 -exec-next
19936 @end smallexample
19937
19938 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
19939 of the next source line is reached.
19940
19941 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19942
19943 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{next}.
19944
19945 @subsubheading Example
19946
19947 @smallexample
19948 -exec-next
19949 ^running
19950 (gdb)
19951 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="8",file="hello.c"
19952 (gdb)
19953 @end smallexample
19954
19955
19956 @subheading The @code{-exec-next-instruction} Command
19957 @findex -exec-next-instruction
19958
19959 @subsubheading Synopsis
19960
19961 @smallexample
19962 -exec-next-instruction
19963 @end smallexample
19964
19965 Executes one machine instruction. If the instruction is a function
19966 call, continues until the function returns. If the program stops at an
19967 instruction in the middle of a source line, the address will be
19968 printed as well.
19969
19970 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
19971
19972 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{nexti}.
19973
19974 @subsubheading Example
19975
19976 @smallexample
19977 (gdb)
19978 -exec-next-instruction
19979 ^running
19980
19981 (gdb)
19982 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
19983 addr="0x000100d4",line="5",file="hello.c"
19984 (gdb)
19985 @end smallexample
19986
19987
19988 @subheading The @code{-exec-return} Command
19989 @findex -exec-return
19990
19991 @subsubheading Synopsis
19992
19993 @smallexample
19994 -exec-return
19995 @end smallexample
19996
19997 Makes current function return immediately. Doesn't execute the inferior.
19998 Displays the new current frame.
19999
20000 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20001
20002 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{return}.
20003
20004 @subsubheading Example
20005
20006 @smallexample
20007 (gdb)
20008 200-break-insert callee4
20009 200^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x00010734",
20010 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
20011 (gdb)
20012 000-exec-run
20013 000^running
20014 (gdb)
20015 000*stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
20016 frame=@{func="callee4",args=[],
20017 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20018 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@}
20019 (gdb)
20020 205-break-delete
20021 205^done
20022 (gdb)
20023 111-exec-return
20024 111^done,frame=@{level="0",func="callee3",
20025 args=[@{name="strarg",
20026 value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}],
20027 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20028 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="18"@}
20029 (gdb)
20030 @end smallexample
20031
20032
20033 @subheading The @code{-exec-run} Command
20034 @findex -exec-run
20035
20036 @subsubheading Synopsis
20037
20038 @smallexample
20039 -exec-run
20040 @end smallexample
20041
20042 Starts execution of the inferior from the beginning. The inferior
20043 executes until either a breakpoint is encountered or the program
20044 exits. In the latter case the output will include an exit code, if
20045 the program has exited exceptionally.
20046
20047 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20048
20049 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{run}.
20050
20051 @subsubheading Examples
20052
20053 @smallexample
20054 (gdb)
20055 -break-insert main
20056 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",addr="0x0001072c",file="recursive2.c",line="4"@}
20057 (gdb)
20058 -exec-run
20059 ^running
20060 (gdb)
20061 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",
20062 frame=@{func="main",args=[],file="recursive2.c",
20063 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}
20064 (gdb)
20065 @end smallexample
20066
20067 @noindent
20068 Program exited normally:
20069
20070 @smallexample
20071 (gdb)
20072 -exec-run
20073 ^running
20074 (gdb)
20075 x = 55
20076 *stopped,reason="exited-normally"
20077 (gdb)
20078 @end smallexample
20079
20080 @noindent
20081 Program exited exceptionally:
20082
20083 @smallexample
20084 (gdb)
20085 -exec-run
20086 ^running
20087 (gdb)
20088 x = 55
20089 *stopped,reason="exited",exit-code="01"
20090 (gdb)
20091 @end smallexample
20092
20093 Another way the program can terminate is if it receives a signal such as
20094 @code{SIGINT}. In this case, @sc{gdb/mi} displays this:
20095
20096 @smallexample
20097 (gdb)
20098 *stopped,reason="exited-signalled",signal-name="SIGINT",
20099 signal-meaning="Interrupt"
20100 @end smallexample
20101
20102
20103 @c @subheading -exec-signal
20104
20105
20106 @subheading The @code{-exec-step} Command
20107 @findex -exec-step
20108
20109 @subsubheading Synopsis
20110
20111 @smallexample
20112 -exec-step
20113 @end smallexample
20114
20115 Resumes execution of the inferior program, stopping when the beginning
20116 of the next source line is reached, if the next source line is not a
20117 function call. If it is, stop at the first instruction of the called
20118 function.
20119
20120 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20121
20122 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{step}.
20123
20124 @subsubheading Example
20125
20126 Stepping into a function:
20127
20128 @smallexample
20129 -exec-step
20130 ^running
20131 (gdb)
20132 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
20133 frame=@{func="foo",args=[@{name="a",value="10"@},
20134 @{name="b",value="0"@}],file="recursive2.c",
20135 fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@}
20136 (gdb)
20137 @end smallexample
20138
20139 Regular stepping:
20140
20141 @smallexample
20142 -exec-step
20143 ^running
20144 (gdb)
20145 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",line="14",file="recursive2.c"
20146 (gdb)
20147 @end smallexample
20148
20149
20150 @subheading The @code{-exec-step-instruction} Command
20151 @findex -exec-step-instruction
20152
20153 @subsubheading Synopsis
20154
20155 @smallexample
20156 -exec-step-instruction
20157 @end smallexample
20158
20159 Resumes the inferior which executes one machine instruction. The
20160 output, once @value{GDBN} has stopped, will vary depending on whether
20161 we have stopped in the middle of a source line or not. In the former
20162 case, the address at which the program stopped will be printed as
20163 well.
20164
20165 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20166
20167 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{stepi}.
20168
20169 @subsubheading Example
20170
20171 @smallexample
20172 (gdb)
20173 -exec-step-instruction
20174 ^running
20175
20176 (gdb)
20177 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
20178 frame=@{func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
20179 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
20180 (gdb)
20181 -exec-step-instruction
20182 ^running
20183
20184 (gdb)
20185 *stopped,reason="end-stepping-range",
20186 frame=@{addr="0x000100f4",func="foo",args=[],file="try.c",
20187 fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",line="10"@}
20188 (gdb)
20189 @end smallexample
20190
20191
20192 @subheading The @code{-exec-until} Command
20193 @findex -exec-until
20194
20195 @subsubheading Synopsis
20196
20197 @smallexample
20198 -exec-until [ @var{location} ]
20199 @end smallexample
20200
20201 Executes the inferior until the @var{location} specified in the
20202 argument is reached. If there is no argument, the inferior executes
20203 until a source line greater than the current one is reached. The
20204 reason for stopping in this case will be @samp{location-reached}.
20205
20206 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20207
20208 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{until}.
20209
20210 @subsubheading Example
20211
20212 @smallexample
20213 (gdb)
20214 -exec-until recursive2.c:6
20215 ^running
20216 (gdb)
20217 x = 55
20218 *stopped,reason="location-reached",frame=@{func="main",args=[],
20219 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="6"@}
20220 (gdb)
20221 @end smallexample
20222
20223 @ignore
20224 @subheading -file-clear
20225 Is this going away????
20226 @end ignore
20227
20228 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20229 @node GDB/MI Stack Manipulation
20230 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Stack Manipulation Commands
20231
20232
20233 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-frame} Command
20234 @findex -stack-info-frame
20235
20236 @subsubheading Synopsis
20237
20238 @smallexample
20239 -stack-info-frame
20240 @end smallexample
20241
20242 Get info on the selected frame.
20243
20244 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20245
20246 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info frame} or @samp{frame}
20247 (without arguments).
20248
20249 @subsubheading Example
20250
20251 @smallexample
20252 (gdb)
20253 -stack-info-frame
20254 ^done,frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
20255 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20256 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@}
20257 (gdb)
20258 @end smallexample
20259
20260 @subheading The @code{-stack-info-depth} Command
20261 @findex -stack-info-depth
20262
20263 @subsubheading Synopsis
20264
20265 @smallexample
20266 -stack-info-depth [ @var{max-depth} ]
20267 @end smallexample
20268
20269 Return the depth of the stack. If the integer argument @var{max-depth}
20270 is specified, do not count beyond @var{max-depth} frames.
20271
20272 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20273
20274 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
20275
20276 @subsubheading Example
20277
20278 For a stack with frame levels 0 through 11:
20279
20280 @smallexample
20281 (gdb)
20282 -stack-info-depth
20283 ^done,depth="12"
20284 (gdb)
20285 -stack-info-depth 4
20286 ^done,depth="4"
20287 (gdb)
20288 -stack-info-depth 12
20289 ^done,depth="12"
20290 (gdb)
20291 -stack-info-depth 11
20292 ^done,depth="11"
20293 (gdb)
20294 -stack-info-depth 13
20295 ^done,depth="12"
20296 (gdb)
20297 @end smallexample
20298
20299 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-arguments} Command
20300 @findex -stack-list-arguments
20301
20302 @subsubheading Synopsis
20303
20304 @smallexample
20305 -stack-list-arguments @var{show-values}
20306 [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
20307 @end smallexample
20308
20309 Display a list of the arguments for the frames between @var{low-frame}
20310 and @var{high-frame} (inclusive). If @var{low-frame} and
20311 @var{high-frame} are not provided, list the arguments for the whole
20312 call stack. If the two arguments are equal, show the single frame
20313 at the corresponding level. It is an error if @var{low-frame} is
20314 larger than the actual number of frames. On the other hand,
20315 @var{high-frame} may be larger than the actual number of frames, in
20316 which case only existing frames will be returned.
20317
20318 The @var{show-values} argument must have a value of 0 or 1. A value of
20319 0 means that only the names of the arguments are listed, a value of 1
20320 means that both names and values of the arguments are printed.
20321
20322 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20323
20324 @value{GDBN} does not have an equivalent command. @code{gdbtk} has a
20325 @samp{gdb_get_args} command which partially overlaps with the
20326 functionality of @samp{-stack-list-arguments}.
20327
20328 @subsubheading Example
20329
20330 @smallexample
20331 (gdb)
20332 -stack-list-frames
20333 ^done,
20334 stack=[
20335 frame=@{level="0",addr="0x00010734",func="callee4",
20336 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20337 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="8"@},
20338 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x0001076c",func="callee3",
20339 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20340 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="17"@},
20341 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x0001078c",func="callee2",
20342 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20343 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="22"@},
20344 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107b4",func="callee1",
20345 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20346 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="27"@},
20347 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107e0",func="main",
20348 file="../../../devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",
20349 fullname="/home/foo/bar/devo/gdb/testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line="32"@}]
20350 (gdb)
20351 -stack-list-arguments 0
20352 ^done,
20353 stack-args=[
20354 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
20355 frame=@{level="1",args=[name="strarg"]@},
20356 frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@},
20357 frame=@{level="3",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg",name="fltarg"]@},
20358 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
20359 (gdb)
20360 -stack-list-arguments 1
20361 ^done,
20362 stack-args=[
20363 frame=@{level="0",args=[]@},
20364 frame=@{level="1",
20365 args=[@{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
20366 frame=@{level="2",args=[
20367 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
20368 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@},
20369 @{frame=@{level="3",args=[
20370 @{name="intarg",value="2"@},
20371 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@},
20372 @{name="fltarg",value="3.5"@}]@},
20373 frame=@{level="4",args=[]@}]
20374 (gdb)
20375 -stack-list-arguments 0 2 2
20376 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",args=[name="intarg",name="strarg"]@}]
20377 (gdb)
20378 -stack-list-arguments 1 2 2
20379 ^done,stack-args=[frame=@{level="2",
20380 args=[@{name="intarg",value="2"@},
20381 @{name="strarg",value="0x11940 \"A string argument.\""@}]@}]
20382 (gdb)
20383 @end smallexample
20384
20385 @c @subheading -stack-list-exception-handlers
20386
20387
20388 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-frames} Command
20389 @findex -stack-list-frames
20390
20391 @subsubheading Synopsis
20392
20393 @smallexample
20394 -stack-list-frames [ @var{low-frame} @var{high-frame} ]
20395 @end smallexample
20396
20397 List the frames currently on the stack. For each frame it displays the
20398 following info:
20399
20400 @table @samp
20401 @item @var{level}
20402 The frame number, 0 being the topmost frame, i.e., the innermost function.
20403 @item @var{addr}
20404 The @code{$pc} value for that frame.
20405 @item @var{func}
20406 Function name.
20407 @item @var{file}
20408 File name of the source file where the function lives.
20409 @item @var{line}
20410 Line number corresponding to the @code{$pc}.
20411 @end table
20412
20413 If invoked without arguments, this command prints a backtrace for the
20414 whole stack. If given two integer arguments, it shows the frames whose
20415 levels are between the two arguments (inclusive). If the two arguments
20416 are equal, it shows the single frame at the corresponding level. It is
20417 an error if @var{low-frame} is larger than the actual number of
20418 frames. On the other hand, @var{high-frame} may be larger than the
20419 actual number of frames, in which case only existing frames will be returned.
20420
20421 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20422
20423 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{backtrace} and @samp{where}.
20424
20425 @subsubheading Example
20426
20427 Full stack backtrace:
20428
20429 @smallexample
20430 (gdb)
20431 -stack-list-frames
20432 ^done,stack=
20433 [frame=@{level="0",addr="0x0001076c",func="foo",
20434 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="11"@},
20435 frame=@{level="1",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20436 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20437 frame=@{level="2",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20438 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20439 frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20440 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20441 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20442 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20443 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20444 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20445 frame=@{level="6",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20446 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20447 frame=@{level="7",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20448 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20449 frame=@{level="8",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20450 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20451 frame=@{level="9",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20452 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20453 frame=@{level="10",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20454 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20455 frame=@{level="11",addr="0x00010738",func="main",
20456 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="4"@}]
20457 (gdb)
20458 @end smallexample
20459
20460 Show frames between @var{low_frame} and @var{high_frame}:
20461
20462 @smallexample
20463 (gdb)
20464 -stack-list-frames 3 5
20465 ^done,stack=
20466 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20467 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20468 frame=@{level="4",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20469 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@},
20470 frame=@{level="5",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20471 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
20472 (gdb)
20473 @end smallexample
20474
20475 Show a single frame:
20476
20477 @smallexample
20478 (gdb)
20479 -stack-list-frames 3 3
20480 ^done,stack=
20481 [frame=@{level="3",addr="0x000107a4",func="foo",
20482 file="recursive2.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/recursive2.c",line="14"@}]
20483 (gdb)
20484 @end smallexample
20485
20486
20487 @subheading The @code{-stack-list-locals} Command
20488 @findex -stack-list-locals
20489
20490 @subsubheading Synopsis
20491
20492 @smallexample
20493 -stack-list-locals @var{print-values}
20494 @end smallexample
20495
20496 Display the local variable names for the selected frame. If
20497 @var{print-values} is 0 or @code{--no-values}, print only the names of
20498 the variables; if it is 1 or @code{--all-values}, print also their
20499 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values}, print the name,
20500 type and value for simple data types and the name and type for arrays,
20501 structures and unions. In this last case, a frontend can immediately
20502 display the value of simple data types and create variable objects for
20503 other data types when the user wishes to explore their values in
20504 more detail.
20505
20506 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20507
20508 @samp{info locals} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_get_locals} in @code{gdbtk}.
20509
20510 @subsubheading Example
20511
20512 @smallexample
20513 (gdb)
20514 -stack-list-locals 0
20515 ^done,locals=[name="A",name="B",name="C"]
20516 (gdb)
20517 -stack-list-locals --all-values
20518 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",value="1"@},@{name="B",value="2"@},
20519 @{name="C",value="@{1, 2, 3@}"@}]
20520 -stack-list-locals --simple-values
20521 ^done,locals=[@{name="A",type="int",value="1"@},
20522 @{name="B",type="int",value="2"@},@{name="C",type="int [3]"@}]
20523 (gdb)
20524 @end smallexample
20525
20526
20527 @subheading The @code{-stack-select-frame} Command
20528 @findex -stack-select-frame
20529
20530 @subsubheading Synopsis
20531
20532 @smallexample
20533 -stack-select-frame @var{framenum}
20534 @end smallexample
20535
20536 Change the selected frame. Select a different frame @var{framenum} on
20537 the stack.
20538
20539 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
20540
20541 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{frame}, @samp{up},
20542 @samp{down}, @samp{select-frame}, @samp{up-silent}, and @samp{down-silent}.
20543
20544 @subsubheading Example
20545
20546 @smallexample
20547 (gdb)
20548 -stack-select-frame 2
20549 ^done
20550 (gdb)
20551 @end smallexample
20552
20553 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
20554 @node GDB/MI Variable Objects
20555 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Variable Objects
20556
20557 @ignore
20558
20559 @subheading Motivation for Variable Objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
20560
20561 For the implementation of a variable debugger window (locals, watched
20562 expressions, etc.), we are proposing the adaptation of the existing code
20563 used by @code{Insight}.
20564
20565 The two main reasons for that are:
20566
20567 @enumerate 1
20568 @item
20569 It has been proven in practice (it is already on its second generation).
20570
20571 @item
20572 It will shorten development time (needless to say how important it is
20573 now).
20574 @end enumerate
20575
20576 The original interface was designed to be used by Tcl code, so it was
20577 slightly changed so it could be used through @sc{gdb/mi}. This section
20578 describes the @sc{gdb/mi} operations that will be available and gives some
20579 hints about their use.
20580
20581 @emph{Note}: In addition to the set of operations described here, we
20582 expect the @sc{gui} implementation of a variable window to require, at
20583 least, the following operations:
20584
20585 @itemize @bullet
20586 @item @code{-gdb-show} @code{output-radix}
20587 @item @code{-stack-list-arguments}
20588 @item @code{-stack-list-locals}
20589 @item @code{-stack-select-frame}
20590 @end itemize
20591
20592 @end ignore
20593
20594 @subheading Introduction to Variable Objects
20595
20596 @cindex variable objects in @sc{gdb/mi}
20597
20598 Variable objects are "object-oriented" MI interface for examining and
20599 changing values of expressions. Unlike some other MI interfaces that
20600 work with expressions, variable objects are specifically designed for
20601 simple and efficient presentation in the frontend. A variable object
20602 is identified by string name. When a variable object is created, the
20603 frontend specifies the expression for that variable object. The
20604 expression can be a simple variable, or it can be an arbitrary complex
20605 expression, and can even involve CPU registers. After creating a
20606 variable object, the frontend can invoke other variable object
20607 operations---for example to obtain or change the value of a variable
20608 object, or to change display format.
20609
20610 Variable objects have hierarchical tree structure. Any variable object
20611 that corresponds to a composite type, such as structure in C, has
20612 a number of child variable objects, for example corresponding to each
20613 element of a structure. A child variable object can itself have
20614 children, recursively. Recursion ends when we reach
20615 leaf variable objects, which always have built-in types. Child variable
20616 objects are created only by explicit request, so if a frontend
20617 is not interested in the children of a particular variable object, no
20618 child will be created.
20619
20620 For a leaf variable object it is possible to obtain its value as a
20621 string, or set the value from a string. String value can be also
20622 obtained for a non-leaf variable object, but it's generally a string
20623 that only indicates the type of the object, and does not list its
20624 contents. Assignment to a non-leaf variable object is not allowed.
20625
20626 A frontend does not need to read the values of all variable objects each time
20627 the program stops. Instead, MI provides an update command that lists all
20628 variable objects whose values has changed since the last update
20629 operation. This considerably reduces the amount of data that must
20630 be transferred to the frontend. As noted above, children variable
20631 objects are created on demand, and only leaf variable objects have a
20632 real value. As result, gdb will read target memory only for leaf
20633 variables that frontend has created.
20634
20635 The automatic update is not always desirable. For example, a frontend
20636 might want to keep a value of some expression for future reference,
20637 and never update it. For another example, fetching memory is
20638 relatively slow for embedded targets, so a frontend might want
20639 to disable automatic update for the variables that are either not
20640 visible on the screen, or ``closed''. This is possible using so
20641 called ``frozen variable objects''. Such variable objects are never
20642 implicitly updated.
20643
20644 The following is the complete set of @sc{gdb/mi} operations defined to
20645 access this functionality:
20646
20647 @multitable @columnfractions .4 .6
20648 @item @strong{Operation}
20649 @tab @strong{Description}
20650
20651 @item @code{-var-create}
20652 @tab create a variable object
20653 @item @code{-var-delete}
20654 @tab delete the variable object and/or its children
20655 @item @code{-var-set-format}
20656 @tab set the display format of this variable
20657 @item @code{-var-show-format}
20658 @tab show the display format of this variable
20659 @item @code{-var-info-num-children}
20660 @tab tells how many children this object has
20661 @item @code{-var-list-children}
20662 @tab return a list of the object's children
20663 @item @code{-var-info-type}
20664 @tab show the type of this variable object
20665 @item @code{-var-info-expression}
20666 @tab print parent-relative expression that this variable object represents
20667 @item @code{-var-info-path-expression}
20668 @tab print full expression that this variable object represents
20669 @item @code{-var-show-attributes}
20670 @tab is this variable editable? does it exist here?
20671 @item @code{-var-evaluate-expression}
20672 @tab get the value of this variable
20673 @item @code{-var-assign}
20674 @tab set the value of this variable
20675 @item @code{-var-update}
20676 @tab update the variable and its children
20677 @item @code{-var-set-frozen}
20678 @tab set frozeness attribute
20679 @end multitable
20680
20681 In the next subsection we describe each operation in detail and suggest
20682 how it can be used.
20683
20684 @subheading Description And Use of Operations on Variable Objects
20685
20686 @subheading The @code{-var-create} Command
20687 @findex -var-create
20688
20689 @subsubheading Synopsis
20690
20691 @smallexample
20692 -var-create @{@var{name} | "-"@}
20693 @{@var{frame-addr} | "*"@} @var{expression}
20694 @end smallexample
20695
20696 This operation creates a variable object, which allows the monitoring of
20697 a variable, the result of an expression, a memory cell or a CPU
20698 register.
20699
20700 The @var{name} parameter is the string by which the object can be
20701 referenced. It must be unique. If @samp{-} is specified, the varobj
20702 system will generate a string ``varNNNNNN'' automatically. It will be
20703 unique provided that one does not specify @var{name} on that format.
20704 The command fails if a duplicate name is found.
20705
20706 The frame under which the expression should be evaluated can be
20707 specified by @var{frame-addr}. A @samp{*} indicates that the current
20708 frame should be used.
20709
20710 @var{expression} is any expression valid on the current language set (must not
20711 begin with a @samp{*}), or one of the following:
20712
20713 @itemize @bullet
20714 @item
20715 @samp{*@var{addr}}, where @var{addr} is the address of a memory cell
20716
20717 @item
20718 @samp{*@var{addr}-@var{addr}} --- a memory address range (TBD)
20719
20720 @item
20721 @samp{$@var{regname}} --- a CPU register name
20722 @end itemize
20723
20724 @subsubheading Result
20725
20726 This operation returns the name, number of children and the type of the
20727 object created. Type is returned as a string as the ones generated by
20728 the @value{GDBN} CLI:
20729
20730 @smallexample
20731 name="@var{name}",numchild="N",type="@var{type}"
20732 @end smallexample
20733
20734
20735 @subheading The @code{-var-delete} Command
20736 @findex -var-delete
20737
20738 @subsubheading Synopsis
20739
20740 @smallexample
20741 -var-delete [ -c ] @var{name}
20742 @end smallexample
20743
20744 Deletes a previously created variable object and all of its children.
20745 With the @samp{-c} option, just deletes the children.
20746
20747 Returns an error if the object @var{name} is not found.
20748
20749
20750 @subheading The @code{-var-set-format} Command
20751 @findex -var-set-format
20752
20753 @subsubheading Synopsis
20754
20755 @smallexample
20756 -var-set-format @var{name} @var{format-spec}
20757 @end smallexample
20758
20759 Sets the output format for the value of the object @var{name} to be
20760 @var{format-spec}.
20761
20762 @anchor{-var-set-format}
20763 The syntax for the @var{format-spec} is as follows:
20764
20765 @smallexample
20766 @var{format-spec} @expansion{}
20767 @{binary | decimal | hexadecimal | octal | natural@}
20768 @end smallexample
20769
20770 The natural format is the default format choosen automatically
20771 based on the variable type (like decimal for an @code{int}, hex
20772 for pointers, etc.).
20773
20774 For a variable with children, the format is set only on the
20775 variable itself, and the children are not affected.
20776
20777 @subheading The @code{-var-show-format} Command
20778 @findex -var-show-format
20779
20780 @subsubheading Synopsis
20781
20782 @smallexample
20783 -var-show-format @var{name}
20784 @end smallexample
20785
20786 Returns the format used to display the value of the object @var{name}.
20787
20788 @smallexample
20789 @var{format} @expansion{}
20790 @var{format-spec}
20791 @end smallexample
20792
20793
20794 @subheading The @code{-var-info-num-children} Command
20795 @findex -var-info-num-children
20796
20797 @subsubheading Synopsis
20798
20799 @smallexample
20800 -var-info-num-children @var{name}
20801 @end smallexample
20802
20803 Returns the number of children of a variable object @var{name}:
20804
20805 @smallexample
20806 numchild=@var{n}
20807 @end smallexample
20808
20809
20810 @subheading The @code{-var-list-children} Command
20811 @findex -var-list-children
20812
20813 @subsubheading Synopsis
20814
20815 @smallexample
20816 -var-list-children [@var{print-values}] @var{name}
20817 @end smallexample
20818 @anchor{-var-list-children}
20819
20820 Return a list of the children of the specified variable object and
20821 create variable objects for them, if they do not already exist. With
20822 a single argument or if @var{print-values} has a value for of 0 or
20823 @code{--no-values}, print only the names of the variables; if
20824 @var{print-values} is 1 or @code{--all-values}, also print their
20825 values; and if it is 2 or @code{--simple-values} print the name and
20826 value for simple data types and just the name for arrays, structures
20827 and unions.
20828
20829 @subsubheading Example
20830
20831 @smallexample
20832 (gdb)
20833 -var-list-children n
20834 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[@{name=@var{name},
20835 numchild=@var{n},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
20836 (gdb)
20837 -var-list-children --all-values n
20838 ^done,numchild=@var{n},children=[@{name=@var{name},
20839 numchild=@var{n},value=@var{value},type=@var{type}@},@r{(repeats N times)}]
20840 @end smallexample
20841
20842
20843 @subheading The @code{-var-info-type} Command
20844 @findex -var-info-type
20845
20846 @subsubheading Synopsis
20847
20848 @smallexample
20849 -var-info-type @var{name}
20850 @end smallexample
20851
20852 Returns the type of the specified variable @var{name}. The type is
20853 returned as a string in the same format as it is output by the
20854 @value{GDBN} CLI:
20855
20856 @smallexample
20857 type=@var{typename}
20858 @end smallexample
20859
20860
20861 @subheading The @code{-var-info-expression} Command
20862 @findex -var-info-expression
20863
20864 @subsubheading Synopsis
20865
20866 @smallexample
20867 -var-info-expression @var{name}
20868 @end smallexample
20869
20870 Returns a string that is suitable for presenting this
20871 variable object in user interface. The string is generally
20872 not valid expression in the current language, and cannot be evaluated.
20873
20874 For example, if @code{a} is an array, and variable object
20875 @code{A} was created for @code{a}, then we'll get this output:
20876
20877 @smallexample
20878 (gdb) -var-info-expression A.1
20879 ^done,lang="C",exp="1"
20880 @end smallexample
20881
20882 @noindent
20883 Here, the values of @code{lang} can be @code{@{"C" | "C++" | "Java"@}}.
20884
20885 Note that the output of the @code{-var-list-children} command also
20886 includes those expressions, so the @code{-var-info-expression} command
20887 is of limited use.
20888
20889 @subheading The @code{-var-info-path-expression} Command
20890 @findex -var-info-path-expression
20891
20892 @subsubheading Synopsis
20893
20894 @smallexample
20895 -var-info-path-expression @var{name}
20896 @end smallexample
20897
20898 Returns an expression that can be evaluated in the current
20899 context and will yield the same value that a variable object has.
20900 Compare this with the @code{-var-info-expression} command, which
20901 result can be used only for UI presentation. Typical use of
20902 the @code{-var-info-path-expression} command is creating a
20903 watchpoint from a variable object.
20904
20905 For example, suppose @code{C} is a C@t{++} class, derived from class
20906 @code{Base}, and that the @code{Base} class has a member called
20907 @code{m_size}. Assume a variable @code{c} is has the type of
20908 @code{C} and a variable object @code{C} was created for variable
20909 @code{c}. Then, we'll get this output:
20910 @smallexample
20911 (gdb) -var-info-path-expression C.Base.public.m_size
20912 ^done,path_expr=((Base)c).m_size)
20913 @end smallexample
20914
20915 @subheading The @code{-var-show-attributes} Command
20916 @findex -var-show-attributes
20917
20918 @subsubheading Synopsis
20919
20920 @smallexample
20921 -var-show-attributes @var{name}
20922 @end smallexample
20923
20924 List attributes of the specified variable object @var{name}:
20925
20926 @smallexample
20927 status=@var{attr} [ ( ,@var{attr} )* ]
20928 @end smallexample
20929
20930 @noindent
20931 where @var{attr} is @code{@{ @{ editable | noneditable @} | TBD @}}.
20932
20933 @subheading The @code{-var-evaluate-expression} Command
20934 @findex -var-evaluate-expression
20935
20936 @subsubheading Synopsis
20937
20938 @smallexample
20939 -var-evaluate-expression [-f @var{format-spec}] @var{name}
20940 @end smallexample
20941
20942 Evaluates the expression that is represented by the specified variable
20943 object and returns its value as a string. The format of the string
20944 can be specified with the @samp{-f} option. The possible values of
20945 this option are the same as for @code{-var-set-format}
20946 (@pxref{-var-set-format}). If the @samp{-f} option is not specified,
20947 the current display format will be used. The current display format
20948 can be changed using the @code{-var-set-format} command.
20949
20950 @smallexample
20951 value=@var{value}
20952 @end smallexample
20953
20954 Note that one must invoke @code{-var-list-children} for a variable
20955 before the value of a child variable can be evaluated.
20956
20957 @subheading The @code{-var-assign} Command
20958 @findex -var-assign
20959
20960 @subsubheading Synopsis
20961
20962 @smallexample
20963 -var-assign @var{name} @var{expression}
20964 @end smallexample
20965
20966 Assigns the value of @var{expression} to the variable object specified
20967 by @var{name}. The object must be @samp{editable}. If the variable's
20968 value is altered by the assign, the variable will show up in any
20969 subsequent @code{-var-update} list.
20970
20971 @subsubheading Example
20972
20973 @smallexample
20974 (gdb)
20975 -var-assign var1 3
20976 ^done,value="3"
20977 (gdb)
20978 -var-update *
20979 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",in_scope="true",type_changed="false"@}]
20980 (gdb)
20981 @end smallexample
20982
20983 @subheading The @code{-var-update} Command
20984 @findex -var-update
20985
20986 @subsubheading Synopsis
20987
20988 @smallexample
20989 -var-update [@var{print-values}] @{@var{name} | "*"@}
20990 @end smallexample
20991
20992 Reevaluate the expressions corresponding to the variable object
20993 @var{name} and all its direct and indirect children, and return the
20994 list of variable objects whose values have changed; @var{name} must
20995 be a root variable object. Here, ``changed'' means that the result of
20996 @code{-var-evaluate-expression} before and after the
20997 @code{-var-update} is different. If @samp{*} is used as the variable
20998 object names, all existing variable objects are updated, except
20999 for frozen ones (@pxref{-var-set-frozen}). The option
21000 @var{print-values} determines whether both names and values, or just
21001 names are printed. The possible values of this option are the same
21002 as for @code{-var-list-children} (@pxref{-var-list-children}). It is
21003 recommended to use the @samp{--all-values} option, to reduce the
21004 number of MI commands needed on each program stop.
21005
21006
21007 @subsubheading Example
21008
21009 @smallexample
21010 (gdb)
21011 -var-assign var1 3
21012 ^done,value="3"
21013 (gdb)
21014 -var-update --all-values var1
21015 ^done,changelist=[@{name="var1",value="3",in_scope="true",
21016 type_changed="false"@}]
21017 (gdb)
21018 @end smallexample
21019
21020 @anchor{-var-update}
21021 The field in_scope may take three values:
21022
21023 @table @code
21024 @item "true"
21025 The variable object's current value is valid.
21026
21027 @item "false"
21028 The variable object does not currently hold a valid value but it may
21029 hold one in the future if its associated expression comes back into
21030 scope.
21031
21032 @item "invalid"
21033 The variable object no longer holds a valid value.
21034 This can occur when the executable file being debugged has changed,
21035 either through recompilation or by using the @value{GDBN} @code{file}
21036 command. The front end should normally choose to delete these variable
21037 objects.
21038 @end table
21039
21040 In the future new values may be added to this list so the front should
21041 be prepared for this possibility. @xref{GDB/MI Development and Front Ends, ,@sc{GDB/MI} Development and Front Ends}.
21042
21043 @subheading The @code{-var-set-frozen} Command
21044 @findex -var-set-frozen
21045 @anchor{-var-set-frozen}
21046
21047 @subsubheading Synopsis
21048
21049 @smallexample
21050 -var-set-frozen @var{name} @var{flag}
21051 @end smallexample
21052
21053 Set the frozenness flag on the variable object @var{name}. The
21054 @var{flag} parameter should be either @samp{1} to make the variable
21055 frozen or @samp{0} to make it unfrozen. If a variable object is
21056 frozen, then neither itself, nor any of its children, are
21057 implicitly updated by @code{-var-update} of
21058 a parent variable or by @code{-var-update *}. Only
21059 @code{-var-update} of the variable itself will update its value and
21060 values of its children. After a variable object is unfrozen, it is
21061 implicitly updated by all subsequent @code{-var-update} operations.
21062 Unfreezing a variable does not update it, only subsequent
21063 @code{-var-update} does.
21064
21065 @subsubheading Example
21066
21067 @smallexample
21068 (gdb)
21069 -var-set-frozen V 1
21070 ^done
21071 (gdb)
21072 @end smallexample
21073
21074
21075 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21076 @node GDB/MI Data Manipulation
21077 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Data Manipulation
21078
21079 @cindex data manipulation, in @sc{gdb/mi}
21080 @cindex @sc{gdb/mi}, data manipulation
21081 This section describes the @sc{gdb/mi} commands that manipulate data:
21082 examine memory and registers, evaluate expressions, etc.
21083
21084 @c REMOVED FROM THE INTERFACE.
21085 @c @subheading -data-assign
21086 @c Change the value of a program variable. Plenty of side effects.
21087 @c @subsubheading GDB Command
21088 @c set variable
21089 @c @subsubheading Example
21090 @c N.A.
21091
21092 @subheading The @code{-data-disassemble} Command
21093 @findex -data-disassemble
21094
21095 @subsubheading Synopsis
21096
21097 @smallexample
21098 -data-disassemble
21099 [ -s @var{start-addr} -e @var{end-addr} ]
21100 | [ -f @var{filename} -l @var{linenum} [ -n @var{lines} ] ]
21101 -- @var{mode}
21102 @end smallexample
21103
21104 @noindent
21105 Where:
21106
21107 @table @samp
21108 @item @var{start-addr}
21109 is the beginning address (or @code{$pc})
21110 @item @var{end-addr}
21111 is the end address
21112 @item @var{filename}
21113 is the name of the file to disassemble
21114 @item @var{linenum}
21115 is the line number to disassemble around
21116 @item @var{lines}
21117 is the number of disassembly lines to be produced. If it is -1,
21118 the whole function will be disassembled, in case no @var{end-addr} is
21119 specified. If @var{end-addr} is specified as a non-zero value, and
21120 @var{lines} is lower than the number of disassembly lines between
21121 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only @var{lines} lines are
21122 displayed; if @var{lines} is higher than the number of lines between
21123 @var{start-addr} and @var{end-addr}, only the lines up to @var{end-addr}
21124 are displayed.
21125 @item @var{mode}
21126 is either 0 (meaning only disassembly) or 1 (meaning mixed source and
21127 disassembly).
21128 @end table
21129
21130 @subsubheading Result
21131
21132 The output for each instruction is composed of four fields:
21133
21134 @itemize @bullet
21135 @item Address
21136 @item Func-name
21137 @item Offset
21138 @item Instruction
21139 @end itemize
21140
21141 Note that whatever included in the instruction field, is not manipulated
21142 directly by @sc{gdb/mi}, i.e., it is not possible to adjust its format.
21143
21144 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21145
21146 There's no direct mapping from this command to the CLI.
21147
21148 @subsubheading Example
21149
21150 Disassemble from the current value of @code{$pc} to @code{$pc + 20}:
21151
21152 @smallexample
21153 (gdb)
21154 -data-disassemble -s $pc -e "$pc + 20" -- 0
21155 ^done,
21156 asm_insns=[
21157 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
21158 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
21159 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
21160 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
21161 @{address="0x000107c8",func-name="main",offset="12",
21162 inst="or %o2, 0x140, %o1\t! 0x11940 <_lib_version+8>"@},
21163 @{address="0x000107cc",func-name="main",offset="16",
21164 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
21165 @{address="0x000107d0",func-name="main",offset="20",
21166 inst="or %o2, 0x168, %o4\t! 0x11968 <_lib_version+48>"@}]
21167 (gdb)
21168 @end smallexample
21169
21170 Disassemble the whole @code{main} function. Line 32 is part of
21171 @code{main}.
21172
21173 @smallexample
21174 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -- 0
21175 ^done,asm_insns=[
21176 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
21177 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
21178 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
21179 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
21180 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
21181 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@},
21182 [@dots{}]
21183 @{address="0x0001081c",func-name="main",offset="96",inst="ret "@},
21184 @{address="0x00010820",func-name="main",offset="100",inst="restore "@}]
21185 (gdb)
21186 @end smallexample
21187
21188 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main}:
21189
21190 @smallexample
21191 (gdb)
21192 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 0
21193 ^done,asm_insns=[
21194 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
21195 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@},
21196 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
21197 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
21198 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
21199 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]
21200 (gdb)
21201 @end smallexample
21202
21203 Disassemble 3 instructions from the start of @code{main} in mixed mode:
21204
21205 @smallexample
21206 (gdb)
21207 -data-disassemble -f basics.c -l 32 -n 3 -- 1
21208 ^done,asm_insns=[
21209 src_and_asm_line=@{line="31",
21210 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
21211 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
21212 @{address="0x000107bc",func-name="main",offset="0",
21213 inst="save %sp, -112, %sp"@}]@},
21214 src_and_asm_line=@{line="32",
21215 file="/kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/flathead-dev/devo/gdb/ \
21216 testsuite/gdb.mi/basics.c",line_asm_insn=[
21217 @{address="0x000107c0",func-name="main",offset="4",
21218 inst="mov 2, %o0"@},
21219 @{address="0x000107c4",func-name="main",offset="8",
21220 inst="sethi %hi(0x11800), %o2"@}]@}]
21221 (gdb)
21222 @end smallexample
21223
21224
21225 @subheading The @code{-data-evaluate-expression} Command
21226 @findex -data-evaluate-expression
21227
21228 @subsubheading Synopsis
21229
21230 @smallexample
21231 -data-evaluate-expression @var{expr}
21232 @end smallexample
21233
21234 Evaluate @var{expr} as an expression. The expression could contain an
21235 inferior function call. The function call will execute synchronously.
21236 If the expression contains spaces, it must be enclosed in double quotes.
21237
21238 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21239
21240 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{print}, @samp{output}, and
21241 @samp{call}. In @code{gdbtk} only, there's a corresponding
21242 @samp{gdb_eval} command.
21243
21244 @subsubheading Example
21245
21246 In the following example, the numbers that precede the commands are the
21247 @dfn{tokens} described in @ref{GDB/MI Command Syntax, ,@sc{gdb/mi}
21248 Command Syntax}. Notice how @sc{gdb/mi} returns the same tokens in its
21249 output.
21250
21251 @smallexample
21252 211-data-evaluate-expression A
21253 211^done,value="1"
21254 (gdb)
21255 311-data-evaluate-expression &A
21256 311^done,value="0xefffeb7c"
21257 (gdb)
21258 411-data-evaluate-expression A+3
21259 411^done,value="4"
21260 (gdb)
21261 511-data-evaluate-expression "A + 3"
21262 511^done,value="4"
21263 (gdb)
21264 @end smallexample
21265
21266
21267 @subheading The @code{-data-list-changed-registers} Command
21268 @findex -data-list-changed-registers
21269
21270 @subsubheading Synopsis
21271
21272 @smallexample
21273 -data-list-changed-registers
21274 @end smallexample
21275
21276 Display a list of the registers that have changed.
21277
21278 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21279
21280 @value{GDBN} doesn't have a direct analog for this command; @code{gdbtk}
21281 has the corresponding command @samp{gdb_changed_register_list}.
21282
21283 @subsubheading Example
21284
21285 On a PPC MBX board:
21286
21287 @smallexample
21288 (gdb)
21289 -exec-continue
21290 ^running
21291
21292 (gdb)
21293 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",frame=@{
21294 func="main",args=[],file="try.c",fullname="/home/foo/bar/try.c",
21295 line="5"@}
21296 (gdb)
21297 -data-list-changed-registers
21298 ^done,changed-registers=["0","1","2","4","5","6","7","8","9",
21299 "10","11","13","14","15","16","17","18","19","20","21","22","23",
21300 "24","25","26","27","28","30","31","64","65","66","67","69"]
21301 (gdb)
21302 @end smallexample
21303
21304
21305 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-names} Command
21306 @findex -data-list-register-names
21307
21308 @subsubheading Synopsis
21309
21310 @smallexample
21311 -data-list-register-names [ ( @var{regno} )+ ]
21312 @end smallexample
21313
21314 Show a list of register names for the current target. If no arguments
21315 are given, it shows a list of the names of all the registers. If
21316 integer numbers are given as arguments, it will print a list of the
21317 names of the registers corresponding to the arguments. To ensure
21318 consistency between a register name and its number, the output list may
21319 include empty register names.
21320
21321 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21322
21323 @value{GDBN} does not have a command which corresponds to
21324 @samp{-data-list-register-names}. In @code{gdbtk} there is a
21325 corresponding command @samp{gdb_regnames}.
21326
21327 @subsubheading Example
21328
21329 For the PPC MBX board:
21330 @smallexample
21331 (gdb)
21332 -data-list-register-names
21333 ^done,register-names=["r0","r1","r2","r3","r4","r5","r6","r7",
21334 "r8","r9","r10","r11","r12","r13","r14","r15","r16","r17","r18",
21335 "r19","r20","r21","r22","r23","r24","r25","r26","r27","r28","r29",
21336 "r30","r31","f0","f1","f2","f3","f4","f5","f6","f7","f8","f9",
21337 "f10","f11","f12","f13","f14","f15","f16","f17","f18","f19","f20",
21338 "f21","f22","f23","f24","f25","f26","f27","f28","f29","f30","f31",
21339 "", "pc","ps","cr","lr","ctr","xer"]
21340 (gdb)
21341 -data-list-register-names 1 2 3
21342 ^done,register-names=["r1","r2","r3"]
21343 (gdb)
21344 @end smallexample
21345
21346 @subheading The @code{-data-list-register-values} Command
21347 @findex -data-list-register-values
21348
21349 @subsubheading Synopsis
21350
21351 @smallexample
21352 -data-list-register-values @var{fmt} [ ( @var{regno} )*]
21353 @end smallexample
21354
21355 Display the registers' contents. @var{fmt} is the format according to
21356 which the registers' contents are to be returned, followed by an optional
21357 list of numbers specifying the registers to display. A missing list of
21358 numbers indicates that the contents of all the registers must be returned.
21359
21360 Allowed formats for @var{fmt} are:
21361
21362 @table @code
21363 @item x
21364 Hexadecimal
21365 @item o
21366 Octal
21367 @item t
21368 Binary
21369 @item d
21370 Decimal
21371 @item r
21372 Raw
21373 @item N
21374 Natural
21375 @end table
21376
21377 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21378
21379 The corresponding @value{GDBN} commands are @samp{info reg}, @samp{info
21380 all-reg}, and (in @code{gdbtk}) @samp{gdb_fetch_registers}.
21381
21382 @subsubheading Example
21383
21384 For a PPC MBX board (note: line breaks are for readability only, they
21385 don't appear in the actual output):
21386
21387 @smallexample
21388 (gdb)
21389 -data-list-register-values r 64 65
21390 ^done,register-values=[@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
21391 @{number="65",value="0x00029002"@}]
21392 (gdb)
21393 -data-list-register-values x
21394 ^done,register-values=[@{number="0",value="0xfe0043c8"@},
21395 @{number="1",value="0x3fff88"@},@{number="2",value="0xfffffffe"@},
21396 @{number="3",value="0x0"@},@{number="4",value="0xa"@},
21397 @{number="5",value="0x3fff68"@},@{number="6",value="0x3fff58"@},
21398 @{number="7",value="0xfe011e98"@},@{number="8",value="0x2"@},
21399 @{number="9",value="0xfa202820"@},@{number="10",value="0xfa202808"@},
21400 @{number="11",value="0x1"@},@{number="12",value="0x0"@},
21401 @{number="13",value="0x4544"@},@{number="14",value="0xffdfffff"@},
21402 @{number="15",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="16",value="0xfffffeff"@},
21403 @{number="17",value="0xefffffed"@},@{number="18",value="0xfffffffe"@},
21404 @{number="19",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="20",value="0xffffffff"@},
21405 @{number="21",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="22",value="0xfffffff7"@},
21406 @{number="23",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="24",value="0xffffffff"@},
21407 @{number="25",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="26",value="0xfffffffb"@},
21408 @{number="27",value="0xffffffff"@},@{number="28",value="0xf7bfffff"@},
21409 @{number="29",value="0x0"@},@{number="30",value="0xfe010000"@},
21410 @{number="31",value="0x0"@},@{number="32",value="0x0"@},
21411 @{number="33",value="0x0"@},@{number="34",value="0x0"@},
21412 @{number="35",value="0x0"@},@{number="36",value="0x0"@},
21413 @{number="37",value="0x0"@},@{number="38",value="0x0"@},
21414 @{number="39",value="0x0"@},@{number="40",value="0x0"@},
21415 @{number="41",value="0x0"@},@{number="42",value="0x0"@},
21416 @{number="43",value="0x0"@},@{number="44",value="0x0"@},
21417 @{number="45",value="0x0"@},@{number="46",value="0x0"@},
21418 @{number="47",value="0x0"@},@{number="48",value="0x0"@},
21419 @{number="49",value="0x0"@},@{number="50",value="0x0"@},
21420 @{number="51",value="0x0"@},@{number="52",value="0x0"@},
21421 @{number="53",value="0x0"@},@{number="54",value="0x0"@},
21422 @{number="55",value="0x0"@},@{number="56",value="0x0"@},
21423 @{number="57",value="0x0"@},@{number="58",value="0x0"@},
21424 @{number="59",value="0x0"@},@{number="60",value="0x0"@},
21425 @{number="61",value="0x0"@},@{number="62",value="0x0"@},
21426 @{number="63",value="0x0"@},@{number="64",value="0xfe00a300"@},
21427 @{number="65",value="0x29002"@},@{number="66",value="0x202f04b5"@},
21428 @{number="67",value="0xfe0043b0"@},@{number="68",value="0xfe00b3e4"@},
21429 @{number="69",value="0x20002b03"@}]
21430 (gdb)
21431 @end smallexample
21432
21433
21434 @subheading The @code{-data-read-memory} Command
21435 @findex -data-read-memory
21436
21437 @subsubheading Synopsis
21438
21439 @smallexample
21440 -data-read-memory [ -o @var{byte-offset} ]
21441 @var{address} @var{word-format} @var{word-size}
21442 @var{nr-rows} @var{nr-cols} [ @var{aschar} ]
21443 @end smallexample
21444
21445 @noindent
21446 where:
21447
21448 @table @samp
21449 @item @var{address}
21450 An expression specifying the address of the first memory word to be
21451 read. Complex expressions containing embedded white space should be
21452 quoted using the C convention.
21453
21454 @item @var{word-format}
21455 The format to be used to print the memory words. The notation is the
21456 same as for @value{GDBN}'s @code{print} command (@pxref{Output Formats,
21457 ,Output Formats}).
21458
21459 @item @var{word-size}
21460 The size of each memory word in bytes.
21461
21462 @item @var{nr-rows}
21463 The number of rows in the output table.
21464
21465 @item @var{nr-cols}
21466 The number of columns in the output table.
21467
21468 @item @var{aschar}
21469 If present, indicates that each row should include an @sc{ascii} dump. The
21470 value of @var{aschar} is used as a padding character when a byte is not a
21471 member of the printable @sc{ascii} character set (printable @sc{ascii}
21472 characters are those whose code is between 32 and 126, inclusively).
21473
21474 @item @var{byte-offset}
21475 An offset to add to the @var{address} before fetching memory.
21476 @end table
21477
21478 This command displays memory contents as a table of @var{nr-rows} by
21479 @var{nr-cols} words, each word being @var{word-size} bytes. In total,
21480 @code{@var{nr-rows} * @var{nr-cols} * @var{word-size}} bytes are read
21481 (returned as @samp{total-bytes}). Should less than the requested number
21482 of bytes be returned by the target, the missing words are identified
21483 using @samp{N/A}. The number of bytes read from the target is returned
21484 in @samp{nr-bytes} and the starting address used to read memory in
21485 @samp{addr}.
21486
21487 The address of the next/previous row or page is available in
21488 @samp{next-row} and @samp{prev-row}, @samp{next-page} and
21489 @samp{prev-page}.
21490
21491 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21492
21493 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{x}. @code{gdbtk} has
21494 @samp{gdb_get_mem} memory read command.
21495
21496 @subsubheading Example
21497
21498 Read six bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+6} but then offset by
21499 @code{-6} bytes. Format as three rows of two columns. One byte per
21500 word. Display each word in hex.
21501
21502 @smallexample
21503 (gdb)
21504 9-data-read-memory -o -6 -- bytes+6 x 1 3 2
21505 9^done,addr="0x00001390",nr-bytes="6",total-bytes="6",
21506 next-row="0x00001396",prev-row="0x0000138e",next-page="0x00001396",
21507 prev-page="0x0000138a",memory=[
21508 @{addr="0x00001390",data=["0x00","0x01"]@},
21509 @{addr="0x00001392",data=["0x02","0x03"]@},
21510 @{addr="0x00001394",data=["0x04","0x05"]@}]
21511 (gdb)
21512 @end smallexample
21513
21514 Read two bytes of memory starting at address @code{shorts + 64} and
21515 display as a single word formatted in decimal.
21516
21517 @smallexample
21518 (gdb)
21519 5-data-read-memory shorts+64 d 2 1 1
21520 5^done,addr="0x00001510",nr-bytes="2",total-bytes="2",
21521 next-row="0x00001512",prev-row="0x0000150e",
21522 next-page="0x00001512",prev-page="0x0000150e",memory=[
21523 @{addr="0x00001510",data=["128"]@}]
21524 (gdb)
21525 @end smallexample
21526
21527 Read thirty two bytes of memory starting at @code{bytes+16} and format
21528 as eight rows of four columns. Include a string encoding with @samp{x}
21529 used as the non-printable character.
21530
21531 @smallexample
21532 (gdb)
21533 4-data-read-memory bytes+16 x 1 8 4 x
21534 4^done,addr="0x000013a0",nr-bytes="32",total-bytes="32",
21535 next-row="0x000013c0",prev-row="0x0000139c",
21536 next-page="0x000013c0",prev-page="0x00001380",memory=[
21537 @{addr="0x000013a0",data=["0x10","0x11","0x12","0x13"],ascii="xxxx"@},
21538 @{addr="0x000013a4",data=["0x14","0x15","0x16","0x17"],ascii="xxxx"@},
21539 @{addr="0x000013a8",data=["0x18","0x19","0x1a","0x1b"],ascii="xxxx"@},
21540 @{addr="0x000013ac",data=["0x1c","0x1d","0x1e","0x1f"],ascii="xxxx"@},
21541 @{addr="0x000013b0",data=["0x20","0x21","0x22","0x23"],ascii=" !\"#"@},
21542 @{addr="0x000013b4",data=["0x24","0x25","0x26","0x27"],ascii="$%&'"@},
21543 @{addr="0x000013b8",data=["0x28","0x29","0x2a","0x2b"],ascii="()*+"@},
21544 @{addr="0x000013bc",data=["0x2c","0x2d","0x2e","0x2f"],ascii=",-./"@}]
21545 (gdb)
21546 @end smallexample
21547
21548 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21549 @node GDB/MI Tracepoint Commands
21550 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Tracepoint Commands
21551
21552 The tracepoint commands are not yet implemented.
21553
21554 @c @subheading -trace-actions
21555
21556 @c @subheading -trace-delete
21557
21558 @c @subheading -trace-disable
21559
21560 @c @subheading -trace-dump
21561
21562 @c @subheading -trace-enable
21563
21564 @c @subheading -trace-exists
21565
21566 @c @subheading -trace-find
21567
21568 @c @subheading -trace-frame-number
21569
21570 @c @subheading -trace-info
21571
21572 @c @subheading -trace-insert
21573
21574 @c @subheading -trace-list
21575
21576 @c @subheading -trace-pass-count
21577
21578 @c @subheading -trace-save
21579
21580 @c @subheading -trace-start
21581
21582 @c @subheading -trace-stop
21583
21584
21585 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21586 @node GDB/MI Symbol Query
21587 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Symbol Query Commands
21588
21589
21590 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-address} Command
21591 @findex -symbol-info-address
21592
21593 @subsubheading Synopsis
21594
21595 @smallexample
21596 -symbol-info-address @var{symbol}
21597 @end smallexample
21598
21599 Describe where @var{symbol} is stored.
21600
21601 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21602
21603 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info address}.
21604
21605 @subsubheading Example
21606 N.A.
21607
21608
21609 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-file} Command
21610 @findex -symbol-info-file
21611
21612 @subsubheading Synopsis
21613
21614 @smallexample
21615 -symbol-info-file
21616 @end smallexample
21617
21618 Show the file for the symbol.
21619
21620 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21621
21622 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command. @code{gdbtk} has
21623 @samp{gdb_find_file}.
21624
21625 @subsubheading Example
21626 N.A.
21627
21628
21629 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-function} Command
21630 @findex -symbol-info-function
21631
21632 @subsubheading Synopsis
21633
21634 @smallexample
21635 -symbol-info-function
21636 @end smallexample
21637
21638 Show which function the symbol lives in.
21639
21640 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21641
21642 @samp{gdb_get_function} in @code{gdbtk}.
21643
21644 @subsubheading Example
21645 N.A.
21646
21647
21648 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-line} Command
21649 @findex -symbol-info-line
21650
21651 @subsubheading Synopsis
21652
21653 @smallexample
21654 -symbol-info-line
21655 @end smallexample
21656
21657 Show the core addresses of the code for a source line.
21658
21659 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21660
21661 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info line}.
21662 @code{gdbtk} has the @samp{gdb_get_line} and @samp{gdb_get_file} commands.
21663
21664 @subsubheading Example
21665 N.A.
21666
21667
21668 @subheading The @code{-symbol-info-symbol} Command
21669 @findex -symbol-info-symbol
21670
21671 @subsubheading Synopsis
21672
21673 @smallexample
21674 -symbol-info-symbol @var{addr}
21675 @end smallexample
21676
21677 Describe what symbol is at location @var{addr}.
21678
21679 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21680
21681 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info symbol}.
21682
21683 @subsubheading Example
21684 N.A.
21685
21686
21687 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-functions} Command
21688 @findex -symbol-list-functions
21689
21690 @subsubheading Synopsis
21691
21692 @smallexample
21693 -symbol-list-functions
21694 @end smallexample
21695
21696 List the functions in the executable.
21697
21698 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21699
21700 @samp{info functions} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_listfunc} and
21701 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
21702
21703 @subsubheading Example
21704 N.A.
21705
21706
21707 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-lines} Command
21708 @findex -symbol-list-lines
21709
21710 @subsubheading Synopsis
21711
21712 @smallexample
21713 -symbol-list-lines @var{filename}
21714 @end smallexample
21715
21716 Print the list of lines that contain code and their associated program
21717 addresses for the given source filename. The entries are sorted in
21718 ascending PC order.
21719
21720 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21721
21722 There is no corresponding @value{GDBN} command.
21723
21724 @subsubheading Example
21725 @smallexample
21726 (gdb)
21727 -symbol-list-lines basics.c
21728 ^done,lines=[@{pc="0x08048554",line="7"@},@{pc="0x0804855a",line="8"@}]
21729 (gdb)
21730 @end smallexample
21731
21732
21733 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-types} Command
21734 @findex -symbol-list-types
21735
21736 @subsubheading Synopsis
21737
21738 @smallexample
21739 -symbol-list-types
21740 @end smallexample
21741
21742 List all the type names.
21743
21744 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21745
21746 The corresponding commands are @samp{info types} in @value{GDBN},
21747 @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
21748
21749 @subsubheading Example
21750 N.A.
21751
21752
21753 @subheading The @code{-symbol-list-variables} Command
21754 @findex -symbol-list-variables
21755
21756 @subsubheading Synopsis
21757
21758 @smallexample
21759 -symbol-list-variables
21760 @end smallexample
21761
21762 List all the global and static variable names.
21763
21764 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21765
21766 @samp{info variables} in @value{GDBN}, @samp{gdb_search} in @code{gdbtk}.
21767
21768 @subsubheading Example
21769 N.A.
21770
21771
21772 @subheading The @code{-symbol-locate} Command
21773 @findex -symbol-locate
21774
21775 @subsubheading Synopsis
21776
21777 @smallexample
21778 -symbol-locate
21779 @end smallexample
21780
21781 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21782
21783 @samp{gdb_loc} in @code{gdbtk}.
21784
21785 @subsubheading Example
21786 N.A.
21787
21788
21789 @subheading The @code{-symbol-type} Command
21790 @findex -symbol-type
21791
21792 @subsubheading Synopsis
21793
21794 @smallexample
21795 -symbol-type @var{variable}
21796 @end smallexample
21797
21798 Show type of @var{variable}.
21799
21800 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21801
21802 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{ptype}, @code{gdbtk} has
21803 @samp{gdb_obj_variable}.
21804
21805 @subsubheading Example
21806 N.A.
21807
21808
21809 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
21810 @node GDB/MI File Commands
21811 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Commands
21812
21813 This section describes the GDB/MI commands to specify executable file names
21814 and to read in and obtain symbol table information.
21815
21816 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-and-symbols} Command
21817 @findex -file-exec-and-symbols
21818
21819 @subsubheading Synopsis
21820
21821 @smallexample
21822 -file-exec-and-symbols @var{file}
21823 @end smallexample
21824
21825 Specify the executable file to be debugged. This file is the one from
21826 which the symbol table is also read. If no file is specified, the
21827 command clears the executable and symbol information. If breakpoints
21828 are set when using this command with no arguments, @value{GDBN} will produce
21829 error messages. Otherwise, no output is produced, except a completion
21830 notification.
21831
21832 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21833
21834 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{file}.
21835
21836 @subsubheading Example
21837
21838 @smallexample
21839 (gdb)
21840 -file-exec-and-symbols /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
21841 ^done
21842 (gdb)
21843 @end smallexample
21844
21845
21846 @subheading The @code{-file-exec-file} Command
21847 @findex -file-exec-file
21848
21849 @subsubheading Synopsis
21850
21851 @smallexample
21852 -file-exec-file @var{file}
21853 @end smallexample
21854
21855 Specify the executable file to be debugged. Unlike
21856 @samp{-file-exec-and-symbols}, the symbol table is @emph{not} read
21857 from this file. If used without argument, @value{GDBN} clears the information
21858 about the executable file. No output is produced, except a completion
21859 notification.
21860
21861 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21862
21863 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{exec-file}.
21864
21865 @subsubheading Example
21866
21867 @smallexample
21868 (gdb)
21869 -file-exec-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
21870 ^done
21871 (gdb)
21872 @end smallexample
21873
21874
21875 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-sections} Command
21876 @findex -file-list-exec-sections
21877
21878 @subsubheading Synopsis
21879
21880 @smallexample
21881 -file-list-exec-sections
21882 @end smallexample
21883
21884 List the sections of the current executable file.
21885
21886 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21887
21888 The @value{GDBN} command @samp{info file} shows, among the rest, the same
21889 information as this command. @code{gdbtk} has a corresponding command
21890 @samp{gdb_load_info}.
21891
21892 @subsubheading Example
21893 N.A.
21894
21895
21896 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-file} Command
21897 @findex -file-list-exec-source-file
21898
21899 @subsubheading Synopsis
21900
21901 @smallexample
21902 -file-list-exec-source-file
21903 @end smallexample
21904
21905 List the line number, the current source file, and the absolute path
21906 to the current source file for the current executable. The macro
21907 information field has a value of @samp{1} or @samp{0} depending on
21908 whether or not the file includes preprocessor macro information.
21909
21910 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21911
21912 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info source}
21913
21914 @subsubheading Example
21915
21916 @smallexample
21917 (gdb)
21918 123-file-list-exec-source-file
21919 123^done,line="1",file="foo.c",fullname="/home/bar/foo.c,macro-info="1"
21920 (gdb)
21921 @end smallexample
21922
21923
21924 @subheading The @code{-file-list-exec-source-files} Command
21925 @findex -file-list-exec-source-files
21926
21927 @subsubheading Synopsis
21928
21929 @smallexample
21930 -file-list-exec-source-files
21931 @end smallexample
21932
21933 List the source files for the current executable.
21934
21935 It will always output the filename, but only when @value{GDBN} can find
21936 the absolute file name of a source file, will it output the fullname.
21937
21938 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21939
21940 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{info sources}.
21941 @code{gdbtk} has an analogous command @samp{gdb_listfiles}.
21942
21943 @subsubheading Example
21944 @smallexample
21945 (gdb)
21946 -file-list-exec-source-files
21947 ^done,files=[
21948 @{file=foo.c,fullname=/home/foo.c@},
21949 @{file=/home/bar.c,fullname=/home/bar.c@},
21950 @{file=gdb_could_not_find_fullpath.c@}]
21951 (gdb)
21952 @end smallexample
21953
21954 @subheading The @code{-file-list-shared-libraries} Command
21955 @findex -file-list-shared-libraries
21956
21957 @subsubheading Synopsis
21958
21959 @smallexample
21960 -file-list-shared-libraries
21961 @end smallexample
21962
21963 List the shared libraries in the program.
21964
21965 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21966
21967 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info shared}.
21968
21969 @subsubheading Example
21970 N.A.
21971
21972
21973 @subheading The @code{-file-list-symbol-files} Command
21974 @findex -file-list-symbol-files
21975
21976 @subsubheading Synopsis
21977
21978 @smallexample
21979 -file-list-symbol-files
21980 @end smallexample
21981
21982 List symbol files.
21983
21984 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
21985
21986 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{info file} (part of it).
21987
21988 @subsubheading Example
21989 N.A.
21990
21991
21992 @subheading The @code{-file-symbol-file} Command
21993 @findex -file-symbol-file
21994
21995 @subsubheading Synopsis
21996
21997 @smallexample
21998 -file-symbol-file @var{file}
21999 @end smallexample
22000
22001 Read symbol table info from the specified @var{file} argument. When
22002 used without arguments, clears @value{GDBN}'s symbol table info. No output is
22003 produced, except for a completion notification.
22004
22005 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22006
22007 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{symbol-file}.
22008
22009 @subsubheading Example
22010
22011 @smallexample
22012 (gdb)
22013 -file-symbol-file /kwikemart/marge/ezannoni/TRUNK/mbx/hello.mbx
22014 ^done
22015 (gdb)
22016 @end smallexample
22017
22018 @ignore
22019 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22020 @node GDB/MI Memory Overlay Commands
22021 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Memory Overlay Commands
22022
22023 The memory overlay commands are not implemented.
22024
22025 @c @subheading -overlay-auto
22026
22027 @c @subheading -overlay-list-mapping-state
22028
22029 @c @subheading -overlay-list-overlays
22030
22031 @c @subheading -overlay-map
22032
22033 @c @subheading -overlay-off
22034
22035 @c @subheading -overlay-on
22036
22037 @c @subheading -overlay-unmap
22038
22039 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22040 @node GDB/MI Signal Handling Commands
22041 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Signal Handling Commands
22042
22043 Signal handling commands are not implemented.
22044
22045 @c @subheading -signal-handle
22046
22047 @c @subheading -signal-list-handle-actions
22048
22049 @c @subheading -signal-list-signal-types
22050 @end ignore
22051
22052
22053 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22054 @node GDB/MI Target Manipulation
22055 @section @sc{gdb/mi} Target Manipulation Commands
22056
22057
22058 @subheading The @code{-target-attach} Command
22059 @findex -target-attach
22060
22061 @subsubheading Synopsis
22062
22063 @smallexample
22064 -target-attach @var{pid} | @var{file}
22065 @end smallexample
22066
22067 Attach to a process @var{pid} or a file @var{file} outside of @value{GDBN}.
22068
22069 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22070
22071 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{attach}.
22072
22073 @subsubheading Example
22074 @smallexample
22075 (gdb)
22076 -target-attach 34
22077 =thread-created,id="1"
22078 *stopped,thread-id="1",frame=@{addr="0xb7f7e410",func="bar",args=[]@}
22079 ^done
22080 (gdb)
22081 @end smallexample
22082
22083 @subheading The @code{-target-compare-sections} Command
22084 @findex -target-compare-sections
22085
22086 @subsubheading Synopsis
22087
22088 @smallexample
22089 -target-compare-sections [ @var{section} ]
22090 @end smallexample
22091
22092 Compare data of section @var{section} on target to the exec file.
22093 Without the argument, all sections are compared.
22094
22095 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22096
22097 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{compare-sections}.
22098
22099 @subsubheading Example
22100 N.A.
22101
22102
22103 @subheading The @code{-target-detach} Command
22104 @findex -target-detach
22105
22106 @subsubheading Synopsis
22107
22108 @smallexample
22109 -target-detach
22110 @end smallexample
22111
22112 Detach from the remote target which normally resumes its execution.
22113 There's no output.
22114
22115 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22116
22117 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{detach}.
22118
22119 @subsubheading Example
22120
22121 @smallexample
22122 (gdb)
22123 -target-detach
22124 ^done
22125 (gdb)
22126 @end smallexample
22127
22128
22129 @subheading The @code{-target-disconnect} Command
22130 @findex -target-disconnect
22131
22132 @subsubheading Synopsis
22133
22134 @smallexample
22135 -target-disconnect
22136 @end smallexample
22137
22138 Disconnect from the remote target. There's no output and the target is
22139 generally not resumed.
22140
22141 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22142
22143 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{disconnect}.
22144
22145 @subsubheading Example
22146
22147 @smallexample
22148 (gdb)
22149 -target-disconnect
22150 ^done
22151 (gdb)
22152 @end smallexample
22153
22154
22155 @subheading The @code{-target-download} Command
22156 @findex -target-download
22157
22158 @subsubheading Synopsis
22159
22160 @smallexample
22161 -target-download
22162 @end smallexample
22163
22164 Loads the executable onto the remote target.
22165 It prints out an update message every half second, which includes the fields:
22166
22167 @table @samp
22168 @item section
22169 The name of the section.
22170 @item section-sent
22171 The size of what has been sent so far for that section.
22172 @item section-size
22173 The size of the section.
22174 @item total-sent
22175 The total size of what was sent so far (the current and the previous sections).
22176 @item total-size
22177 The size of the overall executable to download.
22178 @end table
22179
22180 @noindent
22181 Each message is sent as status record (@pxref{GDB/MI Output Syntax, ,
22182 @sc{gdb/mi} Output Syntax}).
22183
22184 In addition, it prints the name and size of the sections, as they are
22185 downloaded. These messages include the following fields:
22186
22187 @table @samp
22188 @item section
22189 The name of the section.
22190 @item section-size
22191 The size of the section.
22192 @item total-size
22193 The size of the overall executable to download.
22194 @end table
22195
22196 @noindent
22197 At the end, a summary is printed.
22198
22199 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22200
22201 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{load}.
22202
22203 @subsubheading Example
22204
22205 Note: each status message appears on a single line. Here the messages
22206 have been broken down so that they can fit onto a page.
22207
22208 @smallexample
22209 (gdb)
22210 -target-download
22211 +download,@{section=".text",section-size="6668",total-size="9880"@}
22212 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="512",section-size="6668",
22213 total-sent="512",total-size="9880"@}
22214 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1024",section-size="6668",
22215 total-sent="1024",total-size="9880"@}
22216 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="1536",section-size="6668",
22217 total-sent="1536",total-size="9880"@}
22218 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2048",section-size="6668",
22219 total-sent="2048",total-size="9880"@}
22220 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="2560",section-size="6668",
22221 total-sent="2560",total-size="9880"@}
22222 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3072",section-size="6668",
22223 total-sent="3072",total-size="9880"@}
22224 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="3584",section-size="6668",
22225 total-sent="3584",total-size="9880"@}
22226 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4096",section-size="6668",
22227 total-sent="4096",total-size="9880"@}
22228 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="4608",section-size="6668",
22229 total-sent="4608",total-size="9880"@}
22230 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5120",section-size="6668",
22231 total-sent="5120",total-size="9880"@}
22232 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="5632",section-size="6668",
22233 total-sent="5632",total-size="9880"@}
22234 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6144",section-size="6668",
22235 total-sent="6144",total-size="9880"@}
22236 +download,@{section=".text",section-sent="6656",section-size="6668",
22237 total-sent="6656",total-size="9880"@}
22238 +download,@{section=".init",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
22239 +download,@{section=".fini",section-size="28",total-size="9880"@}
22240 +download,@{section=".data",section-size="3156",total-size="9880"@}
22241 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="512",section-size="3156",
22242 total-sent="7236",total-size="9880"@}
22243 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1024",section-size="3156",
22244 total-sent="7748",total-size="9880"@}
22245 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="1536",section-size="3156",
22246 total-sent="8260",total-size="9880"@}
22247 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2048",section-size="3156",
22248 total-sent="8772",total-size="9880"@}
22249 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="2560",section-size="3156",
22250 total-sent="9284",total-size="9880"@}
22251 +download,@{section=".data",section-sent="3072",section-size="3156",
22252 total-sent="9796",total-size="9880"@}
22253 ^done,address="0x10004",load-size="9880",transfer-rate="6586",
22254 write-rate="429"
22255 (gdb)
22256 @end smallexample
22257
22258
22259 @subheading The @code{-target-exec-status} Command
22260 @findex -target-exec-status
22261
22262 @subsubheading Synopsis
22263
22264 @smallexample
22265 -target-exec-status
22266 @end smallexample
22267
22268 Provide information on the state of the target (whether it is running or
22269 not, for instance).
22270
22271 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22272
22273 There's no equivalent @value{GDBN} command.
22274
22275 @subsubheading Example
22276 N.A.
22277
22278
22279 @subheading The @code{-target-list-available-targets} Command
22280 @findex -target-list-available-targets
22281
22282 @subsubheading Synopsis
22283
22284 @smallexample
22285 -target-list-available-targets
22286 @end smallexample
22287
22288 List the possible targets to connect to.
22289
22290 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22291
22292 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{help target}.
22293
22294 @subsubheading Example
22295 N.A.
22296
22297
22298 @subheading The @code{-target-list-current-targets} Command
22299 @findex -target-list-current-targets
22300
22301 @subsubheading Synopsis
22302
22303 @smallexample
22304 -target-list-current-targets
22305 @end smallexample
22306
22307 Describe the current target.
22308
22309 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22310
22311 The corresponding information is printed by @samp{info file} (among
22312 other things).
22313
22314 @subsubheading Example
22315 N.A.
22316
22317
22318 @subheading The @code{-target-list-parameters} Command
22319 @findex -target-list-parameters
22320
22321 @subsubheading Synopsis
22322
22323 @smallexample
22324 -target-list-parameters
22325 @end smallexample
22326
22327 @c ????
22328
22329 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22330
22331 No equivalent.
22332
22333 @subsubheading Example
22334 N.A.
22335
22336
22337 @subheading The @code{-target-select} Command
22338 @findex -target-select
22339
22340 @subsubheading Synopsis
22341
22342 @smallexample
22343 -target-select @var{type} @var{parameters @dots{}}
22344 @end smallexample
22345
22346 Connect @value{GDBN} to the remote target. This command takes two args:
22347
22348 @table @samp
22349 @item @var{type}
22350 The type of target, for instance @samp{remote}, etc.
22351 @item @var{parameters}
22352 Device names, host names and the like. @xref{Target Commands, ,
22353 Commands for Managing Targets}, for more details.
22354 @end table
22355
22356 The output is a connection notification, followed by the address at
22357 which the target program is, in the following form:
22358
22359 @smallexample
22360 ^connected,addr="@var{address}",func="@var{function name}",
22361 args=[@var{arg list}]
22362 @end smallexample
22363
22364 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22365
22366 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{target}.
22367
22368 @subsubheading Example
22369
22370 @smallexample
22371 (gdb)
22372 -target-select remote /dev/ttya
22373 ^connected,addr="0xfe00a300",func="??",args=[]
22374 (gdb)
22375 @end smallexample
22376
22377 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22378 @node GDB/MI File Transfer Commands
22379 @section @sc{gdb/mi} File Transfer Commands
22380
22381
22382 @subheading The @code{-target-file-put} Command
22383 @findex -target-file-put
22384
22385 @subsubheading Synopsis
22386
22387 @smallexample
22388 -target-file-put @var{hostfile} @var{targetfile}
22389 @end smallexample
22390
22391 Copy file @var{hostfile} from the host system (the machine running
22392 @value{GDBN}) to @var{targetfile} on the target system.
22393
22394 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22395
22396 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote put}.
22397
22398 @subsubheading Example
22399
22400 @smallexample
22401 (gdb)
22402 -target-file-put localfile remotefile
22403 ^done
22404 (gdb)
22405 @end smallexample
22406
22407
22408 @subheading The @code{-target-file-get} Command
22409 @findex -target-file-get
22410
22411 @subsubheading Synopsis
22412
22413 @smallexample
22414 -target-file-get @var{targetfile} @var{hostfile}
22415 @end smallexample
22416
22417 Copy file @var{targetfile} from the target system to @var{hostfile}
22418 on the host system.
22419
22420 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22421
22422 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote get}.
22423
22424 @subsubheading Example
22425
22426 @smallexample
22427 (gdb)
22428 -target-file-get remotefile localfile
22429 ^done
22430 (gdb)
22431 @end smallexample
22432
22433
22434 @subheading The @code{-target-file-delete} Command
22435 @findex -target-file-delete
22436
22437 @subsubheading Synopsis
22438
22439 @smallexample
22440 -target-file-delete @var{targetfile}
22441 @end smallexample
22442
22443 Delete @var{targetfile} from the target system.
22444
22445 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22446
22447 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{remote delete}.
22448
22449 @subsubheading Example
22450
22451 @smallexample
22452 (gdb)
22453 -target-file-delete remotefile
22454 ^done
22455 (gdb)
22456 @end smallexample
22457
22458
22459 @c %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% SECTION %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
22460 @node GDB/MI Miscellaneous Commands
22461 @section Miscellaneous @sc{gdb/mi} Commands
22462
22463 @c @subheading -gdb-complete
22464
22465 @subheading The @code{-gdb-exit} Command
22466 @findex -gdb-exit
22467
22468 @subsubheading Synopsis
22469
22470 @smallexample
22471 -gdb-exit
22472 @end smallexample
22473
22474 Exit @value{GDBN} immediately.
22475
22476 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22477
22478 Approximately corresponds to @samp{quit}.
22479
22480 @subsubheading Example
22481
22482 @smallexample
22483 (gdb)
22484 -gdb-exit
22485 ^exit
22486 @end smallexample
22487
22488
22489 @subheading The @code{-exec-abort} Command
22490 @findex -exec-abort
22491
22492 @subsubheading Synopsis
22493
22494 @smallexample
22495 -exec-abort
22496 @end smallexample
22497
22498 Kill the inferior running program.
22499
22500 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22501
22502 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{kill}.
22503
22504 @subsubheading Example
22505 N.A.
22506
22507
22508 @subheading The @code{-gdb-set} Command
22509 @findex -gdb-set
22510
22511 @subsubheading Synopsis
22512
22513 @smallexample
22514 -gdb-set
22515 @end smallexample
22516
22517 Set an internal @value{GDBN} variable.
22518 @c IS THIS A DOLLAR VARIABLE? OR SOMETHING LIKE ANNOTATE ?????
22519
22520 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22521
22522 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set}.
22523
22524 @subsubheading Example
22525
22526 @smallexample
22527 (gdb)
22528 -gdb-set $foo=3
22529 ^done
22530 (gdb)
22531 @end smallexample
22532
22533
22534 @subheading The @code{-gdb-show} Command
22535 @findex -gdb-show
22536
22537 @subsubheading Synopsis
22538
22539 @smallexample
22540 -gdb-show
22541 @end smallexample
22542
22543 Show the current value of a @value{GDBN} variable.
22544
22545 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22546
22547 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show}.
22548
22549 @subsubheading Example
22550
22551 @smallexample
22552 (gdb)
22553 -gdb-show annotate
22554 ^done,value="0"
22555 (gdb)
22556 @end smallexample
22557
22558 @c @subheading -gdb-source
22559
22560
22561 @subheading The @code{-gdb-version} Command
22562 @findex -gdb-version
22563
22564 @subsubheading Synopsis
22565
22566 @smallexample
22567 -gdb-version
22568 @end smallexample
22569
22570 Show version information for @value{GDBN}. Used mostly in testing.
22571
22572 @subsubheading @value{GDBN} Command
22573
22574 The @value{GDBN} equivalent is @samp{show version}. @value{GDBN} by
22575 default shows this information when you start an interactive session.
22576
22577 @subsubheading Example
22578
22579 @c This example modifies the actual output from GDB to avoid overfull
22580 @c box in TeX.
22581 @smallexample
22582 (gdb)
22583 -gdb-version
22584 ~GNU gdb 5.2.1
22585 ~Copyright 2000 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
22586 ~GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License, and
22587 ~you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it under
22588 ~ certain conditions.
22589 ~Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
22590 ~There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty" for
22591 ~ details.
22592 ~This GDB was configured as
22593 "--host=sparc-sun-solaris2.5.1 --target=ppc-eabi".
22594 ^done
22595 (gdb)
22596 @end smallexample
22597
22598 @subheading The @code{-list-features} Command
22599 @findex -list-features
22600
22601 Returns a list of particular features of the MI protocol that
22602 this version of gdb implements. A feature can be a command,
22603 or a new field in an output of some command, or even an
22604 important bugfix. While a frontend can sometimes detect presence
22605 of a feature at runtime, it is easier to perform detection at debugger
22606 startup.
22607
22608 The command returns a list of strings, with each string naming an
22609 available feature. Each returned string is just a name, it does not
22610 have any internal structure. The list of possible feature names
22611 is given below.
22612
22613 Example output:
22614
22615 @smallexample
22616 (gdb) -list-features
22617 ^done,result=["feature1","feature2"]
22618 @end smallexample
22619
22620 The current list of features is:
22621
22622 @itemize @minus
22623 @item
22624 @samp{frozen-varobjs}---indicates presence of the
22625 @code{-var-set-frozen} command, as well as possible presense of the
22626 @code{frozen} field in the output of @code{-varobj-create}.
22627 @item
22628 @samp{pending-breakpoints}---indicates presence of the @code{-f}
22629 option to the @code{-break-insert} command.
22630 @item
22631 @samp{thread-info}---indicates presence of the @code{-thread-info} command.
22632
22633 @end itemize
22634
22635 @subheading The @code{-interpreter-exec} Command
22636 @findex -interpreter-exec
22637
22638 @subheading Synopsis
22639
22640 @smallexample
22641 -interpreter-exec @var{interpreter} @var{command}
22642 @end smallexample
22643 @anchor{-interpreter-exec}
22644
22645 Execute the specified @var{command} in the given @var{interpreter}.
22646
22647 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
22648
22649 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{interpreter-exec}.
22650
22651 @subheading Example
22652
22653 @smallexample
22654 (gdb)
22655 -interpreter-exec console "break main"
22656 &"During symbol reading, couldn't parse type; debugger out of date?.\n"
22657 &"During symbol reading, bad structure-type format.\n"
22658 ~"Breakpoint 1 at 0x8074fc6: file ../../src/gdb/main.c, line 743.\n"
22659 ^done
22660 (gdb)
22661 @end smallexample
22662
22663 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-set} Command
22664 @findex -inferior-tty-set
22665
22666 @subheading Synopsis
22667
22668 @smallexample
22669 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
22670 @end smallexample
22671
22672 Set terminal for future runs of the program being debugged.
22673
22674 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
22675
22676 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{set inferior-tty} /dev/pts/1.
22677
22678 @subheading Example
22679
22680 @smallexample
22681 (gdb)
22682 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
22683 ^done
22684 (gdb)
22685 @end smallexample
22686
22687 @subheading The @code{-inferior-tty-show} Command
22688 @findex -inferior-tty-show
22689
22690 @subheading Synopsis
22691
22692 @smallexample
22693 -inferior-tty-show
22694 @end smallexample
22695
22696 Show terminal for future runs of program being debugged.
22697
22698 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
22699
22700 The corresponding @value{GDBN} command is @samp{show inferior-tty}.
22701
22702 @subheading Example
22703
22704 @smallexample
22705 (gdb)
22706 -inferior-tty-set /dev/pts/1
22707 ^done
22708 (gdb)
22709 -inferior-tty-show
22710 ^done,inferior_tty_terminal="/dev/pts/1"
22711 (gdb)
22712 @end smallexample
22713
22714 @subheading The @code{-enable-timings} Command
22715 @findex -enable-timings
22716
22717 @subheading Synopsis
22718
22719 @smallexample
22720 -enable-timings [yes | no]
22721 @end smallexample
22722
22723 Toggle the printing of the wallclock, user and system times for an MI
22724 command as a field in its output. This command is to help frontend
22725 developers optimize the performance of their code. No argument is
22726 equivalent to @samp{yes}.
22727
22728 @subheading @value{GDBN} Command
22729
22730 No equivalent.
22731
22732 @subheading Example
22733
22734 @smallexample
22735 (gdb)
22736 -enable-timings
22737 ^done
22738 (gdb)
22739 -break-insert main
22740 ^done,bkpt=@{number="1",type="breakpoint",disp="keep",enabled="y",
22741 addr="0x080484ed",func="main",file="myprog.c",
22742 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73",times="0"@},
22743 time=@{wallclock="0.05185",user="0.00800",system="0.00000"@}
22744 (gdb)
22745 -enable-timings no
22746 ^done
22747 (gdb)
22748 -exec-run
22749 ^running
22750 (gdb)
22751 *stopped,reason="breakpoint-hit",disp="keep",bkptno="1",thread-id="0",
22752 frame=@{addr="0x080484ed",func="main",args=[@{name="argc",value="1"@},
22753 @{name="argv",value="0xbfb60364"@}],file="myprog.c",
22754 fullname="/home/nickrob/myprog.c",line="73"@}
22755 (gdb)
22756 @end smallexample
22757
22758 @node Annotations
22759 @chapter @value{GDBN} Annotations
22760
22761 This chapter describes annotations in @value{GDBN}. Annotations were
22762 designed to interface @value{GDBN} to graphical user interfaces or other
22763 similar programs which want to interact with @value{GDBN} at a
22764 relatively high level.
22765
22766 The annotation mechanism has largely been superseded by @sc{gdb/mi}
22767 (@pxref{GDB/MI}).
22768
22769 @ignore
22770 This is Edition @value{EDITION}, @value{DATE}.
22771 @end ignore
22772
22773 @menu
22774 * Annotations Overview:: What annotations are; the general syntax.
22775 * Server Prefix:: Issuing a command without affecting user state.
22776 * Prompting:: Annotations marking @value{GDBN}'s need for input.
22777 * Errors:: Annotations for error messages.
22778 * Invalidation:: Some annotations describe things now invalid.
22779 * Annotations for Running::
22780 Whether the program is running, how it stopped, etc.
22781 * Source Annotations:: Annotations describing source code.
22782 @end menu
22783
22784 @node Annotations Overview
22785 @section What is an Annotation?
22786 @cindex annotations
22787
22788 Annotations start with a newline character, two @samp{control-z}
22789 characters, and the name of the annotation. If there is no additional
22790 information associated with this annotation, the name of the annotation
22791 is followed immediately by a newline. If there is additional
22792 information, the name of the annotation is followed by a space, the
22793 additional information, and a newline. The additional information
22794 cannot contain newline characters.
22795
22796 Any output not beginning with a newline and two @samp{control-z}
22797 characters denotes literal output from @value{GDBN}. Currently there is
22798 no need for @value{GDBN} to output a newline followed by two
22799 @samp{control-z} characters, but if there was such a need, the
22800 annotations could be extended with an @samp{escape} annotation which
22801 means those three characters as output.
22802
22803 The annotation @var{level}, which is specified using the
22804 @option{--annotate} command line option (@pxref{Mode Options}), controls
22805 how much information @value{GDBN} prints together with its prompt,
22806 values of expressions, source lines, and other types of output. Level 0
22807 is for no annotations, level 1 is for use when @value{GDBN} is run as a
22808 subprocess of @sc{gnu} Emacs, level 3 is the maximum annotation suitable
22809 for programs that control @value{GDBN}, and level 2 annotations have
22810 been made obsolete (@pxref{Limitations, , Limitations of the Annotation
22811 Interface, annotate, GDB's Obsolete Annotations}).
22812
22813 @table @code
22814 @kindex set annotate
22815 @item set annotate @var{level}
22816 The @value{GDBN} command @code{set annotate} sets the level of
22817 annotations to the specified @var{level}.
22818
22819 @item show annotate
22820 @kindex show annotate
22821 Show the current annotation level.
22822 @end table
22823
22824 This chapter describes level 3 annotations.
22825
22826 A simple example of starting up @value{GDBN} with annotations is:
22827
22828 @smallexample
22829 $ @kbd{gdb --annotate=3}
22830 GNU gdb 6.0
22831 Copyright 2003 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
22832 GDB is free software, covered by the GNU General Public License,
22833 and you are welcome to change it and/or distribute copies of it
22834 under certain conditions.
22835 Type "show copying" to see the conditions.
22836 There is absolutely no warranty for GDB. Type "show warranty"
22837 for details.
22838 This GDB was configured as "i386-pc-linux-gnu"
22839
22840 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
22841 (@value{GDBP})
22842 ^Z^Zprompt
22843 @kbd{quit}
22844
22845 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
22846 $
22847 @end smallexample
22848
22849 Here @samp{quit} is input to @value{GDBN}; the rest is output from
22850 @value{GDBN}. The three lines beginning @samp{^Z^Z} (where @samp{^Z}
22851 denotes a @samp{control-z} character) are annotations; the rest is
22852 output from @value{GDBN}.
22853
22854 @node Server Prefix
22855 @section The Server Prefix
22856 @cindex server prefix
22857
22858 If you prefix a command with @samp{server } then it will not affect
22859 the command history, nor will it affect @value{GDBN}'s notion of which
22860 command to repeat if @key{RET} is pressed on a line by itself. This
22861 means that commands can be run behind a user's back by a front-end in
22862 a transparent manner.
22863
22864 The server prefix does not affect the recording of values into the value
22865 history; to print a value without recording it into the value history,
22866 use the @code{output} command instead of the @code{print} command.
22867
22868 @node Prompting
22869 @section Annotation for @value{GDBN} Input
22870
22871 @cindex annotations for prompts
22872 When @value{GDBN} prompts for input, it annotates this fact so it is possible
22873 to know when to send output, when the output from a given command is
22874 over, etc.
22875
22876 Different kinds of input each have a different @dfn{input type}. Each
22877 input type has three annotations: a @code{pre-} annotation, which
22878 denotes the beginning of any prompt which is being output, a plain
22879 annotation, which denotes the end of the prompt, and then a @code{post-}
22880 annotation which denotes the end of any echo which may (or may not) be
22881 associated with the input. For example, the @code{prompt} input type
22882 features the following annotations:
22883
22884 @smallexample
22885 ^Z^Zpre-prompt
22886 ^Z^Zprompt
22887 ^Z^Zpost-prompt
22888 @end smallexample
22889
22890 The input types are
22891
22892 @table @code
22893 @findex pre-prompt annotation
22894 @findex prompt annotation
22895 @findex post-prompt annotation
22896 @item prompt
22897 When @value{GDBN} is prompting for a command (the main @value{GDBN} prompt).
22898
22899 @findex pre-commands annotation
22900 @findex commands annotation
22901 @findex post-commands annotation
22902 @item commands
22903 When @value{GDBN} prompts for a set of commands, like in the @code{commands}
22904 command. The annotations are repeated for each command which is input.
22905
22906 @findex pre-overload-choice annotation
22907 @findex overload-choice annotation
22908 @findex post-overload-choice annotation
22909 @item overload-choice
22910 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to select between various overloaded functions.
22911
22912 @findex pre-query annotation
22913 @findex query annotation
22914 @findex post-query annotation
22915 @item query
22916 When @value{GDBN} wants the user to confirm a potentially dangerous operation.
22917
22918 @findex pre-prompt-for-continue annotation
22919 @findex prompt-for-continue annotation
22920 @findex post-prompt-for-continue annotation
22921 @item prompt-for-continue
22922 When @value{GDBN} is asking the user to press return to continue. Note: Don't
22923 expect this to work well; instead use @code{set height 0} to disable
22924 prompting. This is because the counting of lines is buggy in the
22925 presence of annotations.
22926 @end table
22927
22928 @node Errors
22929 @section Errors
22930 @cindex annotations for errors, warnings and interrupts
22931
22932 @findex quit annotation
22933 @smallexample
22934 ^Z^Zquit
22935 @end smallexample
22936
22937 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an interrupt.
22938
22939 @findex error annotation
22940 @smallexample
22941 ^Z^Zerror
22942 @end smallexample
22943
22944 This annotation occurs right before @value{GDBN} responds to an error.
22945
22946 Quit and error annotations indicate that any annotations which @value{GDBN} was
22947 in the middle of may end abruptly. For example, if a
22948 @code{value-history-begin} annotation is followed by a @code{error}, one
22949 cannot expect to receive the matching @code{value-history-end}. One
22950 cannot expect not to receive it either, however; an error annotation
22951 does not necessarily mean that @value{GDBN} is immediately returning all the way
22952 to the top level.
22953
22954 @findex error-begin annotation
22955 A quit or error annotation may be preceded by
22956
22957 @smallexample
22958 ^Z^Zerror-begin
22959 @end smallexample
22960
22961 Any output between that and the quit or error annotation is the error
22962 message.
22963
22964 Warning messages are not yet annotated.
22965 @c If we want to change that, need to fix warning(), type_error(),
22966 @c range_error(), and possibly other places.
22967
22968 @node Invalidation
22969 @section Invalidation Notices
22970
22971 @cindex annotations for invalidation messages
22972 The following annotations say that certain pieces of state may have
22973 changed.
22974
22975 @table @code
22976 @findex frames-invalid annotation
22977 @item ^Z^Zframes-invalid
22978
22979 The frames (for example, output from the @code{backtrace} command) may
22980 have changed.
22981
22982 @findex breakpoints-invalid annotation
22983 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoints-invalid
22984
22985 The breakpoints may have changed. For example, the user just added or
22986 deleted a breakpoint.
22987 @end table
22988
22989 @node Annotations for Running
22990 @section Running the Program
22991 @cindex annotations for running programs
22992
22993 @findex starting annotation
22994 @findex stopping annotation
22995 When the program starts executing due to a @value{GDBN} command such as
22996 @code{step} or @code{continue},
22997
22998 @smallexample
22999 ^Z^Zstarting
23000 @end smallexample
23001
23002 is output. When the program stops,
23003
23004 @smallexample
23005 ^Z^Zstopped
23006 @end smallexample
23007
23008 is output. Before the @code{stopped} annotation, a variety of
23009 annotations describe how the program stopped.
23010
23011 @table @code
23012 @findex exited annotation
23013 @item ^Z^Zexited @var{exit-status}
23014 The program exited, and @var{exit-status} is the exit status (zero for
23015 successful exit, otherwise nonzero).
23016
23017 @findex signalled annotation
23018 @findex signal-name annotation
23019 @findex signal-name-end annotation
23020 @findex signal-string annotation
23021 @findex signal-string-end annotation
23022 @item ^Z^Zsignalled
23023 The program exited with a signal. After the @code{^Z^Zsignalled}, the
23024 annotation continues:
23025
23026 @smallexample
23027 @var{intro-text}
23028 ^Z^Zsignal-name
23029 @var{name}
23030 ^Z^Zsignal-name-end
23031 @var{middle-text}
23032 ^Z^Zsignal-string
23033 @var{string}
23034 ^Z^Zsignal-string-end
23035 @var{end-text}
23036 @end smallexample
23037
23038 @noindent
23039 where @var{name} is the name of the signal, such as @code{SIGILL} or
23040 @code{SIGSEGV}, and @var{string} is the explanation of the signal, such
23041 as @code{Illegal Instruction} or @code{Segmentation fault}.
23042 @var{intro-text}, @var{middle-text}, and @var{end-text} are for the
23043 user's benefit and have no particular format.
23044
23045 @findex signal annotation
23046 @item ^Z^Zsignal
23047 The syntax of this annotation is just like @code{signalled}, but @value{GDBN} is
23048 just saying that the program received the signal, not that it was
23049 terminated with it.
23050
23051 @findex breakpoint annotation
23052 @item ^Z^Zbreakpoint @var{number}
23053 The program hit breakpoint number @var{number}.
23054
23055 @findex watchpoint annotation
23056 @item ^Z^Zwatchpoint @var{number}
23057 The program hit watchpoint number @var{number}.
23058 @end table
23059
23060 @node Source Annotations
23061 @section Displaying Source
23062 @cindex annotations for source display
23063
23064 @findex source annotation
23065 The following annotation is used instead of displaying source code:
23066
23067 @smallexample
23068 ^Z^Zsource @var{filename}:@var{line}:@var{character}:@var{middle}:@var{addr}
23069 @end smallexample
23070
23071 where @var{filename} is an absolute file name indicating which source
23072 file, @var{line} is the line number within that file (where 1 is the
23073 first line in the file), @var{character} is the character position
23074 within the file (where 0 is the first character in the file) (for most
23075 debug formats this will necessarily point to the beginning of a line),
23076 @var{middle} is @samp{middle} if @var{addr} is in the middle of the
23077 line, or @samp{beg} if @var{addr} is at the beginning of the line, and
23078 @var{addr} is the address in the target program associated with the
23079 source which is being displayed. @var{addr} is in the form @samp{0x}
23080 followed by one or more lowercase hex digits (note that this does not
23081 depend on the language).
23082
23083 @node GDB Bugs
23084 @chapter Reporting Bugs in @value{GDBN}
23085 @cindex bugs in @value{GDBN}
23086 @cindex reporting bugs in @value{GDBN}
23087
23088 Your bug reports play an essential role in making @value{GDBN} reliable.
23089
23090 Reporting a bug may help you by bringing a solution to your problem, or it
23091 may not. But in any case the principal function of a bug report is to help
23092 the entire community by making the next version of @value{GDBN} work better. Bug
23093 reports are your contribution to the maintenance of @value{GDBN}.
23094
23095 In order for a bug report to serve its purpose, you must include the
23096 information that enables us to fix the bug.
23097
23098 @menu
23099 * Bug Criteria:: Have you found a bug?
23100 * Bug Reporting:: How to report bugs
23101 @end menu
23102
23103 @node Bug Criteria
23104 @section Have You Found a Bug?
23105 @cindex bug criteria
23106
23107 If you are not sure whether you have found a bug, here are some guidelines:
23108
23109 @itemize @bullet
23110 @cindex fatal signal
23111 @cindex debugger crash
23112 @cindex crash of debugger
23113 @item
23114 If the debugger gets a fatal signal, for any input whatever, that is a
23115 @value{GDBN} bug. Reliable debuggers never crash.
23116
23117 @cindex error on valid input
23118 @item
23119 If @value{GDBN} produces an error message for valid input, that is a
23120 bug. (Note that if you're cross debugging, the problem may also be
23121 somewhere in the connection to the target.)
23122
23123 @cindex invalid input
23124 @item
23125 If @value{GDBN} does not produce an error message for invalid input,
23126 that is a bug. However, you should note that your idea of
23127 ``invalid input'' might be our idea of ``an extension'' or ``support
23128 for traditional practice''.
23129
23130 @item
23131 If you are an experienced user of debugging tools, your suggestions
23132 for improvement of @value{GDBN} are welcome in any case.
23133 @end itemize
23134
23135 @node Bug Reporting
23136 @section How to Report Bugs
23137 @cindex bug reports
23138 @cindex @value{GDBN} bugs, reporting
23139
23140 A number of companies and individuals offer support for @sc{gnu} products.
23141 If you obtained @value{GDBN} from a support organization, we recommend you
23142 contact that organization first.
23143
23144 You can find contact information for many support companies and
23145 individuals in the file @file{etc/SERVICE} in the @sc{gnu} Emacs
23146 distribution.
23147 @c should add a web page ref...
23148
23149 @ifset BUGURL
23150 @ifset BUGURL_DEFAULT
23151 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
23152 @value{GDBN}. The preferred method is to submit them directly using
23153 @uref{http://www.gnu.org/software/gdb/bugs/, @value{GDBN}'s Bugs web
23154 page}. Alternatively, the @email{bug-gdb@@gnu.org, e-mail gateway} can
23155 be used.
23156
23157 @strong{Do not send bug reports to @samp{info-gdb}, or to
23158 @samp{help-gdb}, or to any newsgroups.} Most users of @value{GDBN} do
23159 not want to receive bug reports. Those that do have arranged to receive
23160 @samp{bug-gdb}.
23161
23162 The mailing list @samp{bug-gdb} has a newsgroup @samp{gnu.gdb.bug} which
23163 serves as a repeater. The mailing list and the newsgroup carry exactly
23164 the same messages. Often people think of posting bug reports to the
23165 newsgroup instead of mailing them. This appears to work, but it has one
23166 problem which can be crucial: a newsgroup posting often lacks a mail
23167 path back to the sender. Thus, if we need to ask for more information,
23168 we may be unable to reach you. For this reason, it is better to send
23169 bug reports to the mailing list.
23170 @end ifset
23171 @ifclear BUGURL_DEFAULT
23172 In any event, we also recommend that you submit bug reports for
23173 @value{GDBN} to @value{BUGURL}.
23174 @end ifclear
23175 @end ifset
23176
23177 The fundamental principle of reporting bugs usefully is this:
23178 @strong{report all the facts}. If you are not sure whether to state a
23179 fact or leave it out, state it!
23180
23181 Often people omit facts because they think they know what causes the
23182 problem and assume that some details do not matter. Thus, you might
23183 assume that the name of the variable you use in an example does not matter.
23184 Well, probably it does not, but one cannot be sure. Perhaps the bug is a
23185 stray memory reference which happens to fetch from the location where that
23186 name is stored in memory; perhaps, if the name were different, the contents
23187 of that location would fool the debugger into doing the right thing despite
23188 the bug. Play it safe and give a specific, complete example. That is the
23189 easiest thing for you to do, and the most helpful.
23190
23191 Keep in mind that the purpose of a bug report is to enable us to fix the
23192 bug. It may be that the bug has been reported previously, but neither
23193 you nor we can know that unless your bug report is complete and
23194 self-contained.
23195
23196 Sometimes people give a few sketchy facts and ask, ``Does this ring a
23197 bell?'' Those bug reports are useless, and we urge everyone to
23198 @emph{refuse to respond to them} except to chide the sender to report
23199 bugs properly.
23200
23201 To enable us to fix the bug, you should include all these things:
23202
23203 @itemize @bullet
23204 @item
23205 The version of @value{GDBN}. @value{GDBN} announces it if you start
23206 with no arguments; you can also print it at any time using @code{show
23207 version}.
23208
23209 Without this, we will not know whether there is any point in looking for
23210 the bug in the current version of @value{GDBN}.
23211
23212 @item
23213 The type of machine you are using, and the operating system name and
23214 version number.
23215
23216 @item
23217 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile @value{GDBN}---e.g.@:
23218 ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1''.
23219
23220 @item
23221 What compiler (and its version) was used to compile the program you are
23222 debugging---e.g.@: ``@value{GCC}--2.8.1'', or ``HP92453-01 A.10.32.03 HP
23223 C Compiler''. For @value{NGCC}, you can say @kbd{@value{GCC} --version}
23224 to get this information; for other compilers, see the documentation for
23225 those compilers.
23226
23227 @item
23228 The command arguments you gave the compiler to compile your example and
23229 observe the bug. For example, did you use @samp{-O}? To guarantee
23230 you will not omit something important, list them all. A copy of the
23231 Makefile (or the output from make) is sufficient.
23232
23233 If we were to try to guess the arguments, we would probably guess wrong
23234 and then we might not encounter the bug.
23235
23236 @item
23237 A complete input script, and all necessary source files, that will
23238 reproduce the bug.
23239
23240 @item
23241 A description of what behavior you observe that you believe is
23242 incorrect. For example, ``It gets a fatal signal.''
23243
23244 Of course, if the bug is that @value{GDBN} gets a fatal signal, then we
23245 will certainly notice it. But if the bug is incorrect output, we might
23246 not notice unless it is glaringly wrong. You might as well not give us
23247 a chance to make a mistake.
23248
23249 Even if the problem you experience is a fatal signal, you should still
23250 say so explicitly. Suppose something strange is going on, such as, your
23251 copy of @value{GDBN} is out of synch, or you have encountered a bug in
23252 the C library on your system. (This has happened!) Your copy might
23253 crash and ours would not. If you told us to expect a crash, then when
23254 ours fails to crash, we would know that the bug was not happening for
23255 us. If you had not told us to expect a crash, then we would not be able
23256 to draw any conclusion from our observations.
23257
23258 @pindex script
23259 @cindex recording a session script
23260 To collect all this information, you can use a session recording program
23261 such as @command{script}, which is available on many Unix systems.
23262 Just run your @value{GDBN} session inside @command{script} and then
23263 include the @file{typescript} file with your bug report.
23264
23265 Another way to record a @value{GDBN} session is to run @value{GDBN}
23266 inside Emacs and then save the entire buffer to a file.
23267
23268 @item
23269 If you wish to suggest changes to the @value{GDBN} source, send us context
23270 diffs. If you even discuss something in the @value{GDBN} source, refer to
23271 it by context, not by line number.
23272
23273 The line numbers in our development sources will not match those in your
23274 sources. Your line numbers would convey no useful information to us.
23275
23276 @end itemize
23277
23278 Here are some things that are not necessary:
23279
23280 @itemize @bullet
23281 @item
23282 A description of the envelope of the bug.
23283
23284 Often people who encounter a bug spend a lot of time investigating
23285 which changes to the input file will make the bug go away and which
23286 changes will not affect it.
23287
23288 This is often time consuming and not very useful, because the way we
23289 will find the bug is by running a single example under the debugger
23290 with breakpoints, not by pure deduction from a series of examples.
23291 We recommend that you save your time for something else.
23292
23293 Of course, if you can find a simpler example to report @emph{instead}
23294 of the original one, that is a convenience for us. Errors in the
23295 output will be easier to spot, running under the debugger will take
23296 less time, and so on.
23297
23298 However, simplification is not vital; if you do not want to do this,
23299 report the bug anyway and send us the entire test case you used.
23300
23301 @item
23302 A patch for the bug.
23303
23304 A patch for the bug does help us if it is a good one. But do not omit
23305 the necessary information, such as the test case, on the assumption that
23306 a patch is all we need. We might see problems with your patch and decide
23307 to fix the problem another way, or we might not understand it at all.
23308
23309 Sometimes with a program as complicated as @value{GDBN} it is very hard to
23310 construct an example that will make the program follow a certain path
23311 through the code. If you do not send us the example, we will not be able
23312 to construct one, so we will not be able to verify that the bug is fixed.
23313
23314 And if we cannot understand what bug you are trying to fix, or why your
23315 patch should be an improvement, we will not install it. A test case will
23316 help us to understand.
23317
23318 @item
23319 A guess about what the bug is or what it depends on.
23320
23321 Such guesses are usually wrong. Even we cannot guess right about such
23322 things without first using the debugger to find the facts.
23323 @end itemize
23324
23325 @c The readline documentation is distributed with the readline code
23326 @c and consists of the two following files:
23327 @c rluser.texinfo
23328 @c inc-hist.texinfo
23329 @c Use -I with makeinfo to point to the appropriate directory,
23330 @c environment var TEXINPUTS with TeX.
23331 @include rluser.texi
23332 @include inc-hist.texinfo
23333
23334
23335 @node Formatting Documentation
23336 @appendix Formatting Documentation
23337
23338 @cindex @value{GDBN} reference card
23339 @cindex reference card
23340 The @value{GDBN} 4 release includes an already-formatted reference card, ready
23341 for printing with PostScript or Ghostscript, in the @file{gdb}
23342 subdirectory of the main source directory@footnote{In
23343 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/refcard.ps} of the version @value{GDBVN}
23344 release.}. If you can use PostScript or Ghostscript with your printer,
23345 you can print the reference card immediately with @file{refcard.ps}.
23346
23347 The release also includes the source for the reference card. You
23348 can format it, using @TeX{}, by typing:
23349
23350 @smallexample
23351 make refcard.dvi
23352 @end smallexample
23353
23354 The @value{GDBN} reference card is designed to print in @dfn{landscape}
23355 mode on US ``letter'' size paper;
23356 that is, on a sheet 11 inches wide by 8.5 inches
23357 high. You will need to specify this form of printing as an option to
23358 your @sc{dvi} output program.
23359
23360 @cindex documentation
23361
23362 All the documentation for @value{GDBN} comes as part of the machine-readable
23363 distribution. The documentation is written in Texinfo format, which is
23364 a documentation system that uses a single source file to produce both
23365 on-line information and a printed manual. You can use one of the Info
23366 formatting commands to create the on-line version of the documentation
23367 and @TeX{} (or @code{texi2roff}) to typeset the printed version.
23368
23369 @value{GDBN} includes an already formatted copy of the on-line Info
23370 version of this manual in the @file{gdb} subdirectory. The main Info
23371 file is @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/gdb.info}, and it refers to
23372 subordinate files matching @samp{gdb.info*} in the same directory. If
23373 necessary, you can print out these files, or read them with any editor;
23374 but they are easier to read using the @code{info} subsystem in @sc{gnu}
23375 Emacs or the standalone @code{info} program, available as part of the
23376 @sc{gnu} Texinfo distribution.
23377
23378 If you want to format these Info files yourself, you need one of the
23379 Info formatting programs, such as @code{texinfo-format-buffer} or
23380 @code{makeinfo}.
23381
23382 If you have @code{makeinfo} installed, and are in the top level
23383 @value{GDBN} source directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, in the case of
23384 version @value{GDBVN}), you can make the Info file by typing:
23385
23386 @smallexample
23387 cd gdb
23388 make gdb.info
23389 @end smallexample
23390
23391 If you want to typeset and print copies of this manual, you need @TeX{},
23392 a program to print its @sc{dvi} output files, and @file{texinfo.tex}, the
23393 Texinfo definitions file.
23394
23395 @TeX{} is a typesetting program; it does not print files directly, but
23396 produces output files called @sc{dvi} files. To print a typeset
23397 document, you need a program to print @sc{dvi} files. If your system
23398 has @TeX{} installed, chances are it has such a program. The precise
23399 command to use depends on your system; @kbd{lpr -d} is common; another
23400 (for PostScript devices) is @kbd{dvips}. The @sc{dvi} print command may
23401 require a file name without any extension or a @samp{.dvi} extension.
23402
23403 @TeX{} also requires a macro definitions file called
23404 @file{texinfo.tex}. This file tells @TeX{} how to typeset a document
23405 written in Texinfo format. On its own, @TeX{} cannot either read or
23406 typeset a Texinfo file. @file{texinfo.tex} is distributed with GDB
23407 and is located in the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}/texinfo}
23408 directory.
23409
23410 If you have @TeX{} and a @sc{dvi} printer program installed, you can
23411 typeset and print this manual. First switch to the @file{gdb}
23412 subdirectory of the main source directory (for example, to
23413 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb}) and type:
23414
23415 @smallexample
23416 make gdb.dvi
23417 @end smallexample
23418
23419 Then give @file{gdb.dvi} to your @sc{dvi} printing program.
23420
23421 @node Installing GDB
23422 @appendix Installing @value{GDBN}
23423 @cindex installation
23424
23425 @menu
23426 * Requirements:: Requirements for building @value{GDBN}
23427 * Running Configure:: Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} script
23428 * Separate Objdir:: Compiling @value{GDBN} in another directory
23429 * Config Names:: Specifying names for hosts and targets
23430 * Configure Options:: Summary of options for configure
23431 @end menu
23432
23433 @node Requirements
23434 @section Requirements for Building @value{GDBN}
23435 @cindex building @value{GDBN}, requirements for
23436
23437 Building @value{GDBN} requires various tools and packages to be available.
23438 Other packages will be used only if they are found.
23439
23440 @heading Tools/Packages Necessary for Building @value{GDBN}
23441 @table @asis
23442 @item ISO C90 compiler
23443 @value{GDBN} is written in ISO C90. It should be buildable with any
23444 working C90 compiler, e.g.@: GCC.
23445
23446 @end table
23447
23448 @heading Tools/Packages Optional for Building @value{GDBN}
23449 @table @asis
23450 @item Expat
23451 @anchor{Expat}
23452 @value{GDBN} can use the Expat XML parsing library. This library may be
23453 included with your operating system distribution; if it is not, you
23454 can get the latest version from @url{http://expat.sourceforge.net}.
23455 The @file{configure} script will search for this library in several
23456 standard locations; if it is installed in an unusual path, you can
23457 use the @option{--with-libexpat-prefix} option to specify its location.
23458
23459 Expat is used for:
23460
23461 @itemize @bullet
23462 @item
23463 Remote protocol memory maps (@pxref{Memory Map Format})
23464 @item
23465 Target descriptions (@pxref{Target Descriptions})
23466 @item
23467 Remote shared library lists (@pxref{Library List Format})
23468 @item
23469 MS-Windows shared libraries (@pxref{Shared Libraries})
23470 @end itemize
23471
23472 @item zlib
23473 @cindex compressed debug sections
23474 @value{GDBN} will use the @samp{zlib} library, if available, to read
23475 compressed debug sections. Some linkers, such as GNU gold, are capable
23476 of producing binaries with compressed debug sections. If @value{GDBN}
23477 is compiled with @samp{zlib}, it will be able to read the debug
23478 information in such binaries.
23479
23480 The @samp{zlib} library is likely included with your operating system
23481 distribution; if it is not, you can get the latest version from
23482 @url{http://zlib.net}.
23483
23484 @end table
23485
23486 @node Running Configure
23487 @section Invoking the @value{GDBN} @file{configure} Script
23488 @cindex configuring @value{GDBN}
23489 @value{GDBN} comes with a @file{configure} script that automates the process
23490 of preparing @value{GDBN} for installation; you can then use @code{make} to
23491 build the @code{gdb} program.
23492 @iftex
23493 @c irrelevant in info file; it's as current as the code it lives with.
23494 @footnote{If you have a more recent version of @value{GDBN} than @value{GDBVN},
23495 look at the @file{README} file in the sources; we may have improved the
23496 installation procedures since publishing this manual.}
23497 @end iftex
23498
23499 The @value{GDBN} distribution includes all the source code you need for
23500 @value{GDBN} in a single directory, whose name is usually composed by
23501 appending the version number to @samp{gdb}.
23502
23503 For example, the @value{GDBN} version @value{GDBVN} distribution is in the
23504 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory. That directory contains:
23505
23506 @table @code
23507 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure @r{(and supporting files)}
23508 script for configuring @value{GDBN} and all its supporting libraries
23509
23510 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb
23511 the source specific to @value{GDBN} itself
23512
23513 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/bfd
23514 source for the Binary File Descriptor library
23515
23516 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/include
23517 @sc{gnu} include files
23518
23519 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/libiberty
23520 source for the @samp{-liberty} free software library
23521
23522 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/opcodes
23523 source for the library of opcode tables and disassemblers
23524
23525 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/readline
23526 source for the @sc{gnu} command-line interface
23527
23528 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/glob
23529 source for the @sc{gnu} filename pattern-matching subroutine
23530
23531 @item gdb-@value{GDBVN}/mmalloc
23532 source for the @sc{gnu} memory-mapped malloc package
23533 @end table
23534
23535 The simplest way to configure and build @value{GDBN} is to run @file{configure}
23536 from the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory, which in
23537 this example is the @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} directory.
23538
23539 First switch to the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} source directory
23540 if you are not already in it; then run @file{configure}. Pass the
23541 identifier for the platform on which @value{GDBN} will run as an
23542 argument.
23543
23544 For example:
23545
23546 @smallexample
23547 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
23548 ./configure @var{host}
23549 make
23550 @end smallexample
23551
23552 @noindent
23553 where @var{host} is an identifier such as @samp{sun4} or
23554 @samp{decstation}, that identifies the platform where @value{GDBN} will run.
23555 (You can often leave off @var{host}; @file{configure} tries to guess the
23556 correct value by examining your system.)
23557
23558 Running @samp{configure @var{host}} and then running @code{make} builds the
23559 @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, @file{mmalloc}, and @file{libiberty}
23560 libraries, then @code{gdb} itself. The configured source files, and the
23561 binaries, are left in the corresponding source directories.
23562
23563 @need 750
23564 @file{configure} is a Bourne-shell (@code{/bin/sh}) script; if your
23565 system does not recognize this automatically when you run a different
23566 shell, you may need to run @code{sh} on it explicitly:
23567
23568 @smallexample
23569 sh configure @var{host}
23570 @end smallexample
23571
23572 If you run @file{configure} from a directory that contains source
23573 directories for multiple libraries or programs, such as the
23574 @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} source directory for version @value{GDBVN},
23575 @file{configure}
23576 creates configuration files for every directory level underneath (unless
23577 you tell it not to, with the @samp{--norecursion} option).
23578
23579 You should run the @file{configure} script from the top directory in the
23580 source tree, the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory. If you run
23581 @file{configure} from one of the subdirectories, you will configure only
23582 that subdirectory. That is usually not what you want. In particular,
23583 if you run the first @file{configure} from the @file{gdb} subdirectory
23584 of the @file{gdb-@var{version-number}} directory, you will omit the
23585 configuration of @file{bfd}, @file{readline}, and other sibling
23586 directories of the @file{gdb} subdirectory. This leads to build errors
23587 about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
23588
23589 You can install @code{@value{GDBP}} anywhere; it has no hardwired paths.
23590 However, you should make sure that the shell on your path (named by
23591 the @samp{SHELL} environment variable) is publicly readable. Remember
23592 that @value{GDBN} uses the shell to start your program---some systems refuse to
23593 let @value{GDBN} debug child processes whose programs are not readable.
23594
23595 @node Separate Objdir
23596 @section Compiling @value{GDBN} in Another Directory
23597
23598 If you want to run @value{GDBN} versions for several host or target machines,
23599 you need a different @code{gdb} compiled for each combination of
23600 host and target. @file{configure} is designed to make this easy by
23601 allowing you to generate each configuration in a separate subdirectory,
23602 rather than in the source directory. If your @code{make} program
23603 handles the @samp{VPATH} feature (@sc{gnu} @code{make} does), running
23604 @code{make} in each of these directories builds the @code{gdb}
23605 program specified there.
23606
23607 To build @code{gdb} in a separate directory, run @file{configure}
23608 with the @samp{--srcdir} option to specify where to find the source.
23609 (You also need to specify a path to find @file{configure}
23610 itself from your working directory. If the path to @file{configure}
23611 would be the same as the argument to @samp{--srcdir}, you can leave out
23612 the @samp{--srcdir} option; it is assumed.)
23613
23614 For example, with version @value{GDBVN}, you can build @value{GDBN} in a
23615 separate directory for a Sun 4 like this:
23616
23617 @smallexample
23618 @group
23619 cd gdb-@value{GDBVN}
23620 mkdir ../gdb-sun4
23621 cd ../gdb-sun4
23622 ../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/configure sun4
23623 make
23624 @end group
23625 @end smallexample
23626
23627 When @file{configure} builds a configuration using a remote source
23628 directory, it creates a tree for the binaries with the same structure
23629 (and using the same names) as the tree under the source directory. In
23630 the example, you'd find the Sun 4 library @file{libiberty.a} in the
23631 directory @file{gdb-sun4/libiberty}, and @value{GDBN} itself in
23632 @file{gdb-sun4/gdb}.
23633
23634 Make sure that your path to the @file{configure} script has just one
23635 instance of @file{gdb} in it. If your path to @file{configure} looks
23636 like @file{../gdb-@value{GDBVN}/gdb/configure}, you are configuring only
23637 one subdirectory of @value{GDBN}, not the whole package. This leads to
23638 build errors about missing include files such as @file{bfd/bfd.h}.
23639
23640 One popular reason to build several @value{GDBN} configurations in separate
23641 directories is to configure @value{GDBN} for cross-compiling (where
23642 @value{GDBN} runs on one machine---the @dfn{host}---while debugging
23643 programs that run on another machine---the @dfn{target}).
23644 You specify a cross-debugging target by
23645 giving the @samp{--target=@var{target}} option to @file{configure}.
23646
23647 When you run @code{make} to build a program or library, you must run
23648 it in a configured directory---whatever directory you were in when you
23649 called @file{configure} (or one of its subdirectories).
23650
23651 The @code{Makefile} that @file{configure} generates in each source
23652 directory also runs recursively. If you type @code{make} in a source
23653 directory such as @file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}} (or in a separate configured
23654 directory configured with @samp{--srcdir=@var{dirname}/gdb-@value{GDBVN}}), you
23655 will build all the required libraries, and then build GDB.
23656
23657 When you have multiple hosts or targets configured in separate
23658 directories, you can run @code{make} on them in parallel (for example,
23659 if they are NFS-mounted on each of the hosts); they will not interfere
23660 with each other.
23661
23662 @node Config Names
23663 @section Specifying Names for Hosts and Targets
23664
23665 The specifications used for hosts and targets in the @file{configure}
23666 script are based on a three-part naming scheme, but some short predefined
23667 aliases are also supported. The full naming scheme encodes three pieces
23668 of information in the following pattern:
23669
23670 @smallexample
23671 @var{architecture}-@var{vendor}-@var{os}
23672 @end smallexample
23673
23674 For example, you can use the alias @code{sun4} as a @var{host} argument,
23675 or as the value for @var{target} in a @code{--target=@var{target}}
23676 option. The equivalent full name is @samp{sparc-sun-sunos4}.
23677
23678 The @file{configure} script accompanying @value{GDBN} does not provide
23679 any query facility to list all supported host and target names or
23680 aliases. @file{configure} calls the Bourne shell script
23681 @code{config.sub} to map abbreviations to full names; you can read the
23682 script, if you wish, or you can use it to test your guesses on
23683 abbreviations---for example:
23684
23685 @smallexample
23686 % sh config.sub i386-linux
23687 i386-pc-linux-gnu
23688 % sh config.sub alpha-linux
23689 alpha-unknown-linux-gnu
23690 % sh config.sub hp9k700
23691 hppa1.1-hp-hpux
23692 % sh config.sub sun4
23693 sparc-sun-sunos4.1.1
23694 % sh config.sub sun3
23695 m68k-sun-sunos4.1.1
23696 % sh config.sub i986v
23697 Invalid configuration `i986v': machine `i986v' not recognized
23698 @end smallexample
23699
23700 @noindent
23701 @code{config.sub} is also distributed in the @value{GDBN} source
23702 directory (@file{gdb-@value{GDBVN}}, for version @value{GDBVN}).
23703
23704 @node Configure Options
23705 @section @file{configure} Options
23706
23707 Here is a summary of the @file{configure} options and arguments that
23708 are most often useful for building @value{GDBN}. @file{configure} also has
23709 several other options not listed here. @inforef{What Configure
23710 Does,,configure.info}, for a full explanation of @file{configure}.
23711
23712 @smallexample
23713 configure @r{[}--help@r{]}
23714 @r{[}--prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
23715 @r{[}--exec-prefix=@var{dir}@r{]}
23716 @r{[}--srcdir=@var{dirname}@r{]}
23717 @r{[}--norecursion@r{]} @r{[}--rm@r{]}
23718 @r{[}--target=@var{target}@r{]}
23719 @var{host}
23720 @end smallexample
23721
23722 @noindent
23723 You may introduce options with a single @samp{-} rather than
23724 @samp{--} if you prefer; but you may abbreviate option names if you use
23725 @samp{--}.
23726
23727 @table @code
23728 @item --help
23729 Display a quick summary of how to invoke @file{configure}.
23730
23731 @item --prefix=@var{dir}
23732 Configure the source to install programs and files under directory
23733 @file{@var{dir}}.
23734
23735 @item --exec-prefix=@var{dir}
23736 Configure the source to install programs under directory
23737 @file{@var{dir}}.
23738
23739 @c avoid splitting the warning from the explanation:
23740 @need 2000
23741 @item --srcdir=@var{dirname}
23742 @strong{Warning: using this option requires @sc{gnu} @code{make}, or another
23743 @code{make} that implements the @code{VPATH} feature.}@*
23744 Use this option to make configurations in directories separate from the
23745 @value{GDBN} source directories. Among other things, you can use this to
23746 build (or maintain) several configurations simultaneously, in separate
23747 directories. @file{configure} writes configuration-specific files in
23748 the current directory, but arranges for them to use the source in the
23749 directory @var{dirname}. @file{configure} creates directories under
23750 the working directory in parallel to the source directories below
23751 @var{dirname}.
23752
23753 @item --norecursion
23754 Configure only the directory level where @file{configure} is executed; do not
23755 propagate configuration to subdirectories.
23756
23757 @item --target=@var{target}
23758 Configure @value{GDBN} for cross-debugging programs running on the specified
23759 @var{target}. Without this option, @value{GDBN} is configured to debug
23760 programs that run on the same machine (@var{host}) as @value{GDBN} itself.
23761
23762 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available targets.
23763
23764 @item @var{host} @dots{}
23765 Configure @value{GDBN} to run on the specified @var{host}.
23766
23767 There is no convenient way to generate a list of all available hosts.
23768 @end table
23769
23770 There are many other options available as well, but they are generally
23771 needed for special purposes only.
23772
23773 @node Maintenance Commands
23774 @appendix Maintenance Commands
23775 @cindex maintenance commands
23776 @cindex internal commands
23777
23778 In addition to commands intended for @value{GDBN} users, @value{GDBN}
23779 includes a number of commands intended for @value{GDBN} developers,
23780 that are not documented elsewhere in this manual. These commands are
23781 provided here for reference. (For commands that turn on debugging
23782 messages, see @ref{Debugging Output}.)
23783
23784 @table @code
23785 @kindex maint agent
23786 @item maint agent @var{expression}
23787 Translate the given @var{expression} into remote agent bytecodes.
23788 This command is useful for debugging the Agent Expression mechanism
23789 (@pxref{Agent Expressions}).
23790
23791 @kindex maint info breakpoints
23792 @item @anchor{maint info breakpoints}maint info breakpoints
23793 Using the same format as @samp{info breakpoints}, display both the
23794 breakpoints you've set explicitly, and those @value{GDBN} is using for
23795 internal purposes. Internal breakpoints are shown with negative
23796 breakpoint numbers. The type column identifies what kind of breakpoint
23797 is shown:
23798
23799 @table @code
23800 @item breakpoint
23801 Normal, explicitly set breakpoint.
23802
23803 @item watchpoint
23804 Normal, explicitly set watchpoint.
23805
23806 @item longjmp
23807 Internal breakpoint, used to handle correctly stepping through
23808 @code{longjmp} calls.
23809
23810 @item longjmp resume
23811 Internal breakpoint at the target of a @code{longjmp}.
23812
23813 @item until
23814 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{until} command.
23815
23816 @item finish
23817 Temporary internal breakpoint used by the @value{GDBN} @code{finish} command.
23818
23819 @item shlib events
23820 Shared library events.
23821
23822 @end table
23823
23824 @kindex maint set can-use-displaced-stepping
23825 @kindex maint show can-use-displaced-stepping
23826 @cindex displaced stepping support
23827 @cindex out-of-line single-stepping
23828 @item maint set can-use-displaced-stepping
23829 @itemx maint show can-use-displaced-stepping
23830 Control whether or not @value{GDBN} will do @dfn{displaced stepping}
23831 if the target supports it. The default is on. Displaced stepping is
23832 a way to single-step over breakpoints without removing them from the
23833 inferior, by executing an out-of-line copy of the instruction that was
23834 originally at the breakpoint location. It is also known as
23835 out-of-line single-stepping.
23836
23837 @kindex maint check-symtabs
23838 @item maint check-symtabs
23839 Check the consistency of psymtabs and symtabs.
23840
23841 @kindex maint cplus first_component
23842 @item maint cplus first_component @var{name}
23843 Print the first C@t{++} class/namespace component of @var{name}.
23844
23845 @kindex maint cplus namespace
23846 @item maint cplus namespace
23847 Print the list of possible C@t{++} namespaces.
23848
23849 @kindex maint demangle
23850 @item maint demangle @var{name}
23851 Demangle a C@t{++} or Objective-C mangled @var{name}.
23852
23853 @kindex maint deprecate
23854 @kindex maint undeprecate
23855 @cindex deprecated commands
23856 @item maint deprecate @var{command} @r{[}@var{replacement}@r{]}
23857 @itemx maint undeprecate @var{command}
23858 Deprecate or undeprecate the named @var{command}. Deprecated commands
23859 cause @value{GDBN} to issue a warning when you use them. The optional
23860 argument @var{replacement} says which newer command should be used in
23861 favor of the deprecated one; if it is given, @value{GDBN} will mention
23862 the replacement as part of the warning.
23863
23864 @kindex maint dump-me
23865 @item maint dump-me
23866 @cindex @code{SIGQUIT} signal, dump core of @value{GDBN}
23867 Cause a fatal signal in the debugger and force it to dump its core.
23868 This is supported only on systems which support aborting a program
23869 with the @code{SIGQUIT} signal.
23870
23871 @kindex maint internal-error
23872 @kindex maint internal-warning
23873 @item maint internal-error @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
23874 @itemx maint internal-warning @r{[}@var{message-text}@r{]}
23875 Cause @value{GDBN} to call the internal function @code{internal_error}
23876 or @code{internal_warning} and hence behave as though an internal error
23877 or internal warning has been detected. In addition to reporting the
23878 internal problem, these functions give the user the opportunity to
23879 either quit @value{GDBN} or create a core file of the current
23880 @value{GDBN} session.
23881
23882 These commands take an optional parameter @var{message-text} that is
23883 used as the text of the error or warning message.
23884
23885 Here's an example of using @code{internal-error}:
23886
23887 @smallexample
23888 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint internal-error testing, 1, 2}
23889 @dots{}/maint.c:121: internal-error: testing, 1, 2
23890 A problem internal to GDB has been detected. Further
23891 debugging may prove unreliable.
23892 Quit this debugging session? (y or n) @kbd{n}
23893 Create a core file? (y or n) @kbd{n}
23894 (@value{GDBP})
23895 @end smallexample
23896
23897 @kindex maint packet
23898 @item maint packet @var{text}
23899 If @value{GDBN} is talking to an inferior via the serial protocol,
23900 then this command sends the string @var{text} to the inferior, and
23901 displays the response packet. @value{GDBN} supplies the initial
23902 @samp{$} character, the terminating @samp{#} character, and the
23903 checksum.
23904
23905 @kindex maint print architecture
23906 @item maint print architecture @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
23907 Print the entire architecture configuration. The optional argument
23908 @var{file} names the file where the output goes.
23909
23910 @kindex maint print c-tdesc
23911 @item maint print c-tdesc
23912 Print the current target description (@pxref{Target Descriptions}) as
23913 a C source file. The created source file can be used in @value{GDBN}
23914 when an XML parser is not available to parse the description.
23915
23916 @kindex maint print dummy-frames
23917 @item maint print dummy-frames
23918 Prints the contents of @value{GDBN}'s internal dummy-frame stack.
23919
23920 @smallexample
23921 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{b add}
23922 @dots{}
23923 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{print add(2,3)}
23924 Breakpoint 2, add (a=2, b=3) at @dots{}
23925 58 return (a + b);
23926 The program being debugged stopped while in a function called from GDB.
23927 @dots{}
23928 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print dummy-frames}
23929 0x1a57c80: pc=0x01014068 fp=0x0200bddc sp=0x0200bdd6
23930 top=0x0200bdd4 id=@{stack=0x200bddc,code=0x101405c@}
23931 call_lo=0x01014000 call_hi=0x01014001
23932 (@value{GDBP})
23933 @end smallexample
23934
23935 Takes an optional file parameter.
23936
23937 @kindex maint print registers
23938 @kindex maint print raw-registers
23939 @kindex maint print cooked-registers
23940 @kindex maint print register-groups
23941 @item maint print registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
23942 @itemx maint print raw-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
23943 @itemx maint print cooked-registers @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
23944 @itemx maint print register-groups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
23945 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register data structures.
23946
23947 The command @code{maint print raw-registers} includes the contents of
23948 the raw register cache; the command @code{maint print cooked-registers}
23949 includes the (cooked) value of all registers; and the command
23950 @code{maint print register-groups} includes the groups that each
23951 register is a member of. @xref{Registers,, Registers, gdbint,
23952 @value{GDBN} Internals}.
23953
23954 These commands take an optional parameter, a file name to which to
23955 write the information.
23956
23957 @kindex maint print reggroups
23958 @item maint print reggroups @r{[}@var{file}@r{]}
23959 Print @value{GDBN}'s internal register group data structures. The
23960 optional argument @var{file} tells to what file to write the
23961 information.
23962
23963 The register groups info looks like this:
23964
23965 @smallexample
23966 (@value{GDBP}) @kbd{maint print reggroups}
23967 Group Type
23968 general user
23969 float user
23970 all user
23971 vector user
23972 system user
23973 save internal
23974 restore internal
23975 @end smallexample
23976
23977 @kindex flushregs
23978 @item flushregs
23979 This command forces @value{GDBN} to flush its internal register cache.
23980
23981 @kindex maint print objfiles
23982 @cindex info for known object files
23983 @item maint print objfiles
23984 Print a dump of all known object files. For each object file, this
23985 command prints its name, address in memory, and all of its psymtabs
23986 and symtabs.
23987
23988 @kindex maint print statistics
23989 @cindex bcache statistics
23990 @item maint print statistics
23991 This command prints, for each object file in the program, various data
23992 about that object file followed by the byte cache (@dfn{bcache})
23993 statistics for the object file. The objfile data includes the number
23994 of minimal, partial, full, and stabs symbols, the number of types
23995 defined by the objfile, the number of as yet unexpanded psym tables,
23996 the number of line tables and string tables, and the amount of memory
23997 used by the various tables. The bcache statistics include the counts,
23998 sizes, and counts of duplicates of all and unique objects, max,
23999 average, and median entry size, total memory used and its overhead and
24000 savings, and various measures of the hash table size and chain
24001 lengths.
24002
24003 @kindex maint print target-stack
24004 @cindex target stack description
24005 @item maint print target-stack
24006 A @dfn{target} is an interface between the debugger and a particular
24007 kind of file or process. Targets can be stacked in @dfn{strata},
24008 so that more than one target can potentially respond to a request.
24009 In particular, memory accesses will walk down the stack of targets
24010 until they find a target that is interested in handling that particular
24011 address.
24012
24013 This command prints a short description of each layer that was pushed on
24014 the @dfn{target stack}, starting from the top layer down to the bottom one.
24015
24016 @kindex maint print type
24017 @cindex type chain of a data type
24018 @item maint print type @var{expr}
24019 Print the type chain for a type specified by @var{expr}. The argument
24020 can be either a type name or a symbol. If it is a symbol, the type of
24021 that symbol is described. The type chain produced by this command is
24022 a recursive definition of the data type as stored in @value{GDBN}'s
24023 data structures, including its flags and contained types.
24024
24025 @kindex maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
24026 @kindex maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
24027 @item maint set dwarf2 max-cache-age
24028 @itemx maint show dwarf2 max-cache-age
24029 Control the DWARF 2 compilation unit cache.
24030
24031 @cindex DWARF 2 compilation units cache
24032 In object files with inter-compilation-unit references, such as those
24033 produced by the GCC option @samp{-feliminate-dwarf2-dups}, the DWARF 2
24034 reader needs to frequently refer to previously read compilation units.
24035 This setting controls how long a compilation unit will remain in the
24036 cache if it is not referenced. A higher limit means that cached
24037 compilation units will be stored in memory longer, and more total
24038 memory will be used. Setting it to zero disables caching, which will
24039 slow down @value{GDBN} startup, but reduce memory consumption.
24040
24041 @kindex maint set profile
24042 @kindex maint show profile
24043 @cindex profiling GDB
24044 @item maint set profile
24045 @itemx maint show profile
24046 Control profiling of @value{GDBN}.
24047
24048 Profiling will be disabled until you use the @samp{maint set profile}
24049 command to enable it. When you enable profiling, the system will begin
24050 collecting timing and execution count data; when you disable profiling or
24051 exit @value{GDBN}, the results will be written to a log file. Remember that
24052 if you use profiling, @value{GDBN} will overwrite the profiling log file
24053 (often called @file{gmon.out}). If you have a record of important profiling
24054 data in a @file{gmon.out} file, be sure to move it to a safe location.
24055
24056 Configuring with @samp{--enable-profiling} arranges for @value{GDBN} to be
24057 compiled with the @samp{-pg} compiler option.
24058
24059 @kindex maint set linux-async
24060 @kindex maint show linux-async
24061 @cindex asynchronous support
24062 @item maint set linux-async
24063 @itemx maint show linux-async
24064 Control the GNU/Linux native asynchronous support
24065 (@pxref{Background Execution}) of @value{GDBN}.
24066
24067 GNU/Linux native asynchronous support will be disabled until you use
24068 the @samp{maint set linux-async} command to enable it.
24069
24070 @kindex maint set remote-async
24071 @kindex maint show remote-async
24072 @cindex asynchronous support
24073 @item maint set remote-async
24074 @itemx maint show remote-async
24075 Control the remote asynchronous support
24076 (@pxref{Background Execution}) of @value{GDBN}.
24077
24078 Remote asynchronous support will be disabled until you use
24079 the @samp{maint set remote-async} command to enable it.
24080
24081 @kindex maint show-debug-regs
24082 @cindex x86 hardware debug registers
24083 @item maint show-debug-regs
24084 Control whether to show variables that mirror the x86 hardware debug
24085 registers. Use @code{ON} to enable, @code{OFF} to disable. If
24086 enabled, the debug registers values are shown when @value{GDBN} inserts or
24087 removes a hardware breakpoint or watchpoint, and when the inferior
24088 triggers a hardware-assisted breakpoint or watchpoint.
24089
24090 @kindex maint space
24091 @cindex memory used by commands
24092 @item maint space
24093 Control whether to display memory usage for each command. If set to a
24094 nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much memory each command
24095 took, following the command's own output. This can also be requested
24096 by invoking @value{GDBN} with the @option{--statistics} command-line
24097 switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
24098
24099 @kindex maint time
24100 @cindex time of command execution
24101 @item maint time
24102 Control whether to display the execution time for each command. If
24103 set to a nonzero value, @value{GDBN} will display how much time it
24104 took to execute each command, following the command's own output.
24105 The time is not printed for the commands that run the target, since
24106 there's no mechanism currently to compute how much time was spend
24107 by @value{GDBN} and how much time was spend by the program been debugged.
24108 it's not possibly currently
24109 This can also be requested by invoking @value{GDBN} with the
24110 @option{--statistics} command-line switch (@pxref{Mode Options}).
24111
24112 @kindex maint translate-address
24113 @item maint translate-address @r{[}@var{section}@r{]} @var{addr}
24114 Find the symbol stored at the location specified by the address
24115 @var{addr} and an optional section name @var{section}. If found,
24116 @value{GDBN} prints the name of the closest symbol and an offset from
24117 the symbol's location to the specified address. This is similar to
24118 the @code{info address} command (@pxref{Symbols}), except that this
24119 command also allows to find symbols in other sections.
24120
24121 @end table
24122
24123 The following command is useful for non-interactive invocations of
24124 @value{GDBN}, such as in the test suite.
24125
24126 @table @code
24127 @item set watchdog @var{nsec}
24128 @kindex set watchdog
24129 @cindex watchdog timer
24130 @cindex timeout for commands
24131 Set the maximum number of seconds @value{GDBN} will wait for the
24132 target operation to finish. If this time expires, @value{GDBN}
24133 reports and error and the command is aborted.
24134
24135 @item show watchdog
24136 Show the current setting of the target wait timeout.
24137 @end table
24138
24139 @node Remote Protocol
24140 @appendix @value{GDBN} Remote Serial Protocol
24141
24142 @menu
24143 * Overview::
24144 * Packets::
24145 * Stop Reply Packets::
24146 * General Query Packets::
24147 * Register Packet Format::
24148 * Tracepoint Packets::
24149 * Host I/O Packets::
24150 * Interrupts::
24151 * Packet Acknowledgment::
24152 * Examples::
24153 * File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension::
24154 * Library List Format::
24155 * Memory Map Format::
24156 @end menu
24157
24158 @node Overview
24159 @section Overview
24160
24161 There may be occasions when you need to know something about the
24162 protocol---for example, if there is only one serial port to your target
24163 machine, you might want your program to do something special if it
24164 recognizes a packet meant for @value{GDBN}.
24165
24166 In the examples below, @samp{->} and @samp{<-} are used to indicate
24167 transmitted and received data, respectively.
24168
24169 @cindex protocol, @value{GDBN} remote serial
24170 @cindex serial protocol, @value{GDBN} remote
24171 @cindex remote serial protocol
24172 All @value{GDBN} commands and responses (other than acknowledgments) are
24173 sent as a @var{packet}. A @var{packet} is introduced with the character
24174 @samp{$}, the actual @var{packet-data}, and the terminating character
24175 @samp{#} followed by a two-digit @var{checksum}:
24176
24177 @smallexample
24178 @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
24179 @end smallexample
24180 @noindent
24181
24182 @cindex checksum, for @value{GDBN} remote
24183 @noindent
24184 The two-digit @var{checksum} is computed as the modulo 256 sum of all
24185 characters between the leading @samp{$} and the trailing @samp{#} (an
24186 eight bit unsigned checksum).
24187
24188 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0 the protocol
24189 specification also included an optional two-digit @var{sequence-id}:
24190
24191 @smallexample
24192 @code{$}@var{sequence-id}@code{:}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
24193 @end smallexample
24194
24195 @cindex sequence-id, for @value{GDBN} remote
24196 @noindent
24197 That @var{sequence-id} was appended to the acknowledgment. @value{GDBN}
24198 has never output @var{sequence-id}s. Stubs that handle packets added
24199 since @value{GDBN} 5.0 must not accept @var{sequence-id}.
24200
24201 When either the host or the target machine receives a packet, the first
24202 response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
24203 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request
24204 retransmission):
24205
24206 @smallexample
24207 -> @code{$}@var{packet-data}@code{#}@var{checksum}
24208 <- @code{+}
24209 @end smallexample
24210 @noindent
24211
24212 The @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments can be disabled
24213 once a connection is established.
24214 @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}, for details.
24215
24216 The host (@value{GDBN}) sends @var{command}s, and the target (the
24217 debugging stub incorporated in your program) sends a @var{response}. In
24218 the case of step and continue @var{command}s, the response is only sent
24219 when the operation has completed (the target has again stopped).
24220
24221 @var{packet-data} consists of a sequence of characters with the
24222 exception of @samp{#} and @samp{$} (see @samp{X} packet for additional
24223 exceptions).
24224
24225 @cindex remote protocol, field separator
24226 Fields within the packet should be separated using @samp{,} @samp{;} or
24227 @samp{:}. Except where otherwise noted all numbers are represented in
24228 @sc{hex} with leading zeros suppressed.
24229
24230 Implementors should note that prior to @value{GDBN} 5.0, the character
24231 @samp{:} could not appear as the third character in a packet (as it
24232 would potentially conflict with the @var{sequence-id}).
24233
24234 @cindex remote protocol, binary data
24235 @anchor{Binary Data}
24236 Binary data in most packets is encoded either as two hexadecimal
24237 digits per byte of binary data. This allowed the traditional remote
24238 protocol to work over connections which were only seven-bit clean.
24239 Some packets designed more recently assume an eight-bit clean
24240 connection, and use a more efficient encoding to send and receive
24241 binary data.
24242
24243 The binary data representation uses @code{7d} (@sc{ascii} @samp{@}})
24244 as an escape character. Any escaped byte is transmitted as the escape
24245 character followed by the original character XORed with @code{0x20}.
24246 For example, the byte @code{0x7d} would be transmitted as the two
24247 bytes @code{0x7d 0x5d}. The bytes @code{0x23} (@sc{ascii} @samp{#}),
24248 @code{0x24} (@sc{ascii} @samp{$}), and @code{0x7d} (@sc{ascii}
24249 @samp{@}}) must always be escaped. Responses sent by the stub
24250 must also escape @code{0x2a} (@sc{ascii} @samp{*}), so that it
24251 is not interpreted as the start of a run-length encoded sequence
24252 (described next).
24253
24254 Response @var{data} can be run-length encoded to save space.
24255 Run-length encoding replaces runs of identical characters with one
24256 instance of the repeated character, followed by a @samp{*} and a
24257 repeat count. The repeat count is itself sent encoded, to avoid
24258 binary characters in @var{data}: a value of @var{n} is sent as
24259 @code{@var{n}+29}. For a repeat count greater or equal to 3, this
24260 produces a printable @sc{ascii} character, e.g.@: a space (@sc{ascii}
24261 code 32) for a repeat count of 3. (This is because run-length
24262 encoding starts to win for counts 3 or more.) Thus, for example,
24263 @samp{0* } is a run-length encoding of ``0000'': the space character
24264 after @samp{*} means repeat the leading @code{0} @w{@code{32 - 29 =
24265 3}} more times.
24266
24267 The printable characters @samp{#} and @samp{$} or with a numeric value
24268 greater than 126 must not be used. Runs of six repeats (@samp{#}) or
24269 seven repeats (@samp{$}) can be expanded using a repeat count of only
24270 five (@samp{"}). For example, @samp{00000000} can be encoded as
24271 @samp{0*"00}.
24272
24273 The error response returned for some packets includes a two character
24274 error number. That number is not well defined.
24275
24276 @cindex empty response, for unsupported packets
24277 For any @var{command} not supported by the stub, an empty response
24278 (@samp{$#00}) should be returned. That way it is possible to extend the
24279 protocol. A newer @value{GDBN} can tell if a packet is supported based
24280 on that response.
24281
24282 A stub is required to support the @samp{g}, @samp{G}, @samp{m}, @samp{M},
24283 @samp{c}, and @samp{s} @var{command}s. All other @var{command}s are
24284 optional.
24285
24286 @node Packets
24287 @section Packets
24288
24289 The following table provides a complete list of all currently defined
24290 @var{command}s and their corresponding response @var{data}.
24291 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for details about the File
24292 I/O extension of the remote protocol.
24293
24294 Each packet's description has a template showing the packet's overall
24295 syntax, followed by an explanation of the packet's meaning. We
24296 include spaces in some of the templates for clarity; these are not
24297 part of the packet's syntax. No @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to
24298 separate its components. For example, a template like @samp{foo
24299 @var{bar} @var{baz}} describes a packet beginning with the three ASCII
24300 bytes @samp{foo}, followed by a @var{bar}, followed directly by a
24301 @var{baz}. @value{GDBN} does not transmit a space character between the
24302 @samp{foo} and the @var{bar}, or between the @var{bar} and the
24303 @var{baz}.
24304
24305 Note that all packet forms beginning with an upper- or lower-case
24306 letter, other than those described here, are reserved for future use.
24307
24308 Here are the packet descriptions.
24309
24310 @table @samp
24311
24312 @item !
24313 @cindex @samp{!} packet
24314 @anchor{extended mode}
24315 Enable extended mode. In extended mode, the remote server is made
24316 persistent. The @samp{R} packet is used to restart the program being
24317 debugged.
24318
24319 Reply:
24320 @table @samp
24321 @item OK
24322 The remote target both supports and has enabled extended mode.
24323 @end table
24324
24325 @item ?
24326 @cindex @samp{?} packet
24327 Indicate the reason the target halted. The reply is the same as for
24328 step and continue.
24329
24330 Reply:
24331 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
24332
24333 @item A @var{arglen},@var{argnum},@var{arg},@dots{}
24334 @cindex @samp{A} packet
24335 Initialized @code{argv[]} array passed into program. @var{arglen}
24336 specifies the number of bytes in the hex encoded byte stream
24337 @var{arg}. See @code{gdbserver} for more details.
24338
24339 Reply:
24340 @table @samp
24341 @item OK
24342 The arguments were set.
24343 @item E @var{NN}
24344 An error occurred.
24345 @end table
24346
24347 @item b @var{baud}
24348 @cindex @samp{b} packet
24349 (Don't use this packet; its behavior is not well-defined.)
24350 Change the serial line speed to @var{baud}.
24351
24352 JTC: @emph{When does the transport layer state change? When it's
24353 received, or after the ACK is transmitted. In either case, there are
24354 problems if the command or the acknowledgment packet is dropped.}
24355
24356 Stan: @emph{If people really wanted to add something like this, and get
24357 it working for the first time, they ought to modify ser-unix.c to send
24358 some kind of out-of-band message to a specially-setup stub and have the
24359 switch happen "in between" packets, so that from remote protocol's point
24360 of view, nothing actually happened.}
24361
24362 @item B @var{addr},@var{mode}
24363 @cindex @samp{B} packet
24364 Set (@var{mode} is @samp{S}) or clear (@var{mode} is @samp{C}) a
24365 breakpoint at @var{addr}.
24366
24367 Don't use this packet. Use the @samp{Z} and @samp{z} packets instead
24368 (@pxref{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}).
24369
24370 @item c @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
24371 @cindex @samp{c} packet
24372 Continue. @var{addr} is address to resume. If @var{addr} is omitted,
24373 resume at current address.
24374
24375 Reply:
24376 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
24377
24378 @item C @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
24379 @cindex @samp{C} packet
24380 Continue with signal @var{sig} (hex signal number). If
24381 @samp{;@var{addr}} is omitted, resume at same address.
24382
24383 Reply:
24384 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
24385
24386 @item d
24387 @cindex @samp{d} packet
24388 Toggle debug flag.
24389
24390 Don't use this packet; instead, define a general set packet
24391 (@pxref{General Query Packets}).
24392
24393 @item D
24394 @cindex @samp{D} packet
24395 Detach @value{GDBN} from the remote system. Sent to the remote target
24396 before @value{GDBN} disconnects via the @code{detach} command.
24397
24398 Reply:
24399 @table @samp
24400 @item OK
24401 for success
24402 @item E @var{NN}
24403 for an error
24404 @end table
24405
24406 @item F @var{RC},@var{EE},@var{CF};@var{XX}
24407 @cindex @samp{F} packet
24408 A reply from @value{GDBN} to an @samp{F} packet sent by the target.
24409 This is part of the File-I/O protocol extension. @xref{File-I/O
24410 Remote Protocol Extension}, for the specification.
24411
24412 @item g
24413 @anchor{read registers packet}
24414 @cindex @samp{g} packet
24415 Read general registers.
24416
24417 Reply:
24418 @table @samp
24419 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
24420 Each byte of register data is described by two hex digits. The bytes
24421 with the register are transmitted in target byte order. The size of
24422 each register and their position within the @samp{g} packet are
24423 determined by the @value{GDBN} internal gdbarch functions
24424 @code{DEPRECATED_REGISTER_RAW_SIZE} and @code{gdbarch_register_name}. The
24425 specification of several standard @samp{g} packets is specified below.
24426 @item E @var{NN}
24427 for an error.
24428 @end table
24429
24430 @item G @var{XX@dots{}}
24431 @cindex @samp{G} packet
24432 Write general registers. @xref{read registers packet}, for a
24433 description of the @var{XX@dots{}} data.
24434
24435 Reply:
24436 @table @samp
24437 @item OK
24438 for success
24439 @item E @var{NN}
24440 for an error
24441 @end table
24442
24443 @item H @var{c} @var{t}
24444 @cindex @samp{H} packet
24445 Set thread for subsequent operations (@samp{m}, @samp{M}, @samp{g},
24446 @samp{G}, et.al.). @var{c} depends on the operation to be performed: it
24447 should be @samp{c} for step and continue operations, @samp{g} for other
24448 operations. The thread designator @var{t} may be @samp{-1}, meaning all
24449 the threads, a thread number, or @samp{0} which means pick any thread.
24450
24451 Reply:
24452 @table @samp
24453 @item OK
24454 for success
24455 @item E @var{NN}
24456 for an error
24457 @end table
24458
24459 @c FIXME: JTC:
24460 @c 'H': How restrictive (or permissive) is the thread model. If a
24461 @c thread is selected and stopped, are other threads allowed
24462 @c to continue to execute? As I mentioned above, I think the
24463 @c semantics of each command when a thread is selected must be
24464 @c described. For example:
24465 @c
24466 @c 'g': If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
24467 @c selected, returns the register block from that thread;
24468 @c otherwise returns current registers.
24469 @c
24470 @c 'G' If the stub supports threads and a specific thread is
24471 @c selected, sets the registers of the register block of
24472 @c that thread; otherwise sets current registers.
24473
24474 @item i @r{[}@var{addr}@r{[},@var{nnn}@r{]]}
24475 @anchor{cycle step packet}
24476 @cindex @samp{i} packet
24477 Step the remote target by a single clock cycle. If @samp{,@var{nnn}} is
24478 present, cycle step @var{nnn} cycles. If @var{addr} is present, cycle
24479 step starting at that address.
24480
24481 @item I
24482 @cindex @samp{I} packet
24483 Signal, then cycle step. @xref{step with signal packet}. @xref{cycle
24484 step packet}.
24485
24486 @item k
24487 @cindex @samp{k} packet
24488 Kill request.
24489
24490 FIXME: @emph{There is no description of how to operate when a specific
24491 thread context has been selected (i.e.@: does 'k' kill only that
24492 thread?)}.
24493
24494 @item m @var{addr},@var{length}
24495 @cindex @samp{m} packet
24496 Read @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
24497 Note that @var{addr} may not be aligned to any particular boundary.
24498
24499 The stub need not use any particular size or alignment when gathering
24500 data from memory for the response; even if @var{addr} is word-aligned
24501 and @var{length} is a multiple of the word size, the stub is free to
24502 use byte accesses, or not. For this reason, this packet may not be
24503 suitable for accessing memory-mapped I/O devices.
24504 @cindex alignment of remote memory accesses
24505 @cindex size of remote memory accesses
24506 @cindex memory, alignment and size of remote accesses
24507
24508 Reply:
24509 @table @samp
24510 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
24511 Memory contents; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit hexadecimal
24512 number. The reply may contain fewer bytes than requested if the
24513 server was able to read only part of the region of memory.
24514 @item E @var{NN}
24515 @var{NN} is errno
24516 @end table
24517
24518 @item M @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
24519 @cindex @samp{M} packet
24520 Write @var{length} bytes of memory starting at address @var{addr}.
24521 @var{XX@dots{}} is the data; each byte is transmitted as a two-digit
24522 hexadecimal number.
24523
24524 Reply:
24525 @table @samp
24526 @item OK
24527 for success
24528 @item E @var{NN}
24529 for an error (this includes the case where only part of the data was
24530 written).
24531 @end table
24532
24533 @item p @var{n}
24534 @cindex @samp{p} packet
24535 Read the value of register @var{n}; @var{n} is in hex.
24536 @xref{read registers packet}, for a description of how the returned
24537 register value is encoded.
24538
24539 Reply:
24540 @table @samp
24541 @item @var{XX@dots{}}
24542 the register's value
24543 @item E @var{NN}
24544 for an error
24545 @item
24546 Indicating an unrecognized @var{query}.
24547 @end table
24548
24549 @item P @var{n@dots{}}=@var{r@dots{}}
24550 @anchor{write register packet}
24551 @cindex @samp{P} packet
24552 Write register @var{n@dots{}} with value @var{r@dots{}}. The register
24553 number @var{n} is in hexadecimal, and @var{r@dots{}} contains two hex
24554 digits for each byte in the register (target byte order).
24555
24556 Reply:
24557 @table @samp
24558 @item OK
24559 for success
24560 @item E @var{NN}
24561 for an error
24562 @end table
24563
24564 @item q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
24565 @itemx Q @var{name} @var{params}@dots{}
24566 @cindex @samp{q} packet
24567 @cindex @samp{Q} packet
24568 General query (@samp{q}) and set (@samp{Q}). These packets are
24569 described fully in @ref{General Query Packets}.
24570
24571 @item r
24572 @cindex @samp{r} packet
24573 Reset the entire system.
24574
24575 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{R} packet instead.
24576
24577 @item R @var{XX}
24578 @cindex @samp{R} packet
24579 Restart the program being debugged. @var{XX}, while needed, is ignored.
24580 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
24581
24582 The @samp{R} packet has no reply.
24583
24584 @item s @r{[}@var{addr}@r{]}
24585 @cindex @samp{s} packet
24586 Single step. @var{addr} is the address at which to resume. If
24587 @var{addr} is omitted, resume at same address.
24588
24589 Reply:
24590 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
24591
24592 @item S @var{sig}@r{[};@var{addr}@r{]}
24593 @anchor{step with signal packet}
24594 @cindex @samp{S} packet
24595 Step with signal. This is analogous to the @samp{C} packet, but
24596 requests a single-step, rather than a normal resumption of execution.
24597
24598 Reply:
24599 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
24600
24601 @item t @var{addr}:@var{PP},@var{MM}
24602 @cindex @samp{t} packet
24603 Search backwards starting at address @var{addr} for a match with pattern
24604 @var{PP} and mask @var{MM}. @var{PP} and @var{MM} are 4 bytes.
24605 @var{addr} must be at least 3 digits.
24606
24607 @item T @var{XX}
24608 @cindex @samp{T} packet
24609 Find out if the thread XX is alive.
24610
24611 Reply:
24612 @table @samp
24613 @item OK
24614 thread is still alive
24615 @item E @var{NN}
24616 thread is dead
24617 @end table
24618
24619 @item v
24620 Packets starting with @samp{v} are identified by a multi-letter name,
24621 up to the first @samp{;} or @samp{?} (or the end of the packet).
24622
24623 @item vAttach;@var{pid}
24624 @cindex @samp{vAttach} packet
24625 Attach to a new process with the specified process ID. @var{pid} is a
24626 hexadecimal integer identifying the process. The attached process is
24627 stopped.
24628
24629 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
24630
24631 Reply:
24632 @table @samp
24633 @item E @var{nn}
24634 for an error
24635 @item @r{Any stop packet}
24636 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
24637 @end table
24638
24639 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@r{[}:@var{tid}@r{]]}@dots{}
24640 @cindex @samp{vCont} packet
24641 Resume the inferior, specifying different actions for each thread.
24642 If an action is specified with no @var{tid}, then it is applied to any
24643 threads that don't have a specific action specified; if no default action is
24644 specified then other threads should remain stopped. Specifying multiple
24645 default actions is an error; specifying no actions is also an error.
24646 Thread IDs are specified in hexadecimal. Currently supported actions are:
24647
24648 @table @samp
24649 @item c
24650 Continue.
24651 @item C @var{sig}
24652 Continue with signal @var{sig}. @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
24653 @item s
24654 Step.
24655 @item S @var{sig}
24656 Step with signal @var{sig}. @var{sig} should be two hex digits.
24657 @end table
24658
24659 The optional @var{addr} argument normally associated with these packets is
24660 not supported in @samp{vCont}.
24661
24662 Reply:
24663 @xref{Stop Reply Packets}, for the reply specifications.
24664
24665 @item vCont?
24666 @cindex @samp{vCont?} packet
24667 Request a list of actions supported by the @samp{vCont} packet.
24668
24669 Reply:
24670 @table @samp
24671 @item vCont@r{[};@var{action}@dots{}@r{]}
24672 The @samp{vCont} packet is supported. Each @var{action} is a supported
24673 command in the @samp{vCont} packet.
24674 @item
24675 The @samp{vCont} packet is not supported.
24676 @end table
24677
24678 @item vFile:@var{operation}:@var{parameter}@dots{}
24679 @cindex @samp{vFile} packet
24680 Perform a file operation on the target system. For details,
24681 see @ref{Host I/O Packets}.
24682
24683 @item vFlashErase:@var{addr},@var{length}
24684 @cindex @samp{vFlashErase} packet
24685 Direct the stub to erase @var{length} bytes of flash starting at
24686 @var{addr}. The region may enclose any number of flash blocks, but
24687 its start and end must fall on block boundaries, as indicated by the
24688 flash block size appearing in the memory map (@pxref{Memory Map
24689 Format}). @value{GDBN} groups flash memory programming operations
24690 together, and sends a @samp{vFlashDone} request after each group; the
24691 stub is allowed to delay erase operation until the @samp{vFlashDone}
24692 packet is received.
24693
24694 Reply:
24695 @table @samp
24696 @item OK
24697 for success
24698 @item E @var{NN}
24699 for an error
24700 @end table
24701
24702 @item vFlashWrite:@var{addr}:@var{XX@dots{}}
24703 @cindex @samp{vFlashWrite} packet
24704 Direct the stub to write data to flash address @var{addr}. The data
24705 is passed in binary form using the same encoding as for the @samp{X}
24706 packet (@pxref{Binary Data}). The memory ranges specified by
24707 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets preceding a @samp{vFlashDone} packet must
24708 not overlap, and must appear in order of increasing addresses
24709 (although @samp{vFlashErase} packets for higher addresses may already
24710 have been received; the ordering is guaranteed only between
24711 @samp{vFlashWrite} packets). If a packet writes to an address that was
24712 neither erased by a preceding @samp{vFlashErase} packet nor by some other
24713 target-specific method, the results are unpredictable.
24714
24715
24716 Reply:
24717 @table @samp
24718 @item OK
24719 for success
24720 @item E.memtype
24721 for vFlashWrite addressing non-flash memory
24722 @item E @var{NN}
24723 for an error
24724 @end table
24725
24726 @item vFlashDone
24727 @cindex @samp{vFlashDone} packet
24728 Indicate to the stub that flash programming operation is finished.
24729 The stub is permitted to delay or batch the effects of a group of
24730 @samp{vFlashErase} and @samp{vFlashWrite} packets until a
24731 @samp{vFlashDone} packet is received. The contents of the affected
24732 regions of flash memory are unpredictable until the @samp{vFlashDone}
24733 request is completed.
24734
24735 @item vRun;@var{filename}@r{[};@var{argument}@r{]}@dots{}
24736 @cindex @samp{vRun} packet
24737 Run the program @var{filename}, passing it each @var{argument} on its
24738 command line. The file and arguments are hex-encoded strings. If
24739 @var{filename} is an empty string, the stub may use a default program
24740 (e.g.@: the last program run). The program is created in the stopped
24741 state.
24742
24743 This packet is only available in extended mode (@pxref{extended mode}).
24744
24745 Reply:
24746 @table @samp
24747 @item E @var{nn}
24748 for an error
24749 @item @r{Any stop packet}
24750 for success (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets})
24751 @end table
24752
24753 @item X @var{addr},@var{length}:@var{XX@dots{}}
24754 @anchor{X packet}
24755 @cindex @samp{X} packet
24756 Write data to memory, where the data is transmitted in binary.
24757 @var{addr} is address, @var{length} is number of bytes,
24758 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
24759
24760 Reply:
24761 @table @samp
24762 @item OK
24763 for success
24764 @item E @var{NN}
24765 for an error
24766 @end table
24767
24768 @item z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{length}
24769 @itemx Z @var{type},@var{addr},@var{length}
24770 @anchor{insert breakpoint or watchpoint packet}
24771 @cindex @samp{z} packet
24772 @cindex @samp{Z} packets
24773 Insert (@samp{Z}) or remove (@samp{z}) a @var{type} breakpoint or
24774 watchpoint starting at address @var{address} and covering the next
24775 @var{length} bytes.
24776
24777 Each breakpoint and watchpoint packet @var{type} is documented
24778 separately.
24779
24780 @emph{Implementation notes: A remote target shall return an empty string
24781 for an unrecognized breakpoint or watchpoint packet @var{type}. A
24782 remote target shall support either both or neither of a given
24783 @samp{Z@var{type}@dots{}} and @samp{z@var{type}@dots{}} packet pair. To
24784 avoid potential problems with duplicate packets, the operations should
24785 be implemented in an idempotent way.}
24786
24787 @item z0,@var{addr},@var{length}
24788 @itemx Z0,@var{addr},@var{length}
24789 @cindex @samp{z0} packet
24790 @cindex @samp{Z0} packet
24791 Insert (@samp{Z0}) or remove (@samp{z0}) a memory breakpoint at address
24792 @var{addr} of size @var{length}.
24793
24794 A memory breakpoint is implemented by replacing the instruction at
24795 @var{addr} with a software breakpoint or trap instruction. The
24796 @var{length} is used by targets that indicates the size of the
24797 breakpoint (in bytes) that should be inserted (e.g., the @sc{arm} and
24798 @sc{mips} can insert either a 2 or 4 byte breakpoint).
24799
24800 @emph{Implementation note: It is possible for a target to copy or move
24801 code that contains memory breakpoints (e.g., when implementing
24802 overlays). The behavior of this packet, in the presence of such a
24803 target, is not defined.}
24804
24805 Reply:
24806 @table @samp
24807 @item OK
24808 success
24809 @item
24810 not supported
24811 @item E @var{NN}
24812 for an error
24813 @end table
24814
24815 @item z1,@var{addr},@var{length}
24816 @itemx Z1,@var{addr},@var{length}
24817 @cindex @samp{z1} packet
24818 @cindex @samp{Z1} packet
24819 Insert (@samp{Z1}) or remove (@samp{z1}) a hardware breakpoint at
24820 address @var{addr} of size @var{length}.
24821
24822 A hardware breakpoint is implemented using a mechanism that is not
24823 dependant on being able to modify the target's memory.
24824
24825 @emph{Implementation note: A hardware breakpoint is not affected by code
24826 movement.}
24827
24828 Reply:
24829 @table @samp
24830 @item OK
24831 success
24832 @item
24833 not supported
24834 @item E @var{NN}
24835 for an error
24836 @end table
24837
24838 @item z2,@var{addr},@var{length}
24839 @itemx Z2,@var{addr},@var{length}
24840 @cindex @samp{z2} packet
24841 @cindex @samp{Z2} packet
24842 Insert (@samp{Z2}) or remove (@samp{z2}) a write watchpoint.
24843
24844 Reply:
24845 @table @samp
24846 @item OK
24847 success
24848 @item
24849 not supported
24850 @item E @var{NN}
24851 for an error
24852 @end table
24853
24854 @item z3,@var{addr},@var{length}
24855 @itemx Z3,@var{addr},@var{length}
24856 @cindex @samp{z3} packet
24857 @cindex @samp{Z3} packet
24858 Insert (@samp{Z3}) or remove (@samp{z3}) a read watchpoint.
24859
24860 Reply:
24861 @table @samp
24862 @item OK
24863 success
24864 @item
24865 not supported
24866 @item E @var{NN}
24867 for an error
24868 @end table
24869
24870 @item z4,@var{addr},@var{length}
24871 @itemx Z4,@var{addr},@var{length}
24872 @cindex @samp{z4} packet
24873 @cindex @samp{Z4} packet
24874 Insert (@samp{Z4}) or remove (@samp{z4}) an access watchpoint.
24875
24876 Reply:
24877 @table @samp
24878 @item OK
24879 success
24880 @item
24881 not supported
24882 @item E @var{NN}
24883 for an error
24884 @end table
24885
24886 @end table
24887
24888 @node Stop Reply Packets
24889 @section Stop Reply Packets
24890 @cindex stop reply packets
24891
24892 The @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}, @samp{s} and @samp{?} packets can
24893 receive any of the below as a reply. In the case of the @samp{C},
24894 @samp{c}, @samp{S} and @samp{s} packets, that reply is only returned
24895 when the target halts. In the below the exact meaning of @dfn{signal
24896 number} is defined by the header @file{include/gdb/signals.h} in the
24897 @value{GDBN} source code.
24898
24899 As in the description of request packets, we include spaces in the
24900 reply templates for clarity; these are not part of the reply packet's
24901 syntax. No @value{GDBN} stop reply packet uses spaces to separate its
24902 components.
24903
24904 @table @samp
24905
24906 @item S @var{AA}
24907 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
24908 number). This is equivalent to a @samp{T} response with no
24909 @var{n}:@var{r} pairs.
24910
24911 @item T @var{AA} @var{n1}:@var{r1};@var{n2}:@var{r2};@dots{}
24912 @cindex @samp{T} packet reply
24913 The program received signal number @var{AA} (a two-digit hexadecimal
24914 number). This is equivalent to an @samp{S} response, except that the
24915 @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pairs can carry values of important registers
24916 and other information directly in the stop reply packet, reducing
24917 round-trip latency. Single-step and breakpoint traps are reported
24918 this way. Each @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair is interpreted as follows:
24919
24920 @itemize @bullet
24921 @item
24922 If @var{n} is a hexadecimal number, it is a register number, and the
24923 corresponding @var{r} gives that register's value. @var{r} is a
24924 series of bytes in target byte order, with each byte given by a
24925 two-digit hex number.
24926
24927 @item
24928 If @var{n} is @samp{thread}, then @var{r} is the thread process ID, in
24929 hex.
24930
24931 @item
24932 If @var{n} is a recognized @dfn{stop reason}, it describes a more
24933 specific event that stopped the target. The currently defined stop
24934 reasons are listed below. @var{aa} should be @samp{05}, the trap
24935 signal. At most one stop reason should be present.
24936
24937 @item
24938 Otherwise, @value{GDBN} should ignore this @samp{@var{n}:@var{r}} pair
24939 and go on to the next; this allows us to extend the protocol in the
24940 future.
24941 @end itemize
24942
24943 The currently defined stop reasons are:
24944
24945 @table @samp
24946 @item watch
24947 @itemx rwatch
24948 @itemx awatch
24949 The packet indicates a watchpoint hit, and @var{r} is the data address, in
24950 hex.
24951
24952 @cindex shared library events, remote reply
24953 @item library
24954 The packet indicates that the loaded libraries have changed.
24955 @value{GDBN} should use @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} to fetch a new
24956 list of loaded libraries. @var{r} is ignored.
24957 @end table
24958
24959 @item W @var{AA}
24960 The process exited, and @var{AA} is the exit status. This is only
24961 applicable to certain targets.
24962
24963 @item X @var{AA}
24964 The process terminated with signal @var{AA}.
24965
24966 @item O @var{XX}@dots{}
24967 @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data, to be
24968 written as the program's console output. This can happen at any time
24969 while the program is running and the debugger should continue to wait
24970 for @samp{W}, @samp{T}, etc.
24971
24972 @item F @var{call-id},@var{parameter}@dots{}
24973 @var{call-id} is the identifier which says which host system call should
24974 be called. This is just the name of the function. Translation into the
24975 correct system call is only applicable as it's defined in @value{GDBN}.
24976 @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension}, for a list of implemented
24977 system calls.
24978
24979 @samp{@var{parameter}@dots{}} is a list of parameters as defined for
24980 this very system call.
24981
24982 The target replies with this packet when it expects @value{GDBN} to
24983 call a host system call on behalf of the target. @value{GDBN} replies
24984 with an appropriate @samp{F} packet and keeps up waiting for the next
24985 reply packet from the target. The latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
24986 or @samp{s} action is expected to be continued. @xref{File-I/O Remote
24987 Protocol Extension}, for more details.
24988
24989 @end table
24990
24991 @node General Query Packets
24992 @section General Query Packets
24993 @cindex remote query requests
24994
24995 Packets starting with @samp{q} are @dfn{general query packets};
24996 packets starting with @samp{Q} are @dfn{general set packets}. General
24997 query and set packets are a semi-unified form for retrieving and
24998 sending information to and from the stub.
24999
25000 The initial letter of a query or set packet is followed by a name
25001 indicating what sort of thing the packet applies to. For example,
25002 @value{GDBN} may use a @samp{qSymbol} packet to exchange symbol
25003 definitions with the stub. These packet names follow some
25004 conventions:
25005
25006 @itemize @bullet
25007 @item
25008 The name must not contain commas, colons or semicolons.
25009 @item
25010 Most @value{GDBN} query and set packets have a leading upper case
25011 letter.
25012 @item
25013 The names of custom vendor packets should use a company prefix, in
25014 lower case, followed by a period. For example, packets designed at
25015 the Acme Corporation might begin with @samp{qacme.foo} (for querying
25016 foos) or @samp{Qacme.bar} (for setting bars).
25017 @end itemize
25018
25019 The name of a query or set packet should be separated from any
25020 parameters by a @samp{:}; the parameters themselves should be
25021 separated by @samp{,} or @samp{;}. Stubs must be careful to match the
25022 full packet name, and check for a separator or the end of the packet,
25023 in case two packet names share a common prefix. New packets should not begin
25024 with @samp{qC}, @samp{qP}, or @samp{qL}@footnote{The @samp{qP} and @samp{qL}
25025 packets predate these conventions, and have arguments without any terminator
25026 for the packet name; we suspect they are in widespread use in places that
25027 are difficult to upgrade. The @samp{qC} packet has no arguments, but some
25028 existing stubs (e.g.@: RedBoot) are known to not check for the end of the
25029 packet.}.
25030
25031 Like the descriptions of the other packets, each description here
25032 has a template showing the packet's overall syntax, followed by an
25033 explanation of the packet's meaning. We include spaces in some of the
25034 templates for clarity; these are not part of the packet's syntax. No
25035 @value{GDBN} packet uses spaces to separate its components.
25036
25037 Here are the currently defined query and set packets:
25038
25039 @table @samp
25040
25041 @item qC
25042 @cindex current thread, remote request
25043 @cindex @samp{qC} packet
25044 Return the current thread id.
25045
25046 Reply:
25047 @table @samp
25048 @item QC @var{pid}
25049 Where @var{pid} is an unsigned hexadecimal process id.
25050 @item @r{(anything else)}
25051 Any other reply implies the old pid.
25052 @end table
25053
25054 @item qCRC:@var{addr},@var{length}
25055 @cindex CRC of memory block, remote request
25056 @cindex @samp{qCRC} packet
25057 Compute the CRC checksum of a block of memory.
25058 Reply:
25059 @table @samp
25060 @item E @var{NN}
25061 An error (such as memory fault)
25062 @item C @var{crc32}
25063 The specified memory region's checksum is @var{crc32}.
25064 @end table
25065
25066 @item qfThreadInfo
25067 @itemx qsThreadInfo
25068 @cindex list active threads, remote request
25069 @cindex @samp{qfThreadInfo} packet
25070 @cindex @samp{qsThreadInfo} packet
25071 Obtain a list of all active thread ids from the target (OS). Since there
25072 may be too many active threads to fit into one reply packet, this query
25073 works iteratively: it may require more than one query/reply sequence to
25074 obtain the entire list of threads. The first query of the sequence will
25075 be the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query; subsequent queries in the
25076 sequence will be the @samp{qsThreadInfo} query.
25077
25078 NOTE: This packet replaces the @samp{qL} query (see below).
25079
25080 Reply:
25081 @table @samp
25082 @item m @var{id}
25083 A single thread id
25084 @item m @var{id},@var{id}@dots{}
25085 a comma-separated list of thread ids
25086 @item l
25087 (lower case letter @samp{L}) denotes end of list.
25088 @end table
25089
25090 In response to each query, the target will reply with a list of one or
25091 more thread ids, in big-endian unsigned hex, separated by commas.
25092 @value{GDBN} will respond to each reply with a request for more thread
25093 ids (using the @samp{qs} form of the query), until the target responds
25094 with @samp{l} (lower-case el, for @dfn{last}).
25095
25096 @item qGetTLSAddr:@var{thread-id},@var{offset},@var{lm}
25097 @cindex get thread-local storage address, remote request
25098 @cindex @samp{qGetTLSAddr} packet
25099 Fetch the address associated with thread local storage specified
25100 by @var{thread-id}, @var{offset}, and @var{lm}.
25101
25102 @var{thread-id} is the (big endian, hex encoded) thread id associated with the
25103 thread for which to fetch the TLS address.
25104
25105 @var{offset} is the (big endian, hex encoded) offset associated with the
25106 thread local variable. (This offset is obtained from the debug
25107 information associated with the variable.)
25108
25109 @var{lm} is the (big endian, hex encoded) OS/ABI-specific encoding of the
25110 the load module associated with the thread local storage. For example,
25111 a @sc{gnu}/Linux system will pass the link map address of the shared
25112 object associated with the thread local storage under consideration.
25113 Other operating environments may choose to represent the load module
25114 differently, so the precise meaning of this parameter will vary.
25115
25116 Reply:
25117 @table @samp
25118 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
25119 Hex encoded (big endian) bytes representing the address of the thread
25120 local storage requested.
25121
25122 @item E @var{nn}
25123 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
25124
25125 @item
25126 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qGetTLSAddr} is not supported by the stub.
25127 @end table
25128
25129 @item qL @var{startflag} @var{threadcount} @var{nextthread}
25130 Obtain thread information from RTOS. Where: @var{startflag} (one hex
25131 digit) is one to indicate the first query and zero to indicate a
25132 subsequent query; @var{threadcount} (two hex digits) is the maximum
25133 number of threads the response packet can contain; and @var{nextthread}
25134 (eight hex digits), for subsequent queries (@var{startflag} is zero), is
25135 returned in the response as @var{argthread}.
25136
25137 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qfThreadInfo} query instead (see above).
25138
25139 Reply:
25140 @table @samp
25141 @item qM @var{count} @var{done} @var{argthread} @var{thread}@dots{}
25142 Where: @var{count} (two hex digits) is the number of threads being
25143 returned; @var{done} (one hex digit) is zero to indicate more threads
25144 and one indicates no further threads; @var{argthreadid} (eight hex
25145 digits) is @var{nextthread} from the request packet; @var{thread}@dots{}
25146 is a sequence of thread IDs from the target. @var{threadid} (eight hex
25147 digits). See @code{remote.c:parse_threadlist_response()}.
25148 @end table
25149
25150 @item qOffsets
25151 @cindex section offsets, remote request
25152 @cindex @samp{qOffsets} packet
25153 Get section offsets that the target used when relocating the downloaded
25154 image.
25155
25156 Reply:
25157 @table @samp
25158 @item Text=@var{xxx};Data=@var{yyy}@r{[};Bss=@var{zzz}@r{]}
25159 Relocate the @code{Text} section by @var{xxx} from its original address.
25160 Relocate the @code{Data} section by @var{yyy} from its original address.
25161 If the object file format provides segment information (e.g.@: @sc{elf}
25162 @samp{PT_LOAD} program headers), @value{GDBN} will relocate entire
25163 segments by the supplied offsets.
25164
25165 @emph{Note: while a @code{Bss} offset may be included in the response,
25166 @value{GDBN} ignores this and instead applies the @code{Data} offset
25167 to the @code{Bss} section.}
25168
25169 @item TextSeg=@var{xxx}@r{[};DataSeg=@var{yyy}@r{]}
25170 Relocate the first segment of the object file, which conventionally
25171 contains program code, to a starting address of @var{xxx}. If
25172 @samp{DataSeg} is specified, relocate the second segment, which
25173 conventionally contains modifiable data, to a starting address of
25174 @var{yyy}. @value{GDBN} will report an error if the object file
25175 does not contain segment information, or does not contain at least
25176 as many segments as mentioned in the reply. Extra segments are
25177 kept at fixed offsets relative to the last relocated segment.
25178 @end table
25179
25180 @item qP @var{mode} @var{threadid}
25181 @cindex thread information, remote request
25182 @cindex @samp{qP} packet
25183 Returns information on @var{threadid}. Where: @var{mode} is a hex
25184 encoded 32 bit mode; @var{threadid} is a hex encoded 64 bit thread ID.
25185
25186 Don't use this packet; use the @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} query instead
25187 (see below).
25188
25189 Reply: see @code{remote.c:remote_unpack_thread_info_response()}.
25190
25191 @item QPassSignals: @var{signal} @r{[};@var{signal}@r{]}@dots{}
25192 @cindex pass signals to inferior, remote request
25193 @cindex @samp{QPassSignals} packet
25194 @anchor{QPassSignals}
25195 Each listed @var{signal} should be passed directly to the inferior process.
25196 Signals are numbered identically to continue packets and stop replies
25197 (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}). Each @var{signal} list item should be
25198 strictly greater than the previous item. These signals do not need to stop
25199 the inferior, or be reported to @value{GDBN}. All other signals should be
25200 reported to @value{GDBN}. Multiple @samp{QPassSignals} packets do not
25201 combine; any earlier @samp{QPassSignals} list is completely replaced by the
25202 new list. This packet improves performance when using @samp{handle
25203 @var{signal} nostop noprint pass}.
25204
25205 Reply:
25206 @table @samp
25207 @item OK
25208 The request succeeded.
25209
25210 @item E @var{nn}
25211 An error occurred. @var{nn} are hex digits.
25212
25213 @item
25214 An empty reply indicates that @samp{QPassSignals} is not supported by
25215 the stub.
25216 @end table
25217
25218 Use of this packet is controlled by the @code{set remote pass-signals}
25219 command (@pxref{Remote Configuration, set remote pass-signals}).
25220 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
25221 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
25222
25223 @item qRcmd,@var{command}
25224 @cindex execute remote command, remote request
25225 @cindex @samp{qRcmd} packet
25226 @var{command} (hex encoded) is passed to the local interpreter for
25227 execution. Invalid commands should be reported using the output
25228 string. Before the final result packet, the target may also respond
25229 with a number of intermediate @samp{O@var{output}} console output
25230 packets. @emph{Implementors should note that providing access to a
25231 stubs's interpreter may have security implications}.
25232
25233 Reply:
25234 @table @samp
25235 @item OK
25236 A command response with no output.
25237 @item @var{OUTPUT}
25238 A command response with the hex encoded output string @var{OUTPUT}.
25239 @item E @var{NN}
25240 Indicate a badly formed request.
25241 @item
25242 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qRcmd} is not recognized.
25243 @end table
25244
25245 (Note that the @code{qRcmd} packet's name is separated from the
25246 command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
25247 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
25248 packets.)
25249
25250 @item qSearch:memory:@var{address};@var{length};@var{search-pattern}
25251 @cindex searching memory, in remote debugging
25252 @cindex @samp{qSearch:memory} packet
25253 @anchor{qSearch memory}
25254 Search @var{length} bytes at @var{address} for @var{search-pattern}.
25255 @var{address} and @var{length} are encoded in hex.
25256 @var{search-pattern} is a sequence of bytes, hex encoded.
25257
25258 Reply:
25259 @table @samp
25260 @item 0
25261 The pattern was not found.
25262 @item 1,address
25263 The pattern was found at @var{address}.
25264 @item E @var{NN}
25265 A badly formed request or an error was encountered while searching memory.
25266 @item
25267 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSearch:memory} is not recognized.
25268 @end table
25269
25270 @item QStartNoAckMode
25271 @cindex @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet
25272 @anchor{QStartNoAckMode}
25273 Request that the remote stub disable the normal @samp{+}/@samp{-}
25274 protocol acknowledgments (@pxref{Packet Acknowledgment}).
25275
25276 Reply:
25277 @table @samp
25278 @item OK
25279 The stub has switched to no-acknowledgment mode.
25280 @value{GDBN} acknowledges this reponse,
25281 but neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or expect further
25282 @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments in the current connection.
25283 @item
25284 An empty reply indicates that the stub does not support no-acknowledgment mode.
25285 @end table
25286
25287 @item qSupported @r{[}:@var{gdbfeature} @r{[};@var{gdbfeature}@r{]}@dots{} @r{]}
25288 @cindex supported packets, remote query
25289 @cindex features of the remote protocol
25290 @cindex @samp{qSupported} packet
25291 @anchor{qSupported}
25292 Tell the remote stub about features supported by @value{GDBN}, and
25293 query the stub for features it supports. This packet allows
25294 @value{GDBN} and the remote stub to take advantage of each others'
25295 features. @samp{qSupported} also consolidates multiple feature probes
25296 at startup, to improve @value{GDBN} performance---a single larger
25297 packet performs better than multiple smaller probe packets on
25298 high-latency links. Some features may enable behavior which must not
25299 be on by default, e.g.@: because it would confuse older clients or
25300 stubs. Other features may describe packets which could be
25301 automatically probed for, but are not. These features must be
25302 reported before @value{GDBN} will use them. This ``default
25303 unsupported'' behavior is not appropriate for all packets, but it
25304 helps to keep the initial connection time under control with new
25305 versions of @value{GDBN} which support increasing numbers of packets.
25306
25307 Reply:
25308 @table @samp
25309 @item @var{stubfeature} @r{[};@var{stubfeature}@r{]}@dots{}
25310 The stub supports or does not support each returned @var{stubfeature},
25311 depending on the form of each @var{stubfeature} (see below for the
25312 possible forms).
25313 @item
25314 An empty reply indicates that @samp{qSupported} is not recognized,
25315 or that no features needed to be reported to @value{GDBN}.
25316 @end table
25317
25318 The allowed forms for each feature (either a @var{gdbfeature} in the
25319 @samp{qSupported} packet, or a @var{stubfeature} in the response)
25320 are:
25321
25322 @table @samp
25323 @item @var{name}=@var{value}
25324 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and associated
25325 with the specified @var{value}. The format of @var{value} depends
25326 on the feature, but it must not include a semicolon.
25327 @item @var{name}+
25328 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is supported, and does not
25329 need an associated value.
25330 @item @var{name}-
25331 The remote protocol feature @var{name} is not supported.
25332 @item @var{name}?
25333 The remote protocol feature @var{name} may be supported, and
25334 @value{GDBN} should auto-detect support in some other way when it is
25335 needed. This form will not be used for @var{gdbfeature} notifications,
25336 but may be used for @var{stubfeature} responses.
25337 @end table
25338
25339 Whenever the stub receives a @samp{qSupported} request, the
25340 supplied set of @value{GDBN} features should override any previous
25341 request. This allows @value{GDBN} to put the stub in a known
25342 state, even if the stub had previously been communicating with
25343 a different version of @value{GDBN}.
25344
25345 No values of @var{gdbfeature} (for the packet sent by @value{GDBN})
25346 are defined yet. Stubs should ignore any unknown values for
25347 @var{gdbfeature}. Any @value{GDBN} which sends a @samp{qSupported}
25348 packet supports receiving packets of unlimited length (earlier
25349 versions of @value{GDBN} may reject overly long responses). Values
25350 for @var{gdbfeature} may be defined in the future to let the stub take
25351 advantage of new features in @value{GDBN}, e.g.@: incompatible
25352 improvements in the remote protocol---support for unlimited length
25353 responses would be a @var{gdbfeature} example, if it were not implied by
25354 the @samp{qSupported} query. The stub's reply should be independent
25355 of the @var{gdbfeature} entries sent by @value{GDBN}; first @value{GDBN}
25356 describes all the features it supports, and then the stub replies with
25357 all the features it supports.
25358
25359 Similarly, @value{GDBN} will silently ignore unrecognized stub feature
25360 responses, as long as each response uses one of the standard forms.
25361
25362 Some features are flags. A stub which supports a flag feature
25363 should respond with a @samp{+} form response. Other features
25364 require values, and the stub should respond with an @samp{=}
25365 form response.
25366
25367 Each feature has a default value, which @value{GDBN} will use if
25368 @samp{qSupported} is not available or if the feature is not mentioned
25369 in the @samp{qSupported} response. The default values are fixed; a
25370 stub is free to omit any feature responses that match the defaults.
25371
25372 Not all features can be probed, but for those which can, the probing
25373 mechanism is useful: in some cases, a stub's internal
25374 architecture may not allow the protocol layer to know some information
25375 about the underlying target in advance. This is especially common in
25376 stubs which may be configured for multiple targets.
25377
25378 These are the currently defined stub features and their properties:
25379
25380 @multitable @columnfractions 0.35 0.2 0.12 0.2
25381 @c NOTE: The first row should be @headitem, but we do not yet require
25382 @c a new enough version of Texinfo (4.7) to use @headitem.
25383 @item Feature Name
25384 @tab Value Required
25385 @tab Default
25386 @tab Probe Allowed
25387
25388 @item @samp{PacketSize}
25389 @tab Yes
25390 @tab @samp{-}
25391 @tab No
25392
25393 @item @samp{qXfer:auxv:read}
25394 @tab No
25395 @tab @samp{-}
25396 @tab Yes
25397
25398 @item @samp{qXfer:features:read}
25399 @tab No
25400 @tab @samp{-}
25401 @tab Yes
25402
25403 @item @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
25404 @tab No
25405 @tab @samp{-}
25406 @tab Yes
25407
25408 @item @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
25409 @tab No
25410 @tab @samp{-}
25411 @tab Yes
25412
25413 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:read}
25414 @tab No
25415 @tab @samp{-}
25416 @tab Yes
25417
25418 @item @samp{qXfer:spu:write}
25419 @tab No
25420 @tab @samp{-}
25421 @tab Yes
25422
25423 @item @samp{QPassSignals}
25424 @tab No
25425 @tab @samp{-}
25426 @tab Yes
25427
25428 @item @samp{QStartNoAckMode}
25429 @tab No
25430 @tab @samp{-}
25431 @tab Yes
25432
25433 @end multitable
25434
25435 These are the currently defined stub features, in more detail:
25436
25437 @table @samp
25438 @cindex packet size, remote protocol
25439 @item PacketSize=@var{bytes}
25440 The remote stub can accept packets up to at least @var{bytes} in
25441 length. @value{GDBN} will send packets up to this size for bulk
25442 transfers, and will never send larger packets. This is a limit on the
25443 data characters in the packet, including the frame and checksum.
25444 There is no trailing NUL byte in a remote protocol packet; if the stub
25445 stores packets in a NUL-terminated format, it should allow an extra
25446 byte in its buffer for the NUL. If this stub feature is not supported,
25447 @value{GDBN} guesses based on the size of the @samp{g} packet response.
25448
25449 @item qXfer:auxv:read
25450 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:auxv:read} packet
25451 (@pxref{qXfer auxiliary vector read}).
25452
25453 @item qXfer:features:read
25454 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:features:read} packet
25455 (@pxref{qXfer target description read}).
25456
25457 @item qXfer:libraries:read
25458 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet
25459 (@pxref{qXfer library list read}).
25460
25461 @item qXfer:memory-map:read
25462 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read} packet
25463 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}).
25464
25465 @item qXfer:spu:read
25466 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:read} packet
25467 (@pxref{qXfer spu read}).
25468
25469 @item qXfer:spu:write
25470 The remote stub understands the @samp{qXfer:spu:write} packet
25471 (@pxref{qXfer spu write}).
25472
25473 @item QPassSignals
25474 The remote stub understands the @samp{QPassSignals} packet
25475 (@pxref{QPassSignals}).
25476
25477 @item QStartNoAckMode
25478 The remote stub understands the @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet and
25479 prefers to operate in no-acknowledgment mode. @xref{Packet Acknowledgment}.
25480
25481 @end table
25482
25483 @item qSymbol::
25484 @cindex symbol lookup, remote request
25485 @cindex @samp{qSymbol} packet
25486 Notify the target that @value{GDBN} is prepared to serve symbol lookup
25487 requests. Accept requests from the target for the values of symbols.
25488
25489 Reply:
25490 @table @samp
25491 @item OK
25492 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
25493 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
25494 The target requests the value of symbol @var{sym_name} (hex encoded).
25495 @value{GDBN} may provide the value by using the
25496 @samp{qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}} message, described
25497 below.
25498 @end table
25499
25500 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_value}:@var{sym_name}
25501 Set the value of @var{sym_name} to @var{sym_value}.
25502
25503 @var{sym_name} (hex encoded) is the name of a symbol whose value the
25504 target has previously requested.
25505
25506 @var{sym_value} (hex) is the value for symbol @var{sym_name}. If
25507 @value{GDBN} cannot supply a value for @var{sym_name}, then this field
25508 will be empty.
25509
25510 Reply:
25511 @table @samp
25512 @item OK
25513 The target does not need to look up any (more) symbols.
25514 @item qSymbol:@var{sym_name}
25515 The target requests the value of a new symbol @var{sym_name} (hex
25516 encoded). @value{GDBN} will continue to supply the values of symbols
25517 (if available), until the target ceases to request them.
25518 @end table
25519
25520 @item QTDP
25521 @itemx QTFrame
25522 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
25523
25524 @item qThreadExtraInfo,@var{id}
25525 @cindex thread attributes info, remote request
25526 @cindex @samp{qThreadExtraInfo} packet
25527 Obtain a printable string description of a thread's attributes from
25528 the target OS. @var{id} is a thread-id in big-endian hex. This
25529 string may contain anything that the target OS thinks is interesting
25530 for @value{GDBN} to tell the user about the thread. The string is
25531 displayed in @value{GDBN}'s @code{info threads} display. Some
25532 examples of possible thread extra info strings are @samp{Runnable}, or
25533 @samp{Blocked on Mutex}.
25534
25535 Reply:
25536 @table @samp
25537 @item @var{XX}@dots{}
25538 Where @samp{@var{XX}@dots{}} is a hex encoding of @sc{ascii} data,
25539 comprising the printable string containing the extra information about
25540 the thread's attributes.
25541 @end table
25542
25543 (Note that the @code{qThreadExtraInfo} packet's name is separated from
25544 the command by a @samp{,}, not a @samp{:}, contrary to the naming
25545 conventions above. Please don't use this packet as a model for new
25546 packets.)
25547
25548 @item QTStart
25549 @itemx QTStop
25550 @itemx QTinit
25551 @itemx QTro
25552 @itemx qTStatus
25553 @xref{Tracepoint Packets}.
25554
25555 @item qXfer:@var{object}:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
25556 @cindex read special object, remote request
25557 @cindex @samp{qXfer} packet
25558 @anchor{qXfer read}
25559 Read uninterpreted bytes from the target's special data area
25560 identified by the keyword @var{object}. Request @var{length} bytes
25561 starting at @var{offset} bytes into the data. The content and
25562 encoding of @var{annex} is specific to @var{object}; it can supply
25563 additional details about what data to access.
25564
25565 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
25566 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:read:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
25567 formats, listed below.
25568
25569 @table @samp
25570 @item qXfer:auxv:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
25571 @anchor{qXfer auxiliary vector read}
25572 Access the target's @dfn{auxiliary vector}. @xref{OS Information,
25573 auxiliary vector}. Note @var{annex} must be empty.
25574
25575 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
25576 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
25577
25578 @item qXfer:features:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
25579 @anchor{qXfer target description read}
25580 Access the @dfn{target description}. @xref{Target Descriptions}. The
25581 annex specifies which XML document to access. The main description is
25582 always loaded from the @samp{target.xml} annex.
25583
25584 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
25585 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
25586
25587 @item qXfer:libraries:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
25588 @anchor{qXfer library list read}
25589 Access the target's list of loaded libraries. @xref{Library List Format}.
25590 The annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
25591 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
25592
25593 Targets which maintain a list of libraries in the program's memory do
25594 not need to implement this packet; it is designed for platforms where
25595 the operating system manages the list of loaded libraries.
25596
25597 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
25598 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
25599
25600 @item qXfer:memory-map:read::@var{offset},@var{length}
25601 @anchor{qXfer memory map read}
25602 Access the target's @dfn{memory-map}. @xref{Memory Map Format}. The
25603 annex part of the generic @samp{qXfer} packet must be empty
25604 (@pxref{qXfer read}).
25605
25606 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
25607 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
25608
25609 @item qXfer:spu:read:@var{annex}:@var{offset},@var{length}
25610 @anchor{qXfer spu read}
25611 Read contents of an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
25612 annex specifies which file to read; it must be of the form
25613 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
25614 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
25615 in that context to be accessed.
25616
25617 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
25618 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
25619 @end table
25620
25621 Reply:
25622 @table @samp
25623 @item m @var{data}
25624 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the
25625 target. There may be more data at a higher address (although
25626 it is permitted to return @samp{m} even for the last valid
25627 block of data, as long as at least one byte of data was read).
25628 @var{data} may have fewer bytes than the @var{length} in the
25629 request.
25630
25631 @item l @var{data}
25632 Data @var{data} (@pxref{Binary Data}) has been read from the target.
25633 There is no more data to be read. @var{data} may have fewer bytes
25634 than the @var{length} in the request.
25635
25636 @item l
25637 The @var{offset} in the request is at the end of the data.
25638 There is no more data to be read.
25639
25640 @item E00
25641 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
25642
25643 @item E @var{nn}
25644 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered reading the data.
25645 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
25646
25647 @item
25648 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not recognized by
25649 the stub, or that the object does not support reading.
25650 @end table
25651
25652 @item qXfer:@var{object}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
25653 @cindex write data into object, remote request
25654 Write uninterpreted bytes into the target's special data area
25655 identified by the keyword @var{object}, starting at @var{offset} bytes
25656 into the data. @var{data}@dots{} is the binary-encoded data
25657 (@pxref{Binary Data}) to be written. The content and encoding of @var{annex}
25658 is specific to @var{object}; it can supply additional details about what data
25659 to access.
25660
25661 Here are the specific requests of this form defined so far. All
25662 @samp{qXfer:@var{object}:write:@dots{}} requests use the same reply
25663 formats, listed below.
25664
25665 @table @samp
25666 @item qXfer:@var{spu}:write:@var{annex}:@var{offset}:@var{data}@dots{}
25667 @anchor{qXfer spu write}
25668 Write @var{data} to an @code{spufs} file on the target system. The
25669 annex specifies which file to write; it must be of the form
25670 @file{@var{id}/@var{name}}, where @var{id} specifies an SPU context ID
25671 in the target process, and @var{name} identifes the @code{spufs} file
25672 in that context to be accessed.
25673
25674 This packet is not probed by default; the remote stub must request it,
25675 by supplying an appropriate @samp{qSupported} response (@pxref{qSupported}).
25676 @end table
25677
25678 Reply:
25679 @table @samp
25680 @item @var{nn}
25681 @var{nn} (hex encoded) is the number of bytes written.
25682 This may be fewer bytes than supplied in the request.
25683
25684 @item E00
25685 The request was malformed, or @var{annex} was invalid.
25686
25687 @item E @var{nn}
25688 The offset was invalid, or there was an error encountered writing the data.
25689 @var{nn} is a hex-encoded @code{errno} value.
25690
25691 @item
25692 An empty reply indicates the @var{object} string was not
25693 recognized by the stub, or that the object does not support writing.
25694 @end table
25695
25696 @item qXfer:@var{object}:@var{operation}:@dots{}
25697 Requests of this form may be added in the future. When a stub does
25698 not recognize the @var{object} keyword, or its support for
25699 @var{object} does not recognize the @var{operation} keyword, the stub
25700 must respond with an empty packet.
25701
25702 @end table
25703
25704 @node Register Packet Format
25705 @section Register Packet Format
25706
25707 The following @code{g}/@code{G} packets have previously been defined.
25708 In the below, some thirty-two bit registers are transferred as
25709 sixty-four bits. Those registers should be zero/sign extended (which?)
25710 to fill the space allocated. Register bytes are transferred in target
25711 byte order. The two nibbles within a register byte are transferred
25712 most-significant - least-significant.
25713
25714 @table @r
25715
25716 @item MIPS32
25717
25718 All registers are transferred as thirty-two bit quantities in the order:
25719 32 general-purpose; sr; lo; hi; bad; cause; pc; 32 floating-point
25720 registers; fsr; fir; fp.
25721
25722 @item MIPS64
25723
25724 All registers are transferred as sixty-four bit quantities (including
25725 thirty-two bit registers such as @code{sr}). The ordering is the same
25726 as @code{MIPS32}.
25727
25728 @end table
25729
25730 @node Tracepoint Packets
25731 @section Tracepoint Packets
25732 @cindex tracepoint packets
25733 @cindex packets, tracepoint
25734
25735 Here we describe the packets @value{GDBN} uses to implement
25736 tracepoints (@pxref{Tracepoints}).
25737
25738 @table @samp
25739
25740 @item QTDP:@var{n}:@var{addr}:@var{ena}:@var{step}:@var{pass}@r{[}-@r{]}
25741 Create a new tracepoint, number @var{n}, at @var{addr}. If @var{ena}
25742 is @samp{E}, then the tracepoint is enabled; if it is @samp{D}, then
25743 the tracepoint is disabled. @var{step} is the tracepoint's step
25744 count, and @var{pass} is its pass count. If the trailing @samp{-} is
25745 present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow to specify this
25746 tracepoint's actions.
25747
25748 Replies:
25749 @table @samp
25750 @item OK
25751 The packet was understood and carried out.
25752 @item
25753 The packet was not recognized.
25754 @end table
25755
25756 @item QTDP:-@var{n}:@var{addr}:@r{[}S@r{]}@var{action}@dots{}@r{[}-@r{]}
25757 Define actions to be taken when a tracepoint is hit. @var{n} and
25758 @var{addr} must be the same as in the initial @samp{QTDP} packet for
25759 this tracepoint. This packet may only be sent immediately after
25760 another @samp{QTDP} packet that ended with a @samp{-}. If the
25761 trailing @samp{-} is present, further @samp{QTDP} packets will follow,
25762 specifying more actions for this tracepoint.
25763
25764 In the series of action packets for a given tracepoint, at most one
25765 can have an @samp{S} before its first @var{action}. If such a packet
25766 is sent, it and the following packets define ``while-stepping''
25767 actions. Any prior packets define ordinary actions --- that is, those
25768 taken when the tracepoint is first hit. If no action packet has an
25769 @samp{S}, then all the packets in the series specify ordinary
25770 tracepoint actions.
25771
25772 The @samp{@var{action}@dots{}} portion of the packet is a series of
25773 actions, concatenated without separators. Each action has one of the
25774 following forms:
25775
25776 @table @samp
25777
25778 @item R @var{mask}
25779 Collect the registers whose bits are set in @var{mask}. @var{mask} is
25780 a hexadecimal number whose @var{i}'th bit is set if register number
25781 @var{i} should be collected. (The least significant bit is numbered
25782 zero.) Note that @var{mask} may be any number of digits long; it may
25783 not fit in a 32-bit word.
25784
25785 @item M @var{basereg},@var{offset},@var{len}
25786 Collect @var{len} bytes of memory starting at the address in register
25787 number @var{basereg}, plus @var{offset}. If @var{basereg} is
25788 @samp{-1}, then the range has a fixed address: @var{offset} is the
25789 address of the lowest byte to collect. The @var{basereg},
25790 @var{offset}, and @var{len} parameters are all unsigned hexadecimal
25791 values (the @samp{-1} value for @var{basereg} is a special case).
25792
25793 @item X @var{len},@var{expr}
25794 Evaluate @var{expr}, whose length is @var{len}, and collect memory as
25795 it directs. @var{expr} is an agent expression, as described in
25796 @ref{Agent Expressions}. Each byte of the expression is encoded as a
25797 two-digit hex number in the packet; @var{len} is the number of bytes
25798 in the expression (and thus one-half the number of hex digits in the
25799 packet).
25800
25801 @end table
25802
25803 Any number of actions may be packed together in a single @samp{QTDP}
25804 packet, as long as the packet does not exceed the maximum packet
25805 length (400 bytes, for many stubs). There may be only one @samp{R}
25806 action per tracepoint, and it must precede any @samp{M} or @samp{X}
25807 actions. Any registers referred to by @samp{M} and @samp{X} actions
25808 must be collected by a preceding @samp{R} action. (The
25809 ``while-stepping'' actions are treated as if they were attached to a
25810 separate tracepoint, as far as these restrictions are concerned.)
25811
25812 Replies:
25813 @table @samp
25814 @item OK
25815 The packet was understood and carried out.
25816 @item
25817 The packet was not recognized.
25818 @end table
25819
25820 @item QTFrame:@var{n}
25821 Select the @var{n}'th tracepoint frame from the buffer, and use the
25822 register and memory contents recorded there to answer subsequent
25823 request packets from @value{GDBN}.
25824
25825 A successful reply from the stub indicates that the stub has found the
25826 requested frame. The response is a series of parts, concatenated
25827 without separators, describing the frame we selected. Each part has
25828 one of the following forms:
25829
25830 @table @samp
25831 @item F @var{f}
25832 The selected frame is number @var{n} in the trace frame buffer;
25833 @var{f} is a hexadecimal number. If @var{f} is @samp{-1}, then there
25834 was no frame matching the criteria in the request packet.
25835
25836 @item T @var{t}
25837 The selected trace frame records a hit of tracepoint number @var{t};
25838 @var{t} is a hexadecimal number.
25839
25840 @end table
25841
25842 @item QTFrame:pc:@var{addr}
25843 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
25844 currently selected frame whose PC is @var{addr};
25845 @var{addr} is a hexadecimal number.
25846
25847 @item QTFrame:tdp:@var{t}
25848 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
25849 currently selected frame that is a hit of tracepoint @var{t}; @var{t}
25850 is a hexadecimal number.
25851
25852 @item QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}
25853 Like @samp{QTFrame:@var{n}}, but select the first tracepoint frame after the
25854 currently selected frame whose PC is between @var{start} (inclusive)
25855 and @var{end} (exclusive); @var{start} and @var{end} are hexadecimal
25856 numbers.
25857
25858 @item QTFrame:outside:@var{start}:@var{end}
25859 Like @samp{QTFrame:range:@var{start}:@var{end}}, but select the first
25860 frame @emph{outside} the given range of addresses.
25861
25862 @item QTStart
25863 Begin the tracepoint experiment. Begin collecting data from tracepoint
25864 hits in the trace frame buffer.
25865
25866 @item QTStop
25867 End the tracepoint experiment. Stop collecting trace frames.
25868
25869 @item QTinit
25870 Clear the table of tracepoints, and empty the trace frame buffer.
25871
25872 @item QTro:@var{start1},@var{end1}:@var{start2},@var{end2}:@dots{}
25873 Establish the given ranges of memory as ``transparent''. The stub
25874 will answer requests for these ranges from memory's current contents,
25875 if they were not collected as part of the tracepoint hit.
25876
25877 @value{GDBN} uses this to mark read-only regions of memory, like those
25878 containing program code. Since these areas never change, they should
25879 still have the same contents they did when the tracepoint was hit, so
25880 there's no reason for the stub to refuse to provide their contents.
25881
25882 @item qTStatus
25883 Ask the stub if there is a trace experiment running right now.
25884
25885 Replies:
25886 @table @samp
25887 @item T0
25888 There is no trace experiment running.
25889 @item T1
25890 There is a trace experiment running.
25891 @end table
25892
25893 @end table
25894
25895
25896 @node Host I/O Packets
25897 @section Host I/O Packets
25898 @cindex Host I/O, remote protocol
25899 @cindex file transfer, remote protocol
25900
25901 The @dfn{Host I/O} packets allow @value{GDBN} to perform I/O
25902 operations on the far side of a remote link. For example, Host I/O is
25903 used to upload and download files to a remote target with its own
25904 filesystem. Host I/O uses the same constant values and data structure
25905 layout as the target-initiated File-I/O protocol. However, the
25906 Host I/O packets are structured differently. The target-initiated
25907 protocol relies on target memory to store parameters and buffers.
25908 Host I/O requests are initiated by @value{GDBN}, and the
25909 target's memory is not involved. @xref{File-I/O Remote Protocol
25910 Extension}, for more details on the target-initiated protocol.
25911
25912 The Host I/O request packets all encode a single operation along with
25913 its arguments. They have this format:
25914
25915 @table @samp
25916
25917 @item vFile:@var{operation}: @var{parameter}@dots{}
25918 @var{operation} is the name of the particular request; the target
25919 should compare the entire packet name up to the second colon when checking
25920 for a supported operation. The format of @var{parameter} depends on
25921 the operation. Numbers are always passed in hexadecimal. Negative
25922 numbers have an explicit minus sign (i.e.@: two's complement is not
25923 used). Strings (e.g.@: filenames) are encoded as a series of
25924 hexadecimal bytes. The last argument to a system call may be a
25925 buffer of escaped binary data (@pxref{Binary Data}).
25926
25927 @end table
25928
25929 The valid responses to Host I/O packets are:
25930
25931 @table @samp
25932
25933 @item F @var{result} [, @var{errno}] [; @var{attachment}]
25934 @var{result} is the integer value returned by this operation, usually
25935 non-negative for success and -1 for errors. If an error has occured,
25936 @var{errno} will be included in the result. @var{errno} will have a
25937 value defined by the File-I/O protocol (@pxref{Errno Values}). For
25938 operations which return data, @var{attachment} supplies the data as a
25939 binary buffer. Binary buffers in response packets are escaped in the
25940 normal way (@pxref{Binary Data}). See the individual packet
25941 documentation for the interpretation of @var{result} and
25942 @var{attachment}.
25943
25944 @item
25945 An empty response indicates that this operation is not recognized.
25946
25947 @end table
25948
25949 These are the supported Host I/O operations:
25950
25951 @table @samp
25952 @item vFile:open: @var{pathname}, @var{flags}, @var{mode}
25953 Open a file at @var{pathname} and return a file descriptor for it, or
25954 return -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string,
25955 @var{flags} is an integer indicating a mask of open flags
25956 (@pxref{Open Flags}), and @var{mode} is an integer indicating a mask
25957 of mode bits to use if the file is created (@pxref{mode_t Values}).
25958 @xref{open}, for details of the open flags and mode values.
25959
25960 @item vFile:close: @var{fd}
25961 Close the open file corresponding to @var{fd} and return 0, or
25962 -1 if an error occurs.
25963
25964 @item vFile:pread: @var{fd}, @var{count}, @var{offset}
25965 Read data from the open file corresponding to @var{fd}. Up to
25966 @var{count} bytes will be read from the file, starting at @var{offset}
25967 relative to the start of the file. The target may read fewer bytes;
25968 common reasons include packet size limits and an end-of-file
25969 condition. The number of bytes read is returned. Zero should only be
25970 returned for a successful read at the end of the file, or if
25971 @var{count} was zero.
25972
25973 The data read should be returned as a binary attachment on success.
25974 If zero bytes were read, the response should include an empty binary
25975 attachment (i.e.@: a trailing semicolon). The return value is the
25976 number of target bytes read; the binary attachment may be longer if
25977 some characters were escaped.
25978
25979 @item vFile:pwrite: @var{fd}, @var{offset}, @var{data}
25980 Write @var{data} (a binary buffer) to the open file corresponding
25981 to @var{fd}. Start the write at @var{offset} from the start of the
25982 file. Unlike many @code{write} system calls, there is no
25983 separate @var{count} argument; the length of @var{data} in the
25984 packet is used. @samp{vFile:write} returns the number of bytes written,
25985 which may be shorter than the length of @var{data}, or -1 if an
25986 error occurred.
25987
25988 @item vFile:unlink: @var{pathname}
25989 Delete the file at @var{pathname} on the target. Return 0,
25990 or -1 if an error occurs. @var{pathname} is a string.
25991
25992 @end table
25993
25994 @node Interrupts
25995 @section Interrupts
25996 @cindex interrupts (remote protocol)
25997
25998 When a program on the remote target is running, @value{GDBN} may
25999 attempt to interrupt it by sending a @samp{Ctrl-C} or a @code{BREAK},
26000 control of which is specified via @value{GDBN}'s @samp{remotebreak}
26001 setting (@pxref{set remotebreak}).
26002
26003 The precise meaning of @code{BREAK} is defined by the transport
26004 mechanism and may, in fact, be undefined. @value{GDBN} does
26005 not currently define a @code{BREAK} mechanism for any of the network
26006 interfaces.
26007
26008 @samp{Ctrl-C}, on the other hand, is defined and implemented for all
26009 transport mechanisms. It is represented by sending the single byte
26010 @code{0x03} without any of the usual packet overhead described in
26011 the Overview section (@pxref{Overview}). When a @code{0x03} byte is
26012 transmitted as part of a packet, it is considered to be packet data
26013 and does @emph{not} represent an interrupt. E.g., an @samp{X} packet
26014 (@pxref{X packet}), used for binary downloads, may include an unescaped
26015 @code{0x03} as part of its packet.
26016
26017 Stubs are not required to recognize these interrupt mechanisms and the
26018 precise meaning associated with receipt of the interrupt is
26019 implementation defined. If the stub is successful at interrupting the
26020 running program, it is expected that it will send one of the Stop
26021 Reply Packets (@pxref{Stop Reply Packets}) to @value{GDBN} as a result
26022 of successfully stopping the program. Interrupts received while the
26023 program is stopped will be discarded.
26024
26025 @node Packet Acknowledgment
26026 @section Packet Acknowledgment
26027
26028 @cindex acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
26029 @cindex packet acknowledgment, for @value{GDBN} remote
26030 By default, when either the host or the target machine receives a packet,
26031 the first response expected is an acknowledgment: either @samp{+} (to indicate
26032 the package was received correctly) or @samp{-} (to request retransmission).
26033 This mechanism allows the @value{GDBN} remote protocol to operate over
26034 unreliable transport mechanisms, such as a serial line.
26035
26036 In cases where the transport mechanism is itself reliable (such as a pipe or
26037 TCP connection), the @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are redundant.
26038 It may be desirable to disable them in that case to reduce communication
26039 overhead, or for other reasons. This can be accomplished by means of the
26040 @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet; @pxref{QStartNoAckMode}.
26041
26042 When in no-acknowledgment mode, neither the stub nor @value{GDBN} shall send or
26043 expect @samp{+}/@samp{-} protocol acknowledgments. The packet
26044 and response format still includes the normal checksum, as described in
26045 @ref{Overview}, but the checksum may be ignored by the receiver.
26046
26047 If the stub supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and prefers to operate in
26048 no-acknowledgment mode, it should report that to @value{GDBN}
26049 by including @samp{QStartNoAckMode+} in its response to @samp{qSupported};
26050 @pxref{qSupported}.
26051 If @value{GDBN} also supports @samp{QStartNoAckMode} and it has not been
26052 disabled via the @code{set remote noack-packet off} command
26053 (@pxref{Remote Configuration}),
26054 @value{GDBN} may then send a @samp{QStartNoAckMode} packet to the stub.
26055 Only then may the stub actually turn off packet acknowledgments.
26056 @value{GDBN} sends a final @samp{+} acknowledgment of the stub's @samp{OK}
26057 response, which can be safely ignored by the stub.
26058
26059 Note that @code{set remote noack-packet} command only affects negotiation
26060 between @value{GDBN} and the stub when subsequent connections are made;
26061 it does not affect the protocol acknowledgment state for any current
26062 connection.
26063 Since @samp{+}/@samp{-} acknowledgments are enabled by default when a
26064 new connection is established,
26065 there is also no protocol request to re-enable the acknowledgments
26066 for the current connection, once disabled.
26067
26068
26069 @node Examples
26070 @section Examples
26071
26072 Example sequence of a target being re-started. Notice how the restart
26073 does not get any direct output:
26074
26075 @smallexample
26076 -> @code{R00}
26077 <- @code{+}
26078 @emph{target restarts}
26079 -> @code{?}
26080 <- @code{+}
26081 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
26082 -> @code{+}
26083 @end smallexample
26084
26085 Example sequence of a target being stepped by a single instruction:
26086
26087 @smallexample
26088 -> @code{G1445@dots{}}
26089 <- @code{+}
26090 -> @code{s}
26091 <- @code{+}
26092 @emph{time passes}
26093 <- @code{T001:1234123412341234}
26094 -> @code{+}
26095 -> @code{g}
26096 <- @code{+}
26097 <- @code{1455@dots{}}
26098 -> @code{+}
26099 @end smallexample
26100
26101 @node File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
26102 @section File-I/O Remote Protocol Extension
26103 @cindex File-I/O remote protocol extension
26104
26105 @menu
26106 * File-I/O Overview::
26107 * Protocol Basics::
26108 * The F Request Packet::
26109 * The F Reply Packet::
26110 * The Ctrl-C Message::
26111 * Console I/O::
26112 * List of Supported Calls::
26113 * Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes::
26114 * Constants::
26115 * File-I/O Examples::
26116 @end menu
26117
26118 @node File-I/O Overview
26119 @subsection File-I/O Overview
26120 @cindex file-i/o overview
26121
26122 The @dfn{File I/O remote protocol extension} (short: File-I/O) allows the
26123 target to use the host's file system and console I/O to perform various
26124 system calls. System calls on the target system are translated into a
26125 remote protocol packet to the host system, which then performs the needed
26126 actions and returns a response packet to the target system.
26127 This simulates file system operations even on targets that lack file systems.
26128
26129 The protocol is defined to be independent of both the host and target systems.
26130 It uses its own internal representation of datatypes and values. Both
26131 @value{GDBN} and the target's @value{GDBN} stub are responsible for
26132 translating the system-dependent value representations into the internal
26133 protocol representations when data is transmitted.
26134
26135 The communication is synchronous. A system call is possible only when
26136 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S}
26137 or @samp{s} packets. While @value{GDBN} handles the request for a system call,
26138 the target is stopped to allow deterministic access to the target's
26139 memory. Therefore File-I/O is not interruptible by target signals. On
26140 the other hand, it is possible to interrupt File-I/O by a user interrupt
26141 (@samp{Ctrl-C}) within @value{GDBN}.
26142
26143 The target's request to perform a host system call does not finish
26144 the latest @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} action. That means,
26145 after finishing the system call, the target returns to continuing the
26146 previous activity (continue, step). No additional continue or step
26147 request from @value{GDBN} is required.
26148
26149 @smallexample
26150 (@value{GDBP}) continue
26151 <- target requests 'system call X'
26152 target is stopped, @value{GDBN} executes system call
26153 -> @value{GDBN} returns result
26154 ... target continues, @value{GDBN} returns to wait for the target
26155 <- target hits breakpoint and sends a Txx packet
26156 @end smallexample
26157
26158 The protocol only supports I/O on the console and to regular files on
26159 the host file system. Character or block special devices, pipes,
26160 named pipes, sockets or any other communication method on the host
26161 system are not supported by this protocol.
26162
26163 @node Protocol Basics
26164 @subsection Protocol Basics
26165 @cindex protocol basics, file-i/o
26166
26167 The File-I/O protocol uses the @code{F} packet as the request as well
26168 as reply packet. Since a File-I/O system call can only occur when
26169 @value{GDBN} is waiting for a response from the continuing or stepping target,
26170 the File-I/O request is a reply that @value{GDBN} has to expect as a result
26171 of a previous @samp{C}, @samp{c}, @samp{S} or @samp{s} packet.
26172 This @code{F} packet contains all information needed to allow @value{GDBN}
26173 to call the appropriate host system call:
26174
26175 @itemize @bullet
26176 @item
26177 A unique identifier for the requested system call.
26178
26179 @item
26180 All parameters to the system call. Pointers are given as addresses
26181 in the target memory address space. Pointers to strings are given as
26182 pointer/length pair. Numerical values are given as they are.
26183 Numerical control flags are given in a protocol-specific representation.
26184
26185 @end itemize
26186
26187 At this point, @value{GDBN} has to perform the following actions.
26188
26189 @itemize @bullet
26190 @item
26191 If the parameters include pointer values to data needed as input to a
26192 system call, @value{GDBN} requests this data from the target with a
26193 standard @code{m} packet request. This additional communication has to be
26194 expected by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{m}
26195 packet.
26196
26197 @item
26198 @value{GDBN} translates all value from protocol representation to host
26199 representation as needed. Datatypes are coerced into the host types.
26200
26201 @item
26202 @value{GDBN} calls the system call.
26203
26204 @item
26205 It then coerces datatypes back to protocol representation.
26206
26207 @item
26208 If the system call is expected to return data in buffer space specified
26209 by pointer parameters to the call, the data is transmitted to the
26210 target using a @code{M} or @code{X} packet. This packet has to be expected
26211 by the target implementation and is handled as any other @code{M} or @code{X}
26212 packet.
26213
26214 @end itemize
26215
26216 Eventually @value{GDBN} replies with another @code{F} packet which contains all
26217 necessary information for the target to continue. This at least contains
26218
26219 @itemize @bullet
26220 @item
26221 Return value.
26222
26223 @item
26224 @code{errno}, if has been changed by the system call.
26225
26226 @item
26227 ``Ctrl-C'' flag.
26228
26229 @end itemize
26230
26231 After having done the needed type and value coercion, the target continues
26232 the latest continue or step action.
26233
26234 @node The F Request Packet
26235 @subsection The @code{F} Request Packet
26236 @cindex file-i/o request packet
26237 @cindex @code{F} request packet
26238
26239 The @code{F} request packet has the following format:
26240
26241 @table @samp
26242 @item F@var{call-id},@var{parameter@dots{}}
26243
26244 @var{call-id} is the identifier to indicate the host system call to be called.
26245 This is just the name of the function.
26246
26247 @var{parameter@dots{}} are the parameters to the system call.
26248 Parameters are hexadecimal integer values, either the actual values in case
26249 of scalar datatypes, pointers to target buffer space in case of compound
26250 datatypes and unspecified memory areas, or pointer/length pairs in case
26251 of string parameters. These are appended to the @var{call-id} as a
26252 comma-delimited list. All values are transmitted in ASCII
26253 string representation, pointer/length pairs separated by a slash.
26254
26255 @end table
26256
26257
26258
26259 @node The F Reply Packet
26260 @subsection The @code{F} Reply Packet
26261 @cindex file-i/o reply packet
26262 @cindex @code{F} reply packet
26263
26264 The @code{F} reply packet has the following format:
26265
26266 @table @samp
26267
26268 @item F@var{retcode},@var{errno},@var{Ctrl-C flag};@var{call-specific attachment}
26269
26270 @var{retcode} is the return code of the system call as hexadecimal value.
26271
26272 @var{errno} is the @code{errno} set by the call, in protocol-specific
26273 representation.
26274 This parameter can be omitted if the call was successful.
26275
26276 @var{Ctrl-C flag} is only sent if the user requested a break. In this
26277 case, @var{errno} must be sent as well, even if the call was successful.
26278 The @var{Ctrl-C flag} itself consists of the character @samp{C}:
26279
26280 @smallexample
26281 F0,0,C
26282 @end smallexample
26283
26284 @noindent
26285 or, if the call was interrupted before the host call has been performed:
26286
26287 @smallexample
26288 F-1,4,C
26289 @end smallexample
26290
26291 @noindent
26292 assuming 4 is the protocol-specific representation of @code{EINTR}.
26293
26294 @end table
26295
26296
26297 @node The Ctrl-C Message
26298 @subsection The @samp{Ctrl-C} Message
26299 @cindex ctrl-c message, in file-i/o protocol
26300
26301 If the @samp{Ctrl-C} flag is set in the @value{GDBN}
26302 reply packet (@pxref{The F Reply Packet}),
26303 the target should behave as if it had
26304 gotten a break message. The meaning for the target is ``system call
26305 interrupted by @code{SIGINT}''. Consequentially, the target should actually stop
26306 (as with a break message) and return to @value{GDBN} with a @code{T02}
26307 packet.
26308
26309 It's important for the target to know in which
26310 state the system call was interrupted. There are two possible cases:
26311
26312 @itemize @bullet
26313 @item
26314 The system call hasn't been performed on the host yet.
26315
26316 @item
26317 The system call on the host has been finished.
26318
26319 @end itemize
26320
26321 These two states can be distinguished by the target by the value of the
26322 returned @code{errno}. If it's the protocol representation of @code{EINTR}, the system
26323 call hasn't been performed. This is equivalent to the @code{EINTR} handling
26324 on POSIX systems. In any other case, the target may presume that the
26325 system call has been finished --- successfully or not --- and should behave
26326 as if the break message arrived right after the system call.
26327
26328 @value{GDBN} must behave reliably. If the system call has not been called
26329 yet, @value{GDBN} may send the @code{F} reply immediately, setting @code{EINTR} as
26330 @code{errno} in the packet. If the system call on the host has been finished
26331 before the user requests a break, the full action must be finished by
26332 @value{GDBN}. This requires sending @code{M} or @code{X} packets as necessary.
26333 The @code{F} packet may only be sent when either nothing has happened
26334 or the full action has been completed.
26335
26336 @node Console I/O
26337 @subsection Console I/O
26338 @cindex console i/o as part of file-i/o
26339
26340 By default and if not explicitly closed by the target system, the file
26341 descriptors 0, 1 and 2 are connected to the @value{GDBN} console. Output
26342 on the @value{GDBN} console is handled as any other file output operation
26343 (@code{write(1, @dots{})} or @code{write(2, @dots{})}). Console input is handled
26344 by @value{GDBN} so that after the target read request from file descriptor
26345 0 all following typing is buffered until either one of the following
26346 conditions is met:
26347
26348 @itemize @bullet
26349 @item
26350 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-c}. The behaviour is as explained above, and the
26351 @code{read}
26352 system call is treated as finished.
26353
26354 @item
26355 The user presses @key{RET}. This is treated as end of input with a trailing
26356 newline.
26357
26358 @item
26359 The user types @kbd{Ctrl-d}. This is treated as end of input. No trailing
26360 character (neither newline nor @samp{Ctrl-D}) is appended to the input.
26361
26362 @end itemize
26363
26364 If the user has typed more characters than fit in the buffer given to
26365 the @code{read} call, the trailing characters are buffered in @value{GDBN} until
26366 either another @code{read(0, @dots{})} is requested by the target, or debugging
26367 is stopped at the user's request.
26368
26369
26370 @node List of Supported Calls
26371 @subsection List of Supported Calls
26372 @cindex list of supported file-i/o calls
26373
26374 @menu
26375 * open::
26376 * close::
26377 * read::
26378 * write::
26379 * lseek::
26380 * rename::
26381 * unlink::
26382 * stat/fstat::
26383 * gettimeofday::
26384 * isatty::
26385 * system::
26386 @end menu
26387
26388 @node open
26389 @unnumberedsubsubsec open
26390 @cindex open, file-i/o system call
26391
26392 @table @asis
26393 @item Synopsis:
26394 @smallexample
26395 int open(const char *pathname, int flags);
26396 int open(const char *pathname, int flags, mode_t mode);
26397 @end smallexample
26398
26399 @item Request:
26400 @samp{Fopen,@var{pathptr}/@var{len},@var{flags},@var{mode}}
26401
26402 @noindent
26403 @var{flags} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
26404
26405 @table @code
26406 @item O_CREAT
26407 If the file does not exist it will be created. The host
26408 rules apply as far as file ownership and time stamps
26409 are concerned.
26410
26411 @item O_EXCL
26412 When used with @code{O_CREAT}, if the file already exists it is
26413 an error and open() fails.
26414
26415 @item O_TRUNC
26416 If the file already exists and the open mode allows
26417 writing (@code{O_RDWR} or @code{O_WRONLY} is given) it will be
26418 truncated to zero length.
26419
26420 @item O_APPEND
26421 The file is opened in append mode.
26422
26423 @item O_RDONLY
26424 The file is opened for reading only.
26425
26426 @item O_WRONLY
26427 The file is opened for writing only.
26428
26429 @item O_RDWR
26430 The file is opened for reading and writing.
26431 @end table
26432
26433 @noindent
26434 Other bits are silently ignored.
26435
26436
26437 @noindent
26438 @var{mode} is the bitwise @code{OR} of the following values:
26439
26440 @table @code
26441 @item S_IRUSR
26442 User has read permission.
26443
26444 @item S_IWUSR
26445 User has write permission.
26446
26447 @item S_IRGRP
26448 Group has read permission.
26449
26450 @item S_IWGRP
26451 Group has write permission.
26452
26453 @item S_IROTH
26454 Others have read permission.
26455
26456 @item S_IWOTH
26457 Others have write permission.
26458 @end table
26459
26460 @noindent
26461 Other bits are silently ignored.
26462
26463
26464 @item Return value:
26465 @code{open} returns the new file descriptor or -1 if an error
26466 occurred.
26467
26468 @item Errors:
26469
26470 @table @code
26471 @item EEXIST
26472 @var{pathname} already exists and @code{O_CREAT} and @code{O_EXCL} were used.
26473
26474 @item EISDIR
26475 @var{pathname} refers to a directory.
26476
26477 @item EACCES
26478 The requested access is not allowed.
26479
26480 @item ENAMETOOLONG
26481 @var{pathname} was too long.
26482
26483 @item ENOENT
26484 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
26485
26486 @item ENODEV
26487 @var{pathname} refers to a device, pipe, named pipe or socket.
26488
26489 @item EROFS
26490 @var{pathname} refers to a file on a read-only filesystem and
26491 write access was requested.
26492
26493 @item EFAULT
26494 @var{pathname} is an invalid pointer value.
26495
26496 @item ENOSPC
26497 No space on device to create the file.
26498
26499 @item EMFILE
26500 The process already has the maximum number of files open.
26501
26502 @item ENFILE
26503 The limit on the total number of files open on the system
26504 has been reached.
26505
26506 @item EINTR
26507 The call was interrupted by the user.
26508 @end table
26509
26510 @end table
26511
26512 @node close
26513 @unnumberedsubsubsec close
26514 @cindex close, file-i/o system call
26515
26516 @table @asis
26517 @item Synopsis:
26518 @smallexample
26519 int close(int fd);
26520 @end smallexample
26521
26522 @item Request:
26523 @samp{Fclose,@var{fd}}
26524
26525 @item Return value:
26526 @code{close} returns zero on success, or -1 if an error occurred.
26527
26528 @item Errors:
26529
26530 @table @code
26531 @item EBADF
26532 @var{fd} isn't a valid open file descriptor.
26533
26534 @item EINTR
26535 The call was interrupted by the user.
26536 @end table
26537
26538 @end table
26539
26540 @node read
26541 @unnumberedsubsubsec read
26542 @cindex read, file-i/o system call
26543
26544 @table @asis
26545 @item Synopsis:
26546 @smallexample
26547 int read(int fd, void *buf, unsigned int count);
26548 @end smallexample
26549
26550 @item Request:
26551 @samp{Fread,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
26552
26553 @item Return value:
26554 On success, the number of bytes read is returned.
26555 Zero indicates end of file. If count is zero, read
26556 returns zero as well. On error, -1 is returned.
26557
26558 @item Errors:
26559
26560 @table @code
26561 @item EBADF
26562 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
26563 reading.
26564
26565 @item EFAULT
26566 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
26567
26568 @item EINTR
26569 The call was interrupted by the user.
26570 @end table
26571
26572 @end table
26573
26574 @node write
26575 @unnumberedsubsubsec write
26576 @cindex write, file-i/o system call
26577
26578 @table @asis
26579 @item Synopsis:
26580 @smallexample
26581 int write(int fd, const void *buf, unsigned int count);
26582 @end smallexample
26583
26584 @item Request:
26585 @samp{Fwrite,@var{fd},@var{bufptr},@var{count}}
26586
26587 @item Return value:
26588 On success, the number of bytes written are returned.
26589 Zero indicates nothing was written. On error, -1
26590 is returned.
26591
26592 @item Errors:
26593
26594 @table @code
26595 @item EBADF
26596 @var{fd} is not a valid file descriptor or is not open for
26597 writing.
26598
26599 @item EFAULT
26600 @var{bufptr} is an invalid pointer value.
26601
26602 @item EFBIG
26603 An attempt was made to write a file that exceeds the
26604 host-specific maximum file size allowed.
26605
26606 @item ENOSPC
26607 No space on device to write the data.
26608
26609 @item EINTR
26610 The call was interrupted by the user.
26611 @end table
26612
26613 @end table
26614
26615 @node lseek
26616 @unnumberedsubsubsec lseek
26617 @cindex lseek, file-i/o system call
26618
26619 @table @asis
26620 @item Synopsis:
26621 @smallexample
26622 long lseek (int fd, long offset, int flag);
26623 @end smallexample
26624
26625 @item Request:
26626 @samp{Flseek,@var{fd},@var{offset},@var{flag}}
26627
26628 @var{flag} is one of:
26629
26630 @table @code
26631 @item SEEK_SET
26632 The offset is set to @var{offset} bytes.
26633
26634 @item SEEK_CUR
26635 The offset is set to its current location plus @var{offset}
26636 bytes.
26637
26638 @item SEEK_END
26639 The offset is set to the size of the file plus @var{offset}
26640 bytes.
26641 @end table
26642
26643 @item Return value:
26644 On success, the resulting unsigned offset in bytes from
26645 the beginning of the file is returned. Otherwise, a
26646 value of -1 is returned.
26647
26648 @item Errors:
26649
26650 @table @code
26651 @item EBADF
26652 @var{fd} is not a valid open file descriptor.
26653
26654 @item ESPIPE
26655 @var{fd} is associated with the @value{GDBN} console.
26656
26657 @item EINVAL
26658 @var{flag} is not a proper value.
26659
26660 @item EINTR
26661 The call was interrupted by the user.
26662 @end table
26663
26664 @end table
26665
26666 @node rename
26667 @unnumberedsubsubsec rename
26668 @cindex rename, file-i/o system call
26669
26670 @table @asis
26671 @item Synopsis:
26672 @smallexample
26673 int rename(const char *oldpath, const char *newpath);
26674 @end smallexample
26675
26676 @item Request:
26677 @samp{Frename,@var{oldpathptr}/@var{len},@var{newpathptr}/@var{len}}
26678
26679 @item Return value:
26680 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
26681
26682 @item Errors:
26683
26684 @table @code
26685 @item EISDIR
26686 @var{newpath} is an existing directory, but @var{oldpath} is not a
26687 directory.
26688
26689 @item EEXIST
26690 @var{newpath} is a non-empty directory.
26691
26692 @item EBUSY
26693 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} is a directory that is in use by some
26694 process.
26695
26696 @item EINVAL
26697 An attempt was made to make a directory a subdirectory
26698 of itself.
26699
26700 @item ENOTDIR
26701 A component used as a directory in @var{oldpath} or new
26702 path is not a directory. Or @var{oldpath} is a directory
26703 and @var{newpath} exists but is not a directory.
26704
26705 @item EFAULT
26706 @var{oldpathptr} or @var{newpathptr} are invalid pointer values.
26707
26708 @item EACCES
26709 No access to the file or the path of the file.
26710
26711 @item ENAMETOOLONG
26712
26713 @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} was too long.
26714
26715 @item ENOENT
26716 A directory component in @var{oldpath} or @var{newpath} does not exist.
26717
26718 @item EROFS
26719 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
26720
26721 @item ENOSPC
26722 The device containing the file has no room for the new
26723 directory entry.
26724
26725 @item EINTR
26726 The call was interrupted by the user.
26727 @end table
26728
26729 @end table
26730
26731 @node unlink
26732 @unnumberedsubsubsec unlink
26733 @cindex unlink, file-i/o system call
26734
26735 @table @asis
26736 @item Synopsis:
26737 @smallexample
26738 int unlink(const char *pathname);
26739 @end smallexample
26740
26741 @item Request:
26742 @samp{Funlink,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len}}
26743
26744 @item Return value:
26745 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
26746
26747 @item Errors:
26748
26749 @table @code
26750 @item EACCES
26751 No access to the file or the path of the file.
26752
26753 @item EPERM
26754 The system does not allow unlinking of directories.
26755
26756 @item EBUSY
26757 The file @var{pathname} cannot be unlinked because it's
26758 being used by another process.
26759
26760 @item EFAULT
26761 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
26762
26763 @item ENAMETOOLONG
26764 @var{pathname} was too long.
26765
26766 @item ENOENT
26767 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist.
26768
26769 @item ENOTDIR
26770 A component of the path is not a directory.
26771
26772 @item EROFS
26773 The file is on a read-only filesystem.
26774
26775 @item EINTR
26776 The call was interrupted by the user.
26777 @end table
26778
26779 @end table
26780
26781 @node stat/fstat
26782 @unnumberedsubsubsec stat/fstat
26783 @cindex fstat, file-i/o system call
26784 @cindex stat, file-i/o system call
26785
26786 @table @asis
26787 @item Synopsis:
26788 @smallexample
26789 int stat(const char *pathname, struct stat *buf);
26790 int fstat(int fd, struct stat *buf);
26791 @end smallexample
26792
26793 @item Request:
26794 @samp{Fstat,@var{pathnameptr}/@var{len},@var{bufptr}}@*
26795 @samp{Ffstat,@var{fd},@var{bufptr}}
26796
26797 @item Return value:
26798 On success, zero is returned. On error, -1 is returned.
26799
26800 @item Errors:
26801
26802 @table @code
26803 @item EBADF
26804 @var{fd} is not a valid open file.
26805
26806 @item ENOENT
26807 A directory component in @var{pathname} does not exist or the
26808 path is an empty string.
26809
26810 @item ENOTDIR
26811 A component of the path is not a directory.
26812
26813 @item EFAULT
26814 @var{pathnameptr} is an invalid pointer value.
26815
26816 @item EACCES
26817 No access to the file or the path of the file.
26818
26819 @item ENAMETOOLONG
26820 @var{pathname} was too long.
26821
26822 @item EINTR
26823 The call was interrupted by the user.
26824 @end table
26825
26826 @end table
26827
26828 @node gettimeofday
26829 @unnumberedsubsubsec gettimeofday
26830 @cindex gettimeofday, file-i/o system call
26831
26832 @table @asis
26833 @item Synopsis:
26834 @smallexample
26835 int gettimeofday(struct timeval *tv, void *tz);
26836 @end smallexample
26837
26838 @item Request:
26839 @samp{Fgettimeofday,@var{tvptr},@var{tzptr}}
26840
26841 @item Return value:
26842 On success, 0 is returned, -1 otherwise.
26843
26844 @item Errors:
26845
26846 @table @code
26847 @item EINVAL
26848 @var{tz} is a non-NULL pointer.
26849
26850 @item EFAULT
26851 @var{tvptr} and/or @var{tzptr} is an invalid pointer value.
26852 @end table
26853
26854 @end table
26855
26856 @node isatty
26857 @unnumberedsubsubsec isatty
26858 @cindex isatty, file-i/o system call
26859
26860 @table @asis
26861 @item Synopsis:
26862 @smallexample
26863 int isatty(int fd);
26864 @end smallexample
26865
26866 @item Request:
26867 @samp{Fisatty,@var{fd}}
26868
26869 @item Return value:
26870 Returns 1 if @var{fd} refers to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise.
26871
26872 @item Errors:
26873
26874 @table @code
26875 @item EINTR
26876 The call was interrupted by the user.
26877 @end table
26878
26879 @end table
26880
26881 Note that the @code{isatty} call is treated as a special case: it returns
26882 1 to the target if the file descriptor is attached
26883 to the @value{GDBN} console, 0 otherwise. Implementing through system calls
26884 would require implementing @code{ioctl} and would be more complex than
26885 needed.
26886
26887
26888 @node system
26889 @unnumberedsubsubsec system
26890 @cindex system, file-i/o system call
26891
26892 @table @asis
26893 @item Synopsis:
26894 @smallexample
26895 int system(const char *command);
26896 @end smallexample
26897
26898 @item Request:
26899 @samp{Fsystem,@var{commandptr}/@var{len}}
26900
26901 @item Return value:
26902 If @var{len} is zero, the return value indicates whether a shell is
26903 available. A zero return value indicates a shell is not available.
26904 For non-zero @var{len}, the value returned is -1 on error and the
26905 return status of the command otherwise. Only the exit status of the
26906 command is returned, which is extracted from the host's @code{system}
26907 return value by calling @code{WEXITSTATUS(retval)}. In case
26908 @file{/bin/sh} could not be executed, 127 is returned.
26909
26910 @item Errors:
26911
26912 @table @code
26913 @item EINTR
26914 The call was interrupted by the user.
26915 @end table
26916
26917 @end table
26918
26919 @value{GDBN} takes over the full task of calling the necessary host calls
26920 to perform the @code{system} call. The return value of @code{system} on
26921 the host is simplified before it's returned
26922 to the target. Any termination signal information from the child process
26923 is discarded, and the return value consists
26924 entirely of the exit status of the called command.
26925
26926 Due to security concerns, the @code{system} call is by default refused
26927 by @value{GDBN}. The user has to allow this call explicitly with the
26928 @code{set remote system-call-allowed 1} command.
26929
26930 @table @code
26931 @item set remote system-call-allowed
26932 @kindex set remote system-call-allowed
26933 Control whether to allow the @code{system} calls in the File I/O
26934 protocol for the remote target. The default is zero (disabled).
26935
26936 @item show remote system-call-allowed
26937 @kindex show remote system-call-allowed
26938 Show whether the @code{system} calls are allowed in the File I/O
26939 protocol.
26940 @end table
26941
26942 @node Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
26943 @subsection Protocol-specific Representation of Datatypes
26944 @cindex protocol-specific representation of datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
26945
26946 @menu
26947 * Integral Datatypes::
26948 * Pointer Values::
26949 * Memory Transfer::
26950 * struct stat::
26951 * struct timeval::
26952 @end menu
26953
26954 @node Integral Datatypes
26955 @unnumberedsubsubsec Integral Datatypes
26956 @cindex integral datatypes, in file-i/o protocol
26957
26958 The integral datatypes used in the system calls are @code{int},
26959 @code{unsigned int}, @code{long}, @code{unsigned long},
26960 @code{mode_t}, and @code{time_t}.
26961
26962 @code{int}, @code{unsigned int}, @code{mode_t} and @code{time_t} are
26963 implemented as 32 bit values in this protocol.
26964
26965 @code{long} and @code{unsigned long} are implemented as 64 bit types.
26966
26967 @xref{Limits}, for corresponding MIN and MAX values (similar to those
26968 in @file{limits.h}) to allow range checking on host and target.
26969
26970 @code{time_t} datatypes are defined as seconds since the Epoch.
26971
26972 All integral datatypes transferred as part of a memory read or write of a
26973 structured datatype e.g.@: a @code{struct stat} have to be given in big endian
26974 byte order.
26975
26976 @node Pointer Values
26977 @unnumberedsubsubsec Pointer Values
26978 @cindex pointer values, in file-i/o protocol
26979
26980 Pointers to target data are transmitted as they are. An exception
26981 is made for pointers to buffers for which the length isn't
26982 transmitted as part of the function call, namely strings. Strings
26983 are transmitted as a pointer/length pair, both as hex values, e.g.@:
26984
26985 @smallexample
26986 @code{1aaf/12}
26987 @end smallexample
26988
26989 @noindent
26990 which is a pointer to data of length 18 bytes at position 0x1aaf.
26991 The length is defined as the full string length in bytes, including
26992 the trailing null byte. For example, the string @code{"hello world"}
26993 at address 0x123456 is transmitted as
26994
26995 @smallexample
26996 @code{123456/d}
26997 @end smallexample
26998
26999 @node Memory Transfer
27000 @unnumberedsubsubsec Memory Transfer
27001 @cindex memory transfer, in file-i/o protocol
27002
27003 Structured data which is transferred using a memory read or write (for
27004 example, a @code{struct stat}) is expected to be in a protocol-specific format
27005 with all scalar multibyte datatypes being big endian. Translation to
27006 this representation needs to be done both by the target before the @code{F}
27007 packet is sent, and by @value{GDBN} before
27008 it transfers memory to the target. Transferred pointers to structured
27009 data should point to the already-coerced data at any time.
27010
27011
27012 @node struct stat
27013 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct stat
27014 @cindex struct stat, in file-i/o protocol
27015
27016 The buffer of type @code{struct stat} used by the target and @value{GDBN}
27017 is defined as follows:
27018
27019 @smallexample
27020 struct stat @{
27021 unsigned int st_dev; /* device */
27022 unsigned int st_ino; /* inode */
27023 mode_t st_mode; /* protection */
27024 unsigned int st_nlink; /* number of hard links */
27025 unsigned int st_uid; /* user ID of owner */
27026 unsigned int st_gid; /* group ID of owner */
27027 unsigned int st_rdev; /* device type (if inode device) */
27028 unsigned long st_size; /* total size, in bytes */
27029 unsigned long st_blksize; /* blocksize for filesystem I/O */
27030 unsigned long st_blocks; /* number of blocks allocated */
27031 time_t st_atime; /* time of last access */
27032 time_t st_mtime; /* time of last modification */
27033 time_t st_ctime; /* time of last change */
27034 @};
27035 @end smallexample
27036
27037 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
27038 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
27039 structure is of size 64 bytes.
27040
27041 The values of several fields have a restricted meaning and/or
27042 range of values.
27043
27044 @table @code
27045
27046 @item st_dev
27047 A value of 0 represents a file, 1 the console.
27048
27049 @item st_ino
27050 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
27051
27052 @item st_mode
27053 Valid mode bits are described in @ref{Constants}. Any other
27054 bits have currently no meaning for the target.
27055
27056 @item st_uid
27057 @itemx st_gid
27058 @itemx st_rdev
27059 No valid meaning for the target. Transmitted unchanged.
27060
27061 @item st_atime
27062 @itemx st_mtime
27063 @itemx st_ctime
27064 These values have a host and file system dependent
27065 accuracy. Especially on Windows hosts, the file system may not
27066 support exact timing values.
27067 @end table
27068
27069 The target gets a @code{struct stat} of the above representation and is
27070 responsible for coercing it to the target representation before
27071 continuing.
27072
27073 Note that due to size differences between the host, target, and protocol
27074 representations of @code{struct stat} members, these members could eventually
27075 get truncated on the target.
27076
27077 @node struct timeval
27078 @unnumberedsubsubsec struct timeval
27079 @cindex struct timeval, in file-i/o protocol
27080
27081 The buffer of type @code{struct timeval} used by the File-I/O protocol
27082 is defined as follows:
27083
27084 @smallexample
27085 struct timeval @{
27086 time_t tv_sec; /* second */
27087 long tv_usec; /* microsecond */
27088 @};
27089 @end smallexample
27090
27091 The integral datatypes conform to the definitions given in the
27092 appropriate section (see @ref{Integral Datatypes}, for details) so this
27093 structure is of size 8 bytes.
27094
27095 @node Constants
27096 @subsection Constants
27097 @cindex constants, in file-i/o protocol
27098
27099 The following values are used for the constants inside of the
27100 protocol. @value{GDBN} and target are responsible for translating these
27101 values before and after the call as needed.
27102
27103 @menu
27104 * Open Flags::
27105 * mode_t Values::
27106 * Errno Values::
27107 * Lseek Flags::
27108 * Limits::
27109 @end menu
27110
27111 @node Open Flags
27112 @unnumberedsubsubsec Open Flags
27113 @cindex open flags, in file-i/o protocol
27114
27115 All values are given in hexadecimal representation.
27116
27117 @smallexample
27118 O_RDONLY 0x0
27119 O_WRONLY 0x1
27120 O_RDWR 0x2
27121 O_APPEND 0x8
27122 O_CREAT 0x200
27123 O_TRUNC 0x400
27124 O_EXCL 0x800
27125 @end smallexample
27126
27127 @node mode_t Values
27128 @unnumberedsubsubsec mode_t Values
27129 @cindex mode_t values, in file-i/o protocol
27130
27131 All values are given in octal representation.
27132
27133 @smallexample
27134 S_IFREG 0100000
27135 S_IFDIR 040000
27136 S_IRUSR 0400
27137 S_IWUSR 0200
27138 S_IXUSR 0100
27139 S_IRGRP 040
27140 S_IWGRP 020
27141 S_IXGRP 010
27142 S_IROTH 04
27143 S_IWOTH 02
27144 S_IXOTH 01
27145 @end smallexample
27146
27147 @node Errno Values
27148 @unnumberedsubsubsec Errno Values
27149 @cindex errno values, in file-i/o protocol
27150
27151 All values are given in decimal representation.
27152
27153 @smallexample
27154 EPERM 1
27155 ENOENT 2
27156 EINTR 4
27157 EBADF 9
27158 EACCES 13
27159 EFAULT 14
27160 EBUSY 16
27161 EEXIST 17
27162 ENODEV 19
27163 ENOTDIR 20
27164 EISDIR 21
27165 EINVAL 22
27166 ENFILE 23
27167 EMFILE 24
27168 EFBIG 27
27169 ENOSPC 28
27170 ESPIPE 29
27171 EROFS 30
27172 ENAMETOOLONG 91
27173 EUNKNOWN 9999
27174 @end smallexample
27175
27176 @code{EUNKNOWN} is used as a fallback error value if a host system returns
27177 any error value not in the list of supported error numbers.
27178
27179 @node Lseek Flags
27180 @unnumberedsubsubsec Lseek Flags
27181 @cindex lseek flags, in file-i/o protocol
27182
27183 @smallexample
27184 SEEK_SET 0
27185 SEEK_CUR 1
27186 SEEK_END 2
27187 @end smallexample
27188
27189 @node Limits
27190 @unnumberedsubsubsec Limits
27191 @cindex limits, in file-i/o protocol
27192
27193 All values are given in decimal representation.
27194
27195 @smallexample
27196 INT_MIN -2147483648
27197 INT_MAX 2147483647
27198 UINT_MAX 4294967295
27199 LONG_MIN -9223372036854775808
27200 LONG_MAX 9223372036854775807
27201 ULONG_MAX 18446744073709551615
27202 @end smallexample
27203
27204 @node File-I/O Examples
27205 @subsection File-I/O Examples
27206 @cindex file-i/o examples
27207
27208 Example sequence of a write call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
27209 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be written:
27210
27211 @smallexample
27212 <- @code{Fwrite,3,1234,6}
27213 @emph{request memory read from target}
27214 -> @code{m1234,6}
27215 <- XXXXXX
27216 @emph{return "6 bytes written"}
27217 -> @code{F6}
27218 @end smallexample
27219
27220 Example sequence of a read call, file descriptor 3, buffer is at target
27221 address 0x1234, 6 bytes should be read:
27222
27223 @smallexample
27224 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
27225 @emph{request memory write to target}
27226 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
27227 @emph{return "6 bytes read"}
27228 -> @code{F6}
27229 @end smallexample
27230
27231 Example sequence of a read call, call fails on the host due to invalid
27232 file descriptor (@code{EBADF}):
27233
27234 @smallexample
27235 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
27236 -> @code{F-1,9}
27237 @end smallexample
27238
27239 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} before syscall on
27240 host is called:
27241
27242 @smallexample
27243 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
27244 -> @code{F-1,4,C}
27245 <- @code{T02}
27246 @end smallexample
27247
27248 Example sequence of a read call, user presses @kbd{Ctrl-c} after syscall on
27249 host is called:
27250
27251 @smallexample
27252 <- @code{Fread,3,1234,6}
27253 -> @code{X1234,6:XXXXXX}
27254 <- @code{T02}
27255 @end smallexample
27256
27257 @node Library List Format
27258 @section Library List Format
27259 @cindex library list format, remote protocol
27260
27261 On some platforms, a dynamic loader (e.g.@: @file{ld.so}) runs in the
27262 same process as your application to manage libraries. In this case,
27263 @value{GDBN} can use the loader's symbol table and normal memory
27264 operations to maintain a list of shared libraries. On other
27265 platforms, the operating system manages loaded libraries.
27266 @value{GDBN} can not retrieve the list of currently loaded libraries
27267 through memory operations, so it uses the @samp{qXfer:libraries:read}
27268 packet (@pxref{qXfer library list read}) instead. The remote stub
27269 queries the target's operating system and reports which libraries
27270 are loaded.
27271
27272 The @samp{qXfer:libraries:read} packet returns an XML document which
27273 lists loaded libraries and their offsets. Each library has an
27274 associated name and one or more segment or section base addresses,
27275 which report where the library was loaded in memory.
27276
27277 For the common case of libraries that are fully linked binaries, the
27278 library should have a list of segments. If the target supports
27279 dynamic linking of a relocatable object file, its library XML element
27280 should instead include a list of allocated sections. The segment or
27281 section bases are start addresses, not relocation offsets; they do not
27282 depend on the library's link-time base addresses.
27283
27284 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
27285 library lists. @xref{Expat}.
27286
27287 A simple memory map, with one loaded library relocated by a single
27288 offset, looks like this:
27289
27290 @smallexample
27291 <library-list>
27292 <library name="/lib/libc.so.6">
27293 <segment address="0x10000000"/>
27294 </library>
27295 </library-list>
27296 @end smallexample
27297
27298 Another simple memory map, with one loaded library with three
27299 allocated sections (.text, .data, .bss), looks like this:
27300
27301 @smallexample
27302 <library-list>
27303 <library name="sharedlib.o">
27304 <section address="0x10000000"/>
27305 <section address="0x20000000"/>
27306 <section address="0x30000000"/>
27307 </library>
27308 </library-list>
27309 @end smallexample
27310
27311 The format of a library list is described by this DTD:
27312
27313 @smallexample
27314 <!-- library-list: Root element with versioning -->
27315 <!ELEMENT library-list (library)*>
27316 <!ATTLIST library-list version CDATA #FIXED "1.0">
27317 <!ELEMENT library (segment*, section*)>
27318 <!ATTLIST library name CDATA #REQUIRED>
27319 <!ELEMENT segment EMPTY>
27320 <!ATTLIST segment address CDATA #REQUIRED>
27321 <!ELEMENT section EMPTY>
27322 <!ATTLIST section address CDATA #REQUIRED>
27323 @end smallexample
27324
27325 In addition, segments and section descriptors cannot be mixed within a
27326 single library element, and you must supply at least one segment or
27327 section for each library.
27328
27329 @node Memory Map Format
27330 @section Memory Map Format
27331 @cindex memory map format
27332
27333 To be able to write into flash memory, @value{GDBN} needs to obtain a
27334 memory map from the target. This section describes the format of the
27335 memory map.
27336
27337 The memory map is obtained using the @samp{qXfer:memory-map:read}
27338 (@pxref{qXfer memory map read}) packet and is an XML document that
27339 lists memory regions.
27340
27341 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
27342 memory maps. @xref{Expat}.
27343
27344 The top-level structure of the document is shown below:
27345
27346 @smallexample
27347 <?xml version="1.0"?>
27348 <!DOCTYPE memory-map
27349 PUBLIC "+//IDN gnu.org//DTD GDB Memory Map V1.0//EN"
27350 "http://sourceware.org/gdb/gdb-memory-map.dtd">
27351 <memory-map>
27352 region...
27353 </memory-map>
27354 @end smallexample
27355
27356 Each region can be either:
27357
27358 @itemize
27359
27360 @item
27361 A region of RAM starting at @var{addr} and extending for @var{length}
27362 bytes from there:
27363
27364 @smallexample
27365 <memory type="ram" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
27366 @end smallexample
27367
27368
27369 @item
27370 A region of read-only memory:
27371
27372 @smallexample
27373 <memory type="rom" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}"/>
27374 @end smallexample
27375
27376
27377 @item
27378 A region of flash memory, with erasure blocks @var{blocksize}
27379 bytes in length:
27380
27381 @smallexample
27382 <memory type="flash" start="@var{addr}" length="@var{length}">
27383 <property name="blocksize">@var{blocksize}</property>
27384 </memory>
27385 @end smallexample
27386
27387 @end itemize
27388
27389 Regions must not overlap. @value{GDBN} assumes that areas of memory not covered
27390 by the memory map are RAM, and uses the ordinary @samp{M} and @samp{X}
27391 packets to write to addresses in such ranges.
27392
27393 The formal DTD for memory map format is given below:
27394
27395 @smallexample
27396 <!-- ................................................... -->
27397 <!-- Memory Map XML DTD ................................ -->
27398 <!-- File: memory-map.dtd .............................. -->
27399 <!-- .................................... .............. -->
27400 <!-- memory-map.dtd -->
27401 <!-- memory-map: Root element with versioning -->
27402 <!ELEMENT memory-map (memory | property)>
27403 <!ATTLIST memory-map version CDATA #FIXED "1.0.0">
27404 <!ELEMENT memory (property)>
27405 <!-- memory: Specifies a memory region,
27406 and its type, or device. -->
27407 <!ATTLIST memory type CDATA #REQUIRED
27408 start CDATA #REQUIRED
27409 length CDATA #REQUIRED
27410 device CDATA #IMPLIED>
27411 <!-- property: Generic attribute tag -->
27412 <!ELEMENT property (#PCDATA | property)*>
27413 <!ATTLIST property name CDATA #REQUIRED>
27414 @end smallexample
27415
27416 @include agentexpr.texi
27417
27418 @node Target Descriptions
27419 @appendix Target Descriptions
27420 @cindex target descriptions
27421
27422 @strong{Warning:} target descriptions are still under active development,
27423 and the contents and format may change between @value{GDBN} releases.
27424 The format is expected to stabilize in the future.
27425
27426 One of the challenges of using @value{GDBN} to debug embedded systems
27427 is that there are so many minor variants of each processor
27428 architecture in use. It is common practice for vendors to start with
27429 a standard processor core --- ARM, PowerPC, or MIPS, for example ---
27430 and then make changes to adapt it to a particular market niche. Some
27431 architectures have hundreds of variants, available from dozens of
27432 vendors. This leads to a number of problems:
27433
27434 @itemize @bullet
27435 @item
27436 With so many different customized processors, it is difficult for
27437 the @value{GDBN} maintainers to keep up with the changes.
27438 @item
27439 Since individual variants may have short lifetimes or limited
27440 audiences, it may not be worthwhile to carry information about every
27441 variant in the @value{GDBN} source tree.
27442 @item
27443 When @value{GDBN} does support the architecture of the embedded system
27444 at hand, the task of finding the correct architecture name to give the
27445 @command{set architecture} command can be error-prone.
27446 @end itemize
27447
27448 To address these problems, the @value{GDBN} remote protocol allows a
27449 target system to not only identify itself to @value{GDBN}, but to
27450 actually describe its own features. This lets @value{GDBN} support
27451 processor variants it has never seen before --- to the extent that the
27452 descriptions are accurate, and that @value{GDBN} understands them.
27453
27454 @value{GDBN} must be linked with the Expat library to support XML
27455 target descriptions. @xref{Expat}.
27456
27457 @menu
27458 * Retrieving Descriptions:: How descriptions are fetched from a target.
27459 * Target Description Format:: The contents of a target description.
27460 * Predefined Target Types:: Standard types available for target
27461 descriptions.
27462 * Standard Target Features:: Features @value{GDBN} knows about.
27463 @end menu
27464
27465 @node Retrieving Descriptions
27466 @section Retrieving Descriptions
27467
27468 Target descriptions can be read from the target automatically, or
27469 specified by the user manually. The default behavior is to read the
27470 description from the target. @value{GDBN} retrieves it via the remote
27471 protocol using @samp{qXfer} requests (@pxref{General Query Packets,
27472 qXfer}). The @var{annex} in the @samp{qXfer} packet will be
27473 @samp{target.xml}. The contents of the @samp{target.xml} annex are an
27474 XML document, of the form described in @ref{Target Description
27475 Format}.
27476
27477 Alternatively, you can specify a file to read for the target description.
27478 If a file is set, the target will not be queried. The commands to
27479 specify a file are:
27480
27481 @table @code
27482 @cindex set tdesc filename
27483 @item set tdesc filename @var{path}
27484 Read the target description from @var{path}.
27485
27486 @cindex unset tdesc filename
27487 @item unset tdesc filename
27488 Do not read the XML target description from a file. @value{GDBN}
27489 will use the description supplied by the current target.
27490
27491 @cindex show tdesc filename
27492 @item show tdesc filename
27493 Show the filename to read for a target description, if any.
27494 @end table
27495
27496
27497 @node Target Description Format
27498 @section Target Description Format
27499 @cindex target descriptions, XML format
27500
27501 A target description annex is an @uref{http://www.w3.org/XML/, XML}
27502 document which complies with the Document Type Definition provided in
27503 the @value{GDBN} sources in @file{gdb/features/gdb-target.dtd}. This
27504 means you can use generally available tools like @command{xmllint} to
27505 check that your feature descriptions are well-formed and valid.
27506 However, to help people unfamiliar with XML write descriptions for
27507 their targets, we also describe the grammar here.
27508
27509 Target descriptions can identify the architecture of the remote target
27510 and (for some architectures) provide information about custom register
27511 sets. @value{GDBN} can use this information to autoconfigure for your
27512 target, or to warn you if you connect to an unsupported target.
27513
27514 Here is a simple target description:
27515
27516 @smallexample
27517 <target version="1.0">
27518 <architecture>i386:x86-64</architecture>
27519 </target>
27520 @end smallexample
27521
27522 @noindent
27523 This minimal description only says that the target uses
27524 the x86-64 architecture.
27525
27526 A target description has the following overall form, with [ ] marking
27527 optional elements and @dots{} marking repeatable elements. The elements
27528 are explained further below.
27529
27530 @smallexample
27531 <?xml version="1.0"?>
27532 <!DOCTYPE target SYSTEM "gdb-target.dtd">
27533 <target version="1.0">
27534 @r{[}@var{architecture}@r{]}
27535 @r{[}@var{feature}@dots{}@r{]}
27536 </target>
27537 @end smallexample
27538
27539 @noindent
27540 The description is generally insensitive to whitespace and line
27541 breaks, under the usual common-sense rules. The XML version
27542 declaration and document type declaration can generally be omitted
27543 (@value{GDBN} does not require them), but specifying them may be
27544 useful for XML validation tools. The @samp{version} attribute for
27545 @samp{<target>} may also be omitted, but we recommend
27546 including it; if future versions of @value{GDBN} use an incompatible
27547 revision of @file{gdb-target.dtd}, they will detect and report
27548 the version mismatch.
27549
27550 @subsection Inclusion
27551 @cindex target descriptions, inclusion
27552 @cindex XInclude
27553 @ifnotinfo
27554 @cindex <xi:include>
27555 @end ifnotinfo
27556
27557 It can sometimes be valuable to split a target description up into
27558 several different annexes, either for organizational purposes, or to
27559 share files between different possible target descriptions. You can
27560 divide a description into multiple files by replacing any element of
27561 the target description with an inclusion directive of the form:
27562
27563 @smallexample
27564 <xi:include href="@var{document}"/>
27565 @end smallexample
27566
27567 @noindent
27568 When @value{GDBN} encounters an element of this form, it will retrieve
27569 the named XML @var{document}, and replace the inclusion directive with
27570 the contents of that document. If the current description was read
27571 using @samp{qXfer}, then so will be the included document;
27572 @var{document} will be interpreted as the name of an annex. If the
27573 current description was read from a file, @value{GDBN} will look for
27574 @var{document} as a file in the same directory where it found the
27575 original description.
27576
27577 @subsection Architecture
27578 @cindex <architecture>
27579
27580 An @samp{<architecture>} element has this form:
27581
27582 @smallexample
27583 <architecture>@var{arch}</architecture>
27584 @end smallexample
27585
27586 @var{arch} is an architecture name from the same selection
27587 accepted by @code{set architecture} (@pxref{Targets, ,Specifying a
27588 Debugging Target}).
27589
27590 @subsection Features
27591 @cindex <feature>
27592
27593 Each @samp{<feature>} describes some logical portion of the target
27594 system. Features are currently used to describe available CPU
27595 registers and the types of their contents. A @samp{<feature>} element
27596 has this form:
27597
27598 @smallexample
27599 <feature name="@var{name}">
27600 @r{[}@var{type}@dots{}@r{]}
27601 @var{reg}@dots{}
27602 </feature>
27603 @end smallexample
27604
27605 @noindent
27606 Each feature's name should be unique within the description. The name
27607 of a feature does not matter unless @value{GDBN} has some special
27608 knowledge of the contents of that feature; if it does, the feature
27609 should have its standard name. @xref{Standard Target Features}.
27610
27611 @subsection Types
27612
27613 Any register's value is a collection of bits which @value{GDBN} must
27614 interpret. The default interpretation is a two's complement integer,
27615 but other types can be requested by name in the register description.
27616 Some predefined types are provided by @value{GDBN} (@pxref{Predefined
27617 Target Types}), and the description can define additional composite types.
27618
27619 Each type element must have an @samp{id} attribute, which gives
27620 a unique (within the containing @samp{<feature>}) name to the type.
27621 Types must be defined before they are used.
27622
27623 @cindex <vector>
27624 Some targets offer vector registers, which can be treated as arrays
27625 of scalar elements. These types are written as @samp{<vector>} elements,
27626 specifying the array element type, @var{type}, and the number of elements,
27627 @var{count}:
27628
27629 @smallexample
27630 <vector id="@var{id}" type="@var{type}" count="@var{count}"/>
27631 @end smallexample
27632
27633 @cindex <union>
27634 If a register's value is usefully viewed in multiple ways, define it
27635 with a union type containing the useful representations. The
27636 @samp{<union>} element contains one or more @samp{<field>} elements,
27637 each of which has a @var{name} and a @var{type}:
27638
27639 @smallexample
27640 <union id="@var{id}">
27641 <field name="@var{name}" type="@var{type}"/>
27642 @dots{}
27643 </union>
27644 @end smallexample
27645
27646 @subsection Registers
27647 @cindex <reg>
27648
27649 Each register is represented as an element with this form:
27650
27651 @smallexample
27652 <reg name="@var{name}"
27653 bitsize="@var{size}"
27654 @r{[}regnum="@var{num}"@r{]}
27655 @r{[}save-restore="@var{save-restore}"@r{]}
27656 @r{[}type="@var{type}"@r{]}
27657 @r{[}group="@var{group}"@r{]}/>
27658 @end smallexample
27659
27660 @noindent
27661 The components are as follows:
27662
27663 @table @var
27664
27665 @item name
27666 The register's name; it must be unique within the target description.
27667
27668 @item bitsize
27669 The register's size, in bits.
27670
27671 @item regnum
27672 The register's number. If omitted, a register's number is one greater
27673 than that of the previous register (either in the current feature or in
27674 a preceeding feature); the first register in the target description
27675 defaults to zero. This register number is used to read or write
27676 the register; e.g.@: it is used in the remote @code{p} and @code{P}
27677 packets, and registers appear in the @code{g} and @code{G} packets
27678 in order of increasing register number.
27679
27680 @item save-restore
27681 Whether the register should be preserved across inferior function
27682 calls; this must be either @code{yes} or @code{no}. The default is
27683 @code{yes}, which is appropriate for most registers except for
27684 some system control registers; this is not related to the target's
27685 ABI.
27686
27687 @item type
27688 The type of the register. @var{type} may be a predefined type, a type
27689 defined in the current feature, or one of the special types @code{int}
27690 and @code{float}. @code{int} is an integer type of the correct size
27691 for @var{bitsize}, and @code{float} is a floating point type (in the
27692 architecture's normal floating point format) of the correct size for
27693 @var{bitsize}. The default is @code{int}.
27694
27695 @item group
27696 The register group to which this register belongs. @var{group} must
27697 be either @code{general}, @code{float}, or @code{vector}. If no
27698 @var{group} is specified, @value{GDBN} will not display the register
27699 in @code{info registers}.
27700
27701 @end table
27702
27703 @node Predefined Target Types
27704 @section Predefined Target Types
27705 @cindex target descriptions, predefined types
27706
27707 Type definitions in the self-description can build up composite types
27708 from basic building blocks, but can not define fundamental types. Instead,
27709 standard identifiers are provided by @value{GDBN} for the fundamental
27710 types. The currently supported types are:
27711
27712 @table @code
27713
27714 @item int8
27715 @itemx int16
27716 @itemx int32
27717 @itemx int64
27718 @itemx int128
27719 Signed integer types holding the specified number of bits.
27720
27721 @item uint8
27722 @itemx uint16
27723 @itemx uint32
27724 @itemx uint64
27725 @itemx uint128
27726 Unsigned integer types holding the specified number of bits.
27727
27728 @item code_ptr
27729 @itemx data_ptr
27730 Pointers to unspecified code and data. The program counter and
27731 any dedicated return address register may be marked as code
27732 pointers; printing a code pointer converts it into a symbolic
27733 address. The stack pointer and any dedicated address registers
27734 may be marked as data pointers.
27735
27736 @item ieee_single
27737 Single precision IEEE floating point.
27738
27739 @item ieee_double
27740 Double precision IEEE floating point.
27741
27742 @item arm_fpa_ext
27743 The 12-byte extended precision format used by ARM FPA registers.
27744
27745 @end table
27746
27747 @node Standard Target Features
27748 @section Standard Target Features
27749 @cindex target descriptions, standard features
27750
27751 A target description must contain either no registers or all the
27752 target's registers. If the description contains no registers, then
27753 @value{GDBN} will assume a default register layout, selected based on
27754 the architecture. If the description contains any registers, the
27755 default layout will not be used; the standard registers must be
27756 described in the target description, in such a way that @value{GDBN}
27757 can recognize them.
27758
27759 This is accomplished by giving specific names to feature elements
27760 which contain standard registers. @value{GDBN} will look for features
27761 with those names and verify that they contain the expected registers;
27762 if any known feature is missing required registers, or if any required
27763 feature is missing, @value{GDBN} will reject the target
27764 description. You can add additional registers to any of the
27765 standard features --- @value{GDBN} will display them just as if
27766 they were added to an unrecognized feature.
27767
27768 This section lists the known features and their expected contents.
27769 Sample XML documents for these features are included in the
27770 @value{GDBN} source tree, in the directory @file{gdb/features}.
27771
27772 Names recognized by @value{GDBN} should include the name of the
27773 company or organization which selected the name, and the overall
27774 architecture to which the feature applies; so e.g.@: the feature
27775 containing ARM core registers is named @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core}.
27776
27777 The names of registers are not case sensitive for the purpose
27778 of recognizing standard features, but @value{GDBN} will only display
27779 registers using the capitalization used in the description.
27780
27781 @menu
27782 * ARM Features::
27783 * MIPS Features::
27784 * M68K Features::
27785 * PowerPC Features::
27786 @end menu
27787
27788
27789 @node ARM Features
27790 @subsection ARM Features
27791 @cindex target descriptions, ARM features
27792
27793 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.core} feature is required for ARM targets.
27794 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r13}, @samp{sp},
27795 @samp{lr}, @samp{pc}, and @samp{cpsr}.
27796
27797 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.arm.fpa} feature is optional. If present, it
27798 should contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f7} and @samp{fps}.
27799
27800 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.xscale.iwmmxt} feature is optional. If present,
27801 it should contain at least registers @samp{wR0} through @samp{wR15} and
27802 @samp{wCGR0} through @samp{wCGR3}. The @samp{wCID}, @samp{wCon},
27803 @samp{wCSSF}, and @samp{wCASF} registers are optional.
27804
27805 @node MIPS Features
27806 @subsection MIPS Features
27807 @cindex target descriptions, MIPS features
27808
27809 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cpu} feature is required for MIPS targets.
27810 It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31}, @samp{lo},
27811 @samp{hi}, and @samp{pc}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending
27812 on the target.
27813
27814 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.cp0} feature is also required. It should
27815 contain at least the @samp{status}, @samp{badvaddr}, and @samp{cause}
27816 registers. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
27817
27818 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.fpu} feature is currently required, though
27819 it may be optional in a future version of @value{GDBN}. It should
27820 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31}, @samp{fcsr}, and
27821 @samp{fir}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
27822
27823 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.mips.linux} feature is optional. It should
27824 contain a single register, @samp{restart}, which is used by the
27825 Linux kernel to control restartable syscalls.
27826
27827 @node M68K Features
27828 @subsection M68K Features
27829 @cindex target descriptions, M68K features
27830
27831 @table @code
27832 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.m68k.core}
27833 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.core}
27834 @itemx @samp{org.gnu.gdb.fido.core}
27835 One of those features must be always present.
27836 The feature that is present determines which flavor of m86k is
27837 used. The feature that is present should contain registers
27838 @samp{d0} through @samp{d7}, @samp{a0} through @samp{a5}, @samp{fp},
27839 @samp{sp}, @samp{ps} and @samp{pc}.
27840
27841 @item @samp{org.gnu.gdb.coldfire.fp}
27842 This feature is optional. If present, it should contain registers
27843 @samp{fp0} through @samp{fp7}, @samp{fpcontrol}, @samp{fpstatus} and
27844 @samp{fpiaddr}.
27845 @end table
27846
27847 @node PowerPC Features
27848 @subsection PowerPC Features
27849 @cindex target descriptions, PowerPC features
27850
27851 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} feature is required for PowerPC
27852 targets. It should contain registers @samp{r0} through @samp{r31},
27853 @samp{pc}, @samp{msr}, @samp{cr}, @samp{lr}, @samp{ctr}, and
27854 @samp{xer}. They may be 32-bit or 64-bit depending on the target.
27855
27856 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.fpu} feature is optional. It should
27857 contain registers @samp{f0} through @samp{f31} and @samp{fpscr}.
27858
27859 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.altivec} feature is optional. It should
27860 contain registers @samp{vr0} through @samp{vr31}, @samp{vscr},
27861 and @samp{vrsave}.
27862
27863 The @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.spe} feature is optional. It should
27864 contain registers @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}, @samp{acc}, and
27865 @samp{spefscr}. SPE targets should provide 32-bit registers in
27866 @samp{org.gnu.gdb.power.core} and provide the upper halves in
27867 @samp{ev0h} through @samp{ev31h}. @value{GDBN} will combine
27868 these to present registers @samp{ev0} through @samp{ev31} to the
27869 user.
27870
27871 @include gpl.texi
27872
27873 @raisesections
27874 @include fdl.texi
27875 @lowersections
27876
27877 @node Index
27878 @unnumbered Index
27879
27880 @printindex cp
27881
27882 @tex
27883 % I think something like @colophon should be in texinfo. In the
27884 % meantime:
27885 \long\def\colophon{\hbox to0pt{}\vfill
27886 \centerline{The body of this manual is set in}
27887 \centerline{\fontname\tenrm,}
27888 \centerline{with headings in {\bf\fontname\tenbf}}
27889 \centerline{and examples in {\tt\fontname\tentt}.}
27890 \centerline{{\it\fontname\tenit\/},}
27891 \centerline{{\bf\fontname\tenbf}, and}
27892 \centerline{{\sl\fontname\tensl\/}}
27893 \centerline{are used for emphasis.}\vfill}
27894 \page\colophon
27895 % Blame: doc@cygnus.com, 1991.
27896 @end tex
27897
27898 @bye