[SOLVED] a gdb question !!

debianD · 07-27-2009, 05:25 PM

Hi ,
After this question it will be quite clear that I am Linux newbie.
Mostly I worked in Windows using VS 2005 and 08.
So the Microsoft debugger has a deep impact on my mind,I have heard that gdb is also a powerful debugger.
I tried to generate a core file, I know dump is always generated when there is a fault,does it mean a clean program can't be debug?
If no how?

Help appreciated.

Cheers!!

raconteur · 07-27-2009, 05:35 PM

gdb is indeed a powerful debugger. It can be a bit intimidating when used on the command line.
If you're familiar with symbolic debuggers in an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) such as Visual Studio, you'll probably be more comfortable using an IDE in Linux.
The symbolic debuggers integrated into most Linux IDEs are based on gdb.
It would be inappropriate for me to recommend any one IDE over another in this forum ;-) it is certainly a personal choice.
I recommend searching these forums for opinions regarding the available IDEs in addition to doing a web search for other opinions and options.
If you wish to use gdb on the command line, there are excellent guides available (again, look in these forums and elsewhere on the 'net).
You can set a wide range of breakpoints and data examination details in gdb, so the answer to your question is "no, it does not mean that a program that compiles cleanly cannot be debugged".
You just have to decide how you want to go about it.

graemef · 07-27-2009, 08:59 PM

Just to add to the post from raconteur, whilst and IDE may be teh solution for you there are standalone GUI frontends for gdb, such as cgdb (curses) KDgb (KDE) ddd (gnome) you may want to try these before selecting your IDE of choice, that way you can start to understand gdb.
Really before using gdb you want to compile your code with the -g switch to generate debugging information.

bannock · 07-27-2009, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by debianD

I tried to generate a core file, I know dump is always generated when there is a fault,does it mean a clean program can't be debug?

You can start gdb with a core file using the 'core' command inside gdb.
Or you attach to your running process (compiled with -g) using 'gdb -p <pid>'
I'm not sure what you mean by 'clean program'.

debianD · 07-28-2009, 04:08 AM

thanks to All for your suggestions!
I have got this from google and found it really useful ,a base to kick off .
Forwarded by Mr Richard Stallman.
http://www.network-theory.co.uk/docs...tro/index.html

Clean program means = No error + no Warning

Cheers!!