GDB Debugger Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts and terminology related to the GDB debugger and debugging processes.

GDB

A debugger that allows you to debug programs written in languages such as C and C++.

-g switch

A command-line option for gcc that includes debug information in the executable file.

Breakpoint

A point in the program where the debugger will pause execution, allowing examination of the program state.

Symbol table

A data structure that contains information about the variables and functions used in the program, necessary for debugging.

Run command

In GDB, the command used to start executing your program.

Print command

The GDB command used to display the value of a variable.

Continue command

In GDB, a command that resumes execution of the program until the next breakpoint is reached.

Segmentation fault

An error that occurs when a program tries to access a memory area that is not allocated to it.

Display command

A GDB command that allows you to continuously print the value of a variable each time the program stops.

Step command

A command in GDB that executes the next line of code, stepping into functions.

Next command

A command in GDB that executes the next line, but steps over functions instead of into them.

Quit command

In GDB, a command used to exit the debugger.

IDE

Integrated Development Environment; software that provides comprehensive facilities to programmers for software development.

Debugging

The process of finding and resolving bugs or defects in a program.

Cygwin

A program that allows a Microsoft Windows machine to simulate a Linux environment.