Re: [Nasm-users] What debugger front end for Linux?

[Frank K. <fbk...@zy...>]

Fritz Wuehler wrote:
> Hi guys, I am trying to learn x86 assembly with NASM since it uses the less
> hideous Intel syntax! However the debugger front end I tried doesn't seem to
> recognize this format and I can't set breakpoints. Whoever is using NASM on
> Linux can you explain your environment a bit, what tools should I be using
> etc. for best results. Thanks guys.

There was recently some discussion of debuggers for Linux on the Nasm Forum:

http://forum.nasm.us/index.php?topic=1056.0

You don't say what debugger front end you tried, but ASSuming it's for 
gdb...

1)It seems to help to start with a "nop" right after the "_start:" 
label. If you're starting with "main", so that the "_start:" label is 
elsewhere, this may not help.

2)Give Nasm "-F dwarf" on the command line. The default is "stabs" if 
you just use the "-g" switch. I honestly don't see any difference, but 
"dwarf" is the "native" format, and is supposed to be "better".

3) Don't give ld the "-s" switch, of course, or it'll strip the debug 
info back out. :)

4) Nasm's "local label" syntax doesn't play nicely with gdb. You can use 
local labels, but don't expect to tell gdb about 'em - it thinks you're 
trying to reference  a member of a structure!

If none of that helps, tell us more about exactly what you're doing, and 
what's happening.

Best,
Frank