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

[Fritz W. <fr...@sp...>]

You wrote:

> 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

I'll have a look, thanks.

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

Sorry about that! New as I am to Linux development I ASSumed there was only
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".

I've been using stabs but as you and the previous poster said dwarf, I'll
start using that instead.

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

Right :-)

> 
> 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!

Good to know.

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

Thank you.