How Can I Pinpoint the Exact Line of Code Causing a Segmentation Fault?

Locating the Source of Segmentation Faults

Segmentation faults, a common cause of program failure, can be challenging to debug. A central question arises: how can one pinpoint the exact line of code responsible for the fault?

Can GCC Help Locate the Error?

Unfortunately, GCC lacks the ability to directly identify the line causing the segmentation fault within your code. This shortcoming presents a major obstacle in debugging efforts.

Enter GDB: A Powerful Debugging Tool

To overcome this hurdle, enlist the aid of GDB, a robust debugger. By incorporating the -g switch during compilation (e.g., "gcc program.c -g"), you enable GDB to generate debugging information for your program.

Using GDB to Trace the Issue

1. Launch GDB by invoking "$ gdb ./a.out".
2. Initiate program execution with "run".
3. Once the segmentation fault occurs, utilize "backtrace" to display a stack trace.

This stack trace will highlight the code location where the fault originated. It's crucial to note that this may not be the exact source of the error; it merely points to the location where the fault manifested.

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