Common configuration methods for using GDB to debug embedded ARM assembler under Linux

Common configuration method for using GDB to debug embedded ARM assembler under Linux

Abstract:
In embedded system development, ARM architecture processors are widely used in various fields. In order to debug embedded ARM assembler, we can use GNU Debugger (GDB). This article will introduce common methods of configuring GDB to debug embedded ARM assembler in a Linux environment and provide code examples.

1. Install GDB and ARM cross-compilation tool chain
   Before starting, we need to install GDB and ARM cross-compilation tool chain on the Linux system. It can be installed through a package manager (such as apt) or downloaded from the official website.
2. Writing an embedded ARM assembler
   First, we need to write a simple embedded ARM assembler for subsequent debugging. The following is a sample program:

.global _start
.extern printf

.section .data
message: .asciz "Hello, World!
"

.section .text
_start:
    ldr r0, =message
    bl printf

    mov r7, #1
    swi 0

The above code first defines the global label _start and the external function printf. Then, a string message is defined in the .data section, and ldr and bl## are used in the .text section. The # directive implements the output of strings. The last two lines of code use the mov and swi instructions to exit the program.

Compile using the ARM cross-compilation tool chain
3. Use the ARM cross-compilation tool chain to compile the above assembler into an executable file. Assuming that the prefix of the cross-compilation tool chain is
   arm-none-eabi-, you can use the following command to compile:

$ arm-none-eabi-as -mcpu=cortex-m3 -o program.o program.s
$ arm-none-eabi-ld -o program program.o

where,

-mcpu=cortex-m3 Specifies the type of target processor.

Configuring GDB
4. Next, we need to configure GDB to debug the executable file generated by compilation. GDB can be started using the following command:
   

$ gdb

Then, the executable is loaded into GDB using the following command:

(gdb) file program

Configuring the target device for GDB
5. us You also need to configure GDB to connect to the target device for debugging. Connector parameters can be set using the following command:
   

(gdb) target remote localhost:1234

where

localhost:1234 is the connection address and port number of the target device. This assumes that localhost and the default port number 1234 are used.

Debugging the assembler
6. Now, we can start debugging the assembler. The following are some commonly used GDB debugging command examples:
   

##View the register value:

• (gdb) info registers

Single-step the program:

• (gdb) step

Execute the remainder of the current function:

• (gdb) next

Set a breakpoint:

• (gdb) break main

Continue Execute program:

• (gdb) continue

View memory contents:

• (gdb) x/16x $sp

Print variable value:

• (gdb) print $r0

View source code:

• (gdb) list

##End debugging session

When we have finished debugging the program, we can use the following command to end the debugging session:

7. (gdb) quit

   
   Conclusion:
This article introduces the common configuration method of using GDB to debug embedded ARM assembler in Linux environment. First, we installed the GDB and ARM cross-compilation toolchain. Then, a simple embedded ARM assembler was written and compiled using the ARM cross-compilation tool chain. Next, we configured GDB and connected to the target device. Finally, we debugged the assembler using GDB's various debugging commands. By configuring GDB, we can easily debug the embedded ARM assembler and speed up development efficiency.

References:

https://sourceware.org/gdb/onlinedocs/gdb/

https://gcc.gnu.org/onlinedocs/
• https://www.keil.com/support/man/docs/armclang_intro/armclang_intro_dom1361289859837.htm

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