LCE-EU 2015

Have you ever wondered what REALLY happens when you set a breakpoint in Your Favourite Debugger? Or why sometimes a function is missing from a call stack? If so, you will enjoy this Debugger Extravaganza!

This presentation will analyse how does gdb control another process, what happens when a breakpoint is hit and how does it hit in the first place. Why does a conditional breakpoint slow down the process so much? And what is is about the remote session and kgdb? We will also look at integration with processor's debug logic in the hardware via perf subsystem, its features (a watchpoint, anyone?) and limitations. There will be also a moment to discuss what is a "JTAG debugger", why is the term completely wrong, why would you want to use it and why would you not. We will finish with a brief view at debug symbols and why should you say "return" rather then "call" stack.