How to install gdb in linux

GDB, the acronym for GNU Debugger, is a powerful debugging tool used to analyze and debug programs written in languages like C, C++, Ada, and Fortran.

It allows developers to inspect the behavior of their programs, step through code, set breakpoints, and examine variable values in real-time. GDB is an essential tool for debugging complex code, providing insights into runtime behavior that are invaluable for troubleshooting and optimization.

Basic Syntax of GDB

gdb [-help] [-nx] [-q] [-batch] [-cd=dir] [-f] [-b bps] [-tty=dev] [-s symfile] [-e prog] [-se prog] [-c core] [-x cmds] [-d dir] [prog[core|procID]]

Example:

The program to be debugged should be compiled with ‘-g’ option.

Gdb commands

The below given C++ file that is saved as ‘gfg.cpp’. We are going to use this file in this article.

Preparing a Program for Debugging with GDB

Compile the above C++ program using the command:

To start the debugger of the above ‘gfg’ executable file, enter the command ‘gdb gfg’