Remote debugging (gdbserver)

Remote debugging creates the possibility to debug applications on a remote device.

Host system (gdb) <---[serial/network]---> Target system (gdbserver)

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Precondition

• Installed gcc/g++ and gdb on the host
• Installed gdbserver on the target
• Connection between host and target

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Procedure

1. Build the app on the host with debug symbols [Host]

   g++ app.cpp -o my_app
   

2. Deploy that debug app on the target with scp [Host]

   scp my_app root@192.168.1.4:/usr/bin
   

3. Open a port and start gdbserver on the app [Target]

   iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 4444 -j ACCEPT
   gdbserver localhost:4444 my_app &
   

4. Setup gdb session with running gdbserver [Host]

   gdb my_app
   (gdb) target remote 192.168.1.4:4444
   

5. Debug the app via the created gdb session [Host]

   (gdb) b main
   (gdb) r
   ...
   

6. Finish gdb session with running gdbserver [Host]

   (gdb) q