gdbserver

GDB Server

Description

Remote debugging with gdbserver for TUI apps that use alternate screen buffer.

Why gdbserver

This app uses the alternate terminal buffer. Running GDB directly would conflict with the TUI. gdbserver separates the debugger from the application's terminal.

Workflow

Terminal 1 - Start app under gdbserver:

gdbserver :1234 ./ikigai

Terminal 2 - Connect with GDB:

gdb ./ikigai -ex "target remote :1234"

Key Commands

bt                  # Backtrace
frame N             # Select stack frame
info locals         # Local variables
print var           # Inspect variable
list                # Source at current location
break file:line     # Set breakpoint
continue            # Resume execution
step / next         # Step into / over

When Crashes Occur

gdbserver keeps the crashed process frozen. Connect and inspect:

gdb ./ikigai -ex "target remote :1234"
(gdb) bt            # See crash location
(gdb) info registers
(gdb) print *ptr    # Inspect state at crash

Limitations

• TUI output not visible (process attached to gdbserver)
• Very early crashes may need coredump analysis instead
• Inspect internal state via variables, not screen output

References

• GDB manual: https://sourceware.org/gdb/current/onlinedocs/gdb/
• See coredump.md for early crash debugging