Executing gdb from Emacs

A great advantage to using gdb in emacs is that it works the same on all platforms (Linux, Windows, etc.), and it displays the source in a separate emacs buffer window. As you single-step the program, a pointer shows you which line of source code will be executed next.

Section F described compiling your program from within emacs, which makes it very quick to correct syntax errors and other compile-time problems.

To start gdb within emacs, say M-x gdb <Enter>, edit the gdb execution line, if necessary, and type <Enter> again. A gdb buffer window is created by emacs, and you will see the (gdb) prompt. Set a breakpoint (if not already provided by your .gdbinit file), and type r <Enter> to run the program. When the program stops, a second emacs buffer window will be created containing the source code with a pointer ``=>'' indicating the next line of code to be executed. This is your first breakpoint.

In the source display window within emacs, a breakpoint can be set for the line containing the cursor by typing C-x <space>.