Controlling Eclipse CDT debugger output?

Question

When using CDT I would like to have std::string show up in the 'variable' debug window with the string it contains. For instance if it is currently holding the word "history" I would like to see history in the debugger window labeled "variables".

I think that there is a general way to have it drill down into objects but I can't put my finger on it. Does anyone out there know how to do this?

This would also be useful for me to use when outputting just a single field from a complex object.

Thanks, Bill

Answer 1

Displaying stl containers with eclipse/gdb was also a major pain for me for a long time.

But now I've just discovered that the latest version of gdb with python enabled can help with that.

It follows what I've done (using Ubuntu Linux 8.10):

• Install gdb version >= 6.8.50 (for instance from debian experimental)

• Create a file named .gdbinit in your project root with the following content:

  python import gdb.libstdcxx.v6.printers

Now the stl containers will be pretty printed.

If you want to check if you already have a python enabled gdb (or if your new installation have worked):

• Start gdb from the console

• On the gdb prompt execute the following

  (gdb) python print 'Python enabled GDB is working!'

• If the above command produces what we are expecting then it is working.

For more details check this blog.