Mac C++/eclipse cannot debug: Error while launching command: gdb --version

Question

I am using c++/eclipse kepler on mac, and I cannot debug any project. The error is "Error while launching command: gdb --version" Besides that, I can build and run my code using other libraries.

I searched a site that is similar to my problem: Debugger for C++ eclipse gives the following error. 'Launching program name' has encountered a ... Error while launching command: gdb --version

But what should I change if I am using a mac?

Answer 1

You can fix this by specifying the full path to gdb. You can do this separately for each debug configuration, and you can also set the default gdb location in the preferences under C/C++ > GDB. For example, if you installed gdb via Homebrew, then it's probably located under /usr/local/bin:

And here's a screenshot of the Preferences:

I still don't know why Eclipse can't find GDB even though it is on my path. I guess it doesn't use my .bash_profile or my .bashrc? You could try symlinking gdb into /usr/bin. Maybe Eclipse will look there.

Edit: I tried the symbolic link idea and now Eclipse can debug, but it crashes inexplicably while doing so! So, I guess... don't do that?

Answer 2

This guide from a UC Irvine Computer Science professor's page is a very well-written, detailed, and Mac-specfic description of all the steps involved in installing GDB, creating a certificate, signing GDB using that certificate, and finally configuring Eclipse. I was found this very helpful as someone unfamiliar with each of these steps.

GDB Installation on Mac OS X