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<H1> 21. Command Interpreters </H1>
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<P>
GDB supports multiple command interpreters, and some command
infrastructure to allow users or user interface writers to switch
between interpreters or run commands in other interpreters.
</P><P>
GDB currently supports two command interpreters, the console
interpreter (sometimes called the command-line interpreter or CLI)
and the machine interface interpreter (or GDB/MI). This manual
describes both of these interfaces in great detail.
</P><P>
By default, GDB will start with the console interpreter.
However, the user may choose to start GDB with another
interpreter by specifying the <SAMP>`-i'</SAMP> or <SAMP>`--interpreter'</SAMP>
startup options. Defined interpreters include:
</P><P>
<DL COMPACT>
<DT><CODE>console</CODE>
<DD><A NAME="IDX1214"></A>
The traditional console or command-line interpreter. This is the most often
used interpreter with GDB. With no interpreter specified at runtime,
GDB will use this interpreter.
<P>
<DT><CODE>mi</CODE>
<DD><A NAME="IDX1215"></A>
The newest GDB/MI interface (currently <CODE>mi2</CODE>). Used primarily
by programs wishing to use GDB as a backend for a debugger GUI
or an IDE. For more information, see <A HREF="gdb_25.html#SEC242">The GDB/MI Interface</A>.
<P>
<DT><CODE>mi2</CODE>
<DD><A NAME="IDX1216"></A>
The current GDB/MI interface.
<P>
<DT><CODE>mi1</CODE>
<DD><A NAME="IDX1217"></A>
The GDB/MI interface included in GDB 5.1, 5.2, and 5.3.
<P>
</DL>
<P>
<A NAME="IDX1218"></A>
The interpreter being used by GDB may not be dynamically
switched at runtime. Although possible, this could lead to a very
precarious situation. Consider an IDE using GDB/MI. If a user
enters the command "interpreter-set console" in a console view,
GDB would switch to using the console interpreter, rendering
the IDE inoperable!
</P><P>
<A NAME="IDX1219"></A>
Although you may only choose a single interpreter at startup, you may execute
commands in any interpreter from the current interpreter using the appropriate
command. If you are running the console interpreter, simply use the
<CODE>interpreter-exec</CODE> command:
</P><P>
<TABLE><tr><td> </td><td class=smallexample><FONT SIZE=-1><pre>interpreter-exec mi "-data-list-register-names"
</FONT></pre></td></tr></table></P><P>
GDB/MI has a similar command, although it is only available in versions of
GDB which support GDB/MI version 2 (or greater).
</P><P>
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