How Can GDB Help Debug Segmentation Faults in C Code?

Tracking the Culprit: Uncovering the Source of Segmentation Faults

Segmentation faults, pesky errors that haunt programmers, often leave you puzzled about their origins. How do you unravel the mystery behind these elusive foes?

Compiler's Inability

Your beloved compiler, GCC, lacks the ability to pinpoint the exact location of a segmentation fault within your code. While it may seem disheartening, fear not! There's a more potent tool at your disposal.

Enter GDB, the Code Detective

GDB, the mighty debugger, empowers you with the ability to unveil the hidden depths of your code. By invoking GDB with the "-g" switch, you enable its code inspection capabilities.

A Practical Walkthrough

To harness the power of GDB, follow these steps:

1. Compile your code with the "-g" switch:
   gcc program.c -g
2. Launch GDB on your compiled program:
   $ gdb ./a.out
3. Execute the program in GDB:
   (gdb) run
4. When the dreaded segmentation fault strikes, GDB will capture the error's location. Enter the "backtrace" command to uncover the code responsible for the fault:
   (gdb) backtrace

Beyond the Root of the Fault

While GDB reveals the code that triggered the segmentation fault, it's worth noting that the actual culprit may lie elsewhere in your program. The fault's location merely provides a starting point for your investigation.

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