Openocd vs gdb. mcp server for openocd. GDB communicates with OpenOCD to perform debugging operations on the target system. Next, we need to type the following commands inside GDB itself. OpenOCD, short for Open On-Chip Debugger, is an open-source tool designed to provide debugging, in-system programming, and boundary-scan testing for embedded devices. Learn how to install OpenOCD, flash firmware, and debug microcontrollers like STM32 or RP2040, using GDB and VS Code. Supported by VSCode Arm CMSIS Debugger, Cortex-Debug plugin and Eclipse Embedded CDT. You can switch to "DEBUG CONSOLE" to see GDB interactions. I learned how to use OpenOCD with GDB with the UDemy class by Peter Dalmaris called Advanced Arduino Boards and Tools . When working with Summary This article details the configuration options for debugging STM32 projects in VS Code using the STM32CubeIDE extension. gdbinit file By default openocd listens on port 6666 for tcl connections, port 4444 for telnet connections, and port 3333 for gdb connections. Switch back to OpenOCD. You should check this command by running it manually to make sure you have the correct config file and that the text used to validate the server has started is correct. GDB monitor commands in a GDB init script. In this tutorial, I will walk you through the steps needed to configure VS Code to perform step-through debugging with OpenOCD and GDB on the Raspberry Pi Pico. This README provides a comprehensive guide on using OpenOCD for programming and debugging ESP32 and STM32 microcontroller boards. Learn how to debug ESP32 with OpenOCD and GDB in Zephyr RTOS, from hardware connections to step-by-step code execution. 3. texi). 0+dev, dated 16 February 2026, of the Open On-Chip Debugger (OpenOCD). These will connect to OpenOCD, tell the application to stop at the setup function, and then restart the application. 2 Internal low-level Commands 21. These components include xtensa-esp32-elf-gdb debugger, OpenOCD on chip debugger, and the JTAG adapter connected to ESP32 target. In both case I setup the autostart of a local GDB server. GDB normally uses hardware breakpoints if the memory map has been set up for flash regions. Typical information includes packet size and the device’s memory map. Flash Commands (OpenOCD User’s Guide) 12. Although this was an Arduino-specific class - the instructions are the same for the STM32 devices. port in your <project In other words, installing OpenOCD is as easy as running an apt-get install openocd command in Debian GNU/Linux (and derivatives), emerge openocd in Gentoo, opkg install openocd in OpenWrt etc. 6 RTOS Support 20. The guide covers essential commands for both ESP32 and STM32 boards, including programming, erasing, and debugging using OpenOCD and GDB. In some cases, configuring a flash bank will Dap Cat with openOCD + GDB In order to use the Dap-Cat programmer, it is important to install third-party open software, these programs will allow the board to be used as a debugger and programmer. These tools provide essential features such as real-time tracing, cross-platform support, performance analysis, and hardware-level debugging, making them ideal for optimizing embedded software and firmware. Running GDB simultaneously with OpenOCD allows us to further investigate what is going on while OpenOCD executes and allows us to perform actions such as stepping through a program if required. From the human A human should interact with the telnet interface (default port: 4444) or via GDB (default port 3333). 0. In STLink GDB server config I setup the SWD interfa This will launch GDB, and tell it where to find the binary file of your application. sln and open VS Properties for the openocd. 763Z] SERVER CONSOLE DEBUG: onBackendConnect: gdb-server session connected. GNU Debugger (GDB) The GNU Debugger (GDB) is also available: $ sudo apt install gdb-multiarch OpenOCD To communicate with the actual STM32 MCU a JTAG / SWD tool is necessary. I don’t set up GDB and OpenOCD too frequently, so I want to leave myself a few breadcrumbs for the next time it happens. 7 Using OpenOCD SMP with GDB 21 Tcl Scripting API 21. Waiting for gdb server to start [2024-05-06T13:10:15. I probably wouldn’t have bothered in the first place if I hadn’t had issues connecting to the OpenOCD instance that st-util hosts on this new Ubuntu machine. What is OpenOCD? : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 1 OpenOCD Web Site : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : 2 Latest User’s Guide Top (OpenOCD User’s Guide) OpenOCD User’s Guide This User’s Guide documents release 0. It's not really a problem in itself but I want to understand why. I managed to configure OpenOCD to talk to my device, and VSCode to run a local GDB and connect to OpenOCD. This article covers how to set up OpenOCD (either Streamline or ST’s fork) with the extension by modifying the launch. log" I also found this in the GDB man page: -x FILE, -command=FILE Execute GDB commands from file file. 4 Tcl RPC server OpenOCD implements numerous ways to program the target flash, whether internal or external. Source Of Commands OpenOCD commands can occur in a configuration script (discussed elsewhere) or typed manually by a human or supplied programmatically, or via one of several TCP/IP Ports. Embedded GDB (+ OpenOCD) with VSCode for RP2040 Background A few months ago I had the opportunity to switch a project over to GCC/GDB and decided to give setting up VSCode as the visual debugger though GDB a try (again). Summary The STM32 VS Code extension doesn’t natively support OpenOCD, but with some simple configuration, you can integrate it into your debugging workflow. OpenOCD supports the gdb qSupported packet, this enables information to be sent by the GDB remote server (i. 0, dated 20 December 2022, of the Open On-Chip Debugger (OpenOCD). These banks will often be visible to GDB through the target’s memory map. 1. The developers for Visual Studio Code continue to amaze me by implementing really awesome features. exe target. This latest feature is remote OpenOCD / GDB Are you confused by all the buzzwords used around embedded debugging (i. In order to create the link between gdb and openocd, once gdb is up and running you'll need to link them together by issuing the target remote or target extended-remote command: (gdb) target extended-remote :3333 OpenOCD will launch the GDB & telnet server even if it can not establish a connection with the target. If you want to directly interact with gdb, look into either gdb -tui, which is the textual-user-interface, or gdb-dashboard, which is a python-based . This option supports GDB GUIs which don’t distinguish hard versus soft breakpoints, if the default OpenOCD and GDB behaviour is not sufficient. And it is always good, to have choices. Same applies to macOS users running Homebrew (or MacPorts) and Windows users who have MSYS2 installed. Dap Cat is a low-cost debugger and programmer that allows you t… If you want VS to start the software to interface with your hardware debugger this is an example for launching OpenOCD with a config file. A hardware debug probe is one thing, but even equally important is the GDB server on the host. Stackoverflow - STM32 GDB/OpenOCD Commands and Initialization for Flash and Ram Debugging : One of the best answer to provide clear introduction of GDB/OpenOCD programming the ROM. 1 Flash Configuration Commands Config Command: flash bankname driver base size chip_width bus_width target [driver_options] Configures a flash bank which provides persistent storage for addresses from base to base + size - 1. OpenOCD is a open and free project to support different debug probes under one "API". In general, it is possible for the JTAG controller to be unresponsive until the target is set up correctly via e. 本文详细介绍了如何利用OpenOCD与GDB这对黄金搭档进行STM32高效调试。 内容涵盖从环境搭建、硬件连接到基础调试命令实战，并深入讲解了自动化脚本编写、芯片编程以及VS Code图形化集成等进阶技巧，帮助开发者摆脱IDE束缚，实现对底层调试过程的完全掌控。 Top (OpenOCD User’s Guide) OpenOCD User’s Guide This User’s Guide documents release 0. By default, the OpenOCD server is launched on localhost, port 4444 for Telnet communication, port 6666 for TCL communication and port 3333 for GDB. Open the Debug panel (CTRL + SHIFT + D) and select “Add Configuration > GDB” through the top left dropdown arrow. tcl. Here’s some instructions I’m writing to my future self on setting up GDB and OpenOCD. The same OpenOCD documentation page describes how GDB can run the OpenOCD command itself: target remote | openocd -c "gdb_port pipe; log_output openocd. 3 Tcl RPC server 21. 12. Note that to set up VS Code to assist with debugging on the Raspberry Pi Pico, you will need the following: A second Raspberry Pi Pico (to act as the picoprobe hardware debugger) If you still fail to configure the plug-in to start OpenOCD automatically, proceed as when using a remote GDB server, i. Contribute to luiox/openocd-mcp development by creating an account on GitHub. Perfect for beginners. gdb结合stlink调试 这里以万耦开发板stm32f401-vet-oneos为例演示调试过程，由于OpenOCD配合Jlink使用时，需要将Jlink的驱动切换成通用usb驱动（OpenOCD不支持Jlink的原生驱动，如果需要，可以使用 zadig 这款开源软件将Jlink驱动切换成WinUSB或libusb），为了方便起见，在使用 20 GDB and OpenOCD 20. 文章浏览阅读3. 2 Sample GDB session startup 20. This article is about using the pyOCD GDB server with Eclipse for debugging embedded ARM Cortex targets. You can change these settings by modifying openocd. These are the three main debug configurations that you may need with STM32CubeIDE for VS Code extension. How it Works? The key software and hardware components that perform debugging of ESP32 with OpenOCD over JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) interface is presented in the diagram below under the "Debugging With JTAG" label. GDB’s support for OpenOCD may need configuration, as shown in this chapter. e SWD vs JTAG, OpenOCD vs pyOCD vs JLinkGDBServer, CMSIS-DAP vs ST-Link vs J-Link, etc) I’ve run into all of these issues! Having a basic understanding of the technology stack in use can be helpful for working through or around issues you may encounter with your debug setup! GDB will now connect to the GDB server, with OpenOCD using the STM32F4-Discovery board’s in-circuit debugger feature of the onboard ST-Link/V2 interface. How does OpenOCD do what it does? OpenOCD essentially starts a set of servers – OpenOCD, GDB and Telnet. This section highlights the powerful integration between GDB, OpenOCD, and VS Code, making it easier for developers to troubleshoot their Zephyr-based ESP32 applications. e. Some major GNU/Linux distros (Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, OpenWrt), Homebrew for macOS and MSYS2 for Windows have already picked the release up. OpenOCD should now be running, time to launch GDB. Note: Change the paths in “target”, “gdbpath”, and “autorun” to the correct locations. 1 Connecting to GDB 20. GDB Debug: It allows ARM7 (ARM7TDMI and ARM720t), ARM9 (ARM920T, ARM922T, ARM926EJ–S, ARM966E–S), XScale (PXA25x, IXP42x), Cortex-M3 (Stellaris LM3, STMicroelectronics STM32 and Energy Micro EFM32) and Intel Quark (x10xx) based cores to be debugged via the GDB protocol. First, the OpenOCD server is launched in the background and the output appears under menu View > Output by selecting ESP-IDF from the dropdown menu. json and add the following. Create a GDB configuration in launch. Now I'd like to have VSCode start OpenOCD at the same time as GDB when I start debugging. I can load my code and debug (on a Nucleo-H743) from STM32CubeIDE using OpenOCD GDB server but not with STLink GDB server. Launch GDB and connect to OpenOCD When launching GDB it’s a good idea to tell it which debugging file to use. OpenOCD provides a seamless interface via Telnet and GDB to allow an embedded developer to watch their system as it runs. To simplify using the flash commands directly a Tcl script is available that handles the programming and verify stage. In the past I hadn’t been able to get this configuration working right, but this time around I was either more persistent or some updates had finally been added to better 文章浏览阅读1. Fortunately the standard OpenOCD in Debian support STM32/ST-Link: $ sudo apt install openocd STM32CubeMX STM32CubeMX can be downloaded directly from ST's Website. Jul 14, 2025 · Think of OpenOCD as the logistics coordinator in our detective analogy. 7k次，点赞17次，收藏45次。本文详细介绍了嵌入式软件调试的基础知识，包括调试接口（如JTAG、SWD、SWIM）、调试器（如JLink、ST-Link、DAP-Link）以及OpenOCD与GDB的使用方法。通过本文，读者可以了解到这些工具和技术之间的联系和区别。 How to Debug Hardware With OpenOCD or PyOCD: If you are having problems in the development of firmware for hardware, it is recommended to use a debugger to see where the problem is in your code and it is easier to give a solution. If you have a GUI environment like Eclipse, that also will probably need to be configured. During the normal build and install process the Texinfo document is processed and installed in the common location to be viewed locally with an Info browser of your choice. json file, allowing you t OpenOCD supports the gdb qSupported packet, this enables information to be sent by the GDB remote server (i. STM32Cube: STM32 launch STLINK GDB server Type: "stlinkgdbtar I'm happy to announce the availability of OpenOCD version 0. g. Visual In most cases, you can simply select the debug interface and the target device, and VisualGDB will configure OpenOCD automatically: You can always tweak the OpenOCD parameters by expanding the “Advanced Settings” view and editing the OpenOCD command line, or the GDB commands used to start the debug session. Download pre-built OpenOCD for Windows OpenOCD is an open-source tool that allows debugging various ARM devices with GDB using a wide variety of JTAG programmers. OpenOCD provides the low-level access to the hardware, while GDB provides the high-level debugging features. When the OpenOCD server starts up, it enters a configuration stage followed by a run stage. 2w次，点赞46次，收藏129次。本文对比了Keil和VSCode，介绍了VSCode + OpenOCD的新开发模式，其具有成本效益、灵活性等优势。还详细说明了使用该模式搭建STM32开发环境的步骤，包括安装gcc - arm - none - eabi、使用STM32CubeMX生成工程、编译、安装openocd等，最后提及了其他功能和IAP功能。. 3 Configuring GDB for OpenOCD 20. It includes links to video tutorials and provides download links for OpenOCD. OpenOCD) to GDB. Connect your ST-Link to the USB port and let VisualGDB detect it: VisualGDB will automatically download the latest OpenOCD package and will let you configure most common settings using convenient GUI: Press “Test selected OpenOCD settings” in the VisualGDB project wizard to verify your settings: How it Works? The key software and hardware components that perform debugging of ESP32 with OpenOCD over JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) interface is presented in the diagram below under the "Debugging With JTAG" label. go to the Debugger tab and disable the Start OpenOCD locally, then start it manually in a separate terminal. 1 API rules 21. GDB (GNU Debugger): GDB is a powerful debugger provided by the GNU Project and is commonly used in software development for debugging C, C++, and other programming languages. A fastmcp-based OpenOCD debugging service for MCP, supporting project switching, debug target refresh, firmware flashing, debugging session management, and GDB command execution. host and openocd. Eclipse has definitely its merits, but I'd like to feel independent from this IDE. 4 Programming using GDB 20. We have pages explaining the topic from this question in detail: The standard (low-cost) way to program ARM microcontrollers is using Eclipse with a complex toolchain plugged into it. The solution was twofold. Lots of issues with Documentation The OpenOCD User's Guide is maintained along with the sources in the official git repository (openocd. 5 Using GDB as a non-intrusive memory inspector 20. Programming can be achieved by either using Programming using GDB, or using the commands given in Flash Programming Commands. While GDB is asking questions, OpenOCD is the one setting up the crime scene, ensuring the right tools are in place, and shuttling evidence back and forth. Remove the “gdb_port ” and “telnet_port” commands (and the corresponding -“c” flags) from the command line and copy it to the “Command line arguments” field: Gdbserver Debugging with gdb via command line or IDE. The top debugging tools for embedded system development include GDB (GNU Debugger), Lauterbach TRACE32, GProf, LLDB, and OpenOCD. wx4j, gbrvv, zh5c, anckin, jwry, eja0, z9um, teovt8, 5tbff, 2fk7b,