]> code.delx.au - gnu-emacs/blob - lispref/edebug.texi
(case table): Do nothing special for i and I.
[gnu-emacs] / lispref / edebug.texi
1 @comment -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c This is part of the GNU Emacs Lisp Reference Manual.
3 @c Copyright (C) 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004,
4 @c 2005, 2006 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
5 @c See the file elisp.texi for copying conditions.
6
7 @c This file can also be used by an independent Edebug User
8 @c Manual in which case the Edebug node below should be used
9 @c with the following links to the Bugs section and to the top level:
10
11 @c , Bugs and Todo List, Top, Top
12
13 @node Edebug, Syntax Errors, Debugger, Debugging
14 @section Edebug
15 @cindex Edebug mode
16
17 @cindex Edebug
18 Edebug is a source-level debugger for Emacs Lisp programs with which
19 you can:
20
21 @itemize @bullet
22 @item
23 Step through evaluation, stopping before and after each expression.
24
25 @item
26 Set conditional or unconditional breakpoints.
27
28 @item
29 Stop when a specified condition is true (the global break event).
30
31 @item
32 Trace slow or fast, stopping briefly at each stop point, or
33 at each breakpoint.
34
35 @item
36 Display expression results and evaluate expressions as if outside of
37 Edebug.
38
39 @item
40 Automatically re-evaluate a list of expressions and
41 display their results each time Edebug updates the display.
42
43 @item
44 Output trace info on function enter and exit.
45
46 @item
47 Stop when an error occurs.
48
49 @item
50 Display a backtrace, omitting Edebug's own frames.
51
52 @item
53 Specify argument evaluation for macros and defining forms.
54
55 @item
56 Obtain rudimentary coverage testing and frequency counts.
57 @end itemize
58
59 The first three sections below should tell you enough about Edebug to
60 enable you to use it.
61
62 @menu
63 * Using Edebug:: Introduction to use of Edebug.
64 * Instrumenting:: You must instrument your code
65 in order to debug it with Edebug.
66 * Modes: Edebug Execution Modes. Execution modes, stopping more or less often.
67 * Jumping:: Commands to jump to a specified place.
68 * Misc: Edebug Misc. Miscellaneous commands.
69 * Breaks:: Setting breakpoints to make the program stop.
70 * Trapping Errors:: Trapping errors with Edebug.
71 * Views: Edebug Views. Views inside and outside of Edebug.
72 * Eval: Edebug Eval. Evaluating expressions within Edebug.
73 * Eval List:: Expressions whose values are displayed
74 each time you enter Edebug.
75 * Printing in Edebug:: Customization of printing.
76 * Trace Buffer:: How to produce trace output in a buffer.
77 * Coverage Testing:: How to test evaluation coverage.
78 * The Outside Context:: Data that Edebug saves and restores.
79 * Edebug and Macros:: Specifying how to handle macro calls.
80 * Options: Edebug Options. Option variables for customizing Edebug.
81 @end menu
82
83 @node Using Edebug
84 @subsection Using Edebug
85
86 To debug a Lisp program with Edebug, you must first @dfn{instrument}
87 the Lisp code that you want to debug. A simple way to do this is to
88 first move point into the definition of a function or macro and then do
89 @kbd{C-u C-M-x} (@code{eval-defun} with a prefix argument). See
90 @ref{Instrumenting}, for alternative ways to instrument code.
91
92 Once a function is instrumented, any call to the function activates
93 Edebug. Depending on which Edebug execution mode you have selected,
94 activating Edebug may stop execution and let you step through the
95 function, or it may update the display and continue execution while
96 checking for debugging commands. The default execution mode is step,
97 which stops execution. @xref{Edebug Execution Modes}.
98
99 Within Edebug, you normally view an Emacs buffer showing the source of
100 the Lisp code you are debugging. This is referred to as the @dfn{source
101 code buffer}, and it is temporarily read-only.
102
103 An arrow in the left fringe indicates the line where the function is
104 executing. Point initially shows where within the line the function is
105 executing, but this ceases to be true if you move point yourself.
106
107 If you instrument the definition of @code{fac} (shown below) and then
108 execute @code{(fac 3)}, here is what you would normally see. Point is
109 at the open-parenthesis before @code{if}.
110
111 @example
112 (defun fac (n)
113 =>@point{}(if (< 0 n)
114 (* n (fac (1- n)))
115 1))
116 @end example
117
118 @cindex stop points
119 The places within a function where Edebug can stop execution are called
120 @dfn{stop points}. These occur both before and after each subexpression
121 that is a list, and also after each variable reference.
122 Here we use periods to show the stop points in the function
123 @code{fac}:
124
125 @example
126 (defun fac (n)
127 .(if .(< 0 n.).
128 .(* n. .(fac .(1- n.).).).
129 1).)
130 @end example
131
132 The special commands of Edebug are available in the source code buffer
133 in addition to the commands of Emacs Lisp mode. For example, you can
134 type the Edebug command @key{SPC} to execute until the next stop point.
135 If you type @key{SPC} once after entry to @code{fac}, here is the
136 display you will see:
137
138 @example
139 (defun fac (n)
140 =>(if @point{}(< 0 n)
141 (* n (fac (1- n)))
142 1))
143 @end example
144
145 When Edebug stops execution after an expression, it displays the
146 expression's value in the echo area.
147
148 Other frequently used commands are @kbd{b} to set a breakpoint at a stop
149 point, @kbd{g} to execute until a breakpoint is reached, and @kbd{q} to
150 exit Edebug and return to the top-level command loop. Type @kbd{?} to
151 display a list of all Edebug commands.
152
153 @node Instrumenting
154 @subsection Instrumenting for Edebug
155
156 In order to use Edebug to debug Lisp code, you must first
157 @dfn{instrument} the code. Instrumenting code inserts additional code
158 into it, to invoke Edebug at the proper places.
159
160 @kindex C-M-x
161 @findex eval-defun (Edebug)
162 When you invoke command @kbd{C-M-x} (@code{eval-defun}) with a
163 prefix argument on a function definition, it instruments the
164 definition before evaluating it. (This does not modify the source
165 code itself.) If the variable @code{edebug-all-defs} is
166 non-@code{nil}, that inverts the meaning of the prefix argument: in
167 this case, @kbd{C-M-x} instruments the definition @emph{unless} it has
168 a prefix argument. The default value of @code{edebug-all-defs} is
169 @code{nil}. The command @kbd{M-x edebug-all-defs} toggles the value
170 of the variable @code{edebug-all-defs}.
171
172 @findex eval-region @r{(Edebug)}
173 @findex eval-buffer @r{(Edebug)}
174 @findex eval-current-buffer @r{(Edebug)}
175 If @code{edebug-all-defs} is non-@code{nil}, then the commands
176 @code{eval-region}, @code{eval-current-buffer}, and @code{eval-buffer}
177 also instrument any definitions they evaluate. Similarly,
178 @code{edebug-all-forms} controls whether @code{eval-region} should
179 instrument @emph{any} form, even non-defining forms. This doesn't apply
180 to loading or evaluations in the minibuffer. The command @kbd{M-x
181 edebug-all-forms} toggles this option.
182
183 @findex edebug-eval-top-level-form
184 Another command, @kbd{M-x edebug-eval-top-level-form}, is available to
185 instrument any top-level form regardless of the values of
186 @code{edebug-all-defs} and @code{edebug-all-forms}.
187
188 While Edebug is active, the command @kbd{I}
189 (@code{edebug-instrument-callee}) instruments the definition of the
190 function or macro called by the list form after point, if is not already
191 instrumented. This is possible only if Edebug knows where to find the
192 source for that function; for this reading, after loading Edebug,
193 @code{eval-region} records the position of every definition it
194 evaluates, even if not instrumenting it. See also the @kbd{i} command
195 (@pxref{Jumping}), which steps into the call after instrumenting the
196 function.
197
198 @cindex special forms (Edebug)
199 @cindex interactive commands (Edebug)
200 @cindex anonymous lambda expressions (Edebug)
201 @cindex Common Lisp (Edebug)
202 @pindex cl.el @r{(Edebug)}
203 @pindex cl-specs.el
204 Edebug knows how to instrument all the standard special forms,
205 @code{interactive} forms with an expression argument, anonymous lambda
206 expressions, and other defining forms. However, Edebug cannot determine
207 on its own what a user-defined macro will do with the arguments of a
208 macro call, so you must provide that information using Edebug
209 specifications; see @ref{Edebug and Macros}, for details.
210
211 When Edebug is about to instrument code for the first time in a
212 session, it runs the hook @code{edebug-setup-hook}, then sets it to
213 @code{nil}. You can use this to load Edebug specifications
214 associated with a package you are using, but only when you use Edebug.
215
216 @findex eval-expression @r{(Edebug)}
217 To remove instrumentation from a definition, simply re-evaluate its
218 definition in a way that does not instrument. There are two ways of
219 evaluating forms that never instrument them: from a file with
220 @code{load}, and from the minibuffer with @code{eval-expression}
221 (@kbd{M-:}).
222
223 If Edebug detects a syntax error while instrumenting, it leaves point
224 at the erroneous code and signals an @code{invalid-read-syntax} error.
225
226 @xref{Edebug Eval}, for other evaluation functions available
227 inside of Edebug.
228
229 @node Edebug Execution Modes
230 @subsection Edebug Execution Modes
231
232 @cindex Edebug execution modes
233 Edebug supports several execution modes for running the program you are
234 debugging. We call these alternatives @dfn{Edebug execution modes}; do
235 not confuse them with major or minor modes. The current Edebug execution mode
236 determines how far Edebug continues execution before stopping---whether
237 it stops at each stop point, or continues to the next breakpoint, for
238 example---and how much Edebug displays the progress of the evaluation
239 before it stops.
240
241 Normally, you specify the Edebug execution mode by typing a command to
242 continue the program in a certain mode. Here is a table of these
243 commands; all except for @kbd{S} resume execution of the program, at
244 least for a certain distance.
245
246 @table @kbd
247 @item S
248 Stop: don't execute any more of the program, but wait for more
249 Edebug commands (@code{edebug-stop}).
250
251 @item @key{SPC}
252 Step: stop at the next stop point encountered (@code{edebug-step-mode}).
253
254 @item n
255 Next: stop at the next stop point encountered after an expression
256 (@code{edebug-next-mode}). Also see @code{edebug-forward-sexp} in
257 @ref{Jumping}.
258
259 @item t
260 Trace: pause (normally one second) at each Edebug stop point
261 (@code{edebug-trace-mode}).
262
263 @item T
264 Rapid trace: update the display at each stop point, but don't actually
265 pause (@code{edebug-Trace-fast-mode}).
266
267 @item g
268 Go: run until the next breakpoint (@code{edebug-go-mode}). @xref{Breakpoints}.
269
270 @item c
271 Continue: pause one second at each breakpoint, and then continue
272 (@code{edebug-continue-mode}).
273
274 @item C
275 Rapid continue: move point to each breakpoint, but don't pause
276 (@code{edebug-Continue-fast-mode}).
277
278 @item G
279 Go non-stop: ignore breakpoints (@code{edebug-Go-nonstop-mode}). You
280 can still stop the program by typing @kbd{S}, or any editing command.
281 @end table
282
283 In general, the execution modes earlier in the above list run the
284 program more slowly or stop sooner than the modes later in the list.
285
286 While executing or tracing, you can interrupt the execution by typing
287 any Edebug command. Edebug stops the program at the next stop point and
288 then executes the command you typed. For example, typing @kbd{t} during
289 execution switches to trace mode at the next stop point. You can use
290 @kbd{S} to stop execution without doing anything else.
291
292 If your function happens to read input, a character you type intending
293 to interrupt execution may be read by the function instead. You can
294 avoid such unintended results by paying attention to when your program
295 wants input.
296
297 @cindex keyboard macros (Edebug)
298 Keyboard macros containing the commands in this section do not
299 completely work: exiting from Edebug, to resume the program, loses track
300 of the keyboard macro. This is not easy to fix. Also, defining or
301 executing a keyboard macro outside of Edebug does not affect commands
302 inside Edebug. This is usually an advantage. See also the
303 @code{edebug-continue-kbd-macro} option (@pxref{Edebug Options}).
304
305 When you enter a new Edebug level, the initial execution mode comes
306 from the value of the variable @code{edebug-initial-mode}.
307 (@xref{Edebug Options}.) By default, this specifies step mode. Note
308 that you may reenter the same Edebug level several times if, for
309 example, an instrumented function is called several times from one
310 command.
311
312 @defopt edebug-sit-for-seconds
313 This option specifies how many seconds to wait between execution steps
314 in trace mode. The default is 1 second.
315 @end defopt
316
317 @node Jumping
318 @subsection Jumping
319
320 The commands described in this section execute until they reach a
321 specified location. All except @kbd{i} make a temporary breakpoint to
322 establish the place to stop, then switch to go mode. Any other
323 breakpoint reached before the intended stop point will also stop
324 execution. @xref{Breakpoints}, for the details on breakpoints.
325
326 These commands may fail to work as expected in case of nonlocal exit,
327 as that can bypass the temporary breakpoint where you expected the
328 program to stop.
329
330 @table @kbd
331 @item h
332 Proceed to the stop point near where point is (@code{edebug-goto-here}).
333
334 @item f
335 Run the program for one expression
336 (@code{edebug-forward-sexp}).
337
338 @item o
339 Run the program until the end of the containing sexp.
340
341 @item i
342 Step into the function or macro called by the form after point.
343 @end table
344
345 The @kbd{h} command proceeds to the stop point at or after the current
346 location of point, using a temporary breakpoint.
347
348 The @kbd{f} command runs the program forward over one expression. More
349 precisely, it sets a temporary breakpoint at the position that
350 @kbd{C-M-f} would reach, then executes in go mode so that the program
351 will stop at breakpoints.
352
353 With a prefix argument @var{n}, the temporary breakpoint is placed
354 @var{n} sexps beyond point. If the containing list ends before @var{n}
355 more elements, then the place to stop is after the containing
356 expression.
357
358 You must check that the position @kbd{C-M-f} finds is a place that the
359 program will really get to. In @code{cond}, for example, this may not
360 be true.
361
362 For flexibility, the @kbd{f} command does @code{forward-sexp} starting
363 at point, rather than at the stop point. If you want to execute one
364 expression @emph{from the current stop point}, first type @kbd{w}, to
365 move point there, and then type @kbd{f}.
366
367 The @kbd{o} command continues ``out of'' an expression. It places a
368 temporary breakpoint at the end of the sexp containing point. If the
369 containing sexp is a function definition itself, @kbd{o} continues until
370 just before the last sexp in the definition. If that is where you are
371 now, it returns from the function and then stops. In other words, this
372 command does not exit the currently executing function unless you are
373 positioned after the last sexp.
374
375 The @kbd{i} command steps into the function or macro called by the list
376 form after point, and stops at its first stop point. Note that the form
377 need not be the one about to be evaluated. But if the form is a
378 function call about to be evaluated, remember to use this command before
379 any of the arguments are evaluated, since otherwise it will be too late.
380
381 The @kbd{i} command instruments the function or macro it's supposed to
382 step into, if it isn't instrumented already. This is convenient, but keep
383 in mind that the function or macro remains instrumented unless you explicitly
384 arrange to deinstrument it.
385
386 @node Edebug Misc
387 @subsection Miscellaneous Edebug Commands
388
389 Some miscellaneous Edebug commands are described here.
390
391 @table @kbd
392 @item ?
393 Display the help message for Edebug (@code{edebug-help}).
394
395 @item C-]
396 Abort one level back to the previous command level
397 (@code{abort-recursive-edit}).
398
399 @item q
400 Return to the top level editor command loop (@code{top-level}). This
401 exits all recursive editing levels, including all levels of Edebug
402 activity. However, instrumented code protected with
403 @code{unwind-protect} or @code{condition-case} forms may resume
404 debugging.
405
406 @item Q
407 Like @kbd{q}, but don't stop even for protected code
408 (@code{top-level-nonstop}).
409
410 @item r
411 Redisplay the most recently known expression result in the echo area
412 (@code{edebug-previous-result}).
413
414 @item d
415 Display a backtrace, excluding Edebug's own functions for clarity
416 (@code{edebug-backtrace}).
417
418 You cannot use debugger commands in the backtrace buffer in Edebug as
419 you would in the standard debugger.
420
421 The backtrace buffer is killed automatically when you continue
422 execution.
423 @end table
424
425 You can invoke commands from Edebug that activate Edebug again
426 recursively. Whenever Edebug is active, you can quit to the top level
427 with @kbd{q} or abort one recursive edit level with @kbd{C-]}. You can
428 display a backtrace of all the pending evaluations with @kbd{d}.
429
430 @node Breaks
431 @subsection Breaks
432
433 Edebug's step mode stops execution when the next stop point is reached.
434 There are three other ways to stop Edebug execution once it has started:
435 breakpoints, the global break condition, and source breakpoints.
436
437 @menu
438 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints at stop points.
439 * Global Break Condition:: Breaking on an event.
440 * Source Breakpoints:: Embedding breakpoints in source code.
441 @end menu
442
443 @node Breakpoints
444 @subsubsection Breakpoints
445
446 @cindex breakpoints
447 While using Edebug, you can specify @dfn{breakpoints} in the program you
448 are testing: these are places where execution should stop. You can set a
449 breakpoint at any stop point, as defined in @ref{Using Edebug}. For
450 setting and unsetting breakpoints, the stop point that is affected is
451 the first one at or after point in the source code buffer. Here are the
452 Edebug commands for breakpoints:
453
454 @table @kbd
455 @item b
456 Set a breakpoint at the stop point at or after point
457 (@code{edebug-set-breakpoint}). If you use a prefix argument, the
458 breakpoint is temporary---it turns off the first time it stops the
459 program.
460
461 @item u
462 Unset the breakpoint (if any) at the stop point at or after
463 point (@code{edebug-unset-breakpoint}).
464
465 @item x @var{condition} @key{RET}
466 Set a conditional breakpoint which stops the program only if
467 evaluating @var{condition} produces a non-@code{nil} value
468 (@code{edebug-set-conditional-breakpoint}). With a prefix argument,
469 the breakpoint is temporary.
470
471 @item B
472 Move point to the next breakpoint in the current definition
473 (@code{edebug-next-breakpoint}).
474 @end table
475
476 While in Edebug, you can set a breakpoint with @kbd{b} and unset one
477 with @kbd{u}. First move point to the Edebug stop point of your choice,
478 then type @kbd{b} or @kbd{u} to set or unset a breakpoint there.
479 Unsetting a breakpoint where none has been set has no effect.
480
481 Re-evaluating or reinstrumenting a definition removes all of its
482 previous breakpoints.
483
484 A @dfn{conditional breakpoint} tests a condition each time the program
485 gets there. Any errors that occur as a result of evaluating the
486 condition are ignored, as if the result were @code{nil}. To set a
487 conditional breakpoint, use @kbd{x}, and specify the condition
488 expression in the minibuffer. Setting a conditional breakpoint at a
489 stop point that has a previously established conditional breakpoint puts
490 the previous condition expression in the minibuffer so you can edit it.
491
492 You can make a conditional or unconditional breakpoint
493 @dfn{temporary} by using a prefix argument with the command to set the
494 breakpoint. When a temporary breakpoint stops the program, it is
495 automatically unset.
496
497 Edebug always stops or pauses at a breakpoint, except when the Edebug
498 mode is Go-nonstop. In that mode, it ignores breakpoints entirely.
499
500 To find out where your breakpoints are, use the @kbd{B} command, which
501 moves point to the next breakpoint following point, within the same
502 function, or to the first breakpoint if there are no following
503 breakpoints. This command does not continue execution---it just moves
504 point in the buffer.
505
506 @node Global Break Condition
507 @subsubsection Global Break Condition
508
509 @cindex stopping on events
510 @cindex global break condition
511 A @dfn{global break condition} stops execution when a specified
512 condition is satisfied, no matter where that may occur. Edebug
513 evaluates the global break condition at every stop point; if it
514 evaluates to a non-@code{nil} value, then execution stops or pauses
515 depending on the execution mode, as if a breakpoint had been hit. If
516 evaluating the condition gets an error, execution does not stop.
517
518 @findex edebug-set-global-break-condition
519 The condition expression is stored in
520 @code{edebug-global-break-condition}. You can specify a new expression
521 using the @kbd{X} command from the source code buffer while Edebug is
522 active, or using @kbd{C-x X X} from any buffer at any time, as long as
523 Edebug is loaded (@code{edebug-set-global-break-condition}).
524
525 The global break condition is the simplest way to find where in your
526 code some event occurs, but it makes code run much more slowly. So you
527 should reset the condition to @code{nil} when not using it.
528
529 @node Source Breakpoints
530 @subsubsection Source Breakpoints
531
532 @findex edebug
533 @cindex source breakpoints
534 All breakpoints in a definition are forgotten each time you
535 reinstrument it. If you wish to make a breakpoint that won't be
536 forgotten, you can write a @dfn{source breakpoint}, which is simply a
537 call to the function @code{edebug} in your source code. You can, of
538 course, make such a call conditional. For example, in the @code{fac}
539 function, you can insert the first line as shown below, to stop when the
540 argument reaches zero:
541
542 @example
543 (defun fac (n)
544 (if (= n 0) (edebug))
545 (if (< 0 n)
546 (* n (fac (1- n)))
547 1))
548 @end example
549
550 When the @code{fac} definition is instrumented and the function is
551 called, the call to @code{edebug} acts as a breakpoint. Depending on
552 the execution mode, Edebug stops or pauses there.
553
554 If no instrumented code is being executed when @code{edebug} is called,
555 that function calls @code{debug}.
556 @c This may not be a good idea anymore.
557
558 @node Trapping Errors
559 @subsection Trapping Errors
560
561 Emacs normally displays an error message when an error is signaled and
562 not handled with @code{condition-case}. While Edebug is active and
563 executing instrumented code, it normally responds to all unhandled
564 errors. You can customize this with the options @code{edebug-on-error}
565 and @code{edebug-on-quit}; see @ref{Edebug Options}.
566
567 When Edebug responds to an error, it shows the last stop point
568 encountered before the error. This may be the location of a call to a
569 function which was not instrumented, and within which the error actually
570 occurred. For an unbound variable error, the last known stop point
571 might be quite distant from the offending variable reference. In that
572 case, you might want to display a full backtrace (@pxref{Edebug Misc}).
573
574 @c Edebug should be changed for the following: -- dan
575 If you change @code{debug-on-error} or @code{debug-on-quit} while
576 Edebug is active, these changes will be forgotten when Edebug becomes
577 inactive. Furthermore, during Edebug's recursive edit, these variables
578 are bound to the values they had outside of Edebug.
579
580 @node Edebug Views
581 @subsection Edebug Views
582
583 These Edebug commands let you view aspects of the buffer and window
584 status as they were before entry to Edebug. The outside window
585 configuration is the collection of windows and contents that were in
586 effect outside of Edebug.
587
588 @table @kbd
589 @item v
590 Switch to viewing the outside window configuration
591 (@code{edebug-view-outside}). Type @kbd{C-x X w} to return to Edebug.
592
593 @item p
594 Temporarily display the outside current buffer with point at its
595 outside position (@code{edebug-bounce-point}), pausing for one second
596 before returning to Edebug. With a prefix argument @var{n}, pause for
597 @var{n} seconds instead.
598
599 @item w
600 Move point back to the current stop point in the source code buffer
601 (@code{edebug-where}).
602
603 If you use this command in a different window displaying the same
604 buffer, that window will be used instead to display the current
605 definition in the future.
606
607 @item W
608 @c Its function is not simply to forget the saved configuration -- dan
609 Toggle whether Edebug saves and restores the outside window
610 configuration (@code{edebug-toggle-save-windows}).
611
612 With a prefix argument, @code{W} only toggles saving and restoring of
613 the selected window. To specify a window that is not displaying the
614 source code buffer, you must use @kbd{C-x X W} from the global keymap.
615 @end table
616
617 You can view the outside window configuration with @kbd{v} or just
618 bounce to the point in the current buffer with @kbd{p}, even if
619 it is not normally displayed.
620
621 After moving point, you may wish to jump back to the stop point.
622 You can do that with @kbd{w} from a source code buffer. You can jump
623 back to the stop point in the source code buffer from any buffer using
624 @kbd{C-x X w}.
625
626 Each time you use @kbd{W} to turn saving @emph{off}, Edebug forgets the
627 saved outside window configuration---so that even if you turn saving
628 back @emph{on}, the current window configuration remains unchanged when
629 you next exit Edebug (by continuing the program). However, the
630 automatic redisplay of @samp{*edebug*} and @samp{*edebug-trace*} may
631 conflict with the buffers you wish to see unless you have enough windows
632 open.
633
634 @node Edebug Eval
635 @subsection Evaluation
636
637 While within Edebug, you can evaluate expressions ``as if'' Edebug
638 were not running. Edebug tries to be invisible to the expression's
639 evaluation and printing. Evaluation of expressions that cause side
640 effects will work as expected, except for changes to data that Edebug
641 explicitly saves and restores. @xref{The Outside Context}, for details
642 on this process.
643
644 @table @kbd
645 @item e @var{exp} @key{RET}
646 Evaluate expression @var{exp} in the context outside of Edebug
647 (@code{edebug-eval-expression}). That is, Edebug tries to minimize its
648 interference with the evaluation.
649
650 @item M-: @var{exp} @key{RET}
651 Evaluate expression @var{exp} in the context of Edebug itself.
652
653 @item C-x C-e
654 Evaluate the expression before point, in the context outside of Edebug
655 (@code{edebug-eval-last-sexp}).
656 @end table
657
658 @cindex lexical binding (Edebug)
659 Edebug supports evaluation of expressions containing references to
660 lexically bound symbols created by the following constructs in
661 @file{cl.el} (version 2.03 or later): @code{lexical-let},
662 @code{macrolet}, and @code{symbol-macrolet}.
663
664 @node Eval List
665 @subsection Evaluation List Buffer
666
667 You can use the @dfn{evaluation list buffer}, called @samp{*edebug*}, to
668 evaluate expressions interactively. You can also set up the
669 @dfn{evaluation list} of expressions to be evaluated automatically each
670 time Edebug updates the display.
671
672 @table @kbd
673 @item E
674 Switch to the evaluation list buffer @samp{*edebug*}
675 (@code{edebug-visit-eval-list}).
676 @end table
677
678 In the @samp{*edebug*} buffer you can use the commands of Lisp
679 Interaction mode (@pxref{Lisp Interaction,,, emacs, The GNU Emacs
680 Manual}) as well as these special commands:
681
682 @table @kbd
683 @item C-j
684 Evaluate the expression before point, in the outside context, and insert
685 the value in the buffer (@code{edebug-eval-print-last-sexp}).
686
687 @item C-x C-e
688 Evaluate the expression before point, in the context outside of Edebug
689 (@code{edebug-eval-last-sexp}).
690
691 @item C-c C-u
692 Build a new evaluation list from the contents of the buffer
693 (@code{edebug-update-eval-list}).
694
695 @item C-c C-d
696 Delete the evaluation list group that point is in
697 (@code{edebug-delete-eval-item}).
698
699 @item C-c C-w
700 Switch back to the source code buffer at the current stop point
701 (@code{edebug-where}).
702 @end table
703
704 You can evaluate expressions in the evaluation list window with
705 @kbd{C-j} or @kbd{C-x C-e}, just as you would in @samp{*scratch*};
706 but they are evaluated in the context outside of Edebug.
707
708 The expressions you enter interactively (and their results) are lost
709 when you continue execution; but you can set up an @dfn{evaluation list}
710 consisting of expressions to be evaluated each time execution stops.
711
712 @cindex evaluation list group
713 To do this, write one or more @dfn{evaluation list groups} in the
714 evaluation list buffer. An evaluation list group consists of one or
715 more Lisp expressions. Groups are separated by comment lines.
716
717 The command @kbd{C-c C-u} (@code{edebug-update-eval-list}) rebuilds the
718 evaluation list, scanning the buffer and using the first expression of
719 each group. (The idea is that the second expression of the group is the
720 value previously computed and displayed.)
721
722 Each entry to Edebug redisplays the evaluation list by inserting each
723 expression in the buffer, followed by its current value. It also
724 inserts comment lines so that each expression becomes its own group.
725 Thus, if you type @kbd{C-c C-u} again without changing the buffer text,
726 the evaluation list is effectively unchanged.
727
728 If an error occurs during an evaluation from the evaluation list, the
729 error message is displayed in a string as if it were the result.
730 Therefore, expressions that use variables not currently valid do not
731 interrupt your debugging.
732
733 Here is an example of what the evaluation list window looks like after
734 several expressions have been added to it:
735
736 @smallexample
737 (current-buffer)
738 #<buffer *scratch*>
739 ;---------------------------------------------------------------
740 (selected-window)
741 #<window 16 on *scratch*>
742 ;---------------------------------------------------------------
743 (point)
744 196
745 ;---------------------------------------------------------------
746 bad-var
747 "Symbol's value as variable is void: bad-var"
748 ;---------------------------------------------------------------
749 (recursion-depth)
750 0
751 ;---------------------------------------------------------------
752 this-command
753 eval-last-sexp
754 ;---------------------------------------------------------------
755 @end smallexample
756
757 To delete a group, move point into it and type @kbd{C-c C-d}, or simply
758 delete the text for the group and update the evaluation list with
759 @kbd{C-c C-u}. To add a new expression to the evaluation list, insert
760 the expression at a suitable place, insert a new comment line, then type
761 @kbd{C-c C-u}. You need not insert dashes in the comment line---its
762 contents don't matter.
763
764 After selecting @samp{*edebug*}, you can return to the source code
765 buffer with @kbd{C-c C-w}. The @samp{*edebug*} buffer is killed when
766 you continue execution, and recreated next time it is needed.
767
768 @node Printing in Edebug
769 @subsection Printing in Edebug
770
771 @cindex printing (Edebug)
772 @cindex printing circular structures
773 @pindex cust-print
774 If an expression in your program produces a value containing circular
775 list structure, you may get an error when Edebug attempts to print it.
776
777 One way to cope with circular structure is to set @code{print-length}
778 or @code{print-level} to truncate the printing. Edebug does this for
779 you; it binds @code{print-length} and @code{print-level} to 50 if they
780 were @code{nil}. (Actually, the variables @code{edebug-print-length}
781 and @code{edebug-print-level} specify the values to use within Edebug.)
782 @xref{Output Variables}.
783
784 @defopt edebug-print-length
785 If non-@code{nil}, Edebug binds @code{print-length} to this value while
786 printing results. The default value is @code{50}.
787 @end defopt
788
789 @defopt edebug-print-level
790 If non-@code{nil}, Edebug binds @code{print-level} to this value while
791 printing results. The default value is @code{50}.
792 @end defopt
793
794 You can also print circular structures and structures that share
795 elements more informatively by binding @code{print-circle}
796 to a non-@code{nil} value.
797
798 Here is an example of code that creates a circular structure:
799
800 @example
801 (setq a '(x y))
802 (setcar a a)
803 @end example
804
805 @noindent
806 Custom printing prints this as @samp{Result: #1=(#1# y)}. The
807 @samp{#1=} notation labels the structure that follows it with the label
808 @samp{1}, and the @samp{#1#} notation references the previously labeled
809 structure. This notation is used for any shared elements of lists or
810 vectors.
811
812 @defopt edebug-print-circle
813 If non-@code{nil}, Edebug binds @code{print-circle} to this value while
814 printing results. The default value is @code{t}.
815 @end defopt
816
817 Other programs can also use custom printing; see @file{cust-print.el}
818 for details.
819
820 @node Trace Buffer
821 @subsection Trace Buffer
822 @cindex trace buffer
823
824 Edebug can record an execution trace, storing it in a buffer named
825 @samp{*edebug-trace*}. This is a log of function calls and returns,
826 showing the function names and their arguments and values. To enable
827 trace recording, set @code{edebug-trace} to a non-@code{nil} value.
828
829 Making a trace buffer is not the same thing as using trace execution
830 mode (@pxref{Edebug Execution Modes}).
831
832 When trace recording is enabled, each function entry and exit adds
833 lines to the trace buffer. A function entry record consists of
834 @samp{::::@{}, followed by the function name and argument values. A
835 function exit record consists of @samp{::::@}}, followed by the function
836 name and result of the function.
837
838 The number of @samp{:}s in an entry shows its recursion depth. You
839 can use the braces in the trace buffer to find the matching beginning or
840 end of function calls.
841
842 @findex edebug-print-trace-before
843 @findex edebug-print-trace-after
844 You can customize trace recording for function entry and exit by
845 redefining the functions @code{edebug-print-trace-before} and
846 @code{edebug-print-trace-after}.
847
848 @defmac edebug-tracing string body@dots{}
849 This macro requests additional trace information around the execution
850 of the @var{body} forms. The argument @var{string} specifies text
851 to put in the trace buffer, after the @samp{@{} or @samp{@}}. All
852 the arguments are evaluated, and @code{edebug-tracing} returns the
853 value of the last form in @var{body}.
854 @end defmac
855
856 @defun edebug-trace format-string &rest format-args
857 This function inserts text in the trace buffer. It computes the text
858 with @code{(apply 'format @var{format-string} @var{format-args})}.
859 It also appends a newline to separate entries.
860 @end defun
861
862 @code{edebug-tracing} and @code{edebug-trace} insert lines in the
863 trace buffer whenever they are called, even if Edebug is not active.
864 Adding text to the trace buffer also scrolls its window to show the last
865 lines inserted.
866
867 @node Coverage Testing
868 @subsection Coverage Testing
869
870 @cindex coverage testing
871 @cindex frequency counts
872 @cindex performance analysis
873 Edebug provides rudimentary coverage testing and display of execution
874 frequency.
875
876 Coverage testing works by comparing the result of each expression with
877 the previous result; each form in the program is considered ``covered''
878 if it has returned two different values since you began testing coverage
879 in the current Emacs session. Thus, to do coverage testing on your
880 program, execute it under various conditions and note whether it behaves
881 correctly; Edebug will tell you when you have tried enough different
882 conditions that each form has returned two different values.
883
884 Coverage testing makes execution slower, so it is only done if
885 @code{edebug-test-coverage} is non-@code{nil}. Frequency counting is
886 performed for all execution of an instrumented function, even if the
887 execution mode is Go-nonstop, and regardless of whether coverage testing
888 is enabled.
889
890 @kindex C-x X =
891 @findex edebug-temp-display-freq-count
892 Use @kbd{C-x X =} (@code{edebug-display-freq-count}) to display both
893 the coverage information and the frequency counts for a definition.
894 Just @kbd{=} (@code{edebug-temp-display-freq-count}) displays the same
895 information temporarily, only until you type another key.
896
897 @deffn Command edebug-display-freq-count
898 This command displays the frequency count data for each line of the
899 current definition.
900
901 The frequency counts appear as comment lines after each line of code,
902 and you can undo all insertions with one @code{undo} command. The
903 counts appear under the @samp{(} before an expression or the @samp{)}
904 after an expression, or on the last character of a variable. To
905 simplify the display, a count is not shown if it is equal to the
906 count of an earlier expression on the same line.
907
908 The character @samp{=} following the count for an expression says that
909 the expression has returned the same value each time it was evaluated.
910 In other words, it is not yet ``covered'' for coverage testing purposes.
911
912 To clear the frequency count and coverage data for a definition,
913 simply reinstrument it with @code{eval-defun}.
914 @end deffn
915
916 For example, after evaluating @code{(fac 5)} with a source
917 breakpoint, and setting @code{edebug-test-coverage} to @code{t}, when
918 the breakpoint is reached, the frequency data looks like this:
919
920 @example
921 (defun fac (n)
922 (if (= n 0) (edebug))
923 ;#6 1 = =5
924 (if (< 0 n)
925 ;#5 =
926 (* n (fac (1- n)))
927 ;# 5 0
928 1))
929 ;# 0
930 @end example
931
932 The comment lines show that @code{fac} was called 6 times. The
933 first @code{if} statement returned 5 times with the same result each
934 time; the same is true of the condition on the second @code{if}.
935 The recursive call of @code{fac} did not return at all.
936
937
938 @node The Outside Context
939 @subsection The Outside Context
940
941 Edebug tries to be transparent to the program you are debugging, but it
942 does not succeed completely. Edebug also tries to be transparent when
943 you evaluate expressions with @kbd{e} or with the evaluation list
944 buffer, by temporarily restoring the outside context. This section
945 explains precisely what context Edebug restores, and how Edebug fails to
946 be completely transparent.
947
948 @menu
949 * Checking Whether to Stop:: When Edebug decides what to do.
950 * Edebug Display Update:: When Edebug updates the display.
951 * Edebug Recursive Edit:: When Edebug stops execution.
952 @end menu
953
954 @node Checking Whether to Stop
955 @subsubsection Checking Whether to Stop
956
957 Whenever Edebug is entered, it needs to save and restore certain data
958 before even deciding whether to make trace information or stop the
959 program.
960
961 @itemize @bullet
962 @item
963 @code{max-lisp-eval-depth} and @code{max-specpdl-size} are both
964 incremented once to reduce Edebug's impact on the stack. You could,
965 however, still run out of stack space when using Edebug.
966
967 @item
968 The state of keyboard macro execution is saved and restored. While
969 Edebug is active, @code{executing-kbd-macro} is bound to @code{nil}
970 unless @code{edebug-continue-kbd-macro} is non-@code{nil}.
971 @end itemize
972
973
974 @node Edebug Display Update
975 @subsubsection Edebug Display Update
976
977 @c This paragraph is not filled, because LaLiberte's conversion script
978 @c needs an xref to be on just one line.
979 When Edebug needs to display something (e.g., in trace mode), it saves
980 the current window configuration from ``outside'' Edebug
981 (@pxref{Window Configurations}). When you exit Edebug (by continuing
982 the program), it restores the previous window configuration.
983
984 Emacs redisplays only when it pauses. Usually, when you continue
985 execution, the program re-enters Edebug at a breakpoint or after
986 stepping, without pausing or reading input in between. In such cases,
987 Emacs never gets a chance to redisplay the ``outside'' configuration.
988 Consequently, what you see is the same window configuration as the last
989 time Edebug was active, with no interruption.
990
991 Entry to Edebug for displaying something also saves and restores the
992 following data (though some of them are deliberately not restored if an
993 error or quit signal occurs).
994
995 @itemize @bullet
996 @item
997 @cindex current buffer point and mark (Edebug)
998 Which buffer is current, and the positions of point and the mark in the
999 current buffer, are saved and restored.
1000
1001 @item
1002 @cindex window configuration (Edebug)
1003 The outside window configuration is saved and restored if
1004 @code{edebug-save-windows} is non-@code{nil} (@pxref{Edebug Options}).
1005
1006 The window configuration is not restored on error or quit, but the
1007 outside selected window @emph{is} reselected even on error or quit in
1008 case a @code{save-excursion} is active. If the value of
1009 @code{edebug-save-windows} is a list, only the listed windows are saved
1010 and restored.
1011
1012 The window start and horizontal scrolling of the source code buffer are
1013 not restored, however, so that the display remains coherent within Edebug.
1014
1015 @item
1016 The value of point in each displayed buffer is saved and restored if
1017 @code{edebug-save-displayed-buffer-points} is non-@code{nil}.
1018
1019 @item
1020 The variables @code{overlay-arrow-position} and
1021 @code{overlay-arrow-string} are saved and restored. So you can safely
1022 invoke Edebug from the recursive edit elsewhere in the same buffer.
1023
1024 @item
1025 @code{cursor-in-echo-area} is locally bound to @code{nil} so that
1026 the cursor shows up in the window.
1027 @end itemize
1028
1029 @node Edebug Recursive Edit
1030 @subsubsection Edebug Recursive Edit
1031
1032 When Edebug is entered and actually reads commands from the user, it
1033 saves (and later restores) these additional data:
1034
1035 @itemize @bullet
1036 @item
1037 The current match data. @xref{Match Data}.
1038
1039 @item
1040 The variables @code{last-command}, @code{this-command},
1041 @code{last-command-char}, @code{last-input-char},
1042 @code{last-input-event}, @code{last-command-event},
1043 @code{last-event-frame}, @code{last-nonmenu-event}, and
1044 @code{track-mouse}. Commands used within Edebug do not affect these
1045 variables outside of Edebug.
1046
1047 Executing commands within Edebug can change the key sequence that
1048 would be returned by @code{this-command-keys}, and there is no way to
1049 reset the key sequence from Lisp.
1050
1051 Edebug cannot save and restore the value of
1052 @code{unread-command-events}. Entering Edebug while this variable has a
1053 nontrivial value can interfere with execution of the program you are
1054 debugging.
1055
1056 @item
1057 Complex commands executed while in Edebug are added to the variable
1058 @code{command-history}. In rare cases this can alter execution.
1059
1060 @item
1061 Within Edebug, the recursion depth appears one deeper than the recursion
1062 depth outside Edebug. This is not true of the automatically updated
1063 evaluation list window.
1064
1065 @item
1066 @code{standard-output} and @code{standard-input} are bound to @code{nil}
1067 by the @code{recursive-edit}, but Edebug temporarily restores them during
1068 evaluations.
1069
1070 @item
1071 The state of keyboard macro definition is saved and restored. While
1072 Edebug is active, @code{defining-kbd-macro} is bound to
1073 @code{edebug-continue-kbd-macro}.
1074 @end itemize
1075
1076 @node Edebug and Macros
1077 @subsection Edebug and Macros
1078
1079 To make Edebug properly instrument expressions that call macros, some
1080 extra care is needed. This subsection explains the details.
1081
1082 @menu
1083 * Instrumenting Macro Calls:: The basic problem.
1084 * Specification List:: How to specify complex patterns of evaluation.
1085 * Backtracking:: What Edebug does when matching fails.
1086 * Specification Examples:: To help understand specifications.
1087 @end menu
1088
1089 @node Instrumenting Macro Calls
1090 @subsubsection Instrumenting Macro Calls
1091
1092 When Edebug instruments an expression that calls a Lisp macro, it needs
1093 additional information about the macro to do the job properly. This is
1094 because there is no a-priori way to tell which subexpressions of the
1095 macro call are forms to be evaluated. (Evaluation may occur explicitly
1096 in the macro body, or when the resulting expansion is evaluated, or any
1097 time later.)
1098
1099 Therefore, you must define an Edebug specification for each macro
1100 that Edebug will encounter, to explain the format of calls to that
1101 macro. To do this, add a @code{debug} declaration to the macro
1102 definition. Here is a simple example that shows the specification for
1103 the @code{for} example macro (@pxref{Argument Evaluation}).
1104
1105 @smallexample
1106 (defmacro for (var from init to final do &rest body)
1107 "Execute a simple \"for\" loop.
1108 For example, (for i from 1 to 10 do (print i))."
1109 (declare (debug (symbolp "from" form "to" form "do" &rest form)))
1110 ...)
1111 @end smallexample
1112
1113 The Edebug specification says which parts of a call to the macro are
1114 forms to be evaluated. For simple macros, the @var{specification}
1115 often looks very similar to the formal argument list of the macro
1116 definition, but specifications are much more general than macro
1117 arguments. @xref{Defining Macros}, for more explanation of
1118 the @code{declare} form.
1119
1120 You can also define an edebug specification for a macro separately
1121 from the macro definition with @code{def-edebug-spec}. Adding
1122 @code{debug} declarations is preferred, and more convenient, for macro
1123 definitions in Lisp, but @code{def-edebug-spec} makes it possible to
1124 define Edebug specifications for special forms implemented in C.
1125
1126 @deffn Macro def-edebug-spec macro specification
1127 Specify which expressions of a call to macro @var{macro} are forms to be
1128 evaluated. @var{specification} should be the edebug specification.
1129 Neither argument is evaluated.
1130
1131 The @var{macro} argument can actually be any symbol, not just a macro
1132 name.
1133 @end deffn
1134
1135 Here is a table of the possibilities for @var{specification} and how each
1136 directs processing of arguments.
1137
1138 @table @asis
1139 @item @code{t}
1140 All arguments are instrumented for evaluation.
1141
1142 @item @code{0}
1143 None of the arguments is instrumented.
1144
1145 @item a symbol
1146 The symbol must have an Edebug specification which is used instead.
1147 This indirection is repeated until another kind of specification is
1148 found. This allows you to inherit the specification from another macro.
1149
1150 @item a list
1151 The elements of the list describe the types of the arguments of a
1152 calling form. The possible elements of a specification list are
1153 described in the following sections.
1154 @end table
1155
1156 @vindex edebug-eval-macro-args
1157 If a macro has no Edebug specification, neither through a @code{debug}
1158 declaration nor through a @code{def-edebug-spec} call, the variable
1159 @code{edebug-eval-macro-args} comes into play. If it is @code{nil},
1160 the default, none of the arguments is instrumented for evaluation.
1161 If it is non-@code{nil}, all arguments are instrumented.
1162
1163 @node Specification List
1164 @subsubsection Specification List
1165
1166 @cindex Edebug specification list
1167 A @dfn{specification list} is required for an Edebug specification if
1168 some arguments of a macro call are evaluated while others are not. Some
1169 elements in a specification list match one or more arguments, but others
1170 modify the processing of all following elements. The latter, called
1171 @dfn{specification keywords}, are symbols beginning with @samp{&} (such
1172 as @code{&optional}).
1173
1174 A specification list may contain sublists which match arguments that are
1175 themselves lists, or it may contain vectors used for grouping. Sublists
1176 and groups thus subdivide the specification list into a hierarchy of
1177 levels. Specification keywords apply only to the remainder of the
1178 sublist or group they are contained in.
1179
1180 When a specification list involves alternatives or repetition, matching
1181 it against an actual macro call may require backtracking.
1182 @xref{Backtracking}, for more details.
1183
1184 Edebug specifications provide the power of regular expression matching,
1185 plus some context-free grammar constructs: the matching of sublists with
1186 balanced parentheses, recursive processing of forms, and recursion via
1187 indirect specifications.
1188
1189 Here's a table of the possible elements of a specification list, with
1190 their meanings (see @ref{Specification Examples}, for the referenced
1191 examples):
1192
1193 @table @code
1194 @item sexp
1195 A single unevaluated Lisp object, which is not instrumented.
1196 @c an "expression" is not necessarily intended for evaluation.
1197
1198 @item form
1199 A single evaluated expression, which is instrumented.
1200
1201 @item place
1202 @findex edebug-unwrap
1203 A place to store a value, as in the Common Lisp @code{setf} construct.
1204
1205 @item body
1206 Short for @code{&rest form}. See @code{&rest} below.
1207
1208 @item function-form
1209 A function form: either a quoted function symbol, a quoted lambda
1210 expression, or a form (that should evaluate to a function symbol or
1211 lambda expression). This is useful when an argument that's a lambda
1212 expression might be quoted with @code{quote} rather than
1213 @code{function}, since it instruments the body of the lambda expression
1214 either way.
1215
1216 @item lambda-expr
1217 A lambda expression with no quoting.
1218
1219 @item &optional
1220 @c @kindex &optional @r{(Edebug)}
1221 All following elements in the specification list are optional; as soon
1222 as one does not match, Edebug stops matching at this level.
1223
1224 To make just a few elements optional followed by non-optional elements,
1225 use @code{[&optional @var{specs}@dots{}]}. To specify that several
1226 elements must all match or none, use @code{&optional
1227 [@var{specs}@dots{}]}. See the @code{defun} example.
1228
1229 @item &rest
1230 @c @kindex &rest @r{(Edebug)}
1231 All following elements in the specification list are repeated zero or
1232 more times. In the last repetition, however, it is not a problem if the
1233 expression runs out before matching all of the elements of the
1234 specification list.
1235
1236 To repeat only a few elements, use @code{[&rest @var{specs}@dots{}]}.
1237 To specify several elements that must all match on every repetition, use
1238 @code{&rest [@var{specs}@dots{}]}.
1239
1240 @item &or
1241 @c @kindex &or @r{(Edebug)}
1242 Each of the following elements in the specification list is an
1243 alternative. One of the alternatives must match, or the @code{&or}
1244 specification fails.
1245
1246 Each list element following @code{&or} is a single alternative. To
1247 group two or more list elements as a single alternative, enclose them in
1248 @code{[@dots{}]}.
1249
1250 @item &not
1251 @c @kindex &not @r{(Edebug)}
1252 Each of the following elements is matched as alternatives as if by using
1253 @code{&or}, but if any of them match, the specification fails. If none
1254 of them match, nothing is matched, but the @code{&not} specification
1255 succeeds.
1256
1257 @item &define
1258 @c @kindex &define @r{(Edebug)}
1259 Indicates that the specification is for a defining form. The defining
1260 form itself is not instrumented (that is, Edebug does not stop before and
1261 after the defining form), but forms inside it typically will be
1262 instrumented. The @code{&define} keyword should be the first element in
1263 a list specification.
1264
1265 @item nil
1266 This is successful when there are no more arguments to match at the
1267 current argument list level; otherwise it fails. See sublist
1268 specifications and the backquote example.
1269
1270 @item gate
1271 @cindex preventing backtracking
1272 No argument is matched but backtracking through the gate is disabled
1273 while matching the remainder of the specifications at this level. This
1274 is primarily used to generate more specific syntax error messages. See
1275 @ref{Backtracking}, for more details. Also see the @code{let} example.
1276
1277 @item @var{other-symbol}
1278 @cindex indirect specifications
1279 Any other symbol in a specification list may be a predicate or an
1280 indirect specification.
1281
1282 If the symbol has an Edebug specification, this @dfn{indirect
1283 specification} should be either a list specification that is used in
1284 place of the symbol, or a function that is called to process the
1285 arguments. The specification may be defined with @code{def-edebug-spec}
1286 just as for macros. See the @code{defun} example.
1287
1288 Otherwise, the symbol should be a predicate. The predicate is called
1289 with the argument and the specification fails if the predicate returns
1290 @code{nil}. In either case, that argument is not instrumented.
1291
1292 Some suitable predicates include @code{symbolp}, @code{integerp},
1293 @code{stringp}, @code{vectorp}, and @code{atom}.
1294
1295 @item [@var{elements}@dots{}]
1296 @cindex [@dots{}] (Edebug)
1297 A vector of elements groups the elements into a single @dfn{group
1298 specification}. Its meaning has nothing to do with vectors.
1299
1300 @item "@var{string}"
1301 The argument should be a symbol named @var{string}. This specification
1302 is equivalent to the quoted symbol, @code{'@var{symbol}}, where the name
1303 of @var{symbol} is the @var{string}, but the string form is preferred.
1304
1305 @item (vector @var{elements}@dots{})
1306 The argument should be a vector whose elements must match the
1307 @var{elements} in the specification. See the backquote example.
1308
1309 @item (@var{elements}@dots{})
1310 Any other list is a @dfn{sublist specification} and the argument must be
1311 a list whose elements match the specification @var{elements}.
1312
1313 @cindex dotted lists (Edebug)
1314 A sublist specification may be a dotted list and the corresponding list
1315 argument may then be a dotted list. Alternatively, the last @sc{cdr} of a
1316 dotted list specification may be another sublist specification (via a
1317 grouping or an indirect specification, e.g., @code{(spec . [(more
1318 specs@dots{})])}) whose elements match the non-dotted list arguments.
1319 This is useful in recursive specifications such as in the backquote
1320 example. Also see the description of a @code{nil} specification
1321 above for terminating such recursion.
1322
1323 Note that a sublist specification written as @code{(specs . nil)}
1324 is equivalent to @code{(specs)}, and @code{(specs .
1325 (sublist-elements@dots{}))} is equivalent to @code{(specs
1326 sublist-elements@dots{})}.
1327 @end table
1328
1329 @c Need to document extensions with &symbol and :symbol
1330
1331 Here is a list of additional specifications that may appear only after
1332 @code{&define}. See the @code{defun} example.
1333
1334 @table @code
1335 @item name
1336 The argument, a symbol, is the name of the defining form.
1337
1338 A defining form is not required to have a name field; and it may have
1339 multiple name fields.
1340
1341 @item :name
1342 This construct does not actually match an argument. The element
1343 following @code{:name} should be a symbol; it is used as an additional
1344 name component for the definition. You can use this to add a unique,
1345 static component to the name of the definition. It may be used more
1346 than once.
1347
1348 @item arg
1349 The argument, a symbol, is the name of an argument of the defining form.
1350 However, lambda-list keywords (symbols starting with @samp{&})
1351 are not allowed.
1352
1353 @item lambda-list
1354 @cindex lambda-list (Edebug)
1355 This matches a lambda list---the argument list of a lambda expression.
1356
1357 @item def-body
1358 The argument is the body of code in a definition. This is like
1359 @code{body}, described above, but a definition body must be instrumented
1360 with a different Edebug call that looks up information associated with
1361 the definition. Use @code{def-body} for the highest level list of forms
1362 within the definition.
1363
1364 @item def-form
1365 The argument is a single, highest-level form in a definition. This is
1366 like @code{def-body}, except use this to match a single form rather than
1367 a list of forms. As a special case, @code{def-form} also means that
1368 tracing information is not output when the form is executed. See the
1369 @code{interactive} example.
1370 @end table
1371
1372 @node Backtracking
1373 @subsubsection Backtracking in Specifications
1374
1375 @cindex backtracking
1376 @cindex syntax error (Edebug)
1377 If a specification fails to match at some point, this does not
1378 necessarily mean a syntax error will be signaled; instead,
1379 @dfn{backtracking} will take place until all alternatives have been
1380 exhausted. Eventually every element of the argument list must be
1381 matched by some element in the specification, and every required element
1382 in the specification must match some argument.
1383
1384 When a syntax error is detected, it might not be reported until much
1385 later after higher-level alternatives have been exhausted, and with the
1386 point positioned further from the real error. But if backtracking is
1387 disabled when an error occurs, it can be reported immediately. Note
1388 that backtracking is also reenabled automatically in several situations;
1389 it is reenabled when a new alternative is established by
1390 @code{&optional}, @code{&rest}, or @code{&or}, or at the start of
1391 processing a sublist, group, or indirect specification. The effect of
1392 enabling or disabling backtracking is limited to the remainder of the
1393 level currently being processed and lower levels.
1394
1395 Backtracking is disabled while matching any of the
1396 form specifications (that is, @code{form}, @code{body}, @code{def-form}, and
1397 @code{def-body}). These specifications will match any form so any error
1398 must be in the form itself rather than at a higher level.
1399
1400 Backtracking is also disabled after successfully matching a quoted
1401 symbol or string specification, since this usually indicates a
1402 recognized construct. But if you have a set of alternative constructs that
1403 all begin with the same symbol, you can usually work around this
1404 constraint by factoring the symbol out of the alternatives, e.g.,
1405 @code{["foo" &or [first case] [second case] ...]}.
1406
1407 Most needs are satisfied by these two ways that backtracking is
1408 automatically disabled, but occasionally it is useful to explicitly
1409 disable backtracking by using the @code{gate} specification. This is
1410 useful when you know that no higher alternatives could apply. See the
1411 example of the @code{let} specification.
1412
1413 @node Specification Examples
1414 @subsubsection Specification Examples
1415
1416 It may be easier to understand Edebug specifications by studying
1417 the examples provided here.
1418
1419 A @code{let} special form has a sequence of bindings and a body. Each
1420 of the bindings is either a symbol or a sublist with a symbol and
1421 optional expression. In the specification below, notice the @code{gate}
1422 inside of the sublist to prevent backtracking once a sublist is found.
1423
1424 @example
1425 (def-edebug-spec let
1426 ((&rest
1427 &or symbolp (gate symbolp &optional form))
1428 body))
1429 @end example
1430
1431 Edebug uses the following specifications for @code{defun} and
1432 @code{defmacro} and the associated argument list and @code{interactive}
1433 specifications. It is necessary to handle interactive forms specially
1434 since an expression argument is actually evaluated outside of the
1435 function body.
1436
1437 @smallexample
1438 (def-edebug-spec defmacro defun) ; @r{Indirect ref to @code{defun} spec.}
1439 (def-edebug-spec defun
1440 (&define name lambda-list
1441 [&optional stringp] ; @r{Match the doc string, if present.}
1442 [&optional ("interactive" interactive)]
1443 def-body))
1444
1445 (def-edebug-spec lambda-list
1446 (([&rest arg]
1447 [&optional ["&optional" arg &rest arg]]
1448 &optional ["&rest" arg]
1449 )))
1450
1451 (def-edebug-spec interactive
1452 (&optional &or stringp def-form)) ; @r{Notice: @code{def-form}}
1453 @end smallexample
1454
1455 The specification for backquote below illustrates how to match
1456 dotted lists and use @code{nil} to terminate recursion. It also
1457 illustrates how components of a vector may be matched. (The actual
1458 specification defined by Edebug does not support dotted lists because
1459 doing so causes very deep recursion that could fail.)
1460
1461 @smallexample
1462 (def-edebug-spec ` (backquote-form)) ; @r{Alias just for clarity.}
1463
1464 (def-edebug-spec backquote-form
1465 (&or ([&or "," ",@@"] &or ("quote" backquote-form) form)
1466 (backquote-form . [&or nil backquote-form])
1467 (vector &rest backquote-form)
1468 sexp))
1469 @end smallexample
1470
1471
1472 @node Edebug Options
1473 @subsection Edebug Options
1474
1475 These options affect the behavior of Edebug:
1476
1477 @defopt edebug-setup-hook
1478 Functions to call before Edebug is used. Each time it is set to a new
1479 value, Edebug will call those functions once and then
1480 @code{edebug-setup-hook} is reset to @code{nil}. You could use this to
1481 load up Edebug specifications associated with a package you are using
1482 but only when you also use Edebug.
1483 @xref{Instrumenting}.
1484 @end defopt
1485
1486 @defopt edebug-all-defs
1487 If this is non-@code{nil}, normal evaluation of defining forms such as
1488 @code{defun} and @code{defmacro} instruments them for Edebug. This
1489 applies to @code{eval-defun}, @code{eval-region}, @code{eval-buffer},
1490 and @code{eval-current-buffer}.
1491
1492 Use the command @kbd{M-x edebug-all-defs} to toggle the value of this
1493 option. @xref{Instrumenting}.
1494 @end defopt
1495
1496 @defopt edebug-all-forms
1497 If this is non-@code{nil}, the commands @code{eval-defun},
1498 @code{eval-region}, @code{eval-buffer}, and @code{eval-current-buffer}
1499 instrument all forms, even those that don't define anything.
1500 This doesn't apply to loading or evaluations in the minibuffer.
1501
1502 Use the command @kbd{M-x edebug-all-forms} to toggle the value of this
1503 option. @xref{Instrumenting}.
1504 @end defopt
1505
1506 @defopt edebug-save-windows
1507 If this is non-@code{nil}, Edebug saves and restores the window
1508 configuration. That takes some time, so if your program does not care
1509 what happens to the window configurations, it is better to set this
1510 variable to @code{nil}.
1511
1512 If the value is a list, only the listed windows are saved and
1513 restored.
1514
1515 You can use the @kbd{W} command in Edebug to change this variable
1516 interactively. @xref{Edebug Display Update}.
1517 @end defopt
1518
1519 @defopt edebug-save-displayed-buffer-points
1520 If this is non-@code{nil}, Edebug saves and restores point in all
1521 displayed buffers.
1522
1523 Saving and restoring point in other buffers is necessary if you are
1524 debugging code that changes the point of a buffer which is displayed in
1525 a non-selected window. If Edebug or the user then selects the window,
1526 point in that buffer will move to the window's value of point.
1527
1528 Saving and restoring point in all buffers is expensive, since it
1529 requires selecting each window twice, so enable this only if you need
1530 it. @xref{Edebug Display Update}.
1531 @end defopt
1532
1533 @defopt edebug-initial-mode
1534 If this variable is non-@code{nil}, it specifies the initial execution
1535 mode for Edebug when it is first activated. Possible values are
1536 @code{step}, @code{next}, @code{go}, @code{Go-nonstop}, @code{trace},
1537 @code{Trace-fast}, @code{continue}, and @code{Continue-fast}.
1538
1539 The default value is @code{step}.
1540 @xref{Edebug Execution Modes}.
1541 @end defopt
1542
1543 @defopt edebug-trace
1544 If this is non-@code{nil}, trace each function entry and exit.
1545 Tracing output is displayed in a buffer named @samp{*edebug-trace*}, one
1546 function entry or exit per line, indented by the recursion level.
1547
1548 Also see @code{edebug-tracing}, in @ref{Trace Buffer}.
1549 @end defopt
1550
1551 @defopt edebug-test-coverage
1552 If non-@code{nil}, Edebug tests coverage of all expressions debugged.
1553 @xref{Coverage Testing}.
1554 @end defopt
1555
1556 @defopt edebug-continue-kbd-macro
1557 If non-@code{nil}, continue defining or executing any keyboard macro
1558 that is executing outside of Edebug. Use this with caution since it is not
1559 debugged.
1560 @xref{Edebug Execution Modes}.
1561 @end defopt
1562
1563 @defopt edebug-on-error
1564 Edebug binds @code{debug-on-error} to this value, if
1565 @code{debug-on-error} was previously @code{nil}. @xref{Trapping
1566 Errors}.
1567 @end defopt
1568
1569 @defopt edebug-on-quit
1570 Edebug binds @code{debug-on-quit} to this value, if
1571 @code{debug-on-quit} was previously @code{nil}. @xref{Trapping
1572 Errors}.
1573 @end defopt
1574
1575 If you change the values of @code{edebug-on-error} or
1576 @code{edebug-on-quit} while Edebug is active, their values won't be used
1577 until the @emph{next} time Edebug is invoked via a new command.
1578 @c Not necessarily a deeper command level.
1579 @c A new command is not precisely true, but that is close enough -- dan
1580
1581 @defopt edebug-global-break-condition
1582 If non-@code{nil}, an expression to test for at every stop point. If
1583 the result is non-@code{nil}, then break. Errors are ignored.
1584 @xref{Global Break Condition}.
1585 @end defopt
1586
1587 @ignore
1588 arch-tag: 74842db8-019f-4818-b5a4-b2de878e57fd
1589 @end ignore