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