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