Merge from emacs--rel--22
[bpt/emacs.git] / doc / lispref / edebug.texi
1 @comment -*-texinfo-*-
2 @c This is part of the GNU Emacs Lisp Reference Manual.
3 @c Copyright (C) 1992, 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
4 @c 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
5 @c See the file elisp.texi for copying conditions.
6
7 @c This file can also be used by an independent Edebug User
8 @c Manual in which case the Edebug node below should be used
9 @c with the following links to the Bugs section and to the top level:
10
11 @c , Bugs and Todo List, Top, Top
12
13 @node Edebug, Syntax Errors, Debugger, Debugging
14 @section Edebug
15 @cindex Edebug debugging facility
16
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-buffer @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; for this reading, after loading Edebug,
192 @code{eval-region} records the position of every definition it
193 evaluates, even if not instrumenting it. See also the @kbd{i} command
194 (@pxref{Jumping}), which steps into the call after instrumenting the
195 function.
196
197 Edebug knows how to instrument all the standard special forms,
198 @code{interactive} forms with an expression argument, anonymous lambda
199 expressions, and other defining forms. However, Edebug cannot determine
200 on its own what a user-defined macro will do with the arguments of a
201 macro call, so you must provide that information using Edebug
202 specifications; see @ref{Edebug and Macros}, for details.
203
204 When Edebug is about to instrument code for the first time in a
205 session, it runs the hook @code{edebug-setup-hook}, then sets it to
206 @code{nil}. You can use this to load Edebug specifications
207 associated with a package you are using, but only when you use Edebug.
208
209 @findex eval-expression @r{(Edebug)}
210 To remove instrumentation from a definition, simply re-evaluate its
211 definition in a way that does not instrument. There are two ways of
212 evaluating forms that never instrument them: from a file with
213 @code{load}, and from the minibuffer with @code{eval-expression}
214 (@kbd{M-:}).
215
216 If Edebug detects a syntax error while instrumenting, it leaves point
217 at the erroneous code and signals an @code{invalid-read-syntax} error.
218
219 @xref{Edebug Eval}, for other evaluation functions available
220 inside of Edebug.
221
222 @node Edebug Execution Modes
223 @subsection Edebug Execution Modes
224
225 @cindex Edebug execution modes
226 Edebug supports several execution modes for running the program you are
227 debugging. We call these alternatives @dfn{Edebug execution modes}; do
228 not confuse them with major or minor modes. The current Edebug execution mode
229 determines how far Edebug continues execution before stopping---whether
230 it stops at each stop point, or continues to the next breakpoint, for
231 example---and how much Edebug displays the progress of the evaluation
232 before it stops.
233
234 Normally, you specify the Edebug execution mode by typing a command to
235 continue the program in a certain mode. Here is a table of these
236 commands; all except for @kbd{S} resume execution of the program, at
237 least for a certain distance.
238
239 @table @kbd
240 @item S
241 Stop: don't execute any more of the program, but wait for more
242 Edebug commands (@code{edebug-stop}).
243
244 @item @key{SPC}
245 Step: stop at the next stop point encountered (@code{edebug-step-mode}).
246
247 @item n
248 Next: stop at the next stop point encountered after an expression
249 (@code{edebug-next-mode}). Also see @code{edebug-forward-sexp} in
250 @ref{Jumping}.
251
252 @item t
253 Trace: pause (normally one second) at each Edebug stop point
254 (@code{edebug-trace-mode}).
255
256 @item T
257 Rapid trace: update the display at each stop point, but don't actually
258 pause (@code{edebug-Trace-fast-mode}).
259
260 @item g
261 Go: run until the next breakpoint (@code{edebug-go-mode}). @xref{Breakpoints}.
262
263 @item c
264 Continue: pause one second at each breakpoint, and then continue
265 (@code{edebug-continue-mode}).
266
267 @item C
268 Rapid continue: move point to each breakpoint, but don't pause
269 (@code{edebug-Continue-fast-mode}).
270
271 @item G
272 Go non-stop: ignore breakpoints (@code{edebug-Go-nonstop-mode}). You
273 can still stop the program by typing @kbd{S}, or any editing command.
274 @end table
275
276 In general, the execution modes earlier in the above list run the
277 program more slowly or stop sooner than the modes later in the list.
278
279 While executing or tracing, you can interrupt the execution by typing
280 any Edebug command. Edebug stops the program at the next stop point and
281 then executes the command you typed. For example, typing @kbd{t} during
282 execution switches to trace mode at the next stop point. You can use
283 @kbd{S} to stop execution without doing anything else.
284
285 If your function happens to read input, a character you type intending
286 to interrupt execution may be read by the function instead. You can
287 avoid such unintended results by paying attention to when your program
288 wants input.
289
290 @cindex keyboard macros (Edebug)
291 Keyboard macros containing the commands in this section do not
292 completely work: exiting from Edebug, to resume the program, loses track
293 of the keyboard macro. This is not easy to fix. Also, defining or
294 executing a keyboard macro outside of Edebug does not affect commands
295 inside Edebug. This is usually an advantage. See also the
296 @code{edebug-continue-kbd-macro} option (@pxref{Edebug Options}).
297
298 When you enter a new Edebug level, the initial execution mode comes
299 from the value of the variable @code{edebug-initial-mode}.
300 (@xref{Edebug Options}.) By default, this specifies step mode. Note
301 that you may reenter the same Edebug level several times if, for
302 example, an instrumented function is called several times from one
303 command.
304
305 @defopt edebug-sit-for-seconds
306 This option specifies how many seconds to wait between execution steps
307 in trace mode. The default is 1 second.
308 @end defopt
309
310 @node Jumping
311 @subsection Jumping
312
313 The commands described in this section execute until they reach a
314 specified location. All except @kbd{i} make a temporary breakpoint to
315 establish the place to stop, then switch to go mode. Any other
316 breakpoint reached before the intended stop point will also stop
317 execution. @xref{Breakpoints}, for the details on breakpoints.
318
319 These commands may fail to work as expected in case of nonlocal exit,
320 as that can bypass the temporary breakpoint where you expected the
321 program to stop.
322
323 @table @kbd
324 @item h
325 Proceed to the stop point near where point is (@code{edebug-goto-here}).
326
327 @item f
328 Run the program for one expression
329 (@code{edebug-forward-sexp}).
330
331 @item o
332 Run the program until the end of the containing sexp.
333
334 @item i
335 Step into the function or macro called by the form after point.
336 @end table
337
338 The @kbd{h} command proceeds to the stop point at or after the current
339 location of point, using a temporary breakpoint.
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 You must check that the position @kbd{C-M-f} finds is a place that the
352 program will really get to. In @code{cond}, for example, this may not
353 be true.
354
355 For flexibility, the @kbd{f} command does @code{forward-sexp} starting
356 at point, rather than at the stop point. If you want to execute one
357 expression @emph{from the current stop point}, first type @kbd{w}, 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 You can invoke commands from Edebug that activate Edebug again
419 recursively. Whenever Edebug is active, you can quit to the top level
420 with @kbd{q} or abort one recursive edit level with @kbd{C-]}. You can
421 display a backtrace of all the pending evaluations with @kbd{d}.
422
423 @node Breaks
424 @subsection Breaks
425
426 Edebug's step mode stops execution when the next stop point is reached.
427 There are three other ways to stop Edebug execution once it has started:
428 breakpoints, the global break condition, and source breakpoints.
429
430 @menu
431 * Breakpoints:: Breakpoints at stop points.
432 * Global Break Condition:: Breaking on an event.
433 * Source Breakpoints:: Embedding breakpoints in source code.
434 @end menu
435
436 @node Breakpoints
437 @subsubsection Edebug Breakpoints
438
439 @cindex breakpoints (Edebug)
440 While using Edebug, you can specify @dfn{breakpoints} in the program you
441 are testing: these are places where execution should stop. You can set a
442 breakpoint at any stop point, as defined in @ref{Using Edebug}. For
443 setting and unsetting breakpoints, the stop point that is affected is
444 the first one at or after point in the source code buffer. Here are the
445 Edebug commands for breakpoints:
446
447 @table @kbd
448 @item b
449 Set a breakpoint at the stop point at or after point
450 (@code{edebug-set-breakpoint}). If you use a prefix argument, the
451 breakpoint is temporary---it turns off the first time it stops the
452 program.
453
454 @item u
455 Unset the breakpoint (if any) at the stop point at or after
456 point (@code{edebug-unset-breakpoint}).
457
458 @item x @var{condition} @key{RET}
459 Set a conditional breakpoint which stops the program only if
460 evaluating @var{condition} produces a non-@code{nil} value
461 (@code{edebug-set-conditional-breakpoint}). With a prefix argument,
462 the breakpoint is temporary.
463
464 @item B
465 Move point to the next breakpoint in the current definition
466 (@code{edebug-next-breakpoint}).
467 @end table
468
469 While in Edebug, you can set a breakpoint with @kbd{b} and unset one
470 with @kbd{u}. First move point to the Edebug stop point of your choice,
471 then type @kbd{b} or @kbd{u} to set or unset a breakpoint there.
472 Unsetting a breakpoint where none has been set has no effect.
473
474 Re-evaluating or reinstrumenting a definition removes all of its
475 previous breakpoints.
476
477 A @dfn{conditional breakpoint} tests a condition each time the program
478 gets there. Any errors that occur as a result of evaluating the
479 condition are ignored, as if the result were @code{nil}. To set a
480 conditional breakpoint, use @kbd{x}, and specify the condition
481 expression in the minibuffer. Setting a conditional breakpoint at a
482 stop point that has a previously established conditional breakpoint puts
483 the previous condition expression in the minibuffer so you can edit it.
484
485 You can make a conditional or unconditional breakpoint
486 @dfn{temporary} by using a prefix argument with the command to set the
487 breakpoint. When a temporary breakpoint stops the program, it is
488 automatically unset.
489
490 Edebug always stops or pauses at a breakpoint, except when the Edebug
491 mode is Go-nonstop. In that mode, it ignores breakpoints entirely.
492
493 To find out where your breakpoints are, use the @kbd{B} command, which
494 moves point to the next breakpoint following point, within the same
495 function, or to the first breakpoint if there are no following
496 breakpoints. This command does not continue execution---it just moves
497 point in the buffer.
498
499 @node Global Break Condition
500 @subsubsection Global Break Condition
501
502 @cindex stopping on events
503 @cindex global break condition
504 A @dfn{global break condition} stops execution when a specified
505 condition is satisfied, no matter where that may occur. Edebug
506 evaluates the global break condition at every stop point; if it
507 evaluates to a non-@code{nil} value, then execution stops or pauses
508 depending on the execution mode, as if a breakpoint had been hit. If
509 evaluating the condition gets an error, execution does not stop.
510
511 @findex edebug-set-global-break-condition
512 The condition expression is stored in
513 @code{edebug-global-break-condition}. You can specify a new expression
514 using the @kbd{X} command from the source code buffer while Edebug is
515 active, or using @kbd{C-x X X} from any buffer at any time, as long as
516 Edebug is loaded (@code{edebug-set-global-break-condition}).
517
518 The global break condition is the simplest way to find where in your
519 code some event occurs, but it makes code run much more slowly. So you
520 should reset the condition to @code{nil} when not using it.
521
522 @node Source Breakpoints
523 @subsubsection Source Breakpoints
524
525 @findex edebug
526 @cindex source breakpoints
527 All breakpoints in a definition are forgotten each time you
528 reinstrument it. If you wish to make a breakpoint that won't be
529 forgotten, you can write a @dfn{source breakpoint}, which is simply a
530 call to the function @code{edebug} in your source code. You can, of
531 course, make such a call conditional. For example, in the @code{fac}
532 function, you can insert the first line as shown below, to stop when the
533 argument reaches zero:
534
535 @example
536 (defun fac (n)
537 (if (= n 0) (edebug))
538 (if (< 0 n)
539 (* n (fac (1- n)))
540 1))
541 @end example
542
543 When the @code{fac} definition is instrumented and the function is
544 called, the call to @code{edebug} acts as a breakpoint. Depending on
545 the execution mode, Edebug stops or pauses there.
546
547 If no instrumented code is being executed when @code{edebug} is called,
548 that function calls @code{debug}.
549 @c This may not be a good idea anymore.
550
551 @node Trapping Errors
552 @subsection Trapping Errors
553
554 Emacs normally displays an error message when an error is signaled and
555 not handled with @code{condition-case}. While Edebug is active and
556 executing instrumented code, it normally responds to all unhandled
557 errors. You can customize this with the options @code{edebug-on-error}
558 and @code{edebug-on-quit}; see @ref{Edebug Options}.
559
560 When Edebug responds to an error, it shows the last stop point
561 encountered before the error. This may be the location of a call to a
562 function which was not instrumented, and within which the error actually
563 occurred. For an unbound variable error, the last known stop point
564 might be quite distant from the offending variable reference. In that
565 case, you might want to display a full backtrace (@pxref{Edebug Misc}).
566
567 @c Edebug should be changed for the following: -- dan
568 If you change @code{debug-on-error} or @code{debug-on-quit} while
569 Edebug is active, these changes will be forgotten when Edebug becomes
570 inactive. Furthermore, during Edebug's recursive edit, these variables
571 are bound to the values they had outside of Edebug.
572
573 @node Edebug Views
574 @subsection Edebug Views
575
576 These Edebug commands let you view aspects of the buffer and window
577 status as they were before entry to Edebug. The outside window
578 configuration is the collection of windows and contents that were in
579 effect outside of Edebug.
580
581 @table @kbd
582 @item v
583 Switch to viewing the outside window configuration
584 (@code{edebug-view-outside}). Type @kbd{C-x X w} to return to Edebug.
585
586 @item p
587 Temporarily display the outside current buffer with point at its
588 outside position (@code{edebug-bounce-point}), pausing for one second
589 before returning to Edebug. With a prefix argument @var{n}, pause for
590 @var{n} seconds instead.
591
592 @item w
593 Move point back to the current stop point in the source code buffer
594 (@code{edebug-where}).
595
596 If you use this command in a different window displaying the same
597 buffer, that window will be used instead to display the current
598 definition in the future.
599
600 @item W
601 @c Its function is not simply to forget the saved configuration -- dan
602 Toggle whether Edebug saves and restores the outside window
603 configuration (@code{edebug-toggle-save-windows}).
604
605 With a prefix argument, @code{W} only toggles saving and restoring of
606 the selected window. To specify a window that is not displaying the
607 source code buffer, you must use @kbd{C-x X W} from the global keymap.
608 @end table
609
610 You can view the outside window configuration with @kbd{v} or just
611 bounce to the point in the current buffer with @kbd{p}, even if
612 it is not normally displayed.
613
614 After moving point, you may wish to jump back to the stop point.
615 You can do that with @kbd{w} from a source code buffer. You can jump
616 back to the stop point in the source code buffer from any buffer using
617 @kbd{C-x X w}.
618
619 Each time you use @kbd{W} to turn saving @emph{off}, Edebug forgets the
620 saved outside window configuration---so that even if you turn saving
621 back @emph{on}, the current window configuration remains unchanged when
622 you next exit Edebug (by continuing the program). However, the
623 automatic redisplay of @samp{*edebug*} and @samp{*edebug-trace*} may
624 conflict with the buffers you wish to see unless you have enough windows
625 open.
626
627 @node Edebug Eval
628 @subsection Evaluation
629
630 While within Edebug, you can evaluate expressions ``as if'' Edebug
631 were not running. Edebug tries to be invisible to the expression's
632 evaluation and printing. Evaluation of expressions that cause side
633 effects will work as expected, except for changes to data that Edebug
634 explicitly saves and restores. @xref{The Outside Context}, for details
635 on this process.
636
637 @table @kbd
638 @item e @var{exp} @key{RET}
639 Evaluate expression @var{exp} in the context outside of Edebug
640 (@code{edebug-eval-expression}). That is, Edebug tries to minimize its
641 interference with the evaluation.
642
643 @item M-: @var{exp} @key{RET}
644 Evaluate expression @var{exp} in the context of Edebug itself.
645
646 @item C-x C-e
647 Evaluate the expression before point, in the context outside of Edebug
648 (@code{edebug-eval-last-sexp}).
649 @end table
650
651 @cindex lexical binding (Edebug)
652 Edebug supports evaluation of expressions containing references to
653 lexically bound symbols created by the following constructs in
654 @file{cl.el} (version 2.03 or later): @code{lexical-let},
655 @code{macrolet}, and @code{symbol-macrolet}.
656
657 @node Eval List
658 @subsection Evaluation List Buffer
659
660 You can use the @dfn{evaluation list buffer}, called @samp{*edebug*}, to
661 evaluate expressions interactively. You can also set up the
662 @dfn{evaluation list} of expressions to be evaluated automatically each
663 time Edebug updates the display.
664
665 @table @kbd
666 @item E
667 Switch to the evaluation list buffer @samp{*edebug*}
668 (@code{edebug-visit-eval-list}).
669 @end table
670
671 In the @samp{*edebug*} buffer you can use the commands of Lisp
672 Interaction mode (@pxref{Lisp Interaction,,, emacs, The GNU Emacs
673 Manual}) as well as these special commands:
674
675 @table @kbd
676 @item C-j
677 Evaluate the expression before point, in the outside context, and insert
678 the value in the buffer (@code{edebug-eval-print-last-sexp}).
679
680 @item C-x C-e
681 Evaluate the expression before point, in the context outside of Edebug
682 (@code{edebug-eval-last-sexp}).
683
684 @item C-c C-u
685 Build a new evaluation list from the contents of the buffer
686 (@code{edebug-update-eval-list}).
687
688 @item C-c C-d
689 Delete the evaluation list group that point is in
690 (@code{edebug-delete-eval-item}).
691
692 @item C-c C-w
693 Switch back to the source code buffer at the current stop point
694 (@code{edebug-where}).
695 @end table
696
697 You can evaluate expressions in the evaluation list window with
698 @kbd{C-j} or @kbd{C-x C-e}, just as you would in @samp{*scratch*};
699 but they are evaluated in the context outside of Edebug.
700
701 The expressions you enter interactively (and their results) are lost
702 when you continue execution; but you can set up an @dfn{evaluation list}
703 consisting of expressions to be evaluated each time execution stops.
704
705 @cindex evaluation list group
706 To do this, write one or more @dfn{evaluation list groups} in the
707 evaluation list buffer. An evaluation list group consists of one or
708 more Lisp expressions. Groups are separated by comment lines.
709
710 The command @kbd{C-c C-u} (@code{edebug-update-eval-list}) rebuilds the
711 evaluation list, scanning the buffer and using the first expression of
712 each group. (The idea is that the second expression of the group is the
713 value previously computed and displayed.)
714
715 Each entry to Edebug redisplays the evaluation list by inserting each
716 expression in the buffer, followed by its current value. It also
717 inserts comment lines so that each expression becomes its own group.
718 Thus, if you type @kbd{C-c C-u} again without changing the buffer text,
719 the evaluation list is effectively unchanged.
720
721 If an error occurs during an evaluation from the evaluation list, the
722 error message is displayed in a string as if it were the result.
723 Therefore, expressions that use variables not currently valid do not
724 interrupt your debugging.
725
726 Here is an example of what the evaluation list window looks like after
727 several expressions have been added to it:
728
729 @smallexample
730 (current-buffer)
731 #<buffer *scratch*>
732 ;---------------------------------------------------------------
733 (selected-window)
734 #<window 16 on *scratch*>
735 ;---------------------------------------------------------------
736 (point)
737 196
738 ;---------------------------------------------------------------
739 bad-var
740 "Symbol's value as variable is void: bad-var"
741 ;---------------------------------------------------------------
742 (recursion-depth)
743 0
744 ;---------------------------------------------------------------
745 this-command
746 eval-last-sexp
747 ;---------------------------------------------------------------
748 @end smallexample
749
750 To delete a group, move point into it and type @kbd{C-c C-d}, or simply
751 delete the text for the group and update the evaluation list with
752 @kbd{C-c C-u}. To add a new expression to the evaluation list, insert
753 the expression at a suitable place, insert a new comment line, then type
754 @kbd{C-c C-u}. You need not insert dashes in the comment line---its
755 contents don't matter.
756
757 After selecting @samp{*edebug*}, you can return to the source code
758 buffer with @kbd{C-c C-w}. The @samp{*edebug*} buffer is killed when
759 you continue execution, and recreated next time it is needed.
760
761 @node Printing in Edebug
762 @subsection Printing in Edebug
763
764 @cindex printing (Edebug)
765 @cindex printing circular structures
766 @pindex cust-print
767 If an expression in your program produces a value containing circular
768 list structure, you may get an error when Edebug attempts to print it.
769
770 One way to cope with circular structure is to set @code{print-length}
771 or @code{print-level} to truncate the printing. Edebug does this for
772 you; it binds @code{print-length} and @code{print-level} to 50 if they
773 were @code{nil}. (Actually, the variables @code{edebug-print-length}
774 and @code{edebug-print-level} specify the values to use within Edebug.)
775 @xref{Output Variables}.
776
777 @defopt edebug-print-length
778 If non-@code{nil}, Edebug binds @code{print-length} to this value while
779 printing results. The default value is @code{50}.
780 @end defopt
781
782 @defopt edebug-print-level
783 If non-@code{nil}, Edebug binds @code{print-level} to this value while
784 printing results. The default value is @code{50}.
785 @end defopt
786
787 You can also print circular structures and structures that share
788 elements more informatively by binding @code{print-circle}
789 to a non-@code{nil} value.
790
791 Here is an example of code that creates a circular structure:
792
793 @example
794 (setq a '(x y))
795 (setcar a a)
796 @end example
797
798 @noindent
799 Custom printing prints this as @samp{Result: #1=(#1# y)}. The
800 @samp{#1=} notation labels the structure that follows it with the label
801 @samp{1}, and the @samp{#1#} notation references the previously labeled
802 structure. This notation is used for any shared elements of lists or
803 vectors.
804
805 @defopt edebug-print-circle
806 If non-@code{nil}, Edebug binds @code{print-circle} to this value while
807 printing results. The default value is @code{t}.
808 @end defopt
809
810 Other programs can also use custom printing; see @file{cust-print.el}
811 for details.
812
813 @node Trace Buffer
814 @subsection Trace Buffer
815 @cindex trace buffer
816
817 Edebug can record an execution trace, storing it in a buffer named
818 @samp{*edebug-trace*}. This is a log of function calls and returns,
819 showing the function names and their arguments and values. To enable
820 trace recording, set @code{edebug-trace} to a non-@code{nil} value.
821
822 Making a trace buffer is not the same thing as using trace execution
823 mode (@pxref{Edebug Execution Modes}).
824
825 When trace recording is enabled, each function entry and exit adds
826 lines to the trace buffer. A function entry record consists of
827 @samp{::::@{}, followed by the function name and argument values. A
828 function exit record consists of @samp{::::@}}, followed by the function
829 name and result of the function.
830
831 The number of @samp{:}s in an entry shows its recursion depth. You
832 can use the braces in the trace buffer to find the matching beginning or
833 end of function calls.
834
835 @findex edebug-print-trace-before
836 @findex edebug-print-trace-after
837 You can customize trace recording for function entry and exit by
838 redefining the functions @code{edebug-print-trace-before} and
839 @code{edebug-print-trace-after}.
840
841 @defmac edebug-tracing string body@dots{}
842 This macro requests additional trace information around the execution
843 of the @var{body} forms. The argument @var{string} specifies text
844 to put in the trace buffer, after the @samp{@{} or @samp{@}}. All
845 the arguments are evaluated, and @code{edebug-tracing} returns the
846 value of the last form in @var{body}.
847 @end defmac
848
849 @defun edebug-trace format-string &rest format-args
850 This function inserts text in the trace buffer. It computes the text
851 with @code{(apply 'format @var{format-string} @var{format-args})}.
852 It also appends a newline to separate entries.
853 @end defun
854
855 @code{edebug-tracing} and @code{edebug-trace} insert lines in the
856 trace buffer whenever they are called, even if Edebug is not active.
857 Adding text to the trace buffer also scrolls its window to show the last
858 lines inserted.
859
860 @node Coverage Testing
861 @subsection Coverage Testing
862
863 @cindex coverage testing (Edebug)
864 @cindex frequency counts
865 @cindex performance analysis
866 Edebug provides rudimentary coverage testing and display of execution
867 frequency.
868
869 Coverage testing works by comparing the result of each expression with
870 the previous result; each form in the program is considered ``covered''
871 if it has returned two different values since you began testing coverage
872 in the current Emacs session. Thus, to do coverage testing on your
873 program, execute it under various conditions and note whether it behaves
874 correctly; Edebug will tell you when you have tried enough different
875 conditions that each form has returned two different values.
876
877 Coverage testing makes execution slower, so it is only done if
878 @code{edebug-test-coverage} is non-@code{nil}. Frequency counting is
879 performed for all execution of an instrumented function, even if the
880 execution mode is Go-nonstop, and regardless of whether coverage testing
881 is enabled.
882
883 @kindex C-x X =
884 @findex edebug-temp-display-freq-count
885 Use @kbd{C-x X =} (@code{edebug-display-freq-count}) to display both
886 the coverage information and the frequency counts for a definition.
887 Just @kbd{=} (@code{edebug-temp-display-freq-count}) displays the same
888 information temporarily, only until you type another key.
889
890 @deffn Command edebug-display-freq-count
891 This command displays the frequency count data for each line of the
892 current definition.
893
894 The frequency counts appear as comment lines after each line of code,
895 and you can undo all insertions with one @code{undo} command. The
896 counts appear under the @samp{(} before an expression or the @samp{)}
897 after an expression, or on the last character of a variable. To
898 simplify the display, a count is not shown if it is equal to the
899 count of an earlier expression on the same line.
900
901 The character @samp{=} following the count for an expression says that
902 the expression has returned the same value each time it was evaluated.
903 In other words, it is not yet ``covered'' for coverage testing purposes.
904
905 To clear the frequency count and coverage data for a definition,
906 simply reinstrument it with @code{eval-defun}.
907 @end deffn
908
909 For example, after evaluating @code{(fac 5)} with a source
910 breakpoint, and setting @code{edebug-test-coverage} to @code{t}, when
911 the breakpoint is reached, the frequency data looks like this:
912
913 @example
914 (defun fac (n)
915 (if (= n 0) (edebug))
916 ;#6 1 = =5
917 (if (< 0 n)
918 ;#5 =
919 (* n (fac (1- n)))
920 ;# 5 0
921 1))
922 ;# 0
923 @end example
924
925 The comment lines show that @code{fac} was called 6 times. The
926 first @code{if} statement returned 5 times with the same result each
927 time; the same is true of the condition on the second @code{if}.
928 The recursive call of @code{fac} did not return at all.
929
930
931 @node The Outside Context
932 @subsection The Outside Context
933
934 Edebug tries to be transparent to the program you are debugging, but it
935 does not succeed completely. Edebug also tries to be transparent when
936 you evaluate expressions with @kbd{e} or with the evaluation list
937 buffer, by temporarily restoring the outside context. This section
938 explains precisely what context Edebug restores, and how Edebug fails to
939 be completely transparent.
940
941 @menu
942 * Checking Whether to Stop:: When Edebug decides what to do.
943 * Edebug Display Update:: When Edebug updates the display.
944 * Edebug Recursive Edit:: When Edebug stops execution.
945 @end menu
946
947 @node Checking Whether to Stop
948 @subsubsection Checking Whether to Stop
949
950 Whenever Edebug is entered, it needs to save and restore certain data
951 before even deciding whether to make trace information or stop the
952 program.
953
954 @itemize @bullet
955 @item
956 @code{max-lisp-eval-depth} and @code{max-specpdl-size} are both
957 incremented once to reduce Edebug's impact on the stack. You could,
958 however, still run out of stack space when using Edebug.
959
960 @item
961 The state of keyboard macro execution is saved and restored. While
962 Edebug is active, @code{executing-kbd-macro} is bound to @code{nil}
963 unless @code{edebug-continue-kbd-macro} is non-@code{nil}.
964 @end itemize
965
966
967 @node Edebug Display Update
968 @subsubsection Edebug Display Update
969
970 @c This paragraph is not filled, because LaLiberte's conversion script
971 @c needs an xref to be on just one line.
972 When Edebug needs to display something (e.g., in trace mode), it saves
973 the current window configuration from ``outside'' Edebug
974 (@pxref{Window Configurations}). When you exit Edebug (by continuing
975 the program), it restores the previous window configuration.
976
977 Emacs redisplays only when it pauses. Usually, when you continue
978 execution, the program re-enters Edebug at a breakpoint or after
979 stepping, without pausing or reading input in between. In such cases,
980 Emacs never gets a chance to redisplay the ``outside'' configuration.
981 Consequently, what you see is the same window configuration as the last
982 time Edebug was active, with no interruption.
983
984 Entry to Edebug for displaying something also saves and restores the
985 following data (though some of them are deliberately not restored if an
986 error or quit signal occurs).
987
988 @itemize @bullet
989 @item
990 @cindex current buffer point and mark (Edebug)
991 Which buffer is current, and the positions of point and the mark in the
992 current buffer, are saved and restored.
993
994 @item
995 @cindex window configuration (Edebug)
996 The outside window configuration is saved and restored if
997 @code{edebug-save-windows} is non-@code{nil} (@pxref{Edebug Options}).
998
999 The window configuration is not restored on error or quit, but the
1000 outside selected window @emph{is} reselected even on error or quit in
1001 case a @code{save-excursion} is active. If the value of
1002 @code{edebug-save-windows} is a list, only the listed windows are saved
1003 and restored.
1004
1005 The window start and horizontal scrolling of the source code buffer are
1006 not restored, however, so that the display remains coherent within Edebug.
1007
1008 @item
1009 The value of point in each displayed buffer is saved and restored if
1010 @code{edebug-save-displayed-buffer-points} is non-@code{nil}.
1011
1012 @item
1013 The variables @code{overlay-arrow-position} and
1014 @code{overlay-arrow-string} are saved and restored. So you can safely
1015 invoke Edebug from the recursive edit elsewhere in the same buffer.
1016
1017 @item
1018 @code{cursor-in-echo-area} is locally bound to @code{nil} so that
1019 the cursor shows up in the window.
1020 @end itemize
1021
1022 @node Edebug Recursive Edit
1023 @subsubsection Edebug Recursive Edit
1024
1025 When Edebug is entered and actually reads commands from the user, it
1026 saves (and later restores) these additional data:
1027
1028 @itemize @bullet
1029 @item
1030 The current match data. @xref{Match Data}.
1031
1032 @item
1033 The variables @code{last-command}, @code{this-command},
1034 @code{last-command-char}, @code{last-input-char},
1035 @code{last-input-event}, @code{last-command-event},
1036 @code{last-event-frame}, @code{last-nonmenu-event}, and
1037 @code{track-mouse}. Commands used within Edebug do not affect these
1038 variables outside of Edebug.
1039
1040 Executing commands within Edebug can change the key sequence that
1041 would be returned by @code{this-command-keys}, and there is no way to
1042 reset the key sequence from Lisp.
1043
1044 Edebug cannot save and restore the value of
1045 @code{unread-command-events}. Entering Edebug while this variable has a
1046 nontrivial value can interfere with execution of the program you are
1047 debugging.
1048
1049 @item
1050 Complex commands executed while in Edebug are added to the variable
1051 @code{command-history}. In rare cases this can alter execution.
1052
1053 @item
1054 Within Edebug, the recursion depth appears one deeper than the recursion
1055 depth outside Edebug. This is not true of the automatically updated
1056 evaluation list window.
1057
1058 @item
1059 @code{standard-output} and @code{standard-input} are bound to @code{nil}
1060 by the @code{recursive-edit}, but Edebug temporarily restores them during
1061 evaluations.
1062
1063 @item
1064 The state of keyboard macro definition is saved and restored. While
1065 Edebug is active, @code{defining-kbd-macro} is bound to
1066 @code{edebug-continue-kbd-macro}.
1067 @end itemize
1068
1069 @node Edebug and Macros
1070 @subsection Edebug and Macros
1071
1072 To make Edebug properly instrument expressions that call macros, some
1073 extra care is needed. This subsection explains the details.
1074
1075 @menu
1076 * Instrumenting Macro Calls:: The basic problem.
1077 * Specification List:: How to specify complex patterns of evaluation.
1078 * Backtracking:: What Edebug does when matching fails.
1079 * Specification Examples:: To help understand specifications.
1080 @end menu
1081
1082 @node Instrumenting Macro Calls
1083 @subsubsection Instrumenting Macro Calls
1084
1085 When Edebug instruments an expression that calls a Lisp macro, it needs
1086 additional information about the macro to do the job properly. This is
1087 because there is no a-priori way to tell which subexpressions of the
1088 macro call are forms to be evaluated. (Evaluation may occur explicitly
1089 in the macro body, or when the resulting expansion is evaluated, or any
1090 time later.)
1091
1092 Therefore, you must define an Edebug specification for each macro
1093 that Edebug will encounter, to explain the format of calls to that
1094 macro. To do this, add a @code{debug} declaration to the macro
1095 definition. Here is a simple example that shows the specification for
1096 the @code{for} example macro (@pxref{Argument Evaluation}).
1097
1098 @smallexample
1099 (defmacro for (var from init to final do &rest body)
1100 "Execute a simple \"for\" loop.
1101 For example, (for i from 1 to 10 do (print i))."
1102 (declare (debug (symbolp "from" form "to" form "do" &rest form)))
1103 ...)
1104 @end smallexample
1105
1106 The Edebug specification says which parts of a call to the macro are
1107 forms to be evaluated. For simple macros, the @var{specification}
1108 often looks very similar to the formal argument list of the macro
1109 definition, but specifications are much more general than macro
1110 arguments. @xref{Defining Macros}, for more explanation of
1111 the @code{declare} form.
1112
1113 You can also define an edebug specification for a macro separately
1114 from the macro definition with @code{def-edebug-spec}. Adding
1115 @code{debug} declarations is preferred, and more convenient, for macro
1116 definitions in Lisp, but @code{def-edebug-spec} makes it possible to
1117 define Edebug specifications for special forms implemented in C.
1118
1119 @deffn Macro def-edebug-spec macro specification
1120 Specify which expressions of a call to macro @var{macro} are forms to be
1121 evaluated. @var{specification} should be the edebug specification.
1122 Neither argument is evaluated.
1123
1124 The @var{macro} argument can actually be any symbol, not just a macro
1125 name.
1126 @end deffn
1127
1128 Here is a table of the possibilities for @var{specification} and how each
1129 directs processing of arguments.
1130
1131 @table @asis
1132 @item @code{t}
1133 All arguments are instrumented for evaluation.
1134
1135 @item @code{0}
1136 None of the arguments is instrumented.
1137
1138 @item a symbol
1139 The symbol must have an Edebug specification which is used instead.
1140 This indirection is repeated until another kind of specification is
1141 found. This allows you to inherit the specification from another macro.
1142
1143 @item a list
1144 The elements of the list describe the types of the arguments of a
1145 calling form. The possible elements of a specification list are
1146 described in the following sections.
1147 @end table
1148
1149 @vindex edebug-eval-macro-args
1150 If a macro has no Edebug specification, neither through a @code{debug}
1151 declaration nor through a @code{def-edebug-spec} call, the variable
1152 @code{edebug-eval-macro-args} comes into play. If it is @code{nil},
1153 the default, none of the arguments is instrumented for evaluation.
1154 If it is non-@code{nil}, all arguments are instrumented.
1155
1156 @node Specification List
1157 @subsubsection Specification List
1158
1159 @cindex Edebug specification list
1160 A @dfn{specification list} is required for an Edebug specification if
1161 some arguments of a macro call are evaluated while others are not. Some
1162 elements in a specification list match one or more arguments, but others
1163 modify the processing of all following elements. The latter, called
1164 @dfn{specification keywords}, are symbols beginning with @samp{&} (such
1165 as @code{&optional}).
1166
1167 A specification list may contain sublists which match arguments that are
1168 themselves lists, or it may contain vectors used for grouping. Sublists
1169 and groups thus subdivide the specification list into a hierarchy of
1170 levels. Specification keywords apply only to the remainder of the
1171 sublist or group they are contained in.
1172
1173 When a specification list involves alternatives or repetition, matching
1174 it against an actual macro call may require backtracking.
1175 @xref{Backtracking}, for more details.
1176
1177 Edebug specifications provide the power of regular expression matching,
1178 plus some context-free grammar constructs: the matching of sublists with
1179 balanced parentheses, recursive processing of forms, and recursion via
1180 indirect specifications.
1181
1182 Here's a table of the possible elements of a specification list, with
1183 their meanings (see @ref{Specification Examples}, for the referenced
1184 examples):
1185
1186 @table @code
1187 @item sexp
1188 A single unevaluated Lisp object, which is not instrumented.
1189 @c an "expression" is not necessarily intended for evaluation.
1190
1191 @item form
1192 A single evaluated expression, which is instrumented.
1193
1194 @item place
1195 @findex edebug-unwrap
1196 A place to store a value, as in the Common Lisp @code{setf} construct.
1197
1198 @item body
1199 Short for @code{&rest form}. See @code{&rest} below.
1200
1201 @item function-form
1202 A function form: either a quoted function symbol, a quoted lambda
1203 expression, or a form (that should evaluate to a function symbol or
1204 lambda expression). This is useful when an argument that's a lambda
1205 expression might be quoted with @code{quote} rather than
1206 @code{function}, since it instruments the body of the lambda expression
1207 either way.
1208
1209 @item lambda-expr
1210 A lambda expression with no quoting.
1211
1212 @item &optional
1213 @c @kindex &optional @r{(Edebug)}
1214 All following elements in the specification list are optional; as soon
1215 as one does not match, Edebug stops matching at this level.
1216
1217 To make just a few elements optional followed by non-optional elements,
1218 use @code{[&optional @var{specs}@dots{}]}. To specify that several
1219 elements must all match or none, use @code{&optional
1220 [@var{specs}@dots{}]}. See the @code{defun} example.
1221
1222 @item &rest
1223 @c @kindex &rest @r{(Edebug)}
1224 All following elements in the specification list are repeated zero or
1225 more times. In the last repetition, however, it is not a problem if the
1226 expression runs out before matching all of the elements of the
1227 specification list.
1228
1229 To repeat only a few elements, use @code{[&rest @var{specs}@dots{}]}.
1230 To specify several elements that must all match on every repetition, use
1231 @code{&rest [@var{specs}@dots{}]}.
1232
1233 @item &or
1234 @c @kindex &or @r{(Edebug)}
1235 Each of the following elements in the specification list is an
1236 alternative. One of the alternatives must match, or the @code{&or}
1237 specification fails.
1238
1239 Each list element following @code{&or} is a single alternative. To
1240 group two or more list elements as a single alternative, enclose them in
1241 @code{[@dots{}]}.
1242
1243 @item &not
1244 @c @kindex &not @r{(Edebug)}
1245 Each of the following elements is matched as alternatives as if by using
1246 @code{&or}, but if any of them match, the specification fails. If none
1247 of them match, nothing is matched, but the @code{&not} specification
1248 succeeds.
1249
1250 @item &define
1251 @c @kindex &define @r{(Edebug)}
1252 Indicates that the specification is for a defining form. The defining
1253 form itself is not instrumented (that is, Edebug does not stop before and
1254 after the defining form), but forms inside it typically will be
1255 instrumented. The @code{&define} keyword should be the first element in
1256 a list specification.
1257
1258 @item nil
1259 This is successful when there are no more arguments to match at the
1260 current argument list level; otherwise it fails. See sublist
1261 specifications and the backquote example.
1262
1263 @item gate
1264 @cindex preventing backtracking
1265 No argument is matched but backtracking through the gate is disabled
1266 while matching the remainder of the specifications at this level. This
1267 is primarily used to generate more specific syntax error messages. See
1268 @ref{Backtracking}, for more details. Also see the @code{let} example.
1269
1270 @item @var{other-symbol}
1271 @cindex indirect specifications
1272 Any other symbol in a specification list may be a predicate or an
1273 indirect specification.
1274
1275 If the symbol has an Edebug specification, this @dfn{indirect
1276 specification} should be either a list specification that is used in
1277 place of the symbol, or a function that is called to process the
1278 arguments. The specification may be defined with @code{def-edebug-spec}
1279 just as for macros. See the @code{defun} example.
1280
1281 Otherwise, the symbol should be a predicate. The predicate is called
1282 with the argument and the specification fails if the predicate returns
1283 @code{nil}. In either case, that argument is not instrumented.
1284
1285 Some suitable predicates include @code{symbolp}, @code{integerp},
1286 @code{stringp}, @code{vectorp}, and @code{atom}.
1287
1288 @item [@var{elements}@dots{}]
1289 @cindex [@dots{}] (Edebug)
1290 A vector of elements groups the elements into a single @dfn{group
1291 specification}. Its meaning has nothing to do with vectors.
1292
1293 @item "@var{string}"
1294 The argument should be a symbol named @var{string}. This specification
1295 is equivalent to the quoted symbol, @code{'@var{symbol}}, where the name
1296 of @var{symbol} is the @var{string}, but the string form is preferred.
1297
1298 @item (vector @var{elements}@dots{})
1299 The argument should be a vector whose elements must match the
1300 @var{elements} in the specification. See the backquote example.
1301
1302 @item (@var{elements}@dots{})
1303 Any other list is a @dfn{sublist specification} and the argument must be
1304 a list whose elements match the specification @var{elements}.
1305
1306 @cindex dotted lists (Edebug)
1307 A sublist specification may be a dotted list and the corresponding list
1308 argument may then be a dotted list. Alternatively, the last @sc{cdr} of a
1309 dotted list specification may be another sublist specification (via a
1310 grouping or an indirect specification, e.g., @code{(spec . [(more
1311 specs@dots{})])}) whose elements match the non-dotted list arguments.
1312 This is useful in recursive specifications such as in the backquote
1313 example. Also see the description of a @code{nil} specification
1314 above for terminating such recursion.
1315
1316 Note that a sublist specification written as @code{(specs . nil)}
1317 is equivalent to @code{(specs)}, and @code{(specs .
1318 (sublist-elements@dots{}))} is equivalent to @code{(specs
1319 sublist-elements@dots{})}.
1320 @end table
1321
1322 @c Need to document extensions with &symbol and :symbol
1323
1324 Here is a list of additional specifications that may appear only after
1325 @code{&define}. See the @code{defun} example.
1326
1327 @table @code
1328 @item name
1329 The argument, a symbol, is the name of the defining form.
1330
1331 A defining form is not required to have a name field; and it may have
1332 multiple name fields.
1333
1334 @item :name
1335 This construct does not actually match an argument. The element
1336 following @code{:name} should be a symbol; it is used as an additional
1337 name component for the definition. You can use this to add a unique,
1338 static component to the name of the definition. It may be used more
1339 than once.
1340
1341 @item arg
1342 The argument, a symbol, is the name of an argument of the defining form.
1343 However, lambda-list keywords (symbols starting with @samp{&})
1344 are not allowed.
1345
1346 @item lambda-list
1347 @cindex lambda-list (Edebug)
1348 This matches a lambda list---the argument list of a lambda expression.
1349
1350 @item def-body
1351 The argument is the body of code in a definition. This is like
1352 @code{body}, described above, but a definition body must be instrumented
1353 with a different Edebug call that looks up information associated with
1354 the definition. Use @code{def-body} for the highest level list of forms
1355 within the definition.
1356
1357 @item def-form
1358 The argument is a single, highest-level form in a definition. This is
1359 like @code{def-body}, except use this to match a single form rather than
1360 a list of forms. As a special case, @code{def-form} also means that
1361 tracing information is not output when the form is executed. See the
1362 @code{interactive} example.
1363 @end table
1364
1365 @node Backtracking
1366 @subsubsection Backtracking in Specifications
1367
1368 @cindex backtracking
1369 @cindex syntax error (Edebug)
1370 If a specification fails to match at some point, this does not
1371 necessarily mean a syntax error will be signaled; instead,
1372 @dfn{backtracking} will take place until all alternatives have been
1373 exhausted. Eventually every element of the argument list must be
1374 matched by some element in the specification, and every required element
1375 in the specification must match some argument.
1376
1377 When a syntax error is detected, it might not be reported until much
1378 later after higher-level alternatives have been exhausted, and with the
1379 point positioned further from the real error. But if backtracking is
1380 disabled when an error occurs, it can be reported immediately. Note
1381 that backtracking is also reenabled automatically in several situations;
1382 it is reenabled when a new alternative is established by
1383 @code{&optional}, @code{&rest}, or @code{&or}, or at the start of
1384 processing a sublist, group, or indirect specification. The effect of
1385 enabling or disabling backtracking is limited to the remainder of the
1386 level currently being processed and lower levels.
1387
1388 Backtracking is disabled while matching any of the
1389 form specifications (that is, @code{form}, @code{body}, @code{def-form}, and
1390 @code{def-body}). These specifications will match any form so any error
1391 must be in the form itself rather than at a higher level.
1392
1393 Backtracking is also disabled after successfully matching a quoted
1394 symbol or string specification, since this usually indicates a
1395 recognized construct. But if you have a set of alternative constructs that
1396 all begin with the same symbol, you can usually work around this
1397 constraint by factoring the symbol out of the alternatives, e.g.,
1398 @code{["foo" &or [first case] [second case] ...]}.
1399
1400 Most needs are satisfied by these two ways that backtracking is
1401 automatically disabled, but occasionally it is useful to explicitly
1402 disable backtracking by using the @code{gate} specification. This is
1403 useful when you know that no higher alternatives could apply. See the
1404 example of the @code{let} specification.
1405
1406 @node Specification Examples
1407 @subsubsection Specification Examples
1408
1409 It may be easier to understand Edebug specifications by studying
1410 the examples provided here.
1411
1412 A @code{let} special form has a sequence of bindings and a body. Each
1413 of the bindings is either a symbol or a sublist with a symbol and
1414 optional expression. In the specification below, notice the @code{gate}
1415 inside of the sublist to prevent backtracking once a sublist is found.
1416
1417 @example
1418 (def-edebug-spec let
1419 ((&rest
1420 &or symbolp (gate symbolp &optional form))
1421 body))
1422 @end example
1423
1424 Edebug uses the following specifications for @code{defun} and
1425 @code{defmacro} and the associated argument list and @code{interactive}
1426 specifications. It is necessary to handle interactive forms specially
1427 since an expression argument is actually evaluated outside of the
1428 function body.
1429
1430 @smallexample
1431 (def-edebug-spec defmacro defun) ; @r{Indirect ref to @code{defun} spec.}
1432 (def-edebug-spec defun
1433 (&define name lambda-list
1434 [&optional stringp] ; @r{Match the doc string, if present.}
1435 [&optional ("interactive" interactive)]
1436 def-body))
1437
1438 (def-edebug-spec lambda-list
1439 (([&rest arg]
1440 [&optional ["&optional" arg &rest arg]]
1441 &optional ["&rest" arg]
1442 )))
1443
1444 (def-edebug-spec interactive
1445 (&optional &or stringp def-form)) ; @r{Notice: @code{def-form}}
1446 @end smallexample
1447
1448 The specification for backquote below illustrates how to match
1449 dotted lists and use @code{nil} to terminate recursion. It also
1450 illustrates how components of a vector may be matched. (The actual
1451 specification defined by Edebug does not support dotted lists because
1452 doing so causes very deep recursion that could fail.)
1453
1454 @smallexample
1455 (def-edebug-spec ` (backquote-form)) ; @r{Alias just for clarity.}
1456
1457 (def-edebug-spec backquote-form
1458 (&or ([&or "," ",@@"] &or ("quote" backquote-form) form)
1459 (backquote-form . [&or nil backquote-form])
1460 (vector &rest backquote-form)
1461 sexp))
1462 @end smallexample
1463
1464
1465 @node Edebug Options
1466 @subsection Edebug Options
1467
1468 These options affect the behavior of Edebug:
1469
1470 @defopt edebug-setup-hook
1471 Functions to call before Edebug is used. Each time it is set to a new
1472 value, Edebug will call those functions once and then
1473 @code{edebug-setup-hook} is reset to @code{nil}. You could use this to
1474 load up Edebug specifications associated with a package you are using
1475 but only when you also use Edebug.
1476 @xref{Instrumenting}.
1477 @end defopt
1478
1479 @defopt edebug-all-defs
1480 If this is non-@code{nil}, normal evaluation of defining forms such as
1481 @code{defun} and @code{defmacro} instruments them for Edebug. This
1482 applies to @code{eval-defun}, @code{eval-region}, @code{eval-buffer},
1483 and @code{eval-current-buffer}.
1484
1485 Use the command @kbd{M-x edebug-all-defs} to toggle the value of this
1486 option. @xref{Instrumenting}.
1487 @end defopt
1488
1489 @defopt edebug-all-forms
1490 If this is non-@code{nil}, the commands @code{eval-defun},
1491 @code{eval-region}, @code{eval-buffer}, and @code{eval-current-buffer}
1492 instrument all forms, even those that don't define anything.
1493 This doesn't apply to loading or evaluations in the minibuffer.
1494
1495 Use the command @kbd{M-x edebug-all-forms} to toggle the value of this
1496 option. @xref{Instrumenting}.
1497 @end defopt
1498
1499 @defopt edebug-save-windows
1500 If this is non-@code{nil}, Edebug saves and restores the window
1501 configuration. That takes some time, so if your program does not care
1502 what happens to the window configurations, it is better to set this
1503 variable to @code{nil}.
1504
1505 If the value is a list, only the listed windows are saved and
1506 restored.
1507
1508 You can use the @kbd{W} command in Edebug to change this variable
1509 interactively. @xref{Edebug Display Update}.
1510 @end defopt
1511
1512 @defopt edebug-save-displayed-buffer-points
1513 If this is non-@code{nil}, Edebug saves and restores point in all
1514 displayed buffers.
1515
1516 Saving and restoring point in other buffers is necessary if you are
1517 debugging code that changes the point of a buffer which is displayed in
1518 a non-selected window. If Edebug or the user then selects the window,
1519 point in that buffer will move to the window's value of point.
1520
1521 Saving and restoring point in all buffers is expensive, since it
1522 requires selecting each window twice, so enable this only if you need
1523 it. @xref{Edebug Display Update}.
1524 @end defopt
1525
1526 @defopt edebug-initial-mode
1527 If this variable is non-@code{nil}, it specifies the initial execution
1528 mode for Edebug when it is first activated. Possible values are
1529 @code{step}, @code{next}, @code{go}, @code{Go-nonstop}, @code{trace},
1530 @code{Trace-fast}, @code{continue}, and @code{Continue-fast}.
1531
1532 The default value is @code{step}.
1533 @xref{Edebug Execution Modes}.
1534 @end defopt
1535
1536 @defopt edebug-trace
1537 If this is non-@code{nil}, trace each function entry and exit.
1538 Tracing output is displayed in a buffer named @samp{*edebug-trace*}, one
1539 function entry or exit per line, indented by the recursion level.
1540
1541 Also see @code{edebug-tracing}, in @ref{Trace Buffer}.
1542 @end defopt
1543
1544 @defopt edebug-test-coverage
1545 If non-@code{nil}, Edebug tests coverage of all expressions debugged.
1546 @xref{Coverage Testing}.
1547 @end defopt
1548
1549 @defopt edebug-continue-kbd-macro
1550 If non-@code{nil}, continue defining or executing any keyboard macro
1551 that is executing outside of Edebug. Use this with caution since it is not
1552 debugged.
1553 @xref{Edebug Execution Modes}.
1554 @end defopt
1555
1556 @defopt edebug-on-error
1557 Edebug binds @code{debug-on-error} to this value, if
1558 @code{debug-on-error} was previously @code{nil}. @xref{Trapping
1559 Errors}.
1560 @end defopt
1561
1562 @defopt edebug-on-quit
1563 Edebug binds @code{debug-on-quit} to this value, if
1564 @code{debug-on-quit} was previously @code{nil}. @xref{Trapping
1565 Errors}.
1566 @end defopt
1567
1568 If you change the values of @code{edebug-on-error} or
1569 @code{edebug-on-quit} while Edebug is active, their values won't be used
1570 until the @emph{next} time Edebug is invoked via a new command.
1571 @c Not necessarily a deeper command level.
1572 @c A new command is not precisely true, but that is close enough -- dan
1573
1574 @defopt edebug-global-break-condition
1575 If non-@code{nil}, an expression to test for at every stop point. If
1576 the result is non-@code{nil}, then break. Errors are ignored.
1577 @xref{Global Break Condition}.
1578 @end defopt
1579
1580 @ignore
1581 arch-tag: 74842db8-019f-4818-b5a4-b2de878e57fd
1582 @end ignore