Learn GDB - Expanded Project Guides
Generated from:
LEARN_GDB_DEEP_DIVE.mdThis folder contains deep-dive guides for each project in the learning path.
Overview
These projects turn GDB from a set of commands into a mental model of how programs run, crash, and can be controlled at runtime. You will move from stepping through code, to post-mortem crash analysis, to live process attachment, memory corruption discovery, assembly-level truth, and finally automation and debugger internals.
Project Index
| # | Project | Difficulty | Time | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Basics - First Steps | Beginner | 1-2 hours | Breakpoints, stepping, state inspection |
| 2 | The Crash - Core Dump Analysis | Beginner | 1-2 hours | Post-mortem debugging with core files |
| 3 | The Hang - Attach to a Running Process | Intermediate | 1 hour | Live process control and detach |
| 4 | The Corruption - Watchpoints | Intermediate | 2 hours | Catching unexpected memory writes |
| 5 | The Assembly Level - Disassemble and Stepi | Advanced | 3-4 hours | Assembly-level debugging and optimizations |
| 6 | GDB Python Scripting | Advanced | 1-2 weeks | Automating debugging with Python |
| 7 | Build a Mini-Debugger (ptrace) | Expert | 1-2 weeks | Implementing a tiny debugger from scratch |
Learning Paths
- Core GDB competency: Projects 1-4
- Low-level mastery: Projects 5-7
- Automation focus: Project 6 plus extensions in Project 4 and 5
Prerequisites
- Basic C programming
- Comfortable with the command line
- Willingness to read program state at the CPU and OS level