Below is a curated list of essential LLDB commands I regularly use for debugging. These cover the basics you’ll need day-to-day. For a more complete overview, check out this excellent cheat sheet (direct PDF link).

Compilation

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To enable debugging info during compilation, use the following flags:

-g -ggdb

Launching and Running

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Start LLDB with your executable:

$ lldb Executable
(lldb) target create "Executable"
(lldb) run [args]  # Optional arguments

Navigating the Stack

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Breakpoints

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Set breakpoints to pause execution:

b main                             # Short form
breakpoint set --name main        # Full form

Backtraces

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View call stack information:

bt                                # Short form
thread backtrace                  # Full form
thread backtrace all              # For all threads

Frame Information & Navigation

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frame info                        # Show info about current frame

down                              # Move down the stack
frame s -r-1                      # Move down (relative)
frame select --relative=-1        # Same

up                                # Move up the stack
frame s -r1
frame select --relative=1

f 3                               # Select specific frame
fr s 3
frame select 3

Program Execution Control

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Evaluating and Inspecting Variables

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Local Variables

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frame variable                    # Lists all local variables
fr v                              # Short form

Specific Variable

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p var                             # Print value of 'var'
fr v var
frame variable var

Evaluate Expressions

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expr var + 1                      # Evaluate expression

Memory Inspection (Advanced)

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memory read --format x --size 4 --count 4 0xADDRESS

Workflow Tips

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• Use a .lldbinit file to automate breakpoint setting or create command aliases.

• Shorten repetitive commands using command alias, e.g.:

  command alias bp breakpoint set --name