How to use the command pio debug (with examples)
The pio debug command is used to debug PlatformIO projects. It allows developers to troubleshoot their projects by executing code step-by-step and inspecting variables.
Use case 1: Debug the PlatformIO project in the current directory
Code:
pio debug
Motivation: The pio debug command with no additional arguments is used to debug the PlatformIO project in the current directory. This is useful when you want to quickly debug the project you are currently working on.
Explanation: This command will start the debugging process for the PlatformIO project located in the current directory using the default configuration.
Example output:
Debugging...
Some debug output...
Use case 2: Debug a specific PlatformIO project
Code:
pio debug --project-dir path/to/platformio_project
Motivation: The pio debug --project-dir command is used to debug a specific PlatformIO project. This is helpful when you have multiple projects and want to debug a specific one.
Explanation: This command will start the debugging process for the PlatformIO project located at the specified path. The --project-dir argument is used to provide the path to the project.
Example output:
Debugging project at path/to/platformio_project...
Some debug output...
Use case 3: Debug a specific environment
Code:
pio debug --environment environment
Motivation: The pio debug --environment command is used to debug a specific environment within a PlatformIO project. This is useful when you have multiple environments defined in your project and want to debug a specific one.
Explanation: This command will start the debugging process for the specified environment within the PlatformIO project. The --environment argument is used to provide the name of the environment.
Example output:
Debugging environment: environment...
Some debug output...
Use case 4: Debug a PlatformIO project using a specific configuration file
Code:
pio debug --project-conf path/to/platformio.ini
Motivation: The pio debug --project-conf command is used to debug a PlatformIO project using a specific configuration file. This can be useful when you want to use a custom configuration file for your debugging process.
Explanation: This command will start the debugging process for the PlatformIO project using the configuration file located at the specified path. The --project-conf argument is used to provide the path to the configuration file.
Example output:
Debugging project using configuration file at path/to/platformio.ini...
Some debug output...
Use case 5: Debug a PlatformIO project using the gdb debugger
Code:
pio debug --interface=gdb gdb_options
Motivation: The pio debug --interface=gdb command is used to debug a PlatformIO project using the gdb debugger. This is helpful when you need to use specific gdb options for your debugging process.
Explanation: This command will start the debugging process for the PlatformIO project using the gdb debugger. The --interface=gdb argument is used to specify the gdb interface, and gdb_options can be used to provide any additional options specific to gdb.
Example output:
Debugging project using `gdb` debugger with options: gdb_options...
Some debug output...
Conclusion:
The pio debug command provides various options to debug PlatformIO projects. Developers can debug the project in the current directory, debug a specific project or environment, use a custom configuration file, or debug using the gdb debugger. These options allow for efficient troubleshooting and code inspection during the development process.
