debug on client's computer (without debugger?)

WJ wrote:
> Where should the .pdb files be installed? Thanks!
>

Usually in the same directory of your executable. Some debuggers allow you t
o
load the pdb file from a custom location.

--
Cholo Lennon
Bs.As.
ARG

WJ wrote:
> Hi Cholo,
> This may sould a dumb question -- I do need to copy source files to
> the client computer also, correct?
>

Not necessarily. Pdb file has enough information stored in it (check
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/yd4f8bd1(VS.80).aspx) to allow a
complete debug session.

Try debugging this simple program (using their pdb and exe files and using/n
ot
using source code) to check what WinDbg shows you (load application and pres
s F5
(go), then open the disassembly window):

// Try disabling compiler optimizations before compiling
// for better understanding
#include <iostream>

using namespace std;

struct Test
{
Test() {  cout << __FUNCTION __ << endl; }
~Test() {  cout << __FUNCTION __ << endl; }
void Foo() { cout << __FUNCTION __ << endl; }
};

int main(int, char**)
{
// Force a breakpoint into debugger
__asm int 3;

// Test code
int a = 10;
cout << a + 20 << endl;

Test test;
test.Foo();

Test pTest = new Test;
pTest->Foo();
delete pTest;

return 0;
}


Of course, with WinDbg you don't have the same level of details as VS integr
ated
debugger (unless you load the source code), but in general it's enough (at l
east
for me). A disassembler/debugger like IDA Pro is another case. It's really
fantastic, you don't need the source code. Even without pdb file IDA shows y
ou a
big amount of information that simplify the debugging process.

--
Cholo Lennon
Bs.As.
ARG