MDB Features

MDB provides an extensive collection of features for analyzing the Solaris kernel and other target programs. You can:

• Perform post-mortem analysis of Solaris kernel crash dumps and user process core dumps: MDB includes a collection of debugger modules that facilitate sophisticated analysis of kernel and process state, in addition to standard data display and formatting capabilities. The debugger modules allow you to formulate complex queries to:

  • Locate all the memory allocated by a particular thread

  • Print a visual picture of a kernel STREAM

  • Determine what type of structure a particular address refers to

  • Locate leaked memory blocks in the kernel

  • Analyze memory to locate stack traces

• Use a first-class programming API to implement your own debugger commands and analysis tools without having to recompile or modify the debugger itself: In MDB, debugging support is implemented as a set of loadable modules (shared libraries that the debugger can dlopen(3DL)), each of which provides a set of commands that extends the capabilities of the debugger itself. The debugger in turn provides an API of core services, such as the ability to read and write memory and access symbol table information. MDB provides a framework for developers to implement debugging support for their own drivers and modules; these modules can then be made available for everyone to use.

• Learn to use MDB if you are already familiar with the legacy debugging tools adb(1) and crash(1M): MDB provides backward compatibility with these existing debugging solutions. The MDB language itself is designed as a superset of the adb language; all existing adb macros and commands work within MDB so developers who use adb can immediately use MDB without knowing any MDB-specific commands. MDB also provides commands that surpass the functionality available from the crash utility.

• Benefit from enhanced usability features. MDB provides a host of usability features, including:

  • Command-line editing

  • Command history

  • Built-in output pager

  • Syntax error checking and handling

  • Online help

  • Interactive session logging