[PD-dev] how to debug segfaults in pd

[Ivica Ico Bukvic]

I guess title says it all. I've noticed that sometimes Pd segfaults, even locks the machine and I am trying to trace down the problem. Patches in question are relatively complex and use various externals and they don't crash every time. I am using Linux and would like to find out how to debug this thing (e.g. using gdb or other tools). If possible, I would appreciate verbose answers as I've never delved into runtime debugging tools (beyond setting up verbose checkpoints using stderr messages, which in this case appear not to be very helpful).

Please advise.

Best wishes,

Ivica Ico Bukvic, D.M.A.
Composition, Music Technology
Director, DISIS Interactive Sound & Intermedia Studio
Director, L2Ork Linux Laptop Orchestra
Assistant Co-Director, CCTAD
CHCI, CS, and Art (by courtesy)
Virginia Tech
Dept. of Music - 0240
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-6139
(540) 231-5034 (fax)
ico at vt.edu
http://www.music.vt.edu/faculty/bukvic/