SysProgs VisualGDB
Visual GDB is a full featured extension for Microsoft Visual Studio, which allows debugging embedded systems via Microsoft Visual Studio + J-Link + GDB. VisualGDB is compatible with MSVS 2005-2013 running on Windows XP-7 x86 / x64. (MSVS Express Editions are not supported).
We recommend to use VisualGDB V4.1 or later. After downloading & installing VisualGDB, it should be shown as an extension in Visual Studio. This can be verified by starting Visual Studio and selecting Tools | Extensionmanager.
Using J-Link Built-In Flash Loaders
VisualGDB uses GDB for embedded debugging and so makes automatically use of the J-Link GDBServer. This allows using J-Link out-of-the-box and automatically uses the J-Link built-in flash loaders which are highly optimized for flash programming. It also allows making use of the J-Link "unlimited number of breakpoints when debugging in flash" feature.
Using VisualGDB
Prior to using VisualGDB, the J-Link Software and Documentation package needs to be installed. It is recommended to always use the latest version of the software. During the installation of VisualGDB, it will ask for the installation path of the J-Link software package. To open a project follow the instructions below:
- Select File| Open | Project/Solution...
- Select a project file (here: EmbeddedProject1.sln)
- Click Open
- Now the Visual Studio + VisualGDB window should look like as follows:
Configuring VisualGDB to Work with J-Link and the Target Device
The target connection can be set as follows:
- Select Project | VisualGDB Project Properties
- Click Change settings
- Choose the target settings for your device and click OK
Now the debug session can be started.
SysProgs also offers free guides to generate a sample project for specific devices. e.g.: http://visualgdb.com/tutorials/arm/stm32/
