# GDB Configuration

**GDB init file** (`~/.gdbinit`) auto-loads on startup. Use it to set options, define commands, and configure debugging defaults.

```bash
# ~/.gdbinit
set print pretty on              # pretty-print structures
set pagination off               # no paging (useful for scripts)
set print address off            # hide memory addresses in output
set confirm off                  # no confirmation prompts
set history save on              # save command history
set history size 10000           # keep 10k commands in history
break main                       # set breakpoint at startup
directory /path/to/sources       # add source path
define mycommand                 # define custom command
  print x
  print y
  backtrace
end
```

`set print pretty on` formats structures with indentation, making them easier to read. Especially useful for nested structures or large arrays.

`set pagination off` disables paging—GDB no longer stops output with `-- more --` prompts. Useful when running GDB in scripts or remote sessions.

`set print address off` hides memory addresses in output. Makes output cleaner when addresses are not needed for debugging.

`set confirm off` removes confirmation prompts (e.g., "Really delete all breakpoints?"). Useful for automation, but risk losing data if you accidentally delete something.

`directory` adds source search paths. GDB uses these to find source files for display. If GDB can't find `main.c`, add `directory /path/to/project`.

`define` creates custom commands. Define reusable debugging sequences. Commands defined in `~/.gdbinit` are available at every GDB session. Define debugging shortcuts for your project (e.g., `dumpstate` might print key variables and backtrace).

History saves your commands across sessions. `history size` controls how many to keep (default 256). Useful for recalling previous debugging sessions.

Create `~/.gdbinit` for your preferred settings. Start fresh sessions with your configuration automatically loaded.