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GDB-MCP

by hnmr293
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Python
Local
Apache 2.0
1

GDB-MCP

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/84e717ba-6983-442d-bf11-7ba2b17108af

GDB-MCP is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides programmatic access to the GNU Debugger (GDB). It enables AI models and other MCP clients to interact with GDB through a standardized interface, making debugging capabilities accessible through natural language interactions.

Since it uses the gdb/mi interface, you can access the full functionality of gdb. We also provide a command reference for gdb in resources.

Features

  • Session Management: Create and manage multiple isolated GDB debugging sessions

  • Command Execution: Execute both CLI and MI (Machine Interface) GDB commands

  • Comprehensive Documentation: Access complete GDB command reference through MCP resources

  • Asynchronous Operation: Built on asyncio for efficient concurrent session handling

  • Timeout Protection: Automatic cleanup of idle sessions to prevent resource leaks

Related MCP server: LLDB-MCP

Installation

Prerequisites

  • Python 3.12 or higher

  • GDB installed on your system

  • MCP-compatible client (e.g., Claude Desktop)

Install from Source

# Clone the repository git clone https://github.com/yourusername/gdb-mcp.git cd gdb-mcp # Install dependencies pip install -r requirements.txt # Install the package pip install -e .

Quick Start

Running the Server

# Start the MCP server gdb-mcp # Or run directly with Python python -m gdb_mcp

Claude Desktop Configuration

Add the following to your Claude Desktop configuration file:

{ "mcpServers": { "gdb-mcp": { "command": "gdb-mcp" } } }

See examples/claude_code_config_example.json for a complete configuration example.

Usage

Available Resources

The server provides comprehensive GDB documentation through MCP resources:

  • gdb://commands/reference - Complete GDB command reference

  • gdb://commands/cli - CLI commands with abbreviations

  • gdb://commands/mi - Machine Interface commands

  • gdb://commands/mapping - CLI to MI command correspondence

Available Tools

open - Start a debugging session

{ "name": "open", "arguments": { "timeout": 300 // Optional, defaults to 300 seconds } }

call - Execute a GDB command

{ "name": "call", "arguments": { "id": "session-uuid", "command": "break main" } }

close - Close a debugging session

{ "name": "close", "arguments": { "id": "session-uuid" } }

list_sessions - List all active sessions

{ "name": "list_sessions", "arguments": {} }

Example Usage

Basic Debugging Session

# Start a new debugging session session = await client.call_tool("open", {}) session_id = session["content"]["id"] # Load an executable await client.call_tool("call", { "id": session_id, "command": "file /path/to/program" }) # Set a breakpoint await client.call_tool("call", { "id": session_id, "command": "break main" }) # Run the program result = await client.call_tool("call", { "id": session_id, "command": "run" }) # Examine variables result = await client.call_tool("call", { "id": session_id, "command": "print variable_name" }) # Close the session await client.call_tool("close", {"id": session_id})

Accessing Documentation

# Get CLI commands reference cli_docs = await client.read_resource("gdb://commands/cli") # Get MI commands reference mi_docs = await client.read_resource("gdb://commands/mi")

Architecture

GDB-MCP consists of several key components:

  1. MCP Server (server.py) - Handles client connections and request routing

  2. GDB Manager (gdb_manager.py) - Manages GDB subprocess lifecycle

  3. Session Management - Maintains isolated debugging sessions with automatic timeout

  4. Resource Provider - Serves comprehensive GDB documentation

The server operates GDB in MI (Machine Interface) mode internally for reliable command parsing and structured output.

Development

Project Structure

gdb-mcp/ src/gdb_mcp/ __init__.py __main__.py cli.py # CLI entry point server.py # MCP server implementation gdb_manager.py # GDB process management resources/ gdb_commands.md # GDB command reference docs/ # Additional documentation examples/ # Usage examples tests/ # Test suite scripts/ # Utility scripts

Security Considerations

  • Designed for local debugging only

  • Each GDB session runs in an isolated process

  • Automatic session timeout prevents resource leaks

  • File system access limited to user permissions

Acknowledgments

This server cannot be installed

-
security - not tested
A
license - permissive license
-
quality - not tested

How are these scores calculated?

Resources

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