Debugging Console Apps Using Redirection

 Last reviewed: November 2, 1995
Article ID: Q102351
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Win32 Software Development Kit (SDK), versions 3.1, 3.5, 3.51, and 4.0

SUMMARY

To redirect the standard input (STDIN) for a console application named APP.EXE from a file named INPUT.TXT, the following syntax is used: 

   app < input.txt
However, the following syntax will not work when attempting to debug this application using WinDbg with STDIN redirected: 

   windbg app < input.txt
To debug the application as desired, use 

   windbg cmd /c "app < input.txt"

MORE INFORMATION

This will allow WinDbg to debug whatever goes on in the cmd window. A dialog box will be displayed that says "No symbolic Info for Debuggee." This message refers to CMD.EXE; dismiss this dialog box. When the child process (APP.EXE) is started, the command window will read "Stopped at program entry point." To continue, type "g" at the command window. Note that APP.EXE will begin executing, then you can open the source file and set breakpoints.

This technique is also useful when debugging an application that behaves differently when run with a debugger than it does when it is run in the command window.

Additional reference words: 3.10 3.50 4.00 95
KBCategory: kbtool
KBSubcategory: TlsWindbg

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: November 2, 1995
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.