How to programmatically cause a core dump in C/C++

c++ c linux coredump abort
hhafez picture hhafez · Jun 11, 2009 · Viewed 81k times · Source

I would like to force a core dump at a specific location in my C++ application.

I know I can do it by doing something like:

int * crash = NULL;
*crash = 1;

But I would like to know if there is a cleaner way?

I am using Linux by the way.

Answer

paxdiablo picture paxdiablo · Jun 11, 2009

Raising of signal number 6 (SIGABRT in Linux) is one way to do it (though keep in mind that SIGABRT is not required to be 6 in all POSIX implementations so you may want to use the SIGABRT value itself if this is anything other than quick'n'dirty debug code).

#include <signal.h>
: : :
raise (SIGABRT);

Calling abort() will also cause a core dump, and you can even do this without terminating your process by calling fork() followed by abort() in the child only - see this answer for details.

Related questions

Easily measure elapsed time

I am trying to use time() to measure various points of my program. What I don't understand is why the values in the before and after are the same? I understand this is not the best way to profile my …

Read More
print call stack in C or C++

Is there any way to dump the call stack in a running process in C or C++ every time a certain function is called? What I have in mind is something like this: void foo() { print_stack_trace(); // foo's body …

Read More
Difference between shared objects (.so), static libraries (.a), and DLL's (.so)?

I have been involved in some debate with respect to libraries in Linux, and would like to confirm some things. It is to my understanding (please correct me if I am wrong and I will edit my post later), that …

Read More