Beyond DWARF: Debugging the Kernel with Drgn, BTF/CTF, and Kallsyms

Explore kernel debugging techniques beyond traditional DWARF debuginfo in this 29-minute conference talk from the Linux Plumbers Conference. Dive into the "DWARFless Debugging" project in Drgn, which leverages introspection information already present in the kernel for basic debugging operations. Learn how kallsyms can provide symbol table information, while BTF or CTF offer type information. Discover the use of frame pointers and ORC for stack unwinding. Gain insights into the project's status, its inner workings, and the challenges faced in implementing this alternative debugging approach. Enhance your understanding of kernel debugging methodologies and their practical applications in various situations where DWARF may not be the optimal choice.

Beyond DWARF: Debugging the Kernel with Drgn BTF/CTF & kallsyms Stephen Brennan - Stephen Brennan