Debug symbol

A debug symbol is a special kind of <a href="/facts/Symbol_(computing)/ILc0WE9u">symbol</a> that attaches additional information to the <a href="/facts/Symbol_table/ILc0WE9u">symbol table</a> of an <a href="/facts/Object_file/sFBvosE4">object file</a>, such as a <a href="/facts/Shared_library/xRzL3P7q">shared library</a> or an <a href="/facts/Executable/VSst9eLA">executable</a>. This information allows a <a href="/facts/Symbolic_debugger/mCe6UsWj">symbolic debugger</a> to gain access to information from the <a href="/facts/Source_code/o9J6Jv23">source code</a> of the binary, such as the names of identifiers, including <a href="/facts/Variable_(programming)/VoCKtwml">variables</a> and routines. 
The symbolic information may be compiled together with the module's <a href="/facts/Binary_file/ysttM8hh">binary file</a>, or distributed in a separate file, or simply discarded during the <a href="/facts/Compiler/WNfCDFJe">compilation</a> and/or <a href="/facts/Linker_(computing)/pn1hztYe">linking</a>. 
This information can be helpful while trying to investigate and fix a <a href="/facts/Crash_(computing)/I8yn65yt">crashing</a> application or any other fault.

Debug symbol open-in-new

Debug symbol