binutils Newspaper
JUNE 15, 2026
binutils/gprof Committed

Gprof support for split debuginfo

A patch adding gprof support for split debuginfo has been pushed after review.

Frank Eigler pushed a patch to add gprof support for split debuginfo after receiving approval. The patch enables decompression on the debug file. Alan Modra requested that BFD_DECOMPRESS be set unconditionally which was then fixed and pushed.

In the Thread 3 participants
  1. Frank Ch. Eigler proposer

    Pushed the patch with decompression enabled on the debug file.

    “Thank you, pushed (accidentally split into two patches).”
  2. Alan Modra reviewer

    Suggested setting BFD_DECOMPRESS unconditionally.

    “I meant, set”
  3. Frank Ch. Eigler proposer

    Fixed the patch to set BFD_DECOMPRESS unconditionally and pushed it.

    “Ah ok, fixed, pushed.”

In Details

This patch enables gprof to work with split debuginfo, where debugging information is stored in a separate file. This involves setting the BFD_DECOMPRESS flag to handle potentially compressed debug sections when the debug file is opened. gprof is a profiling tool.

For Context

gprof is a tool used to profile programs, providing insights into where the program spends its time. Split debuginfo is a method of separating debugging information from the main executable file, which can reduce the size of the executable. This patch allows gprof to work correctly when debugging information is stored separately, by ensuring that the debug file is decompressed if necessary.

Filed Under: binutilsgprofdebuginfosplit debuginfoprofiling