How to change variables value while debugging with LLVM in Xcode?

Question

In Xcode, GDB allows you to change local variables while debugging (see how to change NSString value while debugging in XCode?). Does LLDB offer a similar functionality? If so, how can we use it?

Answer 1

expr myString = @"Foo"

(lldb) help expr
Evaluate a C/ObjC/C++ expression in the current program context, using variables currently in scope. This command takes 'raw' input (no need to quote stuff).

Syntax: expression --

Command Options Usage: expression [-f ] [-G ] [-d ] [-u ] -- expression [-o] [-d ] [-u ] -- expression

   -G <gdb-format>  ( --gdb-format <gdb-format> )
        Specify a format using a GDB format specifier string.

   -d <boolean>  ( --dynamic-value <boolean> )
        Upcast the value resulting from the expression to its dynamic type
        if available.

   -f <format>  ( --format <format> )
        Specify a format to be used for display.

   -o  ( --object-description )
        Print the object description of the value resulting from the
        expression.

   -u <boolean>  ( --unwind-on-error <boolean> )
        Clean up program state if the expression causes a crash, breakpoint
        hit or signal.

Examples:

expr my_struct->a = my_array[3]
expr -f bin -- (index * 8) + 5
expr char c[] = "foo"; c[0]

IMPORTANT NOTE: Because this command takes 'raw' input, if you use any command options you must use ' -- ' between the end of the command options and the beginning of the raw input.

'expr' is an abbreviation for 'expression'

Answer 2

The following stuff works for me. I am using Xcode 8.

If you want to set some variable (for example a "dict") to nil and then test the code flow, you can try the following.

1. Put the breakpoint properly after initialised to the desired value.
2. then execute "expression dict = nil" in lldb command line to change it. (for example "nil")
3. Step over the break point.
4. Check the variable "dict" in the next line. It will be nil.

It will look something like in the console.

(lldb) expression dict = nil
(NSDictionary *) $5 = nil