ARM Compiler toolchain Using the Linker - ARM Information Center

5.1 Elimination of common debug sections
5.1.1 See also
Using linker optimizations
In DWARF 2, the compiler and assembler generate one set of debug sections for each source
file that contributes to a compilation unit. armlink can detect multiple copies of a debug section
for a particular source file and discard all but one copy in the final image. This can result in a
considerable reduction in image debug size.
In DWARF 3, common debug sections are placed in common groups. armlink discards all but
one copy of each group with the same signature.
Concepts
• Input sections, output sections, regions, and Program Segments on page 4-5.
• Elimination of common groups or sections on page 5-3
• Elimination of unused sections on page 5-4
• Elimination of unused virtual functions on page 5-6.
Reference
Compiler Reference:
• --debug, --no_debug on page 3-55.
Assembler Reference:
• --debug on page 2-9.
Other information
• The DWARF Debugging Standard web site, http://www.dwarfstd.org/.
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