Q182043

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The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Visual C++, versions 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 4.0, 4.1
• Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Enterprise Edition, versions 4.2, 5.0, 6.0
• Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Professional Edition, versions 4.2, 5.0, 6.0
• Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit Learning Edition, version 6.0

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SUMMARY

The Program Database File Format also known as PDB file format is not documented. This information is Microsoft proprietary.

MORE INFORMATION

The PDB file format information is extracted from the CodeView information in the object file. The linker uses it for incremental linking. The Visual C++ debugger uses this information during a debug session when symbolic debug information is stored in the PDB file.

REFERENCES

Microsoft CodeView debugging information is the current format used by Microsoft Visual C++ and is available in the Microsoft Developer Network Library (MSDN) CD, or in the Internet Web Site address:

http://www.microsoft.com/msdn

The following two articles describe in detail the CodeView format specifications.

Specifications--Technologies and Languages--CodeView Symbolic Debug Information 3.1

Specifications--Technologies and Languages--VC5.0 Symbolic Debug Information

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbDebug kbide kbVC200 kbVC210 kbVC220 kbVC400 kbVC410 kbVC420 kbVC500 kbVC600
Issue type : kbinfo
Technology : kbVCsearch kbVC400 kbAudDeveloper kbVC220 kbVC410 kbVC200 kbVC210 kbVC32bitSearch kbVCPE500 kbVCPE600 kbVCPE420 kbVCEE500 kbVCEE600 kbVCEE420 kbVCLE600

Last Reviewed: July 17, 2001