Best practice for debugging

[doodlewind]

Hi, I'm a developer interested in writing apps on Miyoo (PocketGo), and I've created a Docker template for much simpler toolchain setup:

https://github.com/doodlewind/MiyooSDK

For now I've got SDL Hello World running properly, but I'm wondering what's the best practice debugging such a SDL app on Miyoo? I have no idea how to setup a SSH connection or using GDB on the device. It would be very frustrating if I have to write debug log to SD card and manually take it out for inspecting. What't your recommendation? Thanks.

[doodlewind]

We can compile an ARM GDB on Miyoo and perform remote debug through UART serial console with minicom. The UART port should be soldered according to Steward's Guide. However this only allows one-way logging without input support on PC side, since the RX port on Miyoo is occupied by the audio jack. To solve this, a modified kernel build is required.

However, we can make a simple workaround if we only need to see the printf app logs. Just modify /etc/inittab in rootfs partition:

# tty1::respawn:/etc/main
console::respawn:/etc/main

This will redirect the app debug log to UART port.

If you keep this issue open, I may post other discovery here :)

[doodlewind]

I've compiled the kernel. Just unzip and replace this file in boot partition, which disables audio support, making UART RX usable:

suniv-f1c500s-miyoo.dtb.zip

Then we can login the serial console with username "root" and no password. Using GDB and other debug utils on the device should be straightforward now.

Edit: This modification unexpectedly disables video output, I'm working on it now.

[doodlewind]

The kernel build is also ready, just replace the zImage to enable UART debug:

zImage-debug-ab-revert.zip

[TriForceX]

Sorry for the late reply, looks very good, we also are looking for better ways to automatize everything. If you can join our discord to have a talk it should be nice! https://discord.gznetwork.com