c++ - Static library debug symbols

Question

In VS2010 there is an option to generate debug info for exes/dlls under linker but no such option under librarian for libs. Is the debug info embedded in the static library?

There is an option in the C/C++ properties for Program Database File Name for libs, exes, and dlls. By default it goes into my intermediate directory and is named the project name for libs, but is named vc$(PlatformToolsetVersion).pdb for exes/dlls. What's the pdb from this option and how does it differ from the pdb in the linker option?

If I am supplying a library with libs and headers how do I supply debug symbols to a user of my library?

Answer 1

If you use /ZI or /Zi (C/C++ -> General -> Debug Information Format), then the vc$(PlatformToolsetVersion).pdb is created, which contains the debug info for all of the .obj files created. If alternately you use /Z7, the debug info will be embedded into the .obj file, and then embedded into the .lib. This is probably the easiest way to distribute the debug info for a static library.

I wouldn't advise distributing a static library, however, since it's generally tied to a specific version of the compiler.