dlv debug error: could not launch process: fork/exec ./demo function not implemented

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05-10-2024

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Delve Debugger Error: "could not launch process: fork/exec ./demo function not implemented" - Solved!

Problem: You're trying to debug your Go application using the Delve debugger, but encounter the cryptic error "could not launch process: fork/exec ./demo function not implemented." This error usually means something's amiss with how Delve is trying to launch your application.

Scenario:

Imagine you're working on a Go application called "demo" and try to debug it using Delve:

dlv debug ./demo

Instead of starting the debugger, you get hit with:

could not launch process: fork/exec ./demo function not implemented

Understanding the Error:

This error typically indicates that Delve is unable to execute your program. This could be due to a few reasons:

• Missing Go runtime: Delve requires a Go runtime to be present in your system to execute your program.
• Permissions Issues: The user running Delve might not have sufficient permissions to execute the program.
• Incorrect Binary Path: Delve might be looking for the wrong executable file.
• Unsupported Architecture: Your system architecture might be incompatible with the Go binary.

Solutions and Troubleshooting:

1. Check your Go installation: Ensure Go is installed correctly and accessible in your system environment. You can check your Go version using go version.

2. Permissions: Confirm the user you're running Delve with has execute permissions for the "demo" program. You can check this using ls -l ./demo. If necessary, use chmod +x ./demo to grant execute permissions.

3. Binary Path: Make sure the path to the executable is correct. If your program is located in a different directory, specify the full path when launching Delve.

4. Architecture Compatibility: Double-check that your Go binary is compiled for your system architecture. Use go env GOARCH to check the architecture of your Go installation. If the architecture doesn't match your system, you might need to recompile your program.

5. Delve Version: If you're using an older version of Delve, consider updating it. Newer versions often include fixes and compatibility improvements.

Example:

Let's say your "demo" program is located in a directory called "myproject" and your Go binary is not compiled for your architecture. To fix this, you would:

• Compile the program:

  cd myproject
  GOARCH=your_architecture go build 
  

  (Replace "your_architecture" with the correct value for your system, e.g., "amd64" or "arm64")

• Use the correct path:

  dlv debug ./myproject/demo 
  

Additional Tips:

• Check the Delve documentation: https://github.com/go-delve/delve/blob/master/Documentation/README.md for detailed explanations and troubleshooting guidance.
• Use a debugger-friendly Go IDE: IDE's like VS Code with the Go extension provide a user-friendly interface for debugging with Delve.

Conclusion:

The "fork/exec function not implemented" error with Delve can be frustrating, but by following the steps outlined above and carefully considering potential causes, you can troubleshoot and resolve this issue. Remember to carefully check your Go installation, permissions, and binary paths for a smooth debugging experience.