No argument to stop flash erase before programming using the stlink gdb server

[rockybalboa__]

So I know if I use the STM32CubeProgrammer there's an option to skip flash erase before programming which is great. However, I'm trying to debug some code and I need to prevent flash erase, because I have some code in a sector which I need to keep, but also program some new code in that same sector.

By using the 'ST-LINK_gdbserver --help' command, there's no option/argument which I can use to prevent the flash erase before programming. I tried using the '--skipErase' option mentioned here:
https://community.st.com/t5/stm32cubeprogrammer-mcus/skipping-flash-erase-with-stm32-programmer-cli-and-stlink-v3/td-p/608809 

But it didn't work for me:
'/opt/ST/STM32CubeCLT_1.18.0/STLink-gdb-server/bin/ST-LINK_gdbserver -p 50000 -cp /opt/ST/STM32CubeCLT_1.18.0/STM32CubeProgrammer/bin --swd --halt --skipErase -m 0
PARSE ERROR: Argument: --skipErase
Couldn't find match for argument'

It seems like the --skipErase command is specific for the programmer, but there's no way to invoke it from the gdb server.

Would appreciate some guidance on this, thanks.

[Aziz BRIGUI · Accepted solution]

Hello @rockybalboa__ ,

I can confirm that with ST-LINK_gdbserver, there's no option to skip the erase. However, I don't think it should be added since you have the possibility to only attach (-g) to a running target instead of downloading the binary via GDB.

=> You can use STM32CubeProgrammer to download your file while skipping the erase:

STM32_Programmer_CLI -c port=SWD -d File.elf --skipErase

 and then attach to the target with ST-LINK_gdbserver:

ST-LINK_gdbserver -p 50000 -cp /opt/ST/STM32CubeCLT_1.18.0/STM32CubeProgrammer/bin --swd -g

Let me know if this resolved your issue.

Aziz