python / python/cpython

test_c_stack_unwind fails on Linux LoongArch builds

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OS-unsupported tests type-bug
Dominant language
Python
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Description

Bug report

Bug description:

On the Linux LoongArch64 platform, the test_c_stack_unwind test fails because CPython's manually implemented frame-pointer unwinding mechanism fails to recognize the LoongArch stack frame layout (as it relies on the default FRAME_POINTER_NEXT_OFFSET and FRAME_POINTER_RETURN_OFFSET). This issue affects builds using both GCC and Clang.

In the LoongArch architecture, the frame pointer points to the caller's stack pointer; the previous frame pointer is stored at fp[-2], and the return address is stored at fp[-1].

Additionally, for CPython builds compiled with Clang, unexpected failures occur in test sections involving the GNU backtrace() function. By default, Clang/LoongArch generates .debug_frame sections but does not generate the .eh_frame unwinding tables required for runtime unwinding of CPython's C objects. Consequently, glibc's backtrace() returns only a single stack frame and cannot unwind through Python stack frames.

Reproducer

GCC build:

../cpython/configure --with-pydebug CC=gcc
make -j8
PYTHON_JIT=0 ./python -m test -v test_c_stack_unwind

clang build:

../cpython/configure --with-pydebug CC=clang
make -j8
PYTHON_JIT=0 ./python -m test -v test_c_stack_unwind
Environment
  • CPython main
  • Linux LoongArch64
  • GCC version: 15.3.0
  • Clang 20.1.8
  • glibc 2.42
CPython versions tested on:

CPython main branch

Operating systems tested on:

Linux

Linked PRs
  • gh-152241
  • gh-152578

Contributor guide

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First steps

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Research direction

Run PYTHON_JIT=0 ./python -m test -v test_c_stack_unwind on Linux LoongArch64 with both GCC and Clang, then inspect CPython's manually implemented frame-pointer unwinding and the test sections using GNU backtrace(). Done means the test recognizes LoongArch frame layout and the applicable Clang build tests no longer fail; linked PRs gh-152241 and gh-152578 indicate work is already underway.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
c, linux, python
Domain
compilers, operating-systems, testing-qa
Issue type
Bug
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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