libs: add gcov framework support

[Gary-Hobson]

Summary

libs: add gcov framework support

In devices without storage media, you can export data to the
command line and then generate the corresponding gcda file

It can save the result output by calling __gcov_info_to_gcda
The usage is similar to:
https://gcc.gnu.org/onlinedocs/gcc/Freestanding-Environments.html#Profiling-and-Test-Coverage-in-Freestanding-Environments

Usage:
./tools/configure.sh qemu-armv7a:nsh
Modify the configuration

+CONFIG_COVERAGE_ALL=y
+CONFIG_COVERAGE_MINI=y
+CONFIG_SYSTEM_GCOV=y

Run:

qemu-system-arm -cpu cortex-a7 -nographic -smp 4 \
     -machine virt,virtualization=off,gic-version=2 \
     -net none -chardev stdio,id=con,mux=on -serial chardev:con \
     -mon chardev=con,mode=readline -kernel ./nuttx/nuttx -semihosting -s | tee gcov.txt
./nuttx/tools/gcov_convert.py -i ./gcov.txt
./nuttx/tools/gcov.sh -t arm-none-eabi-gcov

Impact

Testing

qemu

[nuttxpr]

[Experimental Bot, please feedback here]

This PR appears to mostly meet the NuttX requirements, but is lacking in key details. Here's a breakdown:

Strengths:

• Clear Summary of the "What": The summary explains the purpose of the change (adding gcov support), the affected area (libs), and the mechanism (exporting data to the command line and generating gcda files). The usage example and configuration instructions are helpful.
• Provides Testing Information: It specifies the target (qemu) and gives basic usage instructions. The inclusion of gcov.txt processing is good.

Weaknesses:

• Missing Issue References: If this relates to any existing NuttX issues, those should be linked.
• Incomplete Impact Assessment: The "Impact" section is entirely empty. This is a critical part of the PR. At a minimum, address all the listed impact points (user, build, hardware, documentation, security, compatibility). Even if the answer is "NO", state it explicitly. For example: "Impact on user: NO". If the impact is "YES", explain the impact.
• Insufficient Testing Detail: While testing information is present, it's minimal.
  • Build Host: Provide specifics about the build host OS, CPU architecture, and compiler version used.
  • Target Details: Be more specific about the qemu configuration (e.g., qemu-system-arm -cpu cortex-a7 ...).
  • Missing "Before" and "After" Logs: The code blocks for "Testing logs before change" and "Testing logs after change" are empty. Include relevant log snippets that demonstrate the functionality before and after your changes. This is crucial for reviewers to understand the impact of the changes. Show that the gcov output is as expected.

Recommendations for Improvement:

1. Fill out the Impact section completely. This is the most significant deficiency. Consider these points:

   • Impact on build: Does enabling gcov require any build system changes or new dependencies?
   • Impact on hardware: Is this specific to certain architectures?
   • Impact on documentation: Does this require documentation updates? If so, were those updates included in the PR?
   • Impact on security: Does enabling code coverage introduce any security considerations? (Probably not, but it's good to explicitly state this).
   • Impact on compatibility: Does this change break any existing functionality?

2. Provide detailed build host information. (OS, CPU, Compiler version).

3. Include relevant "before" and "after" test logs. Demonstrate that gcov is not working before the change and is working after the change. Show some example gcov output.

4. Link any related NuttX issues.

By addressing these points, the PR will be much more complete and easier for reviewers to evaluate.

[acassis]

Very nice @Gary-Hobson your commit log message included all needed information to let people start to using it.

[cederom]

Thank you @Gary-Hobson :-)

[acassis]

@Gary-Hobson please consider creating later a Guide (https://nuttx.apache.org/docs/latest/guides/index.html) to use GCOV with NuttX using these commands you included in the commit log.

[Gary-Hobson]

@Gary-Hobson please consider creating later a Guide (https://nuttx.apache.org/docs/latest/guides/index.html) to use GCOV with NuttX using these commands you included in the commit log.

Yes, we will upload the documentation for checking code coverage in different environments later

Currently, we support gcc, clang, simulator, device, it will take some time to verify all environments