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Listing View Overview

The listing view is the primary window for examining disassembled code, displaying instructions, data, and program structure.
The listing is rendered using the ListingPanel component with a configurable FormatManager that controls how program information is displayed.

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Understanding the Listing Display

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Field Layout

The listing displays multiple fields for each code unit:
Shows memory addresses where code and data reside:
  • Hexadecimal format by default
  • Supports multiple address spaces
  • Physical and virtual addresses
  • Overlay address spaces
1

Cursor Movement

Navigate through code using keyboard shortcuts:
  • Arrow Keys: Move cursor up/down/left/right
  • Page Up/Down: Scroll by page
  • Ctrl + Home/End: Jump to program start/end
  • Home/End: Move to line start/end
2

Follow Flow

Track program flow:
  • Enter on a call: Jump to called function
  • Enter on a jump: Follow jump target
  • Enter on data reference: Navigate to referenced data
  • View flow arrows showing branching
3

Return to Origin

Use navigation history:
  • Alt + Left: Return to previous location
  • Alt + Right: Go forward in history
  • History maintained across all navigation

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Disassembly Actions

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Creating Instructions

1

Disassemble

Convert undefined bytes to instructions:
  • Press D on undefined bytes
  • Right-click > Disassemble
  • Auto-analysis handles most disassembly
2

Clear Code

Remove incorrect disassembly:
  • Press C to clear code units
  • Right-click > Clear Code Bytes
  • Reverts to undefined bytes
3

Re-disassemble

Fix disassembly errors:
  • Clear incorrect instructions
  • Set correct processor context
  • Disassemble with proper settings
Use the RepairDisassemblyScript.java for automated fixing of common disassembly issues.

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Working with Data

1

Define Data

Convert bytes to data types:
  • Press B for byte
  • Press W for word (2 bytes)
  • Press D then W for dword (4 bytes)
  • Press T to choose data type
2

Create Arrays

Define array structures:
  • Select bytes for array
  • Right-click > Data > Create Array
  • Specify element count and type
3

Define Strings

Mark string data:
  • Right-click > Data > String
  • Auto-detection of string termination
  • Support for Unicode strings

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Code Units

Ghidra organizes memory into code units:
  • Instructions: Disassembled assembly code
  • Defined Data: Typed data (integers, strings, structures)
  • Undefined: Raw bytes not yet analyzed

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Iterating Code Units

Programmatic access to code units: 
// From IterateInstructionsScript.java
Listing listing = currentProgram.getListing();
InstructionIterator iter = listing.getInstructions(currentAddress, true);
while (iter.hasNext()) {
    Instruction inst = iter.next();
    // Process instruction
}

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Selection and Highlighting

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Creating Selections

1

Select Ranges

Select address ranges:
  • Click and drag to select
  • Shift + Click to extend selection
  • Ctrl + A to select all
2

Select Functions

Select entire functions:
  • Right-click in function > Select > Function
  • Ctrl + Shift + F for current function
  • Select by function name in Symbol Tree
3

Select by Pattern

Use search to select:
  • Search for instructions or data
  • Results table allows selection
  • Select all matches at once

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Highlighting

Highlight code for visual emphasis:
  • Middle-mouse Highlight: Click middle mouse on tokens
  • Search Highlights: Automatic highlighting of search results
  • Cursor Highlights: Related instructions highlighted
  • Custom Highlights: Apply via plugins
Highlighting is managed through the ProgramHighlightPluginEvent and FieldSelection mechanisms in the CodeBrowser.

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Flow Arrows

Visualize program flow with arrows:
  • Unconditional Jumps: Solid arrows
  • Conditional Branches: Dashed arrows
  • Calls: Different color/style
  • Active Flow: Highlighted when cursor on branch
Enable flow arrows via the margin provider in the Code Browser options.

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Comments and Annotations

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Comment Types

End-of-line comment:
  • Press ; to add
  • Appears at end of code line
  • Brief annotations

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Viewing Options

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Format Configuration

1

Customize Display

Configure listing appearance:
  • Edit > Tool Options > Listing Fields
  • Enable/disable fields
  • Adjust field order and width
2

Color Settings

Customize syntax highlighting:
  • Edit > Tool Options > Listing Colors
  • Set colors for instructions, data, comments
  • Configure background colors
3

Font Settings

Adjust text display:
  • Monospace font required
  • Configurable font size
  • Theme-based color schemes

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Advanced Features

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Context Register Tracking

For processors with mode changes (ARM/Thumb, etc.):
  • Context registers determine disassembly mode
  • Set via Set Register Values action
  • Affects instruction interpretation
  • Tracked by address range

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Memory Blocks

View and navigate memory organization:
  • Initialized vs uninitialized blocks
  • Permissions (read, write, execute)
  • Overlay blocks for multiple mappings
  • Block viewer shows memory layout

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Bookmarks

Mark important locations:
  • Press Ctrl + D to add bookmark
  • Categorize by type (analysis, note, warning)
  • Bookmark window shows all marked locations
  • Quick navigation to bookmarked addresses
Use bookmarks to mark areas requiring further analysis or to document important findings.

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