Abstract: A software tool for analyzing the real-time performance characteristics of computer programs. A subprogram automatically records the execution time at a large number of pre-identified points in the code to be analyzed. This time information is captured in real-time and is minimally invasive. The display is subsequently displayed using a timing diagram display tool for a graphical user interface. The displayed timing diagrams provides a visual representation of the execution of the software in time, and provides a user to scale the time or show the profile in an alternate perspective. The present invention further provides a graphical representation of the hierarchical execution of subroutines and program modules within the software by displaying the nested execution of the software.