Abstract: An apparatus and method for cataloging symbolic data for use in performance analysis of computer programs is provided. The apparatus and method stores symbolic data for loaded modules during or shortly after a performance trace and utilizes the stored symbolic data when performing a performance analysis at a later time. A merged symbol file is generated for a computer program, or application, under trace. The merged symbol file contains information useful in performing symbolic resolution of address information in trace files for each instance of a module. During post processing of the trace information generated by a performance trace of a computer program, symbolic information stored in the merged symbol file is compared to the trace information stored in the trace file. The correct symbolic information in the merged symbol file for loaded modules is identified based a number of validating criteria.

Abstract: Understanding a third-party vendor's benchmark can be difficult when its source code is proprietary. In particular, the factors on which the benchmark's score depend can not easily be discovered. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the score to the execution speed of various components of the benchmark, which is important for optimizing the score in a competitive environment, is not readily accessible. The present invention shows how insertion of known delays into selected components of a benchmark can be used to elucidate its computational structure, profile it, find the sensitivity of its score to the time spent in a functional component. In all these uses of the present invention, execution of a predetermined amount of code is used to introduce a known delay into a target function or Java method. The benchmark is then re-executed to determine the delay's impact on the benchmark's score.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a data processing system for profiling code for processes executing in a data processing system. Trace data is recorded in response to a selected interrupt, wherein the trace data includes an indication of which code is being interrupted. The trace data is processed to identify whether the interrupted code is interpreted code.