Abstract: Data is prepared for processing in a data processing system using format information. Data is received that includes records that have values for fields over an input device or port. A target record format for processing the data is determined. Multiple records are analyzed according to validation tests to determine whether the data matches candidate record formats. Each candidate record format specifies a format for each field, and each validation test corresponds to at least one candidate record format. In response to receiving results of the validation tests, the target record format is associated with the data based on at least one of: a candidate record format for which at least a partial match was determined according to at least one validation test, a parsed record format selected according to a data type associated with the data, and a constructed record format generated from an analysis of data characteristics.

Abstract: According to some aspects, a tool is provided that reduces errors made by a data processing system by assisting a user in determining a record format for a dataset by dynamically analyzing contents of the dataset based on real-time feedback provided by the user. The data processing system may apply the determined record format to automatically parse contents of the dataset, with fewer errors. According to some aspects, the tool may generate a user interface that allows a user to identify delimiters based on the content of the dataset, and may generate a provisional record format according to the identified delimiters.

Abstract: Among other things, a method includes, at a computer system on which one or more computer programs are executing, receiving a specification defining types of state information, receiving an indication that an event associated with at least one of the computer programs has occurred, the event associated with execution of a function of the computer program, collecting state information describing the state of the execution of the computer program when the event occurred, generating an entry corresponding to the event, the entry including elements of the collected state information, the elements of state information formatted according to the specification, and storing the entry. The log can be parsed to generate a visualization of computer program execution.

Abstract: Among other things, a method includes, at a computer system on which one or more computer programs are executing, receiving a specification defining types of state information, receiving an indication that an event associated with at least one of the computer programs has occurred, the event associated with execution of a function of the computer program, collecting state information describing the state of the execution of the computer program when the event occurred, generating an entry corresponding to the event, the entry including elements of the collected state information, the elements of state information formatted according to the specification, and storing the entry. The log can be parsed to generate a visualization of computer program execution.

Abstract: Among other things, a method includes, at a computer system on which one or more computer programs are executing, receiving a specification defining types of state information, receiving an indication that an event associated with at least one of the computer programs has occurred, the event associated with execution of a function of the computer program, collecting state information describing the state of the execution of the computer program when the event occurred, generating an entry corresponding to the event, the entry including elements of the collected state information, the elements of state information formatted according to the specification, and storing the entry. The log can be parsed to generate a visualization of computer program execution.

Abstract: Among other things, a method includes, at a computer system on which one or more computer programs are executing, receiving a specification defining types of state information, receiving an indication that an event associated with at least one of the computer programs has occurred, the event associated with execution of a function of the computer program, collecting state information describing the state of the execution of the computer program when the event occurred, generating an entry corresponding to the event, the entry including elements of the collected state information, the elements of state information formatted according to the specification, and storing the entry. The log can be parsed to generate a visualization of computer program execution.

Abstract: Data is prepared for processing in a data processing system using format information. Data is received that includes records that have values for fields over an input device or port. A target record format for processing the data is determined. Multiple records are analyzed according to validation tests to determine whether the data matches candidate record formats. Each candidate record format specifies a format for each field, and each validation test corresponds to at least one candidate record format. In response to receiving results of the validation tests, the target record format is associated with the data based on at least one of: a candidate record format for which at least a partial match was determined according to at least one validation test, a parsed record format selected according to a data type associated with the data, and a constructed record format generated from an analysis of data characteristics.