Collecting A Time-Based Profile

In time-based profiling, the application to be analyzed is run at full speed on the same machine that is running AMD CodeAnalyst. Time-based samples (collected at predetermined intervals) can be used to identify possible bottlenecks, execution penalties, or optimization opportunities. The timer-based profiling feature can be used with all AMD processors. This page describes how to collect a time-based profile.

The predefined profile (data collection) configuration (Time-based profile) is used to enable collection of a time-based profile.

Collecting a Time-Based Profile

To collect a time-based profile :

  1. Create new project or choose a previously opened project. Select Time-Based Profile from the drop-down profile configuration list in the toolbar .
  2. If a new project is to be created, the New project properties dialog box opens. Assign a project name and location or browse for an existing file.

  1. The Session settings window opens. Assign a session name (optional), enter the path to the application program to be launched and set the working directory.
  2. Under Profile configuration: select time-based profile.
  3. Advanced step: If editing a selected profile, click Edit to open the Edit Timer Configuration dialog box.
  4. Select Show Options >>> if options are not displayed. Select desired profiling options.

  1. Select Ok to apply selections.
  2. Click the Start icon    to launch the application and begin profiling.
  3. The task bar at the bottom of the screen displays "Sampling Session Started" and the percent completed. The Pause and Stop icons  become active.

  1. When the sampling session is complete, the application under test terminates and the performance data is processed. The work space then displays a module-by-module breakdown of the results in the System Data table. Select the System Graph tab to see the results in graphical form. Select the System Tasks tab to see a task-by-task breakdown of the results. Double-click on a module or task to drill down into the data.

Managing the Current View of the Data

To change the type of data displayed in the current view, click Manage. The View Management dialog box opens. Refer to the View Management section for details. The items listed in the Columns part of the View Management dialog box depend on the view configuration that is in current use.

System Data and System Graph

The System Data tab displays a module-by-module breakdown of performance data, while the System Graph tab displays the same module-by-module breakdown of performance data but in chart form.

The configuration of both the System Data table and System Graph can be altered by selecting options in the View Management window.

System Tasks

The System Tasks tab displays a task-by-task breakdown of performance data.