Multiple context software analysis

Details Multiple context software analysis Multiple context software analysis

1996-08-26

1998-08-25

Palys, Joseph

395678, 395568, G06F 1100

Patent

active

057991430

ABSTRACT:
A method for multiple context analysis of software applications in a multiprocessing (22, 23), multithreaded computer environment utilizes instrumentation code inserted (54, 55) into the applications. For each execution (67) of the application (60), a context set is selected (62). Execution of the instrumented code (67) provides information for analysis in an instrumentation buffer (82) addressed by a reserved register (80) or buffer pointer. The operating system is responsible for providing in the reserved register (80) the address of the instrumentation buffer (82) appropriate for each instrumented context executed. When the application (60) is done with an instrumentation buffer (82), the buffer may be processed by filter software (68). The combination of using a reserved register (80) and allowing the operating system to keep track of relevant context switches allows applications to be instrumented (54, 55) for various context sets without the necessity of modifying (53) or recompiling (52) the application software (60).

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