A Performance Analysis Tool for Nokia Mobile Phone Software

Title: A Performance Analysis Tool for Nokia Mobile Phone Software

Research Question: How can a performance analysis tool help identify and understand performance bottlenecks in Nokia mobile phone software?

Methodology: The researchers developed a performance analysis tool for Nokia mobile phone software. They used software tracing to collect performance data during software execution and then provided post-mortem analysis and display of performance information. Permanent trace hooks inserted in the operating system kernel were used to record information about performance-related events. The user could specify which type of trace hooks were of interest and activate only those hooks. Once the instrumented software build was loaded onto the target hardware, test cases were executed, and traces were collected and stored in trace files. The collected traces were processed by the performance analysis tool, which generated different performance analysis reports in plain-text tabular format. Excel enhanced with Visual Basic macros was used as a front-end tool for graphical visualization of the report data.

Results: The researchers found that their tool could help identify performance bottlenecks in Nokia mobile phone software by monitoring the software's execution and providing easily understandable performance data. They provided examples of performance reports, including task execution time statistics and task execution timelines, which helped users understand where time was being spent and how to correct performance problems.

Implications: The development of this performance analysis tool for Nokia mobile phone software has several implications. First, it provides a practical way to analyze the performance of embedded software systems, which is particularly important as the complexity of software in mobile phones grows. Second, it offers an easy-to-use interface for users to specify which trace hooks are of interest and activate only those hooks, making the process more efficient. Finally, the use of Excel and Visual Basic macros for graphical visualization of the report data provides a user-friendly way to analyze and understand the performance information.

In conclusion, the performance analysis tool developed by the researchers is a valuable tool for identifying and understanding performance bottlenecks in Nokia mobile phone software. It offers a practical approach to performance debugging and analysis, making it easier for users to correct performance problems and improve the overall performance of embedded software systems.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0310001v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0310001v1