Wepresent a visualization toolfor dynamic memory allocation information obtainedfrom instrumenting the runtime allocator used by Cprograms. The goal ofthe presented visualization techniques is to convey insight in the dynamic behavior ofthe allocator The purpose is to help the allocator designers understand how the performance and working of the allocator depend on the actual allocation scenarios in order to optimize its functionality by decreasing fragmentation and improving response time. We use an orthogonal dense pixel layout of time versus memory space which can show tens of thousands of allocation events on a single screen. We enhance the basic idea with several new techniques: antialiased metric bars for detecting high and low activity areas; cushion cursors for checking correlations of multiple views; and a view to show correlation between program structure (functions) and memory allocations. The presented techniques are demonstrated on data from a real application.
Moreta and Telea REF present a visualization of the behavior of the memory allocator in C programs to optimize functionality, decrease fragmentation, and improve response time.
Visualizing Dynamic Memory Allocations
2007 4th IEEE International Workshop on Visualizing Software for Understanding and Analysis
2007 4th IEEE International Workshop on Visualizing Software for Understanding and Analysis
Computer Science