A test suite for parallel performance analysis tools

Abstract

SUMMARYParallel performance analysis tools must be tested as to whether they perform their task correctly, which comprises at least three aspects. First, it must be ensured that the tools neither alter the semantics nor distort the run-time behavior of the application under investigation. Next, it must be verified that the tools collect the correct performance data as required by their specification. Finally, it must be checked that the tools perform their intended tasks and detect relevant performance problems. Focusing on the latter (correctness) aspect, testing can be done using synthetic test functions with controllable performance properties, possibly complemented by real-world applications with known performance behavior. A systematic test suite can be built from synthetic test functions and other components, possibly with the help of tools to assist the user in putting the pieces together into executable test programs. Clearly, such a test suite can be highly useful to builders of performance analysis tools. It is surprising that, up until now, no systematic effort has been undertaken to provide such a suite. In this paper we describe the APART Test Suite (ATS) for checking the correctness (in the above sense) of parallel performance analysis tools. In particular, we describe a collection of synthetic test functions which allows one to easily construct both simple and more complex test programs with desired performance properties. We briefly report on experience with MPI and OpenMP performance tools when applied to the test cases generated by ATS.

Evaluating similarity-based trace reduction techniques for scalable performance analysis

“…The ATS a collection of utilities designed to create programs with known behavior for testing parallel performance tools [11]. We chose behavior patterns from the ATS that represent performance problems that require trace data for correct diagnosis.…”

Special Issue: European–American Working Group on Automatic Performance Analysis (APART)

“…The paper by Gerndt and Fürlinger [1] describes the ASL and its implementation in the Periscope project at Technische Universität München. The design of the ATS and its application to OpenMP performance tools is presented in the paper by Gerndt, Mohr and Träff [2].…”