Debugging Call Graph Node Clustering for Single-Stepping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing debugging techniques, such as call graphs and sample traces, face limitations in accurately representing the execution of computer programs due to incomplete snapshots and the inability to effectively cluster nodes based on machine addresses and source language statements, which hinders efficient debugging and single-stepping processes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that form clusters of nodes in a call graph based on shared machine addresses and source language statements, allowing for selective node combination during step operations, and propagate variable values through static analysis to enhance debugging capabilities, including live debugging and call graph processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nodes are clustered together based on shared machine addresses and source language statements, then the accuracy and efficiency of debugging is improved, but the complexity of processing and analyzing the call graph increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the call graph into clusters of nodes based on shared machine addresses and source language statements. This segmentation allows the debugger to process and analyze the call graph in manageable groups rather than as a monolithic structure, reducing overall complexity while maintaining debugging accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges nodes that share common machine addresses and source language statements into clusters. This combining approach consolidates redundant information and simplifies the representation of execution paths, making the call graph easier to process while improving debugging precision through better grouping of related events.
2Loss of information
If variable values are propagated through static analysis, then the completeness of debugging information is improved, but the time required for analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs static analysis to propagate variable values before actual debugging operations are performed. This preliminary action establishes complete variable value information in advance, ensuring that when debugging occurs, all necessary variable information is already available, reducing the time needed during active debugging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses static analysis to determine whether variable values should be propagated between events. This feedback mechanism allows the system to intelligently decide which variable values are relevant and should be propagated, avoiding unnecessary analysis time while ensuring complete and accurate variable information is maintained throughout the debugging process.
3Measurement precision
If snapshots of the call stack are taken periodically, then the accuracy of execution information is improved, but the completeness of the trace is reduced due to potential missed events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses call graphs with temporal information to maintain continuous tracking of execution events. Rather than relying on periodic snapshots that may miss events, the call graph continuously records execution sequences, ensuring both accurate execution information and complete trace data are maintained throughout program execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by inserting instrumentation instructions within the user program before execution. These instructions cause events to be recorded in advance, ensuring that all execution events are captured and logged, thereby maintaining trace completeness while preserving execution information accuracy through the structured call graph representation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for debugging a computer program by using a call graph. A call graph that represents trace events during execution of a debuggee program may be used as input to a system that enables a user to debug the debuggee program. Mechanisms facilitate conditionally forming clusters of event nodes, a cluster indicative of multiple event nodes corresponding to an execution of a source language statement. During a debugging session, in response to a command to perform a step operation, the nodes of a cluster are processed together so that a step corresponds to multiple events if the multiple events correspond to a single source language statement. A mechanism for inspecting variables is provided. Variable values may be selectively propagated and provided based on the call graph and a static control flow analysis of the debuggee program.