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diff --git a/test/functional/README.md b/test/functional/README.md index 628c77eb11..74f454b86c 100644 --- a/test/functional/README.md +++ b/test/functional/README.md @@ -122,3 +122,36 @@ Helpers for script.py #### [test_framework/blocktools.py](test_framework/blocktools.py) Helper functions for creating blocks and transactions. + +### Benchmarking with perf + +An easy way to profile node performance during functional tests is provided +for Linux platforms using `perf`. + +Perf will sample the running node and will generate profile data in the node's +datadir. The profile data can then be presented using `perf report` or a graphical +tool like [hotspot](https://github.com/KDAB/hotspot). + +There are two ways of invoking perf: one is to use the `--perf` flag when +running tests, which will profile each node during the entire test run: perf +begins to profile when the node starts and ends when it shuts down. The other +way is the use the `profile_with_perf` context manager, e.g. + +```python +with node.profile_with_perf("send-big-msgs"): + # Perform activity on the node you're interested in profiling, e.g.: + for _ in range(10000): + node.p2p.send_message(some_large_message) +``` + +To see useful textual output, run + +```sh +perf report -i /path/to/datadir/send-big-msgs.perf.data.xxxx --stdio | c++filt | less +``` + +#### See also: + +- [Installing perf](https://askubuntu.com/q/50145) +- [Perf examples](http://www.brendangregg.com/perf.html) +- [Hotspot](https://github.com/KDAB/hotspot): a GUI for perf output analysis |