How to profile pthread mutex in linux?

Question

I would like to know how to profile a pthread mutex to see if there are any locking contention points in my code. (who likes contentious code, right? :) I know how to do a more

Answer 1

You didn't mention your OS. If it's linux, I've used LTT quite a bit for this sort of profiling. It can be useful in two modes:

1. performance profiling -- e.g. profile your system for N seconds of standard use and then analyze the data

2. exception profiling -- e.g. run it around the clock in "flight recorder" mode (record the last N seconds of activity) and on some exceptional condition trigger a stop to the flight recorder. Come in the next morning and analyze the data.

I've been using and seeing 'mutexes' as the plural of mutex for years now without complaint. ;>