What is performance analysis?

Substandard application performance can create software or network problems. A process that analyzes an application's performance for potential problems is necessary to ensure that the software meets or exceeds design expectations. This process is known as performance analysis. It involves examining an application to ensure that each component works efficiently and according to design, paying close attention to processor usage, network and system services, storage, and input/output (I/O). An integral part of performance analysis is making an application's components visible. When you can see how components are interacting, you can diagnose potential performance issues. Historically, it has been difficult to see the interactions among components in distributed applications. Visual Studio Analyzer solves this problem by providing different ways to look at them. For example, you can see the interaction between processes or the duration of these interactions. When you can see into your ...  more

Sometimes referred to as profiling, performance analysis as it relates to software engineering is simply the process of evaluating how a particular software program is functioning. This process normally begins with how the program loads and what happens when each step in using the program is executed. The object of performance analysis is to ensure the software program is working at optimum efficiency and to identify and correct any issues that may negatively impact that efficiency. Performance analysis also helps the engineer to adjust components in a manner that helps the program make the best use of available resources. By evaluating real time executions, it is possible to determine if something could be done to speed up a task, or change the amount of memory required to run the task without negatively impacting the overall function of the software. The final goal is a program that runs smoothly, quickly, and works each time any task is initiated. Performance analysis is one type ...  more

Performance analysis examines an organization's performance requirements in light of its objectives and its capabilities. It identifies the current or anticipated deficiencies in workforce performance or competence. Central to this process is the comparison of two specific descriptions of the workforce. The first -- the "desired state" -- describes the competencies and abilities of the workforce that are necessary to carry out the organization's strategy and achieve its mission. The second -- the "actual state" -- describes the level of workforce competence and ability as it currently exists. The difference between these two states is called the "performance gap." This represents a current or anticipated performance problem to be solved, or an opportunity for performance improvement. The ultimate goal of performance technology is to close or eliminate this gap in the most cost-effective manner.  more

A - The term Performance Analysis is used to describe an emerging area of activity that links disciplined insights. These range from the 'expert' observations a coach makes in training and competition environments, to the insights that sports scientists, sports medicine practitioners and physical therapists provide. The unit works with coaches to explore these links and to develop better practice.

A serious definition goes like this: Performance analysis involves gathering formal and informal data to help customers and sponsors define and achieve their goals. Performance analysis uncovers several perspectives on a problem or opportunity, determining any and all drivers towards or barriers to successful performance, and proposing a solution system based on what is discovered. A lighter definition is: Performance analysis is the front end of the front end. It's what we do to figure out what to do. Some synonyms are planning, scoping, auditing, and diagnostics. What does a performance analyst do?  more