STEP: a framework for the efficient encoding of general trace data

Traditional tracing systems are often limited to recording a fixed set of basic program events. This limitation can frustrate an application or compiler developer who is trying to understand and characterize the complex behavior of software systems such as a Java program running on a Java Virtual Machine. In the past, many developers have resorted to specialized tracing systems that target a particular type of program event. This approach often results in an obscure and poorly documented encoding format which can limit the reuse and sharing of potentially valuable information. To address this problem, we present STEP, a system designed to provide profiler developers with a standard method for encoding general program trace data in a flexible and compact format. The system consists of a trace data definition language along with a compiler and an architecture that simplifies the client interface by encapsulating the details of encoding and interpretation.