Execution patterns in object-oriented visualization

Abstract

Execution patterns are a new metaphor for visualizing execution traces of object-oriented programs. We present an execution pattern view that lets a programmer visualize and explore a program's execution at varied levels of abstraction. The view employs visual, navigational, and analytical techniques that accommodate lengthy, real-world traces. By classifying repetitive behavior automatically into high-order execution patterns, we drastically reduce the information a programmer must assimilate, with little loss of insight.