[fa.info-vax] Getting timings without much fuss

info-vax@ucbvax.ARPA (03/02/85)

From: maxson%vaxwrk.DEC@decwrl.ARPA  (VAXworks 223-9408)

	If you're not too fussy (and who can afford to be these days?)
	this method returns runtime for a given program.

	Create a command file of the following sort, then invoke it.

	$ASSIGN logfile.log SYS$OUTPUT
	$SHOW TIME
	$RUN ProgramBeingTested.EXE
	input line 1
	input line 2
	.
	.
	.
	input line n
	$SHOW TIME
	$DEASSIGN SYS$OUTPUT
	$EXIT

	Note that this method necessarily includes the time consumed by a
	SHOW TIME DCL command, and also includes the image activation time
	of ProgramBeingTested.EXE. If you're looking at a program with an
	anticipated runtime of 2 minutes or more, this inaccuracy can be
	discounted. Also, some inaccuracy inevitably creeps in because you're
	doing your output to a disk file rather than a tube. Depending on
	the amount of I/O and the disk in question, this could be a win or a
	loss versus real performance.

	But for my money, it's pretty darn close - and unless you're launching
	missiles or targeting a laser in your application, it should do the
	job.

info-vax@ucbvax.ARPA (03/02/85)

From: Chris <Pace@USC-ECLC.ARPA>


	Actually that is too crude a measurement for most people.
It also factors in the load of the machine - which can be substantial
depending on when you run it.

		Chris.
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