Analyzing Computer System Performance with Perl::PDQ: Edition 2

Neil J. Gunther

Jul 2011 · Springer Science & Business Media

About this ebook

To solve performance problems in modern computing infrastructures, often comprising thousands of servers running hundreds of applications, spanning multiple tiers, you need tools that go beyond mere reporting. You need tools that enable performance analysis of application workflow across the entire enterprise. That's what PDQ (Pretty Damn Quick) provides. PDQ is an open-source performance analyzer based on the paradigm of queues. Queues are ubiquitous in every computing environment as buffers, and since any application architecture can be represented as a circuit of queueing delays, PDQ is a natural fit for analyzing system performance.

Building on the success of the first edition, this considerably expanded second edition now comprises four parts. Part I contains the foundational concepts, as well as a new first chapter that explains the central role of queues in successful performance analysis. Part II provides the basics of queueing theory in a highly intelligible style for the non-mathematician; little more than high-school algebra being required. Part III presents many practical examples of how PDQ can be applied. The PDQ manual has been relegated to an appendix in Part IV, along with solutions to the exercises contained in each chapter.

Throughout, the Perl code listings have been newly formatted to improve readability. The PDQ code and updates to the PDQ manual are available from the author's web site at www.perfdynamics.com

Ratings and reviews

Good: It goes through various scenarios of where performance MAY be poor. He helps you understand the solution but far more importantly, he explains in detail what exactly is performing poorly and why it may or may not be an issue. Bad: It's slow plowing through it as it is so condensed. At ~$40, the book is well worth it. I wouldn't pay the standard price of $90 though.

About the author

Neil Gunther, M.Sc., Ph.D. is an internationally recognized computer performance researcher who founded Performance Dynamics Company (www.perfdynamics.com) in 1994, after having held both university teaching positions and management positions at Xerox PARC and Pyramid-Siemens Technology. In 2008 Dr. Gunther received the prestigious A.A. Michelson Award from CMG. In 2009, he was elected Senior Member of both the ACM and IEEE. Read more about him at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_J._Gunther.