Mastering Python High Performance

Chapter 1. Profiling 101

Just like any infant needs to learn how to crawl before running 100 mts with obstacles in under 12 seconds, programmers need to understand the basics of profiling before trying to master that art. So, before we start delving into the mysteries of performance optimization and profiling on Python programs, we need to have a clear understanding of the basics.

Once you know the basics, you'll be able to learn about the tools and techniques. So, to start us off, this chapter will cover everything you need to know about profiling but were too afraid to ask. In this chapter we will do the following things:

• We will provide a clear definition of what profiling is and the different profiling techniques.
• We will explain the importance ...