dynamic-instrumentation

Instrument binaries and trace runtime behavior using LLVM infrastructure.

434|96|Updated Aug 9, 2023

Search Tags:#profiling #tracing #eBPF #LLVM #runtime analysis #dynamic instrumentation #binary instrumentation

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/backengineering/llvm-msvc --skill dynamic-instrumentation-backengineering

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: dynamic-instrumentation
Source: https://github.com/backengineering/llvm-msvc/tree/main/.agents/skills/dynamic-instrumentation
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/backengineering/llvm-msvc --skill dynamic-instrumentation-backengineering

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides advanced capabilities for runtime analysis, monitoring, and modification of program behavior without requiring source code access, enabling deep insights into application execution.

Core Features & Use Cases

Dynamic Binary Instrumentation (DBI): Modify program execution at runtime using tools like QBDI and Instrew.
Runtime Tracing: Implement function tracing, XRay instrumentation, and system call monitoring.
Performance Profiling: Analyze block frequencies and integrate with sampling profilers.
Use Case: Debug a complex race condition by instrumenting specific memory access patterns or trace the execution flow of a critical function during runtime to identify performance bottlenecks.

Quick Start

Use the dynamic-instrumentation skill to trace function calls within the provided executable.

Frequently Asked Questions about dynamic-instrumentation

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I trace function calls in an executable without source code?▼

Runtime tracing monitors program execution by instrumenting function calls, memory access patterns, and system calls. It helps debug complex race conditions and identify performance bottlenecks during application execution without requiring source code.

Can I use eBPF for runtime analysis and program monitoring?▼

eBPF integration provides in-depth program introspection by monitoring system calls and execution behavior at runtime. It works alongside LLVM IR instrumentation passes to facilitate runtime analysis and dynamic security monitoring.

What is dynamic binary instrumentation and when do I need it?▼

Dynamic binary instrumentation modifies program execution at runtime using tools like QBDI and Instrew to analyze application behavior. It is needed for performing code coverage analysis, runtime tracing, and debugging complex issues without source code access.

Does LLVM infrastructure support code coverage and profiling systems?▼

LLVM infrastructure supports sanitizer coverage, block frequency analysis, and sampling profiler integration to build code coverage systems and performance profilers. These tools provide deep insights into application execution and runtime behavior.

What are the limitations of dynamic binary instrumentation for performance profiling?▼

Dynamic binary instrumentation may introduce runtime overhead when modifying execution, potentially altering timing and causing profiling distortions. It is best used for targeted tracing of specific functions or memory access patterns rather than whole-system profiling.