OracleTrace: Python Performance Regression Detection¶
OracleTrace helps you find Python slowdowns early by tracing function calls, comparing execution runs, and showing a clean call graph.
What is OracleTrace?¶
OracleTrace is a lightweight Python execution tracing tool built for practical performance analysis.
Use it to:
- Detect performance regressions between script versions
- Compare baseline and new trace runs
- Inspect per-function timing and call counts
- Visualize caller to callee flow with a readable tree
- Automate performance checks in CI pipelines
Why use it instead of a heavy profiler?¶
Most profilers are great for deep optimization work. OracleTrace is focused on quick day-to-day regression checks.
You get fast answers to questions like:
- What became slower after this change?
- Which function improved?
- Did new calls appear in this run?
Core features¶
Performance comparison¶
Compare two JSON traces and instantly spot:
- Slower functions
- Faster functions
- New functions
- Removed functions
Execution trace metrics¶
For each function:
- Total execution time
- Call count
- Average time per call
- Caller and callee relationships
Call graph visualization¶
Understand execution flow at a glance through a structured logic tree.
JSON export for automation¶
Store results and plug them into:
- CI performance gates
- Historical regression tracking
- Custom analysis scripts
Quick command preview¶
oracletrace my_app.py
oracletrace my_app.py --json baseline.json
oracletrace my_app.py --json new.json --compare baseline.json
How OracleTrace works¶
OracleTrace uses Python's built-in sys.setprofile() hook to capture call and return events, then aggregates function-level timing and call relationships.
It filters out non-project code so output stays focused on what you actually own.