Parallel performance visualization: from practice to theory

The visualization of performance data can offer helpful insights into the behavior of parallel systems. However, the visualization of parallel performance data presents challenges that have hindered its widespread application. In this article, we show how these challenges have motivated researchers to develop new tools and techniques. This development has in turn enabled the formulation of a coherent theory-i.e. a combination of an abstract model and of concepts and principles for parallel performance visualization. This theory gives a solid framework for the development of visualization technology. To overcome the problems of parallel performance visualization, tools must integrate performance evaluation models with performance displays. Also, users must be involved in the design and evaluation of these tools