1. Virtualization-Enabled Tools for Software Development
As in other aspects of computing, virtualization will redefine how we develop, debug, and analyze our programs and computing environments by providing a unique perspective for observing programs and machines as they execute.
A number of experimental tools have already been built:
VProbes allow a user to perform deep analysis of system execution by installing transparent monitoring probes at points of interest;
Replay Debugging allows developers to debug a recorded form of program execution; and
VAssert allows assertions to be used in released software without the normal overhead associated with dynamic error checking.
In this unit, we elaborate on each of these tools, providing resources and project suggestions. Exploration of these tools will provide an introduction to the unique properties of virtualization.
Notes:Development and Analysis Tools
Reading and Resources:
VProbes
VProbes Programming Reference http://www.vmware.com/pdf/ws65_vprobes_reference.pdf
VProbes Introductory Video. http://blip.tv/file/950760
Keith Adams' (VProbes creator) Blog . http://x86vmm.blogspot.com/
Replay Debugging
VMware Workstation 6.5 Manual (Appendix C). http://www.vmware.com/pdf/ws65_manual.pdf
Replay Debugging Blog. http://www.replaydebugging.com/
Replay Debugging Introductory Video. http://blip.tv/play/uTHAxTeKyX4
VAsserts
VAssert Programming Guid.[http://www.vmware.com/pdf/ws65_vassert_programming.pdf]
Introducing VAsserts Blog Post.[http://blogs.vmware.com/vmtn/2008/06/introducing-vas.html]|||||