How is a Performance Bug different than a Normal Bug?

Standard bugs are relatively straightforward to identify and describe. They typically occur when unexpected behavior arises in the code due to inputs, API responses, or stored state information, such as data from a database. These bugs are generally deterministic, making them easier to reproduce because they are tied to specific inputs or saved states.

Performance bugs, on the other hand, are more complex. These arise when system conditions or internal resources become constrained, indirectly affecting software execution. They are harder to describe and reproduce because they depend on dynamic factors like resource availability.

Our Performance Architects specialize in analyzing the .NET Runtime, the execution engine for your code, to address these challenges. While many developers focus solely on CPU usage during code execution, they often overlook critical supporting tasks necessary for the code to run smoothly.

In reality, the CPU performs numerous supporting tasks, including JIT Compilation, Garbage Collection, and Thread Pool management. Our team examines both your code execution and these supporting tasks, identifying situations where resource usage for tasks like Garbage Collection exceeds acceptable thresholds, thereby impacting code performance.

For instance, a performance bug may involve the Garbage Collector causing excessive pause times, which can degrade code execution. While the definition of “excessive” may vary, our extensive experience with diverse codebases enables us to differentiate between normal and problematic execution.

Because resource constraints are often difficult to replicate outside production environments, our process focuses on analyzing live systems. This approach allows us to quickly isolate and resolve issues, saving you time and money while minimizing delays in addressing critical problems.