ltrace vs SystemTap

Struggling to choose between ltrace and SystemTap? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

ltrace is a Development solution with tags like library, debugging, tracing, dynamic-linking.

It boasts features such as Intercepts and records dynamic library calls made by a process, Can trace calls made by programs to shared libraries, Helps debug issues caused by dynamic linking, Shows parameters passed to library functions and return values, Tracks time spent in each call and pros including Lightweight and easy to use for debugging, Does not require modifying or recompiling the target program, Works on most Linux distributions without special setup, Can trace proprietary programs where source code is unavailable.

On the other hand, SystemTap is a Development product tagged with tracing, diagnostics, linux.

Its standout features include Dynamic instrumentation of running Linux kernel, Provides visibility into running kernel and user processes, Scripting language for creating probes, Built-in suite of useful scripts and tapsets, CLI and GUI for running scripts, and it shines with pros like Powerful diagnostics and troubleshooting, No need to recompile or reboot kernel, Tapsets provide reusable instrumentation, Scripting allows custom probes, CLI and GUI interfaces.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

ltrace

ltrace

ltrace is a debugging utility that intercepts and records dynamic library calls which are called by an executed process. It can be used to trace calls made by programs to shared libraries and helps debug issues caused by dynamic linking.

Categories:
library debugging tracing dynamic-linking

Ltrace Features

  1. Intercepts and records dynamic library calls made by a process
  2. Can trace calls made by programs to shared libraries
  3. Helps debug issues caused by dynamic linking
  4. Shows parameters passed to library functions and return values
  5. Tracks time spent in each call

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Lightweight and easy to use for debugging

Does not require modifying or recompiling the target program

Works on most Linux distributions without special setup

Can trace proprietary programs where source code is unavailable

Cons

Only works for dynamic library calls, not static linking

Can introduce some runtime overhead when tracing

Does not trace code within libraries themselves

Limited Windows support compared to Linux


SystemTap

SystemTap

SystemTap is an open source scripting language and tool for dynamically tracing Linux systems. It provides information about a running Linux system to help diagnose performance or functional problems.

Categories:
tracing diagnostics linux

SystemTap Features

  1. Dynamic instrumentation of running Linux kernel
  2. Provides visibility into running kernel and user processes
  3. Scripting language for creating probes
  4. Built-in suite of useful scripts and tapsets
  5. CLI and GUI for running scripts

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Powerful diagnostics and troubleshooting

No need to recompile or reboot kernel

Tapsets provide reusable instrumentation

Scripting allows custom probes

CLI and GUI interfaces

Cons

Requires debug symbols for kernel modules

Scripting language has learning curve

Overhead from instrumentation

Not all kernel versions supported