How to: Compare performance data files

Applies to: yesVisual Studio noVisual Studio for Mac

Note

This article applies to Visual Studio 2017. If you're looking for the latest Visual Studio documentation, see Visual Studio documentation. We recommend upgrading to the latest version of Visual Studio. Download it here

You can compare the results of two different profiler data files (.vsp or .vsps) by creating a comparison ("Diff") report or view. The comparison shows the differences, performance regressions, and improvements that occurred from one profiling session to the other.

The Diff report presents a table view of the data. The table presents the delta, or change from the baseline. This is calculated by determining the difference between the old value, the baseline value, and the result value from the new analysis.

Comparisons of profiler data can be based on the functions in the code, modules in the application, lines, instruction pointers (IPs), and types.

A threshold can be set to reduce noise and filter out any data in the table view of the rows that have not changed by a specified amount.

To create comparison file view for a project in Performance Explorer

  1. In Performance Explorer, under Reports, select the .vsp or .vsps report file that you want to use as the baseline values for comparison.

  2. Select the .vsp or .vsps report files that you want to compare.

  3. Right-click one of the selected files and then click Compare Reports.

To compare values

  1. Select Comparison Report tab in the Report View window.

  2. In the Table drop-down list, select either function or modules to compare.

  3. In the Column drop-down list, select the value that you want to compare.

  4. (optional) Type a value for Threshold.

  5. Click Apply.

To compare report files

  1. On the Analyze menu, select Compare Performance Reports.

  2. In the Select analysis files for comparison window, browse, and select the Baseline File analysis file (.vsp or .vsps) and the Comparison File (.vsp or .vsps).

  3. Click OK.