How can I visualize performance benchmarks in Haskell using Criterion?

How can I visualize performance benchmarks in Haskell using Criterion?

You can use the Criterion library in Haskell to run benchmarks and generate reports. To visualize the results, you can export the data to a format like CSV and then use tools like Gnuplot or Python's Matplotlib for visualization.

Can you show me a simple example of how to set this up?

Sure! First, install Criterion using Cabal or Stack. Then, create a benchmark file like this:

import Criterion.Main

main :: IO ()
main = defaultMain [
    bgroup "example" [
        bench "fib 20" $ whnf fib 20,
        bench "fib 30" $ whnf fib 30
    ]
]

fib :: Integer -> Integer
fib 0 = 0
fib 1 = 1
fib n = fib (n - 1) + fib (n - 2)

Run this code, and it will generate a report that you can visualize.

What format does Criterion output the benchmark results in?

Criterion outputs results in a human-readable format by default, but you can also export the results to a CSV file using the --csv flag when running your benchmarks. This allows for easy import into visualization tools.

Are there any specific visualization tools you recommend?

Yes! For simple plots, Gnuplot is great. If you prefer Python, Matplotlib is very powerful for creating detailed visualizations. You can also use R with ggplot2 for statistical graphics.