What does a call graph show?
A call graph is a visual representation that shows the relationships between different functions or methods in a program, specifically highlighting which functions call other functions. It is typically represented as a directed graph, where nodes represent functions, and edges (arrows) indicate the call from one function to another. Call graphs help illustrate the flow of control in a program, showing how various parts of the code interact.
How do call graphs help programmers avoid problems?
Call graphs help programmers by:
Understanding Code Structure: They provide a clear overview of how functions are interconnected, making it easier to comprehend complex systems.
Debugging: By visualizing which functions are called and when, programmers can trace issues related to unexpected behavior, helping in debugging.
Identifying Dead Code: Call graphs make it easier to detect functions that are never called, helping to clean up unused code.
Performance Optimization: By showing the flow of function calls, programmers can identify frequently called functions, potentially optimizing them for better performance.