Software Diagnostics Institute

Recently, we added a few “thermodynamic” analysis patterns to our trace and log analysis pattern catalog, such as Trace Volume, Trace Temperature, and, finally, derived from an ideal gas equation metaphor, Trace Pressure. These patterns allow us to employ a Carnot cycle metaphor for a typical analysis cycle:

Initially, we have a low temperature (low importance) for a low volume of traces.

1. During the incident, temperature (importance of traces) rises, triggering the rise in pressure.
2. The volume of collected traces increases during investigations, and the pressure may go up or down.
3. Once the problem is solved, the temperature comes down.
4. During this phase, we do a retrospective and gradually reduce the volume of traces necessary for continuous monitoring to its original volume.