Java Profiling Workflow / Step 2 / Analyze profiling data

Analyze profiling results systematically: inventory results (flamegraphs, JFR, GC logs, thread dumps), identify problems (memory leaks, CPU hotspots, threading issues), document findings using standardized templates (profiling-problem-analysis-YYYYMMDD.md, profiling-solutions-YYYYMMDD.md), prioritize using Impact/Effort scores, and correlate multiple profiling files for validation.

What is covered in this Skill?

Inventory: scan profiler/results/ for allocation-flamegraph, heatmap-cpu, memory-leak, *.jfr, *.log, *.txt
Problem identification: memory (leaks, excessive allocations, GC pressure), performance (CPU hotspots, blocking), threading (deadlocks, contention, pool saturation)
Documentation: docs/profiling-problem-analysis-YYYYMMDD.md, docs/profiling-solutions-YYYYMMDD.md
Prioritization: Impact (1–5) / Effort (1–5), focus on high priority first
Tools: async-profiler, JFR, JProfiler/YourKit, GCViewer, flamegraphs, heatmaps

Scope: Validate profiling results represent realistic load scenarios. Cross-reference multiple files. Include quantitative metrics.

Constraints

Validate profiling results represent realistic load before analysis. Document assumptions and limitations. Cross-reference multiple files.

VALIDATE: Ensure profiling results represent realistic load scenarios before analysis
DOCUMENT: Record assumptions and limitations in analysis reports
CROSS-REFERENCE: Use multiple profiling files to validate findings
BEFORE APPLYING: Read the reference for problem analysis and solutions templates
EDGE CASE: If request scope is ambiguous, stop and ask a clarifying question before applying changes
EDGE CASE: If required inputs, files, or tooling are missing, report what is missing and ask whether to proceed with setup guidance

When to use this skill

Analyze JFR profile
Analyze the profile
Analyze the performance
Analyze the memory
Analyze the threading
Analyze the GC
Analyze the profiling
Prioritize Java profiling bottlenecks by impact
Performance analysis

Workflow

Read analysis reference and inventory inputs

Read references/162-java-profiling-analyze.md and inventory profiling artifacts in profiler/results/.

Validate data quality and assumptions

Confirm datasets represent realistic load conditions and record assumptions/limitations before drawing conclusions.

Identify and prioritize bottlenecks

Analyze memory/CPU/threading findings, cross-reference multiple files, and prioritize issues by Impact/Effort.

Document findings and solution options

Create docs/profiling-problem-analysis-YYYYMMDD.md and docs/profiling-solutions-YYYYMMDD.md with quantitative evidence.

Reference

For detailed guidance, examples, and constraints, see references/162-java-profiling-analyze.md.