Generating dynamic call graph of c/c++ programs on the run

Question

If one were to visualize the running of a program, I suppose one would start by getting the call graphs of the program.

But how would you get the call graph of c/c++ programs while on the run?

edit: clarifications, I'm currently running things on linux, using g++, but I suppose I am also curious about solutions if I'm using a different platform.

Answer 1

I've used etrace to trace executions of programs.

Egypt does the same thing, but only has a limited support for C++.

Both requires the program to be instrumented with gcc.

Answer 2

You can use KCachegrind to generate and analyze call graphs based on data generated by Valgrind's callgrind tool.

Answer 3

The Bug Validator from SofwareVerify (free public beta available) does this.

Excerpt from homepage:

C++ Bug Validator provides automatic execution history logging of applications as they run. There is no need to recompile or relink your application. C++ Bug Validator works with debug information and/or MAP files. C++ Bug Validator allows you to perform execution history logging on your entire application, or on just the DLLs you require.

(Markup from me).

I don't know how they do it, but obviously, it's possible.