Google releases version 2.0 of its JavaScript benchmark tool Octane with a focus on reducing latency
Google today announced Octane 2.0, the second iteration of its JavaScript benchmark tool. The company says version 2.0 of the Octane Benchmark Suite includes a new focus on reducing latency, as well as new benchmarks and updates to existing benchmarks.
Google argues that while traditional benchmarks simply measure how quickly JavaScript can be executed, Octane 2.0 goes a step further by testing latency, or the time delay experienced in a given system. The company says this is “another important aspect of performance that is concerned with the smoothness of execution.”
Latency usually comes from two computationally-intensive sources: compiling JavaScript to machine instructions so it can run faster, and garbage collecting memory that is no longer used. If either of these run for too long, users will notice hiccups and freezes in JavaScript apps.
Google uses Octane to test the performance of the V8 engine in Chrome, and sometimes makes a point to underline big improvements in new browser releases. With a new Octane release, it’s fair to expect Chrome will be tested all the more intensely.
More to follow.
