how-to-measure-elapsed-time-in-python

In Python, the duration refers to the amount of time a script takes to complete a task or execute a session, among other activities. Measuring the duration in Python can be crucial during debugging, evaluation, or code enhancement. Understanding how long a function runs or determining the length of your session is vital for numerous applications. Python provides various libraries to facilitate precise timing. This article will delve into all the techniques to assess the time duration in Python, accompanied by comprehensive examples.

Contents Overview:

Strategies for Assessing Elapsed Time in Python

Let us now investigate the various techniques for evaluating the elapsed time in Python.

Strategy 1: Utilizing the time Module in Python 

The time.time() function from the time module offers a straightforward and efficient method to gauge elapsed time. This function returns the total number of seconds since the epoch (January 1, 1970, 00:00:00 UTC).

Sample Code:

Python

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Output

Utilizing the time Module in Python

Clarification: Here, the time.time() function measures the time consumed by time.sleep(3). The difference between end_time and start_time indicates the duration in the script. The time unit is seconds.

Benefits of Using time.time() in Python

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  • Relatively straightforward and user-friendly
  • Compatible with all operating systems
  • Effective for tracking extended periods.

Cons of time.time() in Python

  • May be influenced by adjustments to the system clock.
  • This method lacks high accuracy for brief time spans.
  • Inconsistency in multi-threaded situations.

Method 2: Utilizing the time.perf_counter() function in Python

The time.perf_counter() function in Python offers a more precise timer that remains stable even with modifications to the system clock, making it suitable for performance evaluations.

Sample:

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Output:

time.perf_counter()

Clarification: In this instance, this function in Python performs significantly better for brief intervals as it offers a high-resolution timer that remains unaffected by modifications or updates to the system clock.

Advantages of time.perf_counter() in Python

  • This technique provides high resolution.
  • Not influenced by changes to the system clock.
  • Ideal for short code and performance evaluations.

Disadvantages of time.perf_counter() in Python

  • Available only in versions above Python 3.3.
  • This method may also lack consistency regarding the total sampling duration and can vary on different executions.
  • Returns a float, making it less human-readable.

Method 3: Employing the time.process_time() function in Python 

time.process_time() in Python captures the time recorded by the CPU consumed by the application, excluding any sleeping time.

Sample:

Python
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Output:

time.process_time()

Explanation: This function is beneficial for evaluating CPU-intensive operations, while excluding time spent on sleeping or waiting for input/output.

Advantages of time.process_time() in Python

  • Quantifies the actual time utilized by the CPU.
  • This function also disregards I/O wait duration and sleep intervals.
  • Offers high consistency in CPU evaluations.

Disadvantages of time.process_time() in Python

  • Not the most effective method for gauging total execution period.
  • It may not provide precise timing hence might not be dependable.
  • Not particularly useful for wall-clock time benchmarking.

Method 4: Utilizing the datetime Module for Measuring Elapsed Time in Python

This specific module in Python provides datetime.now() to measure elapsed time.

Example:

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Output:

datetime Module

Clarification: In this context, the date.timedelta entity is tasked with providing the time span in a format that is easily comprehensible to humans.

Advantages of datetime.now() in Python

  • This function presents a format that is comprehensible.
  • This function is beneficial for recording timestamps.
  • Can deliver complete timestamps encompassing both time and date.

Disadvantages of datetime.now() in Python

  • Lower precision in comparison to time.perf_counter()
  • Also less accurate, making it a questionable output. Furthermore, garbage collection may happen.
  • May be influenced by modifications in the system clock.

Method 5: Utilizing the timeit Module in Python

This module in Python offers a more effective and precise mechanism to gauge execution time for brief code snippets.

Example:

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Output:

timeit Module

Clarification: The timeit.timeit() function executes the provided function several times, in this particular instance 1500 times, and subsequently presents the cumulative time consumed. This renders the approach more trustworthy for evaluating performance.

Advantages of timeit Module in Python

  • This method is optimally designed for benchmarking.
  • It effectively removes overhead from additional operations.
  • Also, it eliminates extraneous overhead from unrelated tasks.

Disadvantages of timeit Module in Python

  • This method may not be advantageous over extended periods.
  • Moreover, the outcomes exhibit variability.
  • It can be somewhat challenging to apply for intricate and parameterized functions.

Comparison of Time Measurement Techniques in Python

Technique Accuracy Utilizes System Clock Optimal Usage Scenarios
time.time() Low since it relies on the system clock, which lacks precision Yes General time tracking
time.perf_counter() High as it employs a consistent timer, suitable for short intervals No Accurate benchmarking
time.process_time() High as it measures only CPU time and disregards waiting times No CPU execution duration
datetime.now() Moderate because it uses the system clock, which is preferable for everyday use Yes Readable logs
timeit.timeit() Extremely high since it executes code multiple times, aiding in filtering out inconsistencies No Code evaluation

Practical Applications of Timing Measurement

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Time Calculation in Python

In the section that follows, you will discover methods for assessing elapsed time in practical scenarios.

Example 1: Measuring the response duration for an API utilizing time.perf_counter()

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Output

 API implementing time.perf_counter()

Explanation:  Initially, the timer starts using time.perf_counter(), followed by making a GET request to a sample API. When the response is parsed and the requests are fulfilled, the difference will indicate the duration taken for the API call.

Example 2: Employing timeit to evaluate 2 data cleansing techniques

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Result

Using timeit for benchmarking 2 data cleaning methods

Clarification: In this example, the timeit.timeit() function is executed to run both cleaning functions 1000 times. You need to provide the function name as a string and import it through the setup parameter.

Optimal Approaches to Assess Time Spent in Python

  • When you intend to assess elapsed time in coding, select the optimal method tailored to your accuracy needs.
  • For straightforward benchmarking of code snippets, utilize the timeit module.
  • Avoid employing time.time() for brief measurement intervals.
  • Be certain that external elements like background activities do not skew the findings.
  • Conduct the measurement several times to derive a more consistent average.

Final Thoughts

From this article, we conclude that when evaluating elapsed time in Python, various methods cater to different situations and precision demands. You can employ time.time() for basic measurements or time.perf_counter() for high-precision timing. The time.process_time() function is suitable for CPU-bound execution time, while the timeit.timeit() method is apt for benchmarking. The Python ecosystem provides an array of modules to accommodate each scenario for performance evaluation and enhancement.

Additionally, explore our Python certification program and prepare to advance in your career with our curated Fundamental Python interview queries developed by specialists.

Common Queries – How to Measure Time Elapsed in Python

Q1. Is time.time() capable of accurately measuring execution time?

The time.time() function is suitable for general duration measurements, but it lacks accuracy for shorter intervals.

Q2. When should I prefer time.perf_counter() instead of time.time()?

A scenario requiring high-resolution and precise timing that is unaffected by changes in the system clock.

Q3. Is it possible to convert measured time units to milliseconds?

Yes, multiplying the time span by 1000 converts it to milliseconds by employing

‘elapsed_time * 1000’.

Q4. What is the best method to benchmark a Python function?

Minimizing external disturbances and using the timeit module will yield accurate results.

Q5. How does timeit ensure accuracy through multiple runs?

This module executes the function numerous times and averages the execution duration to lessen variability.


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