pprof
pprof is a performance profiling tool for Go programs that collects and visualizes runtime data such as CPU usage, memory allocation, and goroutine blocking. It helps developers analyze application performance by generating reports and interactive graphs from profiling data. The tool is integrated with the Go runtime and can be used via HTTP endpoints or command-line interfaces.
Developers should use pprof when optimizing Go applications to identify performance bottlenecks, memory leaks, or inefficient code paths. It is particularly useful in production environments for debugging performance issues under real workloads, as it allows on-demand profiling without stopping the application. Common use cases include analyzing high CPU usage, tracking down memory growth, and understanding concurrency patterns in goroutines.