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Python Timer and Time Measurement (time module)

In Python, the time module allows you to measure execution time, create delays, and work with timestamps. It is commonly used for performance testing and benchmarking code.

Measuring Execution Time

import time

# Record start time
start_time = time.time()

# Code block to measure
total = 0
for i in range(1, 1000000):
    total += i

# Record end time
end_time = time.time()

# Calculate elapsed time
print(f"Elapsed time: {end_time - start_time:.4f} seconds")
  

Explanation:

• time.time(): Returns the current time in seconds since the epoch (floating point).
• Subtract start time from end time to get elapsed time.

Using time.sleep() to Pause Execution

import time

print("Start")
time.sleep(3)  # Pause execution for 3 seconds
print("End after 3 seconds")
  

Explanation:

• time.sleep(seconds): Delays program execution for the specified number of seconds.
• Useful for creating pauses or simulating delays in programs.

Using time.perf_counter() for High-Precision Timing

import time

start = time.perf_counter()

# Code block to measure
sum_value = sum(range(1, 1000000))

end = time.perf_counter()

print(f"High-precision elapsed time: {end - start:.6f} seconds")
  

Explanation:

• time.perf_counter() provides a high-resolution timer for more precise measurement.
• Ideal for benchmarking small code blocks or performance-critical operations.

Key Points

• time.time(): Measures wall-clock time in seconds.
• time.sleep(): Pauses execution for a given time.
• time.perf_counter(): High-resolution timer for accurate measurements.
• Useful for profiling code, performance testing, and adding delays in Python programs.

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Using Python's time module, you can efficiently measure the execution duration of code blocks, pause program execution, and perform high-precision benchmarking.