A process for analysing the energy efficiency of software

Context: It is essential to be aware of the energy efficiency of software when it is running, so that it can be improved; to that end, energy consumption measurements need to be carried out. To ensure that these measurements are as reliable as possible, it is recommended that a well-defined process be followed. Objective: To identify how the process for analysing the energy efficiency of software should be carried out (including the definition of the software to be evaluated, the selection of measuring instruments, the analysis and the presentation of results, etc.), in an endeavour to improve the reliability and consistency of the information obtained regarding energy efficiency. Method: An analysis of related work was carried out, to extract some good practices in measuring energy consumption; based on our experience, a process to analyse the energy efficiency of the software has been defined. Results: We have defined a process to analyse the energy efficiency of the software. We describe this process through a set of phases that covers all the steps needed to carry out a correct analysis of the energy consumption of the software executed. Moreover, this process was validated with two different studies using different measurement instruments (one with a hardware-based approach and one with a software-based approach) to ensure its applicability to all types of studies with software energy consumption measurement. Conclusion: The steps to be followed to analyse the energy efficiency of the software need to be established. A new process has hence been defined to improve the reliability and consistency of the measurements. Furthermore, this process facilitates the replicability and comparison of the studies carried out.