Exasol Benchkit: First Contact Report Issues & Requests
This document summarizes the initial findings and change requests identified while reviewing the README.md and GETTING_STARTED.md files for the Exasol Benchkit project. These points aim to improve the user experience, enhance security, and streamline the benchmarking process. The issues and requests are categorized for clarity and may be addressed through multiple pull requests.
README.md Review
The README.md file serves as the entry point for users, providing essential information about the project. It is crucial to ensure it is accurate, complete, and easy to follow. Let's delve into the specific points identified during the review.
Repository URL Update
The current placeholder <repository url> in the README.md needs to be replaced with the actual URL of the repository. This is a fundamental step to guide users to the correct location for the project resources. Ensuring the repository URL is accurate is crucial for users to access the codebase, documentation, and other relevant materials. This seemingly small detail is pivotal for new users trying to navigate and understand the project structure. Without the correct URL, users may struggle to find the necessary resources, leading to frustration and a negative first impression. Therefore, updating this placeholder is a priority to streamline the onboarding process and make the project more accessible to the community. By providing a direct link to the repository, we ensure that users can quickly and easily access all the necessary files and information, fostering a smoother and more efficient experience. Remember, a clear and accurate README.md is often the first interaction users have with a project, and it sets the tone for their engagement.
Installation Instructions Improvement
The current installation instructions need clarification and refinement. The phrase "install dependencies" is misleading as it actually installs the benchkit package itself, not just its dependencies. To improve clarity, the instructions should begin with the standard practice of creating a Python virtual environment (venv). This ensures that the project dependencies are isolated from the system-wide Python installation, preventing potential conflicts. A virtual environment provides a clean and controlled space for the project, making it easier to manage dependencies and maintain consistency across different systems.
Furthermore, it's essential to detail the steps for activating the virtual environment after creation. This step is crucial for users to ensure they are working within the isolated environment where the project dependencies are installed. By explicitly mentioning the activation process, we can prevent common errors and ensure that users can successfully set up the project. The revised instructions should clearly outline the process of creating the virtual environment, installing dependencies within it, and activating it for use. This comprehensive approach will enhance the user experience and minimize potential issues during the setup process.
Quick Start Guide Enhancements
The Quick Start section requires several improvements to provide a more user-friendly experience. First, it should include clear instructions on how to configure the environment file (env-file). This file typically contains sensitive information such as API keys and passwords, which should not be hardcoded directly into the project. Providing guidance on setting up the env-file ensures that users can properly configure their environment without compromising security. The instructions should detail the required variables, their purpose, and how to set them appropriately.
Second, the Quick Start guide should include a simple AWS test command, such as aws ec2 describe-images --owners ubuntu, or a similar command that allows users to verify their AWS setup without incurring significant costs. This helps users confirm that their AWS credentials are correctly configured and that they can interact with the AWS API. By providing a low-cost test command, we can help users troubleshoot potential issues early in the process and avoid unexpected charges.
Third, the current Quick Start guide ends with a command that requires extensive setup, including an AWS account and potentially incurring costs due to running AWS instances. This is not ideal for a quick start guide, which should focus on providing a simple and easy-to-follow introduction to the project. The guide should avoid commands that require significant setup or carry a risk of unexpected charges. Instead, it should conclude with a command that demonstrates the core functionality of the Benchkit without requiring complex configurations or external resources. The estimated runtime and associated costs should also be clearly stated to manage user expectations.
Requirements Section Placement
The Requirements section, which outlines the software and libraries needed to run the project, should be strategically placed between the Quick Start and Usage sections. This positioning ensures that users are informed about the necessary dependencies before they attempt to use the project in detail. Placing the Requirements section after the Quick Start allows users to quickly get a feel for the project and its capabilities before diving into the specifics of the dependencies. However, it's crucial to have this information readily available before users proceed to the Usage section, where they will likely be working with the project's core functionalities.
By positioning the Requirements section in this intermediate location, we create a logical flow of information that caters to different user needs. Users who want a quick overview can start with the Quick Start guide, while those ready to delve deeper into the project's usage can easily access the Requirements section to ensure they have the necessary dependencies installed. This thoughtful placement enhances the overall user experience and ensures that users have the information they need at the right time.
Extending Framework Documentation
The Extending Framework section should provide a concise link to the relevant documentation folder. If the main docs folder is reserved for the web server, a separate dev-docs folder should be used for developer-specific documentation. This ensures that developers can easily access the information they need to extend and customize the Benchkit framework. The link should be clear and direct, guiding developers to the appropriate resources without unnecessary navigation. The documentation itself should be well-organized and comprehensive, covering topics such as adding new systems, workloads, and metrics.
In addition to the link, the Extending Framework section should also highlight a crucial step that is currently missing: modifying the _lazy_import function when adding a new system. This function is responsible for dynamically importing modules, and it needs to be updated whenever a new system is integrated into the Benchkit framework. Failing to update this function can lead to import errors and prevent the new system from functioning correctly. By explicitly mentioning this step in the documentation, we can help developers avoid a common pitfall and ensure that the framework extension process is smooth and efficient.
License File Inclusion
The absence of a LICENSE file is a significant oversight that needs immediate correction. A license file is essential for open-source projects as it specifies the terms under which the software can be used, modified, and distributed. Including a license file protects both the project developers and the users by clearly defining the rights and responsibilities of each party. Without a license file, the legal status of the software is ambiguous, which can deter potential users and contributors.
The license file should be placed at the root of the repository and should contain the full text of the chosen license, such as the Apache 2.0 license or the MIT license. The choice of license should be carefully considered based on the project's goals and the desired level of permissiveness. Once the license is chosen, it should be consistently applied across the project, including in the README.md file and other relevant documentation. Including a license file is a fundamental step in open-source development, and it demonstrates a commitment to transparency and legal compliance.
UTF-8 Symbol Replacement
The phrase "Built with [empty space?] for reproducible ..." contains UTF-8 symbols that may not render correctly in all environments. To ensure consistent rendering across different systems and IDEs, these symbols should be replaced with their respective codepoint elements. This ensures that the text is displayed correctly regardless of the user's environment or software configuration. Using codepoint elements provides a reliable way to represent special characters without relying on specific character encodings or font support. This simple change can significantly improve the readability and professionalism of the README.md file.
Configuration Files Review (configs/exa vs ch 1g)
The configuration files play a critical role in defining the behavior of the Benchkit framework. A review of the configuration files in the configs/exa and ch 1g directories revealed several issues that need to be addressed to enhance security and maintainability.
Hardcoded Passwords
The presence of hardcoded and visible default passwords is a major security vulnerability. These passwords should be replaced with references to environment variables defined in the env-file. Hardcoding passwords directly into configuration files exposes the system to potential attacks, as anyone with access to the files can obtain the credentials. By using environment variables, the passwords can be stored securely outside the codebase and accessed only when needed. This approach significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and improves the overall security posture of the Benchkit framework.
Furthermore, it's essential to educate users on the importance of changing the default passwords to strong, unique passwords. The documentation should provide clear instructions on how to set environment variables and how to change the default passwords for different systems. By promoting secure password management practices, we can help users protect their systems and data from potential threats.
Missing License File Reference
The referenced license file in the configuration files does not exist. This inconsistency needs to be rectified by either including the license file or updating the reference to point to the correct location. A missing license file can create confusion and uncertainty regarding the usage rights of the software. It's crucial to ensure that all references to license files are accurate and that the license files themselves are included in the repository. This demonstrates a commitment to transparency and legal compliance and helps users understand the terms under which they can use the software.
SSH Key Naming Convention
The use of "ok" in the names of SSH keys is unconventional and potentially misleading. The naming convention for SSH keys should be reviewed and updated to follow best practices. SSH keys are used for secure authentication and access to remote systems, and their naming should reflect their purpose and security level. Using generic or ambiguous names can make it difficult to manage and identify keys, increasing the risk of misconfiguration and security vulnerabilities.
The naming convention should be clear, consistent, and informative, providing enough context to understand the purpose and usage of each key. For example, the key names could include the system they are used for, the user they belong to, and the date of creation. By adopting a well-defined naming convention, we can improve the manageability and security of SSH keys within the Benchkit framework.
Outdated Exasol Version
The "Latest Exasol Version" specified in the configuration files is not actually the latest version. This information needs to be updated to reflect the current version of Exasol. Using an outdated version can lead to compatibility issues and may prevent users from taking advantage of the latest features and improvements. The configuration files should always specify the latest stable version of Exasol to ensure that users are working with the most up-to-date software.
In addition to updating the version number, it's also important to regularly review and update the configuration files to reflect changes in Exasol's requirements and best practices. This ensures that the Benchkit framework remains compatible with the latest version of Exasol and that users can leverage the full potential of the database system.
Folder Structure Reorganization
The current folder structure of the Benchkit project can be improved to enhance organization and maintainability. Let's examine the specific areas that require attention.
Query Variants Directory Structure
The query variants should be organized within a single folder level, such as tuned-clickhouse and tuned-exasol. This simplifies the directory structure and makes it easier to navigate and locate specific query variants. The current nested structure can be confusing and difficult to manage, especially as the number of query variants grows. By consolidating the query variants into a single level, we can improve the overall organization of the project and make it easier for users to find the queries they need.
This streamlined structure also makes it easier to add new query variants and maintain consistency across the project. A clear and consistent directory structure is essential for long-term maintainability and collaboration, and it helps ensure that the project remains easy to understand and use.
Workload Setup Configuration
The workload setup should ideally be part of the system definition or have one file per system. The current approach, which uses inline-if/else/else/else statements, will become increasingly unreadable as the number of supported systems grows. Using a single file per system or integrating the workload setup into the system definition promotes modularity and makes the configuration files easier to understand and maintain. This approach also leverages Jinja's capabilities, including its support for "include" directives, which can further simplify the configuration process.
By adopting a more modular approach to workload setup, we can ensure that the configuration files remain manageable and readable, even as the Benchkit framework expands to support more systems. This modularity also makes it easier to add new systems and customize the workload setup for specific environments.
Operational Enhancements
Several operational enhancements can be implemented to improve the usability and functionality of the Benchkit framework. Let's explore some of these potential improvements.
Baseline Comparison Feature
A feature request to run benchmarks and compare the results against a saved baseline would be highly valuable. This functionality would allow users to easily identify performance regressions or improvements after making changes to the system or configuration. The baseline comparison feature could provide a clear and concise report highlighting the differences between the current results and the baseline, making it easier to assess the impact of changes. This feature would be particularly useful for continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, where automated performance testing is crucial.
By providing a baseline comparison feature, we can empower users to make data-driven decisions and ensure that their systems are performing optimally. This feature would also facilitate performance tuning and optimization efforts, as users can quickly identify areas where improvements can be made.
Saved Reports Comparison
Another valuable feature request is the ability to compare saved reports. This would allow users to analyze performance trends over time and identify the impact of different configurations or system changes. The idea is to allow a local results folder to be used as a system type in the configuration, enabling easy comparison of results from different runs. This feature could provide a historical view of performance data, making it easier to identify long-term trends and patterns.
The saved reports comparison feature could also be extended to support different visualization options, such as graphs and charts, to provide a more intuitive and informative view of the data. By providing powerful analysis tools, we can empower users to gain deeper insights into their system's performance and make informed decisions about optimization and resource allocation.
Docker Support
Docker support is crucial for providing a consistent and reproducible benchmarking environment. Assuming users have access to a Linux server or cluster, the Benchkit framework should provide clear instructions on how to set up a Docker-based benchmark machine. Docker containers provide a lightweight and portable way to package applications and their dependencies, ensuring that the benchmarking environment is consistent across different systems. This eliminates the risk of environment-specific issues affecting the results and makes it easier to reproduce benchmark runs.
The documentation should provide detailed instructions on how to create a Docker image for the benchmark environment, how to configure the Docker container, and how to run the Benchkit framework within the container. By providing comprehensive Docker support, we can significantly improve the usability and reproducibility of the Benchkit framework.
Local File Checks
A feature request to perform local file checks (license, SSH keys, etc.) before attempting to deploy cloud systems would prevent common errors and streamline the deployment process. This feature would verify that all necessary files are in place and correctly configured before attempting to provision resources in the cloud. For example, it could check for the presence of a valid license file, verify the integrity of SSH keys, and ensure that all required environment variables are set.
By performing these checks locally, we can identify potential issues early in the process and prevent costly deployment failures. This feature would also improve the overall user experience by providing clear and informative error messages that guide users in resolving the issues. Local file checks would significantly enhance the robustness and reliability of the Benchkit framework, making it easier to deploy and manage benchmarking environments.
GETTING_STARTED.md Review
The GETTING_STARTED.md file provides a step-by-step guide for new users to set up and use the Benchkit framework. A review of this file revealed several areas that need improvement to ensure a smooth and user-friendly onboarding experience.
Sudo Instructions Clarification
The instructions involving sudo mkdir and other commands requiring elevated privileges are not suitable for typical work or developer machines. These instructions should be revised to provide alternative approaches that do not require sudo access. For example, users can create directories within their home directory or use virtual environments to isolate project dependencies. The documentation should clearly explain why sudo access is not recommended and provide detailed instructions on how to achieve the same results without it.
By avoiding the use of sudo, we can ensure that the Benchkit framework is accessible to a wider range of users, including those who do not have administrative privileges on their machines. This also promotes better security practices, as it reduces the risk of accidental system-wide modifications. The revised instructions should be clear, concise, and easy to follow, ensuring that users can successfully set up the Benchkit framework without encountering permission-related issues.
Configuration Description Accuracy
The description of the configuration in the GETTING_STARTED.md file does not accurately match the actual configuration. Specifically, there are discrepancies in the scale factor (SF), the number of runs, and the excluded queries. The documentation mentions SF 1, 7 runs, and excluded queries, while the actual configuration may differ. Additionally, the documentation mentions 3 systems, which may not be accurate.
It's crucial to ensure that the documentation accurately reflects the actual configuration to avoid confusion and ensure that users are working with the correct settings. The GETTING_STARTED.md file should be updated to provide an accurate description of the configuration, including the scale factor, the number of runs, the excluded queries, and the number of systems. This will help users understand the configuration and how it affects the benchmarking process. Consistent and accurate documentation is essential for building user trust and ensuring that users can effectively use the Benchkit framework.
Conclusion
This first contact report highlights several areas for improvement in the Exasol Benchkit project, focusing on the README.md and GETTING_STARTED.md files. Addressing these issues and incorporating the feature requests will significantly enhance the user experience, improve security, and streamline the benchmarking process. These changes will contribute to making the Benchkit framework a more robust, user-friendly, and valuable tool for performance evaluation.
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