Tapsets are scripts that form a library of
pre-written probes and functions to be used in SystemTap scripts. When a
user runs a SystemTap script, SystemTap checks the script's probe events
and handlers against the tapset library; SystemTap then loads the
corresponding probes and functions before translating the script to C
(refer to
Section 3.1, “Architecture” for
information on what transpires in a SystemTap session).
Like SystemTap scripts, tapsets use the file name extension
.stp
. The standard library of tapsets is located in
/usr/share/systemtap/tapset/
by default. However,
unlike SystemTap scripts, tapsets are not meant for direct execution;
rather, they constitute the library from which other scripts can pull
definitions.
The tapset library is an abstraction layer designed to make it
easier for users to define events and functions.
Tapsets provide useful aliases for functions that users may want to
specify as an event; knowing the proper alias to use is, for the most
part, easier than remembering specific kernel functions that might vary
between kernel versions.