System for monitoring computer system performance

A program for monitoring computer system performance includes a collection of source code modules in the form of a high level language. Each of the source code modules is compiled into a corresponding object code module. The object code modules are translated into a single linked code module in the form of a machine independent register transfer language. The linked code module is partitioned into basic program components. The basic program components include procedures, basic blocks within procedures, and instructions within basic blocks. Fundamental instrumentation routines identify, locate, and modify specific program components to be monitored. The modified linked code module is converted to machine executable code to be executed in the computer system so that performance data can be collected while the program is executing in the computer.