Dynamic analysis tools, typically performance profilers, are commonly used when applying empirical methods for the selection and refinement of algorithms of various types for use in various contexts.
Besides Catherine McGeoch, well-known researchers in empirical algorithmics include Bernard Moret, Giuseppe F. Italiano, Holger H. Hoos, David S. Johnson, and Roberto Battiti.
[10] Memory and cache considerations are often significant factors to be considered in the theoretical choice of a complex algorithm, or the approach to its optimization, for a given purpose.
[19] Profiling may provide intuitive insight into an algorithm's behavior[20] by revealing performance findings as a visual representation.
[23] The Krauss matching wildcards algorithm was developed based on an attempt to formulate a non-recursive alternative using test cases[24] followed by optimizations suggested via performance profiling,[25] resulting in a new algorithmic strategy conceived in light of the profiling along with other considerations.