# py-spy > A sampling profiler for Python programs. > More information: . - Show a live view of the functions that take the most execution time of a running process: `py-spy top {{[-p|--pid]}} {{pid}}` - Start a program and show a live view of the functions that take the most execution time: `py-spy top -- python {{path/to/file.py}}` - Produce an SVG flame graph of the function call execution time: `py-spy record {{[-o|--output]}} {{path/to/profile.svg}} {{[-p|--pid]}} {{pid}}` - Dump the call stack of a running process: `py-spy dump {{[-p|--pid]}} {{pid}}`