# Time

> Command execution timing — microsecond precision, statistical analysis, comparison. Zero barrier — use with x-cmd or shell built-in time command. Use for "timing", "benchmark", "performance", "profiling".

- Skill: `x-cmd/time` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add x-cmd/time`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/x-cmd/time/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: x-cmd (https://skillmd.com/u/x-cmd)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/x-cmd/time

---



# time — skill0

Measure command execution time. From single-shot microsecond timing to multi-run statistical analysis.

## Quick Start

```bash
# With x-cmd
x time <command>                      # Single microsecond timing
x time stress -c 100 <command>        # 100-run statistics
x time cmp 'cmd1' 'cmd2' 'cmd3'      # Compare commands

# Without x-cmd — use shell built-ins
time <command>                        # Basic timing
# For benchmarking, use a loop:
for i in $(seq 1 100); do
  start=$(date +%s%N)
  <command>
  end=$(date +%s%N)
  echo $(( end - start ))
done
```

## What's Available

- `x time <cmd>` — Single run, microsecond precision
- `x time getms <cmd>` — Millisecond precision
- `x time stress -c N <cmd>` — N runs with full stats
- `x time stress -b N <cmd>` — Auto-decide runs within budget
- `x time cmp 'c1' 'c2'` — Compare multiple commands

## Output Formats

- `--csv` CSV for programmatic analysis
- `--tsv` Tab-separated
- `--yml` YAML

## This skill0 grows

Starting with the essentials. Will add:
- Benchmarking patterns
- Statistical interpretation guide
- Common performance anti-patterns

## Related