Re: Optmization

From: Malcolm (malcolm_at_55bank.freeserve.co.uk)
Date: 12/18/03 

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 21:53:21 -0000

"E. Robert Tisdale" <E.Robert.Tisdale@jpl.nasa.gov> wrote in message
>
> Don't modify your source code
> to enhance performance or reduce code size.
>
What you've got to remember is that programmer time is typically far more
expensive than CPU time. A one second speed-up has got to be executed many
many times before it repays the cost of coding it.
>
> Learn how to use your compiler's optimization options
> and, if that isn't sufficient, shop around
> for a better optimizing compiler.
>
This is semi good advice. Firstly, algorithmic optimisation is very often
worthwhile, whilst micro-optimisation, which Robert is talking about,
frequently isn't. Buying a better compiler for a hundred quid is probably
far cheaper than spending the week trying to make the thing run faster.
However often you will have a definite target platform, and be forced to use
one compiler (this is typically the case in games). Then it can be
worthwhile to micro-optimise.
>

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