[Coco] Re: optimizing

[Roger Taylor]

At 05:20 PM 10/18/2003 -0400, you wrote:
With modern, super-scalar processors, a human CAN produce better code than 
an optimizing compiler, HOWEVER, it takes a lot of extra work.
>The general rule is: don't optimize before it works.  Once it works, you 
>profile the code, see where it spends most of its time, and optimize that 
>small part.  Because a lot of the time, the optimizations you make, 
>without knowing what gets used the most, are not very useful, and make the 
>code harder to maintain.
>
>I didn't get my B.Comp.Sci. for nothing. ;)


Define "optimize".

If John Doe is speed-optomizing Joe Doe's space-optimized code, what happens?

Anyway, my own general rule (derived from a degree in hardknocks) is to not 
save all of the optimizing for last, so it won't be that much extra work.

cheers


----------
Roger Taylor


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