Compiler Optimization
Compiler optimization is a set of techniques used by compilers to improve the performance, efficiency, or size of generated executable code without altering its external behavior. It involves analyzing and transforming source code or intermediate representations to produce faster, smaller, or more energy-efficient machine code. These optimizations can occur at various stages, such as during parsing, intermediate code generation, or target code generation.
Developers should learn compiler optimization to write high-performance applications, especially in domains like system programming, game development, embedded systems, and scientific computing where resource constraints are critical. Understanding these techniques helps in writing code that compiles efficiently, debugging performance issues, and making informed decisions about algorithm and data structure choices that impact compilation outcomes.