Re:What Challenges and Trade-Offs Do Optimising Compilers Face?
by taneq on Thursday June 22, 2017 @09:49AM
(#14612199)
> [O]ptimising compilers are operating in a region between a problem that’s not worth solving (most parts of most programs) and a problem they can’t solve (the really performance critical parts).
I know this isn't the position being put forward or defended by the author but I feel it's worth addressing nonetheless.
The flaw in this logic is that whether a problem is worth solving or not depends not only on the benefits of doing so, but also the costs. In this case, a compiler which optimises for size can, for almost zero cost, provide a modest benefit. This is absolutely worth doing.
I know this isn't the position being put forward or defended by the author but I feel it's worth addressing nonetheless.
The flaw in this logic is that whether a problem is worth solving or not depends not only on the benefits of doing so, but also the costs. In this case, a compiler which optimises for size can, for almost zero cost, provide a modest benefit. This is absolutely worth doing.