Can compiler optimization introduce bugs?

Question

Today I had a discussion with a friend of mine and we debated for a couple of hours about \"compiler optimization\".

I defended the point that sometimes

Answer 1

I've never heard of or used a compiler whose directives could not alter the behaviour of a program. Generally this is a good thing, but it does require you to read the manual.

AND I had a recent situation where a compiler directive 'removed' a bug. Of course, the bug is really still there but I have a temporary workaround until I fix the program properly.