Coding Practices which enable the compiler/optimizer to make a faster program

Question

Many years ago, C compilers were not particularly smart. As a workaround K&R invented the register keyword, to hint to the compiler, that maybe it woul

Answer 1

use const correctness as much as possible in your code. It allows the compiler to optimize much better.

In this document are loads of other optimization tips: CPP optimizations (a bit old document though)

highlights:

• use constructor initialization lists
• use prefix operators
• use explicit constructors
• inline functions
• avoid temporary objects
• be aware of the cost of virtual functions
• return objects via reference parameters
• consider per class allocation
• consider stl container allocators
• the 'empty member' optimization
• etc