August 11th, 2024

Language Compilation Speed (2021)

The article examines Rust's compilation speed compared to C/C++, noting frustrations among developers. It proposes a benchmarking method, revealing GCC compiles at 5,000 lines per second and Clang at 4,600.

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Language Compilation Speed (2021)

The article discusses the compilation speed of various programming languages, particularly focusing on Rust and its comparison with C/C++. It highlights the common frustration among Rust developers regarding slow compilation times, especially when compared to faster languages like JavaScript and Python. The author proposes a benchmarking method that involves measuring how quickly different compilers can compile their own source code, acknowledging the inherent challenges in making direct comparisons due to differences in compiler design and implementation. The benchmarks are conducted on a Ryzen 2400G processor, measuring lines compiled per second. Initial results indicate that GCC compiles at approximately 5,000 lines per second, while Clang compiles at around 4,600 lines per second. The article emphasizes that these figures are not definitive due to various confounding factors in the compilation process. The author also notes the complexity of creating a fair benchmark, given the unique characteristics of Rust's type system and memory management compared to C/C++. Ultimately, the article aims to provide insights into the trade-offs between compilation speed and other factors in programming languages.

- Rust's compilation speed is often criticized, especially by developers accustomed to faster languages.

- The benchmarking method involves measuring how quickly compilers compile their own code.

- Initial results show GCC compiles at about 5,000 lines per second, while Clang is at 4,600 lines per second.

- The comparison is complicated by differences in compiler design and the nature of the code being compiled.

- The article highlights the need for better benchmarks to understand compilation speed across languages.

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