T.11  The Advantages of Fast Compiles

Fast Compile and Program Start Advantages

To demonstrate its real-world performance, SheerPower's compilation benchmark of over 500,000 lines per second was recorded on a modern laptop processing a complete business application. This unparalleled speed gives developers a significant advantage over traditional compile times.

3 Seconds

• Advantages:
  1. Rapid feedback loop for immediate testing.
  2. Encourages experimentation and creativity.
  3. Higher focus and engagement.
  4. Improved debugging efficiency.
  
  
• Disadvantages:
  1. None -- This is optimal for rapid development.

30 Seconds

• Advantages:
  1. Still manageable for medium-to-large projects.
  2. Encourages more thoughtful planning before compiling.
  
  
• Disadvantages:
  1. Can disrupt the developer's flow.
  2. Reduced iteration due to minor delays.
  3. Minor frustration with frequent recompilations.

3 Minutes

• Advantages:
  1. Promotes better planning and batching of changes.
  
  
• Disadvantages:
  1. Significant flow disruption and context switching.
  2. Discourages experimentation and smaller iterations.
  3. Cumulative time loss from frequent recompilations.

10 Minutes

• Advantages:
  1. Encourages extreme planning and larger code commits.
  
  
• Disadvantages:
  1. Severe disruption to focus and productivity.
  2. Discourages incremental improvements or debugging.
  3. Wasted time significantly impacts morale and quality.