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(elisp)Compilation Tips

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Tips for Making Compiled Code Fast
==================================

   Here are ways of improving the execution speed of byte-compiled Lisp
programs.

   * Profile your program with the `profile' library or the `elp'
     library.  See the files `profile.el' and `elp.el' for instructions.

   * Use iteration rather than recursion whenever possible.  Function
     calls are slow in Emacs Lisp even when a compiled function is
     calling another compiled function.

   * Using the primitive list-searching functions `memq', `member',
     `assq', or `assoc' is even faster than explicit iteration.  It can
     be worth rearranging a data structure so that one of these
     primitive search functions can be used.

   * Certain built-in functions are handled specially in byte-compiled
     code, avoiding the need for an ordinary function call.  It is a
     good idea to use these functions rather than alternatives.  To see
     whether a function is handled specially by the compiler, examine
     its `byte-compile' property.  If the property is non-`nil', then
     the function is handled specially.

     For example, the following input will show you that `aref' is
     compiled specially (Note: Array Functions):

          (get 'aref 'byte-compile)
               => byte-compile-two-args

   * If calling a small function accounts for a substantial part of your
     program's running time, make the function inline.  This eliminates
     the function call overhead.  Since making a function inline reduces
     the flexibility of changing the program, don't do it unless it
     gives a noticeable speedup in something slow enough that users
     care about the speed.  Note: Inline Functions.