Energy efficiency in software development
As we explore making software more energy-efficient and reducing its digital carbon footprint, it’s crucial to clarify what we mean by efficiency and its relevance across the various operational layers of software. Software efficiency pertains to how effectively a program utilizes resources to perform its functions. It involves assessing the optimal use of available resources, including CPU time, memory, disk I/O, and – particularly in the context of this book – energy consumption, to accomplish its designated tasks.
Software Efficiency
Software Efficiency measures how effectively a program uses resources (such as CPU, memory, and energy) to perform tasks, aiming to minimize consumption and environmental impact.
Efficiency is often juxtaposed with Effectiveness, which evaluates whether the software meets its intended outcomes. While effectiveness concerns the end goal, efficiency is about the means – the...