SBP 7 – avoid premature optimization
Use profiling to find bottlenecks. Avoid unnecessarily adding complexity to components that aren’t bottlenecks.
To avoid premature optimization, only optimize those parts of the systems that are actually on the critical path.
Optimization can be a double-edged sword. While it’s essential to ensure software operates efficiently, there’s a nuanced art in discerning when and where to optimize. In this section, you will be guided by some common wisdom and learn how to avoid premature optimization of your solution.
Donald Knuth, one of the most influential figures in computer science, famously stated this cautionary axiom (https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/356635.356640). It not only underscores the hazards of misplaced priorities but also propels us to revisit our strategies with a critical lens. Why did Knuth place such emphasis on this matter, and...
