Compiler mechanisms that force a required optimization to occur, rather than relying on incidental compiler behavior, are a more robust way to write performance-sensitive code.

Drawn from what Nelson Elhage said

What these subjects mean

software performance Speed as a mark of quality: bloat, boot times, and software that got slower on hardware that got faster.

compilers Programs that turn programs into programs: what a compiler can name, assembly, and building one that serves an editor.

What Nelson Elhage actually said

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Shared subject first, then similar wording. They may agree or disagree.