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deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Lobsters·14d ago·5 min read
Parallelizing Compilation: In-Process vs Multi-Process
TL;DR
Parallelizing compilation can be achieved through two main approaches: spawning multiple single-threaded compilers or using a multi-threaded compiler. Fast compilation is a key goal for new programming languages like Zig and Rust.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider adopting a multi-threaded compilation approach to enhance your programming language's performance.
Key Takeaways
- Evaluate the benefits of multi-threaded compilers for your projects.
- Consider the overhead of managing multiple single-threaded processes.
- Aim for fast compilation in your programming language design.
- Research existing compilers like Rust and Zig for insights.
Full Summary
When compiling programs, parallelization is essential for improving speed and efficiency. There are two primary methods to achieve this: one involves a build system that spawns multiple instances of single-threaded compilers, while the other utilizes a multi-threaded compiler, as seen in languages like Rust and Zig.
The choice between these approaches can significantly impact compilation times, especially for large codebases. Multi-threaded compilers can leverage multiple CPU cores to process code simultaneously, potentially reducing compilation time dramatically.
In contrast, spawning multiple single-threaded compilers may introduce overhead from managing multiple processes. As the author explores designing a new programming language, achieving fast compilation remains a critical objective, highlighting the importance of selecting the right compilation strategy.