[Any] A quick speed tip

[Miguel]

If you like making fast programs (I know I do!) one thing to consider (that is often overlooked) is looping.

I'm not saying looping is slow, in cases it's needed, but take this code for example (C++):

vector<string> myvector;

// ....

for(int i = 0; i < myvector.size(); i++){
    // do stuff...
}

Notice where in the loop, you are calculating the size. In a looping structure such as this, the computer will be calculating the terminating condition (in this case i < myvector.size() ) every time the loop iterates. Though not major with smaller lists, in programs where you have a large list to process (that doesn't get modified as the loop is running), this can quickly add up.

More calculations = less speed = more space needed to store the calculation = more heat generated inside the computer = CAN SUCK MAJORLY

Easy way to speed up, save space, the environment, etc: create a variable to hold the size. In most languages depending on the structure a size() or count() operation can cost O(n), and running something that slow many times as you iterate through a list sucks.

vector<string> myvector;

// ....

int vsize = myvector.size();

for(int i = 0; i < vsize; i++){
    // do stuff...
}