Was compiler optimization always considered important?
In the early days of computing, the focus was often on simply getting programs to work. The hardware was much more constrained, and the complexity of optimization was a secondary concern for many. However, as programs grew larger and more complex, and as hardware became more capable but also more sophisticated, the need for efficient translation became paramount. Recognizing this evolving landscape, I pushed for a more systematic and theoretical approach to compiler design, highlighting the critical role of optimization in achieving high performance.
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