Embedded Development | Methods to Improve MCU Code Compilation Speed

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Programmers doing software development hate one thing, which is the slow code compilation speed.

Code for one minute, compile for ten minutes, who can stand that?

Embedded Development | Methods to Improve MCU Code Compilation Speed

Today, let’s talk about some common operations or methods to improve compilation speed in embedded software development.

Upgrade to a Higher Configuration Computer

What most people think of first is: upgrading to a higher configuration computer.

This is one of the methods, but how many companies are willing to provide you with a new computer?

So, this method is not practical.

Reduce Compilation Output Files

Some unnecessary debugging and browsing information files can be excluded from the output during compilation, such as:

1.Keil MDK

Project -> Options for Target -> Output/Listing:

The configurations here will affect the compilation speed, especially the Browse Information. If you use the Go to Definition Of feature, you will need these types of files.

If checked, it will output some “intermediate compilation files”, and you will have many intermediate files in your set output path (default “Listings” and “Objects”) that will occupy compilation time during the compilation process.

The content and function of these files can be referenced in the article:Keil Series Tutorial_File Types and Related Descriptions

2.IAR EWARM

Similar to Keil MDK, IAR also has related output file configurations, such as:

Project -> Options -> C/C++ Compiler -> output:

There are many configurations related to compilation in the configuration information that will affect the compilation speed.

For various file types in IAR, you can refer to the article:IAR Series Tutorial_File Type Descriptions

3.Command Line

If you use the command line to compile code, this problem can be avoided. You can input the corresponding commands for compilation, linking, and debugging according to your needs.

For example:

gcc test.c -o test

Of course, using the command line requires memorizing the usage of various commands.

Change the Compiler Toolchain

This is different from changing the computer: changing the compiler is just a software tool, no need to see the boss’s face.

For example:

Upgrading Keil MDK from AC5 to AC6 will greatly increase speed.

You can also change the MDK compiler to gcc compiler:A Step-by-Step Guide to Using GCC Compiler Toolchain in Keil MDK

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