Optimizing C++ Compilation - From Unit Builds to Low Cost Data Access (LCDA)

Learn advanced C++ compilation optimization techniques in this 48-minute conference talk from code::dive. Explore how to reduce compilation overhead and memory usage in C++ projects, starting with an analysis of compile-time costs in header files and standard library implementations. Follow the progression from CMake unity builds through PIMPL idiom implementation to the innovative Low-Cost Data Access (LCDA) mechanism. Discover how LCDA can dramatically reduce dependencies with minimal runtime overhead, demonstrated through a real-world case study where memory usage during compilation was reduced by 30% (5.5TB) and compilation speed improved by 230x for a specific type. Presented by Damian Gwiżdż, a Technical Leader at Nokia and Research Assistant at AGH University, who brings practical insights from developing real-time test frameworks for 5G applications.