You can for example analyze a program assuming an ideal compiler (which I have seen people do), or you can understand the actual compiler used. The second is an implementation detail subject to change, but it’s also more accurate.
I recall one meeting when people said doing comparisons with a list of objects one comparison at a time should be as fast as doing the same thing one object at a time. I pointed out that due to cache issues doing each check an object at a time would be faster. A few people where shocked when the test showed a significant improvement.
You can for example analyze a program assuming an ideal compiler (which I have seen people do), or you can understand the actual compiler used. The second is an implementation detail subject to change, but it’s also more accurate.
I recall one meeting when people said doing comparisons with a list of objects one comparison at a time should be as fast as doing the same thing one object at a time. I pointed out that due to cache issues doing each check an object at a time would be faster. A few people where shocked when the test showed a significant improvement.