Kepler/SIL/JJupin - Does including a UDR library affects execution time of code?

Błażej O_

Hello,

 

Lately we have started to build our own User Defined Routines library with all the little useful functions that we often call. We are also trying to improve the efficiency of our code. That made me wondering what is the effect of including a library in each script we use? Is there any slowdown at all if we just include the library, even if we won't use any function from included UDR?

Silviu Burcea

Hi Blazej,

 

There is always a cost. When you define a UDR, when the script is interpreted, the UDR should be saved for later use. Even if you don't use it, the routine has to be defined. It is always recommended to include what you're actually using. You should group your routines by their logic(e.x. arrayUtils.incl should include array routines) and include them when you're actually using.

If you're using some routines more frequently from a library script, maybe it's a sign they are different than the rest of the script and should be moved in a different script. Find a balance between how much a script should contain and how many scripts should be included. There is no right answer(I/O is slow, but maybe with a SSD is faster to use multiple smaller scripts).

 

So, in short, you should avoid including functions you don't use. If they are general purpose functions, they might be included into the SIL core and you'll get what you want: speed and all functions available. We are open to suggestions but we'll try to keep the language clean and simple. You can suggest new routines using our mailing support or our JIRA instance for bugs.

 

Best regards,

Silviu