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optimize out

C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

When a computer compiler removes code that it figures out is useless or pointless.

Literal meaning: To optimise (make more efficient) something by taking it out (removing it).

Meanings

1 C1 neutral

(Programming) For a compiler to automatically remove code that it determines has no effect on the program's output.

"The variable was never used, so the compiler optimized it out during the build."

Grammar: separable
2 C1 neutral

(Programming) For a debugging or security mechanism to be unexpectedly removed by optimisation, causing problems.

"The security check was optimized out by the aggressive compiler settings, leaving a vulnerability."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Primarily technical computing/programming jargon. Used in discussions of compiler behaviour, performance tuning, and code debugging. Rarely used outside software development contexts.

Commonly used with

compiler code variable loop branch instruction dead code

Forms

Base
optimize out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
optimizes out
he/she/it
Past simple
optimized out
yesterday
Past participle
optimized out
have + pp
-ing form
optimizing out
continuous

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