What are the downsides of incremental compilation?

What are the downsides of incremental compilation?

Incremental compilation can lead to longer build times if not managed properly, as changes may trigger recompilation of more files than necessary.

Are there specific scenarios where it becomes inefficient?

Yes, in large projects with many interdependencies, a small change can cause a cascade of recompilations, negating the benefits.

How does it compare to full compilation?

Full compilation processes the entire codebase every time, which can be slower, but it ensures that all changes are accounted for without the risk of stale outputs.

What strategies can mitigate these downsides?

Using dependency tracking, modular design, and optimizing the build system can help reduce the downsides of incremental compilation.

Is there a specific tool you recommend for managing this?

Tools like Bazel or Gradle are great for managing incremental builds effectively, as they provide advanced dependency management.