What are the best practices for incremental compilation?

What are the best practices for incremental compilation?

Incremental compilation is a technique that speeds up the build process by only recompiling changed code. Best practices include using a modular architecture, minimizing dependencies, and leveraging caching.

Can you explain how modular architecture helps?

Modular architecture allows you to isolate changes to specific modules, reducing the amount of code that needs to be recompiled. This leads to faster build times.

What tools can help with incremental compilation?

Tools like Bazel, Gradle, and Webpack support incremental compilation by tracking changes and only recompiling affected parts of the code.

Are there any downsides to incremental compilation?

Yes, potential downsides include increased complexity in build configurations and the possibility of stale caches leading to incorrect builds.

How can I ensure my cache is always up to date?

Regularly clean your build environment and configure your tools to invalidate caches when significant changes occur in your codebase.