Kodeffektivt

Kodeffektivt is a term used in software engineering, particularly in Swedish and Norwegian contexts, to describe code that is efficient in its use of resources. It refers to producing software that runs quickly, uses memory sparingly, and, on battery-powered devices, minimizes energy consumption, while still being correct and maintainable. The term can apply at different levels, from low-level optimizations to high-level architectural choices, and is often discussed alongside concepts such as code quality and performance engineering.

Key principles include selecting appropriate algorithms and data structures to reduce time and space complexity, minimizing allocations and object creation, and avoiding unnecessary work. Profiling and benchmarking are central to determining where bottlenecks lie, with attention to CPU cycles, memory footprint, garbage collection impact, I/O throughput, and cache behavior. Language-specific considerations, compiler optimizations, and platform constraints also play a role.

Practice emphasizes balancing efficiency with readability and maintainability. Developers are encouraged to identify measurable gains before optimizing, using profiling tools, implementing caching or streaming where suitable, and opting for scalable patterns such as lazy evaluation or parallel processing when beneficial. Common strategies include using efficient iteration patterns, avoiding full materialization of large data sets, and choosing streaming I/O.

Limitations include the variability of results across hardware and environments and the risk of premature optimization. Kodeffektivt remains a goal within broader software quality, implemented through disciplined design, measurement, and ongoing refactoring.