⚡Effect of slow compiler on productivity

Zig has started to use its own backend replacing LLVM and ghostty is now compiling faster One can say what difference does it make if it takes 38s instead of 41s to compile A slow compiler can significantly impact developer productivity in several ways.

Longer feedback loop e.g. making a change in couple of seconds but having to wait for a minute to compile can kill momentum and divert focus.

It discourages frequent testing, this can result in bug-creep over time.

Context switch tax increases, since mental focus is decreased and there is bigger chance of diverting attention

Less experimentation, Leads to less optimal code and more technical debt over time.

Cumulative time waste, Minutes lost per build add up across the day and if there are 1000s of developers it adds up fast.

Slow builds clogs CI systems. Blocked workflows result in delayed releases.

In short, it should not be looked in single dimension, the knock-on effect is serious.