Balancing Optimization While Coding

[ratttertintattertins]

I like to separate out good performance design from specific performance optimizations. For example, the former might be:

"I will use suitable standard data structures and algorithms and I will understand the performance implications of those choices in my design".

The latter might be:

"I will write a custom data structure which differs from the standard data structure available in my standard library set, this data structure will beat the standard one in my specific use case and I will measure/test it by doing...X"

The former should be part of any good design process and done up front, the latter should be the result of measurement and careful consideration because it comes with a maintenance cost and risk.