How do I speed up incremental builds with MSVC for C++?

To speed up incremental builds with Microsoft Visual Studio (MSVC) for C++, follow these tips:

  • Precompiled Headers: Use precompiled headers to reduce compilation time for large projects.
  • Optimize Include Files: Minimize header file dependencies and use forward declarations where possible.
  • Enable Incremental Linking: Make sure incremental linking is enabled to avoid full rebuilds.
  • Use PCH Wisely: Only include files that truly benefit from precompiled headers.
  • Split Large Source Files: Break up large source files to minimize the amount of code that needs to be recompiled.
  • Check Project Settings: Review and optimize your project settings for performance.

By following these strategies, you can significantly reduce build times and improve your development workflow.


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