Does Tail-Recursion Optimization Work in Modern C Compilers?

Tail-Recursion Optimization in C Compilers

Tail-recursion optimization improves program efficiency by replacing recursive function calls with jumps. Surprisingly, despite its apparent advantages, programmers often question whether it's implemented in C/C compilers.

Implementation in Modern Compilers

Contrary to common perception, all modern mainstream C compilers perform tail call optimization, including mutual recursive calls.

Compiler Directives

To enable tail-recursion optimization, simply activate compiler optimizations for speed:

• MSVC: /O2 or /Ox
• GCC, Clang, ICC: -O3

Checking Optimization Status

To verify whether the compiler has performed the optimization, employ one of these methods:

• Perform a call that would otherwise cause a stack overflow.
• Inspect assembly output.

Considerations and Caveats

• Destructors may interfere with tail-recursion optimization.
• Tail-calls cannot be performed if any destructors need to execute after the call.

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