Fs2 open on Linux/Optimization

« Pre-Compile Configuration

The fs2_open on Linux Guide Optimization

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Warning: If you compile a debug build, don't use the -fomit-frame-pointer and -fno-ident compiler flags, as it will make debugging impossible.

Note: This step is only for those who want the bleeding-edge source code to compile on their own. You can skip this if you intend to use a provided binary executable.

Optimizing fs2_open might have little or no effect, or improve performance greatly, I honestly have no clue.
You can specify your compiler flags with the configure script, se below.

$ ./configure CFLAGS="<your desired flags>"

If you got a i686 and want to play it safe, a good set of CFLAGS would be

$ ./configure CFLAGS="-march=i686 -O3 -pipe -fomit-frame-pointer -fno-ident" \ 
  CXXFLAGS="$CFLAGS"

You should read up on CFLAGS and what they do before trying anything. I recommend you read through these links.
http://gcc.gnu.org/onlinedocs/gcc-4.2.0/gcc/Optimize-Options.html
http://gentoo-wiki.com/Safe_Cflags