Speed comparison with Project Euler: C vs Python vs Erlang vs Haskell

python

performance

optimization

memory-management

byAnton Shumikhin·Aug 9, 2024

For Project Euler challenges, C whizzes past with its direct hardware access, while Python wins hearts with its Rapid Development. Erlang plays the long game with concurrent systems, and Haskell scores with lazy evaluation efficiencies. Each language has unique optimization styles: C with manual optimization, Python piggybacks on PyPy or C extensions, while Erlang and Haskell sway in rhythm with their functional paradigms.

# Speed < readability in Python
def add(a, b):  # This function does not endorse arithmetic smoking
    return a + b  # LOL, please don't return to bad practices

To compare performance, write language-specific, idiomatic code captured through consistent benchmarking. Remember, speed is not the only parameter, consider code clarity, development duration, and system design too.

Optimization secrets from the vault

Prepping for a stellar performance? Load these secret optimization strategies into your code cannon:

With Haskell in hand:

Rev the engine with -O2 flags during compilation.
Go full throttle with unbox-able types such as Int64 or Word64.
Leave mod behind, engage rem for a faster pace.
Take the fast lane with worker/wrapper transformation.
Stay lean with last call optimization to trim bulky call stack frames.

Setting sail with Erlang:

Shun the tortoise pace of -compile(export_all).
Embrace the cheetah speed of native compilation for numerical tasks.
Take note of how arbitrary length integers impact the speedometer.

Roaming in Python's territory:

Opt for PyPy for that seamless nitro boost.
Unleash Cython with static type declarations for CPU-intensive sprints.
Trust setup.py to construct beastly Cython modules.

Cruising in C:

Race ahead with inlining functions.
Fine-tune your ride with GCC compiler.
Put the pedal to the metal with-favourite built-in functions like sqrt.

The power beneath the bonnet

To gain a deeper understanding and speed up the performance, take a look beneath the bonnet:

Haskell and functional languages:

Manage lazy evaluation wisely. It can fuel efficiency or leak power.

Erlang's concurrent model:

Honing fault tolerance and concurrent processes taste sweeter than numerical superiority.

Python's alley:

Race ahead with algorithmic improvements and native data structures.

C's track:

Steer through cache-aware programming and pointer arithmetic for meticulous memory management.

Visualization

| Language | 🏎️ Performance |
| -------- | -------------- |
| C        |  🚀           |
| Haskell  |  🏇           |
| Erlang   |  🚲           |
| Python   |  🐌           |

🏁 [START] ➡️ 🚀 ➡️ 🏇 ➡️ 🚲 ➡️ 🐌 ➡️ [FINISH]

Now imagine this race with C as a rocket, Haskell as a swift racehorse, Erlang as a steady bike, and Python as the tenacious snail. They each cross the finish line, but their arrival times differ vastly!