ARM Compiler toolchain v4.1 for µVision Using the Compiler

Compiler Features
4.31 Performance issues with PreCompiled Header (PCH) files
Typically, the overhead of creating and reading a PCH file is small, even for reasonably large
header files. If the PCH file is used, there is typically a significant decrease in compilation time.
However, PCH files can range in size from about 250KB to several megabytes or more, so you
might not want to create many PCH files.
PCH processing might not always be appropriate, for example, where you have an arbitrary set
of files with non-uniform initial sequences of preprocessing directives.
The benefits of PCH processing occur when several source files can share the same PCH file.
The more sharing, the less disk space is consumed. Sharing minimizes the disadvantage of large
PCH files, without giving up the advantage of a significant decrease in compilation times.
Therefore, to take full advantage of header file precompilation, you might have to re-order the
#include sections of your source files, or group #include directives within a commonly used
header file.
Different environments and different projects might have differing requirements. Be aware,
however, that making the best use of PCH support might require some experimentation and
probably some minor changes to source code.
4.31.1 See also
Concepts
• PreCompiled Header (PCH) files on page 4-29.
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