inlined subroutine

noun

UK /ˈɪnlaɪnd ˈsʌbruːtiːn/

US /ˈɪnlaɪnd ˈsʌbruːtiːn/

A small helper in a computer program that gets copied right into the place where it is used.

The compiler turned the tiny function into an inlined subroutine to make the game run faster.

SYNONYMS

inlined function expanded subroutine copied-in routine inline procedure

RELATED WORDS

compiler optimization function call macro code expansion

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A routine whose body is inserted directly at each call site instead of being jumped to.

The profiler showed no call overhead because the routine was an inlined subroutine.

3. A programming technique that trades larger code size for faster execution.

Using an inlined subroutine reduced the loop's running time noticeably.

4. A subroutine marked by the programmer or compiler to be expanded at compile time.

He marked the getter as an inlined subroutine to avoid function-call cost.