34 Efficient Smalltalk Programming

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Smalltalk has been given a bad rap as a slow memory hog. But the reality is that there are many features of Smalltalk that can actually contribute to good performance and efficient use of memory. Smalltalk is like a power tool. And just as a power tool can create a lot of damage if used carelessly, Smalltalk can eat up CPU cycles and memory when used without the proper perspective and training. This tutorial will provide that perspective and training. The tutorial starts by illustrating the key contributors to the improper perspective and backs up the presenter's claims that Smalltalk can be made extremely efficient with simple case studies. It then presents an approach for identifying and fixing problems in Smalltalk programs. Techniques for solving individual classes of problems are discussed in detail with examples.

This tutorial is intended to give Smalltalk developers skills and confidence needed to address performance concerns they or their management might have.

Attendee Background: Participants should be literate in Smalltalk, preferably with 3+ months hands-on experience.

Ken Auer has been working with object technology since 1985, with a specialty in Smalltalk. Mr. Auer has been the chief architect for a number of successful frameworks and systems ranging from small prototypes to large distributed, multiple language systems and team sizes ranging from 1 to 150. He has particular expertise in creating efficient, high-quality, reusable components, frameworks, and architectures and is considered a master at maximizing system throughput. Mr. Auer has many published articles and book contributions (including "Lazy Optimization: Patterns for Efficient Smalltalk Programming" chapter of "Pattern Languages of Program Design 2," co-authored with Kent Beck). He founded RoleModel Software in 1997, after almost 9 years as a consultant with Knowledge Systems Corporation.