The Theory of Constraints (TOC) is a philosophy of continuous improvement which is defined as a framework that can be applicable to many disciplines. The theory is based on the idea that in any complex system, there is usually one aspect of that system that limits its ability to achieve its goal or optimal functioning. To achieve any significant improvement of the system, the constraint must be identified and resolved.
Software optimization, in the generic sense, is the process of improving the software by eliminating bottlenecks so that it operates more efficiently on a given hardware and uses resources optimally. In keeping with Knuth’s advice, TOC can help developers to identify the bottlenecks of their code for optimization that have the most return on investment (ROI). Identifying the bottlenecks in the target application and eliminating them appropriately is the key to an efficient optimization.
