Prevent Intel compiler from over-optimizing un-used variables?

Question

Is there a way to tell the Intel compiler to not optimize-away un-used variables? I am trying to time some code and I currently prevent the optimization by using a cout statement on the variables.

Ideally the solution would tell the compiler to not remove the variable via a pragma/hint, otherwise I would have to use a program-wise argument?

Answer 1

Use the volatile keyword when assigning your variable to let the compiler know not to optimize it. As far as I know, this is a C/C++ standard so it should work on any compiler. See the MSDN link for more info.