gcc -O4优化标志

Question

What's the meaning of the -O4 optimization flag in gcc (3.2.3)? What's the difference to O3? When would you use one vs. the other?

The man pages only mention O, O0-3, Os, no word of the mysterious O4. Thanks!

Answer 1

There is no -O4 in 3.2.3. Everything above -O3 results in -O3 being chosen.

Answer 2

You can check what optimization are enabled for each level

gcc -c -Q -O3 --help=optimizers | grep enabled

It works at least for gcc 4.4.