speed vs time

[user]

On Tuesday, 26 March 2024 at 15:56:14 UTC, ryuukk_ wrote:
> Simply just compiling my project with that allocator makes it 
> 18% faster

I always wondered why do people report SW improvements as 
increase in speed, instead of reduction in time. Its not like we 
are 'driving' a compiler and need to watch its speedometer, I am 
pretty sure everyone are watching a clock instead.

After a bit of math, I realized that reporting the changes in 
"speed" always paints a more rosy picture than reporting the 
changes in time.

For example, a 25% reduction in time will be reported as 33% 
increase in speed,  where as a 25% increase in time will be 
reported as only 20% worsening of speed.

Exaggeration is probably not the main reason. Or is it? *cue 
Vsause music*

Just a fun fact I wanted to share :-)