Should AI Optimize Your Code? A Comparative Study of Current Large Language Models Versus Classical Optimizing Compilers

In the contemporary landscape of computer architecture, the demand for efficient parallel programming persists, needing robust optimization techniques. Traditional optimizing compilers have historically been pivotal in this endeavor, adapting to the evolving complexities of modern software systems. The emergence of LLMs raises intriguing questions about the potential for AI-driven approaches to revolutionize code optimization methodologies. This paper presents a comparative analysis between two state-of-the-art LLMs, GPT-4.0 and CodeLlama-70B, and traditional optimizing compilers, assessing their respective abilities and limitations in optimizing code for maximum efficiency. Additionally, we introduce a benchmark suite of challenging optimization patterns and an automatic mechanism for evaluating performance and correctness of the code generated by such tools. We used two different prompting methodologies to assess the performance of the LLMs -- Chain of Thought (CoT) and Instruction Prompting (IP). We then compared these results with three traditional optimizing compilers, CETUS, PLUTO and ROSE, across a range of real-world use cases. A key finding is that while LLMs have the potential to outperform current optimizing compilers, they often generate incorrect code on large code sizes, calling for automated verification methods. Our extensive evaluation across 3 different benchmarks suites shows CodeLlama-70B as the superior optimizer among the two LLMs, capable of achieving speedups of up to 2.1x. Additionally, CETUS is the best among the optimizing compilers, achieving a maximum speedup of 1.9x. We also found no significant difference between the two prompting methods: Chain of Thought (Cot) and Instructing prompting (IP).