Question

With regards this example from Code Complete:

Comparison Compare(int value1, int value2)
{
if ( value1 < value2 )
 return Comparison_LessThan;
else if ( value1 > value2 )
 return Comparison_GreaterThan;
else
 return Comparison_Equal;
}

You could also write this as:

Comparison Compare(int value1, int value2)
{
 if ( value1 < value2 )
  return Comparison_LessThan;

 if ( value1 > value2 )
  return Comparison_GreaterThan;

 return Comparison_Equal;
}

Which is more optimal though? (readability, etc aside)

Answer 1

Readability aside, the compiler should be smart enough to generate identical code for both cases.