question: "Explain how to optimize the performance of a computer program my mom helped develop. Include the following in your response: two highlighted sections that detail different optimization techniques, and use quotation marks. Choose one from the options of 'memory usage', 'execution speed', or 'maintainability' as the primary focus of optimization."
answer: To optimize the performance of a computer program, focusing on "execution speed" can significantly improve how fast the program runs. Here are two effective techniques to achieve this:
  
  **1. Algorithm Optimization:**
  One of the most impactful ways to enhance execution speed is by improving the algorithms used in the program. By analyzing the current algorithms for time complexity, you can identify bottlenecks. For instance, if the program uses a sorting algorithm that runs in O(n^2) time, such as bubble sort, replacing it with a more efficient one like quicksort or mergesort, which run in O(n log n) time, can drastically reduce execution time. This approach involves understanding the problem requirements deeply and choosing or designing algorithms that minimize unnecessary computations.
  
  **2. Code Profiling and Hotspot Optimization:**
  Another technique is using code profiling tools to identify "hotspots" in the program—sections of code that consume the most time during execution. By focusing on optimizing these hotspots, you can achieve significant speed improvements. This might involve rewriting parts of the code in a more efficient manner, such as replacing recursive functions with iterative ones to avoid overhead, or optimizing loops by reducing redundant calculations. Profiling helps pinpoint precisely where the most gains can be made, ensuring that your efforts are targeted effectively.
  
  These strategies, when applied thoughtfully, can reduce the execution time of the program, resulting in a faster and more responsive application.