The speaker provides an introduction to the concept of optimization in the context of coding.

• The speaker defines optimization in the context of coding as making your code the most efficient.
• The speaker emphasizes the need to determine what aspect they are trying to optimize before starting the optimization process.
• The speaker mentions that the first step in writing software is to get a version that works, not to immediately jump into optimization.

The speaker discusses various techniques that can be used to optimize code.

• The speaker describes several techniques for optimization, including using the right algorithm, knowing your CPU, and loop unrolling.
• The speaker warns against premature optimization and advises to write a working program first and then use tools to examine which parts might need optimization.
• The speaker emphasizes that knowing how your program works is essential to effective optimization.