Best distribution for testing an algorithm with respect to speed
 

I have an algorithm programmed in C++ that I want to test on a Linux platform. The goal is to measure the cpu time on different problem instances. That is, speed is the issue.

The development is done on Windows. However, I want to do the tests on Linux. That is, I want to reboot my computer to Linux (and a terminal window), compile the code using gcc (with optimize option) and run the tests using a Perl script.

What is the best distribution for this? I off course want as few processes as possible running and no graphical desktop is needed. I have been thinking about Puppy Linux or Tiny Core Linux. Moreover, will it affect the speed that I boot the system from a CD?

Hardware: Laptop, Intel Core i7-3520M CPU @ 2.90 GHz, 16 GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics 4000, 256 GB Solid State Drive

You could do that with Slackware 14.0

Just make a full install and you'll have a toolchain out of the box. By default it boots at runlevel 3 (console mode) and all scripting languages are included. At time of selecting packages series either make a full install (won't hurt, 7,5 G) or only install packages series A (core system) AP (console apps), L (libraries), D (development) E (Emacs, if you want to use it), K (kernel source, just in case) possibly N (Network) and you will be all set in less than 10 minutes on your laptop.

More info: slackware.com, docs.slackware.com.

Yes, booting from a CD can take more time.

PS I almost forgot: warm welcome to LQ.

@ Didier. Thanks for the info. I will consider Slackware. Does it come in a 64 bit version? I guess that I will take more time booting from the CD. However, after the boot will it affect the speed when I run the algorithm? Cheers Lars

Yes, 32 and 64 bit versions are available.

The architecture won't change boot time from the CD.

Whether it will affect the speed running your program all depends on:
(1) the kind of algorithm
(2) its implementation
(3) the optimizations you use in setting compilation's parameters

Not knowing that it's hard to give you an answer.

As you'll have installed Slackware, the boot time from the CD won't matter anyway and the installation time is the same for both versions (probably no more than 10 minutes or so with your hardware).