# qopt-prefetch, Qopt-prefetch

Enables or disables prefetch insertion optimization. This feature is only available for ifort.

## Syntax

Linux: | -qopt-prefetch[=n] -qno-opt-prefetch

macOS: | -qopt-prefetch[=n] -qno-opt-prefetch

Windows: | /Qopt-prefetch[:n] /Qopt-prefetch-

## Arguments

n | Is the level of software prefetching optimization desired. Possible values are:
0 | Disables software prefetching. This is the same as specifying -qno-opt-prefetch (Linux* and macOS) or /Qopt-prefetch- (Windows*).
1 to 5 | Enables different levels of software prefetching. If you do not specify a value for n, the default is 2. Use lower values to reduce the amount of prefetching.

## Default

-qno-opt-prefetch or /Qopt-prefetch- | Prefetch insertion optimization is disabled.

## Description

This option enables or disables prefetch insertion optimization. The goal of prefetching is to reduce cache misses by providing hints to the processor about when data should be loaded into the cache.

This option enables prefetching when higher optimization levels are specified.

## IDE Equivalent

Visual Studio: Optimization > Prefetch Insertion

## Alternate Options

None

Parent topic: Advanced Optimization Options

## See Also

qopt-prefetch-distance, Qopt-prefetch-distance compiler option