1. Use a sampling profiler on the important execution scenarios. 2. Identify the operation that is taking the most time. 3. Ensure it is using appropriate a

1. Use a sampling profiler on the important execution scenarios. 2. Identify the operation that is taking the most time. 3. Ensure it is using appropriate algorithms and data structures. 4. Profile again; if it is still taking the most time, hand-optimize it. 5. Goto 1