What does the term "code optimization" refer to in the context of software development?

Code optimization refers to the process of modifying code to improve its performance, execution speed, and efficiency. This can involve various techniques, such as reducing the complexity of algorithms, minimizing memory usage, and eliminating unnecessary computations. The goal of code optimization is to make the code run faster and use resources more efficiently, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the software. Unlike adding comments for readability or following coding standards, which focus on code maintainability, code optimization is specifically aimed at improving the operational aspects of the code.