The ocaml compiler has a -noassert flag. This flag is used to remove the assertion checks (assert <expr>, but not assert false) from the code.

The Option can have a significant impact on performance in case the expression is non-trivial (e.g., assert (List.for_all2 ( <= ) a b)). Thus, the option is often used when compiling ocaml project to production.

The Option can also have a significant impact on semantics. Thus, we cannot simply switch it on.

Things to do:

• Survey uses of the assert function (not the assert false expression) in the production code (i.e., excluding the tests and the dev tools and such).
• Decide on and document a policy for acceptable use of assert such that it is ok to use -noassert.
• Convert contravening uses to use a different exception.
• Advertise the new policy (to the devteam and to the mergeteam).
• Switch on the option for production binaries.