In MSVC, there are four options for code optimization:
The first three are self-explanatory, but I am unsure about Full Optimization. Does this try to find a balance between size and speed, or does it do better optimization than the other two options? Please clarify what it means.
It appears to be speed optimization, with some extra optimizations turned on. It's fully explained online here.
Using /Ox is the same as using the following options:
/Obn, where n = 2
/Og (Global Optimizations)
/Oi (Generate Intrinsic Functions)
/Os, /Ot (Favor Small Code, Favor Fast Code)
/Oy (Frame-Pointer Omission)
Note The use of Full Optimization implies the use of the Frame Pointer Omission (/Oy (Frame-Pointer Omission)) option.