A few other features of the aspnet_compiler include the –d switch, which tells the compiler to generate debugging symbols for the application. Debugging symbols are required if you need line numbers in the stack traces of exceptions. The –f switch will force the compiler to overwrite a target directory, even if a precompiled application already exists there. There are also options to give compiled assemblies a strong name, and allow partially trusted callers.

In addition, you can pre-compile an application directly from Visual Studio 2005 using the Build -> Publish menu item. The Publish Web Site dialog will let you select an http, ftp, or local file system destination as the target.

The precompiler also supports strong naming with the -keyfile, -keycontainer, and -delaysign switches. To allow partially trusted callers, use the -aptca switch.

Although performance is often touted as a benefit of pre-compilation, I tend to think of pre-compilation as a safety feature. Safety in knowing all of the code in a web application compiles without an error, and safety in keeping your source code out of a shared host environment.