Various embodiments are disclosed of a compilation with optimization for multi-processor system with processing elements optimized for high performance and low power dissipation and an associated method of programming the processing elements. Application source code may be initially compiled into an intermediate representation. Following the initial compilation, resources may be mapped and communication synthesis performed. Simulation and debug may be performed prior to loading an executable image onto the multi-processor system. At each step, checks may be performed for possible optimizations, and one or more steps repeated using results of the checks.