diff --git a/components/bootloader_support/src/idf/bootloader_sha.c b/components/bootloader_support/src/idf/bootloader_sha.c
index 40308b667f..1aaa6708ef 100644
--- a/components/bootloader_support/src/idf/bootloader_sha.c
+++ b/components/bootloader_support/src/idf/bootloader_sha.c
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ void bootloader_sha256_data(bootloader_sha256_handle_t handle, const void *data,
     mbedtls_sha256_context *ctx = (mbedtls_sha256_context *)handle;
     int ret = mbedtls_sha256_update_ret(ctx, data, data_len);
     assert(ret == 0);
+    (void)ret;
 }
 
 void bootloader_sha256_finish(bootloader_sha256_handle_t handle, uint8_t *digest)
@@ -48,6 +49,7 @@ void bootloader_sha256_finish(bootloader_sha256_handle_t handle, uint8_t *digest
     if (digest != NULL) {
         int ret = mbedtls_sha256_finish_ret(ctx, digest);
         assert(ret == 0);
+        (void)ret;
     }
     mbedtls_sha256_free(ctx);
     free(handle);
diff --git a/components/bt/CMakeLists.txt b/components/bt/CMakeLists.txt
index aa97d41ee8..0b2a2bdc54 100644
--- a/components/bt/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/components/bt/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -599,3 +599,13 @@ if(CONFIG_BT_ENABLED)
         target_link_libraries(${COMPONENT_LIB} PUBLIC btdm_app btbb)
     endif()
 endif()
+
+if(CONFIG_BT_NIMBLE_MESH)
+    set_source_files_properties("host/nimble/nimble/nimble/host/mesh/src/net.c"
+        PROPERTIES COMPILE_FLAGS -Wno-type-limits)
+endif()
+
+if(CONFIG_COMPILER_OPTIMIZATION_ASSERTIONS_DISABLE AND CONFIG_BT_NIMBLE_ENABLED)
+    # some variables in NimBLE are only used by asserts
+    target_compile_options(${COMPONENT_LIB} PRIVATE -Wno-unused-but-set-variable -Wno-unused-variable)
+endif()
diff --git a/components/bt/common/osi/hash_map.c b/components/bt/common/osi/hash_map.c
index 841e84f6eb..59942bfd41 100644
--- a/components/bt/common/osi/hash_map.c
+++ b/components/bt/common/osi/hash_map.c
@@ -144,6 +144,7 @@ bool hash_map_set(hash_map_t *hash_map, const void *key, void *data)
         // Calls hash_map callback to delete the hash_map_entry.
         bool rc = list_remove(hash_bucket_list, hash_map_entry);
         assert(rc == true);
+        (void)rc;
     } else {
         hash_map->hash_size++;
     }
diff --git a/components/bt/controller/esp32/bt.c b/components/bt/controller/esp32/bt.c
index afe291c607..a829a99743 100644
--- a/components/bt/controller/esp32/bt.c
+++ b/components/bt/controller/esp32/bt.c
@@ -1309,7 +1309,8 @@ esp_err_t esp_bt_controller_init(esp_bt_controller_config_t *cfg)
     btdm_lpclk_sel = BTDM_LPCLK_SEL_XTAL; // set default value
 #endif
 
-    bool select_src_ret, set_div_ret;
+    bool select_src_ret __attribute__((unused));
+    bool set_div_ret __attribute__((unused));
     if (btdm_lpclk_sel == BTDM_LPCLK_SEL_XTAL) {
         select_src_ret = btdm_lpclk_select_src(BTDM_LPCLK_SEL_XTAL);
         set_div_ret = btdm_lpclk_set_div(rtc_clk_xtal_freq_get() * 2 - 1);
diff --git a/components/bt/controller/esp32c3/bt.c b/components/bt/controller/esp32c3/bt.c
index b8632bccac..45c9a95d1d 100644
--- a/components/bt/controller/esp32c3/bt.c
+++ b/components/bt/controller/esp32c3/bt.c
@@ -1050,7 +1050,8 @@ esp_err_t esp_bt_controller_init(esp_bt_controller_config_t *cfg)
         s_lp_cntl.lpclk_sel = BTDM_LPCLK_SEL_XTAL; // set default value
 #endif
 
-        bool select_src_ret, set_div_ret;
+        bool select_src_ret __attribute__((unused));
+        bool set_div_ret __attribute__((unused));
         if (s_lp_cntl.lpclk_sel == BTDM_LPCLK_SEL_XTAL) {
             select_src_ret = btdm_lpclk_select_src(BTDM_LPCLK_SEL_XTAL);
             set_div_ret = btdm_lpclk_set_div(rtc_clk_xtal_freq_get() * 2);
diff --git a/components/bt/controller/esp32s3/bt.c b/components/bt/controller/esp32s3/bt.c
index 7d13d62f21..71a0aacba8 100644
--- a/components/bt/controller/esp32s3/bt.c
+++ b/components/bt/controller/esp32s3/bt.c
@@ -988,8 +988,8 @@ esp_err_t esp_bt_controller_init(esp_bt_controller_config_t *cfg)
             cfg->sleep_clock = ESP_BT_SLEEP_CLOCK_FPGA_32K;
             ESP_LOGW(BTDM_LOG_TAG, "%s sleep clock overwrite on FPGA", __func__);
         #endif
-            bool select_src_ret = false;
-            bool set_div_ret = false;
+            bool select_src_ret __attribute__((unused));
+            bool set_div_ret __attribute__((unused));
             if (cfg->sleep_clock == ESP_BT_SLEEP_CLOCK_MAIN_XTAL) {
                 select_src_ret = btdm_lpclk_select_src(BTDM_LPCLK_SEL_XTAL);
                 set_div_ret = btdm_lpclk_set_div(rtc_clk_xtal_freq_get() * 2);
diff --git a/components/bt/host/bluedroid/hci/hci_packet_parser.c b/components/bt/host/bluedroid/hci/hci_packet_parser.c
index 40c736fe98..ba756f0bba 100644
--- a/components/bt/host/bluedroid/hci/hci_packet_parser.c
+++ b/components/bt/host/bluedroid/hci/hci_packet_parser.c
@@ -227,19 +227,19 @@ static uint8_t *read_command_complete_header(
     uint8_t *stream = response->data + response->offset;
 
     // Read the event header
-    uint8_t event_code;
-    uint8_t parameter_length;
+    uint8_t event_code __attribute__((unused));
+    uint8_t parameter_length __attribute__((unused));
     STREAM_TO_UINT8(event_code, stream);
     STREAM_TO_UINT8(parameter_length, stream);
 
-    const size_t parameter_bytes_we_read_here = 4;
+    const size_t parameter_bytes_we_read_here  __attribute__((unused)) = 4;
 
     // Check the event header values against what we expect
     assert(event_code == HCI_COMMAND_COMPLETE_EVT);
     assert(parameter_length >= (parameter_bytes_we_read_here + minimum_bytes_after));
 
     // Read the command complete header
-    command_opcode_t opcode;
+    command_opcode_t opcode __attribute__((unused));
     uint8_t status;
     STREAM_SKIP_UINT8(stream); // skip the number of hci command packets field
     STREAM_TO_UINT16(opcode, stream);
diff --git a/components/bt/host/bluedroid/hci/packet_fragmenter.c b/components/bt/host/bluedroid/hci/packet_fragmenter.c
index a562e3c45a..78b6151e51 100644
--- a/components/bt/host/bluedroid/hci/packet_fragmenter.c
+++ b/components/bt/host/bluedroid/hci/packet_fragmenter.c
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ static void reassemble_and_dispatch(BT_HDR *packet)
         uint8_t *stream = packet->data + packet->offset;
         uint16_t handle;
         uint16_t l2cap_length;
-        uint16_t acl_length;
+        uint16_t acl_length __attribute__((unused));
 
         STREAM_TO_UINT16(handle, stream);
         STREAM_TO_UINT16(acl_length, stream);
diff --git a/components/cxx/cxx_guards.cpp b/components/cxx/cxx_guards.cpp
index 640cf17756..8580a26cc9 100644
--- a/components/cxx/cxx_guards.cpp
+++ b/components/cxx/cxx_guards.cpp
@@ -82,6 +82,7 @@ static void wait_for_guard_obj(guard_t* g)
     do {
         auto result = xSemaphoreGive(s_static_init_mutex);
         assert(result);
+        static_cast<void>(result);
         /* Task may be preempted here, but this isn't a problem,
          * as the semaphore will be given exactly the s_static_init_waiting_count
          * number of times; eventually the current task will execute next statement,
@@ -140,6 +141,7 @@ extern "C" int __cxa_guard_acquire(__guard* pg)
          */
         auto result = xSemaphoreTake(s_static_init_mutex, portMAX_DELAY);
         assert(result);
+        static_cast<void>(result);
         if (g->pending) {
             /* Another task is doing initialization at the moment; wait until it calls
              * __cxa_guard_release or __cxa_guard_abort
@@ -168,6 +170,7 @@ extern "C" int __cxa_guard_acquire(__guard* pg)
     if (scheduler_started) {
         auto result = xSemaphoreGive(s_static_init_mutex);
         assert(result);
+        static_cast<void>(result);
     }
     return ret;
 }
@@ -179,6 +182,7 @@ extern "C" void __cxa_guard_release(__guard* pg)
     if (scheduler_started) {
         auto result = xSemaphoreTake(s_static_init_mutex, portMAX_DELAY);
         assert(result);
+        static_cast<void>(result);
     }
     assert(g->pending && "tried to release a guard which wasn't acquired");
     g->pending = 0;
@@ -189,6 +193,7 @@ extern "C" void __cxa_guard_release(__guard* pg)
         signal_waiting_tasks();
         auto result = xSemaphoreGive(s_static_init_mutex);
         assert(result);
+        static_cast<void>(result);
     }
 }
 
@@ -199,6 +204,7 @@ extern "C" void __cxa_guard_abort(__guard* pg)
     if (scheduler_started) {
         auto result = xSemaphoreTake(s_static_init_mutex, portMAX_DELAY);
         assert(result);
+        static_cast<void>(result);
     }
     assert(!g->ready && "tried to abort a guard which is ready");
     assert(g->pending && "tried to release a guard which is not acquired");
@@ -208,6 +214,7 @@ extern "C" void __cxa_guard_abort(__guard* pg)
         signal_waiting_tasks();
         auto result = xSemaphoreGive(s_static_init_mutex);
         assert(result);
+        static_cast<void>(result);
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/components/driver/sdio_slave.c b/components/driver/sdio_slave.c
index 8329d2976f..3f9ffd9fa0 100644
--- a/components/driver/sdio_slave.c
+++ b/components/driver/sdio_slave.c
@@ -375,6 +375,7 @@ void sdio_slave_deinit(void)
     }
     esp_err_t ret = esp_intr_free(context.intr_handle);
     assert(ret==ESP_OK);
+    (void)ret;
     context.intr_handle = NULL;
     deinit_context();
 }
@@ -532,7 +533,7 @@ static void sdio_intr_send(void* arg)
 
     uint32_t returned_cnt;
     if (sdio_slave_hal_send_eof_happened(context.hal)) {
-        portBASE_TYPE ret = pdTRUE;
+        portBASE_TYPE ret __attribute__((unused));
 
         esp_err_t err;
         while (1) {
@@ -549,7 +550,7 @@ static void sdio_intr_send(void* arg)
         }
         //get_next_finished_arg returns the total amount of returned descs.
         for(size_t i = 0; i < returned_cnt; i++) {
-            portBASE_TYPE ret = xSemaphoreGiveFromISR(context.remain_cnt, &yield);
+            ret = xSemaphoreGiveFromISR(context.remain_cnt, &yield);
             assert(ret == pdTRUE);
         }
     }
@@ -603,16 +604,17 @@ esp_err_t sdio_slave_transmit(uint8_t* addr, size_t len)
 static esp_err_t send_flush_data(void)
 {
     esp_err_t err;
+    portBASE_TYPE ret __attribute__((unused));
 
     while (1) {
         void *finished_arg;
         uint32_t return_cnt = 0;
         err = sdio_slave_hal_send_flush_next_buffer(context.hal, &finished_arg, &return_cnt);
         if (err == ESP_OK) {
-            portBASE_TYPE ret = xQueueSend(context.ret_queue, &finished_arg, portMAX_DELAY);
+            ret = xQueueSend(context.ret_queue, &finished_arg, portMAX_DELAY);
             assert(ret == pdTRUE);
             for (size_t i = 0; i < return_cnt; i++) {
-                portBASE_TYPE ret = xSemaphoreGive(context.remain_cnt);
+                ret = xSemaphoreGive(context.remain_cnt);
                 assert(ret == pdTRUE);
             }
         } else {
diff --git a/components/driver/spi_master.c b/components/driver/spi_master.c
index 7eb160cb99..e6e093afb1 100644
--- a/components/driver/spi_master.c
+++ b/components/driver/spi_master.c
@@ -915,6 +915,7 @@ void SPI_MASTER_ISR_ATTR spi_device_release_bus(spi_device_t *dev)
     host->device_acquiring_lock = NULL;
     esp_err_t ret = spi_bus_lock_acquire_end(dev->dev_lock);
     assert(ret == ESP_OK);
+    (void) ret;
 }
 
 esp_err_t SPI_MASTER_ISR_ATTR spi_device_polling_start(spi_device_handle_t handle, spi_transaction_t *trans_desc, TickType_t ticks_to_wait)
diff --git a/components/driver/spi_slave_hd.c b/components/driver/spi_slave_hd.c
index 7e21b4488f..8f0f3cd9cc 100644
--- a/components/driver/spi_slave_hd.c
+++ b/components/driver/spi_slave_hd.c
@@ -380,7 +380,7 @@ static IRAM_ATTR void spi_slave_hd_intr_append(void *arg)
     spi_slave_hd_callback_config_t *callback = &host->callback;
     spi_slave_hd_hal_context_t *hal = &host->hal;
     BaseType_t awoken = pdFALSE;
-    BaseType_t ret;
+    BaseType_t ret __attribute__((unused));
 
     bool tx_done = false;
     bool rx_done = false;
diff --git a/components/driver/twai.c b/components/driver/twai.c
index 967082fb5e..bf152111a0 100644
--- a/components/driver/twai.c
+++ b/components/driver/twai.c
@@ -410,6 +410,7 @@ esp_err_t twai_driver_install(const twai_general_config_t *g_config, const twai_
     periph_module_enable(PERIPH_TWAI_MODULE);            //Enable APB CLK to TWAI peripheral
     bool init = twai_hal_init(&twai_context);
     assert(init);
+    (void)init;
     twai_hal_configure(&twai_context, t_config, f_config, DRIVER_DEFAULT_INTERRUPTS, g_config->clkout_divider);
     TWAI_EXIT_CRITICAL();
 
@@ -536,6 +537,7 @@ esp_err_t twai_transmit(const twai_message_t *message, TickType_t ticks_to_wait)
                     //Manually start a transmission
                     int res = xQueueReceive(p_twai_obj->tx_queue, &tx_frame, 0);
                     assert(res == pdTRUE);
+                    (void)res;
                     twai_hal_set_tx_buffer_and_transmit(&twai_context, &tx_frame);
                     p_twai_obj->tx_msg_count++;
                     ret = ESP_OK;
diff --git a/components/efuse/esp32c3/esp_efuse_rtc_calib.c b/components/efuse/esp32c3/esp_efuse_rtc_calib.c
index 844463b6f3..afda42ca26 100644
--- a/components/efuse/esp32c3/esp_efuse_rtc_calib.c
+++ b/components/efuse/esp32c3/esp_efuse_rtc_calib.c
@@ -42,8 +42,7 @@ uint16_t esp_efuse_rtc_calib_get_init_code(int version, int atten)
     assert(init_code_size == 10);
 
     uint32_t init_code = 0;
-    esp_err_t err = esp_efuse_read_field_blob(init_code_efuse, &init_code, init_code_size);
-    assert(err == ESP_OK);
+    ESP_ERROR_CHECK(esp_efuse_read_field_blob(init_code_efuse, &init_code, init_code_size));
     return init_code + 1000;    // version 1 logic
 }
 
@@ -71,12 +70,10 @@ esp_err_t esp_efuse_rtc_calib_get_cal_voltage(int version, int atten, uint32_t*
         calib_vol_expected_mv = 1370;
     }
 
-    int cal_vol_size = esp_efuse_get_field_size(cal_vol_efuse);
-    assert(cal_vol_size == 10);
+    assert(cal_vol_efuse[0]->bit_count == 10);
 
     uint32_t cal_vol = 0;
-    esp_err_t err = esp_efuse_read_field_blob(cal_vol_efuse, &cal_vol, cal_vol_size) & 0x3FF;
-    assert(err == ESP_OK);
+    ESP_ERROR_CHECK(esp_efuse_read_field_blob(cal_vol_efuse, &cal_vol, cal_vol_efuse[0]->bit_count));
 
     *out_digi = 2000 + ((cal_vol & BIT(9))? -(cal_vol & ~BIT9): cal_vol);
     *out_vol_mv = calib_vol_expected_mv;
@@ -94,6 +91,7 @@ float esp_efuse_rtc_calib_get_cal_temp(int version)
     uint32_t cal_temp = 0;
     esp_err_t err = esp_efuse_read_field_blob(cal_temp_efuse, &cal_temp, cal_temp_size);
     assert(err == ESP_OK);
+    (void)err;
     // BIT(8) stands for sign: 1: negtive, 0: positive
     return ((cal_temp & BIT(8)) != 0)? -(uint8_t)cal_temp: (uint8_t)cal_temp;
 }
diff --git a/components/efuse/src/esp_efuse_utility.c b/components/efuse/src/esp_efuse_utility.c
index a6a303f72e..931b5167f5 100644
--- a/components/efuse/src/esp_efuse_utility.c
+++ b/components/efuse/src/esp_efuse_utility.c
@@ -228,8 +228,7 @@ esp_err_t esp_efuse_utility_write_reg(esp_efuse_block_t efuse_block, unsigned in
 uint32_t esp_efuse_utility_read_reg(esp_efuse_block_t blk, unsigned int num_reg)
 {
     assert(blk >= 0 && blk < EFUSE_BLK_MAX);
-    unsigned int max_num_reg = (range_read_addr_blocks[blk].end - range_read_addr_blocks[blk].start) / sizeof(uint32_t);
-    assert(num_reg <= max_num_reg);
+    assert(num_reg <= (range_read_addr_blocks[blk].end - range_read_addr_blocks[blk].start) / sizeof(uint32_t));
     uint32_t value;
 #ifdef CONFIG_EFUSE_VIRTUAL
     value = virt_blocks[blk][num_reg];
@@ -245,8 +244,8 @@ uint32_t esp_efuse_utility_read_reg(esp_efuse_block_t blk, unsigned int num_reg)
 static void write_reg(esp_efuse_block_t blk, unsigned int num_reg, uint32_t value)
 {
     assert(blk >= 0 && blk < EFUSE_BLK_MAX);
-    unsigned int max_num_reg = (range_read_addr_blocks[blk].end - range_read_addr_blocks[blk].start) / sizeof(uint32_t);
-    assert(num_reg <= max_num_reg);
+    assert(num_reg <= (range_read_addr_blocks[blk].end - range_read_addr_blocks[blk].start) / sizeof(uint32_t));
+
     uint32_t addr_wr_reg = range_write_addr_blocks[blk].start + num_reg * 4;
     uint32_t reg_to_write = REG_READ(addr_wr_reg) | value;
     // The register can be written in parts so we combine the new value with the one already available.
diff --git a/components/esp32/crosscore_int.c b/components/esp32/crosscore_int.c
index af13ad7e3f..309e12058e 100644
--- a/components/esp32/crosscore_int.c
+++ b/components/esp32/crosscore_int.c
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ void esp_crosscore_int_init(void) {
     portENTER_CRITICAL(&reason_spinlock);
     reason[xPortGetCoreID()]=0;
     portEXIT_CRITICAL(&reason_spinlock);
-    esp_err_t err;
+    esp_err_t err __attribute__((unused));
     if (xPortGetCoreID()==0) {
         err = esp_intr_alloc(ETS_FROM_CPU_INTR0_SOURCE, ESP_INTR_FLAG_IRAM, esp_crosscore_isr, (void*)&reason[0], NULL);
     } else {
diff --git a/components/esp32/dport_access.c b/components/esp32/dport_access.c
index 261527d317..979553abf8 100644
--- a/components/esp32/dport_access.c
+++ b/components/esp32/dport_access.c
@@ -173,6 +173,7 @@ void esp_dport_access_int_init(void)
 #ifndef CONFIG_FREERTOS_UNICORE
     portBASE_TYPE res = xTaskCreatePinnedToCore(&dport_access_init_core, "dport", configMINIMAL_STACK_SIZE, NULL, 5, NULL, xPortGetCoreID());
     assert(res == pdTRUE);
+    (void)res;
 #endif
 }
 
diff --git a/components/esp32/esp_himem.c b/components/esp32/esp_himem.c
index be6d8d9222..d2f413092d 100644
--- a/components/esp32/esp_himem.c
+++ b/components/esp32/esp_himem.c
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ static inline int rangeblock_idx_valid(int rangeblock_idx)
 
 static void set_bank(int virt_bank, int phys_bank, int ct)
 {
-    int r;
+    int r __attribute__((unused));
     r = cache_sram_mmu_set( 0, 0, SOC_EXTRAM_DATA_LOW + CACHE_BLOCKSIZE * virt_bank, phys_bank * CACHE_BLOCKSIZE, 32, ct );
     assert(r == 0);
     r = cache_sram_mmu_set( 1, 0, SOC_EXTRAM_DATA_LOW + CACHE_BLOCKSIZE * virt_bank, phys_bank * CACHE_BLOCKSIZE, 32, ct );
diff --git a/components/esp32c3/crosscore_int.c b/components/esp32c3/crosscore_int.c
index dad7673969..e704b33914 100644
--- a/components/esp32c3/crosscore_int.c
+++ b/components/esp32c3/crosscore_int.c
@@ -66,8 +66,7 @@ void esp_crosscore_int_init(void)
     portENTER_CRITICAL(&reason_spinlock);
     reason[cpu_hal_get_core_id()] = 0;
     portEXIT_CRITICAL(&reason_spinlock);
-    esp_err_t err = esp_intr_alloc(ETS_FROM_CPU_INTR0_SOURCE, ESP_INTR_FLAG_IRAM, esp_crosscore_isr, (void *)&reason[0], NULL);
-    assert(err == ESP_OK);
+    ESP_ERROR_CHECK(esp_intr_alloc(ETS_FROM_CPU_INTR0_SOURCE, ESP_INTR_FLAG_IRAM, esp_crosscore_isr, (void *)&reason[0], NULL));
 }
 
 static void IRAM_ATTR esp_crosscore_int_send(int core_id, uint32_t reason_mask)
diff --git a/components/esp32s3/crosscore_int.c b/components/esp32s3/crosscore_int.c
index ea8c45414a..ed963992ee 100644
--- a/components/esp32s3/crosscore_int.c
+++ b/components/esp32s3/crosscore_int.c
@@ -73,13 +73,11 @@ void esp_crosscore_int_init(void)
     portENTER_CRITICAL(&reason_spinlock);
     reason[cpu_hal_get_core_id()] = 0;
     portEXIT_CRITICAL(&reason_spinlock);
-    esp_err_t err;
     if (cpu_hal_get_core_id() == 0) {
-        err = esp_intr_alloc(ETS_FROM_CPU_INTR0_SOURCE, ESP_INTR_FLAG_IRAM, esp_crosscore_isr, (void *)&reason[0], NULL);
+        ESP_ERROR_CHECK(esp_intr_alloc(ETS_FROM_CPU_INTR0_SOURCE, ESP_INTR_FLAG_IRAM, esp_crosscore_isr, (void *)&reason[0], NULL));
     } else {
-        err = esp_intr_alloc(ETS_FROM_CPU_INTR1_SOURCE, ESP_INTR_FLAG_IRAM, esp_crosscore_isr, (void *)&reason[1], NULL);
+        ESP_ERROR_CHECK(esp_intr_alloc(ETS_FROM_CPU_INTR1_SOURCE, ESP_INTR_FLAG_IRAM, esp_crosscore_isr, (void *)&reason[1], NULL));
     }
-    assert(err == ESP_OK);
 }
 
 static void IRAM_ATTR esp_crosscore_int_send(int core_id, uint32_t reason_mask)
diff --git a/components/esp_adc_cal/esp_adc_cal_esp32s2.c b/components/esp_adc_cal/esp_adc_cal_esp32s2.c
index 08532ba451..f3d058ccdf 100644
--- a/components/esp_adc_cal/esp_adc_cal_esp32s2.c
+++ b/components/esp_adc_cal/esp_adc_cal_esp32s2.c
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ esp_adc_cal_value_t esp_adc_cal_characterize(adc_unit_t adc_num,
         uint32_t default_vref,
         esp_adc_cal_characteristics_t *chars)
 {
-    bool res;
+    bool res __attribute__((unused));
     adc_calib_parsed_info efuse_parsed_data = {0};
     // Check parameters
     assert((adc_num == ADC_UNIT_1) || (adc_num == ADC_UNIT_2));
diff --git a/components/esp_hw_support/port/esp32c3/rtc_init.c b/components/esp_hw_support/port/esp32c3/rtc_init.c
index f6f952c04b..cfefb9ea79 100644
--- a/components/esp_hw_support/port/esp32c3/rtc_init.c
+++ b/components/esp_hw_support/port/esp32c3/rtc_init.c
@@ -193,8 +193,7 @@ static void set_ocode_by_efuse(int calib_version)
     assert(calib_version == 1);
     // use efuse ocode.
     uint32_t ocode;
-    esp_err_t err = esp_efuse_read_field_blob(ESP_EFUSE_OCODE, &ocode, 8);
-    assert(err == ESP_OK);
+    ESP_ERROR_CHECK(esp_efuse_read_field_blob(ESP_EFUSE_OCODE, &ocode, 8));
     REGI2C_WRITE_MASK(I2C_ULP, I2C_ULP_EXT_CODE, ocode);
     REGI2C_WRITE_MASK(I2C_ULP, I2C_ULP_IR_FORCE_CODE, 1);
 }
diff --git a/components/esp_ipc/ipc.c b/components/esp_ipc/ipc.c
index 4ec94b16ec..7d63d6f87f 100644
--- a/components/esp_ipc/ipc.c
+++ b/components/esp_ipc/ipc.c
@@ -95,6 +95,7 @@ static void esp_ipc_init(void)
         portBASE_TYPE res = xTaskCreatePinnedToCore(ipc_task, task_name, CONFIG_ESP_IPC_TASK_STACK_SIZE, (void*) i,
                                                     configMAX_PRIORITIES - 1, &s_ipc_task_handle[i], i);
         assert(res == pdTRUE);
+        (void)res;
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/components/esp_pm/pm_impl.c b/components/esp_pm/pm_impl.c
index 3e64133f12..2f9173f34b 100644
--- a/components/esp_pm/pm_impl.c
+++ b/components/esp_pm/pm_impl.c
@@ -288,7 +288,7 @@ esp_err_t esp_pm_configure(const void* vconfig)
 
     portENTER_CRITICAL(&s_switch_lock);
 
-    bool res = false;
+    bool res __attribute__((unused));
     res = rtc_clk_cpu_freq_mhz_to_config(max_freq_mhz, &s_cpu_freq_by_mode[PM_MODE_CPU_MAX]);
     assert(res);
     res = rtc_clk_cpu_freq_mhz_to_config(apb_max_freq, &s_cpu_freq_by_mode[PM_MODE_APB_MAX]);
diff --git a/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32/clk.c b/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32/clk.c
index 720c0e9b26..ebd4e6de24 100644
--- a/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32/clk.c
+++ b/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32/clk.c
@@ -192,7 +192,9 @@ static void select_rtc_slow_clk(slow_clk_sel_t slow_clk)
         esp_rom_uart_tx_wait_idle(CONFIG_ESP_CONSOLE_UART_NUM);
     }
 
-    rtc_clk_cpu_freq_set_config(&new_config);
+    if (res) {
+        rtc_clk_cpu_freq_set_config(&new_config);
+    }
 
     // Re calculate the ccount to make time calculation correct.
     cpu_hal_set_cycle_count( (uint64_t)cpu_hal_get_cycle_count() * new_freq_mhz / old_freq_mhz );
diff --git a/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32c3/clk.c b/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32c3/clk.c
index 2f9d42c589..3b442a2332 100644
--- a/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32c3/clk.c
+++ b/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32c3/clk.c
@@ -133,7 +133,9 @@ static const char *TAG = "clk";
     // when switching APB frequency
     esp_rom_uart_tx_wait_idle(CONFIG_ESP_CONSOLE_UART_NUM);
 
-    rtc_clk_cpu_freq_set_config(&new_config);
+    if (res)  {
+        rtc_clk_cpu_freq_set_config(&new_config);
+    }
 
     // Re calculate the ccount to make time calculation correct.
     cpu_hal_set_cycle_count( (uint64_t)cpu_hal_get_cycle_count() * new_freq_mhz / old_freq_mhz );
diff --git a/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32s2/clk.c b/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32s2/clk.c
index 688e0ec076..bf8a12a4cb 100644
--- a/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32s2/clk.c
+++ b/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32s2/clk.c
@@ -136,7 +136,9 @@ static void select_rtc_slow_clk(slow_clk_sel_t slow_clk);
         esp_rom_uart_tx_wait_idle(CONFIG_ESP_CONSOLE_UART_NUM);
     }
 
-    rtc_clk_cpu_freq_set_config(&new_config);
+    if (res) {
+        rtc_clk_cpu_freq_set_config(&new_config);
+    }
 
     // Re calculate the ccount to make time calculation correct.
     cpu_hal_set_cycle_count( (uint64_t)cpu_hal_get_cycle_count() * new_freq_mhz / old_freq_mhz );
diff --git a/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32s3/clk.c b/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32s3/clk.c
index 05b9df6bde..0478452f42 100644
--- a/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32s3/clk.c
+++ b/components/esp_system/port/soc/esp32s3/clk.c
@@ -131,7 +131,9 @@ static void select_rtc_slow_clk(slow_clk_sel_t slow_clk);
         esp_rom_uart_tx_wait_idle(CONFIG_ESP_CONSOLE_UART_NUM);
     }
 
-    rtc_clk_cpu_freq_set_config(&new_config);
+    if (res) {
+        rtc_clk_cpu_freq_set_config(&new_config);
+    }
 
     // Re calculate the ccount to make time calculation correct.
     cpu_hal_set_cycle_count( (uint64_t)cpu_hal_get_cycle_count() * new_freq_mhz / old_freq_mhz );
diff --git a/components/esp_system/sleep_modes.c b/components/esp_system/sleep_modes.c
index 3ead495f10..1cb5e1e127 100644
--- a/components/esp_system/sleep_modes.c
+++ b/components/esp_system/sleep_modes.c
@@ -927,7 +927,7 @@ touch_pad_t esp_sleep_get_touchpad_wakeup_status(void)
     touch_pad_t pad_num;
     esp_err_t ret = touch_pad_get_wakeup_status(&pad_num); //TODO 723diff commit id:fda9ada1b
     assert(ret == ESP_OK && "wakeup reason is RTC_TOUCH_TRIG_EN but SENS_TOUCH_MEAS_EN is zero");
-    return pad_num;
+    return (ret == ESP_OK) ? pad_num : TOUCH_PAD_MAX;
 }
 
 #endif // SOC_TOUCH_SENSOR_NUM > 0
@@ -1097,7 +1097,7 @@ esp_err_t esp_deep_sleep_enable_gpio_wakeup(uint64_t gpio_pin_mask, esp_deepslee
             return ESP_ERR_INVALID_ARG;
         }
         err = gpio_deep_sleep_wakeup_enable(gpio_idx, intr_type);
-        
+
         s_config.gpio_wakeup_mask |= BIT(gpio_idx);
         if (mode == ESP_GPIO_WAKEUP_GPIO_HIGH) {
             s_config.gpio_trigger_mode |= (mode << gpio_idx);
diff --git a/components/esp_system/startup.c b/components/esp_system/startup.c
index 43862691d5..ebe2d985f9 100644
--- a/components/esp_system/startup.c
+++ b/components/esp_system/startup.c
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@ static void do_core_init(void)
     esp_secure_boot_init_checks();
 #endif
 
-    esp_err_t err;
+    esp_err_t err __attribute__((unused));
 
 #if CONFIG_SECURE_DISABLE_ROM_DL_MODE
     err = esp_efuse_disable_rom_download_mode();
@@ -323,6 +323,7 @@ static void do_core_init(void)
     esp_flash_app_init();
     esp_err_t flash_ret = esp_flash_init_default_chip();
     assert(flash_ret == ESP_OK);
+    (void)flash_ret;
 }
 
 static void do_secondary_init(void)
diff --git a/components/freertos/port/port_common.c b/components/freertos/port/port_common.c
index b80c82a1b0..293f824ed8 100644
--- a/components/freertos/port/port_common.c
+++ b/components/freertos/port/port_common.c
@@ -83,6 +83,7 @@ void esp_startup_start_app_common(void)
 												ESP_TASK_MAIN_STACK, NULL,
 												ESP_TASK_MAIN_PRIO, NULL, 0);
 	assert(res == pdTRUE);
+	(void)res;
 }
 
 static void main_task(void* args)
diff --git a/components/freertos/port/riscv/include/freertos/FreeRTOSConfig.h b/components/freertos/port/riscv/include/freertos/FreeRTOSConfig.h
index 83d8e8bfe8..62ca5ce488 100644
--- a/components/freertos/port/riscv/include/freertos/FreeRTOSConfig.h
+++ b/components/freertos/port/riscv/include/freertos/FreeRTOSConfig.h
@@ -91,14 +91,15 @@
 #include <stdlib.h> /* for abort() */
 #include "esp32c3/rom/ets_sys.h"
 
-#if defined(CONFIG_FREERTOS_ASSERT_DISABLE)
-#define configASSERT(a) /* assertions disabled */
-#elif defined(CONFIG_FREERTOS_ASSERT_FAIL_PRINT_CONTINUE)
+// If CONFIG_FREERTOS_ASSERT_DISABLE is set then configASSERT is defined empty later in FreeRTOS.h and the macro
+// configASSERT_DEFINED remains unset (meaning some warnings are avoided)
+
+#if defined(CONFIG_FREERTOS_ASSERT_FAIL_PRINT_CONTINUE)
 #define configASSERT(a) if (unlikely(!(a))) {                               \
         esp_rom_printf("%s:%d (%s)- assert failed!\n", __FILE__, __LINE__,  \
                    __FUNCTION__);                                           \
     }
-#else /* CONFIG_FREERTOS_ASSERT_FAIL_ABORT */
+#elif defined(CONFIG_FREERTOS_ASSERT_FAIL_ABORT)
 #define configASSERT(a) if (unlikely(!(a))) {                               \
         esp_rom_printf("%s:%d (%s)- assert failed!\n", __FILE__, __LINE__,  \
                    __FUNCTION__);                                           \
diff --git a/components/freertos/port/riscv/port.c b/components/freertos/port/riscv/port.c
index f327e0775b..26b07bdee9 100644
--- a/components/freertos/port/riscv/port.c
+++ b/components/freertos/port/riscv/port.c
@@ -148,8 +148,7 @@ void vPortExitCritical(void)
 void vPortSetupTimer(void)
 {
     /* set system timer interrupt vector */
-    esp_err_t err = esp_intr_alloc(ETS_SYSTIMER_TARGET0_EDGE_INTR_SOURCE, ESP_INTR_FLAG_IRAM, vPortSysTickHandler, NULL, NULL);
-    assert(err == ESP_OK);
+    ESP_ERROR_CHECK(esp_intr_alloc(ETS_SYSTIMER_TARGET0_EDGE_INTR_SOURCE, ESP_INTR_FLAG_IRAM, vPortSysTickHandler, NULL, NULL));
 
     /* configure the timer */
     systimer_hal_init();
diff --git a/components/freertos/port/xtensa/include/freertos/FreeRTOSConfig.h b/components/freertos/port/xtensa/include/freertos/FreeRTOSConfig.h
index 7b7d69437f..7aae48374f 100644
--- a/components/freertos/port/xtensa/include/freertos/FreeRTOSConfig.h
+++ b/components/freertos/port/xtensa/include/freertos/FreeRTOSConfig.h
@@ -131,14 +131,15 @@ int xt_clock_freq(void) __attribute__((deprecated));
 #include "esp32c3/rom/ets_sys.h"
 #endif
 
-#if defined(CONFIG_FREERTOS_ASSERT_DISABLE)
-#define configASSERT(a) /* assertions disabled */
-#elif defined(CONFIG_FREERTOS_ASSERT_FAIL_PRINT_CONTINUE)
-#define configASSERT(a) if (unlikely(!(a))) {                               \
+// If CONFIG_FREERTOS_ASSERT_DISABLE is set then configASSERT is defined empty later in FreeRTOS.h and the macro
+// configASSERT_DEFINED remains unset (meaning some warnings are avoided)
+
+#if defined(CONFIG_FREERTOS_ASSERT_FAIL_PRINT_CONTINUE)
+#define configASSERT(a) if (unlikely(!(a))) {                           \
         esp_rom_printf("%s:%d (%s)- assert failed!\n", __FILE__, __LINE__,  \
                    __FUNCTION__);                                           \
     }
-#else /* CONFIG_FREERTOS_ASSERT_FAIL_ABORT */
+#elif defined(CONFIG_FREERTOS_ASSERT_FAIL_ABORT)
 #define configASSERT(a) if (unlikely(!(a))) {                               \
         esp_rom_printf("%s:%d (%s)- assert failed!\n", __FILE__, __LINE__,  \
                    __FUNCTION__);                                           \
diff --git a/components/freertos/tasks.c b/components/freertos/tasks.c
index 585224ca9a..0d1a6313b6 100644
--- a/components/freertos/tasks.c
+++ b/components/freertos/tasks.c
@@ -1935,6 +1935,7 @@ static void prvAddNewTaskToReadyList( TCB_t *pxNewTCB, TaskFunction_t pxTaskCode
 				taskEXIT_CRITICAL(&xTaskQueueMutex);
 
 				configASSERT( suspended == 0 );
+				(void)suspended;
 				portYIELD_WITHIN_API();
 			}
 			else
diff --git a/components/hal/esp32s2/usbh_hal.c b/components/hal/esp32s2/usbh_hal.c
index b00a08ae8e..5dd25b9ca8 100644
--- a/components/hal/esp32s2/usbh_hal.c
+++ b/components/hal/esp32s2/usbh_hal.c
@@ -141,8 +141,10 @@ void usbh_hal_init(usbh_hal_context_t *hal)
 {
     //Check if a peripheral is alive by reading the core ID registers
     usbh_dev_t *dev = &USBH;
+#ifndef NDEBUG
     uint32_t core_id = usb_ll_get_controller_core_id(dev);
     assert(core_id == CORE_REG_GSNPSID);
+#endif
     //Initialize HAL context
     memset(hal, 0, sizeof(usbh_hal_context_t));
     hal->dev = dev;
diff --git a/components/hal/sdio_slave_hal.c b/components/hal/sdio_slave_hal.c
index b6dfed6fc9..43a1bdfb86 100644
--- a/components/hal/sdio_slave_hal.c
+++ b/components/hal/sdio_slave_hal.c
@@ -178,7 +178,7 @@ void sdio_slave_hal_hw_init(sdio_slave_context_t *hal)
 static esp_err_t init_send_queue(sdio_slave_context_t *hal)
 {
     esp_err_t ret;
-    esp_err_t rcv_res;
+    esp_err_t rcv_res __attribute((unused));
     sdio_ringbuf_t *buf = &(hal->send_desc_queue);
 
     //initialize pointers
diff --git a/components/heap/heap_caps.c b/components/heap/heap_caps.c
index 07cc258e70..546376eedd 100644
--- a/components/heap/heap_caps.c
+++ b/components/heap/heap_caps.c
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ static esp_alloc_failed_hook_t alloc_failed_callback;
 IRAM_ATTR static void *dram_alloc_to_iram_addr(void *addr, size_t len)
 {
     uintptr_t dstart = (uintptr_t)addr; //First word
-    uintptr_t dend = dstart + len - 4; //Last word
+    uintptr_t dend __attribute__((unused)) = dstart + len - 4; //Last word
     assert(esp_ptr_in_diram_dram((void *)dstart));
     assert(esp_ptr_in_diram_dram((void *)dend));
     assert((dstart & 3) == 0);
diff --git a/components/libsodium/CMakeLists.txt b/components/libsodium/CMakeLists.txt
index 2c1f10c313..5be92e7164 100644
--- a/components/libsodium/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/components/libsodium/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -173,3 +173,8 @@ set_source_files_properties(
     PROPERTIES COMPILE_FLAGS
     -DRANDOMBYTES_DEFAULT_IMPLEMENTATION
 )
+
+if(CONFIG_COMPILER_OPTIMIZATION_ASSERTIONS_DISABLE)
+    # some libsodium variables are only used for asserts
+    target_compile_options(${COMPONENT_LIB} PRIVATE -Wno-unused-but-set-variable)
+endif()
diff --git a/components/lwip/port/esp32/freertos/sys_arch.c b/components/lwip/port/esp32/freertos/sys_arch.c
index 9319fa9f2b..1832e2283b 100644
--- a/components/lwip/port/esp32/freertos/sys_arch.c
+++ b/components/lwip/port/esp32/freertos/sys_arch.c
@@ -82,6 +82,7 @@ sys_mutex_lock(sys_mutex_t *pxMutex)
   BaseType_t ret = xSemaphoreTake(*pxMutex, portMAX_DELAY);
 
   LWIP_ASSERT("failed to take the mutex", ret == pdTRUE);
+  (void)ret;
 }
 
 /**
@@ -95,6 +96,7 @@ sys_mutex_unlock(sys_mutex_t *pxMutex)
   BaseType_t ret = xSemaphoreGive(*pxMutex);
 
   LWIP_ASSERT("failed to give the mutex", ret == pdTRUE);
+  (void)ret;
 }
 
 /**
@@ -134,6 +136,7 @@ sys_sem_new(sys_sem_t *sem, u8_t count)
   if (count == 1) {
       BaseType_t ret = xSemaphoreGive(*sem);
       LWIP_ASSERT("sys_sem_new: initial give failed", ret == pdTRUE);
+      (void)ret;
   }
 
   return ERR_OK;
@@ -151,6 +154,7 @@ sys_sem_signal(sys_sem_t *sem)
   /* queue full is OK, this is a signal only... */
   LWIP_ASSERT("sys_sem_signal: sane return value",
              (ret == pdTRUE) || (ret == errQUEUE_FULL));
+  (void)ret;
 }
 
 /*-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
@@ -247,6 +251,7 @@ sys_mbox_post(sys_mbox_t *mbox, void *msg)
 {
   BaseType_t ret = xQueueSendToBack((*mbox)->os_mbox, &msg, portMAX_DELAY);
   LWIP_ASSERT("mbox post failed", ret == pdTRUE);
+  (void)ret;
 }
 
 /**
@@ -386,6 +391,8 @@ sys_mbox_free(sys_mbox_t *mbox)
   vQueueDelete((*mbox)->os_mbox);
   free(*mbox);
   *mbox = NULL;
+
+  (void)msgs_waiting;
 }
 
 /**
diff --git a/components/mbedtls/port/sha/esp_sha.c b/components/mbedtls/port/sha/esp_sha.c
index 0940ed1320..82a7ac1d0d 100644
--- a/components/mbedtls/port/sha/esp_sha.c
+++ b/components/mbedtls/port/sha/esp_sha.c
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ void esp_sha(esp_sha_type sha_type, const unsigned char *input, size_t ilen, uns
 #endif
     } ctx;
 
-    int ret;
+    int ret __attribute__((unused));
     assert(input != NULL && output != NULL);
 
 #if SOC_SHA_SUPPORT_SHA1
diff --git a/components/nvs_flash/src/nvs_storage.cpp b/components/nvs_flash/src/nvs_storage.cpp
index 52952b7a38..ee04d869d3 100644
--- a/components/nvs_flash/src/nvs_storage.cpp
+++ b/components/nvs_flash/src/nvs_storage.cpp
@@ -455,10 +455,9 @@ esp_err_t Storage::readMultiPageBlob(uint8_t nsIndex, const char* key, void* dat
 
     uint8_t chunkCount = item.blobIndex.chunkCount;
     VerOffset chunkStart = item.blobIndex.chunkStart;
-    size_t readSize = item.blobIndex.dataSize;
     size_t offset = 0;
 
-    assert(dataSize == readSize);
+    assert(dataSize == item.blobIndex.dataSize);
 
     /* Now read corresponding chunks */
     for (uint8_t chunkNum = 0; chunkNum < chunkCount; chunkNum++) {
diff --git a/components/protobuf-c/CMakeLists.txt b/components/protobuf-c/CMakeLists.txt
index 1801093194..0bca78fce1 100644
--- a/components/protobuf-c/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/components/protobuf-c/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -1,2 +1,7 @@
 idf_component_register(SRCS "protobuf-c/protobuf-c/protobuf-c.c"
                     INCLUDE_DIRS protobuf-c)
+
+if(CONFIG_COMPILER_OPTIMIZATION_ASSERTIONS_DISABLE)
+   # some variables are only used by asserts
+   target_compile_options(${COMPONENT_LIB} PRIVATE -Wno-unused-but-set-variable)
+endif()
diff --git a/components/spi_flash/cache_utils.c b/components/spi_flash/cache_utils.c
index 4418a7273f..a71dd0acac 100644
--- a/components/spi_flash/cache_utils.c
+++ b/components/spi_flash/cache_utils.c
@@ -152,8 +152,8 @@ void IRAM_ATTR spi_flash_disable_interrupts_caches_and_other_cpu(void)
         // Signal to the spi_flash_op_block_task on the other CPU that we need it to
         // disable cache there and block other tasks from executing.
         s_flash_op_can_start = false;
-        esp_err_t ret = esp_ipc_call(other_cpuid, &spi_flash_op_block_func, (void *) other_cpuid);
-        assert(ret == ESP_OK);
+        ESP_ERROR_CHECK(esp_ipc_call(other_cpuid, &spi_flash_op_block_func, (void *) other_cpuid));
+
         while (!s_flash_op_can_start) {
             // Busy loop and wait for spi_flash_op_block_func to disable cache
             // on the other CPU
diff --git a/components/wpa_supplicant/src/esp_supplicant/esp_wpa_main.c b/components/wpa_supplicant/src/esp_supplicant/esp_wpa_main.c
index f2fad8643f..7e333c20bf 100644
--- a/components/wpa_supplicant/src/esp_supplicant/esp_wpa_main.c
+++ b/components/wpa_supplicant/src/esp_supplicant/esp_wpa_main.c
@@ -177,6 +177,7 @@ void  wpa_sta_connect(uint8_t *bssid)
     wpa_config_profile();
     ret = wpa_config_bss(bssid);
     WPA_ASSERT(ret == 0);
+    (void)ret;
 }
 
 int wpa_parse_wpa_ie_wrapper(const u8 *wpa_ie, size_t wpa_ie_len, wifi_wpa_ie_t *data)