Superb compilers under pressure as leaders in their field (4-7)
I believe the answer is:
pace-setters
'leaders in their field' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't tell whether it can be defined by this definition.
'superb compilers under pressure' is the wordplay.
'superb' becomes 'ace' (ace can informally mean very good).
'compilers' becomes 'setters' (compilers or setters of cryptic crosswords).
'under' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (in a down clue, some letters go below others).
'pressure' becomes 'p' (abbreviation).
'ace'+'setters'='acesetters'
'acesetters' after 'p' is 'PACE-SETTERS'.
'as' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for pace-setters that I've seen is " Those who make the going at the start of a race".)