The compiler needs quiet for the grid (4)
I believe the answer is:
mesh
'the grid' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'the compiler needs quiet' is the wordplay.
'the compiler' becomes 'me' (the person who is writing these clues).
'needs' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'quiet' becomes 'sh'.
'me'+'sh'='MESH'
'for' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for mesh that I've seen before include "Get engaged" , "Interconnected configuration" , "Engagement" , "Trap" , "Undeviating" .)