Language Translators

Need to know

What you need to know

• **Compiler:** Scans the entire program first. It translates the whole source code into a standalone executable file (object code). This file can be run multiple times without re-compilation. Any errors are reported all at once after the entire scan.
• **Interpreter:** Processes the program line by line. It translates and executes the first line, then the second, and so on. It does not create a separate executable file. An error will halt execution at the line where the error occurred.
• **Execution Speed:** Compiled programs generally run much faster because the translation is already done. Interpreted programs are slower as translation happens during execution.
• **Distribution:** Compiled programs are easy to distribute as a single executable file. The end-user does not need the compiler. Interpreted programs require the user to have the interpreter installed.
• **Debugging:** Interpreters are often better for debugging as they pinpoint errors on the exact line they occur. Compilers report a list of errors which can sometimes be harder to trace back to the original cause.
• **Platform Dependence:** A compiled executable is specific to a CPU architecture and operating system. An interpreted program can run on any platform that has the correct interpreter available.

Explanation

From Human Code to Machine Speak

1. A programmer writes source code in a high-level language like Python or Java.
2. The source code is fed into a language translator program (e.g., a compiler or an interpreter).
3. The translator converts the code. A compiler creates a complete, standalone executable file of machine code. An interpreter translates and runs the code line by line.
4. The CPU executes the resulting machine code, carrying out the program's instructions.