A compiler is a program that translates the entire source code of a high-level programming language (e.g., C, C++, Java) into machine code or an intermediate code in a single step.
It performs a comprehensive analysis of the source code, checking for syntax errors and translating it into an equivalent executable program or binary file.
The output of a compiler is usually an executable file, which can be run directly on a computer without the need for the original source code.
Compilation typically results in faster program execution because the code is already translated into machine code.
Compiler
An interpreter is a program that reads and executes the source code of a high-level programming language line by line, statement by statement, without creating a separate executable file.
It translates and executes code in real-time, which means that it does not produce an independent executable file.
Interpreters are commonly used in scripting languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript) and are well-suited for tasks like rapid prototyping, debugging, and dynamic, interactive environments.
While interpreters are slower than compilers in terms of execution speed, they provide more flexibility and ease of development.
Interpreter
An assembler is a program that translates assembly language code into machine code.
Assembly language is a low-level programming language that is specific to a particular computer architecture or processor.
The assembler converts human-readable assembly code into binary machine code that can be directly executed by the CPU.
Assemblers are used for programming tasks that require direct hardware control or for optimizing critical sections of code.
Assembly language is typically not as portable or user-friendly as high-level languages, but it offers fine-grained control over hardware resources.
Assembler