What Is Interpreter ? And What Is Compiler ? (IC T1 Q21)

What is interpreter ?

Definition: In computing, an interpreter is a computer program that reads the source code of another computer program and executes that program.

Because it is interpreted line by line, it is a much slower way of running a program than one that has been compiled but is easier for learners because the program can bestopped, modified and rerun without time-consuming compiles.

What is compiler ?

Generally compiling is a term which is often heard by everyone who is associated with programming, even if remotely. A compiler is a program which converts a high level language program/code into binary instructions (machine language) that our computer can interpret, understand and take the appropriate steps to execute the same

The main difference between Compiler and Interpreter :    The compiler executes the entire program at a time, but the interpreter executes each and every line individually.

·         The interpreter takes one statement then translates it and executes it and then takes another statement. While the compiler translates the entire program in one go and then executes it.

·         Compiler generates the error report after the translation of the entire page while an interpreter will stop the translation after it gets the first error.

·         In a compiler the analyzing and processing time of the program is more, while an interpreter spends less time for the program analyzing and processing.

·         Compiler translates the high level instruction into machine language, but the interpreter translates the high level instruction into an intermediate code.