Translators

Types of Translators

  • Assembler: Converts assembly language into machine code, which can be executed by a computer.
  • Compiler: Converts high-level programming code into machine code all at once. It checks the entire program and produces error messages for any parts it doesn’t understand.
  • Interpreter: Converts high-level programming code into machine code line-by-line. It will stop if it comes across an error.

Translation Process

  • Lexical Analysis: First stage in translation where the source code is broken down into identifiable tokens such as operators, identifiers, variable types and keywords.
  • Syntax Analysis: This process checks the tokens created in the lexical analysis stage against the syntax of the language.
  • Generation of Intermediate Code: A universally recognised standardised code is generated as a form of ‘middle ground’ between the high-level and machine code.
  • Optimisation: This process streamlines the code where possible to make it faster or take up less space.
  • Code Generation: The final stage where machine code is produced.

Assembler and Compiler vs Interpreter

  • One-shot vs Line-by-Line: Compilers and assemblers translate the whole code in one go, whereas interpreters translate line by line.
  • Execution Time: Compiler and assembler output can be run immediately and therefore run faster than interpreted languages.
  • Error Checking: Compilers perform thorough error checks on all lines before translating, unlike interpreters which stop at the first error.

Benefits of Translators

  • Accessibility: Translators make the computer accessible to people who do not understand machine code.
  • Efficiency: Translated code often runs faster and more efficiently than high-level code.
  • Portability: They can help make code more portable, as some translators can adapt one high-level language to multiple machine languages.

Limitations of Translators

  • Error Propagation: Because compilers and assemblers translate the entire program at once, an error on one line could propagate through the entire program.
  • Execution Speed: Interpreted languages can be slower because they have to translate each individual line of code every time the program is executed.
  • Memory Management: Translated programs will generally require more memory than the same program written directly in machine language.

Translation and IDEs

  • Highlighting Syntax Errors: Many IDEs are configured to work with specific translators and can provide real-time feedback and syntax highlighting to assist developers.
  • Automatic Translation: IDEs often include tools to automatically run translator programs, which saves developers time and effort.
  • Debugging Tools: Most IDEs have debugging tools that work best with code that has been properly translated.