Interpreter
Introduction to Interpreter
- An interpreter is a type of program used to execute other programs.
- It translates source code into machine code, line by line, at the time the program is run.
- Unlike compilers, interpreters do not produce a separate machine code file, but rather execute code directly.
- They are used for scripting and some high-level languages such as Python and PHP.
How Interpreter Works
- The interpreter reads a program’s code one line at a time.
- It translates the source code line into an intermediate representation or directly into machine code.
- Once the line is translated, it is immediately executed.
Advantages of Interpreters
- Interpreters are generally more flexible than compilers as they can execute code interactively.
- Changes in the source program can be tested immediately as no recompiling and linking is necessary.
- They are better for dynamic languages, as they can handle changing conditions at runtime with ease.
Disadvantages of Interpreters
- Programs run by an interpreter generally run more slowly than those run by a compiler as each line must be translated each time it is executed.
- As the source code is needed at runtime, the entire program must be present, which can pose security issues.
Differences between Interpreter and Compiler
- The main difference between a compiler and an interpreter is when and how they translate the source code into machine code.
- A compiler translates the whole program before execution.
- An interpreter translates one line at a time during execution.
Examples of Interpreted Languages
- Examples of languages typically run through an interpreter include Python, Ruby, PHP, and JavaScript.
- Such languages are often used for web development, data analysis, and scripting tasks.
Key Terms
- Interpreter: A program that translates and executes each line of source code one at a time.
- Source Code: The original form of a program in a high-level language that can be read and modified by a programmer.
- Machine Code: Low-level code that can be executed directly by the computer’s processor.
- Dynamic Languages: In the context of interpreted languages, these are languages that allow variable declarations or modifications at runtime.
- Compile: The process of translating high-level source code into machine code that can be executed by a computer.