Difference Between Compiler and Interpreter :  Compiler vs Interpreter

Discover the key differences between compilers and interpreters in computer programming. Learn how each one processes code and executes programs.

What Is Compiler

Aspect	Description
Definition	A compiler is a program that translates the source code of a computer program into an executable form that can be run on a machine.
Function	The compiler takes the entire source code and converts it into an object code or executable file, which can be run on a machine.
Output	The output of the compiler is an executable file or object code that can be run on the target machine.
Error handling	A compiler provides detailed error messages when it encounters an error in the source code.
Optimization	A compiler optimizes the code during the translation process, resulting in a faster and more efficient program.
Language support	A compiler supports specific programming languages, such as C, C++, Java, and others.
Build process	A compiler is a part of the build process, which involves creating an executable program from the source code.
Types of compilers	Compilers can be classified into different types, such as source-to-source compilers, just-in-time compilers, and cross-compilers.
Examples of compilers	GCC, Clang, Microsoft Visual C++, and Turbo C are examples of popular compilers.

What Is Interpreter

Aspect	Description
Definition	An interpreter is a program that directly executes instructions written in a high-level programming language without compiling them.
Function	The interpreter reads and executes the source code line by line, without creating a separate executable file.
Output	The output of an interpreter is the result of executing the source code, such as displaying text or running a program.
Error handling	An interpreter provides error messages as it encounters them during the execution of the program.
Optimization	Interpreters do not optimize the code during the execution process, resulting in slower program execution than compiled programs.
Language support	An interpreter supports specific programming languages, such as Python, Ruby, and JavaScript.
Execution process	The interpreter executes the code directly from the source file, without creating an executable file.
Types of interpreters	Interpreters can be classified into different types, such as bytecode interpreters and just-in-time (JIT) compilers.
Examples of interpreters	Python interpreter, Ruby interpreter, JavaScript interpreter, and Perl interpreter are examples of popular interpreters.

Pros and Cons of Compiler and Interpreter

Aspect	Compiler	Interpreter
Speed	Compilers produce faster code as they translate the entire program before execution.	Interpreters are slower as they translate each line of code during runtime.
Debugging	Debugging is more difficult with compilers, as errors often require recompiling the entire program.	Debugging is easier with interpreters, as errors are reported as they occur, and the program can be modified and run again quickly.
Memory Usage	Compilers produce optimized code that uses less memory during execution.	Interpreters often use more memory due to their need to translate code during runtime.
Platform dependency	Compiled code is platform-dependent and requires separate compilation for different platforms.	Interpreted code is platform-independent and can be executed on any platform with the corresponding interpreter installed.
Error Handling	Compiler errors are reported at the end of the compilation process, which can make them difficult to debug.	Interpreters report errors as they occur, making them easier to debug.
Development time	Compiling code can take longer than interpreting it, but once compiled, the program can be executed more quickly.	Interpreting code is fast, but overall program execution may be slower due to the interpreter's runtime translation process.
Program size	Compiled code is smaller in size than interpreted code, as it does not require the interpreter to be packaged with the program.	Interpreted code is larger in size than compiled code, as it includes the interpreter required for runtime translation.
Language support	Compilers support specific programming languages, such as C, C++, Java, and others.	Interpreters support specific programming languages, such as Python, Ruby, and others.
Portability	Compiled code may not be portable across different platforms, making it less flexible.	Interpreted code is highly portable and can run on any platform with the corresponding interpreter installed.
Examples of languages and tools	GCC, Clang, Microsoft Visual C++, and Turbo C are examples of popular compilers.	Python, Ruby, and Node.js are examples of popular interpreters.

Top FAQ's

FAQ's	Answer
Which is faster compiler or interpreter?	Generally, compiled code runs faster than interpreted code. This is because compilers translate the entire program before execution, producing optimized machine code that can be executed directly by the computer's hardware, while interpreters translate and execute code line by line during runtime, which can slow down program execution. However, the performance difference between compilers and interpreters can vary depending on the specific programming language, the nature of the program, and other factors.
Who is first compiler or interpreter?	The first compiler was developed by Grace Hopper in 1952 for the UNIVAC I computer. The first interpreter was developed by Arthur Samuel for the IBM 701 computer in 1957. Therefore, the compiler was developed before the interpreter.
What is the advantage of interpreter vs compiler?	One advantage of using an interpreter over a compiler is that it provides faster feedback during the development process. Interpreters execute code line by line, allowing developers to quickly see the results of their code changes. In contrast, compilers require the entire program to be compiled before it can be executed, which can take longer and provide less immediate feedback. Interpreted code is platform-independent, meaning it can run on any platform that has the corresponding interpreter installed. This makes it easier to develop and distribute programs across different operating systems and devices. Interpreted languages often have a simpler syntax and are easier to learn for beginners. They also typically offer more dynamic features, such as dynamic typing and runtime introspection, which can make programming more flexible and adaptable.
Is Python an interpreter or compiler? /td>	Python is an interpreted language. However, it uses a combination of interpretation and compilation during its execution. When a Python program is executed, it is first compiled into bytecode, which is then interpreted by the Python interpreter. This process allows Python to achieve a balance between the speed of compiled languages and the flexibility of interpreted languages.
Is Java a compiler or interpreter?	Java is both a compiler and an interpreter. When a Java program is compiled, the source code is converted into byte code, which is then executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) interpreter. So, the Java compiler compiles the source code into byte code, and the JVM interpreter executes the byte code.