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Compiled languages v.s. Interpreted languages

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KT
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Compiled languages are languages where the source code is compiled into machine code before it is executed by the computer. This means that the code is translated into binary code that can be executed directly by the computer's processor. The resulting machine code can be saved as an executable file that can be run on the target computer.

Interpreted languages, on the other hand, are languages where the source code is interpreted by an interpreter at runtime. The interpreter reads the code line by line and executes it, without creating a separate executable file. This means that the code is not compiled into machine code before execution, but is interpreted and executed at runtime.

Let's take a closer look at the differences between these two types of languages.

Compiled Languages:

  1. Compilation Process: In compiled languages, the source code is compiled into machine code by a compiler. The compiler reads the entire source code and generates an executable file that can be run on the target computer. The resulting executable file contains machine code that can be executed directly by the computer's processor.

  2. Execution Speed: One of the main advantages of compiled languages is their execution speed. Since the code is already compiled into machine code, it can be executed directly by the processor without any further processing. This means that compiled programs can run faster than interpreted programs.

  3. Portability: Compiled languages can be compiled to run on a specific operating system and architecture, making them less portable than interpreted languages. This means that if you want to run a compiled program on a different operating system or architecture, you need to recompile it for that system.

  4. Debugging: Debugging can be more difficult in compiled languages since the executable file is generated from the compiled code. This means that it can be harder to track down errors or bugs in the code.

Examples of compiled languages include C, C++, Java, and Swift.

Interpreted Languages:

  1. Interpretation Process: In interpreted languages, the source code is executed by an interpreter. The interpreter reads the code line by line and executes it at runtime. This means that the code is not compiled into machine code before execution, but is interpreted and executed at runtime.

  2. Execution Speed: Interpreted languages are generally slower than compiled languages since the code is not compiled into machine code before execution. However, advances in interpreter technology have made it possible to improve the execution speed of interpreted languages.

  3. Portability: Interpreted languages are more portable than compiled languages since the code is not compiled to run on a specific operating system or architecture. This means that the same code can be run on different platforms without modification.

  4. Debugging: Debugging can be easier in interpreted languages since the interpreter can provide more detailed error messages and can highlight the line of code that is causing the error.

Examples of interpreted languages include Python, Ruby, JavaScript, and PHP.

Compiled languages undergo a process called compilation, where the source code is translated into machine code (also known as object code or executable code) before it is executed. This means that the machine code is generated before the program is run, and the computer can execute it directly during runtime.

On the other hand, interpreted languages are not compiled before runtime. Instead, the source code is interpreted during runtime, with each line of code being executed as it is encountered by the interpreter. This means that there is no separate compilation step before runtime, and the program is executed as it is being interpreted.