Compare and contrast the usage of compiler and interpreter in program translation with reason
Compiler Interpreter
Definition A compiler is a program that translates source code written in a high-level language into machine code that can be directly executed by a computer.
An interpreter is a program that translates and executes source code line by line in real time without creating an intermediate file.
Speed Compilers are generally faster than interpreters, as they translate the entire source code into machine code before execution.
Interpreters are generally slower than compilers, as they need to translate and execute each line of code in real time.
Memory usage Compilers usually require more memory than interpreters, as they need to create an intermediate file containing the translated machine code.
Interpreters usually require less memory than compilers, as they do not need to create an intermediate file and can execute the code directly.
Debugging Compilers are generally more difficult to debug than interpreters, as errors in the machine code can be harder to trace back to the original source code.
Interpreters are generally easier to debug than compilers, as they can provide immediate feedback on errors in the source code.
Portability Compiled programs are usually less portable than interpreted programs, as they are specific to the machine code for a particular type of hardware.
Interpreted programs are usually more portable than compiled programs, as the interpreter can run on different platforms and execute the same source code.
Overall, compilers are often more efficient for large and complex programs, while interpreters are more suitable for smaller programs and for development purposes where immediate feedback is needed.