Compare and contrast the usage of compiler and interpreter in program translation with reason and reference with name of author
Compiler and interpreter are two different types of program translation tools used in the field of software development. Both are used to translate high-level programming languages into machine code that can be understood and executed by a computer. However, there are distinct differences between the two in terms of their functions, advantages, and disadvantages.
Compiler:
- A compiler is a program translation tool that translates the entire program at once, converting the source code into machine code before execution.
- Once the compilation process is completed, the resulting executable file can be executed multiple times without the need for re-compilation.
- Compilation typically results in faster program execution as the entire program is converted into machine code in advance.
- However, debugging can be more challenging with compilers as errors are detected only after the compilation process is complete.
Interpreter:
- An interpreter is a program translation tool that translates and executes the source code line by line in real-time.
- Interpreter directly executes the source code without producing an intermediate machine code file.
- Debugging is often easier with interpreters as errors are detected immediately during the execution of the program.
- However, interpreting code can be slower compared to compiling it, as the translation process happens in real-time.
Author's Perspective:
In his book "Concepts of Programming Languages" by Robert W. Sebesta, the author explains the usage of compilers and interpreters in program translation. He discusses how compilers are used to convert high-level source code into machine code, which is later executed by the computer. On the other hand, interpreters translate and execute the source code line by line in real-time. Sebesta also explains the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, highlighting the importance of choosing the right program translation tool based on the requirements of the project.