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Compiler and Interpreter are two different types of programs used for translating programming code into machine-executable code. Although they perform the same task, they have different approaches and functions. Here's an easy explanation of the differences between a Compiler and an Interpreter:
Compiler: A compiler is a program that translates the entire source code of a program into machine-executable code in one go. The compiler reads the entire program, converts it into an object code, and then links it to form a complete executable code. The output generated by the compiler is usually stored in a separate file and can be executed multiple times. Examples of compiled languages are C, C++, and Java.
Interpreter: An interpreter, on the other hand, is a program that reads and executes the source code of a program line by line. The interpreter translates each line of code into machine-executable code and then executes it before moving on to the next line. The output generated by an interpreter is not stored separately and is executed directly from the source code. Examples of interpreted languages are Python, Ruby, and JavaScript.
In summary, the main difference between a compiler and an interpreter is that a compiler translates the entire source code of a program into machine-executable code in one go, while an interpreter reads and executes the source code line by line. Compilers generate a separate executable code, while interpreters execute code directly from the source code. Both compilers and interpreters have their advantages and disadvantages and are suited for different types of programming languages and applications.