Differences between compiler and interpreter in programming languages

The key difference between a compiler and an interpreter lies in how they process and execute a program’s source code. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

1. Definition

• Compiler: A compiler translates the entire source code of a program into machine code or an intermediate code in one go, creating an executable file (e.g., .exe, .class) that can be run independently.
• Interpreter: An interpreter translates the source code line by line and immediately executes it. It does not generate a separate executable file.

2. Execution Process

• Compiler:
• Scans the entire source code first, checks for errors, and then compiles it all at once.
• Once compiled, the program can be run multiple times without needing the source code or compiler again.
• Errors are reported after the entire code is compiled.

Interpreter:

• Translates and executes the program line by line.
• It needs to be run every time the program is executed, as it doesn’t produce a separate executable file.
• Errors are reported immediately, as they are encountered during the…