Compiler vs interpreter in Compiler Design - Quick Revision & Key Differences

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a compiler?

A compiler is a program that translates the entire source code of a program into machine code before the program runs.

beginner

What is an interpreter?

An interpreter translates and executes the source code line-by-line during program execution.

intermediate

How does a compiler differ from an interpreter in execution speed?

Compiled programs usually run faster because the entire code is translated to machine code beforehand, while interpreted programs run slower as code is translated on the fly.

intermediate

Which type of program (compiler or interpreter) detects errors before running the program?

A compiler detects errors during the compilation process before the program runs, while an interpreter detects errors during execution.

beginner

Give an example of a language typically compiled and one typically interpreted.

C is typically compiled, while Python is typically interpreted.

What does a compiler do?

A Translates entire source code before execution

B Executes code line-by-line

C Runs code without translation

D Only checks syntax without translation

A compiler translates the entire source code into machine code before running the program.

Which is true about an interpreter?

A It only compiles code without running

B It translates code all at once before running

C It translates and runs code line-by-line

D It converts machine code back to source code

An interpreter translates and executes code one line at a time during program execution.

Which usually results in faster program execution?

A Interpreted code

B Compiled code

C Source code

D Untranslated code

Compiled code runs faster because it is fully translated to machine code before execution.

When are errors detected in interpreted programs?

A Errors are not detected

B During compilation

C Before running the program

D During execution

Interpreters detect errors while running the program, line-by-line.

Which language is commonly compiled?

A C

B JavaScript

C Python

D HTML

C is a language that is typically compiled into machine code.

Explain the main difference between a compiler and an interpreter.

Think about when the translation happens and how it affects running the program.

Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of using an interpreter.

Consider how interpreters handle code and errors.