Interpreters and Compilers

In the computer programming world, there are a number of tools available that can facilitate computer programming. In this commentary, we shall focus on two of these programming tools. These programming tools are applications called compilers and interpreters. Compilers and interpreters are applications that take high-level language applications and convert them into the 1s and 0s that computers comprehend, enabling the computers to execute the applications.

So then, one might ask what the difference is. A compiler application will interpret a full source application into machine code. The compiler then compiles the entire source and generates a finished and compiled version of the file. The programmer can then save the new version of the application on a storage medium. In addition, only after the application is completely converted can a computer execute the application. If the programmer modifies the source code, the programmer will need to recompile.

Conversely, an interpreter application furnishes the CPU the techniques to understand and execute an application formulated in source language line by line. As the initial line is converted and executed as it is encounters the interpreter. The interpreter then moves to the second string of source code and replicates the procedure. In addition, the interpreter is an application that is loaded into memory in conjunction with the source program. Furthermore, the application retrieves and executes the statements from the source application in sequence. Lastly, copies of the translation exist; therefore, the interpreter application must interpret the source application if it is to be re-executed.

Even though both applications make programming easier, programmers should also consider a couple other facts before choosing between an interpreter and a compiler. These facts are:

• Since the interpreter loads into memory, a reduced amount of space is available during execution. On the other hand, a compiler only loads into memory during the compilation phase; therefore, only the machine code inhabits in memory during execution.
• Re-executing compiled files do require the use of the compiler on every occasion; whereas interpreted language requires interpreting any time the application executes.
• Machine code applications run quicker than interpreted programs.
• Modifications are faster and unproblematic interpreted application than a compiled one.

Once the programmer chooses between a compiler and an interpreter, the programmer must then choose an interpreter application or compiler application to utilize. Utilizing the internet can simplify a programmer’s efforts to finding a compiler or an interpreter. The internet provides a variety of websites, like CNet, that provide access to compilers and interpreters that are free or that are available for purchase.  CNet provides a variety of compilers and interpreters for languages such as BASIC, Pascal, C, and C++. Some of the more popular compilers and interpreters are:

• Dev-C++
• Bat To Exe Converter
• Silverfrost FTN95
• ActivePerl (Windows)
• Intel Visual Fortran Composer XE
• Advanced BAT to EXE Converter
• Digital Mars C/C++ Compiler
• Net Express with .NET

A key fact a programmer must keep in mind when searching for an interpreter or compiler is that the compiler or interpreter must be compatible with the language that the programmer is developing the application source code.