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All 5 Flashcards — Interpreters and compilers
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Question
Compiler or interpreter — what is the difference?
Answer
A **compiler** translates the whole program in advance into an executable. An **interpreter** translates and executes **line by line**, every run.
Question
When is a syntax error reported by each?
Answer
**Compiler**: before the program runs, all at once. **Interpreter**: only when execution **reaches that line**.
Question
Why is interpreted code slower?
Answer
Translation happens **while it runs**, every time. Compiled code was already machine code before it started.
Question
What is bytecode for?
Answer
A compromise — compile **once** to an intermediate form, then run it on a virtual machine per platform. The compiler's checking with the interpreter's portability.
Question
Do compilers or interpreters catch logic errors?
Answer
**Neither.** Both run a wrong answer happily — they check the language's rules, not your intentions.
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Topic 1.4 hub
Translation
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