IntermediateTopic 64 of 104Software & Computing
Compilers and interpreters
Translate source code to executable form through lexing, parsing and code generation.
In depth
A compiler translates source code to machine code through lexing, parsing (AST), semantic analysis, optimisation and code generation; interpreters execute directly, often with JIT compilation. Bytecode VMs (JVM, CPython) sit between. Optimisations: inlining, loop unrolling, dead-code elimination.
Key points
- Front end and back end
- LLVM IR
- Static vs dynamic linking
Examplegcc -O2 compiles C with optimisation.
What is Compilers and interpreters?
Translate source code to executable form through lexing, parsing and code generation.
Why is it important to understand compilers and interpreters?
Compilers and interpreters turn source code into something a machine can run, so understanding them explains errors and performance.
What are the phases of a compiler?
Lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis, intermediate code generation, optimisation and code generation.
What is the difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
A compiler translates the whole program before running it, while an interpreter executes the source step by step.
How is Compilers and interpreters used in practice?
Typical applications include understanding why a compiler reports a type error before the program runs, choosing between an interpreted script and a compiled program for speed and using an optimiser flag to speed up a numerical code.
What should I learn before Compilers and interpreters?
Study "Virtualisation and containers" first (topic 63 of 104 in Software & Computing). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Compilers and interpreters?
Front end and back end. LLVM IR. Static vs dynamic linking.
Can you give an example of Compilers and interpreters?
gcc -O2 compiles C with optimisation.
What comes after Compilers and interpreters?
The next topic is "Computer networks", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Compilers and interpreters?
It is classed as Intermediate in Software & Computing (topic 64 of 104). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Software & Computing first.