What is the primary difference between a compiler and an interpreter?

The primary difference between a compiler and an interpreter centers on how they process source code. When a compiler is used, it translates the entire program from source code into machine code before any of that code is executed. This means that once the compilation process is complete, the resulting machine code can be run directly by the computer's hardware, often resulting in faster execution times during subsequent runs since the translation phase has already been handled.

In contrast, an interpreter translates code line by line, executing each line immediately after translation. This can be beneficial for debugging or for scenarios where immediate execution is desired, but it often leads to slower overall performance because the translation occurs during runtime.

Understanding this distinction is essential for anyone studying programming languages, as it affects how code is executed and the efficiency of programs written in different languages. Compiled languages tend to run faster as they do not require the overhead of interpretation during execution, while interpreted languages often provide greater flexibility and ease of use.