- Published on
Interpreted vs Compiled Programming Languages
- Authors
The Difference Between Compilation and Interpretation
The difference between compilation and interpretation lies in how a program's source code is translated into machine code (that a computer can execute).
🛠️ Compilation
- A compiler translates the entire program before execution.
- The output is a standalone executable (machine code).
- After compilation, the source code is not needed to run the program.
✅ Key Features:
- Fast execution (once compiled)
- Errors are shown all at once
- Example languages: C, C++, Go, Rust
🔁 Process:
Source Code (C) → [Compiler] → Machine Code → Run
🧪 Interpretation
- An interpreter translates and executes code line by line.
- No separate machine code file is created.
- Source code is needed every time you run the program.
✅ Key Features:
- Slower execution
- Easier debugging (stops at first error)
- Example languages: Python, JavaScript, Ruby
🔁 Process:
Source Code (Python) → [Interpreter] → Run Line-by-Line
⚖️ Comparison Table:
| Feature | Compilation | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Translation Time | Before execution (once) | During execution |
| Speed | Fast (after compilation) | Slower |
| Error Detection | All at once | One at a time |
| Output | Executable file | No separate file |
| Requires source code to run | No | Yes |
🧩 Hybrid Example:
Java uses both:
- Compiled to bytecode (by compiler)
- Then interpreted/executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
Let me know if you’d like visual diagrams or code examples!