Section: STEM · Computer ScienceDifficulty: Medium
Compiler
USUK
A program that translates high-level source code into machine-executable code.
Definition
A compiler is a computer program that translates source code written in a high-level programming language into lower-level code (typically machine code or bytecode) that a computer's processor or virtual machine can execute. The compilation process includes lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis, optimization, and code generation. Compiled languages generally produce faster-running programs than interpreted languages.
Example
“When a programmer writes a C++ program to control a robot, the compiler translates the human-readable source code into machine code—binary instructions the robot's processor can directly execute to move motors and read sensors.”
Synonyms
- code translator
- source-to-machine translator
- language compiler
Antonyms / Opposites
- interpreter
- just-in-time compiler
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Related Terms
- Algorithm
- Operating System
- Assembly Language
- Interpreter