Difference b/w Compiler Interpreter and Assembler
Difference b/w Compiler Interpreter and Assembler
Hereโs a clear and concise comparison between Compiler, Interpreter, and Assembler, including their definitions, differences, and a table for quick revision.
Contents [hide]
1. Compiler
Definition: A compiler is a program that translates the entire source code of a high-level language (like C, C++, Java) into machine code (binary) at once.- Output: Generates an executable file (.exe).
- Execution Speed: Fast (after compilation).
- Example Languages: C, C++, Java (partially).
2. Interpreter
- Definition: An interpreter translates line-by-line of source code into machine code and executes it immediately.
- Output: No executable file is created.
- Execution Speed: Slower (interprets each line every time).
- Example Languages: Python, JavaScript, Ruby.
3. Assembler
- Definition: An assembler converts assembly language (low-level language) into machine code.
- Output: Machine code (binary).
- Used For: Assembly language programming (e.g., using instructions like MOV, ADD).
- Example: MASM (Microsoft Assembler), NASM.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Compiler | Interpreter | Assembler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input | High-Level Language | High-Level Language | Assembly Language |
| Output | Machine Code / Executable File | Direct Execution | Machine Code |
| Execution Style | Translates all at once | Translates one line at a time | Translates all at once |
| Speed | Fast (after compilation) | Slower (runs line-by-line) | Fast |
| Error Handling | Shows all errors after compilation | Shows errors one by one | Shows all errors after conversion |
| Examples | C, C++, Java (JVM compiles bytecode) | Python, JavaScript, BASIC | NASM, MASM |
Summary in One Line:
- Compiler โ Full code โ Executable
- Interpreter โ Line-by-line โ Direct Execution
- Assembler โ Assembly โ Machine Code
If youโd like a PDF summary, visual diagram, or practice questions based on this topic (useful for GATE, NET, B.Tech, etc.), let me know and Iโll prepare that too!