Question

What translates a high-level language into machine code?

Short answer

A compiler translates high-level language into machine code.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Basics

High-level programming languages are designed to be easily understandable by humans, with common examples including Python, Java, and C++. However, computers can only execute machine code, which is a set of binary instructions. Therefore, there must be a process or tool that translates these high-level languages into machine code that computers can understand and execute.

The Role of a Compiler

A compiler is a special program that translates code written in a high-level programming language into machine code. It reads the entire program written in a high-level language, checks for errors, and converts it into a machine-readable form. This compiled code can then be executed by the computer.

Understanding Alternatives: The Interpreter

While compilers convert entire programs at once into machine code, interpreters translate and execute code line-by-line. This means that the code is translated into machine code and executed simultaneously, which results in slower performance compared to compiled code. Examples of interpreted languages include Python and JavaScript.

Identifying the Right Tool

In the context of translating high-level language into machine code, the term that's commonly used is 'compiler'. Although interpreters also perform translation, they do so differently and are primarily used for executing code rather than producing standalone machine code.

Key concepts

Machine Code

Machine code is the fundamental language that computers understand and execute. It consists of binary code, which is a series of zeros and ones. Each group of binary digits corresponds to specific operations or instructions for the computer's processor. These are extremely low-level commands that deal directly with the computer's hardware.
For example, adding two numbers, storing data, or controlling the flow of a program would all be represented in machine code. Since this code is complex and unfriendly to humans, programming is usually done in high-level languages first, which is more intuitive and easier to handle. The importance of machine code lies in its ability to communicate directly with the computer's processor, enabling precise control of processes and tasks.

High-Level Programming Languages

High-level programming languages are designed to be easily read and written by humans. They allow programmers to write complex programs efficiently without worrying about the intricate details of machine code. Python, Java, and C++ are popular examples.
These languages provide abstraction from the hardware, using syntax that resembles natural language. This abstraction allows developers to focus on problem-solving and algorithm design rather than memorizing binary codes.
Programs written in high-level languages must be translated into machine code for a computer to execute them. This translation can be done by compilers or interpreters. High-level languages differ from each other in syntax and style, but they all serve the common purpose of making programming simpler and more accessible.

Interpreter

An interpreter is an alternative to a compiler for translating a high-level programming language into machine code. Instead of converting an entire program at once, like a compiler does, an interpreter translates it one line at a time.
This means the code gets executed immediately after it is translated, which is beneficial during the development stage for instant feedback. However, translation happens each time the program runs, resulting in slower execution compared to compiled programs.
Interpreted languages, such as Python and JavaScript, offer flexibility, which makes them popular for scripting and dynamic applications. The main advantage of an interpreter is that it allows for quick testing and debugging of code, as programmers can see the results of their changes immediately.

Program Execution

Program execution refers to the process of running a compiled or interpreted program by a computer. Once a high-level language is translated into machine code, the computer's processor can execute it.
In a compiled language, the program is translated into machine code in full before execution begins, allowing for faster performance. In contrast, interpreted languages are executed line-by-line, which allows for flexibility but tends to slow down performance.
Proper program execution is crucial, as it determines the effectiveness and efficiency of the software. Developers need to choose between a compiler and an interpreter based on factors like speed, ease of development, and the specific requirements of their projects. The execution phase is the climax of the creation process, where written code transforms into action performed by a computer.