Page 19 - Computer Class 07
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8 Interpreter : An interpreter is a computer program, which converts each high-level
program statement into the machine code. This includes source code, pre-
compiled code, and scripts. Both compiler and interpreters do the same job which
is converting high level programming language to machine code. However, a
compiler will covert the code into machine code before program run. Interpreters
convert code into machine code when the program is run.
Languages that use interpreter are BASIC, ALGOL 60 and Fortran.
High Level
Interpreter Machine Language
Language Program
Get Next Instruction
Working of an Interpreter
Differences between a compiler and an interpreter.
Compiler Interpreter
1. It scans the entire program first and 1. Translates the program statement
then translates it into machine code. by statement.
2. Converts the entire program to 2. Each time the program is
executed, every line is checked
machine code; when all the syntax
for syntax errors and then
errors are removed, execution takes
converted to equivalent machine
place.
code.
3. Slow for debugging. 3. Good for fast debugging.
4. Execution time is less. 4. Execution time is more.
8 Computer is a versatile machine.
8 Computers can be classified into various categories depending on their size, storage
capacity, speed and type of experience in personal computing.
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