A program that reads and executes source code directly, without producing a separate executable file.
Details
Unlike a compiler, which translates all source code into machine code before running, an interpreter processes the code line by line or instruction by instruction. This allows programs to run immediately, without the need for a separate compilation step.
Interpreters make it easier to test and modify code quickly, which is why many scripting and high-level languages use them. However, because the translation happens at runtime, interpreted programs often run slower than compiled ones.
Related Concepts
- Uses: Programming Language