Computer Science – 16.2 Translation Software | e-Consult
16.2 Translation Software (1 questions)
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An interpreter executes a program line by line. Unlike a compiler, which translates the entire source code into machine code before execution, an interpreter reads a statement, analyzes it, and then executes it immediately. This process is repeated for each statement in the program.
The key steps involved are:
- Lexical Analysis (Scanning): The interpreter reads the source code and breaks it down into a stream of tokens. Tokens are the basic building blocks of the language, such as keywords, identifiers, operators, and literals.
- Syntax Analysis (Parsing): The tokens are then checked for grammatical correctness according to the language's syntax rules. This involves building a parse tree or abstract syntax tree (AST) to represent the program's structure. Syntax errors are detected at this stage.
- Semantic Analysis: The interpreter checks the meaning of the program. This includes type checking, ensuring that variables are used correctly and that operations are valid. Semantic errors are identified here.
- Execution: The interpreter then executes the program's instructions represented by the AST. This might involve allocating memory, performing calculations, and interacting with the operating system.
Because the translation and execution happen concurrently, interpreters are generally easier to develop and debug than compilers. However, they are typically slower than compiled programs because each line of code must be re-analyzed and re-executed every time the program runs.