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The Language Translators
The Language Translators
Imagine you have a Spanish book and need to read it in English. An interpreter is like someone reading it aloud, translating each sentence as they go - slower but you hear it immediately. A compiler is like someone translating the whole book first, then giving you the English version - takes time upfront but then you can read it as fast as you like! An assembler is simpler - converting Assembly mnemonics to machine code, almost word-for-word.
What does a compiler do?: Translates entire program into executable file at once
Computer Science glossary
- What does a compiler do?
- Translates entire program into executable file at once
- What does an assembler do?
- Converts assembly language to machine code
Now try it yourself
Quiz · Question 1 of 15
Which type of translator converts an entire high-level language program into machine code before the program runs?
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This topic in real past papers
Every real exam question we've found on translators, with a full worked answer.