Tutorial Playlist
132 Lessons1. Introduction to C Tutorial
2. Addition of Two Numbers in C
3. Anagram Program in C
4. Armstrong Number in C
5. Array in C
6. Array of Pointers in C
7. Array of Structure in C
8. C Program to Find ASCII Value of a Character
9. Assignment Operator in C
10. Binary Search in C
11. Binary to Decimal in C
12. Bitwise Operators in C
13. Boolean in C
14. C Compiler for Mac
15. C Compiler for Windows
16. C Function Call Stack
17. C Language Download
18. Operators in C
19. C/C++ Preprocessors
20. C Program for Bubble Sort
21. C Program for Factorial
22. C Program for Prime Numbers
23. C Program for String Palindrome
24. C Program to Reverse a Number
25. Reverse a String in C
26. C string declaration
27. String Input Output Functions in C
28. Calculator Program in C
29. Call by Value and Call by Reference in C
30. Ceil Function in C
31. Coding Vs. Programming
32. Command Line Arguments in C/C++
33. Comments in C
34. Compilation process in C
35. Conditional Statements in C
36. Conditional operator in the C
37. Constant Pointer in C
38. Constants in C
39. Dangling Pointer in C
40. Data Structures in C
41. Data Types in C
42. Debugging C Program
43. Convert Decimal to Binary in C
44. Define And include in C
45. Difference Between Arguments And Parameters
46. Difference Between Compiler and Interpreter
Now Reading
47. Difference Between If Else and Switch
48. Do While Loop In C
49. Double In C
50. Dynamic Array in C
51. Dynamic Memory Allocation in C
52. Enumeration (or enum) in C
53. Evaluation of Arithmetic Expression
54. Factorial of A Number in C
55. Features of C Language
56. Fibonacci Series Program in C Using Recursion
57. File Handling in C
58. For Loop in C
59. Format Specifiers in C
60. Functions in C
61. Function Pointer in C
62. goto statement in C
63. C Hello World Program
64. Header Files in C
65. Heap Sort in C Program
66. Hello World Program in C
67. History of C Language
68. How to compile a C program in Linux
69. How to Find a Leap Year Using C Programming
70. Identifiers in C
71. If Else Statement in C
72. If Statement in C
73. Implementation of Queue Using Linked List
74. Increment and decrement operators in c
75. Input and Output Functions in C
76. How To Install C Language In Mac
77. Jump Statements in C
78. Lcm of Two Numbers in C
79. Length of an Array in C
80. Library Function in C
81. Linked list in C
82. Logical Operators in C
83. Macros in C
84. Matrix multiplication in C
85. Nested if else statement in C
86. Nested Loop in C
87. One Dimensional Array in C
88. Operator Precedence and Associativity in C
89. Overflow And Underflow in C
90. Palindrome Program in C
91. Pattern Programs in C
92. Pointer to Pointer in C
93. Pointers in C: A Comprehensive Tutorial
94. Pre-increment And Post-increment
95. Prime Number Program in C
96. Program for Linear Search in C
97. Pseudo-Code In C
98. Random Access Files in C
99. Random Number Generator in C
100. Recursion in C
101. Relational Operators in C
102. Simple interest program in C
103. Square Root in C
104. Stack in C
105. Stack Using Linked List in C
106. Static function in C
107. Stdio.h in C
108. Storage Classes in C
109. strcat() in C
110. Strcmp in C
111. Strcpy in C
112. String Comparison in C
113. String Functions in C
114. String Length in C
115. String Pointer in C
116. strlen() in C
117. Structures in C
118. Structure of C Program
119. Switch Case in C
120. C Ternary Operator
121. Tokens in C
122. Toupper Function in C
123. Transpose of a Matrix in C
124. Two Dimensional Array in C
125. Type Casting in C
126. Types of Error in C
127. Unary Operator in C
128. Use of C Language
129. User Defined Functions in C
130. What is Variables in C
131. Is C language case sensitive
132. Fibonacci Series in C
A compiler and interpreter perform similar tasks of translating source code into machine code. However, there exist a few differences when it comes to how they fulfil this operation. Wondering what those are?
Here is everything you need to know about the difference between compiler and interpreter in table form. You will also learn about the pros and cons of both of these software programs.
A compiler is a software program that translates source code written in high-level programming languages like C, C++, Java, or Python into machine-readable code. It is an essential component of the software development process.
In simple terms, a compiler transforms source code into a format that can be understood and executed by a computer's hardware. This translation process involves multiple steps, collectively known as the compilation process. These steps include:
Once all these steps are completed, the compiler generates object code or an executable file that can be run on a computer to accomplish the desired tasks. The compiled code is designed particularly for the target hardware, allowing for efficient and accurate execution.
An interpreter is a software program specifically designed to translate a programming language into a comprehensible one. It executes the source code or scripts that are usually written in a high-level language directly without requiring a compilation process. It minutely interprets the entire code line and line, translating and executing each instruction in real-time.
Interpreters are commonly used in dynamic and scripting languages, as well as in environments that prioritise speed and flexibility. Furthermore, it also comes alongside innumerable benefits, such as ease of use and quick feedback during the development process, making them popular among developers.
Similar to the compilation process, an interpreter performs various functions to facilitate code execution. Such include,
Although compilers and interpreters perform similar tasks, there are a few differences between how they carry out each one of them. Listed below is a list highlighting the difference between compiler and interpreter.
Parameter | Compiler | Interpreter |
Execution Speed | In the compilation process, the code is simply optimised and translated into machine code specific to the target hardware architecture. Thus, the compilation code execution tends to be much faster. | Interpreter code, on the other hand, is accompanied by real-time translation and execution, which might result in slow performance. |
Error Display | In the event of an occurrence of any kind of errors, the same are displayed after compiling together at the current time. | Errors are displayed in every single line. |
Portability | Compiled codes usually require separate target programs for them to be compiled separately and generate platform-specific executable files. | Interpreters can directly execute source code on varied platforms, thus eliminating the need for recompilation. |
Memory Usage | The usage of memory by a compiled code tends to be much less since it can directly represent the executable instructions. | Interpreters often have high memory usage since they have to maintain the interpreter runtime and execute the source code in real-time. |
Development and Debugging | The code can be entered and executed directly by interpreted languages in a hassle-free manner. This, in turn, facilitates rapid development, testing and debugging. | Compiled languages require the execution of an additional step which can cause a slower feedback loop for development and debugging. |
Dynamic Behavior | Lacks support for dynamic behaviour at runtime | Supports dynamic behaviour like runtime type checking |
Examples | C, C++, Java | Python, Ruby, JavaScript |
With a detailed understanding of the difference between compiler and interpreter, let's now explore the advantages and disadvantages of each:
In conclusion, both compiler and interpreter offer unique advantages and disadvantages. The decision between choosing them depends on various factors such as platform compatibility, performance requirements, and development methodology. When picking which programme to employ, it is critical to carefully consider these elements.
Moreover, if you want to gain a deeper understanding of coding and related topics, you may consider exploring upGrad’s Advanced Certificate Program In Machine Learning and NLP offered under IIIT-Bangalore. This program can provide you with comprehensive knowledge and skills in the field of machine learning and natural language processing.
Q1: Which one is faster, the compiler or the interpreter?
Compiled programs usually tend to run much faster than that of an interpreter. The primary reason behind this is that a compiler translates the entire source code at once while an interpreter processes the program line by line.
Q2: Can you state any advantage of an interpreter over a compiler?
One of the main benefits of using an interpreter is that it offers portability. The source code is processed directly by an interpreter, which means that you can execute the same on multiple platforms.
Q3: What are the various types of compilers?
Compilers can be categorised into multiple types. Such include cross-compilers, bootstrap compilers, decompilers, and trans compilers, among others.
PAVAN VADAPALLI
Director of Engineering
Director of Engineering @ upGrad. Motivated to leverage technology to solve problems. Seasoned leader for startups and fast moving orgs. Working …Read More
Popular
Talk to our experts. We’re available 24/7.
Indian Nationals
1800 210 2020
Foreign Nationals
+918045604032
upGrad does not grant credit; credits are granted, accepted or transferred at the sole discretion of the relevant educational institution offering the diploma or degree. We advise you to enquire further regarding the suitability of this program for your academic, professional requirements and job prospects before enrolling. upGrad does not make any representations regarding the recognition or equivalence of the credits or credentials awarded, unless otherwise expressly stated. Success depends on individual qualifications, experience, and efforts in seeking employment.
upGrad does not grant credit; credits are granted, accepted or transferred at the sole discretion of the relevant educational institution offering the diploma or degree. We advise you to enquire further regarding the suitability of this program for your academic, professional requirements and job prospects before enr...