Language translator

Language Translators

Computers only understand machine code (binary) this is an issue because programmers prefer to use a variety of high level and low level programming language instead. The high-level and low-level code (source code) needs to pass through a translator. A translator is a program which converts the source code into machine code (object code). There are different types of translator programs each able to perform different disks.

 

1. Compiler: 

Compilers are language translators used to translate a program written in a high-level language into machine code (object code). Once compiled the translated program file can then be directly used by the computer and is independently executable. Compiling may take some time but the translated program can be used again and again without the need for recompilation. An error report is often produced after the full program has been translated. The translator of C is an example of compiler.

 

2.Interpreter:

 Interpreters are language translator able to read, translate and execute one statement at a time from a high-level language. The interpreters stops when a line of code is reached that contains an error. Interpreters are often used during the development of a program. They make debugging easier as each line of code is analyzed and checked before execution. The translator of BASIC is an example of interpreter.

3. Assembler:

 Assemblers are used to translate a program written in a low level assembly language into a machine code (object code) file so it can be used and executed by the computer. Once assembled, the program file can be used again and again without re-assembly. The translator of pseudo assembly is an example of assembler.

Comparisons of language translators

Compiler	Interpreter	Assembler
Translates high-level languages into machine code.	Temporarily executes high-level languages, one statement at a time.	Translates low-level assembly code into machine code.
An executable file of machine code (object code) is produced	No executable file of machine code (object code) is produced	An executable file of machine code (object code) is produced.
Compiled programs no longer need the compilation.	Interpreted programs cannot be used without the interpreter.	Assembled programs no longer need the assembler.
Error report is produced once entire program is compiled.	Error messages produced immediately  and program stops at that point.	One low-level language statement is usually translated into one machine code instruction.