The difference between compiled language and interpreted language

A computer can only recognize certain binary instructions , The source code must be converted to binary instructions before the program can actually run , So called binary instructions , That's machine code , yes CPU The hardware level that can be identified “ Code ”.

When to convert source code to binary instructions ？ Different programming languages have different rules ：

 Some programming languages require that all source code must be converted into binary instructions at one time in advance , That is to generate an executable program （Windows  Under the  .exe）, such as C Language 、C++、Golang、Pascal（Delphi）、 Assembly, etc , This programming language is called a compiler language , The conversion tool used is called a compiler .
 Some programming languages can transform while executing , Convert whatever source code you need , No executable program will be generated , such as  Python、JavaScript、PHP、Shell、MATLAB  etc. , This programming language is called interpretive language , The conversion tool used is called an interpreter .

Simple understanding , A compiler is just a “ translation tool ”, It's similar to translating Chinese into English 、 Translate English into Russian . however , Translating source code is a complex process , It includes lexical analysis 、 Syntax analysis 、 Semantic analysis 、 performance optimization 、 There are five steps to generate an executable file , It involves complex algorithm and hardware architecture . The interpreter is similar to this 《 Compiler principle 》 A book has a deeper explanation .

Java and C# Is a semi compiled and semi interpreted language , The source code needs to be converted into an intermediate file （ Bytecode file ）, Then take the intermediate file to the virtual machine for execution . Cross platform execution efficiency .

Compiler language ：

1. Executable programs cannot cross platforms
2. Source code cannot cross platform

Explanatory language ：
Compared with compiled languages , Almost all interpretive languages can cross platform ,“ Write once , Run anywhere ” It's real