IB Computer Science Topic A1.4.1: Evaluation of Translation Processes: Interpreters and Compilers Notes

Key Terms and Definitions used in this section

• Machine Code / Machine Instructions / Machine Language
  • The basic commands that a CPU understands directly. Written in binary (1s and 0s) and specific to each type of processor.
• Assembly Language
  • A slightly easier way to write machine code using short words (like ADD or MOV) instead of binary. Still low-level, but more readable.
• Compiler
  • A program that translates your code all at once into machine code before it runs.
• Interpreter
  • A program that translates and runs your code line-by-line, while the program is running.
• Translation
  • The process of turning human-written code into machine code so the computer can understand it. Can be done using a compiler or an interpreter.
• Programming Language
  • A special set of rules and words used to write programs. Examples include Python, Java, and C++.
• Binary Executable
  • A file that contains machine code and can run directly on your computer (e.g. .exe file on Windows).
• Bytecode
  • A halfway version of code (not quite machine code) designed to be run by an interpreter (like Java’s JVM).
• Parser
  • A tool that checks code and breaks it into parts (like a grammar checker), so the computer knows what each bit means.
• Semantics
  • The exact meaning or behaviour of a line of code — what it actually does when run.
• Standard Library
  • A collection of ready-made tools (like functions and modules) that come with a programming language to help you build programs more easily.

Interpreted languages like Python, JavaScript, and Ruby are popular for rapid development and prototyping due to their fast feedback loops.

Compiled languages like C++, Rust, and Go are used in performance-critical applications where execution speed is paramount.