Language Processors
A Language Processor is system software that converts high-level programming code into machine code that a computer can understand and execute.
Types of Language Processors
Language processors are categorized into three main types:
1. Compiler
🔹 Function:
- Translates the entire high-level language (C, Java, C++) code into machine code at once.
- Checks for errors before execution.
🔹 Examples:
- GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) – C, C++ compiler
- Javac – Java compiler
- Turbo C++ – C++ compiler
🔹 Advantages:
- ✔ Fast execution since it compiles the whole code before running.
- ✔ Optimized performance.
🔹 Disadvantages:
- ❌ Debugging can be difficult because all errors are shown after compilation.
- ❌ Takes time to compile large programs.
2. Interpreter
🔹 Function:
- Translates and executes code line-by-line instead of compiling the whole program at once.
- Stops execution if an error is found and displays it immediately.
🔹 Examples:
- Python Interpreter (CPython, PyPy)
- Ruby Interpreter
- JavaScript Engine (V8, SpiderMonkey)
🔹 Advantages:
- ✔ Easy debugging since errors are detected instantly.
- ✔ No need to recompile the entire program after fixing an error.
🔹 Disadvantages:
- ❌ Slower execution compared to compilers because it translates line-by-line.
3. Assembler
🔹 Function:
- Converts assembly language (low-level language) into machine code (binary code).
- Used for system programming and embedded systems.
🔹 Examples:
- NASM (Netwide Assembler)
- MASM (Microsoft Macro Assembler)
🔹 Advantages:
- ✔ Produces highly efficient machine code.
- ✔ Faster than high-level language translation.
🔹 Disadvantages:
- ❌ Requires deep knowledge of hardware and assembly instructions.
Comparison: Compiler vs. Interpreter vs. Assembler
| Feature | Compiler | Interpreter | Assembler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input Language | High-level (C, C++) | High-level (Python, JavaScript) | Assembly (low-level) |
| Execution | Translates entire code at once | Translates line-by-line | Converts assembly to machine code |
| Speed | Fast | Slow (line-by-line execution) | Very fast |
| Error Handling | Errors detected after full compilation | Errors detected instantly | Errors related to hardware & syntax |
| Usage | General-purpose programming | Scripting, rapid development | System programming, embedded systems |