Compilers are programs that convert high-level, human-readable source code written in a programming language such as C++ into machine-readable object code that can be executed by a computer. In the process of compiling, the source code is checked for syntax errors, improper variable and function calls, linker errors, and other common debugging issues, which can then be identified and fixed before compiling or “building” again. Understanding how compilers work and when to compile a program is an important fundamental skill for software development.
C programming and the use of other compiled languages requires a different process compared to interpreted languages such as Python or JavaScript, which read, translate, and execute code line by line. Interpreted languages offer greater speed and flexibility in the software development process, since programmers don’t have to compile the entire source code every time before testing. However, because compiled languages deliver native machine code that doesn’t have to be translated at run time, these programs typically offer faster execution.