The main difference between machine code and bytecode is that the machine code is a set of instructions in machine language or binary that can be directly executed by the CPU while the bytecode is an intermediate code generated from compiling a source code which can be executed by a virtual machine.
A computer program is a collection of instructions that perform a specific task. A special software such as compilers or interpreters transforms the program into a machine-readable machine code. On the other hand, bytecode is not a native machine code; it is a portable code. Moreover, a software such as a virtual machine can execute it directly.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Machine Code
– Definition, Functionality
2. What is Bytecode
– Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Relationship Between Machine Code and Bytecode
– Outline of Association
4. What is the Difference Between Machine Code and Bytecode
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Bytecode, Compiler, Interpreter, Machine Code
What is Machine Code
Machine code is a set of instructions in machine language. The CPU can directly execute it. A programmer can write a computer program using a high-level programming language such as C, C++, Java etc. These languages have a syntax similar to English language and it is easier for the programmer to read and understand. However, these programs are not understandable by a computer. Therefore, the program or the source code is converted to machine understandable machine code. A compiler or an interpreter performs this conversion.
Figure 1: Machine Code
A compiler converts the entire source code into an equivalent machine code at once. An interpreter converts the source code line by line into the equivalent machine code. Therefore, a compiler-based language is faster than an interpreter based language. Finally, the CPU can directly execute the machine code to perform the defined task in the program.
What is Bytecode
Bytecode is created after compiling the source code. It is an intermediate code. The bytecode is executable by a virtual machine. Moreover, the virtual machine converts the bytecode into machine code.
Figure 2: Java Bytecode
Java programs mainly use bytecodes. When compiling a Java source code, the Java compiler converts that source code into a bytecode. Furthermore, this bytecode is executable by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The JVM converts the bytecode into machine code. Any computer with a JVM can execute that bytecode. In other words, any platform that consists of a JVM can execute a Java Bytecode.
Relationship Between Machine Code and Bytecode
- A virtual machine converts the bytecode into machine code.
Difference Between Machine Code and Bytecode
Definition
Machine code is a computer programming language consisting of binary instructions which a computer can respond to directly. In contrast, bytecode is a form of instruction set designed for efficient execution by a software such as a virtual machine. Hence, this explains the fundamental difference between machine code and bytecode.
Basis
Furthermore, the main difference between machine code and bytecode is that the processor or the CPU can directly execute the machine code. On the other hand, after compiling the source code the bytecode is created. The virtual machine can execute it.
Type
Another difference between machine code and bytecode is that the machine code is a low-level code while bytecode is an intermediate code.
Conclusion
In brief, the processor or the CPU can directly execute the machine code. However, the bytecode is created after compiling the source code, and the virtual machine can execute it. Thus, this is the main difference between machine code and bytecode.
Reference:
1. “Machine Code.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Sept. 2018, Available here.
2. “Bytecode.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Sept. 2018, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “155685” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Java bytecode” By Julio Hernan Cordoba – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikipedia
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