Difference Between Translator and Interpreter in Programming Language

The main difference between translator and interpreter in programming language is that a translator is a software that converts the code from one programming language to another while an interpreter is a type of translator that converts high-level programming language to machine language.

A computer program is a set of instructions for a computer to perform a task. It consists of a sequence of statements. Most of the time, computer programs are written in high-level programming languages or assembly language. These programs are readable and understandable by the programmer but not by the computer. Therefore, these programs are converted into equivalent machine language for the computer to understand. Translators help to convert the program from one language to another. It mainly translates the program to a machine code. The interpreter is a type of a translator.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is a Translator
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is an Interpreter
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between Translator and Interpreter in Programing Language
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Interpreter, Translator, Programming

What is a Translator in Programming Language

Translators convert a program from one language to another. There are various types of translators such as compiler, interpreter and assembler. A compiler converts the entire high-level language source code into machine code. If there are any syntax or semantic error, the program will not execute. As the compiler checks the whole program, the scanning time is high but the execution time is lower. Therefore, compiler-based languages such as C, C++ are considered as fast languages.

Assembly language is the language between machine language and high-level languages. It is a low-level language. This language is used for programming microcontrollers. Assembler is a translator that converts the assembly language program to machine language. In brief, compiler, interpreter and assembler are the common translators.

What is an Interpreter in Programming Language

An interpreter is another type of translator that converts high-level programming language to machine language. It converts the source code to machine code line by line. As it checks the code one line at a time, the scanning time is lower. But the execution time is higher. Therefore, interpreter-based languages such as PHP, Python, BASIC, Perl, and Ruby are considered as slower languages. Furthermore, the interpreter indicates one error at a time. To interpret the next line, the programmer should fix the error in the current line. 

Difference Between Translator and Interpreter in Programming Language

Definition

A translator is a software that performs the translation of a program written in a one programming language into a functionally equivalent program in another computer language. Interpreter is a software that converts the instructions written in a high-level programming or scripting language into machine language program.

Types

Interpreter is a type of translator. Other common translators include interpreter, compiler and assembler. 

Main Functionality

Translator converts the code from one programming language to another. It mainly converts the code into machine code. Interpreter converts the program from high-level language to machine language line by line.

Execution

The compiler and assembler are fast in execution than the interpreter. Execution speed of an interpreter is slower.

Debugging

The debugging is difficult with compiler and assembler. Interpreter checks line by line. Therefore, debugging is easier.

Languages

C, C++ etc. use compiler. The assembly language uses assembler. Languages such as Python, PHP, BASIC etc. use the translator type interpreter.

Conclusion

Translators convert a program to another programming language without losing the functional or logical structure of the original code. The difference between translator and interpreter in programming language is that a translator is a software that converts the code from one programming language to another while an interpreter is a type of translator that converts high-level programming language to machine language.

Reference:

1. Thornton, Scott. “What Are Compilers, Translators, Interpreters, and Assemblers?” Microcontroller Tips, 17 Feb. 2017, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1.”583537″ (CC0) via Pixabay