Compile Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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compile

[kษ™mหˆpaษชl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

computer programming

To convert a high-level programming language into machine code or a lower-level language for execution.

Synonyms

convert, interpret, translate.

Examples of usage

  • Before running the program, the compiler will check for syntax errors.
  • The code needs to be compiled before it can be executed.
Context #2 | Noun

computer programming

A software tool that translates high-level programming languages into machine code.

Synonyms

converter, interpreter, translator.

Examples of usage

  • The compiler detected an error in the code.
  • Programmers use compilers to convert their code into executable files.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Computing

  • In programming, compiling means transforming the code written by programmers into a format that machines can understand and execute.
  • Different programming languages require specific compilers that translate their syntax into machine language efficiently.
  • The process of compilation usually involves several stages, such as lexical analysis, parsing, and optimization, ensuring the final output runs smoothly.

Literature

  • The concept of compiling is often used in creating anthologies, where different literary works are brought together based on themes or genres.
  • Famous collections, like the Quran or the Bible, were compiled over centuries, gathering various texts into a single volume.
  • Compilation represents not just a collection but a curation, providing context, commentary, or thematic relevance among the assembled works.

Education

  • Students often compile notes from various classes into a single study guide to prepare for exams, helping organize their learning.
  • Research projects commonly require scholars to compile data from various studies to support their hypotheses or findings.
  • In group projects, students might need to compile everyoneโ€™s contributions into a final presentation or report, showcasing collaboration.

Pop Culture

  • Compilation albums are popular in music, featuring various artists or songs around a particular theme, such as 'Best of the 80s.'
  • Video games often compile multiple previous titles into one package, offering players a nostalgic collection of their favorite games.
  • In the film industry, compilation movies gather clips from different sources or previous films to create a new viewing experience.

Origin of 'compile'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'compilare,' meaning 'to plunder or collect,' giving it a sense of gathering.
  • In the 15th century, it began to take on the meaning of bringing together documents or information into one source.
  • Originally, it referred to the act of assembling parts but has evolved into a technical term in computing.

The term 'compile' originated from the Latin word 'compilare', meaning 'to plunder' or 'to steal'. In the context of computer programming, the term evolved to refer to the process of translating source code into machine code. Compilers play a crucial role in software development by enabling programmers to write code in high-level languages that can be executed by computers. The history of compilation dates back to the early days of computing, with the development of the first high-level programming languages and compiler tools.


See also: compilation, compiled, compiler, compiling.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,814, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.