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Compiler Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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compiler

[kəmˈpaɪlər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

software development

A compiler is a program that translates source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code that can be executed by a computer.

Synonyms

converter, interpreter, translator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compiler

Use when referring to a program that translates code from a high-level programming language to a lower-level language, usually machine code, in a single run.

  • The compiler detected an error in the code
  • Java relies on a compiler to convert source code into bytecode
translator

Use when referring to a person or software that translates text from one language to another. In programming, it can also mean software that translates code from one programming language to another.

  • The translator converted the entire document from English to Spanish
  • In programming, a source-to-source translator can convert code from Python to Java
interpreter

Use when referring to a program that directly executes instructions written in a programming or scripting language without requiring them to be compiled into machine code first.

  • Python uses an interpreter rather than a compiler
  • The interpreter allows for quick debugging since it executes code line by line
converter

Use when talking about a tool that changes data from one format to another without particularly being tied to programming languages.

  • I used a file converter to change the PDF to a Word document
  • An audio converter can turn an MP3 file into a WAV file

Examples of usage

  • The compiler took the Python code and generated executable machine code.
  • After running the compiler, the C++ program was ready to be executed.
  • The Java compiler checks for syntax errors before producing the bytecode.
  • The compiler optimizes the code for better performance during execution.
  • The compiler translates the code line by line into machine instructions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Development

  • Fortran, developed in the 1950s, was one of the first high-level programming languages to be compiled.
  • The creation of the first compiler, developed by Grace Hopper, laid the groundwork for modern programming.
  • Compilers have evolved significantly with advancements in technology, from simple translators to complex systems optimizing code for performance.

Technology

  • Modern compilers can optimize code for speed and size, affecting how software runs on devices.
  • They often include features like error checking and debugging tools to help programmers fix issues.
  • Compilers can target multiple processor architectures, allowing software to run efficiently on different hardware.

Education

  • Studying compilers in computer science introduces students to important programming concepts like syntax and semantics.
  • Understanding how compilers work can help programmers write better, more efficient code.
  • Courses on compiler construction often blend theory with hands-on programming assignments, reinforcing learning.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows about hackers and programmers, compilers are often referenced, sometimes incorrectly, adding to the mystique of coding.
  • The term 'compiler' has found its way into comic books and video games, appearing as characters or tools in storylines related to technology.
  • Online communities often joke about compilers, likening their sometimes long-running processes to ancient rituals.

Origin of 'compiler'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'compiler' comes from the Latin 'compilare', which means 'to plunder or gather together'.
  • Originally coined in the 1950s, it referred to tools that gather and translate programming languages.
  • The suffix '-er' indicates a doer, meaning a compiler does the action of compiling.

The term 'compiler' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the word 'compile' meaning 'to put together'. Initially, compilers were developed to translate mathematical expressions into machine code. Over the years, with the advancement of programming languages, compilers have become essential tools in software development, enabling programmers to write code in high-level languages that can be understood and executed by computers.

See also: compilation, compile, compiled, compiling.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,283, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.