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Compilers Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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compilers

[kəmˈpaɪlər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

computer programming

A compiler is a special program that processes statements written in a particular programming language and turns them into machine language or "code" that a computer's processor uses.

Synonyms

converter, interpreter, translator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compilers

Refers to programs that translate high-level programming languages into machine code, allowing the program to run on the hardware directly. Commonly used in the context of software development for languages like C++ or Java.

  • The compiler generated the executable file for the program.
  • You need to make sure there are no errors before running the compiler.
translator

Typically used to describe software or tools that convert text from one human language to another, allowing for communication across different languages.

  • The online translator helps me understand Spanish documents.
  • We hired a professional translator for our business meeting.
interpreter

Programs that execute instructions written in a programming or scripting language without requiring them to be compiled first. Often used for scripting languages and during development for quick testing.

  • Python uses an interpreter to run scripts directly.
  • During debugging, the interpreter allows you to see real-time results.
converter

Generally used to describe tools that change the format or structure of data from one form to another. Can be used in various fields like digital media, software, and more.

  • The video converter can change MP4 files to AVI.
  • We need a converter to transform the data into a readable format.

Examples of usage

  • Programmers use compilers to convert their source code into executable programs.
  • Compilers help to catch syntax errors and optimize code for better performance.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

In technology, a compiler is a software program that translates high-level programming languages into machine language.

Synonyms

converter, interpreter, translator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compilers

When discussing multiple software systems that translate various programming languages into machine code.

  • Different compilers may produce different performance results for the same code.
  • Several compilers are available for different programming languages.
translator

Generally used for language translation, often referring to converting text from one natural language to another. Can also describe tools that translate code or data, but is less specific than 'compiler' or 'interpreter'.

  • She used a translator to understand the French document.
  • The legacy code requires a translator to work with the new system.
converter

Best suited for general purposes outside of programming, such as converting file formats, units of measurement, or other types of data.

  • The online tool acts as a PDF to Word converter.
  • She used a currency converter before her trip.
interpreter

Used in scenarios where programs are executed line-by-line, translating high-level code into machine code on the fly. Common in scripting languages like Python and JavaScript.

  • The Python interpreter executes scripts line by line.
  • JavaScript code runs directly in the browser via an interpreter.

Examples of usage

  • Modern compilers often include optimizations to improve the speed and efficiency of the resulting machine code.
  • Developers rely on compilers to convert their code into a format that can be executed by a computer.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • The first documented compiler was written by Grace Hopper in 1952, called the A-0 System.
  • Compilers became essential as programming languages evolved, enabling developers to write in more understandable languages instead of machine code.

Pop Culture

  • The programming community often refers to errors detected by compilers as 'compiler errors', which can be humorous in online forums.
  • Movies and TV shows sometimes depict programming in ways that overlook the complex role of compilers, often showing a more simplistic view of coding.

Science

  • The process of compilation includes several phases, such as lexical analysis, syntax analysis, semantic analysis, optimization, and code generation.
  • Compilers play a significant role in the performance of software, where optimized code can drastically improve the efficiency of program execution.

Technology

  • Modern programming environments often include integrated development environments (IDEs) that utilize compilers to provide immediate feedback on code errors.
  • With the rise of languages like Python and JavaScript, the concept of just-in-time (JIT) compilation has changed how some programs are executed, compiling code on the fly for efficiency.

Origin of 'compilers'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'compiler' comes from the Latin word 'compilare', meaning 'to collect or compile'.
  • The concept of compiling code dates back to the early days of programming in the 1950s, when the first high-level programming languages were created.

The concept of a compiler dates back to the 1950s, with the development of the first high-level programming languages. Early compilers were basic and focused on simple translations, but as technology advanced, compilers became more sophisticated and capable of handling complex optimizations. Today, compilers are essential tools for software development, enabling programmers to write code in familiar languages and have it translated into instructions that computers can execute efficiently.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,659, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.