What is the process called that translates high-level programming language directly into machine code line by line?

What is the process called that translates high-level programming language directly into machine code line by line?

• A. Compilation
• B. Execution
• C. Interpreting
• D. Linking

Answer: (C)

The process that translates a high-level programming language directly into machine code line by line is known as interpreting. An interpreter reads the source code and executes it step by step, translating each line into machine instructions on-the-fly. This approach allows for immediate execution of code, which is beneficial for debugging and testing purposes since programmers can see results instantly without needing to compile the entire program first. In contrast, compilation involves translating the entire program into machine code before any part of it can be executed—this is a distinct process where all source code is converted into a single executable file. Execution refers to the actual running of the code after it has been compiled or interpreted, while linking is the process of combining various pieces of code and data together to create an executable file, which typically follows compilation. Thus, interpreting uniquely describes the line-by-line approach to translation and execution of high-level language instructions.

The process that translates a high-level programming language directly into machine code line by line is known as interpreting. An interpreter reads the source code and executes it step by step, translating each line into machine instructions on-the-fly. This approach allows for immediate execution of code, which is beneficial for debugging and testing purposes since programmers can see results instantly without needing to compile the entire program first.

In contrast, compilation involves translating the entire program into machine code before any part of it can be executed—this is a distinct process where all source code is converted into a single executable file. Execution refers to the actual running of the code after it has been compiled or interpreted, while linking is the process of combining various pieces of code and data together to create an executable file, which typically follows compilation. Thus, interpreting uniquely describes the line-by-line approach to translation and execution of high-level language instructions.