What is the main purpose of using a compiler?

What is the main purpose of using a compiler?

• A. To execute high-level programming code
• B. To translate high-level code into machine code
• C. To run scripts written in interpreted languages
• D. To optimize code for performance

Answer: (B)

The main purpose of using a compiler is to translate high-level programming code into machine code. Compilers serve as an essential tool in software development, enabling programmers to write in high-level languages that are easier to understand and work with, while still allowing the program to ultimately run on a computer’s hardware. When a programmer writes code in a high-level language, that code is not directly executable by the computer. The compiler takes this human-readable code and translates it into machine language, which consists of binary instructions that the computer's processor can comprehend. This translation is crucial because it bridges the gap between human logic and machine operations. In contrast, executing high-level programming code directly, running scripts written in interpreted languages, and optimizing code for performance are separate functions not primarily fulfilled by a compiler. Interpreters, for instance, handle code line by line at runtime rather than translating the entire codebase into machine code beforehand. Additionally, optimization often occurs as part of the compilation process but is not the sole purpose of a compiler.

The main purpose of using a compiler is to translate high-level programming code into machine code. Compilers serve as an essential tool in software development, enabling programmers to write in high-level languages that are easier to understand and work with, while still allowing the program to ultimately run on a computer’s hardware.

When a programmer writes code in a high-level language, that code is not directly executable by the computer. The compiler takes this human-readable code and translates it into machine language, which consists of binary instructions that the computer's processor can comprehend. This translation is crucial because it bridges the gap between human logic and machine operations.

In contrast, executing high-level programming code directly, running scripts written in interpreted languages, and optimizing code for performance are separate functions not primarily fulfilled by a compiler. Interpreters, for instance, handle code line by line at runtime rather than translating the entire codebase into machine code beforehand. Additionally, optimization often occurs as part of the compilation process but is not the sole purpose of a compiler.