Which of the following describes the function of an interpreter in programming?

The function of an interpreter in programming is to execute source code line by line. This means that an interpreter reads and executes the code directly, translating each statement into machine language as it processes it. This approach allows for immediate execution and is typically used during development for scripting languages and environments that require interactive testing or rapid prototyping.

By executing code one line at a time, an interpreter can provide real-time feedback, which is particularly useful for debugging and iterative development. In contrast, a compiler translates the entire codebase into machine language before execution, which can lead to different use cases and performance characteristics.