What is a compiler?

A program that takes input from a program written in one language (source language) and translates it into a functionally equivalent program in another language (target language).

Source: Usually high-level language like C, C++, Java

Target: Low-level languages like assembly or machine code

Application of Compiler

From Past Questions, Write Application of Compiler.

• The technique of compiler design applies to many problems in computer science
• The technique used in a lexical analyzer can be used in text editors
  • Information retrieval system
  • Pattern recognition programs
• The technique used in a parser can be used in a query processing system such as SQL
• A symbolic equation solver takes an equation as input that the program should parse the given input section.
• Used in Natural Language Processing (NLP) Systems.

Interpreter

Instead of producing a target program as a transition, an interpreter appears to directly execute the operations specified in the source program on inputs supplied by the user.

A language Processing System

Cousins of Compiler

• Preprocessor
  • Programs that translate source code into simpler or slightly lower-level source code, for compilation by another compiler.
  • expand macro definitions
  • Includes header files into the program context
• Assembler
  • Program written to automate the translation of assembly language into machine language.