Which of the following best describes a compiler?
a) It is a program that converts machine code into high-level statements.
b) It is a program that executes a program written in a high-level language
c) It is a program that converts a program written in a high-level language into machine code.
d) It is a program that converts a program written in a high-level language into machine code and executes the resulting code.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
c) It is a program that converts a program written in a high-level language into machine code.
Explanation:
A compiler is a specialized program that translates code written in a high-level programming language (such as C, Java, or Python) into machine code, also known as binary code or executable code. Machine code consists of low-level instructions that a computer’s processor can directly understand and execute.
How a Compiler Works:
- Lexical Analysis: The compiler scans the high-level source code and converts it into tokens (basic programming components like keywords, variables, and symbols).
- Syntax Analysis (Parsing): It checks the syntax of the code against the grammar rules of the programming language.
- Semantic Analysis: The compiler ensures that the statements in the code are meaningful and follow language rules.
- Optimization: It improves the efficiency of the translated code by eliminating redundant instructions.
- Code Generation: The compiler generates the final machine code, which can be directly executed by the CPU.
Why Option C is Correct?
- A compiler does not execute the program (which is why option d is incorrect). Instead, it simply translates the code.
- A compiler does not convert machine code into high-level code (which eliminates option a).
- A program that executes high-level code is called an interpreter, not a compiler (which makes option b incorrect).
Key Difference Between a Compiler and an Interpreter
- A compiler translates the entire program before execution.
- An interpreter translates and runs the program line by line.
Now, I’ll generate an image illustrating the compilation process.
Here is an infographic illustrating how a compiler works, showing the step-by-step process from high-level source code to machine code. Let me know if you need any modifications!
