Translators and Their Types

Introduction

Scenario: Two people communicate - one knows English, the other knows Hindi. A translator who knows both languages is needed for successful communication.
Similarly, a translator is needed to convert programming language into machine language for communication between programmer and computer.

Definition: A programming language processor that converts a computer program from one language to another.
Function: Takes a program written in source code and converts it into machine code, identifying errors during the process.

Assembler
- Purpose: Translates assembly language into machine-level language.
- Process: Source program (assembly language) is input; output is object code or machine code.
- Examples: FAB (Fortran Assembly Program), MAP (Macro Assembly Program).
Compiler
- Purpose: Converts high-level language into machine-level language.
- Process:
  - Reads the complete source program.
  - If error-free, converts into machine-level language.
  - If errors exist, specifies them at the end of the compilation process.
- Example Issues: Missing semicolons results in compilation errors.
- Examples: GCC (GNU Compiler Collection), COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language).
Interpreter
- Purpose: Converts high-level language into machine-level language one line at a time.
- Process:
  - Step-by-step execution makes error detection easier.
  - Executes code immediately upon reading.
  - Stops at the first error encountered and prints the error message.
- Example Test: Python interpreter step-by-step execution, detects error in the third line and stops.
- Examples: Python, LISP (List Processing).