What is the difference between a compiler and an assembler?
Compiler
- A compiler is a program that translates human-readable source code into a machine-readable code.
- It reads the source code, analyzes it, and generates an intermediate representation of the code, which can be understood by the computer's processor.
- Compilers are typically used for high-level programming languages, such as C++, Java, and Python.
Assembler
- An assembler is a program that takes an object file generated by the compiler and translates it into machine code.
- It reads the object file, identifies the instructions, and generates the corresponding machine instructions.
- Assemblers are typically used for low-level programming languages, such as assembly language.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Compiler | Assembler | |---|---|---| | Input | Human-readable source code | Object file generated by the compiler | | Output | Intermediate code (e.g., assembly code) | Machine code | | Purpose | Translate source code into machine code | Translate object code into machine instructions | | Language Support | High-level languages | Low-level languages | | Example | Compiler: Java compiler, Assembler: x86 assembler |
In summary:
- A compiler translates source code into an intermediate representation that can be understood by the processor.
- An assembler takes an object file generated by the compiler and translates it into machine code.
