# What are Translators?

Translators are software programs that convert code written in one programming language into another form. There are several types of translators, each serving a different purpose in the software development process:

There are basically three types of translators

• Compiler
• Interpreter
• Assembler

Extra translators

• Preprocessor
• Linker
• Transpiler

#1 Compiler

A compiler is a translator used to convert high-level programming language to low-level programming language.  It converts the whole program in one session and reports errors detected after the conversion.

• A compiler translates the entire source code of a program written in a high-level programming language (like C++, C, etc.) into machine code (binary code) that can be directly executed by the computer's processor.
• The process involves multiple stages such as lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis, optimization, and code generation.
• Once compiled, the resulting executable file can be run independently of the compiler.
• The compiler takes time to do its work as it translates high-level code to lower-level code all at once and then saves it to memory.
• Generates an executable file that can be run independently of the original source code.
• Example: GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) for languages like C, C++, etc.

#2 Interpreter:

The compiler takes time to do its work as it translates high-level code to lower-level code all at once and then saves it to memory. Just like a compiler, is a translator used to convert high-level programming language to low-level programming language.  It converts the program one at a time and reports errors detected at once while doing the conversion.  With this, it is easier to detect errors than in a compiler.  An interpreter is faster than a compiler as it immediately executes the code upon reading the code.
It is often used as a debugging tool for software development as it can execute a single line of code at a time.  An interpreter is also more portable than a compiler as it is not processor-dependent, you can work between hardware architectures.

• An interpreter translates and executes the source code of a program line-by-line or statement-by-statement, without producing an intermediate machine code.
• It reads each line of code, converts it into machine code or intermediate representation, and executes it immediately.
• Interpreters are often slower than compilers but provide features like dynamic typing and runtime error checking.
• No separate executable file is generated; the code is executed directly.
• Example: Python interpreter, JavaScript interpreter in web browsers.

#3 Assembler:

• An assembler translates assembly language code, which is a low-level symbolic representation of machine code, into actual machine code.
• Assembly language is more readable and easier to understand compared to machine code, but it still closely reflects the architecture of the target processor.
• Generates an object file or directly produces machine code.
• Example: NASM (Netwide Assembler) for x86 architecture.

#4 Preprocessor:

• A preprocessor is a type of translator that processes the source code before compilation or interpretation.
• It performs tasks such as macro expansion, file inclusion, and conditional compilation directives (#define, #include, #ifdef, etc.).
• Preprocessors are commonly used in C and C++ programming languages to facilitate code organization and manage platform-specific differences.

#5 Linker:

• A linker is a tool that combines multiple object files and libraries into a single executable or library file.
• It resolves references between different parts of the program, such as function calls and variable accesses, by generating appropriate addresses and updating symbol tables.
• Linkers are an essential part of the compilation process, especially for large-scale projects with multiple source files and external dependencies.

#6 Transpiler (Source-to-Source Compiler):

• A transpiler translates source code from one programming language to another.
• It maintains the functionality of the original code while converting it into a different syntax of language.

## Advantages/Disadvantages of Translators

Advantages of Compiler:

1. The whole