compiler Last modified: Thursday, March 21, 2002
A program that translates source code into object code. The compiler derives its name from the way it works, looking at the entire piece of source code and collecting and reorganizing the instructions. Thus, a compiler differs from an interpreter, which analyzes and executes each line of source code in succession, without looking at the entire program. The advantage of interpreters is that they can execute a program immediately. Compilers require some time before an executable program emerges. However, programs produced by compilers run much faster than the same programs executed by an interpreter. Every high-level programming language (except strictly interpretive languages) comes with a compiler. In effect, the compiler is the language, because it defines which instructions are acceptable. Because compilers translate source code into object code, which is unique for each type of computer, many compilers are available for the same language. For example, there is a FORTRAN compiler for PCs and another for Apple Macintosh computers. In addition, the compiler industry is quite competitive, so there are actually many compilers for each language on each type of computer. More than a dozen companies develop and sell C compilers for the PC.
Compiler publications  Presents a collect of compiler publications with abstracts. In addition, the pubilcation titles are links to the entire document. The Compiler Connection  Excellent resource with links to compiler topics, companies, research projects, careers, consulting resources, conferences, benchmarks and performance reports, and related newsgroups. Associated Computer Experts (ACE) home page Ace provides compiler and (multi-processor) operating system solutions for the HPCN, workstation and embedded system markets. Their home page provides links to their recent press releases, product information, company profile, and research efforts. Catalog of Compiler Construction Tools Offers links to freeware and commercial resources for compiler writers. Catalog of Free Compilers and Interpreters Categorized list of freely available software for language tools. HDL compiler family page Provides information on the HDL compiler family from Synopsys, Inc. Compiler FAQ Contains a FAQ on compilers from the comp.compilers newsgroup. UNICOS FORTRAN compiling systems Presents information pertaining to the UNICOS FORTRAN compiling systems with syntax for compiling a FORTRAN program, and additional links to related information.

Related Terms

assembly language break-even point compile cross-compiler interpreter JIT link object code parse parser programming language source code

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