Difference Between Assembler and Interpreter

Humans can only understand source codes written in high-level languages like Python, java, c++, etc, or low-level languages like PHP. On the other hand, computers can only understand machine code written in 0s and 1s. To solve this issue we need a translator that can translate the source code into machine code that’s where the assembler, interpreter, and compiler come into the picture. In this article, we will discuss assembler and interpreter and their differences.

What is Assembler?

An assembler is a computer program that translates assembly language code into machine code. It allows you to communicate directly with a computer’s hardware. It converts human-readable instructions into binary codes that the central processing unit (CPU) can execute. Assemblers are used for low-level programming and are specific to a particular computer architecture.

Role of assembler

• The main of the assembler is to transform the low-level source code (written in Assembly) into machine code.
• Transforms human-readable instructions into binary instructions.
• It optimizes the code for specific hardware architecture.
• Act as a bridge between low-level language code and Hardware.

What is Interpreter ?

An interpreter transforms or interprets a high-level programming code into executable code that can be understood by the machine or into an intermediate language that can be easily executed as well. The interpreter reads each statement of code and then converts or executes it directly. In contrast, an assembler or a compiler converts a high-level source code into native (compiled) code that can be executed directly by the operating system (e.g. by creating a .exe program).

Role of Interpreter

• It executes high-level language code line by line.
• Transforms codes into machine instruction at runtime.
• Although it takes more execution time as it do real time translation.
• It detects errors at runtime ,allowing coders to fix issues on the fly.

Difference Between Assembler and Interpreter

Conclusion

In conclusion all i can say is that interpreters and assemblers both act as mediator between human readable code and machine code but they do it in different level of abstraction. With the help of assembler you can control the computer hardwares which helps make the code run really well. Assemblers are often used to create important things like operating systems and special software. Interpreters interprets the code line by line and execute it which is very good for cathing runtime errors at early stages without executing the whole code.

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Article Tags :

• Compiler Design
• Difference Between
• GATE CS