A program that reads source code and directly executes it

• does not generate the translation of the source program first

Advantages of compilers over interpreters:

• once compiled, execution can be much faster
  • 'carefully prepare' program for fast execution
• better semantic checks: examine the entire program

and report errors before program is run

This is our topic.

e.g. Java virtual machine and .NET virtual machine

• starts by interpreting the program
• later compiles the parts where speed is critical

At the end of course, we will say a few words about

• Java virtual machine, e.g. memory management