High-Level Language: A high-level language is a programming language that allows developers to write powerful and complex programs using code that is easy for humans to read and write.

• Key Characteristics of High-Level Languages

• • Easier to Use and Understand: Uses English-like words and logical structures (e.g., if, while, print)
  • Abstracts Away Hardware Details: You don’t need to know how the CPU or memory works
  • Fewer Instructions Needed: A single line of high-level code can represent dozens or hundreds of machine instructions

1.9.1. Compilers and Interpreters

• To run a high-level program, it must be translated into machine language using a compiler or interpreter

1.9.2. Compiler: Translation Before Execution

• A compiler is a special program that translates an entire high-level program into machine language before the program is run.
• The result is a separate machine language file (called an executable), which can then be run any time without needing the original source code or the compiler.
• Key Features:
  • Fast execution after compilation, Error checking happens before running, Produces a standalone file
• Example: Languages that use a compiler
  • C, C++, Java (compiled to bytecode), etc.

1.9.3. Interpreter: Translation During Execution

• An interpreter translates and runs the high-level program one instruction at a time.
• It does not produce a separate machine language file.
• Every time you run the program, the interpreter must reprocess the source code.
• Key Features:
  • Easier to test and debug during development
  • Slower execution compared to compiled programs
  • No need for a separate compilation step
• Example: Languages that use an interpreter
  • Python, JavaScript, Ruby, etc.

1.9.3. Compling vs. Interpreting

• Once program is compiled, it can be executed over and over without the source code or compiler.
• If it is interpreted, the source code and interpreter are needed each time the program runs