• Question: What is the difference between a compiled language and an interpreted language, and how does this affect the performance of a program

    Asked by card519suet on 26 Feb 2025.
    • Photo: Paul Knight

      Paul Knight answered on 26 Feb 2025:

      A compiled language (like C or C++) translates the entire program into machine code before running, making it faster but requiring time to compile.

      An interpreted language (like Python or JavaScript) translates line by line as it runs, making it slower but easier to modify.

      Compiled languages are great for performance-heavy tasks like gaming, while interpreted ones are ideal for quick development and flexibility in areas like web development.

    • Photo: Caroline Roche

      Caroline Roche answered on 11 Apr 2025:

      Exactly what Paul has stated.
      Compiled languages execute faster but development and applying changes can take longer compared to interpreted languages.
      While interpreted languages can be easier for testers to debug and apply changes.
      Which one you choose will depend on the end use product.

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