How Java Works

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You might have noticed that I have mentioned the word compiler many times throughout this course. What does it mean? A compiler translates your programming file into binary. The compiler has a counterpart called an interpreter. Although both the compiler and the interpreter accomplish the same task of turning a programming file into binary, they both do it in different ways making both useful in different scenarios.

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Examples of languages that use a compiler:

• Java
• Rust
• C
• C++

Examples languages that use an interpreter:

• Python
• Javascript
• Bash
• Perl

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How a compiler translates regular code into binary:

• The compiler takes some time to read all the code
• Then, the compiler quickly converts all of it into binary

How an Interpreter translates regular code into binary:

• The interpreter reads each line of code line by line
• As it's reading, it also turns each line into binary code simultaneously

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Attributes of Compilers:

• Faster run time
• Error detection before runtime
• Slower development cycle
• Protects source code
• Compile code usually specific to the platform (can't run on every machine) (Java needs a JVM for it to run)

Attributes of Interpreters:

• Slower run time
• Error detection while runtime
• Faster development cycle
• Exposes source code
• Source code can run on any platform (Interpreters handle binary translation)

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What to use when?

• Use a compiler-based language when you need high-performance and security
• Use an interpreter-based language when you need a program to run on any platform, or for scripting (writing short programs to automate tasks, interact with systems, or manipulate data)