A compiler translates a whole program into machine code before running it. An interpreter translates and runs it line by line.
An assembler translates assembly language.
Related terms in Computer & tech
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Computer systems that do tasks that usually need human thinking, such as understanding language or spotting patterns.
ASCII and Unicode
Character codes that turn letters into numbers. ASCII covers 128 basic characters; Unicode covers almost every script, including …
Bit and byte
A bit is a single 0 or 1. A byte is 8 bits.
Blockchain
A shared digital ledger where records are stored in linked blocks that are very hard to change.
Booting
Starting a computer and loading the operating system. A cold boot starts from power-off; a warm boot is a restart.
Browser
Software used to open websites, such as Chrome, Edge or Firefox.
Cache memory
Very fast, small memory between the CPU and RAM that stores frequently used data.
Cloud computing
Using storage, software or computing power over the internet instead of on your own machine.
Cookie
A small file a website stores in your browser to remember your settings or login.
CPU
Central Processing Unit, the 'brain' of a computer. It has the ALU, control unit and registers.