Question

The translator program that translates each line of the source program as it runs is called :

• A. Compiler
• B. Interpreter
• C. Editor
• D. Linker

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Interpreter

An Interpreter is a translator program that converts and executes source code line by line at runtime. Unlike a compiler that translates the entire program at once before execution, an interpreter reads each line of the source code, translates it into machine code, and executes it immediately before moving to the next line.

Key Characteristics of an Interpreter:

1. Line-by-line translation: Translates and executes one statement at a time

2. Runtime execution: The translation happens during program execution, not beforehand

3. Immediate error detection: Stops execution when it encounters an error on a specific line

4. No object code generation: Does not create a separate executable file

Comparison with other options:

• Compiler: Translates the entire program at once and creates an executable file before running

• Editor: A software tool used for writing and editing code, not for translation

• Linker: Combines multiple object files into a single executable program

Examples of Interpreted Languages:

• Python

• JavaScript

• Ruby

• PHP

Therefore, the correct answer is Interpreter as it specifically translates and runs the source program line by line during execution.