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A compiler is a computer program that translates human-readable source code written in a high-level programming language into a low-level language, such as machine code, that the computer's processor can understand and execute. The compiler performs various stages, including lexical analysis, parsing, and semantic analysis, to ensure the code is valid before converting it into an executable file. This process allows software developers to write applications using more intuitive languages, which are then compiled into an efficient format for a specific target machine or operating system.

How a Compiler Works

The compilation process involves several phases:

Preprocessing: The compiler handles directives and expands macros.

Lexical Analysis: It scans the source code and breaks it into tokens, which are the basic units of the language.

Parsing (Syntax Analysis): The tokens are arranged into a hierarchical structure, often called a parse tree, to check if the code follows the language's grammar rules.

Semantic Analysis: The compiler verifies the code for logical errors, such as type mismatches or undeclared variables.

Intermediate Code Generation: The source code is translated into an intermediate representation (IR) that is machine-independent.

Code Optimization: The IR is improved for better performance and efficiency.

Machine Code Generation: The optimized IR is converted into the specific machine code for the target processor.