Language Implementation Methods

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Language Implementation Methods

• David Woolbright

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Interpretation

• Interpretation occurs when the code that
  represents a program is read and causes an action
  or change in state of the executing machine.
• Interpretation can occur in hardware or software

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Implementation of Languages

• There are three general methods for implementing
  a language
• Method 1 Compilation The source program is
  translated into machine code (0s and 1s) which
  is interpreted by hardware
• - Slow translation
• - Fast execution

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Compilation Process (Sebesta Diagram)
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Pure Interpretation

• Method 2 Pure Interpretation The source code
  is unchanged. An interpreter program executes
  reading your source as data to determine how to
  execute your program
• Slow execution
• Very flexible

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Pure Interpretation (Sebesta Diagram)
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Hybrid System

• Method 3 Hybrid System - The source code is
  partially translated to an intermediate format.
  This intermediate code is input to an
  interpreter.
• Small translation cost
• Medium execution speed

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Hybrid System(Sebesta Diagram)
- Small translation cost - Medium execution speed