Compiler
A program that translates source code into another target representation.
What is a compiler?
A compiler translates source code into another target representation. This may be machine code or other source code. Which language rules and errors are checked depends on the tool. Compilation is not automatically the same as bundling files, testing or deploying an application.
In a fictional web project, portal.ts is translated into JavaScript output portal.js. The team checks diagnostics and settings chosen for the target environment. Whether output is emitted despite errors depends on the tool and configuration. A target file alone therefore proves neither freedom from errors, correct business behaviour nor publication. The output still needs to fit the required runtime conditions and intended workflows.
Sources
Related terms
- Source codeThe readable, editable description of a program from which its behaviour is produced.
- Typing in programmingHow a programming language handles kinds of values and suitable operations.
- Static code analysisExamining code, or a representation of it, without running the application’s workflows to do so.
- LinterA tool that examines code for particular problems using configured rules.
- Legacy systemAn existing system still in use, with technical and business dependencies accumulated over time.
- Multi-tenancyMulti-tenancy supports separate customer or group scopes in one solution. A tenant is not automatically one person or one database.
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