Which tool translates programs at runtime, processing statements one by one?

Which tool translates programs at runtime, processing statements one by one?

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

Answer: (D)

Interpreting code at execution time means the program is read and executed directly by the interpreter as it runs, translating each statement on the fly. The interpreter processes statements one by one and carries out their meaning immediately, rather than turning the whole program into machine code first. This contrasts with other tools: an assembler converts assembly language into machine code; a linker combines object files into a single executable; a compiler translates the entire high-level program into standalone machine code before it runs. The key idea here is runtime translation and immediate execution of each statement, which is exactly what an interpreter does.

Interpreting code at execution time means the program is read and executed directly by the interpreter as it runs, translating each statement on the fly. The interpreter processes statements one by one and carries out their meaning immediately, rather than turning the whole program into machine code first.

This contrasts with other tools: an assembler converts assembly language into machine code; a linker combines object files into a single executable; a compiler translates the entire high-level program into standalone machine code before it runs. The key idea here is runtime translation and immediate execution of each statement, which is exactly what an interpreter does.