In a programming environment, which component allows a user to run code interactively, executing statements line by line without compiling the entire program first?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Interpreter

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Developers often need rapid feedback while exploring ideas or debugging logic. Environments that execute code immediately after it is entered provide this interactivity. The component that supports direct, line-by-line execution without a full compile-link cycle is central to such workflows.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Goal: execute statements interactively and see results immediately.
  • Context: language processing components such as compiler, interpreter, and translator.
  • We are not compiling the entire program before running snippets.


Concept / Approach:
An interpreter reads source statements, analyzes them, and executes their effect directly (often after tokenizing/parsing). REPLs (read–eval–print loops) embed interpreters to evaluate inputs one at a time. While some systems blend JIT compilation for speed, the essential user-facing behavior remains interactive, not batch compilation.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify the need: immediate, statement-by-statement execution. 2) Map to language tools: interpreter vs compiler; compilers generate binaries first. 3) Confirm that an interpreter powers REPLs and interactive shells. 4) Choose “Interpreter.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Python, JavaScript shells, and many statistical packages (R, MATLAB) use interpreters or interpreter-like execution paths to deliver instant results, validating the choice.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Translator: generic term (compiler or interpreter); not specific to interactive execution. Communications processor: networking/IO role, unrelated to language execution. “Interactive shell with JIT optimizer” describes a product pattern but the canonical component is the interpreter. “None” is invalid.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing a compiler with an interpreter because modern tools blur lines; focus on user experience—immediate execution indicates interpreting behavior.


Final Answer:
Interpreter

More Questions from Automation System

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion