Programming language implementation

Programming language implementation is the process of creating a programming language that is executable by a computer. It involves the translation of specifications for the language’s syntax and semantics into a form that can be understood by a computer. The implementation of a programming language is typically divided into two parts: the language processor, which handles the translation of source code into a format that can be executed, and the runtime system, which provides the necessary support for the program that is running.

The language processor is responsible for translating the source code into a form that a computer can understand and process. It typically performs the translation using a compiler, interpreter, or transpiler. A compiler is a program that reads the source code and translates it into a machine language that can be executed directly by the computer. An interpreter is a program that reads the source code and interprets it at the same time, meaning the program can be executed without the need for compilation. Finally, a transpiler is a program that reads the source code and translates it into another language, which can then be compiled by the computer.

The runtime system of a programming language is responsible for execution of a program, providing the necessary support to the program and the platform it is running on. Typically, it provides an environment in which the program can be executed and interacts with the operating system or other external services. This can include memory allocation, input/output, and other support for the program.

Overall, programming language implementation involves converting the source code written by a programmer into a form that can be understood and processed by a computer. This involves the use of a language processor and runtime system, which provide the necessary support for the program to be executed.