Interpreters and compilers are both used to execute programs written in programming languages, but they differ in how they process and execute the code. Here are the key differences between interpreters and compilers:

1. Execution Process:
   • Interpreters: Interpreters execute the program line by line, reading and interpreting each statement in real-time. They directly translate the source code into machine code or an intermediate representation and execute it immediately.
   • Compilers: Compilers transform the entire source code into machine code or bytecode before execution. The compiled code can be executed directly by the computer without the need for further translation.
2. Translation:
   • Interpreters: Interpreters translate the source code into machine code or an intermediate representation line by line during runtime.
   • Compilers: Compilers perform a one-time translation of the entire source code into machine code or bytecode before execution. The translation occurs prior to the program’s execution.
3. Performance:
   • Interpreters: Interpreted code tends to have slower execution speeds because each line of code is translated and executed at runtime. Interpreters do not perform extensive optimization during the translation process.
   • Compilers: Compiled code generally executes faster since it has already been translated into machine code or bytecode, allowing for direct execution. Compilers can apply various optimization techniques during the compilation phase, resulting in improved performance.
4. Portability:
   • Interpreters: Interpreted languages tend to be more portable because the interpreter can run on different platforms and execute the code without requiring a specific compilation step for each platform.
   • Compilers: Compiled languages often need to be compiled separately for different platforms, as the compiled code is specific to the target architecture or virtual machine.
5. Debugging and Error Handling:
   • Interpreters: Interpreted languages often provide more interactive and immediate feedback during development. Errors are typically reported as soon as they occur, allowing for easier debugging and error handling.
   • Compilers: Compiled languages may require a separate debugging process, as errors are often reported at compile time rather than during runtime. Debugging compiled code can be more complex, especially in the absence of suitable debugging tools.
6. Startup Time:
   • Interpreters: Interpreted languages have faster startup times since there is no need for an upfront compilation step. The interpreter can start executing the code immediately.
   • Compilers: Compiled languages may have longer startup times as the compilation step needs to be performed before the program can start executing. However, subsequent executions of the compiled code can be faster.

Overall, the choice between an interpreter and a compiler depends on factors such as performance requirements, development speed, platform portability, and the specific goals of the programming language or application. Some languages, like Python or JavaScript, offer both interpretation and compilation options to strike a balance between performance and development flexibility.