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Compiled versus Interpreted
Interpretors run source program, "interpreting" the source code on the fly.
Compilers translate the source program to machine language.
Well, actually, they usually translate it to object code.
The object code is "linked" with other code by a linker.
Speed
Compilers win
Optimizing compilers really win
(In Java automatic garbage collector runs as a low-priority background thread
e.g.
improves response.)
Security, viruses etc.
Fully interpreted languages win
Java is interpreted.
Well, actually, it's compiled to "bytecodes".
Bytecodes are interpreted by a virtual machine.
The virtual machine is emulated by the Web browser.
Java is a trade off between speed and security.
Bytecode generation and interpretation.
Lifted from
The Java(tm) White Paper
(Sun Microsystems).
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J. Anthony Parker, MD, PhD,
Tony_Parker@bih.harvard.edu