What does a compiler do?

A compiler translates source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code, which is a low-level language that a computer's processor can directly understand and execute. The primary purpose of a compiler is to perform this translation, allowing the program to be run on the target machine.

During the compilation process, the compiler also checks the code for errors, ensuring that it adheres to the syntax of the programming language. This step is crucial because it helps catch mistakes before the code is executed, which can save time and resources during the development process.

Translating the code is essential for bridging the gap between human-readable code and machine-executable instructions, thereby enabling programs to run efficiently on different types of computer architectures.