Definitions
- A program that processes source code before it is compiled. - Used to modify or manipulate the source code before compilation. - Often used to include header files, define constants, and conditionally compile code.
- A program that translates source code into machine code. - Used to convert high-level programming languages into low-level machine code. - Often used to optimize code for performance and generate executable files.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are software tools used in software development.
- 2Both are involved in the process of converting source code into machine code.
- 3Both are essential components of the software development process.
- 4Both can be used to optimize code for performance.
What is the difference?
- 1Function: A preprocessor modifies or manipulates source code before it is compiled, while a compiler translates source code into machine code.
- 2Timing: A preprocessor runs before compilation, while a compiler runs during compilation.
- 3Input: A preprocessor takes source code as input, while a compiler takes preprocessed code as input.
- 4Output: A preprocessor generates modified source code as output, while a compiler generates machine code or executable files as output.
- 5Usage: A preprocessor is often used to include header files, define constants, and conditionally compile code, while a compiler is used to translate high-level programming languages into low-level machine code.
Remember this!
In software development, both preprocessor and compiler are essential tools used to convert source code into machine code. However, the difference between them is their function, timing, input, output, and usage. A preprocessor modifies or manipulates source code before compilation, while a compiler translates source code into machine code during compilation. A preprocessor takes source code as input and generates modified source code as output, while a compiler takes preprocessed code as input and generates machine code or executable files as output.
