The compilation/build process varies across different programming languages.
Here's a brief overview of the compilation/build process for Java, C#, C++, Swift, Kotlin, Python, and JavaScript:
1. Java
Source Code
- Java source code is written in files with a .java extension.
Compilation
The Java Compiler (javac) is used to compile the source code.
The compiler translates Java source code into Java byte-code, which is a platform-independent intermediate representation.
Command - javac filename.java
Result - Generates bytecode in .class files.
Bytecode Execution
The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) interprets or Just-In-Time (JIT) compiles the byte-code to native machine code.
Command: java filename (without the .class extension)
The JVM handles the execution of the program.
2. C Sharp('C#'), VB, C++ (Micro Soft Platform)
Source Code:
- C# source code is written in files with a .cs extension.
Compilation:
The C# Compiler (csc or Roslyn compiler) is used to compile the source code.
The compiler translates C# code into Intermediate Language (IL) code.
Command: csc filename.cs or dotnet build
Result: Generates .exe or .dll files containing IL code.
Execution:
The Common Language Runtime (CLR) translates IL code
to native machine code during runtime.The compiled executable is executed on the target system.
3. C++
Source Code:
C++ source code is written in files with a .cpp extension.
Compilation:
A C++ compiler (e.g., GCC, Visual C++, Clang) is used to compile the source code.
The compiler translates C++ code into machine code.
Command: g++ filename.cpp (for GCC)
Result: Generates an executable file (.exe on Windows or binary on Unix-based systems).
Execution:
- The compiled executable is executed on the target system.
4. Swift
Source Code:
Swift source code is written in files with a .swift extension.
Compilation:
The Swift Compiler (swiftc) is used to compile the source code.
The compiler translates Swift code into Intermediate Representation (IR) and then to native machine code.
Command: swiftc filename.swift
Result: Generates an executable.
Execution:
The compiled executable is executed on the target system.
5. Kotlin:
Source Code:
- Kotlin source code is written in files with a .kt extension.
Compilation:
The Kotlin Compiler (kotlinc) is used to compile the source code.
The compiler translates Kotlin code into Java byte-code (if targeting JVM) or native code.
Command: kotlinc filename.kt
Result: Generates .class files (if targeting JVM) or native binaries.
Execution:
For JVM: The Java Virtual Machine (JVM) interprets or JIT compiles the byte-code.
For Native: The compiled native code is executed on the target system.
6. Python:
Source Code:
- Python source code is written in files with a .py extension.
Execution:
Python is an interpreted language, so there is no explicit compilation step.
The Python interpreter reads and executes the source code directly.
Command: python filename.py
7. JavaScript
Source Code:
- JavaScript source code is written in files with a .js extension.
Interpretation/Compilation:
JavaScript is typically interpreted by web browsers.
Modern engines use Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation for improved performance.
There’s no explicit compilation step for developers in the traditional sense.
Execution:
Open the HTML file in a web browser to run JavaScript code.
Browsers handle the interpretation or compilation process.
Summary
In summary, the compilation/build process involves translating high-level source code into machine-executable code, and the specific steps and tools vary between programming languages. The resulting executable files or bytecode can then be run on the target system or virtual machine.