Python is an interpreted language, meaning that it is not directly executed by the computer's processor. Instead, Python source code is processed and executed by an interpreter, which translates and executes the code line by line.
When you write Python code, you save it in a text file with a .py extension, such as "script.py". To run the Python program, you typically invoke the interpreter by typing "python" followed by the name of the script file in the command line. The interpreter reads the code, interprets it, and executes the instructions.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how Python code is executed:
The Python source code is written in plain text using a text editor or an integrated development environment (IDE).
When you run a Python program, the source code is passed to the Python interpreter.
The interpreter reads the code line by line, performs syntax checking, and converts the code into a set of intermediate instructions called bytecode.
The bytecode is then executed by the Python virtual machine (PVM), which is a part of the interpreter. The PVM translates the bytecode into machine code that can be understood and executed by the computer's processor.
The Python interpreter dynamically executes the bytecode, executing each instruction and performing the necessary operations.
It's important to note that although Python is an interpreted language, it does utilize a compilation process. When you run a Python program, the interpreter compiles the source code into bytecode before executing it. However, this compilation step happens at runtime and is transparent to the user. To use free Python online compiler visit the given link.
Python's interpreted nature offers several advantages, such as ease of use, platform independence, and interactive development. However, it can also result in slower execution speed compared to languages that are compiled directly into machine code, like C or C++. To address this, Python provides various tools and techniques, such as just-in-time (JIT) compilation and module optimizations, to improve performance in certain scenarios.
In summary, Python is an interpreted language where the source code is executed by an interpreter. The interpreter converts the code into bytecode, which is then executed by the Python virtual machine. This combination of interpretation and bytecode execution allows Python to be flexible and easy to use.
Also read: What is the architecture of Python? Complete Guide