AI engineering glossary · Computing foundations
What is compiler?
Compiler: A program that translates source code written in a high-level language into machine code or another lower-level form before the program runs. Compiled programs typically run faster, and errors in syntax are found at translation time.
Compiler: an example
A C++ compiler converts your source file into an executable that runs directly on the processor.
Related terms
More Computing foundations terms
- Concurrency
- Container
- Content delivery network
- Context switch
- Coordinated Universal Time
- CPU core
- CUDA
- Daemon
Where you learn it
Compiler is part of the AI Engineering Program, which teaches it with notes, a hands-on lab and an exam. The first lesson is free.