Before we write a single line of C++, it’s important to understand how our programs get executed, because they are ultimately executed on hardware. However, a computer’s CPU doesn’t understand C++ so … what happens?
Here’s a flowchart explaining what happens to the code we write.
A translation of our C++ source code into machine language occurs. In high-level languages this is done through compiling or interpreting. C++ uses the former.
Get acquainted with the C++ compiler as it helps us significantly.
In addition to translating our C++ source code into machine code, it also optimises our program. In fact, it does it better than humans!
What about translation through interpreting?
Glad you asked.
Conversely, an interpreter executes the instructions in the source code directly. Interpreters are less efficient than compilers because the interpreting process must be performed every time the program is executed.