Which tool translates a high-level language into machine code?

Which tool translates a high-level language into machine code?

• A. Linker
• B. Compiler/Translator
• C. Assembler
• D. Interpreter

Answer: (B)

Translating a high-level language into machine code is what a compiler does. A compiler analyzes the entire program in a high-level language, checks for syntax and semantics, optimizes, and then generates machine code (executable or object code) that the computer can run directly. This is different from an interpreter, which executes the program by translating on the fly without producing a standalone machine code file, and from an assembler, which converts assembly language into machine code, or a linker, which joins multiple object files into one executable. Because a compiler is a type of translator that turns high-level code into machine code, the best fit is the compiler/translator option.

Translating a high-level language into machine code is what a compiler does. A compiler analyzes the entire program in a high-level language, checks for syntax and semantics, optimizes, and then generates machine code (executable or object code) that the computer can run directly. This is different from an interpreter, which executes the program by translating on the fly without producing a standalone machine code file, and from an assembler, which converts assembly language into machine code, or a linker, which joins multiple object files into one executable. Because a compiler is a type of translator that turns high-level code into machine code, the best fit is the compiler/translator option.