Interpreters vs Compilers
Compilers
- are programming software tools which transforms a user defined program
written in a textfile format into a machine executable file such as
EXE files, COM files. Examples of a text file program are *.C (C-Language
source code), *.PAS (Pascal), *.ASM (Assembly), *.BAS (Basic), etc.
Interpreters
- are programs which executes a user defined program written in a
textfile, without transformation to a machine executable file.
The History of Computing
1980s
- This is the era when compilers, interpreters made a significant
impact in the PC industry. Because of this, A lot of applications
where created such as WordStar, Lotus, Quatro Pro, etc.
Program where written for stand-alone
computers and has been application specific depending on the tool
you want to use.
Existing Computing Machines at this
time where the IBM Main Frames, the Mini Computers, and of course
the Microcomputers know as PCs.
Operating systems present at that time
where the PCDOS, MSDOS, OS2Warp, Win3.11, MAC/OS, etc.
Networking infrastracture was not yet
fully realized at that time. Although during the later part of 1980s
nearing 1990, networking started and a remarkable input, Microsoft
quoted "The internet was a fad" (Times Magazine).
MOSAIC - the first World Wide Web Browser
was developed at CERN by Mr. Tim Berners Lee. This started the WWW
revolution.
Netscape also started their own Netscape
Navigator Web Browser.
1990s
- During this time frame, computing has evolved from a standalone
application to a networked type of environment.
SUN introduced their JAVA concepts
to the Internet and has proven very powerful in the networking arena.
Netscape included the JAVA Virtual
Machine to their Netscape Navigator making the Browser not only open
Web Pages only but executes program as well.
Because of the JAVA Virtual Machine
concept, it is possible to write a program in a Windows PC Flatform
and run it in different Flatforms such as LINUX, MAC, Windows, etc.
This is called the "write once, run anywhere concept".
Microsoft tried to execute the "Embrace
and Extend" strategy but failed. Microsoft will embrace the JAVA
technology and overtake SUN and extend the technology so that they
can have control over the JAVA concept.
There are now 2 versions of JAVA existing
in the industry with incompatibility issues, Sun JAVA and Microsoft
JAVA. Sun later filed an a case against Microsoft for such issue.
Linux and JAVA connectivity.
2000s
- The Internet technology escalates and internet based computing arises.
Client-Server based systems are now much realizable than before.
A move for centralization of computing
to a single source is taking shape such a the Active Service Providers,
Internet Data Centers, etc. A technology long before established by
IBM in their Mainfame Technology.
IBM and Linux integration was initiated.
