Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Computer Science) A program that translates source code written in a high-level programming language (like C++ or Java) into a lower-level language (like assembly or machine code) that a computer's processor can execute. This process is called compilation.
   • A person who collects, organizes, and assembles information from various sources into a single work, such as a reference book, report, or anthology.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Computer Program):
  • The C++ compiler produced an error because of a syntax mistake in the code.
  • Before you can run the program, you must pass the source code through the compiler.
• Noun (Person):
  • She was the compiler of the highly regarded annual industry report.
  • As the compiler of the poetry anthology, he selected works from over fifty different authors.

Advanced Usage

• "Just-in-time (JIT) compiler": A compiler that translates code during the execution of a program, rather than before.
  • Modern Java virtual machines use a JIT compiler to improve performance.
• "Cross-compiler": A compiler that runs on one type of computer but produces executable code for a different type of computer or operating system.
  • They used a cross-compiler to build the software for the embedded device on their desktop PCs.

Variants and Related Words

• Compile (verb): The action performed by a compiler.
  • To compile a program; to compile a list.
• Compilation (noun): The process or result of compiling.
  • The compilation of the dictionary took ten years. The program's compilation failed.
• Compilatory (adjective): Relating to the work of compiling information.
  • The team's compilatory work resulted in a comprehensive database.

Synonyms

• For the program: Translator, builder (in specific contexts).
• For the person: Collector, gatherer, assembler, editor, anthologist.

Related Phrases

• "Run the compiler": To execute the compiler program on source code.
  • After fixing the bugs, run the compiler again to check for errors.
• "Compiler error/warning": A message generated by the compiler indicating a problem or potential issue in the source code.
  • The compiler warning suggested a possible logic error in the loop.

Noun

1. (computer science) a program that decodes instructions written in a higher order language and produces an assembly language program
2. a person who compiles information (as for reference purposes)