What is the difference between code interpretation and compilation?

Compilation is the process of converting the entire source code of a program into machine code or another intermediate format before running the program. The result is an executable file that can be run without the compiler.

Interpretation is the line-by-line or block-by-block execution of source code using an interpreter during the program's runtime. The code is not pre-compiled into machine code but is analyzed and executed "just-in-time".

Main differences:

• Compilation: converts all code at once, resulting in a separate executable file.
• Interpretation: executes code directly without creating a separate file.
• Compiled programs usually run faster because they are already translated into machine code.
• Interpreted programs are more flexible for debugging and cross-platform compatibility but may run slower.

Example: C++ is usually compiled, Python is interpreted.