Bytecode Interpretation
Bytecode interpretation is a technique in computer science where a program is compiled into an intermediate, platform-independent representation called bytecode, which is then executed by a virtual machine or interpreter at runtime. This approach bridges the gap between high-level source code and low-level machine code, enabling portability across different hardware and operating systems. It is commonly used in languages like Java, Python, and C# to facilitate cross-platform execution and dynamic features such as just-in-time compilation.
Developers should learn bytecode interpretation when working with languages that rely on virtual machines, such as Java (JVM), Python (CPython), or .NET (CLR), as it is essential for understanding how these languages achieve platform independence and runtime optimization. It is particularly useful for debugging performance issues, implementing language features, or building interpreters for domain-specific languages, as it provides insights into intermediate code execution and memory management.