Compilation
Compilation is the process of translating source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code or an intermediate representation that can be executed by a computer. It involves multiple stages such as lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis, optimization, and code generation, typically performed by a compiler. This process enables developers to write code in human-readable languages while ensuring it runs efficiently on hardware.
Developers should understand compilation when working with compiled languages like C, C++, or Rust, as it directly impacts performance, debugging, and deployment. It is essential for optimizing code, handling platform-specific dependencies, and ensuring security through static analysis. Knowledge of compilation is also crucial for embedded systems, operating systems development, and when using tools that require build processes.