Interpretation
Interpretation is a fundamental concept in computer science and programming that involves executing code directly without prior compilation into machine language. It typically works by reading and processing source code line-by-line or statement-by-statement, translating it into executable actions on the fly. This approach contrasts with compilation, where code is transformed into a standalone executable before runtime.
Developers should understand interpretation when working with scripting languages like Python, JavaScript, or Ruby, as it enables rapid development cycles, easier debugging, and platform independence. It's particularly useful for prototyping, web development, automation scripts, and environments where immediate code execution and flexibility are prioritized over raw performance.