Is Python built on C?
Is Python built on C?
I'd be happy to help you with that!
Python is a high-level programming language that has its roots in ABC (A Better Calculator Language) and Modula-2, but it is not directly built on top of C. Instead, Python's implementation is a combination of several languages, including C, C++, and Assembly.
When Guido van Rossum created Python in the late 1980s, he was influenced by various programming languages, including ABC, Modula-2, and C. At that time, C was already an established language with a wide range of libraries and tools, so it's natural to assume that Python might have borrowed some ideas from C.
In fact, the initial implementation of Python's compiler and runtime environment was done in C. This means that Python's core functionality, such as memory management, type checking, and error handling, is implemented in C.
However, as Python evolved, its creators chose not to build it entirely on top of C. Instead, they used a combination of languages to create the Python interpreter. Here's a rough breakdown:
C: As mentioned earlier, C was used for the initial implementation of the compiler and runtime environment. Assembly: Some parts of the Python interpreter, such as memory management and error handling, are implemented in Assembly language (specifically, ARM Assembly) to ensure low-level control and optimization. C++: The Python interpreter's core functionality is implemented in C++. This includes things like garbage collection, type checking, and exception handling.The reason for this multi-language approach is that each language provides unique benefits for specific tasks:
C provides a solid foundation for the compiler and runtime environment. Assembly offers fine-grained control over low-level details. C++ allows for efficient memory management and error handling.This blend of languages enables Python's developers to create a highly performant, reliable, and flexible interpreter that can run on multiple platforms. While Python itself is not built directly on top of C, it does rely heavily on the C standard library and other C-based tools.
Is Python compiled language yes or no?
I'd be happy to explain this to you.
Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language that does not compile into machine code before it's executed. In other words, the answer is: NO, Python is not a compiled language in the classical sense.
To understand why, let's take a step back and look at what happens when we run a compiled language like C or Java:
We write source code (e.g.,.c or .java files). A compiler translates this source code into machine code (specifically, x86 assembly code or bytecode for the JVM). The resulting machine code is stored in an executable file (e.g., .exe or .class). When we run the program, the operating system loads the executable file into memory. The CPU executes the machine code directly.
In contrast, Python programs are typically written in text files with a .py extension and executed directly by the Python interpreter. Here's what happens when we run a Python program:
.py file). When we run the program using python filename.py, the Python interpreter reads the source code. The interpreter parses the source code into an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST). The interpreter walks the AST and executes each statement sequentially. The results are stored in memory, and any output is displayed on the console.
This process is called interpretation, not compilation. Interpretation is faster and more dynamic than compilation because it allows for easier modification of code at runtime. For example, you can dynamically import modules or modify variables during execution, which would be challenging or impossible with compiled languages.
While Python doesn't compile into machine code, there are some interesting facts about how the interpreter works:
The PyPy project provides a Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler for Python, which can significantly improve performance. This is still an interpretation rather than compilation, but it's an optimization that can be applied at runtime. Some Python implementations, such as PyScripter and IronPython, do compile Python code into an intermediate representation before executing it. However, this compilation step is not part of the standard Python runtime.In summary, Python is an interpreted language that doesn't compile into machine code. Instead, the interpreter parses and executes source code directly. This approach offers flexibility, ease of development, and a focus on readability, which are all key strengths of the Python programming language.
