Python 101 Q&A

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Machine language

Machine language, or machine code, is a set of instructions that can be directly executed by the CPU. Each instruction has a very specific task (read, add, load, etc.) and is encoded in a binary code; i.e. a sequence 0's and 1's. Machine language is the only language directly understood by the computers. Any higher language first needs to be translated into the machine language before the CPU can execute it.

Python interpreter

An interpreter is a program that executes other programs. When you try to execute a Python program, Python interpreter converts Python source code, one statement at a time, into the machine language and sends it to the operating system for execution by the CPU.

The below is true for compiled languages. For interpreted languages, all you need is a source code for your program and an interpreter.