What is the process of translating a high-level language into machine language called?

The process of translating a high-level programming language into machine language is known as compilation. During compilation, a compiler takes the source code written in a high-level language, such as C, and transforms it into machine code that can be executed by the computer's CPU. This machine code is in binary form, which is the only language the hardware directly understands.

Compilation involves several steps, including lexical analysis, syntax analysis, semantic analysis, optimization, and code generation. Once the code is compiled, it generates an executable file that can be run independently of the original source code. This is a crucial step in software development, enabling high-level languages to be converted into a format suitable for machine execution.

In contrast, interpretation directly executes the high-level code line-by-line without converting it into machine code, which can lead to slower execution times. Execution refers to the running of compiled or interpreted code. Preprocessing, often associated with specific languages, involves preparing code before the compilation step, such as handling directives in C/C++. Each of these processes plays a role in programming, but compilation specifically refers to the translation of high-level language into machine language.