Is Python Compiled or Interpreted?

Summary

This video explains whether Python is a compiled or interpreted language, revealing that it is both—a hybrid language. It details the translation process: Python source code (.py) is first compiled into bytecode (.pyc), then executed by the Python Virtual Machine (PVM) on-the-fly. The video includes a step-by-step demo showing how to create a Python file, run it normally to see output, and explicitly generate and view the bytecode using the py_compile module. Viewers learn how Python's compilation and interpretation work together, making code portable across platforms while illustrating the hidden compilation step behind the scenes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Python is a hybrid language, meaning it is both compiled and interpreted.
• 😀 The compilation step in Python generates bytecode (.pyc), which is platform-independent.
• 😀 The bytecode generated by the Python compiler is executed by the Python Virtual Machine (PVM).
• 😀 The Python interpreter within the PVM runs the bytecode and converts it into machine code on the fly.
• 😀 The compilation process in Python is usually hidden from the user but can be observed with the `py_compile` module.
• 😀 Python source files are written with the `.py` extension, and bytecode files are generated with the `.pyc` extension.
• 😀 To see the bytecode, one must explicitly compile the code using the `py_compile.compile()` method.
• 😀 The `py_compile` module in Python is used to compile Python source code into bytecode, which can then be stored in a `__pycache__` folder.
• 😀 Python bytecode (.pyc) files are not human-readable but are essential for Python's execution on different machines using PVM.
• 😀 While running Python code, both the compilation and interpretation steps happen, but only the interpreted output is visible unless the compilation step is explicitly triggered.

Q & A

Is Python a compiled or interpreted language?

Python is both compiled and interpreted, making it a hybrid language. It is first compiled into bytecode and then interpreted by the Python Virtual Machine (PVM) to produce machine code on the fly.

What is the role of a compiler in Python?

The compiler in Python translates the source code (.py file) into bytecode (.pyc file). It does not generate machine code directly; instead, it produces an intermediate representation that the PVM can execute.

What is bytecode in Python?

Bytecode is an intermediate code generated by the Python compiler. It is platform-independent and can be executed by the Python Virtual Machine (PVM) on any operating system with Python installed.

What is the Python Virtual Machine (PVM)?

The PVM is the runtime engine that interprets Python bytecode and converts it into machine code on the fly. It contains the interpreter and other necessary components to execute Python programs.

Why can Python run on multiple platforms without modification?

Because Python generates platform-independent bytecode that can be executed by the Python Virtual Machine installed on any operating system, whether Windows, Linux, or Mac.

How can you explicitly view the bytecode of a Python program?

By using the `py_compile` module in the Python interactive shell. For example: `import py_compile; py_compile.compile('Hello.py')` generates a `.pyc` file in the `__pycache__` folder.

What is the typical extension of a compiled Python bytecode file?

The extension of a compiled Python bytecode file is `.pyc`, for example, `Hello.cpython-310.pyc`.

Can humans directly understand Python bytecode?

No, Python bytecode is not human-readable. It is intended for the PVM to execute, which then produces the output on the screen.

What is the difference between running a Python script normally and compiling it using `py_compile`?

Running a Python script normally both compiles and interprets the code automatically, producing the output. Using `py_compile` explicitly only compiles the code into bytecode without immediately executing it.

What are some ways to write Python code?

Python code can be written using Notepad, an IDE, or the interactive shell in the command prompt. Notepad was used in the demo because it requires no additional software installation.

Why might someone want to view the bytecode of a Python program?

Viewing bytecode can help understand how Python internally translates source code, debug certain issues, or distribute compiled code without revealing the original source code.

What command is used to navigate to the folder containing a Python program in the command prompt?

The `cd` (change directory) command is used, for example: `cd desktop/python_programs`.