Compiler is a program that translates code written in a high-level programming language into a lower-level language, typically assembly or machine code, to create an executable program. It's like a translator that takes your fancy Python or Java code and turns it into something the computer can actually understand and run, because apparently computers are too lazy to learn Python.

How to use it in a sentence

• I can't believe I spent all night trying to debug this code, only to realize I forgot to run it through the compiler first. I should probably just quit and become a barista at this point.

• Sarah was excited to show off her new compiler optimizations at the team meeting, until she realized no one else cared and they were all just scrolling through memes on their phones.

If you actually want to learn more...

• Crafting Interpreters: This online book by Bob Nystrom takes you through the process of building your own compiler from scratch, because apparently some people enjoy torturing themselves in their free time.

• Let's Build a Compiler: This classic series of articles by Jack Crenshaw walks you through building a compiler for a simple language, assuming you have nothing better to do with your life.

• The Super Tiny Compiler: This GitHub repository contains a, you guessed it, super tiny compiler implementation in JavaScript, for those who want to understand the basics without spending months of their life on it.

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