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What is the difference between interpreter and software?

interpreter | software |

In computing terms the difference between interpreter and software

is that interpreter is a program which executes another program written in a programming language other than machine code while software is encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM). Compare hardware.

As nouns the difference between interpreter and software

is that interpreter is one who listens to a speaker in one language and relates that utterance to the audience in a different language. Contrasted with translator while software is encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM). Compare hardware.

interpreter

Noun

(en noun)
  • One who listens to a speaker in one language and relates that utterance to the audience in a different language. Contrasted with translator.
  • A Japanese man who is tried before a German court is assisted by an interpreter in making oral statements.
  • (figuratively) One who explains something, such as an art exhibit.
  • (computing) A program which executes another program written in a programming language other than machine code.
  • Programs written in the BASIC language are usually run through an interpreter , though some can be compiled.

    Derived terms

    * terp * parts interpreter

    Coordinate terms

    * (in computing): compiler

    Anagrams

    * ----

    software

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • (computing) Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM). Compare hardware.
  • * 1958 , John W. Tukey, "The Teaching of Concrete Mathematics" in The American Mathematical Monthly , vol. 65, no. 1 (Jan. 1958), pp 1-9:
  • The "software " comprising the carefully planned interpretive routines, compilers, and other aspects of automative programming are at least as important to the modern electronic calculator as its "hardware" of tubes, transistors, wires, tapes and the like.
  • * 1995 , Paul Niquette, Softword: Provenance for the Word ‘Software’ :
  • As originally conceived, the word "software " was merely an obvious way to distinguish a program from the computer itself. A program comprised sequences of changeable instructions each having the power to command the behavior of the permanently crafted machinery, the "hardware."

    Usage notes

    Software'' is a mass noun (''some software'', ''a piece of software''). By non-native speakers it is sometimes erroneously treated as a countable noun (''a software'', ''some softwares ).

    Hyponyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * * * * * * * *

    See also

    * application * assembly * assembler * bug * code * coding * compilation * compiler * debugging * interpreter * linking * linker * open source * patch * programming * script * utilities * warez

    References

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