Semi Interpreted

A computer language is SemiInterpreted if it is compiled upon each use. This happens with Perl. Normally, whenever you run a Perl program, Perl's internal compiler turns your SourceCode into internal ?ByteCodes; it then runs the ?ByteCodes at top speed.

Being SemiInterpreted gives the language the main benefits of compilation: ?ConstantFolding, speedy execution, and complete syntax checking. But it's inefficient if a large program will do just one small task (probably out of many possible tasks) before quitting, since the ?ByteCodes aren't being saved from one execution to the next.

Last edited August 30, 2001
Return to WelcomeVisitors