What is an interpreter in programming?

An interpreter is defined as a program that translates source code into machine code, executing it line by line. This allows high-level programming languages, which are more human-readable, to be run on a computer. Unlike compilers, which translate the entire program before execution, interpreters convert and execute the code in real-time, making them particularly useful for scripting and interactive programming environments.

Interpreters facilitate quick testing and debugging, as developers can immediately see the results of their code without having to wait for an entire compilation process. This dynamic translation is essential for languages like Python and JavaScript, where flexibility and rapid iteration are key.

In contrast, tools for compiling code are more focused on transforming the entire codebase into an executable file, software for debugging is designed to help identify and fix errors in the code, and methods for teaching programming refer to pedagogical approaches rather than a specific software tool. Thus, the definition of an interpreter as a program that translates source code into machine code is accurate and distinguishes its purpose clearly from the other options.