Compiler - CI/CD Glossary Definition
A compiler translates source code into a lower-level target such as machine code or bytecode, running as a build step before execution.
A compiler is a program that translates source code written in one language (such as C, Go, or TypeScript) into a lower-level target such as machine code, bytecode, or another language. Compilation happens as a distinct build step before your program runs.
A compiler is a program that translates source code written in one language (such as C, Go, or TypeScript) into a lower-level target such as machine code, bytecode, or another language. Compilation happens as a distinct build step before your program runs.
In CI
The compile step is usually the first place a pipeline fails, because syntax and type errors surface there before tests ever run. Caching compiler output (for example ccache or an incremental build cache) is one of the biggest CI speedups.
Compiler vs interpreter
A compiler produces an output artifact up front; an interpreter reads and executes source directly at run time. Many toolchains combine both, compiling to bytecode that an interpreter then runs.