Which term refers to the process of translating the entire source code into machine code or bytecode before execution?

• A. Interpreting
• B. Compilation
• C. Processing
• D. Execution

Answer: (B)

The term that describes the process of translating the entire source code into machine code or bytecode before execution is known as compilation. During this process, a compiler reads the complete source code, checks for errors, and transforms it into a form that the machine or virtual machine can understand and execute, which is typically either machine code or bytecode. This approach allows for optimization of the code, leading to potentially faster execution times since the translation occurs only once before the program runs.

In contrast, interpreting involves executing the code line by line at runtime rather than translating the entire code beforehand. Processing is a broader term that doesn't specifically refer to the transformation into machine code or bytecode. Execution is the act of running the program, which occurs after the code has been compiled or interpreted. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why compilation is the correct answer in the context of this question.