A Python interpreter

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

A Python interpreter is a program that reads and executes Python code. Unlike compiled languages, where code is first converted to machine language and then run by the computer, Python code is executed directly by the interpreter. This process involves parsing the Python code, converting it into a set of instructions that can be executed by the interpreter, and then running those instructions. Here are two examples to illustrate how the Python interpreter works and how it can be used:

Example 1: Using the Python Interpreter Interactively

One common way to use the Python interpreter is in an interactive mode, also known as the REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop). You can enter Python commands one at a time, and the interpreter executes them immediately:

1. Open a terminal or command prompt.
2. Type python or python3 (depending on your installation) and press Enter. This command launches the Python interpreter in interactive mode.
3. You can now type Python code directly into the interpreter, which will execute it and display the results. For example:

>>> print("Hello, world!")
Hello, world!
>>> 2 + 2
4

In this mode, the interpreter reads each line of input, evaluates it (executes the Python code), and prints the result before reading the…