What is Compiling?

Why is Python called a scripting language while C++ is not? Why is it that C++ normally runs faster than Python? Why do we need to compile C++ but not Python? What is compiling? What is a compiler?

To begin with, both Python and C++ are programming languages. We’ve created them so that we can communicate with computers.

To make things simpler, let’s consider both Python and C++ as two human beings. Python is Portuguese and C++ is a Chinese. Both of them are traveling to Quebec and they want to order poutines from a restaurant in Quebec.

But the problem is: neither of them can understand French and therefore, they cannot communicate with the waitresses.

Python decides to hire a translator who knows how to speak Portuguese and French. That’s quick and easy. With the help of the translator, he gets his job done.

However, C++ decides to learn French instead. He hired an instructor who speaks both Chinese and French. And with the help of the French instructor, C++ learned how to speak French. It takes months for C++ to transform from someone who did not speak French to someone who does.

Now both Python and C++ travel to a different town in Quebec and they want to order poutines from a local restaurant. Python needs to hire a translator again to order the poutines. However, C++ does not…