Python Interpreter

What is an Interpreter?

An interpreter is a program that reads and executes code line-by-line. Python uses an interpreter, which means:

• Code is executed one statement at a time.
• Errors stop execution immediately (unless handled).
• You can interact with Python using a REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop).

Example 1: Step-by-Step Execution

x = 5
y = 3
print("Sum:", x + y)
print("Product:", x * y)

This code is interpreted and executed one line at a time. Python computes values and prints results as it goes.

Example 2: Interpreter Stops on Error

print("Starting...")
print(10 / 2)
print("This line will run")
print(10 / 0)  # Error occurs here
print("This line won't run")

The interpreter halts at the division-by-zero error, and no lines after that are executed unless the error is handled.

Example 3: Interactive Interpreter (REPL)

>>> a = 2
>>> b = 4
>>> a * b
8
>>> print("Done")
Done

Each command is interpreted and run instantly, which is the essence of Python's interactive shell.

Python's interpreter makes it easy to debug and test code interactively, enhancing learning and development speed.