What role does an interpreter play in code execution?

An interpreter plays a crucial role in code execution by translating high-level programming code into CPU instructions that can be executed directly by the computer's processor. Unlike a compiler, which translates the entire program into machine code before execution, an interpreter processes the code line-by-line or statement-by-statement. This allows for immediate execution of the code, making it easier for developers to test and debug their programs in real-time.

The interpreter reads the written code, analyzes it, and then converts it into the corresponding machine instructions that the CPU can understand and execute. This allows for dynamic execution of scripts and faster iterations during the development process, as changes in the code can be tested immediately without waiting for the entire program to recompile.

Additionally, since the interpreter performs this translation at runtime, it also facilitates features like interactive programming and immediate feedback, which are essential for many scripting languages. This characteristic is particularly valuable for developers during the development phase, as they can see the results of their changes without a lengthy compilation process.