Author
Home > Technology > What is the Difference Between Debugger and Compiler?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Debugger and Compiler?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between a debugger and a compiler lies in their functions and purposes in the software development process. Here is a summary of their differences:

  • Compiler:
  • Translates source code from a high-level programming language to a low-level machine language.
  • Performs code optimization and code generation.
  • Generates Intermediate Language (IL) code.
  • Detects syntax errors and compile-time errors.
  • Debugger:
  • Used to find and remove bugs from code.
  • Allows testing and debugging of other programs.
  • Provides more capabilities for detecting errors in programs compared to a compiler.
  • Includes features like monitoring memory usage, breakpoints, and variable tracking.

In essence, a compiler is responsible for converting human-readable code into machine-executable code, while a debugger helps in identifying and fixing errors in the program code.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Debugger and Compiler?
  • Comparative Table: Debugger vs Compiler

    • Comparative Table: Debugger vs Compiler

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between a debugger and a compiler:

    Feature Compiler Debugger
    Purpose Translates high-level language into machine instructions Removes bugs from code by allowing testing and debugging of programs
    Output Compiled programs might have some errors or bugs Debugged program cannot have any errors
    Error Detection Capable of detecting syntax errors and compile-time errors Provides more capabilities to detect errors in programs compared to a compiler
    Task Difficulty More difficult to design and develop due to its complex nature Less difficult to design and develop compared to a compiler
    Runtime Generates IL (Intermediate Language) code Checks IL code line by line
    Operation Modes Does not have specific operation modes Can have full and partial simulation modes
    Symbol Table Does not create or use a symbol table Uses a symbol table to map instructions and variable names

    In summary, a compiler translates source code into executable code, while a debugger helps programmers find and fix errors in their programs.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.