The process of executing source code directly, line by line, without first converting it to machine code. An interpreter reads and executes code statements immediately as it encounters them during program execution.
From Latin 'interpretari' meaning 'to explain' or 'to translate between parties.' In computing since the 1950s, describing programs that 'interpret' or translate code instructions in real-time during execution.
Interpretation is like having a live translator at a business meeting - they translate each sentence as it's spoken, in real-time. This is different from getting a pre-translated document (compilation). It's more flexible but slower, just like how interpreted languages can be modified on-the-fly but run slower than compiled ones!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.