7 Major Python Compilers and Interpreters – Free Online Available

We studied Python Interpreters in our last tutorial.

We discuss Python Compilers today, including CPython, Jython, IronPython, ActivePython, Nuitka, PyJS, and Stackless Python.

Let's look at the Python Compilers and Python Interpreters that are available.

Python Compilers and Interpreters

The following is a list of the various Python interpreters and compilers available for Python.

As you may know, Python is an interpreted language. That's how it is.

• The Python virtual machine converts a .py source file into a .pyc bytecode.
• The virtual machine executes the bytecode.

Here are the Python compilers and interpreters you can use.

1. CPython

Python is written in C and is the default implementation.

An interpreter with a foreign function interface, such as C, is included.

Here’s a brief on it-

• Developers- Python code developers, the Python community
• Stable Release- 3.6.5; March, 2018 and 2.7.15; May, 2018
• Written in- C
• Type- Python programming language interpreter

a. Design of CPython

A GIL (Global Interpreter Lock) is used by each CPython interpreter for Python. As a result, Python threads for a process cannot run concurrently.

With a multitasking OS, you must manage separate CPython interpreter processes to achieve concurrency.

This also makes it harder for concurrent CPython processes to communicate.

For more on this, you can refer to www.cython.org.

2. Jython

is the successor to JPython. Python is implemented on the Java platform. To summarize-

• First Release- January 2001
• Stable Release- July 2017, version 2.7.1
• Written in- Python programming, Java
• type interpreter for the Python programming language

Python interprets Python code and compiles it to Java bytecode. In other words, we can run Python on any machine that runs a Java Virtual Machine (JVM).

In Python, you can compile static and dynamic code and extend Java classes.

For, more on this, refer to www.jython.org.

3. IronPython

wraps the .NET Framework and Mono in a Python implementation. Briefly:

• Author- Jim Hugunin
• First Release- September 2006
• Stable Release- February, 2018; version 2.7.8
• Written in- C#
• Type- Python programming language implementation

IronPython comes with dynamic compilation and an interactive console. Python scripts can interact with .NET objects.

For more on this, you can refer to ironpython.net.

4. ActivePython

is an ActiveState Python distribution.

It is easy to install and cross-platform compatible. It comes with many different modules in addition to the standard libraries.

5. Nuitka

Nuitka, a Python compiler that translates Python code into C/C++ executables or source code.

• Let’s take a brief:
• Developers- Kay Hayen, others
• Stable Release- October, 2017; version 0.5.28
• Type- Source-to-source compiler

With Nuitka, you can create standalone programs even if you don't have Python installed.

6. PyJS

PyJS allows you to use Python to develop client-side web and desktop applications.

Such an application can be run in a web browser as well as as a standalone desktop program.

• Let’s take a brief:
• Author- James Tauber
• First Release- March 2007
• Stable Release- May, 2012; version 0.8.1
• Written in- Python, JavaScript

Previously known as Pyjamas. It converts your Python code into JavaScript so it can run in a browser.

PyJS ships with an AJAX framework and a Widget Set API.

For more on this, refer to www.pyjs.org.

7. Stackless Python

interprets Python. Stackless means that it doesn't rely on a C call for its stack.

It uses the C stack and clears it between calls.

Here’s a brief:

• Author- Christian Tismer
• First Release- 1998
• Stable Release- September, 2017; 3.5.4-slp
• Written in- C, Python
• Type- Interpreter

provides threading and microthreading support.

In addition, it provides tasklets, round-robin scheduling, serialization, and precompiled binaries.

That's it for Python Interpreters and Compilers. Thank you for reading.

Compiler and Interpreter Python Interview Questions

1. What is the difference between Interpreter and Compiler?
2. Which is faster Compiler or Interpreter?
3. What are the advantages of using an interpreter in Python?
4. Why Compiler is used in Python?
5. How Python Interpreter works?

Conclusion

Therefore, we studied a list of Python Compiler and Interpreter for Python Programming. Having covered all popular Python interpreters/compilers, we are done.

Any additions? Please share.