Compiler vs interpreter for development

A student is choosing between an IDE that uses a compiler and one that uses an interpreter for developing a Python program. Discuss which type of translator is more suitable during development. (6 marks)

Mark scheme (6 marks — AO3 levelled response):

Indicative content — interpreter advantages during development:

• Translates and executes one line at a time, giving immediate feedback.
• Errors reported as soon as the offending line runs — faster debug cycle.
• No separate compile step, so iterative testing is quicker (well-suited to IDLE/Thonny).
• Platform-independent — interpreter handles platform differences.

Indicative content — compiler advantages:

• Produces a fast, stand-alone executable, useful once the program is finished.
• All syntax errors are reported in a single error report after compilation.
• The compiled executable runs without needing the source.

Conclusion (required for top level): during development the interpreter is generally more suitable because it shortens the edit-run-debug loop, although for a finished, performance-critical release a compiled version may be preferred.

Levels:

• L3 (5–6): Balanced discussion of both translators with clear advantages/disadvantages, applied specifically to development, with a justified conclusion.
• L2 (3–4): Some discussion of both with limited application to development; conclusion may be partial.
• L1 (1–2): One-sided or purely descriptive of what compilers/interpreters do, with little evaluation.
• 0: No creditable response.