Python is by far one of the finest programming languages that was founded by Guido van Rossum back in 1991. Python language has been integrated in web development, software development, system scripting and many other functions.
Speaking of the Python language or any other programming languages, we know that everything is just a clump of code that requires execution. If you’re wondering how execution is done, it is via the help of a compiler.
To turn a source code of Python into a machine code, compilers are the only way to do so, but sadly, Python doesn’t have a compiler design of its own.
Thus it needs to depend on either an online python compiler or a standalone python compiler.
While both the compilers, compile and execute a Python code, they certainly do have distinct features. Let us have a look at what an online and a standalone python compiler is by analyzing its benefits and disadvantages.
What is an online python compiler?
An online compiler is a source to compile and execute python code via the internet. Users can simply write the code, run it and share these programs online without any need of an external compiler.
One needn’t have to install any set up that will aid Python codes because online compilers are plentiful and available easily on the internet.
Online python compilers are super powerful and efficient when it comes to running and executing python source codes. Additionally, these online compilers can be accessed from anywhere and on any browser that’s available on your device.
In fact, programmers can even access it on mobile phones because of the advanced operating systems.
Most of the online compilers compile the source code quickly and produce the results accurately. The editor gets to eliminate the need of debugging the code as these online compilers have such perks inbuilt.
Instead of working with the IDE, online compilers help the users to not just work on the code but also to improve their programming skills.
In simple terms, online compilers which are accessed in web pages, receives a user’s manual code, parses the result and presents it to the user.
Benefits of online python compilers
As we saw how a python online compiler helps users to work on code easily from anywhere, there are some other benefits such as:
Users and programmers can be extremely productive because they can rapidly finish executing a code and not end up doing a heavy compiling process step by step.
The online compiler eliminates the need of traditional compiling, provides accurate results and is extremely stable.
The users can access it from any corner of the world and share data with other users.
The users needn’t have to spend money to buy any compiler software and install them which further requires large memory space in the system.
Due to the user interface, every user who makes use of the online compiler will experience comfort.
Disadvantages of online python compilers
While online compilers bag certain advantages, it is no wonder it also has certain restrictions such as,
As it works with the help of the internet, it can be difficult to operate without the internet when a user is in urgent need.
Online compilers might not always be free and can cost money.
There are chances of virus entering the system if the online compiler site is a scam.
Access can be slow if many users around the globe are using the particular compiler website.
Standalone python compiler
As the name suggests, a standalone python compiler doesn’t require any network or such to back it up for it can be installed easily on a device and be used. Any data that gets worked on will be saved and stored for future uses.
Once these Standalone python compilers are installed, they can be used by a user from anywhere without the need of the internet.
In a standalone python compiler, the interpreter feature is implemented to help transform the source code into machine code.
What is an interpreter?
As python language doesn’t have its own compiler design, it can be executed only with the help of an interpreter. Interpreters are virtual machines that help in figuring out a computer language and helping out the request.
Interpreter machines are also considered as stack machines as they finish the operation by modifying stacks. Similar to python, Java also doesn't have a compiler, hence it uses an interpreter called the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
Most of the Javascript compilers and standalone applications have the JVM inbuilt in them, making the execution possible.
Benefits of standalone python compilers
Standalone compilers help a user to work on their code without other users interrupting them. Similarly, the other benefits are,
The access is super fast because only one user can get the maximum benefit of the compiler.
There are extremely lesser chances of the user’s data to get hacked or viruses to attack the system, since the application is installed with all the viruses checked.
Disadvantages of standalone python compilers
Technically speaking, standalone python compilers don’t provide as many benefits as online python compilers. The reason behind this statement are because of these following disadvantages:
Standalone compilers are very expensive.
Installation covers too much memory and while running the program, it requires a large space in the main memory.
The data can’t be virtually or physically shared to any user.
End user system means are used.
Traditional method of compiling might be needed while computing certain python codes.
The maintenance of the application can be extremely difficult.
Verdict: Online python compilers vs Standalone python compilers
While both these platforms help to render and execute python source codes, online compilers are much more efficient than standalone applications. When it comes to accessibility, restrictions and cost, online python compilers carry the best perks where standalone compilers have severe limitations.
Both of them are necessary according to the needs but as a verdict, online compilers are mostly preferred by programmers.
Conclusion
Whatever it is, standalone or online python compilers, without a proper source code, both of them won’t give any result. Thus ensure, your python basics are strong so that you can learn how to execute perfect codes.
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