Arizona State University (ASU) CSE240 Introduction to Programming Languages Midterm Practice Exam

An interpreted language is defined by its execution model, which involves executing code line-by-line at runtime. This means that instead of compiling the entire code into machine code before execution, the interpreter reads source code and executes it directly, translating each line or statement into machine code as it is encountered. This approach allows for greater flexibility and ease of testing since the code can be modified and executed without the need for a separate compilation step.

The line-by-line execution enables dynamic features such as immediate feedback during development, debugging capabilities, and the ability to run scripts in a more interactive manner. It allows developers to iterate quickly, testing changes in real-time, which is particularly useful for scripting and rapid prototyping.

Other definitions like compiling to machine code ahead of time or requiring pre-written code do not apply to interpreted languages. Moreover, the notion that an interpreted language cannot handle user input is misleading; in fact, many interpreted languages are quite capable of managing user input effectively. This all underscores why the choice that defines an interpreted language accurately highlights its runtime execution characteristics.