Which programming language uses a two-step translation process with intermediate codes?

The choice of Java as the answer relates to its use of a two-step translation process that involves compiling to an intermediate representation before execution. When Java code is written, it is first compiled into bytecode by the Java Compiler (javac). This bytecode is an intermediate form that is platform-independent. It is then executed by the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which interprets the bytecode at runtime or can further compile it into native machine code using Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation.

This design allows Java programs to run on any device with a JVM, making Java a highly portable and versatile language. The intermediate bytecode facilitates optimization and adaptation by allowing different JVMs to implement various performance strategies, enhancing execution efficiency across different platforms.

In contrast, some of the other languages mentioned, such as C++, directly compile to machine code without an intermediate representation. Python, while it can compile to bytecode, does not typically utilize a two-step compilation model like Java. JavaScript is usually executed in a single step in a browser environment, where the JavaScript engine interprets the code directly. Thus, the highlight of Java being the only language listed that inherently employs a structured two-step translation process makes it the correct answer.