What is the difference between transpilation and compilation?

What is the difference between transpilation and compilation?

Transpilation is the process of converting source code from one language to another at a similar level of abstraction, while compilation translates code from a high-level language to a lower-level language, often machine code.

Can you give me examples of transpilation tools?

Sure! Some popular transpilation tools include Babel for JavaScript, TypeScript for converting TypeScript to JavaScript, and CoffeeScript.

When would I use transpilation instead of compilation?

You would use transpilation when you want to write code in a more modern or expressive language while still targeting an older language version or environment, like using ES6 features in browsers that only support ES5.

Are there any performance differences between the two?

Yes, typically, compiled code runs faster since it's translated to machine code, while transpiled code may introduce overhead depending on how it's executed.

What are some common compilation tools?

Common compilation tools include GCC for C/C++, javac for Java, and Clang for various languages.