What is the difference between a transpiler and a compiler?

What is the difference between a transpiler and a compiler?

A compiler translates high-level code into machine code, while a transpiler converts code from one high-level language to another.

Can you give me an example of a transpiler?

Sure! Babel is a popular transpiler that converts modern JavaScript (ES6+) into a version compatible with older browsers.

Are there any specific use cases for using a transpiler?

Yes, transpilers are often used to enable developers to use new language features while maintaining compatibility with older environments.

What about performance? Is there a difference in performance between code generated by a compiler and a transpiler?

Generally, compiled code is optimized for performance, while transpiled code may not be as efficient since it often retains higher-level abstractions.

Can a single tool act as both a compiler and a transpiler?

Yes, some tools can perform both functions, like TypeScript, which can compile TypeScript to JavaScript and also transpile newer JavaScript features.