Compiler vs Interpreter vs Transpiler

Compiler – compiles code to a lower level code.

Example:

• "Developer code" -> "Machine code"
• PHP -> C
• Java -> bytecode

Transpiler – compiles code to same level of code/abstraction.

Example:

• "Developer code" -> "Another developer code or version"
• JavaScript ES2015+ -> JavaScript ES5

Interpreter – interprets code, not really in the same class/league/context with the two above.

Example: php.exe

• “Your PHP code/scripts inside index.php” -> “Results to html or just like pure index.html“