transpilator

A transpilator, also known as a source-to-source compiler, is a special type of translator that takes source code written in one programming language and converts it into equivalent source code in another programming language. This process differs from a traditional compiler, which typically translates source code into machine code or an intermediate language executable by a computer. Transpilators operate at the source code level, maintaining the readability and structure of the original code to a significant degree.

The primary motivation for using transpilators is to leverage the advantages of newer or more advanced programming languages while maintaining compatibility with existing systems or environments that may not support them directly. For example, developers might write code in a modern language like TypeScript or Babel-compiled JavaScript, which offers features like static typing or newer syntax, and then transpile it into plain JavaScript that can run in any web browser. Another common use case is porting code from one language to another, such as C to C++ or older versions of a language to newer ones.

The output of a transpilator is usually human-readable and can be further processed by standard compilers or interpreters. This allows for a gradual adoption of new technologies and facilitates code maintenance and migration across different platforms or language versions without a complete rewrite. Transpilation is a key technology in modern software development, particularly in web development and mobile application development.