feat(docs): add FAQ on compiled programming

New article explains compilation, benefits, and real-world examples.

Author: mahatmamahardhikach

pages/faq/software_development/what_is_compiled_programming.md

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+---
+layout: default
+title: What Is Compiled in Programming?
+parent: Software Development
+grand_parent: FAQ
+description: "What Is Compiled in Programming?"
+---
+
+# What Is Compiled in Programming?
+
+Compilation is a fundamental concept in computer programming. It involves translating code written in a high-level
+programming language into machine code that computers can execute directly. This process is essential for running
+applications efficiently on various platforms. In this article, we'll dive into the details of what it means for code to
+be compiled, how it works, and why it matters.
+
+---
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+- [Introduction to Compilation](#introduction-to-compilation)
+- [How Compilation Works](#how-compilation-works)
+- [Examples of Compiled Languages](#examples-of-compiled-languages)
+- [Benefits of Compilation](#benefits-of-compilation)
+- [Compilation vs. Interpretation](#compilation-vs-interpretation)
+- [Real-World Applications of Compilation](#real-world-applications-of-compilation)
+- [Conclusion](#conclusion)
+
+---
+
+## Introduction to Compilation
+
+Compilation is the process of converting source code written in languages like C, C++, or Rust into machine code that a
+computer’s processor can understand. This is done using a compiler—a specialized program that translates and optimizes
+the code for execution.
+
+For example, when you write a program in C and compile it, the compiler generates an executable file (e.g., `.exe` on
+Windows or a binary file on Linux) that can be run directly.
+
+---
+
+## How Compilation Works
+
+The compilation process typically consists of several stages:
+
+1. **Lexical Analysis:** The source code is broken down into tokens, which are the basic elements of the code.
+2. **Syntax Analysis:** The compiler checks the code’s structure against the language’s grammar rules.
+3. **Semantic Analysis:** Ensures that the code’s logic makes sense, like type checking.
+4. **Intermediate Code Generation:** The compiler translates the code into an intermediate representation, which is
+   easier to optimize.
+5. **Optimization:** The code is improved for better performance or smaller size.
+6. **Code Generation:** Finally, the optimized code is converted into machine code.
+
+For example, a simple `Hello, World!` program in C goes through all these stages to produce a small executable file that
+prints the text to the screen.
+
+---
+
+## Examples of Compiled Languages
+
+Languages that typically use compilation include:
+
+- **C:** A general-purpose language often used for system programming.
+- **C++:** An extension of C with object-oriented features.
+- **Rust:** Known for its memory safety and performance.
+- **Go:** Designed for simplicity and scalability in modern applications.
+
+For instance, when you compile a Go program, the compiler ensures it’s efficient and deployable across different systems
+with minimal adjustments.
+
+---
+
+## Benefits of Compilation
+
+Compiled programs offer several advantages:
+
+- **Performance:** Since the code is translated into machine language beforehand, it runs faster compared to interpreted
+  code.
+- **Error Detection:** Compilation catches many errors early in the development process.
+- **Portability:** Some compilers, like the LLVM family, generate machine code that can run on multiple architectures.
+
+Consider a game developed in C++; its compiled executable ensures smooth gameplay without runtime interpretation
+overhead.
+
+---
+
+## Compilation vs. Interpretation
+
+While compilation translates code all at once before execution, interpretation translates and executes code line by line
+at runtime. This fundamental difference leads to distinct use cases and trade-offs.
+
+For example:
+
+- **Compiled:** C, C++ (faster execution, better for large applications).
+- **Interpreted:** Python, JavaScript (easier debugging, faster development).
+
+In a web application, JavaScript (interpreted) is often used for real-time user interactions, while backend services
+might use compiled languages like Go for efficiency.
+
+---
+
+## Real-World Applications of Compilation
+
+Compilation is critical in various fields:
+
+- **Operating Systems:** Windows, macOS, and Linux are built using compiled languages for optimal performance.
+- **Embedded Systems:** Programs for microcontrollers, like those in IoT devices, are compiled to ensure they run
+  efficiently on limited hardware.
+- **Game Development:** High-performance games rely on compiled languages to handle complex graphics and physics
+  calculations.
+
+For example, an embedded system in a smart thermostat uses compiled C code to operate seamlessly on low-power hardware.
+
+---
+
+## Conclusion
+
+Understanding compilation is vital for programmers, as it directly impacts how software is built and executed. Whether
+it’s creating efficient programs, understanding error messages, or optimizing performance, the knowledge of compilation
+processes plays a critical role in software development. By leveraging compiled languages and tools, developers can
+create robust, high-performing applications that meet modern computing demands.
+