The distinction between compiled and interpreted languages boils down to how the code is translated into machine-readable instructions. In a compiled language, like C or C++, the entire source code is translated into machine code by a compiler before it is executed. This machine code is what the computer's processor understands and can execute directly. The benefit of this approach is that compiled programs tend to run much faster, as there is no need for real-time translation. Once compiled, the program is ready to run at full speed without further interpretation. However, one drawback of compiled languages is the additional step of compiling before execution, which can slow down the development process, particularly during debugging and testing. In contrast, interpreted languages like Python, JavaScript, or Ruby are executed line by line by an interpreter at runtime. The interpreter translates the source code into machine instructions as the program runs. This allows for faster development cycles, as changes to the code can be tested immediately without recompiling. However, this approach generally results in slower performance, as the translation process happens in real time. Some languages, like Java, use a hybrid approach, where the code is first compiled into an intermediate bytecode and then interpreted or further compiled at runtime by a Just-In-Time (JIT) compiler. The choice between compiled and interpreted languages depends on the specific needs of the project. For performance-critical applications, compiled languages may be preferable. For rapid prototyping and ease of debugging, interpreted languages often have an edge. Both approaches have their place in modern software development, and many projects use a combination of both types.