Yes, you’re right! Python is often called a "hybrid language" because it uses both compilation and interpretation in its execution process. Here’s a clear explanation of why Python is considered hybrid:
1. Compilation to Bytecode
When you run a Python script, Python first compiles the code into bytecode. This bytecode is
stored as a .pyc file (or .pyo file in some cases) in a
__pycache__ folder. This step resembles the behavior of compiled languages and makes Python
partially "compiled." The bytecode is platform-independent, meaning it can be executed on any system
with a compatible Python interpreter.
2. Interpretation of Bytecode
The bytecode (.pyc file) is not directly executed by the hardware. Instead, it is fed into
the Python Virtual Machine (PVM), which interprets the bytecode line-by-line and executes it.
This interpretation step is why Python is also considered an interpreted language.
3. Why It’s Called Hybrid
Python uses compilation to create bytecode, which speeds up subsequent executions by skipping the
re-compilation step if the .pyc file is present. The bytecode is then interpreted by the
Python interpreter rather than being directly compiled to machine code. This combination of a
compilation step (to bytecode) and an interpretation step (by the PVM) makes Python a hybrid language.
Compilation and Interpretation Process
Here’s how you can generate bytecode for your Python file:
import py_compile
# Compile the Python file
py_compile.compile('your_script.py')
# This will generate a .pyc file in the same directory