Intermediate language

An intermediate language is an abstract programming language used by a compiler as an in-between step when translating a computer program into machine code. Before compiling the program into code for an actual, physical machine, the compiler first translates it into intermediate code suitable for a theoretical, abstract machine. This code is analyzed, and if any opportunities for optimization are identified, the compiler can perform them when performing the translation into assembly language.

Compiler, Machine code, Optimization, Programming languages, Programming terms