In computer programming, a programming language implementation is a system for executing computer programs. There are two general approaches to programming language implementation: * Interpretation: The program is read as input by an interpreter, which performs the actions written in the program. * Compilation: The program is read by a compiler, which translates it into some other language, such as bytecode or machine code. The translated code may either be directly executed by hardware, or serve as input to another interpreter or another compiler.