compile time
<programming> The period of time during which a program's source code is
being translated into executable code, as opposed to run time when the program
is being executed. As well as the work done by the compiler, this may include
macro preprocessing as done by cpp for example. The final stage of program
construction, performed by the linker, would generally also be classed as
compile time but might be distinguished as link time.
For example, static data in a C program is allocated at compile time whereas
non-static data is allocated at run time, probably on the stack.
(2004-09-28)
Nearby terms:
compiler jock « Compiler Language for Information
Processing « Compiler Target Language « compile
time » COMPL » complement » Complementary Metal
Oxide Semiconductor
|