What is the primary function of an interpreter in programming?

The primary function of an interpreter is to translate high-level code line by line, executing each line one at a time. This process allows developers to run code directly without needing to compile the entire program beforehand. It provides immediate feedback and facilitates debugging, as errors can be identified and corrected one at a time during execution. This contrasts with a compiler, which processes the whole program at once and generates executable code before any of it can be run.

Using an interpreter also tends to make the development process more interactive, which is particularly beneficial for scripting languages or during initial programming stages where quick testing and iteration are important. As a result, the line-by-line execution allows for a more dynamic programming experience compared to compiling all at once or working with pre-compiled code.